A Conversation with Cato Anaya

Hey Cato, welcome to Dance Rebels, how are you? Also, please introduce yourself; where are you from, and how long have you been a DJ/producer in the music industry for?

Hey guys, thank you for having me. I was born in barranquilla on thecoast of Colombia. I’ve been producing music for almost 12 years now. I’ve been really lucky to be raised in a musical environment surrounded by musicians and a culture full with beautiful sounds and rhythms. My career performing as a dj started 6 years ago.

Many view you as an young talent destined for big things, what inspired you to pursue a career in the music industry, and what sacrifices did you have to many on the way too?

That’s really nice of you to say, thank you. I choose to be an artist when I was a kid. Writing music is my life and it’s what makes me happy. There´s no other place I rather be than on a studio learning everyday or onstage performing and partying with my crowd. More than a sacrificei believe that when you do something with passion and love everything that comes with it you will enjoy and live it to the fullest.

You’ve also just released ‘La Cumbiambera’ in collaboration with Kryder, which dropped on his recently launched ‘Kryteria Records’, what was it like working on the track together? What’s your favourite part of the track too?

I have so much respect for Kryder and his movement in dance music, apart from being a big fan of his work for years I consider him a true friend and mentor. Its inspiring what he has done and I assure you this is just the start of a massive groove movement that really has no limits. Actually “La Cumbiambera” was born in a series of unfortunate events that led to this amazing collab. Long story short in his latest tour in Colombia we spend more than 10 hours in a waiting room trying to catch a plane to a gig in bucaramanga. In that time we had the chance to work on the track, exchange ideas and laugh a lot. The result was a latin tech house banger! I really love the gaita flute solo! We had a master gaita player in the studio that really delivers the feeling of the carnival.

With spins from fellow artists including Tom Staar, Nicky Romero, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano, as a young artist, does this motivate you more when you jump into the studio too? Speaking of the studio, what’s your current favourite plug-in for producing too?

It’s amazing the support the track is having! It’s a big honor for me seeing all this big names that I look up to playing a track with so much of my culture and sound on it. It’s truly a big motivation and a energy boost to produce more music. I’m all into the blend between the organic sound from a live musician recording and a strong beat that grooves with it. I do like sampling but 90% of what you here in my tracks apart from the beat is recorded live with an artist and a instrument in a studio. I’m an Ableton Live junkie.

You’ve also just had the honour of an exclusive guest mix on Kryder’s 150th episode ‘Kryteria Radio’ packed full of ID’s, how soon can we expect another Cato Anaya release? Also, if you could collaborate with any artist on a fresh ID who would it be, and why?

So excited to be part of this massive episode, it really showcases months of work from Kryder and his team to choose the right music for the upcoming EP God Save The Groove Vol 1. If you listen close you can catch a few new cato tracks that will be out very soon on the label. I recently fulfilled my dream collab with the boss Kryder! But after this I would really love to work with the legendbob sinclar. I really admire the diversity of sounds and cultures in his tracks and albums, every song has a different musical environment, every song tells a story.

What are your plans for the remainder of 2018? Will you be hitting ADE for any performances? If so, what can fans expect to experience when they see you perform? How would you define your style? How would you describe your typical DJ set too?

I will definitely be at ADE supporting the label! God Save The Groove Boat Party is going to be crazy!!! I will be touring in latin america before i hit amsterdam dance event.

My style is all about latino power!!! Chants with a spicy flavour that will make your butt move! Sexy latin house beats all the way.

Finally, if you could give one piece of advice to any young DJ/producer wanting to pursue a career in the music industry, what would it be and why?

First advice i give is to enjoy the ride and work on a solid style thatrepresents what you love. In this world if you fake it people notice itfrom a distance. When you are true to yourself and transmit that throughyour music you will do fine!