FOLD Invites Anabel Arroyo + Interview
Spanish powerhouse Anabel Arroyo has taken London by storm. Making her name at Crow Techno Club Madrid she plays passionate, explosive sets that make a clear connection with the crowd. With her first production out on Emphatic Records and her blazing sets across London, she has steadfastly become a favourite. We are thrilled to introduce her as our newest resident and welcome her to the FOLD family. Accompanying this charged mix we asked Anabel some questions about her background and life in London.
What made you want to move to the UK?
I’d heard many good things about the techno scene here in London and always had the curiosity. Also, of course, to learn the language, which is in progress. Finally, a year and a half ago I bought a flight with no return ticket, thinking maybe it was going to be a few months. The underground scene and the people I met here made me want to stay.
What has been your favourite set at FOLD and why?
This is a difficult choice. Anytime I go to FOLD I literally leave saying that was the best time. It’s not just about the music, the atmosphere, the people who work at FOLD, all the friends enjoying music together and feeling free. It keeps getting better and better. I would say Karenn at UNFOLD was very surprising for me as it was the first time I saw them together in action. On the other hand my best times there were definitely all of the times Lasha (Voicedrone) and James Newmarch closed UNFOLD. That energy and love they spread on the dance floor is something else. Also the first time I saw Ben (7xins) playing at an extended party was so astounding, his lives are amazing.
Tell us about standout moments in your career?
I would say the first one was when I got to play at Industrial Copera in Granada. I was studying and living in that city and it was when I started playing around 6 years ago and when I really got to know techno music, as unfortunately until then it was something almost unknown in my close circle in Sevilla. Maybe that’s - why when I discovered it - the first feeling was so strong, so many years to catch up with.
Another very thrilling moment for me was when I was first invited to play at UNFOLD. The emotion was real.
What would be your recommendations to anyone getting started?
If you really love it, keeping on working on it is the best recommendation. Doing it with love and because you feel it, not expecting anything else. Also don’t rush - I think it’s better when everything flows, everything will come at the right moment.
How did you find playing UNFOLD?
UNFOLD is by far my favourite part.. It’s difficult to express with words what I feel there. UNFOLD is without doubt the party where I enjoy playing the most. The first time I played at FOLD was so special, with all my friends around me and the energy was just wow. But the second one was my favourite - the love and connection that I felt with that crowd was something else. I remember that time I was focused on the decks and not looking around, and then in the middle of the set I stopped for a minute and looked around. I remember I was playing ‘Ferdinger - St. Nimmerlein’. Usually I like to add these ‘transitional’ tracks which gives the crowd a moment to breathe and regain energy for what’s ahead. At this moment I could feel myself getting goosebumps all over. It was like a dream, the red and white lights were beautiful, everyone was dancing synchronized, I could almost touch the energy with my hands... I will never forget that moment.
How did you find and get to know the community around UNFOLD?
One day after HTBX London, another amazing party I love, we went to an afterparty and the FOLD crew were there. I didn’t know them personally at that point, but they were playing a few tracks each and I had a USB stick with me. My friend Paula insisted that I ask to play, but I didn’t and so she asked. I would say that is when everything started.
Words by Emily Rose