From Ibiza to Rio De Janeiro that’s where you can find FREY when he is not in the studio. During the last years he released music on the most hyped record labels. Sony, Universal, Warner, Colombia and Virgin are just a few abels to mention. Additionally he is steadily supported by the world’s most influential DJs.
FREY is known for his unique productions. With his signature sounds, driving basslines and virtous productions spiced up with Hip Hop and Trap elements he catches the attention from a wide range of DJs. His tracks are supported by A-list DJs like Tiesto, David Guetta, Alok, Oliver Heldens and Fatboy Slim to Claptone, Amine Edge and Dance, Sharam Jey, Bob Sinclar, Kolombo, etc.
Sniffin’, his first release on Bunny Tiger was featured on Rudimental’s Essential Mix on Radio 1 and the beginning of a close relationship with the label boss Sharam Jey. FREY released several tracks and EPs on Bunny Tiger which always reached the peak of the international charts. Some of them lasted there for more than a year.
In times where music gets old within a few weeks it’s not common that tracks like FREY's „We Came To Party“ (#1 on Beatport) stayed for nearly two years in the Top100. This made FREY the best selling Bunny Tiger artist on Beatport.
But that is not the only uncommon fact. FREY also had 9 tracks in the Top100 charts at the same time, which is an acquisition only a few artists in the world achieve. „White Horse“ his collaboration with Croatia Squad became a huge club hit.
His single „Milkshake“ on Bunny Tiger recieved major support around the world and was also played at Tomorrowland's mainstage in 2018 year as well as on BBC Radio 1.
In 2018 FREY released „Alcoholic“ on Spinnin’ Records, which contains the vocal line of Avicii’s first hit in 2009 under the same name. „Alcoholic“ is an example of FREY’s unique production skills!
FREY became the only artist in the world having the permission to use a part of one of Tim's Tracks.
His remix for Lost Frequencies’ & James Blunt’s chart hit „Melody“ was one of the highlights in all Lost Frequencies sets around, which he also played at Tomorrowland in front of more than hundred thousand fans.
In 2020 FREY released his remake of Polarkreis 18 international hit "Allein Allein" with Spinnin’ Records / Warner Music. This song became an instant hit for many DJs around the world. It was featured on German television and became Alok's favorite track of 2020, which he gave an extra feature in all of his sets. „Wir Sind Nicht Allein“ became one of the most motivational songs during the pandemic with a breathtaking video.
During the pandemic FREY was working with the most successful German rap artists and achieved his first #1 in the German album charts and a highly prestigious Media Control award for his work on 187 Strassenbande's Sampler 5. A milestone in his carrer.
In 2022 FREY's singe „Holy Wood“ together with his long time friend and grammy nominated artist EDX became a huge dance floor weapon. It was played by all A list DJs and was featured in Fatboy Slim's legendary Coachella set as well as numerous Claptone sets at Pacha Ibiza.
In 2023 FREY & EDX released a massive follow up to “Holy Wood”. “The Rhythm Of The Night” one of the most iconic dance songs of the 90’s in a fresh melodic techno style. This tune found its way into many playlists around the world and is a sure shot on every dancefloor.
Best of 2023
1-a) Best track(s) from other fellow artists of 2023. Why you choose this particular track, please share with us the reasons?production techniques & crowd reactions on it.
FREY: Adriatique & WhoMadeWho - Miracle. This track works on every floor around the world and it's one of those tunes that has this magical and unique vibe.
1-b) Best of 2023 personal productions and for what you reasons you choose these particular tracks, is it because of technical challenges, crowd reaction in the club or was it your most successful single/album?
FREY: EDX & FREY - The Rhythm Of The Night; The Original by Corona is one of the most iconic dance songs of the 90's. We were allowed to use the original vocals, which is always very important to me and we've created a brand new sound design and vibe around it. It's a sure shot in all my sets!
2) Best Artist of 2023(DJ & producer). Tell us why you believe he/she is the best, the factors that have influence you to choose this particular artist. What you appreciate the most from that artist.
FREY: Probably ANYMA of Tale Of Us. I've seen them a couple of times in 2023 (Coachella, Brooklyn Mirage) and they really took melodic techno to another level. Soundwise and of course with their unique visuals.
3-a) Best Remix(es) from other fellow artists of 2023. For what reasons you chose this particular remix, i.e. production proficiency, technical reasons creativity and imagination of the remixer :
FREY: Mr Morek - Massive Landing (Notre Dame Remix). This is def my fav remix of the year. It has such a cool vibe and I've played it in nearly all my sets!
3-b) YOUR Best Remix which you have produced of 2023! Why you believe that this is your best remix? share with us the technical challenges or special issues you had during the production of it.
FREY: Aname - Beautiful World (FREY & Human Rias Remix). This is probably my fav remix I did this year but it won't be out before 2024. It's coming on Anjuna and it's a remix for names lead single of their album with the same title.
3-c) Best Remixer(s) of 2023 with short comment, for what reason u believe he/she is the best remixer? Technical professionalism and technological proficiency? the elements that stand out in it.
FREY: ANYMA. He did so many incredible remixes this year.
4) Best New Talent of 2023 (DJ or producer), for what reasons you choose this particular artist? Do you know him/her personally?
FREY: ANDATA from Hamburg. 2023 was a crazy year for ANDATA but I think in 2024 they will totally blow off and will be the leaders of a new techno/trance wave.
5-a) Best electronic dance music album of 2023. Tell us the criteria behind the choice of this particular album and maybe highlight for the readers the best tracks from the album :
FREY: Depeche Mode - Memento Mori. Depeche Mode haas always been my fav band and this year they've finally released a new album! Check out Ghosts!
5-b) Best electronic dance music compilation of 2023. Please explain the criteria behind this choice? is the quality and proficiency of the mixing process, imagination/creativity in the choice of the track listing :
FREY: Kompakt 23. Always been a fan of Kompakt. You can't go wrong with this!
5-c) Best artwork about single / album/compilation or promotional campaign of 2023. The criteria you applied to do this particular choice?
FREY: Skrillex - Quest for Fire. This really deserves the word art-work!
6) Best electronic dance music label of 2023. Please explain the reason behind your choice? what you particularly like or appreciate about this particular label?quality of tracks, great rooster of artists, personal connection?:
FREY: Afterlife. They've released so many good tracks this year. Looking forward to see what they release in 2024
7) Best music composition software and hardware of 2023 with short comment. Why you believe this particular software/hardware deserves to be named as the best? great new features, easy to navigate, compose & produce? The advantages of this particular software & hardware that makes it to stand out.
FREY: I go for Logic X. It's my weapon of choice but I also use Ableton for time streching audio files as I prefer the algorithm.
8-a) Your Best personal DJ Gig & DJ performance of 2023. Where and when did you perform there? any funny incidents happened during particular performance; great crowd reactions. If there is video or sound recording please provide the link.
FREY: Groove Cruise 2023. GC is always a unique experience and this year was a special one with a lot of good friends!
8-b) Best DJ set from other fellow DJ (actual or online) of 2023. Why you believe is the strongest and best DJ set? great mixing/track selection/development of the mix:
FREY: It's hard to choose one, but I think Stephan Bodzin eat Brooklyn Mirage was one of my favourites.
9) Best technical tips/production skills that you learnt in 2023 in relation to your DJing or music productions:
FREY: The "Capture Record" function in Logic X. I've never used it before but it helps a lot if you are jamming around.
10) Best piece of personal or music business' advice you got in relation to your career in 2023 and has helped you to progress even further and can help others who will read this interview:
FREY: It's not an advice from this year but listen to your heart and do what feels right for you and not for others. It's always your choice! Image over money!
Dimitris: Do you have any concrete plans for 2024 regarding future releases, tracks, albums, collaborations, DJ gigs? Please provide us the juicy details.
FREY: My remix with Human Rias for aname's "Beautiful World" will be released in the beginning of 2024 on Anjuna, besides that I have a lot of new music in the pipeline which I can't wait to release.
Dimitris: Your message & wishes for 2024.
FREY: It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice!
Thanks so much to Sirup Music team for arranging the top interviews.
Thanks so much to FREY for his great answers.
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