Abboud chats all things DEA Records and provides mix

For nearly a decade, Elias Jr Abboud has been the driving force behind D.E.A Records, shaping it into a respected underground label. From Venezuela to Spain, he’s hosted world-class artists like Politics of Dancing, Ray Okpara, and Mahony, bringing fresh electronic sounds to South America.

With the release of D.E.A EDITS VOL.2, featuring Abboud himself alongside D.E.A, Solarzano x Avial, Carlos Garcia, and Adonis Rivera, the label continues to push boundaries. And with a new D.E.A EP from Vicari on the horizon, the journey is only just getting started. Besides all this, he also contributed a great mix for us. Read below for more!

You’ve been going for close to ten years now. What do you attribute the label’s success to?

D.E.A – Deep Electronic & Art Production Company officially launched in 2016, but its essence began long before that.

Eight years ago, I founded D.E.A as a passionate raver, music curator, and electronic music lover who saw opportunities for improvement in the scene. At the time, I was living in Panama City, but my journey started much earlier. I spent four years in China from 2007, where I experienced legendary events featuring acts like Deep Dish (Dubfire & Sharam), John Digweed & Sasha, and iconic music brands such as Hed Kandi and In Bed With Space across cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. My travels also took me to Thailand, where I first heard Roger Sanchez, and to Medellín, Colombia, where festivals like Summer Dance Festival and Ultramar brought some of the world’s best line-ups. I also had the privilege of witnessing extended sets from the late Erick Morillo.

Growing up and studying in the U.S. – between Florida, Miami, and Boca Raton – my early clubbing experiences shaped my perspective. The first club I went to in Miami Beach was Opium Garden when I was just 12 (I always looked older, so no one asked for ID!). From there, I explored Crobar, Space, Nikki Beach, Mynt, LIV, and more, seeing performances from Mauro Picotto in Venezuela.

All of these experiences ignited a deep passion within me. I was always fascinated by the production details of events—the security, logistics, and, of course, the music. Being a musician at heart, I’ve always had an ear for sound. Music runs in my family, and I played the guitar, focusing on rock and Spanish classics.

By the time I was in Panama, I realised my next step was to become a producer. I wanted to bring my vision to life—offering an elevated experience for music lovers. At the same time, I started DJing professionally. Everything aligned, and I knew I was exactly where I needed to be.

Since childhood, my brothers introduced me to electronic music, and two tracks that have stayed with me ever since are "My My My" by Armand Van Helden and "Lady" by Modjo (which I used to listen to every morning on my way to school at 7am).

To sum it up (sorry for the long answer!), I owe D.E.A’s success to all these experiences, the amazing team I’ve worked with over the years, the talented DJs, designers, and music engineers, as well as the unwavering support from friends, clients, and music lovers who’ve attended our events since day one. The future is bright.

What’s been the most challenging or frustrating time? How did you overcome it?

Pushing forward when things go wrong. I always remind myself: your vision is right—keep failing until you get it right.

Tell us about your proudest moment on the label. What made it so special?

The label is still in its early years, so every release is a proud moment. Each one features top artists, but of course, the first release will always have that special first-time feeling.

For Deep Electronic & Art Productions, two moments stand out (though all are special to me): Spending quality time with Ali (Dubfire) and his team and the unforgettable afterparty with Hot Since 82 and Matthias Tanzmann.

Your latest EP is from Vicari, someone we know well. How did you connect with him, and why is he a great fit for the label?

I’d been following Vicari for a while, and at some point, we started following each other. A while later, I reached out, and he was super receptive and easy to talk to. From there, things just flowed naturally.

How does it work when signing music from artists like Vicari? Do you give them full creative freedom, or do you guide the direction?

Always full creative freedom. It’s their art, and I trust their instincts. Whether the sound is deep, minimal, or high-energy, I already understand their musical profile and know it will be a valuable addition to the label.

Of course, I provide feedback—detailing what I hear and feel. We brainstorm and refine the vision together.

Tell us about the DEA Edits Volume 2 package. How did you choose the artists? Was it a family affair?

Some artists were chosen through planning, while others came through spontaneous, organic connections. You have to know when to steer the ship and when to let the wind guide you.

It’s always a family affair with anyone who entrusts us with their music.

Your Instagram describes Deep Electronic & Art Productions as ‘Socializing Music’. What does that mean?

That’s actually the tagline for Deep Electronic & Art Productions—not the label. Our events are designed for people to listen, connect, and feel free. It’s all about bringing people together through music.

The label’s artwork is always striking. Who handles the designs? Do you think artwork is often overlooked today?

Artwork is definitely overlooked, but some labels and companies still prioritise visual expression.

We work with a team of designers, and depending on the occasion, we brainstorm ideas together to create something that resonates.

Let’s talk about Venezuela’s electronic scene. How did you get involved?

I was born here, so I’ve been involved since day one. The local DJs, producers, and production teams are extremely well-prepared, and new talents with fresh ideas continue to emerge. You’ll see Venezuelan artists on major line-ups worldwide.

Venezuela is a must-visit for electronic music lovers.

You also run events in Panama, Colombia, Spain, and beyond. Tell us more.

Yes! We’ve organised events in five countries. Some of the highlights include: Mihai Pol at RED58 Club, Barcelona, Livio & Roby at Armando Records, Bogotá, Mahony in Panama, Colombia, and Venezuela. Each event has been special in its own way.

You recently brought Mahony to play. How was that?

That was in Lechería, Venezuela—a city you should check out, it’s like a tropical version of Venice, Italy!

Mahony is D.E.A family. He’s like a brother to me, and he’ll always be part of our line-ups. We love showcasing his growth and evolution over the years.

What are the biggest challenges and rewards of running events there?

The challenge is that European electronic sounds aren’t as popular as we’d like, but recognition is growing. More people are appreciating the deeper, more organic sounds of real instruments played through CDJs and mixers.

Politics of Dancing recently joined you in Panama. Do artists usually stay a few days when they visit?

Yes—almost always! About 90% of the time, artists stay for a few days. We travel, cook, eat, party, laugh, and make music together. We don’t do quick in-and-out bookings. We welcome artists into the family.

You’re also involved in EA Inspirato Hotel. Tell us more.

Yes! Our family business spans multiple industries—construction, textiles, and soon, a hotel and casino. Interestingly, working in construction over the last few years has actually improved my approach to music. Life itself is music—you just have to be present and let it inspire you.

Tell us about the mix you’ve done for us. What vibe were you aiming for?

It’s a journey—a reflection of my experiences over the years. It blends old-school and new-school sounds, capturing the emotions I felt when visualising Nightclubber.RO. I hope everyone enjoys it. It’s from the heart.

Your mix series has featured some amazing guests. How did that start?

It began during the pandemic when I wanted to share music with people stuck at home. It’s now a key part of Deep Electronic & Art, and new episodes are coming soon!

What’s next for you—musically and personally?

Whatever life throws at me—we’ll nurture it and make it flourish together.

Listen to Elias’ mix for us here