Julian Perez is a DJ and electronic music producer based in Spain with a summer residency at Underground Ibiza. He has been active since the early 1990s, playing House, Techno and Minimal. He is the founder of vinyl labels Fathers & Sons Productions (2012) and Girada Unlimited, has performed in over 50 countries and 150 cities, and released two studio albums: Solemnity (2016) and Break-Even (2021). In 2026 he published his debut book, INTERFASE: The Infinite Set.

What is Fathers & Sons Productions?

Fathers & Sons Productions is a vinyl-only record label founded by Julian Perez in 2012. Within its first year, the label hosted showcases in more than twelve countries. Every release has sold out within days of publication. The label released Julian's debut solo album Solemnity (2016) and was relaunched in 2023 with a new direction.

What is Girada Unlimited?

Girada Unlimited is a record label founded by Julian Perez that gained strong underground support before his involvement was widely known. Its tenth release was Julian's second album, Break-Even (2021). The label continues to evolve with releases by Julian and a carefully curated roster of artists.

Where does Julian Perez play in Ibiza?

Julian Perez holds a regular summer residency at Underground Ibiza, where he hosts his own nights each season. He has also appeared at landmark Ibiza events including ENTER. at Space and Cocoon Ibiza.

What festivals has Julian Perez played?

Julian Perez has appeared at Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), Sunwaves Festival, Epizode Festival, The BPM Festival, Outline Festival, Sónar off week (Barcelona), Kazantip Festival, and Winter Music Conference, among others.

What clubs has Julian Perez played?

Julian Perez has performed at iconic clubs including Rex Club (Paris), Fabric (London), Womb (Tokyo), Robert Johnson (Frankfurt), and Underground (Ibiza), among many others across more than 50 countries.

What labels has Julian Perez released music on?

Julian Perez has released music on his own labels Fathers & Sons Productions and Girada Unlimited, as well as on respected labels including Cocoon Recordings, Raum..Musik, and Subwax Bcn.

"Fake It Till You Make It" Is Unfortunately Everywhere Now — Interview

Interview by Karolina Jakubowska. Published in Polish on muno.pl, May 16, 2019, ahead of Julian Perez's appearance at Karawana, Projekt LAB, Poznań.

We speak with Julian Perez, head of the legendary Fathers & Sons label, before his appearance at Poznań's Projekt LAB club.

Your biography mentions that at the beginning of your musical journey you were inspired by sounds from the UK and USA. Which artists and labels did you particularly admire?

Mainly it was Detroit — Derrick May, Carl Craig, Juan Atkins, Kevin Saunderson and their labels: Transmat, Planet E, KMS, Metroplex. I was also inspired by labels from Chicago: Relief Records, Cajual, Guidance from Spencer Kincy / Green Velvet, Derrick Carter. From the UK: Peacefrog, Ferox, Force Inc were my thing. At the time there were also many great labels in Europe, but somehow at the very beginning I was much more interested in the ones I mentioned first.

Many artists talk about their studio rituals. What are yours?

I agree that the room must be clean and tidy, but I don't really sit in an atmosphere of incense and rituals. When inspiration appears, it's better to be in the studio, ready to record. I'm definitely more productive when I'm completely rested, from morning to late evening. But it can happen that many hours pass before you create something interesting — then you have no choice but to sit there until it sounds the way it should. Going to sleep would mean losing the flow. What definitely helps me is natural light in the studio.

Apart from releases on other labels, you have been totally dedicated to your two own — Fathers & Sons Productions, which you closed with your album, and now Girada Unlimited. What chapter did you close and what lies ahead for your new label?

I believe that life consists of chapters, periods, stages — whatever you prefer. I believe that certain things need to be concluded so that you can enter something new with fresh energy. I'm very satisfied and proud of every stage of this journey. The new chapter has no defined path yet, its story is still being written. Girada Unlimited is still developing its sound, which is very broad these days. What comes next? That is always unknown and unlimited.

In one interview you mentioned that you don't prepare sets when you play somewhere for the first time. Where during your debuts did you experience the most satisfying reception from the audience?

If you're playing somewhere for the first time, trying to prepare a set seems quite stressful. One such event was my debut in Córdoba, Argentina. It was one of the stops on my tour through several countries and I couldn't really fill my bag with that specific gig in mind. Interestingly, the music I had with me turned out to be perfect. The approach and vibe of the people was something from another planet.

The same thing happened when I first played in Romania and that feeling stays with me to this day when I play in that country. It's simply a different level — a well-informed audience that makes you feel confident and relaxed, and as a result you play better and it becomes a great experience for everyone.

Apart from your vast experience in electronic music, you once worked in advertising. How did you jump from one to the other?

Advertising has always excited me, and its creative part has application in what I do now. It was about chasing my dream, which had been my hobby since I was a teenager — so when it came to the point where I had to decide which field to commit to one hundred percent, I chose music.

Advertising also plays a big role in electronic music, especially now in the social media era. People say that when a culture becomes a business, an industry, it ceases to be culture. What is your view on this?

It's undeniable that strategy is important today and everyone plays by their own rules. I don't believe popularity always means success. There are those who believe it and will continue to believe it as long as they can live from this new business — which is far from what we call culture. The "ends justify the means" approach or "fake it till you make it" are unfortunately omnipresent today. Whatever works, right? Culture will always remain culture and remain where it is. If you dig deep enough, you'll find it.

Will we hear your live set soon?

It has always interested me, but at the same time I love playing from records — the diversity it gives depending on your mood, the audience and so on. A live set has to be more or less planned, and several events with a live performance means producing a large amount of music to keep the performance and material fresh. Actually, working on a live performance with another artist seems more interesting and satisfying. Why not?