Emerging techno artist Bruce Zalcer has already signed music to some of the genre’s biggest record labels, including the likes of Christian Smith’s Tronic and Dense & Pika’s Kneaded Pains.
The Panama-based producer aims to end the 2023 year strong, with his forthcoming debut on Victor Ruiz’ Volta Records, a label which while still quite new, has been pushing the next generation of techno stars in a big way.
Joining us for this month’s edition of our Inflyte Radar, Zalcer talks about his new ‘Catharsis’ EP, how he came to work with Victor Ruiz, and what he’s hopeful for as we head into 2024. Read the full interview below.
Hi Bruce, we hope you’re well! How has October been for you so far?
I am, thanks! Hope the same for you. It’s been great, thanks for asking. Awesome gigs, lots of new music and special projects on the way.
You’ll be releasing your new ‘Catharsis’ EP on Victor Ruiz’ Volta Records at the end of the month, what can people expect from the two original tracks on this one?
These are two tracks that complement each other really well. ‘Catharsis’ is a peak time banger with a huge drop that will work great at any point in a set. ‘Truly Yours’ is a track that I’ve been playing with for a while. I use it a lot to close my sets as it has a melancholic type of vibe throughout, until the unexpected drop hits which surprises the crowd, making it go wild.
And how did you come to sign the tracks with Victor?
I had some sessions with Victor during the pandemic, and we got to know each other well after that. I’ve followed and respected his work for a while. So, when he mentioned he was starting a label, I wanted to release there. It took some time to work on it, decide which tracks, etc. but the wait was worth it and I’m really happy with the result.
You’ve also released with labels like Tronic, Kneaded Pains, and Odd Recordings in the past, where else might we see you in the near future?
I’m going to be on a VA release with Second State this December. An EP with Kneaded Pains is already planned for next year. Also, there will be more music to be released on Tronic. That’s what’s confirmed so far. But there is more coming up, including something different for 2024.
And is there a particular label you hope to work with in the long term?
Second Sate and Kneaded Pains are labels I respect a lot, to to be releasing on those is a huge achievement for me. I also really like Alan Fitzpatrick’s We Are the Brave label.
We’re quite close to the end of 2023, how did this year measure up to what you hoped you would achieve?
There were a lot of surprises. The first time I released a 5-track EP and it happened twice, with Odd Recordings and Tronic. Also had great gigs in places such as Colombia, Argentina, and Guatemala. Overall, I feel it was a transition year for my career. I went from pure peak-time productions to those with a more raw vibe. And being able to release EP’s on well-respected labels as opposed to only on VA’s like at the end of 2022.
And what goals will you be setting your sights on for 2024?
I want to play and tour abroad a lot. I already have some dates in the USA in January, so I’m currently trying to build more around that. In terms of music, just continue making more and improving every day.
Is there anything else you want to talk about before we finish up?
I’d like to thank Victor for inviting me to be a part of this special project. It’s an honour to work with such a talented producer and be a part of his label. Also thanks to all the people who support my music. Your support means everything to me. I hope to see you soon and wish you all the best.
Bruce Zalcer – Catharsis EP is out October 27th on Volta Records.