Eugenio Tokarev is about all of EDM. His way started from 2011 when he found his first DAW. And it was more like a hobby but he always had a desire to contribute to the history of modern music. And for 4 years he did amateur bootlegs on the famous tracks until in 2015 he released his first Progressive Trance track. But the real passion he found in Uplifting Trance.
And in 2016 was born an Uplifting Trance project called "The Avains" with the first ever release on Discover White (We Are Coming). Then there was the release on Tangled (Alter Ego) with edits by Courage, Etamin and tech remix by Aldo and Fisical Project.
New page of The Avains was achieved with release on Black Hole (Rielism) in collaboration with Fisical Project. Now you can find 2 diffirent aliases, The Avains and Eugenio Tokarev (himself especially for Enhanced Recordings). Step by step he conquers fans around the globe with his music. He is constantly working on his future and working hard for find his way.
Dimitris: Can you mention your biggest music career achievements in 2018?
Eugenio Tokarev: This year has definitely become an achievement for me. I released several tracks on really great labels such as Digital Society, AVA White, Extrema and etc. But my biggest achievement is a contract signing with Digital Society and Enhanced. They allow me to maximize my potential, as well as promote my new alias.
Dimitris: Can you rate 2018 for you as a year with 1 being very bad until 10 that is perfect year!
Eugenio Tokarev: 9 excellent year, I chose 9 because it was really amazing year for my music production. It all started with the signed contracts with some Black Hole Recordings sub-labels for The Avains. After it I met A&R manager of Enhanced which led to the emergence of a new alias - Eugenio Tokarev. At the same time I began to help with the development of new label called ´Butterfly Music´ with Syntouch. Also supports from the biggest trance dj´s around the globe and hit in the top 100 of Beatport (Trance).
1) Best 3 Tracks from other artists in 2018, please give us a short comment for each track:
Eugenio Tokarev: I know this sounds ridiculous, but I prefer to listen more to the rest of the EDM than to the trance music.
But my first track is Virtual Self - Ghost Voices.
I don't know how he managed to do it but Porter Robinson made a really cool and memorable track. It´s a mix of trance and house music. From the first to the last second this track gives emotions. what music is for. Amazing job!
The second track I would choose Steve Angello - Flashing Lights (feat. Highly Sedated). The first time I heard it in the video dedicated Tomorrowland 2018 Aftermovie and it is still one of my most listened tracks of 2018. For me this is oldschool house in his best. Plus it reminds me about Eric Prydz. 12 of 10.
Number three. I want but I can not do it without Uplifting (if I can call it so).
Warrior - Warrior (Mark Sherry Remix). Again some sort of noise, tech and oldschool sound and uplifting base. Original is very good, but this remix by Mark Sherry best of the best for me.
2) Your 3 Best of 2018 personal productions, give us more background info about them:
Eugenio Tokarev: Eugenio Tokarev & Second Reason - Insane [DS-R]
One day I´ve decided to make a collaboration with my mate Second Reason. We made almost 10 different melodies and 2 different versions of the track. The first one was rejected but the second with supports from Armin van Buuren, Photographer, Steve Allen and many more also appeared in the top50 of Beatport (Trance).
Eugenio Tokarev - Hymn [DS-R]
At the very beginning of the journey, it was a remix of a very good friend of mine.
But later, the remix turned into a single with a catchy melody and simple piano. Also it was my first ASOT support.
The Avains - Half Moon (from Half Moon EP) [Butterfly Music]
This track came out on my home label Butterfly Music. In one typical studio sessions day I found one loop of the melodic bass and I immediately fell in love with it. So the rest of the track was done in one breath.
3) Best Artist in 2018(DJ & producer) please explain why you pick him/her up:
Eugenio Tokarev: BLR - he is maestro. The man who always doing his unique sound. Almost every single tune is in my playlist. Leon Bolier. I missed him in trance but his house music is no worse.
Armin van Buuren - The Trance King. For sure, everyone can say that he is not making trance anymore. But he is still on the roof of trance scene. Label, radioshow, raves and etc.
I thought a lot about Mr. Number 3. This is a really tough choice. I will pick Heatbeat. More for all years than for only 2018. Their music for many years adds fire to all parties and after all, they are still in the game. This Argentinian duo are true masters.
4) Best Remix in 2018, please explain why you liked it so much:
Eugenio Tokarev: Phillip J ft. Kim Casandra - Feed The Fire (Sunset & Dustin Husain Remix)
This is a very good example how to make a simple but very catchy uplifting trance. Simple melody, simple vocal but sounds perfect.
5) Best Remix that you have produced in 2018, please tell us why you believe is your best work?
Eugenio Tokarev: AERO 21 ft. Kitti - Fly Away (Syntouch & The Avains Remix) It was a very interesting experiment with my good friend Syntouch. We did a psylifting remix with great oldschool style vocal from Kitti.
6) Best Remixer for 2018, please tell us why you choose him/her:
Eugenio Tokarev: Mr. Standerwick. His remixes in 2018 hit straight to the point. Especially his work on Dash Berlin ft. Bo Bruce - Coming Home (Standerwick Extended Remix). Groovy, energetic, this is what exactly needs on trance events. I think that he finally found the style in which he feels best.
7) Best New Talent in 2018 (DJ or producer), please explain the reasons why you choose him/her :
Eugenio Tokarev: There is several people at once like Syntouch, Exolight, Fisical Project, Exouler, Drival and etc. However, I was most impressed by Kiyoi&Eky. Of course Adip Kiyoi (part of this duo) can´t be considered as a new talent. But as a duo, they do amazing work together and they are best new talents in 2018.
8) Best electronic music album in 2018? Please explain your decision why you think is the best album?(b) Do you believe that albums are still relevant or you prefer singles:
Eugenio Tokarev: Eminem. But it´s not an EDM ahaha.
I´m not a fan of albums and I think that they are not relevant already.
9) Best electronic music compilation in 2018, please explain what exactly you liked about this compilation(the elements you appreciate):
Eugenio Tokarev: I'll leave this question until next year. Stay tuned. ;-)
10) Best artwork/cover for a single/ album or compilation released in 2018, please justify your opinion why this and not another one:
Eugenio Tokarev: SAVI & DISON latest release "YOUR LOVE" - this red color is really hot. In general, new covers on Enhanced Music, after rebranding looks very attractive.
11) Best lyrics in an electronic music track in 2018 (it can be your production or from other artists) Please explain why you like these lyrics so much!
Eugenio Tokarev: Armin van Buuren - Blah Blah Blah. Just because it´s true story!
12) Best vocalist/singer featured on electronic music track in 2018, please tell why you appreciate this singer/vocalist and why:
Eugenio Tokarev: A very simple question - Susana. Her voice is so powerful and beautiful that every track with her vocal can be Tune Of The Year.
13) Best electronic music label for 2018, please justify why you choose this label and what was so special in 2018 about it:
Eugenio Tokarev: Spinnin. Just because there were a lot of great tracks out there this year.
Also I want to mention Reaching Altitude. There is also the label of Marlo with interesting progressive trance tunes. He gives an excellent opportunity to prove themselves to new and talented producers.
14) Best electronic music video for 2018, please explain why you like this video so much:
Eugenio Tokarev: Virtual Self - Ghost Voices (Official Music Video)
I really like this video because it fits the track perfectly. With ghosts and all that stuff.
15) Best online social media for 2018 and why you believe is the best particularly in 2018?:
Eugenio Tokarev: Facebook, twitter, vk, soundcloud.. are any of them the best? i have no idea, let´s skip this! :D
16) Best Twitter/Facebook/Instagram message you may have received about your music or your DJ performance in 2018:
Eugenio Tokarev: Quote from one guy in facebook - "That's it !!! You became a Mandatory Artist in my Sets now !!! All my sets will include one of your Tracks !!! Hail to You seriously to have started as a Meh Artist for me to became one of my Most Important Trance Machine in my Sets"
17) Best music composition software in 2018, please explain why you appreciate it so much:
Eugenio Tokarev: FL Studio 20. I´ve tried Ableton and Cubase, they are good too, but my heart will beat with beats from Fruity Loops.
18) Best Club event or Festival that you have performed there or you would love one day to perform there, please explain the reasons that influenced your choice of the event & festival:
Eugenio Tokarev: No no no, no festivals this year. Only producing, only hardcore!
19) Your Best personal DJ Gig for 2018 (if you are active as DJ) and why you believe is the finest:
Eugenio Tokarev: The Avains World Trance Artist Event 2018 with a lot of DJ´s and producers around the world was epic.
20) Best DJ set from other fellow DJ in 2018 and why you believe his/her set was so fantastic?:
Eugenio Tokarev: I´m not listening DJ sets, sorry.
21) Best radio show/podcast or Vlog(video blog) in 2018, please explain why you think this is the best radio show or vlog?:
Eugenio Tokarev: Vonyc Sessions. What a great podcast. Paul van Dyk never follow the trends and put only music which is he like. Really enjoyable.
22) Best Radio station in 2018, please explain why this radio station is your favourite:
Eugenio Tokarev: I´d prefer Radio Record (Trance Hits substation). This is an amazing internet radio for those who love real trance. There you can find hits for every taste and from different times. Connoisseurs of trance, be sure to advise.
23) Best music related website that you visit frequently, please explain what you exactly appreciate in this web site and you may recommended to your fans as well:
Eugenio Tokarev: Beatport. To check my tracks in top 100 :D
24) Best new sound or sample that has been introduced in any electronic music track in 2018 and you wish to have invented it or you may even have introduced it for the first time?
25) Best technical tips that you learnt in 2018 in relation to your DJing or music productions:
Eugenio Tokarev: Good layering can resolve 70% of your problems with mixing. And of course, more mixing, less mastering. If you did a good mix, in master you will put only 1-2 plugins.
26) Best piece of advice you got in relation to your career in 2018 and has helped you to progress even further:
Eugenio Tokarev: Don´t listen anyone who will hate your music. What you like and hard work will paid.
Dimitris: Do you have a radio show or vlog? Have you produced any YouTube tutorials for fellow artists to learn from you? If yes please tell us here the details and choose the best episode from your radio show/vlog/YouTube tutorial for 2018.
Eugenio Tokarev: I do not think this is so necessary. At the moment there is a huge amount of all this on the Internet. Therefore, there is a big chance to go unnoticed.
Dimitris: In 2018 the electronic music talent AVICII died and this has alerted several artists to become more health conscious. Are there any lessons to learn as an artist out from this sad event?
Eugenio Tokarev: Our health is most important thing. Always need to know when to stop. If you miss this moment, problems may arise. Therefore, you should always bear this in mind and give yourself a rest. I was a fan of AVICII and it’s a pity that it’s all over. RIP
Dimitris: If you are DJ or producer who travels very often to perform Live in various countries can you give us your best Travel Tip for 2018 in order to survive the long travelling hours?
Eugenio Tokarev: Do not travel to Spain in the summer, it is very hot here! :D
Dimitris: In 2018 there was a big movement for revival of classic tracks and retro events have boomed with music policy of solely classic tracks. What is your opinion about events or stages only with classics and can you choose for us your absolute 3 favourite classics?
Eugenio Tokarev: My opinion about retro events is empty because I´d never been before on something like that.
Concerning to my 3 favourite classics:
1. Armin van Buuren - Zocalo
2. Gaia - Tuvan
3. Sunlounger & Zara - Lost
But of course there are many more than 3...
Dimitris: Can you mention briefly your plans for your future releases, tracks, albums, collaborations, DJ gigs for 2019!
Eugenio Tokarev: As The Avains I have a lot of releases on some labels such as Black Hole, Ultima, Butterfly Music, State Control and new anthem for one well known label!
As Eugenio Tokarev, I will continue to release new track on DS-R (one of them will be a very special experiment), also several collaborations are also being completed. And I will debut on several serious labels like Vandit and Armada. Stay tuned, it will be massive!
Dimitris: Finally, what is your biggest wish for 2019 and give us your wishes for our readers?
Eugenio Tokarev: Be healthy, stay happy, do not be angry and remember that hard work will always be paid for. See you in 2019 ;-)
Thanks so much to Eugenio for his brilliant answers. Thanks to Rory at Enhanced for organising this interview.
Additional info:
▼ Connect with Digital Society Recordings:
Spotify: https://DS-R.lnk.to/Spotify
Beatport: https://DS-R.lnk.to/Beatport
Facebook: http://enhan.co/DigitalSocietyFacebook
Twitter: http://enhan.co/DSR-Twitter
SoundCloud: http://enhan.co/DSR-SC
