Few labels have left as lasting a mark on underground electronic music as Cadenza. With Luciano at the helm, the platform helped define the sound of a generation, fusing Latin rhythms with deep house and minimal to create a legacy spanning more than two decades. Yet the story continues to evolve. Alongside an ever growing back catalogue, last year saw the launch of sub-label Cadence Noire, an imprint curated by Romanian producer Victor Ernuteanu aka Guy From Downstairs.
Following his own release on Cadenza in 2024 and regular appearances at the label’s showcases, GFD quickly established himself as a central figure within the family. But his association with Cadenza goes back much further. “The label, and Luciano himself, were part of my earliest influences, both in how I produce and how I play,” he says. “Getting to add my own chapter to a story which shaped me that early on is really exciting and motivating.”
Rather than starting from scratch, Cadence Noire was envisioned as a continuation of Cadenza’s philosophy while giving Victor the freedom to explore music without stylistic boundaries. “I knew I didn’t want to lock into one sound. There’s too much good music out there that doesn’t fit into a box, and I wanted a home for that. The vision is honestly pretty simple. Cool music that I like, and that I think you should hear too. Taste is the vision.”
Since Alexis Cabrera opened the catalogue with Ghosts From Another Universe, the label has steadily built an identity through releases from Jay Tripwire, Pusherman, Francesco Maddalena, Andrei Ciubuc, FRAXA, GAAP (RO) and Maher Daniel. While each artist brings a distinct perspective, the catalogue has remained cohesive, favouring musicality, atmosphere and groove over passing trends.
If Guy From Downstairs had to define the label in a single word, it would be soul. “Underground music that makes you feel something, rather than tracks that work for three minutes on a dance floor and get forgotten by the end of the night. That’s the DNA I grew up on with Cadenza, and it’s the same DNA I’m carrying forward, just from from my own angle.” That philosophy extends beyond the music itself. Victor has deliberately avoided chasing a polished, predictable sound, instead embracing records with character and personality. “If something’s a bit raw or unconventional but it has that spark, that’s exactly what I want. It’s not built to please everyone, it’s built to be honest. The name says a lot about that too. Cadence Noire keeps the rhythm and elegance of Cadenza, but the “Noire” pulls it into the shadows a little. Less spotlight, more of the deeper corners of the underground that don’t always get attention.”
Equally important is creating a dialogue between generations of artists, bringing together respected names alongside emerging producers who deserve a wider audience. Looking back on the label’s first year, Victor feels that original vision has remained intact. “Every release has its own voice, its own vibe and groove. There’s no guideline the artists are following, no brief they need to fit into. The only thing tying it all together is soul.” That instinctive approach also shapes how music is selected. “Sometimes it’s a groove, sometimes it’s just one weird sound in the track that catches my ear and won’t let go. I feel it before I can explain it.”
The latest chapter arrives with Guti’s debut on Cadence Noire, a collaborative EP that sees the Argentinian producer join forces with Guy From Downstairs, Mateo Dufour, Nesta and Cosenza across four tracks. The release, titled Yo Soul Turnin’ Heads, represents a meaningful return to a label family that has played an important role during Guti’s career.
“My story with Cadenza is special,” Guti tells us. “I made records there that mean a lot for me and for many people. I’m proud and happy to be part of this new era for the label, and to continue being part of the incredible list of artists who’ve released on Cadenza and now Cadence Noire. Luciano and I also have so much in common; the pursuit of something new, something honest, and we’re both Latinos!”
Rather than approaching the EP as a solo statement, each collaboration developed from genuine studio encounters, with every track reflecting a different creative journey. “Every song has a different story. ‘Yo Soul Turnin’ Heads’ came from a jam session with Victor in Romania. ‘Move It’ was kind of a blind date, Mateo and I had never met before but spent two days together in the studio. ‘Getgo’ came from another jam in Buenos Aires with Cosenza, while ‘Jazzology’ happened almost in one take with Nesta. Every collaboration had its own energy.”
Guy From Downstairs’ contribution emerged during one of those sessions after Guti stayed in Bucharest, following a gig they played together at Club Control. “Working with Guti is always good times. Lots of creative moments, a lot of laughing, sometimes total chaos, but the fun never stops. Jamming on the machines, watching him work the keyboards, feeding off each other’s energy. That’s really the whole story behind the track, two friends catching up through music after way too long.”
For Guti, collaboration remains one of the most rewarding parts of making music. “I always want to learn something new. I’ve been making records for so long that maybe I’m not learning something technical anymore, but a new way to see music. I’m fascinated by people’s approach to music and how it takes me to new places. That’s very inspiring.”
In many ways, that sense of curiosity perfectly reflects Cadence Noire itself. Almost one year on from its launch, the imprint has established an identity built not on trends or formulas, but on instinct, individuality and a shared love of underground music with lasting soul.
More info on Cadence Noire
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