40 Questions: Ramon Tapia

Ramon Tapia has made a career out of releasing lean, mean, club-primed techno productions, not only from himself, but also from others via his own imprint.

The Belgian DJ, producer, and label owner has released his productions on Drumcode, Filth On Acid, and AnalyticTrail over the years, while his own Say What? Recordings has dropped sounds from names like Marco V, Dok & Martin, and Brennen Grey.

We welcome him to our final 40 Questions interview of the year, where he mentions everything from Pharrell and Giorgio Moroder, to Easter Island and baby eels. Get the full discussion with Ramon Tapia below.

1. Where are you right now and what are you doing?

Going over some music to play at my last gig of the year, as the rest of Europe is going back into lockdown.

2. What year were you born?

1979.

3. Do you have a nickname?

Mon-e.

4. What’s the coolest thing in your house?

My studio.

5. How would you describe yourself?P

I would say weird.

6. Worst experience as a DJ?

Turned off the wrong player.

7. Best experience as a DJ?

When the crowd recognises your own music.

8. Favourite record label?

Say What?.

9. What’s your biggest weakness?

Food.

10. First record you ever paid for?

Wedlock – Ganjaman.

11. What’s your morning routine?

Work out for an hour everyday.

12. Your dream collaboration?

To work with Pharrell.

13. Tell us something we shouldn’t know about you?

I could tell you, but I’d have to kill you.

14. Who’s your biggest inspiration outside of music?

My mom.

15. And in the industry?

Giorgio Moroder.

16. Ever smoked?

Yes.

17. Ever done drugs?

Yes.

18. What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?

My Genelec sub.

19. And the best gift you’ve ever given?

Genelec speakers.

20. What’s the coolest place you’ve ever been to?

Boracay Island, Philippines.

21. And one place you want to visit?

Easter Island.

22. If you weren’t in the music industry, what would you be doing?

Being a goldsmith.

23. Worst job you’ve ever had?

Working in a warehouse.

24. Favourite record right now?

Harvey McKay – Gravity.

25. And the best record ever made?

X313 – Sentinels.

26. One thing you couldn’t live without?

My studio. At least not for long.

27. Your favourite food?

Asian food.

28. What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?

Baby eels.

29. Who would you want to play you in a movie?

George Clooney.

30. What’s something you’re passionate about besides music?

Making jewellery.

31. Favourite club you’ve played?

Fabrik, Madrid.

32. Favourite festival you’ve played?

Loveland Festival.

33. Craziest story of being on the road?

Being stuck in Iceland because somebody died on the plane.

34. Weirdest request as a DJ?

To play Britney Spears.

35. If you had one super power what would it be?

Teleportation. so I wouldn’t need to travel to gigs.

36. Late sleeper or early riser?

Both.

37. Strangest video you’ve watched on YouTube?

How to escape the fart.

38. The top thing on your bucket list?

Make my family proud.

39. Most memorable moment of your life so far?

Too many to name.

40. Will you ever be done with music?

Never.

Find more 40 Questions HERE.