Lisbon-based DJ and producer Bogdan Ra opens an exciting new chapter with the release of ‘US 001,’ the debut EP on the newly launched US Records. Inspired by the unmistakable energy and atmosphere of Ibiza, the four-track release blends elements of ’70s disco, early 2000s pop, electro-clash and house into a collection designed to soundtrack every stage of a night on the island.
With more than a decade of experience behind the decks and in the studio, Bogdan has steadily built a reputation for his distinctive blend of Acid House, New Beat and Balearic-inspired sounds. His growing catalogue of digital and vinyl releases has earned support from respected selectors including Palm Trax, Tiger & Woods, Paramida and Prins Thomas, while his dedication to digging deep for inspiration has helped shape a sound that’s uniquely his own.
As ‘US 001’ marks both the beginning of a new label and another milestone in Bogdan’s career, we caught up with him to talk about the story behind the EP, his connection with US Records, the influence Ibiza has had on his music, his journey so far and what’s on the horizon.
WWD: Congratulations on ‘US 001!’ How does it feel to be launching the very first release on US Records, and what made this project special for you?
Hello! Thank you very much. It’s certainly an honor for me to have my first release on US label. Something similar happened to me before – a four-track release with my edits, DISCOLIFTING01, opened the series. There are now eight DISCOLIFTING releases…
‘US001’ will be special because it’s the first time I’ve had all the tracks unreleased. All the tracks were made specifically for this disc and have a similar sound and concept. I was thinking about Ibiza while making them. I’ve only been to the island once before. And this is the first time I’ve been distributed by Yoyaku.
WWD: The EP is described as your personal interpretation of Ibiza’s atmosphere. What was it about the island that inspired these tracks, and how did you translate that feeling into music?
Indeed, to some extent, it is an interpretation of the Ibiza atmosphere. At least, how I felt it and what I thought needed to be reflected in my tracks.
When I started working on it, I thought these should be house tracks with a soft sound, Balearic synth notes, but also with a bright, pronounced bass and a clear theme for each track, although this is a relative characteristic.
Then I started searching for sounds, samples, and inspiration. And what emerged is what you can hear – these four tracks. Actually, there were five of them. Matan Klevan (the founder of US, who served as art director on this release) and I decided not to include one track.:)
WWD: You draw on influences from ’70s disco, early 2000s pop and electro-clash throughout the release. How did you balance those references while keeping the EP cohesive?
The basis for integrity is probably the drum selection and rhythmic patterns I’m able to create during the production of a track.
But in general, I try to use samples that were present in tracks with defined genres, that sound neutral, or that can be blended into the mix so that they don’t carry a harsh reference to anything, but gently hint at one.
For example, in “Baledistance,” you can hear the vocals of a famous artist from the electro clash era, a short bass line created on his favorite SH synthesizer.
In the track “Till the Morning,” you can hear female vocals. I cut it from a track from the 2000s that I really like. Few people will be able to figure out what this track is. But I’m mixing it with samples of Madonna’s vocals. I think it will be recognized easily.
In “House Wonder,” you’ll hear a mix of vocals from 70s disco-reggae “Its My House” by and lyrics from early 80s hip-hop track “House Wand”.
Finally together it all still sounds house-y.
WWD: Each of the four tracks seems to represent a different moment during a night out. Was that intentional, and do you have a favourite track or one that best captures the essence of the project?
Great that you think so! I guess it wasn’t intentional. I find that when I’m creating a track, I can capture a certain vibe and reflect it in the track. Maybe I’ll get a track that’s meant to be a mid-set banger, or a straight-up cooler to end the party, haha. It’s a matter of luck for me.
WWD: How did your relationship with US Records come about, and what made the label feel like the right home for this release?
Matan Klevan was a customet of my tracks from Bandcamp, as I understand it. He expressed an urgent need to get house material from me and distribute it through Yoyaku. I just happened to be on a plane to Ibiza at the time, so I thought it was a good sign that Matan had approached me from there. I’m also interested in the Yoyaku experience; before that, all my vinyl releases were through Juno.
I’d done tracks for other labels before, but only one at a time, for a compilation, like for MED. It’s hard for me to make four tracks in a row in the same vein. This time, I was lucky; I had plenty of inspiration and energy.
WWD: You’ve spent more than a decade developing your sound and building an impressive catalogue. Looking back, what have been some of the biggest milestones in your career so far?
Every single time I loop and produce tracks is an achievement in itself; I do music for that reason. And it’s also an achievement when the next day you want to listen to what you produced yesterday, haha.
Well, I also have my own label, Love Affair, which has already released three vinyl releases featuring my best-selling tracks from Bandcamp. That’s probably an achievement too.
WWD: Your music has earned support from respected DJs like Palm Trax, Tiger & Woods, Paramida and Prins Thomas. How important has that recognition been in your journey as a producer?
I’m just grateful that they support my music by purchasing it at Bandcamp. I’m very honored that such masters’ tastes have even once allowed them to select my tracks for their sets. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed listening to their sets over the past 14 years.
WWD: You’ve released a lot of music digitally and on vinyl over the years. Do you approach creating a vinyl EP differently compared to producing individual digital releases?
No, definitely not.
WWD: House music continues to evolve, but you’ve always had a distinctive blend of Acid House, New Beat and Balearic influences. How do you keep your sound fresh while staying authentic to yourself?
Thank you for the kind words. But I can’t perceive my own music completely objectively. I know that my capabilities are limited, and this gives each track a certain signature touch. Perhaps it reads as something fresh, something new.
WWD: With ‘US 001’ about to land, what’s next for Bogdan Ra? Are there any upcoming releases, collaborations or performances that fans should keep an eye on?
Juno wants me to release a fourth EP on my Love Affair label, and that’s probably going to happen. There’ll also be a vinyl release from another artist, from another label in the fall, featuring a remix by me.
WWD: We can’t wait to hear it! Thanks for the chat 🙂
The ‘US001’ EP is available here