808g
808g is the alias of Juan Ignacio Diaco Vidal, the London-based Argentinian singer, performer, multi-instrumentalist, producer, mixer and guitar tech/luthier.
After studying sound engineering at the Universidad Nacional de Lanús, he worked as a live sound engineer and separately on a number of music productions in his home studio. He also trained as a luthier/guitar technician, building and repairing stringed instruments alongside his father, using his surname Diaco as a brand.
In 2014 Juan moved to London to develop his skills and connections. His passion and commitment to music led him to working at guitar repair workshops around the capital city, including Camden Town and the well-known Denmark Street. Here he repaired guitars for artists like the legendary Jarvis Cocker (Pulp), Mercury Prize-Winner Michael Kiwanuka, Grammy-Winners Mumford & Sons, and King Krule. He later taught Brit Award-winners Bastille how to play the traditional rhythms of his home country.
At the same time, he played with a host of different bands as a guitarist, and even busked around town. Juan was hired to work as a guitar technician at Abbey Road on live recording sessions. During this period spent in the studio, mastering engineer Wharton spotted Juan’s potential and encouraged him to focus more of his attention on writing, releasing and performing his own material.
His debut single, glOw, released on 5 March, is a mix of trip-hop, electronic, indie, alternative, R&B, dream-pop and rioplatense music. Stylistically, he has already been compared to the likes of Gorillaz, Homeshake and Connan Mockasin. The music video was filmed at one of the largest and most incredible open air art spaces on the planet, Sicily.
The track was released on 5 March 2021 and featured on his debut EP, aWakeNed. It has been written and self-produced by Juan, and features the rappers Ghostalive and Cleva Thoughts; singer Mr. Pineapple; and lyricist James Chelliah. It was mastered by Alex Wharton.
The accompanying music video, directed by Miguel Usandivaras and Micol Talso, in collaboration with artist Nikole Tursi (headpiece-stylism), finds the other worldly artist/producer calling out through an unknown sign language to a planet in lockdown.
“Ain’t you ever get that? Taking part in what’s being said…”
Music lovers: Is there anybody out there? If so, let’s go (vamos)!