Barcelona is undoubtedly one of the party capitals in the world, so as far as Hallowe’en events go, partying in a castle with great house and techno DJs has to be winner and takes the party out of the clubs into a countryside habitat where people can really get loose in an uber-relaxed environment… even if it’s only for one night, you know this is going to be something very special.
What a backdrop then for Brighton-based duo Beatsworkin’s annual shindig over the Hallowe’en weekend. Now in its seventh year, The Secret Castle Party has been fully embraced by expats, locals and tourists alike. Jamie Bawn and Chris Eaton, aka Beatsworkin, have always delivered big international names alongside local talent for this event over the years, and with similar events at the same venue during the infamous Off Week every June.
This year the programme is led by headliner, Pennsylvanian Producer Jay Haze, who is no stranger to Barcelona himself, headlining at the W-Hotel for an Off Week event, or spinning at Razzmatazz and La Terrrazza in his many times here. So where is he based now and what does he love to do in Barcelona apart from perform?
“I live 2 hours drive from BCN in a town called Bennicassim, you probably know about the festival here,” Jay told us. “In Barcelona, you know, it all depends on mood. I love to be near the sea, but I also really appreciate afternoon walks through the city. Last time I was here, I took a short route from Plaza Tetuán to La Sagrada Familia,” he added.
Jay was the third ever producer to record a session for Resident Advisor, and is better known as a curator of one of the mix CDs for Fabric Mix series. He also very well respected in philanthropic circles for his fundraising for causes such as supporting victims from the 2004 Asian Tsunami or the impoverished children of Peru.
He has earned many accolades and critical acclaim for his productions over the years and he can play many musical instruments, and he was even known to be a bit of glass sculptor before he took up electronic music production. Jay was also a co-founder of Textone, one of the first Creative Commons music services that was getting millions of downloads while the rest of the recording industry was trying to catch up to the digital music revolution. No changes with his music ethos either, so what’s the best way to access his music?
“By staying connected on many portals you connect to get other music on, I am there too,” he says. “For new stuff… the first single from my new album Rain Drops and Birds is coming out next month. The album features collaborations with Hoffmann Ensemble, Robert Owens and Mo. Out now is the Acoustic Glitch E.P. on Detroit Underground with a video I made myself for it,” said Haze.
He will be dropping some new material on the 28th October event as well. “I will have to drop the new Michal Ho feat Signup Dance, Dance, Dance then I imagine I will rock Alex Celler featuring RW Stop Time then I’m going to have to bust out with something from the new album. I guess I’ll drop Hurt featuring Robert Owens,” Jay mused.
Has anything else got his attention right now?
“I read much more than watch films, I find it very peaceful. The last book I finished was The Singularity is Near, but admittedly I like to keep several going at once. I find myself more drawn to science than science fiction. But I think eternal sunshine of the spotless mind is one of my favorite films of all time.”
Jay Haze Headlines The Secret Hallow‘een Castle Party & 7th Birthday party
Secret Location, Barcelona 28th October 2016
Full Line-Up:
Jay Haze, Luke McKeehan, Beatsworkin, Jonny Loves House (live!), Lee Gardner & Grant Bungey, D-Bird, Tiger Grooves, Zakov, Mark J, Andy Moore, Markus Saarlander, Zoe Zoe, Gabriel Ursu, Pure Klass DJs and KLS Beats.
More Info:
https://www.residentadvisor.net/event.aspx?863223
Jay Haze unreleased Fabric Mix:
