Techno producer Victor Calderone has seen it all. He has worked with some of the greats including Madonna, back in her Ray of Light days. His story goes back a couple decades, but his style and music are just as fresh as ever. We talked about how he got involved with techno music, deejaying, and producing for the Queen of Pop, Madonna.
Where are you right now?
In Brooklyn. Always a Brooklyn boy.
How did you get involved in electronic music production and when?
My story goes back to the 80s. My cousin had a recording studio, and he had a band. One day I went over to his studio, and I knew that’s what I wanted to do. At that point, I went out and bought a Roland S5550 Keyboard. It was a great start. I read the manual from front to back. It wasn’t until 1991 that I produced underground techno. It was not until the 90s I found my way into production. At the time, techno was just blowing up in the States. The major labels didn’t really know what it was. I was signed to a major label and really didn’t know where it was going to lead. We put out this techno album. That’s when I said to myself this is my passion and this what I wanted to do. I was interested in electronic artists like Giorgio Moroder and Kraftwerk.
Before then, I was deejaying. My older brother, Cesar, got me into deejaying.
You stepped away from the limelight to enter the restaurant business as well?
Following the record label deal, it stalled. I was disappointed but had a close friend in the restaurant business. I helped open a restaurant in New York City. I met my wife, Athena, at the time. We hit off. We became inseparable friends. She always heard me talk about music every day. She said you need to go back to your passion and do what makes you happy. The next day, I sold my share in the restaurant. I ended up producing “Give It Up” and it relaunched my career. I didn’t know what direction my life was going to at the time.
You worked with Madonna, Beyonce, Janet Jackson, and Whitney. Who was the most perfectionist?
Madonna was very hands on involved in every step of the way. She would interject any thoughts, opinions, or ideas of anything I would send her. Immediately, she would call me with input. She was very involved in the process.
Do you still do work with her?
No. I haven’t done any work with her for a very long time. I see she just relaunched all those remixes. I had three or four of them on there.
Can you tell me more about your Evolve brand, which was launched in 2005?
That sort of aligned with the opening with Crowbar New York. I was in a transition period. I still use the brand on New Year’s Day. It was a brand for the residency of the night. I launched Waveform and Matter record labels later.
Do you think the Techno/EDM has reached its peak?
I don’t think it will fade in anyway. I think it will reinvent itself. The great thing about it is it’s constantly changing. Technology is allowing that to happen. Yes, it’s oversaturated, but it is more accessible for people. There’s a lot of talent coming up. There’s so much good music coming out all the time. The music doesn’t have the shelf life anymore.
What’s next for you?
I’m back at it after COVID. Touring again and back in the studio. There’s a lot of good music coming out. I’m working with my cousin.
Victor Calderone is playing Brooklyn Mirage tonight!
