Gian Varela returns to Laidback Luke‘s Mixmash Records, joining forces with producer Damon Sharpe and singer/songwriter Matluck for “Faces,” a soulful, progressive house track that showcases each of the artists’ unique style and talent. Varela‘s Panama roots and US upbringing lend some Latin, urban and pop inspiration to his music, which is subtly weaved into the cinematic melodies and deep, groovy basslines of “Faces,” while Sharpe‘s sophisticated production skills give the record that perfect polish. Matluck‘s stirring vocals add an emotive complexity, making this gem one that is equally at home on the radio or in the club. 2023 is looking like an amazing year for Gian, who has massive upcoming releases and more collaborations in the works.
“‘Faces,’ is one of the deepest records I’ve ever made. It’s a metaphor for how artists and people nowadays can get caught up in being people they’re not without even realizing it. But there’s a beauty and a solemn feeling of catching this moment where you evolve, and this is what ‘Faces‘ for us is! Then instrumentally speaking, Damon & I merged our styles together with that LA/USA feeling and certain Brazilian bass/Latin percussions to make a unique groove to the instrumental side of the track.” – Gian Varela
Gian Varela
Gian Varela is an internationally acclaimed DJ/producer and songwriter born in Panama and shaped in the USA. A born rebel, his unconventional yet thrilling ways of fusing sounds and genres define his artistry. His upbringing in Panama, the birthplace of reggaetón’s roots, and moving to the USA cultivated his own sound. From viral collaborations with Latin superstars like Sech, Feid, & El Chombo, releases in the world’s best dance music labels such as Spinnin’ Records, Armada Music, Mixmash Records, and Revealed Recordings to festival tracks and remixes with the support of the likes of Armin Van Buuren, Gianluca Vacchi, Fedde Le Grand, a few artists pack such an energetic arsenal of records like Gian. Having performed across the Americas in his early years has given Gian his imposing festival presence. From wrecking gigantic festival mainstage crowds in South America to electrifying clubs in Ibiza and afterparties in Ecuador, Gian‘s “guerilla” style presence defines his high-energy show. A master producer able to delve between genres, this year, Gian shall showcase what Latin dance music entails. From a repertoire of sexy Spanish house records to more Latin urban pop tracks. This year is shaping up to be amazing for Gian, with massive Latin collaborations and high energy fusions in the dance music world, bringing his signature global sound into the mix.
Damon Sharpe
Grammy and ASCAP award-winning producer, songwriter, DJ, and recording artist Damon Sharpe has been involved with the production of albums that have sold over 45 million copies. He has worked with the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Ariana Grande, Pitbull, Alesso, Kelly Rowland, Kylie Minogue, Flo Rida, to name only a few, and has collaborated with DJs such as Morgan Page, Zonderling, Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano, Loud Luxury, BIJOU, Thomas Gold, DVBBS, Gattuso, Elephante, Ferry Corsten, and produced for social media influencers such as Jacob Sartorious, Jordyn Jones, and the Martínez Twins to name a few. His tracks have been featured on Sirius BPM, iHeart Evolution, Music Choice, Dance Rising, Mint, amongst others. As an artist, he has achieved over 87M streams on Spotify. In 2019, Damon had four songs out via Armada Music; highly acclaimed “Fire & Gold” with Morgan Page & VIVID, which peaked at #7 on US Dance Radio, “When In Rome” with GATTÜSO, which peaked at #6 on US Dance Radio and gained over 55M Spotify streams, “Ghost Ship” with Orjan Nilsen, and “Lifetime” with Zonderling & Josh Cumbee, which has received over 18M streams to date.
Matluck
Emmy award-winning, BMA-winning, and Grammy-nominated Matluck is a Miami-born bilingual artist/songwriter who knows no limits when it comes to his ability to adapt and create music across all genres. He was classically trained on the Piano as a child, but it wasn’t until high school that he truly began his journey into the world of songwriting. At the age of 16, Matluck started playing guitar and writing his own music inspired by the artists he was raised on and the moments of love/heartbreak that come with growing up. Over ten years have gone by and Matluck‘s still pouring his heart out for the masses. Looks like some things never change. He jump-started his career with sync placements in films like 22 Jump Street and Get Hard while still finishing his business studies at the University of Florida. After graduation, he decided to stray from his path towards a career in business and instead moved to Los Angeles with a renewed sense of purpose. Matluck is currently working on his debut EP while also experiencing continued success thanks to collaborations with DJs Armin van Buuren, Matisse & Sadko, Nicky Romero, Felix Jaehn, Dzeko, Mike Williams, Afrojack, Sick Individuals, Elephante, and many more. His collaborations have garnered tens of millions of streams across platforms & have been featured on playlists like “New Music Friday,” “Motivation Mix,” “Mint,” and “Dance 360“. Matluck‘s first three singles off his upcoming EP have graced countless indie playlists along with major editorials on Spotify (Fresh Finds) and Tidal (Pop Kings & Pop Art) while also maintaining a constant rotation on multiple major radio stations across Germany. Having written for international artists like Mau Y Ricky, Karol G, Becky G, CNCO, Stray Kids, Tokio Hotel, Miyavi and In Real Life, It’s easy to see that Matluck‘s career as both an artist & songwriter is only just beginning.
