YU-1 was introduced to Trance at the age of 14 and was fascinated by its worldview, and has now evolved into a Progressive House producer.
With his trance-influenced imagination and unconventional musical sense, he has been signed to several top labels for releases. In just one year, he has been supported by some of the world's best-known DJs and is rapidly becoming the only Japanese producer in the Progressive House world.
This momentum is unstoppable.
His latest track Fiction is out on UV Noir and it is the finest occasion to request an interview from him. We are glad that he replied and here you can check his answers.
Find Fiction here: https://uv.streamlink.to/fiction
1-Dimitris: It would be nice to start by telling us your 3 most important achievements or goals fulfilled in your career so far that you very are proud of.
YU-1: I love reckless challenges.
I have three goals for my next project.
1. To perform as a DJ abroad.
2. Build up a large fan base.
3. own a label and increase international interaction.
2-Dimitris: Why and under which circumstances did you took the decision to start DJing or producing electronic dance music?
YU-1: I started producing after being inspired by watching many world-class producers and DJs on video.
When I think about a happy life, I believe that we should not hold back on what we want to do.
3-Can you note down the top 3 producers that have influenced your decision to get involved in the electronic dance music scene and you admire and respect them very much?
YU-1: 1.Ferry Corsten 2.Miss Monique 3.Paul Thomas
4-Dimitris: It would be fantastic to talk about your track Fiction released on UV Noir. Please tell us how this track came about and what was the main idea behind it.
YU-1: The "Fiction" that was released this time
The idea came to me while I was looking at a very beautiful landscape in Japan. I felt like I was in a magnificent and different world. This is exactly the world of Fiction.
This image led directly to the idea. It has both a wild and groovy part and a grand and exotic atmosphere. Very extravagant.
5-Dimitris: How long it took you to produce it and can u describe the production process in simple steps?
YU-1: The production itself takes about a week thanks to the idea.
I wanted the low frequencies to sound very wide and spent a lot of time there.
6-Dimitris: Did you had any particular difficulties accomplishing that particular track or any specific technical challenges or obstacles that you had to overcome during its production.
YU-1: The arpeggio was a challenge to make it dynamic with the groove.
7- Dimitris: Which music composition software or hardware you prefer and why? What is your opinion of the latest movement to produce music with more analogue equipment and with less or without any digital software?
YU-1: I am mainly software.
There is a lot of great stuff out there with emulation.
I love Synapse products, especially The Legend.
As for owning analog equipment, I think that is the dream of many producers.
I think it is a very important commitment in the world of music composition, where the slightest difference can make a big difference.
8-Dimitris: Do you prefer instrumental dance tracks or you adore vocals? Please explain to us your position and if in your latest production you have vocals tell us how did you choose the specific singer and if it was great to work with her/him?
YU-1: I like both, but I believe that songs with vocals are more likely to be hits. I would like to work with a full-fledged vocalist for once.
YU-1: Avis Vox Amazing Voice
10-Dimitris: Do you believe that artwork on your latest track is good and do you believe that artwork can attract listeners or record buyers? Can you mention the best artwork of a track ever released?
YU-1: Of course, the latest song "Fiction" is very cool.
I couldn't help but shout out how cool it was!
Haha
Thank you very much!
11-Dimitris: Can you pick your top 3 record labels including the one released the track that we discuss in this interview and give us a short comment about them?
YU-1: UV Noir is exciting with a lot of great music and interesting artists from talent artists.
Siona Records is very unique and very noteworthy.
Colorize very attractive. I'm paying attention.
12-Dimitris:How much time do you spend promoting yourself in your social media and you see this as essential tool for self promotion and getting bookings too? Which social media is the one that seems to work better for you?
YU-1: During the week that it is released, we spend about 2 days creating the video and taking pictures.
I think Instagram is the most effective social media.
YU-1: DJ MIX is available on Sound Cloud
14-Dimitris: Please share your most funny and most serious incident that happen to you during your DJ performance?
YU-1: Stopping the music.
15-Dimitris: Are you happy with the way that royalties system works particularly regarding streaming revenue? Do you believe that artists get what they deserve from streaming providers/DJs playing your tracks in gigs/radio and selling music in physical formats like CDs/Vinyl or digitally.
YU-1: Yes
16-Dimitris: Please note for all the new talents that read this interview to get some inspiration from you any technical tips in relation to your DJing or music productions. Also any piece of personal or music business' advice that has helped you to progress even further and is worth telling to the new upcoming talents.
YU-1: Listen to a lot of music by artists you admire.
And to compose confidently and boldly.
17-Dimitris: Many artist right now attempt to come closer to their fan base and use the various services in order to offer exclusive content to their most dedicated followers. Do you have any plans to do the same by connecting even more with your most dedicated fans?
YU-1: Under consideration.
18-Dimitris: Can you describe your music as certain music genre such as trance, house, techno or your music exempts these categorizations? What is your opinion about hybrid styles and the artists who are attempting to mix influences from various genres in their tracks?
YU-1: I think Progressive House in the underground scene derives from so many different genres.
So it is very experimental and has many different elements.
I think each person feels differently about music, and I don't think there is a right answer.
Thanks to Paul Thomas at UV/UV Noir for arranging this interview.