"I honestly kind of like how the 2am curfew encourages us to call it a night." Interview with Farsight

Peruvian-American artist Farsight combines his affinity for the UK hardcore continuum and Latin rhythms with high-impact genres like hard groove techno, jersey club, and reggaeton, demonstrating cutting-edge eclecticism in both productions and DJ sets while always playing for the dancefloor. Read on for an interview with the artist.

See Farsight and Charles Hawthorne co-headline our 4-Year Anniversary Afterparty this Saturday, November 9th at Mothership. We look forward to seeing you there!

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Where did you grow up and how long have you lived in the Bay Area?

I was born and raised in San Jose, California. I went to college in Chicago, and then lived in Los Angeles for a few years before gradually making my way back.

The Bay Area gets a lot negative press. What makes this place special to you?

There’s nothing like the people and the vibe anywhere else. We have a unique culture and energy that I am proud to be a part of. Certainly, there’s problems we need to work on addressing, but you’ll find downsides anywhere. I feel in my element here.

Relative to other cities’ club scenes, what are we missing here?

The 2am curfew is a defining feature of our nightlife landscape. Although it holds us back in certain ways, I honestly kind of like how it encourages us to call it a night. Sometimes, it’s quite lovely to be able to enjoy the next day and our often balmy weather.

Which Bay Area artists, labels, parties, etc. are you most excited about?

I sincerely support and feel strongly about so many that I will almost definitely forget something I will feel bad about later, but to name just a few parties, Squish, No Bias, Fake and Gay, Vitamin1000, Program, Fluxions, Sutro FM, Hyde FM, Fault Radio, Texture Summit, Sunset Soundsystem, Werd, Amor Digital, Perfect Dark, Domain, Yerba Buena, So Sweet, As You Like It, and all associated artists. That’s off the top of my head so I’m definitely forgetting some…

Beyond the Bay, what music (songs, albums, or artists) have you been listening to the most recently

I am working hard on building my vinyl DJing skills, and have been collecting lots of Garage House between the years 1994 and 1997. So listening to lots of that, mostly while digging on Discogs for hours at a time. Also lots of soul music from 1965 to 1969, as that is the primary focus of my 45 collection. Otherwise, for casual listening, I have been gravitating back to music I was listening to in 2017, indie rock / pop by artists like Forth Wanderers, Warehouse and Stephen Malkmus.

We love Whistle Tip, your last release with Jialing. Do you have any other new releases coming up?

Thanks! Jia is a pleasure to work with and a very good friend. I’m happy we could put that release out together, and much love to Clasico Records for enabling us to do so. I’ve just put out a four-track EP with Mexico City label Wavawava that I’m also very happy with. Go check it out! Otherwise, I’m preparing to get back into the studio to finish a series of collaborations and originals.

Do you have any hopes or predictions for the local music scene?

The post-pandemic boom of underground electronic parties and artists has proven that there is a wealth of local talent and ambition. I feel confident that San Francisco and the wider Bay Area will receive greater recognition in the coming years in the underground music community, and that many artists active now will establish lasting presences beyond the Bay.