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With the release of the compilations "Brazilectro" and "Afrotronic", a bigger audience in Germany became aware of the name Paco de la Cruz. He is very well known in the Latin- and afro-influenced NuJazz scene and has since 1996 contributed a lot to the Brazil-sound especially with his legendary mix-tape series "Batida Differente" (named after the old Sergio Mendez classic).
Coming from his roots, Paco de la Cruz has early experimented with traditional themes and sounds and built a bridge from modern club feeling to the organic rhythms of Salsa, Calypso and Samba.
Although these musical directions became his trademark the reason for his success can only be found beneath the surface. He has the feeling for the right sound at the right time. The cosmopolitan Paco de la Cruz picks up the current spirit of the time and transforms it into delicious sound waves.
The today 35 year old started his DJ career as a local DJ down south of Spain in the city of Granada. After he had moved to Dublin/Ireland in 1990 by 1994 his main interest was jungle working under the name of "Paco" and "The Mad Pharmer" as resident DJ at various venues witch includes the infamous POD witch he managed for a short while, Ri Ra, Andrews Lane, Kitchenetc. During the legendary Friday-night-sessions at the POD, he was rocking the house with his collegues who belong to the spearhead of the english jungle-scene (LTJ Bukem, Blame ,Tayla, Andy C, Rob Playford, A guy called Gerald). During that time one could already detect the south American influence in Paco's set, his deeply rooted love for varied and innovative rhythms.
Jungle was developing into Drum'n'Bass and Paco de la Cruz was also working and experimenting with the new style. In 1995 Paco came as a resident DJ to the Quadrafonic Club, and that gave him the chance to work all over ireland and together with the top acts of the scene like Goldie, Grooverider, Fabio and Peshay. The highlight of those years was the organisation of a secret gig played by David Bowie at the Factory in Dublin, Paco also supported Bowie as a DJ in that gig.
In 1997 there was a period of stagnation in the Jungle/ Drum'n'Bass scene and Paco was turning back to his old love, Latin, Afro, Deep Fried Disco and Garage-House. He jazzed up the four to the floor beat with exciting rhythm patterns and percussion loops.
Soon he developed his own unique style between Funk, Disco and Deep House with Afro- and Latin-elements. Very early Paco played and established the promos of those labels that represent the style that is currently known as "Brazilectro" or "Afrotronic".
At the end of 1998 Paco de la Cruz left for an extended trip to Bali and Lombok, where he lived for two years. He was still working as a DJ and was resident in the well-known balinese clubs Café Luna and KK. Very soon Paco became the most favourite DJ on the island .
Because his heart tells him, in 2000 Paco moves to Barcelona.The city gives him inspiration and naturally he made his musical marks on her.
Next to various residencies and gigs in Barcelona (La Terrrazza, La Paloma, Metropol, Salsitas,City Hall, Boogie Lounge, Macarena) and guest appearances with DJ's like Miguel Migs, Osunlade, Nigel Hayes, DJ Deep, Danny Krivit, Junior Sanchez, Marschmellows, Aquanote and Mauricio Aviles. Paco signed a contract with the young german label Audiopharm (www.audiopharm.com), where he works on new concepts in order to push nujazz/house and breakbeat music.
In 2000 the well-known "Brazilectro"-series (latin flavoured club tunes) was released and was a worldwide success. The term Brazilectro was born and was picked up by the public and the media and soon a new musical style was established. Half a year later the compilation "Afrotronic" was released, containing ethnic influenced club tracks. Afro club tunes are a worldwide hype and "Afrotronic" became the best selling compilation within the afro club scene.
A short time later "Brazlilectro 2" was released and entered the compilation charts in Germany and Switzerland like "Afrotronic" did before. These facts stress the success of the concept that was developed by Paco de la Cruz and Audiopharm.
With Brazilectro 3 out Paco has rocked audiences across Germany, Austria and Switzerland as well as keeping his residency with English producer Nigel Hayes in Barcelona.The Sunday night sessions at La Macarena are becoming legendary, keeping an uncompromising music policy and always looking for new sounds to explore.
In the summer of 2002 Paco de la Cruz will record his first album, there is already a string of musicians from every corner of the world ready to get in to studio. After 35 years alive and over 15 years Djing, partying and listening to music of every style and from all over the world, it is to expect very colorfull recordings from Paco and his collaborators.
Paco continuous his mission in the clubs and is spoiling his audience with his DJ-sets and his album-compilations, and since music is his biggest passion, he will not stop that soon...
"My motto within all musical developments is always, Music first!' And when it additionally goes to the charts and brings good music to the people, I say ‚It's alright with me!' The music comes from the heart and is meant for the people."
(Paco de la Cruz, Barcelona, Spain, March 2000)