Wally Lopez

The Factoria, Toolroom, Pacha

2008.03.17 ::: Words by Andrew Reid

Born in Madrid in 1976, Ángel David López began his career as radio DJ and presenter at the early age of thirteen. With an innovative programme, specialising in dance music, he broadcasted his sessions in the small hours of the weekends on Top Radio. Following this first experience, he worked for the best Spanish radio stations, such as Loca FM, Flaix FM and Maxima FM.

Pioneer of House music in Spain, he soon began touring the major clubs in the world, sharing the decks with celebrities such as Paul Van Dyk, Paul Oakenfold, Pete Tong, Sébastien Leger and Mark Knight.

His curiosity and interest in music led him to begin his career as a producer. In 2000 he launched the label Weekend Records, remixing artists such as Tiësto, Marco V, Valentino Kanzyani, Dirty Vegas, Bob Sinclar and Robbie Rivera. Many of his launches have been successfully published on leading labels such as Defected, Underwater, Yoshitoshi and Subliminal.

In 2000 he produced what would be his first international hit “Amman”, followed by “Patricia Never Leaves the House” and “Disco Night”, enthusiastically played by artists such as Pete Tong, Hernan Cattaneo and Steve Lawler, which led to him being named ‘Man of the moment’.

After working for a whole host of labels and artists, he decided, in 2001, to create LA FACTORIA DISCOS (now The Factoria), initially destined for funky house, as well as a more underground sublabel called Fórmula Records. Recently he has created a new label called FATXL together with his colleagues Ismael Rivas and Iván Pica.

The Factoria currently has over twenty references with huge international impact such as “Love time” (number 1 on specialised programmes and different international radio stations), and “Strike Me Down”, an essential track in the set of artists such as Eric Prydz and Carl Cox, and included on more than forty compilations including one put together by Steve Angello for MixMag.

In 2004 he began his Pachá Ibiza residency, with Darren Emerson and Tim Deluxe, which he combines with The End (London), where he plays together with artists such as FatBoy Slim and X-Press2. He went on to have residencies in Discotèque (Barcelona), Red Light (Paris), Pachá (Barcelona), Ministry of Sound (London) and The Mix (Paris).

However, 2004 was when Wally López’s musical career reached its current dimension. Fate led him to take a slow commuter train from Madrid to Valencia and, to beat the boredom, he got out his laptop and started working on a remix of “Just a Little More Love”. In Wally’s hands it became a worldwide hit and the man from Madrid became the indisputable winner of the 2004 DJ Awards.

Considered to be the most internationally renowned Spanish DJ and producer, he has played on the five continents and taken part in electronic music festivals such as Creamfields Liverpool, Global Gathering, Exit Festival and Weekend Dance.

His musical intuition is only comparable to his enormous work capacity. Over the last few years he has made remixes with groups such as Lighthouse Family, Enigma and Santana, and work for Bob Sinclar, Pete Tong, Âme and Soul Seekerz, whose remix ?Party for the weekend? was published by POSITIVA, one of the most prestigious labels in the world.

Creator of themes such as DON?T YOU (number one for several weeks) he is a regular broadcaster on Máxima FM, for whom he presents a national electronic music programme tuned into by over 300,000 listeners every Friday. His programme is also broadcast in English on radio stations in Belgium, France, Italy and Russia.

As well as the affection of an unquestioning public which has followed him over the last eighteen years, he has earned the recognition and respect of other professionals in the industry..

Nocturnal: You're known for playing a diverse range of music. How would you best describe your sound?
Wally: Well... I’m playing quite electronic at the moment... but I think I keep my love of soul in those beats.

Nocturnal: Your latest mix CD is half of the new "Toolroom Knights" comp alongside Tom Novy. What should people expect when they pick it up? What were the real standout tracks for you on the mix?
Wally: I think the CD is truly a reflection of what I am playing now... all of the tracks were quite important on the CD, they all played their part... but my favourite is the Workidz tune and my "Wideband" track.

Nocturnal: What other releases and/or remixes should we be expecting from you in the near future?
Wally: I just remixed Mark Knight & Funkagenda’s "Shogun" on Toolroom, I have a new Moguai track that I just remixed, one for Patrick la Funk and I’m gonna release a track on The Factoria, which is my label, called "Go Ahead" (also included on the mix) and a track on Valentino Kanzyani's label Jesus Loved U called "Wideband" which is on the CD too. So you could say I have been very busy.

Nocturnal: You're also rumoured to have an album in the works. True/False? Where are you at with that project?
Wally: True but I have no a deadline for that... in Spain, I released a pre-single from the album to get some feedback and it's been getting massive attention. The track is a vocal tune called "Burning Inside" so judging on this reaction I should really finish the album :)

Nocturnal: What's your current studio set-up? Are you strictly software, or does hardware still play a role in your productions?
Wally: I was one of the first to sell all my hardware equipment in Spain... hahaha.

Nocturnal: In your opinion what other producers out there are really pushing boundaries or making a big impact on our scene?
Wally: Deadmau5, Ismael Rivas, Patrick la Funk, and Zoo Brasil.

Nocturnal: Your label, The Factoria, has had several noted releases. What's coming up next for the label?
Wally: We just decided to not release any more vinyl... I’m quite fed up with the problems with the vinyl. It's sad but it’s the way things are. We are going to focus more on the digital download sites... we have new remixes coming out of my "Ca C'est Paris" tune from PAOLO MOJO, ISMAEL RIVAS, IVAN PICA and my track "Go Ahead" remixed by PATRICK LA FUNK and CRISTIAN VARELA.

Nocturnal: You also produce a podcast "Tremenda", what should people expect when they download it? And where can they get it?
Wally: You can download from my sites www.wallylopez.com and www.factomania.com. Just expect to hear the best tunes I’m playing at that moment.

Nocturnal: Any plans for WMC 2008?
Wally: I hate the conference! :) I prefer to be more in Ibiza this summer.

Nocturnal: Lastly here are some quick shots:
Nocturnal: CD, Vinyl, or MP3?
Wally: MP3, Serato rules!
Nocturnal: What's more likely... vinyl making a comeback or a non-trance DJ being rated #1 in the DJ Mag poll?
Wally: LOL... they are both unlikely!
Nocturnal: Favourite travel destination for vacation?
Wally: Cancun.
Nocturnal: Favourite travel destination for performing?
Wally: Ibiza.
Nocturnal: Favourite venue in the world?
Wally: Pacha and Space Ibiza are amazing... also Ministry Of Sound in london.
Nocturnal: Most indispensable item you travel with?
Wally: Macbook Pro.
Nocturnal: Most indispensable piece of studio kit?
Wally: Mac G5.
Nocturnal: If you weren't a DJ, you'd be a...
Wally: Pilot.

::: Related Links

::: www.wallylopez.com

::: www.factomania.com

::: www.toolroomrecords.com