14 FAKTS INTERVIEW WITHFER BR

SOSA’s COCO imprint keeps the summer heaters coming as Spanish favourite Fer BR returns to the label with his brand-new ‘Up & Down’ EP. A regular fixture across Paco Osuna’s Mindshake Records and a respected name in global tech house circles, Fer is no stranger to big records, and this latest two-tracker proves exactly why he continues to command attention. Following his 2024 contribution ‘Jazzuuup’ on COCO’s ‘Cooldown’ VA, the seasoned producer doubles down with two energetic club weapons, both rooted in his trademark mix of crisp percussion, infectious swing, and groove-led sounds.

Title cut ‘Up & Down’ leads the charge, combining tightly wound rhythms with vocal chops and vibrant brass melodies. It’s a track made for late-night moments with a lighter, jazz-flecked edge, designed to lift dancefloors and keep the energy flowing. On the flip, ‘The Smoother’ does exactly what the name suggests: a bass-heavy roller that brings a more restrained, bubbling groove perfect for keeping the pressure high without losing the heat.

Known for releases on labels such as MÜSE, Deeperfect, and Rawthentic, and as one-half of Project00 alongside Paco Osuna, Fer BR brings years of experience and undeniable studio finesse to every release. ‘Up & Down’ is no different, delivering another essential entry in both his catalogue and COCO’s ever-growing arsenal of peak-time weapons. 

Q: Please introduce yourself

Hi, I’m Fer BR. I’m a DJ & producer born in Cambados, a small town in the northwest of Spain, in Galicia. The electronic music scene was practically non-existent where I grew up, so I can’t really say I had any “super fancy” influences, haha. I’m self-taught, and I’ve been producing music for almost 20 years.

Q: One person you'd dream to have a coffee with?

I would choose Michael Jackson. He has been my favorite artist since I was a child, and his music, especially with the magic touch of Quincy Jones, has had a huge impact on me. Sharing a conversation with him would be like connecting directly with the roots of the passion that made me fall in love with music. 

Q: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

If I could have a superpower, I’d choose the ability to teleport - probably the most popular choice among my friends! For me, it’s all about saving time, which I believe is the most precious thing we have. Being able to move from one place to another instantly would not only make life easier but also allow me to spend more time on what really matters. 

Q: If you would have been given the chance to do a film score, what movie would you choose and why?

I’d love to compose a film score for a movie scored by Hans Zimmer. I’m a huge fan and have even seen him live twice! I’m fascinated by the way he builds emotion and atmosphere through music. A lesser-known fact is that I’ve already composed music for two scenes in a Spanish film called ‘Que Hicimos Mal’, directed by Liliana Torres. Creating a full score for a film like that would be an incredible challenge and a dream come true. 

Q: Who has been the most influential in your music career? And why?

When it comes to electronic music, my influences have evolved in three main phases. In the beginning, I produced more hardgroove-style tracks, and the artist who influenced me the most was Ben Sims — both his productions and DJ sets. I think my eclectic approach to mixing different styles comes from that period.

Later, I got into more minimal music, and Richie Hawtin and his label Minus became my main reference. Watching him DJ taught me a lot technically.

And finally, Paco Osuna, one of the best DJs I’ve ever seen in terms of technique, has been a huge influence. I share his vision of mixing styles and sounds, and I’ve been part of his label for over 13 years. 

Q: Tell us about your journey, what got you to where you are today?

Growing up in an area where electronic music wasn’t really a thing, I started with the typical dance and trance compilations of the time. That’s what first got me interested in electronic music, but I didn’t really dive into the underground scene until one day my cousin gave me a cassette with two DJ sets by Cristian Varela and Oscar Mulero. I remember thinking, “What is this?”, and that moment completely changed my perspective. From there, I began exploring the underground, discovering new sounds, and shaping my own style as both a producer and DJ.  

Q: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone just starting out their career in music?

My advice would be to stay curious and never stop experimenting. Learn as much as you can, but don’t be afraid to trust your own instincts and develop your unique sound. Consistency and patience are key; it takes time to grow, but every step of the journey is worth it. 

Q: Can you recall a DJ set or performance of yours that remains unforgettable to you? Where did it take place, and what makes it stand out among all others?

Two DJ sets stand out as the most important to me. The first was recently at Rio Electronic in Buenos Aires. I had been wanting to return to Buenos Aires and this particular party for years. The crowd was incredible, and the night went perfectly; I came back to Spain feeling really happy and inspired.

The second was a B2B set with my friend Paco Osuna at Hi Ibiza last year. After so many years of friendship and working together, sharing a B2B playing the music we love was an unforgettable experience. 

Q: How has your music style evolved over the years?

My music style has evolved significantly over the years. I started producing harder, groove-oriented tracks, then explored minimal sounds, and today I’m more focused on groovy tech house and minimal. Throughout this journey, I’ve blended different rhythms and textures, always aiming to create a versatile and personal sound as both a producer and DJ. 

Q: If you were to venture into another music genre, which one would you choose and why?

If I had to explore another genre, I’d go for emotional breaks, dubstep, or garage. I really enjoy the depth and feeling these styles can convey, and not many people know that I have productions in these genres that have never been released. Experimenting with them could bring new textures and emotions into my electronic music. 

Q: Could you name 3 tracks that got you into electronic music and why?

1- Michael Jackson – ‘Billie Jean’. It’s not electronic music, but it’s dance music, and its influence on my productions today is quite evident. The bassline and the snare are the most important elements for me and have inspired a lot of my own tracks.

2- Audion – ‘Noiser’. This track has had a big influence on my career, especially in terms of production. It was the one I studied the most when I started making minimal music. That type of bassline is very typical in my productions even today.

3- Paco Osuna & Paul Ritch – ‘El Jimador’. This mix is the perfect combination of minimalism and powerful groove that always works on the dancefloor. That sound has also had a huge impact on my career and is clearly reflected in my productions today. 

Q: Can you recommend a hidden gem in your home country that would be perfect for a rave?

I’d choose the Cíes Islands — a place where a rave could never actually take place, since it’s a protected area. I imagine listening to my favorite music there, surrounded by my people, in such an incomparable setting. The combination of nature, the sea, and the sky would make it an unforgettable experience. 

Q: Could you tell us about your upcoming releases and plans for the year?

I have upcoming music planned on SOSA’s label COCO. It’s a very special release, featuring a track called ‘The Smother’, which has strong old-school minimal influences. I’m curious to see how it’s received. In October, I also have an EP coming out on Ilario Alicante’s label Sound d’Elite, including two originals and a remix by my friend Iglesias. There are a few more releases I can’t announce yet, but I’ll continue staying very active and putting out new music throughout the year. 

Q: Can you share a fun fact about yourself that most of your listeners are probably unaware of?

A fun fact most of my listeners don’t know is that I’m actually an industrial engineer. Despite my parents’ insistence, I chose to pursue music professionally — I decided to be happy rather than have a stable job.