Updated 2 years ago
meets DJ PENA
(Flow Records, Portugal)
January 7, 2005
by Ari Davidov
The Portuguese DJ PENA is the man behind the progressive psytrance label Flow Records. Beginning his journey in 1996, he has gained momentum to become a leading organizer, savvy label man, powerful DJ and overall a cutting edge explorer of the genre.
And so he’s been named “Portuguese Trance DJ of the Year” on several occasions. In addition to releasing great compilations and timeless albums on his label, DJ Pena is working with such bands & artists as ManMadeMan, Factor-D, Safi Connection, Echotek and Matenda. The massive trance stomps around the world have come to laud his “deep hypnotic progressive psychedelic trance”… and very soon, he’s coming to New York to give us a profound and blissful night to dance and (possibly) remember later on. Below, the thoughts he shared with us just now:
Thanks for answering our questions…
So how was your New Years?
It was quite nice, played in a small private party and thr majority of my friends were there, so it felt quite cozy and the vibe was very positive.
We are awaiting the release of the “Echoes” compilation, is it coming out soon or is something holding it back?
There were some delays but all fixed and the release is now on the pressplant starting to be pressed, for sure it will be worth the wait :-)
Do you usually compile the tracks yourself for release on Flow Records or does it take a lot of work with others?
Since 2000 til now its has been only me compiling the tracks but I’m thinking on inviting someone to make one.
Denis Matenda mentioned in his interview that he was happy with how his album was doing several months since its release… Did you get some good feedback from around the world?
Yep, I can say that Sally Dolally, Tristan, Sangeet for instance had said that it was one of the best album releases of the year
You have been involved in trance music for quite a few years now. How did you first get started and what sort of lessons have you learned along the way?
I started back in 96 after having been in a good mood/boom fest org party that I can say it changed my life, the lessons I learned are telling me to be very picky in track choosing, and dj wise… connect with the people, not easy but if you know what you are doing they will connect with you
How do you like traveling to many places to play your music? Any special performances you will never forget?
That’s one of the best parts of it, I hate planes but love places, Boom this year was amazing and Israel as well, I loved the Outback fest in Australia, Mexico the first time I have been there and plenty of parties around the world, so many I cant describe and remember…
We’ve all heard of the wonderful summer festivals… Is Portugal like this all year-round when it comes to trance parties?
Yes, we have a big scene here, for ex NYE we had 2 parties one with 4000 and another with 1200 ppl, average on parties I reckon will be 2000 ppl and is held monthly or bimonthly mostly in the north of Portugal
Any new artists coming to Flow Records in the near future?
Yes, the new amazing act from Israel Yotopia, they are amazing its morning and powerful progressive trance a blend of Freq with the israeli power, tracks are now going to be released on Flow, Iboga, Aeon and they had released some old ones on ZMA, the album will be out by end of March on Flow… not to be missed of course
Where is your schedule taking you in early 2005?
NY hehe and quite soon Israel
What do you remember about your previous NYC performance?
Nice people and great vibe
What are the favorite/top 5 tracks you like to play right now?
Fresh stuff from Yotopia, Freq, Gaudium, James Monro, my new compilation tracks, etc etc
Finally, any predictions for when you play on January 15th?
Im not able to reply to that one cause it all depends on the crowd vibe, but I can say it will be fresh and nice deep hypnotic progressive psy trance…morning progressive trance…don’t know…you need to go there and find out 😉
Thanks again and see you soon!
For more information go to www.flow-records.com
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Saturday, January 15
New York, NY
OMNI TRIBE
presents
B U R N I N G S K Y
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PENA Flow Records – Portugal
SERGE Z-LENIN Hypernation/ESW – NY
VITALIK Omni Tribe – NY
KIFE Omni Tribe – NY
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chillout: Farmatar
Leshiy
U-CTAC
Earthian
visuals: YDesign.tv
deco: Steve-O
sound: Spectra
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20 WEST 27TH ST.
between 6TH AV & BWAY
12TH FLOOR
10PM-7AM
PARTICIPATION: $20
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Web Flyer: http://www.omnitribe.com
Voov ‘04