Introducing Gel Abril to the Central Europe Analog Agency Artist Roster
Throughout his twenty-year venture as one of the most coveted underground DJs/producers to emerge from Tel Aviv's electronic scene, Gel Abril (Roy Brizman) has crossed paths with nearly every significant industry figure. Whether he’s manning the decks with an impressive arsenal of cutting-edge selections or engulfed in the latest studio project, his endeavors are well-acknowledged all-across the globe.
The Israeli mastermind’s career-track initially unfolded with the Remix to 2007's Freakside – a contemporary classic, originally conceived by Shlomi Aber. During the same year, he later debuted his smash-single The Underground Bullshit on Josh Wink’s Ovum Recordings, sealing a distinguished partnership with one of the leading labels of the decade.
From that moment onwards, Abril became a key contributor to Shlomi Aber’s Be As One imprint, tying musical bonds with his native country’s top-grade record company. Without a hint of slowing down, he shelved out no less than four singles for the premiere label, including Your Face Is A Mess and Very Wrong.
Accompanying his early triumphs beneath the wings of Be As One, Gel Abril followed up with 2008’s Miranda EP – a double-sided release, signed by yet another highly-acclaimed label, Get Physical. Though later that year, he unleashed one his proudest works to date, Spells Of Yoruba. This momentous track was readily tipped as an “official anthem of the time” by numerous industry critics, reflecting the score’s optimal balance between alluring vocal samples and infectious tribal percussive-loops.
Fast-forward to Miami’s Winter Music Conference of 2012 and you’ll hear his name on the lips of every attendee, especially with regard to his chart-smashing collaboration with Andrea Oliva, Scene. The tremendous hype surrounding this massive release even lent itself to the track’s later designation as the #3 most charted on Resident Advisor a few months later.
Presently, Gel Abril proudly paces into 2014 with a flourishing legacy, donning recent additions to his home-imprint, Be As One. The Provocateur EP explores the cutting-edge tip of his musical prowess, blurring the lines between house and techno among two principal tracks, Ue Suala and the title-track, Provocateur. Listeners should expect further studio gems forthcoming on Nic Fanciulli's Saved and Technasia's Sino, as Abril continues to affirm his production savvy.
Among the trade of spinning records, there isn’t a major venue on earth that hasn’t appeared on Gel Abril’s extensive touring schedule. A distinguished veteran of numerous legendary clubs and gatherings, his performances have taken center-stage throughout Sonar Festival Barcelona, Amnesia Ibiza, Womb Tokyo, and Berlin’s Katerhoilzig, just to name a few.
In a competitive market of global DJs, Abril’s distinctive blend of tech house and metallic-groove consistently enchants the hearts of listeners, transcending the boundaries of formal genres. Always acknowledged for his unparalleled diversity behind the mixer, his sets are both bold and inventive.
Described by music journalists as a “unique specie of an artist", so far, this determination could not be more accurate for the endearing record selector.