Rawthentic

For two decades, Carlo Lio and Nathan Barato have been at the forefront of the electronic music industry, shaping the underground house and techno scene with their label, Rawthentic Music. Originating from Toronto, the duo launched the imprint in 2005, driven by a shared passion for deep, high-energy grooves. Over the years, Rawthentic has evolved into a globally respected platform, featuring a diverse roster of artists and consistently delivering innovative music. With the label celebrating its 20th anniversary and an ambitious roadmap ahead, Carlo and Nathan sat down to discuss their journey, challenges, and the future of Rawthentic.

Looking back on two decades of success, Carlo and Nathan attribute Rawthentic’s longevity to their commitment to quality and authenticity.

“What has stayed steady for us since the beginning has been our dedication to releasing music we love and believe in. Popular sounds change. They come and go. We stick to who we are, and people connect with that. We really look for music that has shelf life and no expiry date, which I think has let us stand the test of time.”

This steadfast approach has helped the label maintain relevance despite the ever-changing landscape of electronic music.

Adapting to industry shifts has been no small feat, and the duo admits that staying relevant over the years has come with its fair share of obstacles. Among the biggest challenges was navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when the music industry faced unprecedented disruptions. “Adapting through COVID was probably the hardest challenge for us. No DJs buying our tracks—it was hard to understand a path forward. But we ended up deciding to keep releasing tracks every two weeks regardless of COVID, and it pushed us forward through that shit storm.”

They also acknowledge the increasing saturation of the industry, making it crucial to remain consistent and maintain engagement with their audience.

Despite these challenges, Rawthentic has managed to carve out a distinct sound that blends underground grooves with electrifying house and techno elements. Over the years, the label has evolved while staying true to its core identity.

“We generally tend to gravitate towards edgy, more raw tracks. Of course, we’ll change around when something comes on our plate that we love. Even if it doesn’t sound like something we release normally, we’re still happy to give it a shot. We’ve always stayed true to our sound but always evolving versus selling out and following trends.”

For aspiring label owners looking to build a lasting brand, Carlo and Nathan emphasize the importance of fostering a strong community around their music.

“Find a way to build a community around your label and sound. Turn that into a brand people can identify and connect with. Have a solid amount of releases lined up ahead of time but not too many. You want to leave some space for something that might come up.”

They also highlight the value of direct engagement with DJs and artists, reinforcing relationships that can support the label’s growth.

Reflecting on Rawthentic’s extensive catalog, certain releases stand out as defining moments for the label.

“There are a bunch of releases we could mention, but the Shermanology tracks come to mind. It was really cool that they came to us with their new sound and trusted us to bring it to the world. It was also different from what we were releasing at the time, but both of us knew instantly when we heard the demos that it was a ‘yes.’”

Looking ahead, Rawthentic is poised for expansion, with several exciting projects in the pipeline for 2025 and beyond.

“We’ll be leveling up on all fronts. We’ve decided to take things to the next level with our releases, which we’ll keep quiet for now. As well, we have partnered with Sample Market to release sample packs on a regular frequency. And of course, we are working to show the world how we do Rawthentic events. A lot of exciting news to come...”

The label is also planning to further establish itself in the live event space, creating immersive experiences that reflect its distinct identity.

“We are excited to expand our presence into branded events. Our journey has always been about connecting with our audience through music, and hosting our own shows allows us to deepen that connection. We envision creating experiences that go beyond just performances.”

When asked about their dream collaboration, the duo has a clear answer.

“Hands down, Mr. G. His productions have had a major influence on the music we make, play, and release. He has always had that really raw, dark yet groovy sound we have always gravitated to. He’s definitely been a template for how we make, play, and sign music.”

As digital platforms and AI-driven music trends reshape the industry, Rawthentic remains unphased, staying true to its artistic vision.

“Technology advancing has never really been something we fear. We do what we do and let the chips fall where they may. Obviously, there will be some effect on the whole industry, but we have faith that people will remain artists versus using AI as a cheat. Guess we’ll see as the years go by.”

For Carlo and Nathan, Rawthentic’s journey is far from over. Their ultimate vision is to see the brand grow into a global powerhouse with large-scale events and possibly even festivals. “Obviously, we have many goals. One of them is for our brand to grow to a point where we can have many label events, and possibly festivals.”

Rawthentic Music’s ability to thrive for two decades speaks to the unwavering passion and dedication of Carlo Lio and Nathan Barato. Their willingness to adapt while staying true to their core identity has allowed them to stand the test of time in an industry where trends shift rapidly. Their commitment to fostering a strong musical community and pushing creative boundaries ensures that Rawthentic remains a formidable force in the electronic music world.

As a label, Rawthentic is more than just a platform for music—it’s a movement that brings people together through sound. Their efforts in supporting emerging talent, crafting innovative releases, and expanding into live events demonstrate a forward-thinking approach that sets them apart. With their eyes set on the future, it’s clear that Rawthentic Music will continue to shape the electronic music landscape for years to come.