Classic Ambient dub to close out 2024…
A Sydney-born DJ of Spanish origin who first came to attention in the 90s, the name Abel has been synonymous with the electronic music scene from day one.
From formative raves to revered clubs and festival stages, he has played alongside the likes of The Chemical Brothers and Primal Scream. As a music producer and remixer, his varied credits include Sophie Monk, Olli Wisdom (Space Tribe), Funk D’Void and Paul Mac.
For our last mix of the year, Abel has crafted a beautiful journey of balearic and ambient dub. See you in 2025 x
You’ve been DJing for more than 30 years. What do you enjoy most about DJing and what’s the most important lesson you’ve learned throughout your career?
What I enjoy most about Djing is when all the elements come together - the exchange of energy on the dance floor is where the magic happens. An important lesson I’ve learned throughout my career is the value you provide as a DJ. It’s about more than just rocking up five minutes before your set and playing your tunes. Your interactions with people, the support you show other artists and the energy you bring all play a role in your success.
What aspect of the ‘scene’ has changed for the better and for the worse?
The dance music scene has become more popular over the years. In the early days there were only handful of us doing it. We were family - the same faces each week. Now there is more DJs and more music being made, which is great for the industry but in turn there is less of an underground. What made the underground so special is only a few people knew about it (word of mouth), but now with the internet everyone knows about it. Maybe the underground is happening somewhere with no phones and we just don’t know about it.….yet!
“Neutron 9000’s The Green House Effect on vinyl and The Big Chill Compilation on CD were introduced to me by a dear friend in the early 90s.”
You’ve played alongside and on the same bill as some of the most revered artists in electronic music. Who is the nicest person you’ve met along the way?
Ollie Olsen (RIP). The nicest and most humble guy in the industry and a pioneer of Aussie electronic music. We worked together many times. He believed in my music and released an early track of mine on his label, PSY Harmonics.
What is your all-time favourite album for relaxing at home?
Neutron 9000’s The Green House Effect on vinyl and The Big Chill Compilation on CD introduced to me by a dear friend in the early 90s.
What’s on the cards for Abel in 2025?
I’m in the studio working on new material will have new tracks out for summer. Also playing a bunch of cool gigs in my hometown of Sydney which I’m really excited about.