Interview With Techno DJ Christian Barbuto

Renowned Techno DJ, Christian Barbuto, unveils his insights about the techno scene, his career and more to our site, Concerty.com

Christian Barbuto

CONCERTY.COM: What initially attracted you to techno music?

CHRISTIAN BARBUTO: It was a combination of the technology, the emotional impact the music had on my mind and body, and the intensity and focus of the DJ working behind the decks that I found to be so attractive. The whole experience was infectious and fascinating to me. Additionally, the competitive nature of DJs at the time, being involved in a massive social experiment, was alluring.

C: Who were your major influences when you started your career as a DJ and producer? Do they still have an impact on your career today?

BARBUTO: From a celebrity standpoint, Carl Cox had a huge influence on my sound. His mix album "Ultimate Base," that influence continues to impact my career to this day. However, the most significant influences came from the local DJs in Sacramento and San Francisco, where I was living when I started DJing. Their moves and poise behind the decks remain highly influential for me.

C: What pivotal moment led you to decide to pursue a career as a DJ?

BARBUTO: The 2008 market crash was a turning point for me. I was living in Los Angeles, working 50 hours per week in sales, but when the financial crisis hit, I was forced to make a decision. I decided to give DJing a real shot. It took about a few years of determined focus and hard work to establish myself in Austin, Texas, and things grew from there.

C: After living in Austin for over 20 years, what motivated you to make the move all the way to Sydney?

BARBUTO: Being originally from Sydney, I wanted to reconnect with my family, including my Dad, Stepmother, cousins, and old friends. Moreover, I love Sydney—the people, the culture. While the scene here is different, I am having a great time, and we are making things happen.

C: How does the EDM community, specifically the techno community, differ between Austin and Sydney?

BARBUTO: Austin and Sydney are actually quite similar. The music tastes are very close, and the DJs in both cities are talented and hardworking.

C: With your extensive experience as a techno DJ and producer, have you noticed significant changes in the techno scene over the years?

BARBUTO: The techno scene has changed drastically and in my opinion not for the better. Nowadays, there is much more emphasis on physical appearance and social media relevance, rather than the DJ's performance skills in the DJ booth. It feels somewhat opposite to the values of the scene 10 or 20 years ago. In the past, DJs were booked based on their unique moves, DJ tricks, and the way they played, whereas today, it's more about track-to-track mixing and the size of the crowd you can attract based on your popularity. On the flip side, the techno music being produced these days is incredibly advanced and futuristic. The music is amazing.

C: Which do you find more fulfilling: being in the studio, creating new music, or performing in front of a live audience?

BARBUTO: Definitely DJing to a proper techno crowd on a well-engineered sound system. However, I must say that once I get in the zone while writing music, it becomes a real soul cleanser for me.

C: As a DJ and producer, you also share your knowledge as a DJ instructor. Do you believe it's important for experienced DJs like yourself to spread their knowledge to others?

BARBUTO: Absolutely. If you don't share your knowledge to help your peers improve, there's no point. Unfortunately, there are big egos in this industry who fear that sharing knowledge will take away from their own success. However, there is so much to learn, and getting ahead can be challenging.

C: In your opinion, how do music technologies such as Spotify, Apple Music, and platforms like Concerty impact the careers of artists and bands today?

BARBUTO: I believe these music technologies have had a significant impact on the careers of artists and bands. They provide great convenience and make music easily accessible to listeners. However, it's uncertain whether they benefit all artists equally, as the average listener tends to gravitate towards the most popular artists. Additionally, platforms like Concerty.com have become more interesting and important to me. They provide easy navigation and inform us about touring artists and their performances. The recent setlist feature is also fantastic, giving fans a glimpse into the DJ's track selection during their sets.

C: What can your fans expect for 2023?

BARBUTO: Fans can expect some really fun driving original techno tracks and super explosive DJ sets from me in 2023! I'm excited to share my latest creations and deliver high-energy performances to keep the dance floors alive.