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Venezuela Puts Trance on the map!
In a country were electronic dance music is unheard of one man is making sure to put trance on the map

Manuel Rocca a native from Maturin, Venezuela is making headlines and putting his country flag way up high in this industry. Manuel has accomplished so much in just the past year coming up from the ground up with his epic melodies and great bass lines this upcoming producer is making a name and not just for himself but for his whole country just in the past year his tracks have been on some of world’s best djs track list. Recently he landed massive support from four time number one DJ Armin Van Buuren with Cylum & Velden – Waiting for Sunrise (Manuel Rocca Remix) that has sure put Manuel on a whole new level and the listener asking for more.

www.manuelrocca.com

Mark: Manuel you are putting the word “trance” in Venezuela way up high! It was about time man! What took you so long?

Manuel Rocca: Hi! Well, I think everything has its moment and my time is just beginning. This scene is very difficult and must be patient and constant to achieve things.

Mark: Why do you think Trance is not accepted as much in Venezuela?

Manuel Rocca: In this part of the world, electronic music in general is not heard as much as in Europe or USA. People who are used to listening to Latin American rhythms, only hear some of House music because it’s more commercial. But I think this will change from this year on. Lately, I have noticed that there are more people listening to electronic music, there are promoters who want to risk doing events. I know that there will be a small boom of electronic music very soon… it’s just a matter of time.

Mark:  Well, now, with you and labels such as Only Trance Records (Venezuela), I’m sure there will be trance in Venezuela for years to come.

Manuel Rocca: Yes, we are striving to create a solid scene in our country; I hope we can do it.

Mark: So, how did you start? What pushed you into this industry?

Manuel  Rocca: Well, I’ve always been a musician, but I started to produce in early 2008 when I met the DAW Fl studio. I began to experiment with sounds and little by little, I learned to use it, but I still have much to learn. 2010 saw the release of my first EP “white Clouds/Abstract dreams” by Only Trance Records and my debut single “Open Sea” by Silent Shore Records. Both had enough acceptance, also I made ​​several remixes for important labels such as Trance All-Star Records. Currently, I am signed Unearthed Records. I also started DJing in the middle of 2010 and I played at some events and have had some radio shows guest appearances since then.

Mark: When first heard your remix of “Waiting For The Sunrise” played on the prestigious Armin van Buuren’s A State of Trance radio show, what was that feeling like?

Manuel Rocca: Wow! It was incredible! It was very funny, because I had passed weeks without listening to the show and, just on that day, I started to listen it as I usually do, when suddenly I heard a familiar melody and I realized it was my remix! The first thing I said was “OMG! I can’t believe it”! It was a big surprise and a great achievement for me!

Mark: Have you ever thought that you could be the point of the arrow in the Venezuela’s Trance movement?

Manuel Rocca: My goal was always to express myself through my music, creating great tunes with a professional sound and making quality mixes, according to likes of the people. I’ve always really thought I could get in, but never to be the representative of Trance in Venezuela. It is such an honor and a pride! I hope that everything I’ve achieved so far has opened the way for the new Venezuelan talents and I’m willing to support them all.

Mark: You also did your first gig outside of Venezuela recently, right? That must have been a great experience!

Manuel Rocca: Yes, I played in Panamá (Central America) in mid-November 2011 – it’s a beautiful country! Certainly,  it was an amazing experience. It’s very good to share the stage with DJs from other countries. Meet and share anecdotes/experiences, it’s very rewarding. When you travel, you get to know many people and learn a little of their culture. I hope to go back again and play in many other countries.

Mark: You landed a residency on AH.FM recently. Can you tell us more about it?

Manuel Rocca: Well, this happened in the wake of Chris Turner (Unearthed Records Owner) getting me an hour in the End of Year Countdown 2011 of Afterhours FM and also with the help of my manager. I guess Dan (Afterhours FM Owner) listened to my set and really liked it. He contacted me and offered me one hour per month. The radioshow is called “White Clouds” and will be broadcast every 4th Thursday of the month at 3PM CET. And, of course, it will be an uplifting-driven show.

Mark: Are you going to have any guest djs?

Manuel Rocca: I do not foreseen it, because I have only one hour.

Mark: Now, that you are going global, I am sure expectations are high. Are you nervous?

Manuel Rocca: Just a bit.. but it is very exciting to know that there are people around the world tuned in to check my work. And, of course, expectations are high, but  I have new ideas and new sounds in mind. I’m sure they will like my forthcoming tunes.

Mark: You have done some great originals and remixes so far – I am sure you won’t disappoint in the future. Where does your inspiration comes from?

Manuel Rocca: I am inspired by many things: landscapes, nature… trips are very inspiring. I’m greatly influenced by heavy metal and epic soundtracks. I can really get inspiration from anything that happens in my life, some melody, some experience. I’m open to almost any type of music.

Mark: Any advice for the upcoming producers out there?

Manuel Rocca: The advice I always give is to listen to a lot of music, practice a lot, be constant and focus on what you want. At the time of producing, you must be self-critical, it’s the only way to improve every day. Never stop searching for the sound you want to get!

Mark: Manuel, thank you, very much for this interview. Any last words?

Manuel Rocca: I just want tell many thanks to you and Beatsmedia for this interview, and thanks to the fans for the support. Expect for more than Manuel Rocca in the coming years.

Manuel Rocca, or as his close friends call him “Manu”, will continue to bring uplifting melodies and riffs that will sure catch your attention. Remember his name and remember it well because this guy will be here for a while.

For more info:
http://www.manuelrocca.com/
http://www.facebook.com/manuelroccafanpage
http://www.twitter.com/manuelrocca
http://soundcloud.com/manuelrocca