SINO, a dynamic DJ and producer hailing from the vibrant city of New York, has crafted his musical journey amidst the bustling nightlife of the Big Apple. Over the years, he has made a remarkable transition, channeling his passion into the creation of electrifying Tech, Bass, Progressive, and House music, all under the distinctive alias of SINO.
With an extensive background in the New York nightlife scene, SINO brings a wealth of experience and an intimate understanding of the dance floor to his music production. His tracks carry the unmistakable energy and groove that can only be forged through years of immersion in the heart of the city's music culture.
SINO's releases have earned him the coveted support of industry legends, solidifying his position as a rising star in the electronic music scene. Icons such as Martin Garrix, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Showtek, Lucas & Steve, Timmy Trumpet, R3HAB, EDX, Bingo Players, Black V Neck, Martin Ikin, and many more have championed his music. Their recognition is a testament to the infectious and captivating nature of SINO's creations.
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.
SINO: I would have to say Peggy Gou’s (It Goes Like) Nanana. I feel like it undoubtedly took over summer of 2023. Definitely one of the most played songs in my sets this year. A catchy vocal makes all the difference in today’s dance music culture!
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?
SINO: It’s tough to choose just one, but if I have to, I’d go with my best production of the year being All The Feels on Kiwistage. It’s gotten the most positive feedback and rinses by my peers, and still getting playlisted weekly almost a year later!
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.
SINO: Is there a more popular DJ than John Summit right now? I feel like he has completely taken this industry by storm with the production of “Where You Are”. As a fellow American, it feels a little extra special that he’s in such a great place within the dance music community.
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 :
SINO: Bontan’s remix of Lazer Beams by Green Velvet. I love what he’s been doing as an artist when it comes to tribal & Afro-house. It’s refreshing to hear sounds that aren’t like the rest!
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.
SINO: No remixes by me for this year! But I guarantee that changes for 2024 :)
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.
SINO: Hugel, hands down. Everything this guy has touched, turns to gold. A true vibe on all of his tracks whenever I rinse them live. They’re a go-to for me every night I DJ!
4) Best New Talent of 2023 (DJ or producer), for what reasons you choose this particular artist? Do you know him/her personally?
SINO: I love the fast breakthrough of Honeyluv. I don’t know her personally, but I think she’s a hustler. She’s on every big ticket lineup this year, and it’s well deserved.
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 :
SINO: Skrillex’ Quest for Fire. Some people loved it, some people hated it. I enjoyed it just because of the controversy he causes by expressing himself in multiple genres. A lot of his day-one fans are upset by that, but remember we’re all human! Rumble is definitely my favorite from the album.
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 :
SINO: I enjoy anything created by my friend Pat C. He’s a true mashup king that envisions stuff I could never think of in a million years! I prefer mashups when DJing, because it gets the best crowd reaction.
5-c) Best artwork about single / album/compilation or promotional campaign of 2023. The criteria you applied to do this particular choice?
SINO: Fisher’s Catch & Release label is always catching my eye with their artwork for releases. I can’t explain why, but when you see the cover art, it’s just different. I like when things look outside the box, and they clearly take extra time in designing.
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?:
SINO: For me personally, this year I’ve found myself playing the most tracks from Toolroom Records. They truly are the cream of the crop in everything they do. Nothing but pure rippers! It’s definitely a future goal of mine to be apart of their label.
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.
SINO: There’s no real right answer for this one, but I’m an FL Studio guy! It’s what I’ve learned on to create music productions, & I’m a true creature of habit. There’s always bigger and better, but to me it’s whatever you’re most comfortable with.
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.
SINO: I won’t sugarcoat this response, I’m still a hometown DJ! My productions have gone further than my own two feet in this industry. If you’re ever in the New York City area, check me out at the Kettle Black in Brooklyn on Saturdays. We’re the best party in the area for a reason. ;)
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:
SINO: Dom Dolla & Vintage Culture live from this year’s Ultra in Miami. I loved the vibe that they brought. It’s also my favorite genre of dance music so I’m a little bias with my answer. Lol
9) Best technical tips/production skills that you learnt in 2023 in relation to your DJing or music productions:
SINO: Make sure you bring double of everything you’d normally carry when DJing! Stranger things have happened, so don’t be short handed of something that could’ve been prevented!
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:
SINO: Make the type of music you enjoy, not what you think will make the most money. Don’t get stuck becoming the producer who’s famous for a genre of music that you absolutely despise, just because it made you successful!
Dimitris: Do you have any concrete plans for 2024 regarding future releases, tracks, albums, collaborations, DJ gigs? Please provide us the juicy details.
SINO: You guys are hearing this first before anyone else! I’m releasing the biggest EP of my career thus far, on Black V Neck’s Retail Records January 5th.
Dimitris: Your message & wishes for 2024.
SINO: I want to thank anybody who’s taken the time out of their lives to listen to my music, and come to the parties I’ve DJ’d. It truly means the world, and I appreciate the support. It’s only up from here! See you all in 2024.
Many thanks to team at Sirup Music for arranging this top interview and SINO for his detailed answers
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