We are pleased to bring you, Golan Zocher whose career started at a very young age (17) spinning vinyls in a city where the electronic music scene was just a shadow in a world of salsa and tropical rhythms.
Having a weekly spot on the only electronic radio station that existed in between 1999 and 2001, (La Super Estacion) Golan would play the best from what he would call "the core of underground electronic music," featuring music from the Global Underground Series at the time.
At the age of 20, when he began his studies in audio engineering at Sae College (Sydney, Australia), Golan was diagnosed with severe Tinnitus which required him to take a break from the music scene.
He then hosted a more mellow radio show on the same station between 2002 and 2005, a show called Calma Electrica. Golan introduced the b-sides from many underground electronic labels. He would feature albums and musical compilations like the Back To Mine Series, Tosca, Kruder & Dorfmeister, Nick Warren (B-Sides), John Digweed's Layered Sounds, Sasha's Airdrawndagger, Ulrich Schnauss among many others. The format of the show would be for Golan to present and dedicate time to each series in a full show to introduce them to local audiences and listeners.
After many years of being away from DJing, Golan realised his life didn’t have a meaning without music so he reintroduced himself to the music scene with a different perspective on how to manage things with his tinnitus. Fast forward to 2024 and Golan has released on an impressive array of labels across the global with support from many big DJs alike.
We caught up with Golan to discover more!
Hi Golan, how are you and what have you been up to this week? Busy, busy, busy is the word 🙂 I have been working on some cool up and coming projects. From an electric ambient album to some more housey grooves. And celebrating my release on Berlin label Zatar Music "Make Me Famous", which features an excellent remix by NELA.
You have been producing for quite some time now with an impressive catalogue of releases behind you including the likes of Plattenbank, Clubsonica, Sol Selectas and Sudbeat. Are there any standout tracks that hold special memories for you?
I think that every release is a step on the ladder and every release has its own place in my heart. It’s all part of the same puzzle at the end 🙂
You also had a new release in March on Berlin label Zatar. Tell us more about that.
The "Make Me Famous" EP is a really special one, including two very different tracks for different moments during the same night. The Original Mix has been supported by many big names including Hernan Cattaneo who played the track all over the world last year. So all in all, it's very exciting.
The EP included a remix from Berlin based NELA. How did that come about?
I think NELA nailed it and gave it a very fresh vibe and it's definitely working on the dance floor. I am very happy I met NELA through this release via Phonique (label owner). It’s all about that, connecting with other people.
You have spent most of your adult life growing up in Colombia. How did you first get into electronic music?
When I was 15 my sister, who lived in Israel, sent me (in 1999) Tiësto's "In Search of Sunrise" compilation volume one. It was the guitar riff from the first track by York that hooked me straight away and connected my guitar passion with the electronic world.
Since then, I have been immersed in the electronic world.
How has Colombia inspired you musically and do you use any musical influences in your music production today?
I am not sure that I use any direct influence but I am definitely in love with the tropical vibes that my city Cali has. With so many talented and amazing musicians, I can’t wait to be back at some of the local salsa venues and bust some moves, he he he.
Where was your first gig and how did it go?
My first gig was at a very young age in Cali when I was 17 or 18, spinning vinyls in a club called La Sala. It was a very rare and authentic place that was into electronic music but I think I brought some fresh sounds playing some progressive trance in a place where the genre was totally unknown.
You now live in Israel. What prompted you to move halfway across the globe?
Family most of all. My mother as well as my sister and nephews are here, so after a long time of being in Colombia I felt that I would try my luck in this crazy country.
How would you say the music scenes in both countries are different? What makes them special?
They are very different. In Israel people need more uptempo vibes because of the stress and existential threat that we all live in here.
In Colombia it’s a different story, people are more chilled and living day to day. So both countries have their own crazy and special vibes. I love them both.
Which other DJs or producers are you liking right now?
I have been listening to some trance lately reviving some old grooves and I definitely recommend that you listen to LOUD if you don't know them.
What are your go-to labels?
Sudbeat, Armadillo Records, Plattenbank, Sol Selectas, Meanwhile Recording, Replug and many others.
You have compiled our latest Berlin Mixtapes Series Episode 065 - Tell us more about your mix.
I tried to do something a little different here featuring some tracks that are not that underground but I think the mix came out nicely since I have combined many genres in only one hour.
Thanks for spending some time with us, is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers?
Be cool, don’t take things seriously, now we are here, tomorrow who knows…
Be like water my friend - Bruce Lee
Genre: Ambient electronic experimental and dub
Favourite colour: Lilac
What do you put on your chips: Tabasco
First record ever bought: Binary Finary
Apple or Android: Android on phone apple on computer
Can you juggle: Yes, getting better at it
Weirdest/Coolest item of clothing: My own boxers labelled GOLAN
If you could have a superpower, what would you choose: Make all humans fall in love with each other…what a party
What was the last thing you looked up online? Apple and Tesla stock
Do you collect anything: Music
What is the most useless talent you have: I know how to eat a lot
Favourite beer: I don't like beer
Favourite place to eat: Home
Weirdest thing you have eaten: Crocodile in Australia
How do you like your eggs: Scrambled with lots of vegetables and tabasco
Coffee or tea: Both
Favourite football team: America de Cali
Favourite track right now: Make Me Famous
Favourite word: Karayana
3 words to describe your mix: Fresh, intimate, diverse.
Tracklist
1. Golan Zocher & Choopie - Make Me Famous (original mix) [Zatar Music]
2. Golan Zocher - Besame Mucho feat. Shir Kabilis
3. Navar, Golan Zocher - Zoom Out [Meanwhile]
4. Juan Pablo Torrez, Golan Zocher - Cosmic Resonance (Mike Griego remix) [Clubsonica]
5. Golan Zocher - Ready to fly feat. Rona (IL) (Stereo Underground remix) [Clubsonica]
6. Rivellino, Juanito State - Gotta Cry
7. Andy Woldman & Liam Sieker - Jaguar (Golan Zocher remix) [onedotsixtwow]
8. Golan Zocher - Alive feat. Ojeni (Dabeat remix) [Clubsonica]
9. Golan Zocher & Choopie - Azaia [Zatar Music]
10. Jorgio Kioris & Dousk - Ozaki 8 (Golan Zocher 3AM remix)
11. Dave Mathews - Two Step (Golan Zocher Bootleg)
12. Golan Zocher - Karayana [AMITABHA]