Switzerland’s Christopher Menzi aka Wavetraxx has been carving out uplifting hard trance masterpieces since ’99, racking up what is hundreds of releases in that time, consistently resonating amongst the who’s who of harder and mainstream Trance DJs alike. An unbelievable ear for a strong and memorable melody, coupled with unique and high-grade production values, has always made him an exciting artist to follow. It’s no surprise that his music has received consistent support over two decades from key players of the scene such as ‘Scot Project, Bryan Kearney, Sean Tyas, Indecent Noise. Andy Moor, S.H.O.K.K. to name just a few.
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.
Wavetraxx: DIM3NSION – Adagio In G Minor
There are many talented artists. I especially liked the song by DIM3NSION with its classic melody and it also inspired me for my own future productions. I love these classic chord changes.
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?
Wavetraxx: The most successful was probably Jaron Inc. & Wavetraxx "Cloudsurfer". Cloudsurfer was at least played by Armin at State of Trance, by Solarstone and other well-known artists. To be honest, I never expected that. Basically, I'm happy (like probably every artist) when my own songs are played. I have certainly improved technically this year and have reached a new level at which I can produce in 2024. Maybe 2024 will be the most important year for me. At least my new album will be released and a few really successful productions.
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.
Wavetraxx: I don't have a particular favourite. There are a few artists I often listen to, e.g. A.r.d.i., Richard Durand, Ferry Corsten, Dim3nsion, A.S.Y.S. And of course I follow all the releases of my music colleagues like Nick Coles, S.H.O.K.K., Jaron INC, Dizmaster, Mindflux, Robbie Swan, Barry Nostic Röhner, Maurice Herzing, Alexmo, Lab4, Lyd14 and everyone I'm in contact with more or less throughout the year.
3) 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.
Wavetraxx: I haven't done that many remixes this year, maybe the current Snowface - Paranoia (Wavetraxx Remix). At least I mixed and mastered the track in a good quality.
4) 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 :
Wavetraxx: At first I thought that my 2nd album "Second Wave " would be released in 2023. But now it has been postponed to 2024.
5) 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?:
Wavetraxx: HTE, Drizzly Music, Hyper Reality Records, Pure Trance, Redux Recording: Because you supported my music in 2023.
6) 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.
Wavetraxx: Cubase 13 > They have made the DAW a lot more stable, new functions that I can use well, new plugins.
7) 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.
Wavetraxx: I receive sporadic requests to DJ throughout the year, and there have already been many countries involved: Spain, Switzerland, Germany, England, USA (Miami/Las Vegas), Holland, various Eastern European countries. But I'm more of a producer and don't DJ (at the moment). But of course I really appreciate the requests.
8) 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:
Wavetraxx: I think Solarstone does this quite well with its radio shop. Always nice and varied. I like that.
9) Best technical tips/production skills that you learnt in 2023 in relation to your DJing or music productions:
Wavetraxx: Less is more. I have realised that I have made things far too complicated in the past.
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:
Wavetraxx: Not advice, but a self-realisation: that I concentrated on my music and didn't worry about success. As I do it as a hobby and am not dependent on success, I also make the music that I enjoy. It's not a must, but a want. And because I completely ignore current music trends, my songs sound the way they do. And although I can't keep up with the big-name artists in the music scene, my Spotify numbers have almost doubled in 2023. That confirms to me that I'm not all that wrong.
Dimitris: Do you have any concrete plans for 2024 regarding future releases, tracks, albums, collaborations, DJ gigs? Please provide us the juicy details.
Wavetraxx: My 2nd album in February 2024 on HTE, with very special and different sounding songs. Probably my best productions in a long time. And of course various productions on different labels. Including vocal trance and, of course, hard trance productions.
Dimitris: Your message & wishes for 2024.
Wavetraxx: A little more togetherness, a little less resentment, envy and going it alone. But that's human nature.
In 2024, I'm 200% sure I'll be chasing people less and focussing more on myself and my music.
Thanks so much to Christopher aka Wavetraxx for his answers
Thanks to Al Faris from Drizzly for arranging.
Additional info:www.wavetraxx.com
https://www.facebook.com/wavetraxx/
https://www.patreon.com/Wavetraxx
https://soundcloud.com/wavetraxx
https://wavetraxx.com/
https://www.blackholerecordings.com/artists/wavetraxx