Artist Showcase: El Paso Based Techno DJs Dustin Holtsberry & Raul Facio

Under the shadows of the Franklin Mountains in El Paso, Texas there is a booming techno scene that’s been developing over the years. As a result, El Paso has developed some of the finest local techno in the world.

We had an opportunity to speak with two of the city’s preeminent Techno musicians, Dustin Holtsberry & Raul Facio about their style & influences, and the local scene in El Paso.

Dustin Holtsberry is signed to Funk N Deep, Deeperfect, and Bordertech Music. His tracks have been played by techno legends such as Spartaque, Spektre and Stefano Noferini.

Raul Facio signed to Dubfire’s mega-techno-label Sci-Tech at 16 years old. His tracks have been played by the likes of Richie Hawtin, and Hector

Read the exclusive interview below and stay tuned for an exclusive mix at the end!

What does Techno mean to you?

DH – “Techno means so much to me. it means happiness for me.”

RF – ” As cliche as it might sound, it’s a way of life for me. I truly feel like it has become a part of me.”

What was the track that made you fall in love with dance music?

DH – “Gaiser – Some Slip. that song was so huge for me when I first heard it.”

RF -” Definitely Dubfire’s remix of Radio Slaves Grindhouse.”

How did you get into DJing?

DH – :” I had a best friend who mixed when I was in high school and then I got interested in it from there.”

RF – ” My cousin got me into djing he used to play hard electro and i wanted to do something similar but with less screeching noises that’s where I found out about Techno.”

How would you describe your style?

DH – “Groovy but hard at the same time.”

RF – “A bit of a housey sound but still dark.”

How has the El Paso music scene influenced your career? What do you think this scene has that no other city does?

DH – “The El Paso Scene created my career and has helped sculpt me into the artist I am now. this city has such a love for techno and the crowds are like no other. I really love this city.”

RF – “El Paso has basically sculpted my career In El Pao, people love to go out and party whether it’s a club show or a desert rave the people are always there, that’s something I love.”

What do you think it is that makes El Paso unique?

RF – “El Paso is unique because of its history with electronic music and the fast pace at which the scene is growing.”

DH – “I think what makes El Paso unique is the culture here from the border.”

Why do you think El Paso is many DJs and bands favorite places to play?

DH – “The crowd. The energy that comes from the crowds here is so amazing.”

RF – “People here are so energetic. They love to dance and they love to keep going even when the show is “over”.”

What’s one of your favorite memories from a show here?

RF – “My favorite memory of a show was seeing Hector play at 301 in 2015 he started bringing in my track and as he did he told the crowd to be quiet so he could announce that the track was by someone from El Paso. Then he took me on stage with him for the moment that song played.”

DH – “One of my favorite memories from a show over here is when Richie Hawtin came to 301 and made the crowd insane. I had never seen anything like it.”

What’re some of your favorite shows that have come through the area?

RF – “My favorite show so far was Dubfire &a Joseph Capriati at Hardpop in Juarez”

DH – “Maceo Plex, Shaded, Adam Beyer, Spektre, Durtysoxxx, Skober, Matador, Gaiser, there are so many the list could go on for a long time.”

Who are some of your favorite local producers/DJs/ artists/musicians?

RF – “My favorite producers from El Paso are probably Dustin Holtsberry and Osen, although I am not particularly a fan of the genre Osen makes it still is produced very well all the time. I’ve been noticing a lot of new local producers who have some great potential. Definitely keep an eye on anyone from El Paso at this point!”

DH – “Raul Facio & Diaz Dayz are my favorite producers from over here in El Paso. And for djs There are really alot that I like right now here there is so much talent here. But I really think a duo here “Gus & Sidney” really play the way I like to hear the most.”

Where do you see this scene going in the next few years?

DH -” This scene is only going to keep growing and flourishing. there is no telling how far it can go.”

RF -” It’s growing for sure, I am afraid however that it will grow too fast for people to keep up.”

What inspires you? What do you do when you’re feeling uninspired?

DH – “Anything can Inspire me – from friends to different types of music to just raw emotions. when I’m feeling uninspired I try to listen to different music then go back and try again.”

RF – “For me inspirations come from anything, when feeling uninspired I like to get in touch with nature.”

Who are you listening to right now?

DH -“I really like Victor Ruiz and Egbert, Matador is a huge one for me as well”

RF – “I’ve been digging Eagles and Butterflies a lot as well as Dixon and Adriatique.”

What’s next for you in 2017?

DH – “New releases and new labels. just perfecting my sound and trying my hardest.”

RF -” I’m working on perfecting my sound in productions. I also have some big news that I can’t quite discuss yet. New labels and new clubs to play at is all I can say.”