Darius Syrossian, Detlef and Julian Perez, which is basically three other VIVa MUSiC artists. We’re also using Anëk five or six times throughout the summer, who’s also a VIVa artist.”
The family solidarity, which is strengthened further by huge, pre-party team dinners, will run throughout Sankeys Ibiza, with Departure taking over upstairs with their own core of residents. “It’s really about a crew, that way you get a party. I learned this years ago when I did Harlem Nights. Every month we had the same crowd coming, and the same people, and it really created a party vibe. So when you have all the same people every week, it does become a bit of a knees-up.” A high profile guest will also join the VIVa Warriors every week, with Guti, Robert Dietz, Livio & Roby, Butch, Lee Curtiss and Radio Slave all confirmed. Of his own charges, who he’s also been touring across Europe with under the Warriors banner, Steve singles out Detlef as a rising star to keep an eye on, both this summer in Ibiza and on the label. “He’s been touring, doing a lot of the VIVa Warriors parties, doing his live performance, and he’s blowing everyone away,” says the VIVa boss. “Everywhere that he’s played so far, they’re all screaming for bookings and we’ve got quite a few labels wanting some releases from him. We want to just do it properly. There’s no rush. He’s going to be here for many years to come, and he’s got some amazing stuff.”
Commitment Work on Detlef’s album will begin after the
summer and come out via VIVa MUSiC, according to Steve. In the meantime, the label has a landmark of its own to celebrate: its 100th release. With a name that maintains the Ibizan/ Spanish theme of the label, as well as VIVa’s all-inclusive ethos, the ‘Familia EP’ will feature productions from Livio & Roby, Darius Syrossian, Detlef, Julian Perez, Leon, Anëk, David Pher and Steve himself, and should be out by the end of May.
Any potential delay of that release date may be down to Steve Lawler and an important release of his own: his newborn baby. “All the other artists
have all finished their records and because I’ve had a baby, mine’s taking a little bit longer,” laughs Steve, who named his recent ‘Avaida’ EP after his daughter. “Playing the roles of daddy, stroke producer, stroke DJ, stroke company CEO, stroke brand manager is pretty difficult! I am well-practised in sleepless nights, and because of that, I’m getting through it.”
His craving for a challenge remains undampened, though. “If we’re going to do something, let’s at least try and do it a bit different,” he says of his overall attitude to his work. “A lot of the time that fucks me right up, because I lose a shitload of money. You stick your neck out and you get your head kicked in! I’ve been like this since I was at school and if a teacher said, ‘Don’t do that’, I’m going to go and do it.” Steve is far from rash, however, and has ensured that the growth of VIVa MUSiC, and that of recently-revived sister label eViVE Records, which releases less club-oriented sounds, has been slow and sustainable. “If I rush something, it doesn’t feel like it’s organic,” he says. “Hype is king in this business and it’s not something we’ve ever played the game of. We just do what we do, and we crack on. Over the years we’ve gradually built a team at VIVa MUSiC. Every penny we’ve ever earnt within the actual company we’ve put back into the company. “I honestly feel that maybe VIVa MUSiC has not had the respect that it deserves because it’s just seen as a dancefloor label. Honestly, I don’t give a fuck, because I know what we put out, I know what we love and we’re here to stay. I’ve been doing this for 20 years and I’ll be doing this for at least another 10. We’re doing it for the right reasons. It sometimes can sound a bit cheesy saying that, but it is really why we’re doing it.” And with that passion, commitment and willingness to take risks, you can bet the next decade for Steve Lawler and VIVa will be just as exciting as what’s gone before.
•VIVa Warriors will return to Sankeys Ibiza every Sunday from 23rd June. The ‘Familia’ EP is out now on double-pack vinyl and digitally on VIVa MUSiC...
Gang
Mentality Lawler’s Warriors uncovered
Darius Syrossian VIVa Warriors resident who co-
mixed last year’s acclaimed VIVa Warriors CD and was nominated for DJ Mag’s Best Breakthrough Producer award in 2012. Currently hosts his own DJ Mag radio show.
Detlef Media-shy he may be, but
Detlef’s Warriors residency will only increase the waves he’s been making with his live sets and smooth productions.
Julian Perez DJ and producer who became
part of the VIVa crew in 2012. His new residency at Sankeys will see the Spaniard’s profile rise further.
Leon With releases on Cécille Numbers
as well as VIVa, remixes for artists including Audiofly and last year’s ‘In My Factory’ album under his belt, Leon’s pedigree is clear.
David Pher German producer and DJ who
once worked for Sonar Kollektiv and so far has two deep, minimal VIVa releases to his name with more to follow.
Anek Danish childhood friends, Karina
and Denise are contributing to VIVa’s 100th release and will be a regular fixture at Sankeys Ibiza this year.
20
www.djmag.ca
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