Release Radar: Rey Aguilar - Side Quest [CADENZA144]

After more than 15 years making music, Rey Aguilar arrives on Cadenza with Side Quest, his debut album. A long-time follower of the label since its early days, the South Texas producer now joins its catalogue with nine tracks spanning different shades of house, brought together naturally over time and reflecting the breadth of his sound.

⁠Side Quest is your first album after more than 15 years of making music. Why did now feel like the right moment to take on a full-length project?

It actually wasn’t something I planned. I never went into the studio thinking, “It’s time to make an album.” I was just making music, building up tracks and continuing to develop my sound. A lot of the motivation to keep producing came from DJs and artists around me, as well as people I’ve crossed paths with over the years. Getting their encouragement and seeing them connect with my music pushed me to keep creating and gave me more confidence in what I was making.

Eventually, I decided to send Luciano and Cadenza all the demos I had at the time. I wasn’t necessarily thinking of them as an album, I was simply sharing the music I had been working on. From there, the opportunity for Side Quest to become a full-length LP came together naturally. I think that’s what makes this album special to me, after more than 15 years of producing, my first LP wasn’t something I forced or planned out. It happened organically, at the right time, with a label that has meant a lot to me for many years.

⁠Looking back, what first drew you towards electronic music and production, and how has your relationship with making music changed over those 15 years?

My connection with dance music started really young. I discovered house music on the radio in the ’90s when I was around eight years old. There was something about the rhythm and energy that immediately caught my attention. By 2000, when I was 12, I had started DJing, and from there I just kept getting deeper into the music and the scene. As I started getting more gigs, I met Fern Arguello, aka Abstrakt Audio, who would later become one of my best friends. We immediately connected through our similar taste in music. He was the person who really introduced me to producing and taught me a lot of what I needed to get started. I learned so much from him, and having someone close to me who shared the same passion and could guide me through those early years played a big part in becoming the producer I am today. More than 15 years later, I still approach making music with that same curiosity.

Across the nine tracks, you move through different shades of house. Was that range something you consciously wanted to explore with the album?

The range wasn’t really something I consciously planned. I’ve always enjoyed creating all different types of house music and I think that freedom has always been an important part of my sound. I’ve never felt like I needed to stay within one particular style or follow whatever sound was trending at the time. When I’m producing, I usually just go with whatever I’m feeling in that moment. One day that might turn into something soulful or uplifting, another day something more minimal, funky, jazzy or groove-driven. That’s naturally why there’s so much variety across the nine tracks.

⁠This is also your first release on Cadenza. What has your relationship with the label and its music been over the years?

This one is very special to me. I’ve been following Luciano and Cadenza since around 2005. I remember being really intrigued by Luciano’s signature sound, especially the minimal house and Latin-influenced grooves, and the whole musical world surrounding Cadenza. I became a huge fan and continued following the label and its artists over the years. To go from discovering and following that music more than two decades ago to now having my own album released on Cadenza is a real full-circle moment for me. I’ve actually been holding this news back for a long time, waiting until everything was official, so finally being able to talk about it makes it even more special.

⁠Luciano has been playing ‘Side Quest’ a lot in his sets recently. What has it been like seeing the track connect on those dance floors?

It’s surreal, especially because of my history with Luciano’s music. Seeing someone I’ve respected and followed for so many years playing one of my records is already special, but seeing the reaction from the dance floor makes it even better. When you’re in the studio making a track, you never really know how people are going to respond to it. Then seeing it being played somewhere else in the world and connecting with a crowd is an incredible feeling. Having that happen with ‘Side Quest’, especially through Luciano’s sets, makes it even more meaningful.

What does your creative process look like today? Are there certain pieces of equipment, techniques or habits that have become central to the way you make music?

Ableton is at the center of my production process, and I do most of my work from my home studio. I like being hands-on, so I use a standard MIDI keyboard to build ideas and lay out tracks. I can work at any time, day or night...it really just depends on when inspiration hits. For plugins, u-he Diva is one of my favourites, and I also use the Arturia bundles quite a bit. I love having access to different sounds and textures, but I try not to rely on one fixed formula. Sometimes a track starts with drums, sometimes a bassline or melody, and other times it can be one sound that inspires the entire idea. I usually follow what feels right and let the track develop naturally from there.

Outside of music, what tends to keep you inspired and feed back into your creativity?

I have quite a few interests outside of music. I love traveling, bowling, working out, gaming and art. I think having different things I enjoy helps keep me inspired and gives me a balance outside of the studio. I’m also really involved in the local scene here in South Texas. I enjoy going out, supporting other local artists and seeing what people around me are creating. I also promote and curate my own underground dance music events, which keeps me connected to the scene from a different perspective. Whether it’s traveling, experiencing something new, seeing art or just being around other creative people, inspiration can come from anywhere and eventually find its way back into the music.

What else is on the horizon for Rey Aguilar? Any upcoming releases, shows or other projects you can share with us?

It’s already been a busy year musically. Earlier this summer, I contributed a track to a VA on Fleur Shore’s Undergrowth label, followed by my Halcyon EP on Undergrowth in August. Now, having Side Quest arrive on Cadenza feels like a great way to continue that momentum. I don’t have another release planned immediately after the album, so I’m looking forward to giving Side Quest its moment and seeing where things go from here!

Check out Side Quest on Beatport and Bandcamp.