Victor Ruiz is renowned as a force to be reckoned with in underground electronic music. This talented Brazilian DJ and producer has captivated audiences around the globe with his unique blend of dark, hypnotic techno. With a career spanning over a decade, Victor has solidified his place among the industry's elites. His mesmerizing sets are known for their intricate layers of pulsating beats, eerie melodies, and haunting atmospheres, transporting listeners to a realm where the boundaries between reality and the surreal blur. Combining technical prowess with an innate ability to read the crowd, Victor Ruiz creates an unforgettable experience on the dancefloor, leaving an indelible mark on all who witness his artistry.
As the owner of VOLTA, Victor has painstakingly curated a platform that showcases cutting-edge music from both established artists and emerging talents. With a discerning ear for quality releases, his label has become synonymous with innovation and musical authenticity, attracting a dedicated following of techno enthusiasts worldwide. Victor Ruiz's contributions to the dance music community as a DJ and label owner are a testament to his love and dedication to the art form.
THE INTERVIEW
CR: Hello Victor; glad to have you on Canadianravers. How are you, and where are you talking to us from?
VR: Hey there. Thanks for having me. Surprisingly, I’m at home in Lisbon, Portugal.
CR: What is the primary objective or vision you have for VOLTA, and how does it differ from other labels in the industry?
VR: As VOLTA, we have three main pillars. The first one is the music. We only release music that has great quality and stands out, and we’re very proud of that. Always focusing on new or up-and-coming artists, giving them a platform and space to release their music, which links to the second part, that is the community. By doing that, we’re already creating a community where all the artists are happy and free to do whatever they want, no agenda, no strings attached, no BS. This makes the artists happy to be part of the label and interact with each other. Many artists from the label are already collaborating with themselves without me even going and introducing them. And the third pillar is to help. 10% of our profits go to charities or causes chosen by the artists. We decided to do this way so the artists can start thinking about researching for causes and where/how to help. This already generates an energetic movement of help. The more you share and help others the more you wanna do that and then hopefully inspire the audience to also help.
CR: How do you select the artists you will release on VOLTA? What qualities or characteristics are you looking for in their music?
VR: The music has to be unique and special. When there are formulas and stuff like that, I politely decline. We’re not officially open for demos yet, but somehow some people get to know my emails (hahahaha), and they reach out to me. I appreciate that effort, and I always listen to the music. Also, on Instagram, I listen to people’s music always. But the best way is when a producer I know send me music from other artists. More than often, I have amazing surprises and end up signing great music. Also, they have to be good people J
CR: What genres or styles can we expect to hear from VOLTA releases? Is there a specific sound or aesthetic you aim to curate?
VR: As I said before – we’re in for special and unique music. Mainly in the realm of Techno, but we’re open to crossing genres with Psytrance, Electro, House, Rock or whatever makes sense. We want those nasty tracks that make you face do the “bass face.”
CR: Can you talk to us about the upcoming release ‘Body & Soul’? How did Tao Andra connect with you? This would be her second release on VOLTA.
VR: This is a good example of cross-genre. The main track, ‘Body & Soul’ is more Psytrance than Techno, but it has the construction kind of as a Techno track with all Psy elements. Lots of energy and great on the dance floor. ‘Aura’ is more of a VOLTA track cuz it’s Techno with some Trance vibes, melodic and beautiful with a powerful drop and energy. Right down our alley. We’re very happy to have Tao on the label, not just her productions are great, but her sets are incredibly well-tailored with a lot of energy and personality.
CR: As an artist, how do you balance your own music production with managing the operations of VOLTA? Any particular challenges or rewards that have come with this?
VR: Ah, lots of challenges because I was never taught how to run a label. I’m learning so much every day, and it’s been a year already. Thankfully I’m a very prolific producer, so I don’t need many studio hours to come out with my music. Nonetheless, if I’m not resolving VOLTA affairs, they are in my mind, and it occupies my headspace, which definitely takes away from my creativity. Even though I often forget to answer some emails, I have a great team that helps me a lot in this process.
CR: In what ways do you support and nurture the artists signed to VOLTA, aside from releasing their music? Do you provide mentorship or assistance in their career development?
VR: Yes, totally. I help them with feedback on their music, the direction of their tracks and sometimes even mix-downs when necessary. Quality is paramount, so I think it’s important to invest into that. We all learn in this process, and they can always pass the knowledge on to others. Besides that I get close to them and always support their music and journey, wherever that may lead.
CR: Do you hope to achieve any specific goals or milestones with VOLTA in the coming years?
VR: We just started our own events, so for sure making special and meaningful events around the world, maybe some stages on big festivals as well and to keep on releasing great music and working with amazing people.
CR: How do you plan on keeping VOLTA fresh and relevant in an ever-evolving industry? Do you have any innovative strategies or ideas in mind?
VR: Always bringing new people to keep it fresh, growing the platform so they can release their music. It’s been working really well so far. I guess the challenge will be to keep on finding new people, but I’m sure we’ll figure it out.
CR: Can you share any exciting collaborations besides the upcoming one that VOLTA has planned, either within the music industry or beyond?
VR: I have one with Alex Stein coming on VOLTA in December 15th named “New Generation,” which is a reinterpretation of an old song of ours that was quite successful, besides I’m finishing an EP with Wehbba, and it’ll be out in February on VOLTA as well. A remix I did for Christian Smith on FILTH ON ACID this November. Then there are some other collaborations with Psytrance artists Waio and Freedom Fighters in the making, plus a super special remix for Liquid Soul’s anthemic track “Crazy People” – also coming out on VOLTA. Lots of new music is coming that I’m very excited about.
LIGHTNING ROUND
1. Favourite Fast Food? Pizza
2. Go to meal when you’re sick? Brazilian Chicken Soup (Canja)
3. Favourite drink to order? Sake as in drink, Pisco Sour as in cocktail, Tequila Añejo as in spirit.
4. First Rave/Show as an attendee? Show: Motorhead 2003 Rave: InJoy 2015
5. First celebrity crush? A Brazilian TV presenter named Jackeline Petkovic
6. Favourite comic book character? Batman
7. All-time favourite song? Blackbird from The Beatles
8. Go to vacation spot? Bahia, Brazil
9. What is your guilty pleasure? Cheeky reality TV shows
10. What is your hidden talent? I can imitate the helicopter sound with my mouth
11. Which social platform do you use a lot? Instagram
VICTOR RUIZ SOCIALS:
VOLTA SOCIALS: