Henry Saiz

Biography

Saiz's first productions were released through the Global Underground and Paradigma Musik imprints. His remix of Guy J's "Lamur", released on the Bedrock label, was produced in 2009 after he came to the attention of John Digweed, one of the label's founders. Renaissance Recordings then commissioned the releases of his EPs "Artificial Paradises" and "Madre Noche" in 2009 and "The Rider" in 2010. He produced the Balance 019 compilation, released on June 10, 2011, and has his own record label, Natura Sonoris, which serves as a platform for his own productions as well as those of new artists. In addition to his productions, Saiz has been developing a live show, using a combination of the Akai APC-40 controlling Ableton Live, Access Virus TI Synth and an Ipod Touch.

Henry’s first official single release was in 2006. Starting his journey with some of the best underground labels in Spain, the Madrid-native Henry soon attracted the attention of UK giants such as Renaissance, Global Underground and Bedrock. “My first vinyl releases were special moments for me, when DJ’s you’ve admired your whole life support your music, it’s a big feeling. To then go on tours to places such as Asia, Australia and South America, and realize just how much the music I’d made was a part of so many people, it’s hard to explain just how amazing that was – and still is!”

Accolades have also followed releases, his own label Natura Sonoris won ‘Best Label’ of 2011 by DJ Magazine and his standout remix of Guy J’s ‘Lamur’ brought him his first “Essential New Tune” from Radio 1’s Pete Tong. He was invited to mix his own CD compilation for the prestigious Balance series (also in 2011), a process in which he utilised vinyl, cassette, reel-to-reel tapes and over 100 field recordings that he’d recorded as a pre-teen.

Henry Saiz spent his childhood absorbing early Kubrick soundtracks explains, “My influences are pretty diverse, taking me all the way from Italo Disco to Black Metal. From Abba to Aphex Twin, Vangelis and Pink Floyd (via Detroit) – I believe that electronic music can, and should, have a message. The infinite palate of sounds and textures give the power to evoke much more complex feelings and mindscapes than the traditional pop-rock instruments – the fact that you can dance to it in a club doesn’t mean it can’t transmit a message (and a thrill) to the listener on many levels.”

Saiz is a fan of the works of David Foster Wallace and Salvador Dali, it’s Saiz’ open-minded approach to influence and his background in sound design, working on TV shows, documentaries and commercials, that give his productions the rich cinematic moments and deep atmospherics that are often found. As Saiz explains, “sound design is always a big factor in my music, I love to add sampled soundscapes to my music – it allows me to explore the visual and psychedelic aspects of electronic music that is so important to me.”

It’s this area that feels more apparent than ever on Henry’s debut LP, the suggestively titled ‘Reality Is For Those Who Are Not Strong Enough To Confront Their Dreams’. The embodiment of two years of production and recording, the album features 17-tracks. Packed with melodic-hypnotic house, analogue techno and retro-futuristic pop. Written and partly recorded amongst a volcanic backdrop in a remote part of Lanzarote, Henry’s connection with nature and his surroundings plays a huge role in the album’s sonics, as well as the many sound recordings that were sent to him via his website – Henry asked his followers to send him sampled noises personal to them in a forward-thinking move to incorporate his fans into the album.

Albums

Saiz's first studio album is scheduled for release on Jun 10, 2013 under the title Reality is for Those Who Are Not Strong Enough to Confront Their Dreams. The recording took place in Lanzarote, an inspiring place to Saiz, according to an interview in Resident Advisor.

EPs

Singles

Compilations