“For the people of this house” is a stern refrain that rings true in sentiment and narrative value on “Revolution.” The propulsive, industrial bass winds around the reverberating and thumping drums. The pressure builds as the collision of percussion and sonorous rhythm mounts a ferocious, deep-toned spirit. You innocently and involuntarily tap your feet as the resounding elation of the melody is converted from sound waves into elating enjoyment in your mind. This is the bombastic flavour of “Revolution,” the latest dance track by Latin House sound-spinner Gian Varela who conujures a punk-spirited, high-energy emotion as he forges human connection with you as a listener. Built on a background of Spanish Trap and Dembow-rooted music, he confidently delves between Leftfield-era Acid Techno and Diaspora-entrenched synthesis that will easily intrigue followers of Dave Nunes. Instrumentally, the track beautifully synthesizes a familiar Acid Warehouse setting with a firm, grounded societal message regarding the struggles of the Latin community and how artificial intelligence cannot replicate the heart of the groove-driven production.
This beacon of optimism and solidarity in a world largely impacted by the current political situations of the US, Europe, and beyond is given a renewing lease of life by his vocal collaborator, Cor.Ece, who shined on the Been Here Before joint LP alongside Bad Colours in March of 2024 by combining symbolic US house music with globally-influenced Hip-Hop sensibilities. He runs down the lack of artistry of artificial intelligence and the division of society outside of the club where you are picturing yourself raving in as the record spins. He passionately and ambitiously stands with the marginalized in a time when the world is spinning out of our control, delivering thick and powerful bars that permeate through the unapologetically fierce sound of Varela’s Tech-House and Latin House fusion. Simply, he leaves the deck booth for a second to offer his hand to you and you politely take it, standing in aid of each other while the faces of fellow club-goers swirl around you.
Although globally influenced and rooted in celebrating diversity on a communal scale, “Revolution” also marks a personal achievement for the Panama-raised and Miami-based producer in establishing the launch of his own label – Monarka Records – of which “Revolution” is the inaugural issue. Speaking about his dream coming true, Varela notes, “Having a label has always been a goal in my career. It’s not just to release my own music that I feel fits with this style of Latin house, but I also wanted to create a community through our music and the events I would throw around the world that could encompass the energy of Monaka,” as the producer who has been responsible for lighting up the stages of Privilege Ibiza and Fusion Shanghai traces his indelible stamp on cultivating multiculturality back to his roots.
He adds, “It’s an elegant, sophisticated, yet powerful vision of a label and home for Latin house with no limits or boundaries. We want records that carry ‘attitude’, which can be showcased on the dancefloor. ‘Revolution,’ my first release on Monaka, and the label’s first release, of which I worked with the Grammy-winning singer and songwriter Cor.Ece. As the title suggests, it conveys a strong message behind it,” emphasizing the primary focus on finding unity during times of confusion with fresh releases that let go of categorisation. Given that he’s already built a strong presence at multiple festivals like EDC Mexico, Ultra Abu-Dhabi, and Beyond Wonderland – Varela is primed to bring more colourful twists to House music that capture underground lovers of exotic electronica while captivating diverse demographics of crowds with forward-thinking future projects.
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