Release Radar: Carebears - A Freak A

Carebears is a project built on the idea of staying true to one’s sound, without chasing trends or expectations. Based in Rimini, Alessandro Tonon spent years honing his craft in the studio, slowly gaining recognition through a steady stream of vinyl releases and support from names like Pedro, Cabanne, and Dorian Paic. That journey led to a debut on Cadenza with A Freak A, marking a new chapter in his evolving career. Whether playing clubs around Italy or working quietly behind the scenes, Carebears focuses on what matters most: making music for the people.

What’s the story behind Carebears, how did the project come about and how has it evolved? 

Carebears was born from the need to release music without necessarily having to adapt the sound to fashions or influences of the moment. The first releases of the label were immediately appreciated and this has shown that behind a record there does not necessarily have to be a well-known name or an important label. It evolved naturally, nothing simpler than continuing to make records.

You’ve played across various clubs in Italy - where are you based now and what has your experience been like navigating the Italian scene?

I currently live in Rimini. I’ve played in several clubs around Italy, but it’s honestly very difficult to break through in the Italian club scene unless you already have a well-known name or strong connections with A&Rs and club owners. I’m more of a studio man than a PR person, and that tends to work against me.

Last month you warmed up for Luciano at the legendary Peter Pan Club in Riccione - what was the vibe like playing ahead of the Cadenza boss and how did your own performance go?

It was awesome! Luciano arrived towards the end of my set and you could really feel this amazing vibe and energy from the crowd waiting for him — something I don’t get to experience often. It gave me the chance to play some more unique, less dancefloor-heavy tracks, and the crowd was still super into it. Luciano’s definitely created a really positive energy around his fans.

You already have many releases under your belt across a range of labels, including Cadenza. When did you first start to notice your music being properly noticed and who were the early supporters playing your sound?

The project really started when I began releasing vinyl under the label that shares the same name Carebears, which I also use as my artist pseudonym. Then, the videos started coming in — artists like Pedro, Cabanne, Dorian Paic, and many others playing my tracks. I won’t lie, it really feels amazing to see my music in the record bags of artists I used to look up to as 'gurus' not long ago!

Last year “A Freak A” marked your debut on Cadenza. How did the release come about, and what does it mean to you to have joined the Cadenza family?

I honestly never expected this to happen. I uploaded the demo to Trackstack almost on a whim, without really expecting a positive response. I’ve always looked up to Luciano as a legend, so when I saw that the release was confirmed, it felt like a dream come true. It was such a huge boost and encouragement for me. I really have to give a big shoutout and thank the whole Cadenza team as well — they’ve been incredibly supportive throughout the whole process.

Were you working towards any specific direction with this one, are you using any specific techniques when producing music?

I wasn’t really working towards a specific direction. The tracks that made up the album were chosen together with the team, from a larger pool of material. Having an external, more experienced perspective definitely helped shape the final EP. In the studio, I use Logic as my DAW along with a variety of external machines. I love using drum machines like the Elektron Analog Rytm to get a more human workflow. I also have a collection of older expanders that I use to create pads and atmospheres. For effects and post-production, I’m a huge fan of UAD plugins — they really help shape the sound. When it comes to mixing, I find it essential to work in groups and sum OTB using a custom summing amp based on the Neumann V475. As for the creative part, when I create a track, I usually start by setting up an initial loop where drums, bass, synths, atmospheres, and almost all the elements that I’ll later arrange play together. It’s a bit like a painter mixing colors, before applying them to the canvas.

As a recent addition to Cadenza, what advice would you give to other artists looking to release on the label?

I’m not sure I have specific advice to give. Although, if you look at the releases before and after mine, and even mine, they don’t sound alike - in my opinion, they are all strongly defined by each artist’s unique style. So, it may sound cliché, but I’d say: be yourself and do your best!

Looking ahead, what can we expect from Carebears in terms of upcoming projects or performances, with Cadenza and beyond?

Great question! The guys have mentioned a few things that I hope will come to fruition, but I wouldn’t want to - and honestly, I don’t think I can - reveal anything just yet. Partly out of professionalism, and partly out of superstition, after all, I am Italian! What I can say is that whatever comes, including the opportunities I've already had, I will approach with immense gratitude. Unfortunately, the club scene has become an environment where many expect things, but few are truly grateful for what they receive. Being able to make my own music and share it with people is already something really special. We live in a world that needs more love, and music should be the tool to spread it.

Check out A Freak A which is available on Beatport or Bandcamp now.