Bruce Zalcer: I was obsessed with music from a young age

Bruce Zalcer, the artist and producer from Panama City, is shaping the techno scene with his distinctive sound. With a rich musical background that spans classical training to heavy metal, Zalcer has honed a unique techno style known for its raw energy and groovy aggression. His notable work has found a home on prestigious labels like Suara and Terminal M, earning him accolades and a rising profile in the techno world. 2023 was a landmark year for Zalser with the release of his “Catharsis” EP on Victor Ruiz\’s Volta Records, showcasing his ability to combine emotional depth with peak-period energy. Zalcer remains a name to watch in 2024, promising a European and American tour, more innovative sounds and spectacular performances. In addition to music, Bruce is the CEO of an insurance company, is a loving husband and raises two beautiful daughters.

Recently Bruce Zalcer released a new “Evil Eye” EP on Modular States, ー dark, magic, and mysterious. So. let’s talk!

ー Hello, Bruce! We are happy to see you on the pages of Tune in Mag! How are you? What this spring brings to you – in personal and professional life?
ー Hi! I’m great, thanks for asking. In terms of music, cool upcoming gigs, and great releases in well-respected labels. Personally, I\’m just enjoying my family and other projects I’m working on.

ー You\’ve had a fascinating journey from playing in rock bands at a young age to becoming a key figure in Techno music. How do you think your early experiences with different instruments and genres have influenced your approach to producing techno?
ー From a young age, I was obsessed with music, especially hard rock and metal, and its culture. When I have memories of the past, I usually associate them with the music I was listening to and/or playing to. It’s difficult to say how I would have approached making music if I hadn’t played instruments like: guitar, bass and piano.  If I had to assume, I’d say knowing those instruments (plus amps, effects, etc) and music theory has allowed me to learn quicker the technical aspects of production.  Also grabbing ideas or references from rock tracks to recreate for techno is something that I do a lot.

ー We are excited about your new \”Evil Eye\” EP on Modular States! What is it about? Could you tell the history of the track and the behind-the-scenes details of working on it? What are your impressions of working with the label team?
ー I’m very happy to be back working with IAMT Group and Spartaque after a year or so hiatus. It’s a very professional and organized team. It’s a two track ep. I produced both tracks one after the other.  Evil Eye is stronger, faster with eerie vocals and melodies. The second track, Bring Me The Rhythm, is no less strong, but the melody is more melancholic. I recorded the vocals for it. I was just sitting in the studio and thought about that phrase, recorded it on my iPhone and put it in the project.  I’m happy with how it turned out.

ー How does this EP represent your current musical direction? And how has your vision of music and creative path changed over time?
ー With techno, I was initially into more melodic peak time.  After a year or so, of releasing I decided I wanted to do more groove/rhythm oriented tracks and less of what I was previously doing.  It took me a while to get to a spot where I felt comfortable matching what I wanted to produce with what I was actually producing and also with labels.  I feel it was worth the effort and I’m happy with the direction I’m on now. 

ー Living in Panama, a place with a rich musical heritage, how do you see your local culture and surroundings influencing your sound and production style?
ー I’ve never considered myself to be a fan or active listener of traditional Latin music (salsa, merengue, etc..) but those sounds are pervasive in our culture and it’s impossible not to be influenced by them.  Especially now that I’m producing groovier tunes, Afro-Caribbean & Latin music has been priceless.  I’ve made tracks with only percussive elements and vocals, with very short/fast musical notes from a sampled Salsa trumpet for example, I don’t think I would have done that if Latin music wouldn’t have been pervasive in Panama where I’ve lived all my life.

ー Tell our readers more about your Dialectic project. What specific goals or objectives would you like to achieve with it?
ー When I started Dialectic in November, 2021, the idea was to promote techno in Panama through quality events with world renowned artists.  Before starting it, I was told by many “experts” that techno didn’t work in Panama.  That I couldn’t play techno, etc… I thought they were wrong.  That I wasn’t a matter of techno but of the type and quality of techno being played and the type of events being done.  It hasn’t been easy, as techno is still not the preferred genre of electronic music in Panama, but slowly we’ve been able to see that there’s an interest for techno and many people who were waiting for something like this.  Now, our plan is to continue doing quality events, bring bigger artists, growing the community and eventually making Panama a Techno Country. 

ー Balancing a career as CEO of an insurance brokerage firm with techno artist and producer and being a husband and a father of two beautiful girls must be a real challenge for you. How do you manage these different aspects of your life, and do they intersect in any way? How does your family support you?
ー Before anything, I have to say how grateful I am to have the full support of my wife for my music career.  This has meant somehow of a change for our lifestyle, and I’m blessed to have a wife that has not only supported but encouraged me to continue doing what I love.  My family is the most important thing for me.  Children grow fast and I want to enjoy every period of their lives. So, I’m careful to prioritize taking time specifically to be with them.

I think the best way to do this is to find specific times for each activity and respect those times.  Be it time for family, for music, for insurance or for anything.  Sometimes, life changes and these times need to be adjusted, that can be stressful, but one gets used to it.  I think what’s most helpful is not thinking about how different life would be if I had more time for music or for anything.  I try to do the best with the time that I have and not use that as an excuse to do less. 

ー Your journey back to music was driven by a deep passion that never faded. For aspiring artists who might be juggling multiple careers or considering a return to music, what advice would you offer?
ー To know that each journey is different.  There’s no established or secure path to a music career. What worked for another won’t necessarily work for you.  So, don’t find excuses for why you can’t do things, everyone can do that, but find ways to do it.  If there’s a will there’s a way.  If we try and continue pushing, we never know what possibilities life may bring.  But if we don’t, then nothing will happen.

ー We offer you a short blitz survey:) Share with our readers your favorite:
ー hobby: reading;
ー track that always inspires you: “Fade to black”, Metallica;
ー book: “The sorrows of young Werther”, Goethe;
ー film: “Godfather-2”;
ー dish: fried chicken.

ー What are your plans for the near future? What can your fans expect this year?
ー I should be going to Europe later this year, also the USA.  Still working on the details.  And a lot of new music is coming out soon!

ー Thank you for the interview! We look forward to the new releases from you!
ー Thank you for having me!

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