He’s the modern day Mozart, today’s leading talent in the ever-growing trance scene. He’s the pride of Moldova, known for his unique and very own sound. He is Andrei Rata, better known as Andrew Rayel. Born on July 21st, 1992, his young age never stopped him from taking the lead in the next generation of EDM producers. Developing strong musical skills, he studied orchestral music and kicked off his producing career at only 13 years of age. It didn’t take long for the passionate music lover to translate his ideas into sounds. He created a truly unique, significant sound, one of piano power, harmonic balance and euphoric tales. And so, years later, his originals and remixes are praised by many and loved by more. But, rest assured, the Andrew Rayel story has only just started.
Often called ‘the new Armin van Buuren’, it’s no surprise that Andrew indeed found the support of the man himself. Having the number one DJ supporting his tracks on the world famous A State of Trance radio show has ever been a dream of Andrew. And sometimes, dreams come true. His tracks ‘550 Senta’, ‘How Do I Know’ ft. Jano, ‘Aeon of Revenge’, ‘Aether’, ‘Deflagration’, ‘Musa’ and ‘Zeus’ all made it to the show, often voted Tune of the Week and Future Favourite. The trance scene embraced Andrew’s refreshing sound, giving him a very warm welcome. His tracks found a solid home on the A State of Trance and Armind labels, both part of the Armada Music family. Impressed by his originals, it didn’t take long until the Rayel sound became hot property for remixes. And so, Andrew was lucky enough to handle remix duties for tracks by Armin van Buuren, Markus Schulz, Tiesto, W&W, Bobina, Tenishia and many more. Earning the support of the DJ elite, the Rayel sound has spread all across the globe, from the underground clubs to the mainstream festivals.
Though his career is fairly young, Andrew has already DJ’ed the world’s most legendary clubs and massive festivals. From Kazantip, Global Gathering, Trancefusion, Ball En Blanc, Trancemission and Ministry of Sound to multiple A State of Trance 600 events, the A State of Trance Ibiza nights at Privilege and the world-famous Monday Bar cruise. As a result of his hard work and dedication, fans voted him #77 in the DJ Mag Top 100 of 2012. Expectations for 2013’s poll are even higher. Same goes for the highly anticipated Andrew Rayel debut album. Set for release on Armada Music, trance land eagerly holds their breath, craving more of Andrew’s magic dancing dust. A little pre-taste of what’s to come, is Andrew’s very first and official compilation: ‘Mystery of Aether’. Out on Armada Music in early September 2013, it’s Rayel doing what he does best. He moves us.
The release of the magnificent compilation Mystery of Aether is the best opportunity to request an interview from Andrew. I’m glad he accepted the challenge and you can read right here his answers. Andrew is Great talent with strong personality that is reflected in his answers on this informative interview. Enjoy Andrew Rayer….
Interview was written and conducted by Dimitris Kechagias, Music Journalist/Radio/DJ
Dimitri: Firstly it would be great to go back in time and let us know if you come from a family that has any connection with arts and particularly music? Was your family supportive in your decision to get into the competitive and ruthless world of the EDM industry?
Andrew: Hello, umm no to be honest not much of a history, but my parents noticed my talent and enrolled me in a musical school which widened my music knowledge and things got better and better and even more interesting since that moment. My family is fully supportive in my musical career and ruthless or not, they always and will always believe in me no matter what and im thankful for that!
Dimitri: Is it possible to pick up the Top 5 artists/djs that have inspired and influence your music productions and dj style as well?
Andrew: Armin Van Buuren
Hans Zimmer
Dash Berlin
Klaus Badelt
ATB
Dimitri: Have you attended any music school or workshop to learn how to produce EDM or you are 100% self-taught?
Andrew: The school I attended to was for classical music composition which you always notice in my production, that’s the only school I attended to. So my answer would have to be 100% self-taught.
Dimitri: Do you have currently another daytime job as well or are you 100% music producer and dj and make a leaving out of it?
Andrew: I’m actually a University Student! Studying Economics and hopefully next year would be graduation year.
Dimitri: You are closely associated with Armind/Armada Music. Is it possible to tell which one of your tracks was the one that attracted Armin van Buuren attention and how did you felt when he asked you to sign your first track in his label?
Andrew: Basically the very first track which got ASOT/Armin attention was my first tune of the week called “Aether”, and after that I was really happy to get noticed by them and decided to apply for my next release on Armada Music, which they liked and it has been simply the best choice I did, and I’m simply proud to be releasing on Armin’s label.
Dimitri: You are responsible for the magnificent mix compilation The Mystery Of Aether. Can you let us know how long it took you to select the tracks and if it was an easy or a difficult task for you? What kind of criteria did you had in mind to choose the tracks for the album?
Andrew: The only thing that makes a compilation so hard is because of the many amazing tracks out there and it wasn’t easy, but at the end I went on my own way and I choose the tracks that I wanted and that in my mind fits for the compilation and my sound so that the listeners can be on a music journey while enjoying the compilation.
Dimitri: Is it possible to give us a short comment about each personal track that you have included in this compilation. It can be about the production process, influences, feedback that you got for it.
Andrew:
Andrew Rayel - Zeus
Zeus was more of an experimental track that has my sounds in it, yet a more driving epic big baseline type of track, and the results are simply amazing and really happy it went well.
Andrew Rayel - Musa
Musa has the typical classic harmonic Andrew Rayel sounds, which has a big euphoric feeling that I always enjoy making as it always includes lots of emotion.
Bobina with Andrew Rayel - Sacramentum
A collaboration between myself and of the most talented artists , Bobina. I was in Russia actually and had some free days off in my tour and we simple decided to have a hit at the studio.
Andrew Rayel & Alexandre Bergheau - We Are Not Afraid Of 138
Another collaboration with one of the hottest new talents! I was aiming to do an uplifting track, I had a melody in mind, and I’ve been enjoying the sounds of Alex lately, and you know it’s always a pleasure to be helping new talents out there, just like I got the help and support, and the result was simply epic, and since the hype of 138 is pretty strong, especially after WO138 stage in ASOT, we decided to show that we’re not! ?
Alex M.O.R.P.H. feat. Sylvia Tosun - An Angel's Love (Andrew Rayel Aether remix)
An Angels of love is one of the biggest trance tracks, and when I got asked by Alex to remix it, it was one of those decisions you can’t stay no. The process was a bit tough as the original is a huge hit, and remixing hit is always pressure you know…so I simply went into the studio and went with Andrew Rayel style, and I’m very proud from the feedbacks!
Dimitri: Can you pick up from the compilation the absolute highlight track that you believe characterizes the atmosphere of the whole compilation?
Andrew: I would say my collaboration with Bobina called “Sacramentum”. Through this track you can really discover the “ Mystery of Aether” cause it has all elements that describes this style, emotional, euphoric, energetic !
Dimitri: Did you mixed live this great compilation or with the aid of computer software? Is it a straightforward mixing of the tracks or have you done new special edits and you have added extra sounds to them?
Andrew: It wasn’t mixed live but of course I did a lot special edits on every song, added some sounds, also I did a special intro on Airbase – Modus Operandi for this compilation. It took time to arrange every detail so it can sound perfect ?
Dimitri: Do you believe that this compilation will attract more exposure for you and will help you to get more dj bookings as well?
Andrew: It always great to get exposure from no matter what you’re doing in your career, and the aim of doing this compilation wasn’t : ok let’s go into the studio and put hits and aim for more bookings. It was to do my first compilation and doing it the way I feel connected to my fans, and hoping it will be a big success. If as a result of this success more bookings come, then hard work is paid off and is always a pleasure playing for the fans around the world!
Dimitri: From your back catalogue of great productions and remixes is it possible to pick up your all time personal Top 5 and give a short comment about each of them?
Andrew:
Andrew Rayel ft Jano – How Do I Know: My first vocal release and It got a HUGE success, Jano Is simply an amazing vocalist, and it’s one of my biggest tracks and really happy with it!
Andrew Rayel – Aether: It was my very first track that got picked as tune of the week on ASOT.
Andrew Rayel – 550 Senta: It’s one of my biggest track that got a huge amount of support during ASOT550 tour, and several plays on ASOT shows, and simply happy 550 Senta being one my biggest productions
Armin Van Buuren – Serenity (Andrew Rayel Aether mix): Serenity is one of biggest tracks of all time and one of the tracks that got my attention to me producing trance, it was something simply I couldn’t resist to do.
Armin Van Buuren & Markus Schulz – The Expedition (ASOT600 Anthem): Remixing ASOT anthem is simply a big honor and achievement to me.
Dimitri: The absolute highlight in your productions is the long breakdowns where usually you apply opera vocals, orchestral classical music and cinematic atmospheres. Do you aspire to produce movie soundtracks as well and can you choose for us a movie that you would love to produce the soundtrack for it?
Andrew: I would love to produce some soundtracks for the movies ! This is one of my dreams and probably when I’ll get old that’s what I’m gonna do. “A Beautiful Mind” is one of my all time favorite movies so I wish I could create the soundtracks for it .
Dimitri: Would you like to pick up your best dj set so far? In which club and country have you met the most expressive and up for it crowd?
Andrew: I think the best Dj set so far I had was during ASOT 600 in Den Bosch. As for club and country, Calypso Club in Tunisia.
Dimitri: Can you let us know the forthcoming performances that you are looking forward to play and uplift the crowd to the maximum?
Andrew: Ibiza – A State Of Trance
My ASIA tour (Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, & Signapore)
Armada Night during the ADE
StereoSonic Tour in Australia
And much more. Stayed tuned to my website, twitter and facebook fanpage for the latest gigs and updates!
Dimitri: One of my favorite questions to all the djs is that one about self-reflection and self-criticism. Out of 10 with what score do you rate the various elements of your dj performances and why?
Andrew:
a) Your mixing skills:
Mixing is an art, and not much people understand this, thinking that we just press some buttons there and it’s all very easy. I’ve seen a lot of great DJ’s that are doing amazing stuff on Dj console and there is always a way to get better. I'm a perfectionist.
b) Your ability to choose the right track for the right occasion:
It’s a matter of experience which comes with the time, at the beginning it was really hard but with more gigs I got it.
c) Your friendly attitude towards the fans that are coming to shake your hand when you perform and after that?
I always shake hands to all fans, and try to take pictures with everyone and sign everything, till the moment when security comes and says, its’ enough!
Dimitri: You are coming from Moldova. Is there an alive and kicking EDM scene in your country?
Andrew: Earlier, not really! But for the past 2 or 3 years, things have been expanding and booming in my country in the EDM scene, and my last event was simply over the top amazing from the amount of crowd that showed up and for their energetic reactions.
Dimitri: You have sent out until now in your career many demos to various record labels. Can you give your advice to young artists on how they should send out their demos to the record labels in order to attract their attention?
Andrew: My advice is always be yourself when making music, don’t copy, there’s already a version of that anyway, be your own sound, and try applying for big labels at the beginning, no result, start off with a good small label and work your way from there! Good music is always appreciated and supported.
Dimitri: Are you active and passionate user of Facebook/twitter and other social networks? Do you spend a lot of time to interact with your fans and do you see this as vital element in your career or as a waste of your time?
Andrew: I always try my best in giving more hours to my social media and interacting with my fans, and it’s not a waste of time at all! I am here because of them and I should always give as much possible time to them between my gigs and productions.
Dimitri: Last year you performed really well at the dj mag Top 100 djs pool and you have landed at #77. Why you believe people should vote for you and do you really care about the importance of this list?
Andrew: Some artists care about the list and some don’t, my view is that Dj Mag is one of the biggest dance magazine out there, DJ MAG Awards is the most awaited awards which ranks the top100 djs around the world, and which usually a lot of promoters count on that , so it’s definitely a + to your career, as well as ranking in the top100 shows that fans are taking their time off to vote for your music which they love and that simply means a lot to any artist. Why do I believe people should vote for me…? It’s more like I hope that the fans will vote for me if they think I’ve earned the right to, after them seeing me live, and hearing my live sets or productions or remixes, and hoping I did an outstanding job to get their support.
Dimitri: Final question should be about the tracks and remixes we should expect from you in the near future?
Andrew: Well, I have 3 tracks coming out which are also included on Unverisal Religion Chapter 7 – Compilation mixed by Armin Van Buuren.
3 new tracks , with 3 different styles.
A new vocal track with the talented Jwaydan which is called “Until the end”
My collaboration with Alexandre Bergheau “We are not afraid of 138"
And my latest single “Dark Warrior” which is more a harder banging epic trance track!
Dimitri: Many thanks for your time to reply on this interview
Andrew: No problem, thank you for having me.
Tracklist for Mystery of Aether
1. Airbase - Modus Operandi (Andrew Rayel Intro Radio Edit) (03:52)
2. Tasadi & Aryas - Lost Garden (Faruk Sabanci Dirty Rock Mix) (05:58)
3. Andrew Rayel - Zeus (Radio Edit) (03:27)
4. Tenishia - Pantera (Radio Edit) (03:37)
5. Bogdan Vix - Stella Maris (Radio Edit) (03:28)
6. Maarten De Jong - Wave Glider (Radio Edit) (03:19)
7. Armin van Buuren & W&W - D# Fat (Radio Edit) (03:15)
8. Alex Wackii - Marianne (Radio Edit) (03:48)
9. Fisherman & Hawkins - Apache (Official Radio Edit) (02:50)
10. Dash Berlin & Alexander Popov feat. Jonathan Mendelsohn - Steal You Away (Radio Edit) (03:00)
11. Klauss Goulart & Mark Sixma - Rio (Radio Edit) (03:38)
12. Orjan Nilsen - Violetta (Radio Edit) (03:15)
13. Alex M.O.R.P.H. feat. Sylvia Tosun - An Angel's Love (Andrew Rayel Aether Radio Edit) (03:32)
14. Alexandre Bergheau - Damavand (Original Mix) (08:06)
15. Bobina with Andrew Rayel - Sacramentum (Andrew Rayel Aether Radio Edit) (04:14)
16. Andrew Rayel - Musa (Radio Edit) (03:35)
17. Andrew Rayel & Alexandre Bergheau - We Are Not Afraid Of 138 (Radio Edit) (03:28)
18. A.R.D.I. - Beyond The Time (Radio Edit) (03:51)
19. Andrew Rayel - Mystery Of Aether (Full Continuous DJ Mix) (78:09.0000)
Many thanks to Andrew Rayel for his time to reply on my interview
Many thanks to Marije de Konink, International PR & Promotion & Carmen van der Werf, PR & Promotion assistant at Armada Music for her support to organize this interview
Many thanks to Tjerk Coers at Armada Music for his great support with incredible music
Many thanks to Paul at 1mix radio for proofing and publishing
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