Suncatcher's journey began in 2003, when he discovered LEVEL magazine and the demo version of Fruity Loops 3.5. His first release, Solaria, came five years later, but it was Epic that really launched his career after Above & Beyond played it multiple times on Trance Around the World. This led to signings with top labels like Enhanced, FSOE, Amsterdam Trance, Euphonic, AVA, and Subculture, plus remixes for iconic artists like Tiësto, Adam Nickey, and John O’Callaghan. His tracks quickly made their way into the sets of Armin van Buuren, Above & Beyond, Aly & Fila, Paul van Dyk, John O’Callaghan, Sean Tyas, and many more.
He’s since performed at major festivals like Untold, Luminosity Beach Festival, Afterhills, BeeFree, and in countries like the Netherlands, Spain, the UK, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Slovakia, and Romania.
In recent years, Suncatcher has teamed up with Exolight, releasing countless bangers together and launching a new project, Sunlight State, with a bass-heavy, energetic style. He’s also exploring new sounds in the progressive realm, continuing to push his creative boundaries.
Best of 2024 with Suncatcher
1-Best of tracks from other artists in 2024.
a) Identify the most exceptional tracks from other artists released in 2024. Explain your selection, highlighting production techniques and audience reactions.
Suncatcher: This year, more than ever, I’ve been listening to A LOT of progressive. And it’s been showing in the episodes of Critical Exposure Radio that I’ve been putting out. There are many of them that are 100% progressive from the first track to the last. So it only feels fair that I give the #1 spot to Hel-sløwed & Amber Revival - If You Only Knew. This song has everything I’m looking for. Great melody, standout vocals and is just overall an amazing track.
But of course there are a lot of amazing songs released this year, like Andrew Bayer, Rob Tirea - Fear Of Losing You, Ashley Wallbridge & John Grand - Echoes or the brilliant Daniel Kandi Remix of Ruben de Ronde & Farius feat. David Frank - Radiant. Solid productions, all of them, and each unique in its own way.
1-Best self-produced/personal tracks of 2024
b)Explain your choices for the best 2024 personal productions. Were they due to challenges, crowd reactions, or success on download shops/streaming services?
Suncatcher: I’ve gotta go with Change the Horizon here. Exolight’s brilliant melody coupled with Ana Criado’s amazing vocals, it’s just a winning combination. Super solid production from us and I dare say even better that Water Colour Memories. 😁 And releasing a song with Ana Criado is definitely one bucket list item that has been checked!
2) Best Artist of 2024 (DJ & Producer)
Analyze why you consider the selected artist the best in their genre. Explain the factors that influenced your decision and highlight their most appreciated aspects.
Suncatcher: You know what, I’m gonna give this to Exolight. And I’ll tell you why. Every song that we released this year has his melodies. And this year, we have had some really solid releases. So I can say with certainty that he’s the machine driving this duo! 🍻
3-a) Best Remixes of 2024
Provide a detailed explanation of your remix selection, including your reasons. Consider factors like production proficiency, technical aspects, creativity, and imagination.
Suncatcher: I’ve gotta come back to the brilliant Daniel Kandi Remix of Ruben de Ronde & Farius feat. David Frank - Radiant. Of course, super track, but you wouldn’t expect anything less from Mr Kandi. But it’s just that drop, oh man!
3-b) Your best self-produced remix of 2024
Explain why you believe your 2024 remix is your best work. Include any technical challenges or unique difficulties you faced during production.
Suncatcher: No remixes this year, I’m afraid. It’s getting harder and harder to remix songs these days.
3-c) Best Remixer(s) of 2024:
Provide a concise commentary on the best remixers of 2024, supporting your assessment with specific reasons highlighting their exceptional talent and expertise.
Suncatcher: Well, if the #1 remix is from Daniel Kandi, then it’s only natural that the #1 remixer spot goes to him.
4) Best New Talent of 2024 (DJ or Producer):
Explain your award selection in detail. Do you personally know or collaborate with the artist?
Suncatcher: Honestly I’m not really following who’s new and who’s old. If you release a song that I like, you’re going in my playlist 😁
5-a) Best Electronic Dance Music Album of 2024:
Provide a detailed explanation of the criteria used to select the best electronic dance music album of 2024. Also, highlight the standout tracks that showcase its exceptional quality.
Suncatcher: Farius - Synapse. I love Farius’s tracks! There have been episodes of Critical Exposure Radio where I play 2 or 3 tracks from him.
5-b) Best Electronic Dance Music Compilation of 2024. Please elaborate on the criteria used to select this compilation. Are the mixing processes of the tracks high quality and proficient? Is the track listing imaginative and creative?
Suncatcher: Anjunadeep Vol 15. All of the deep compilations are brilliant, and this no exception!
5-c:Best artwork of 2024: singles or albums.
Suncatcher: Above & Beyond - Crazy Love. I love the artworks that they put out for their singles.
6) Best Electronic Dance Music Label of 2024
Explain your choice. What appeals to you about this label? Is it the high-quality tracks, the impressive roster of notable artists, or something else?
Suncatcher: Gotta go with Enhanced Progressive. They generally release amazing tracks and I end up playing a lot of them in our radio show. I’ve been mentioning a lot of releases from them throughout this interview so it’s only fair to give them this title. 😉
7)Best music composition software and hardware of 2024. Explain your selection.
Suncatcher: FL Studio is getting better and better, and they have lifetime free updates. How can you not love it?
8-a) Your Best Personal DJ Gig of 2024:
Suncatcher: Definitely Singapore. Such awesome people, from the organizers to everyone who came to see us. You don’t see so much love for the music in many places. We’ve also received some awesome anime-style portraits of ourselves from an amazing fan! 😁
Suncatcher: Hel-sløwed @ Untold Festival. Amazing set and just beautiful melodic songs throughout it.
9)Share your most valuable technical advice and production techniques from 2024, specifically related to DJing or music production.
Suncatcher: Don’t be afraid to look for guidance. Even if you’re an experienced producer, you still have things to learn. Also, don’t be lazy. Quality music requires a lot of work.
10-Share the most valuable advice you received in the personal or music business that significantly contributed to your career advancement in 2024. This guidance can help others grow professionally.
Suncatcher: You do you!
11-Could you share your plans for 2025, including future releases, tracks, albums, collaborations, and DJ gigs? We’d love the details.
Suncatcher: We’ve got a new release coming out January 2nd, so right after new year’s. I’m super proud of this one as well. Also, Sunlight State will be back, and we have plenty of vocal tracks and remixes coming.
Dimitris: Please send your message and wishes for 2025 to our esteemed readers.
Happy holidays, happy new year and let’s make 2025 at least as great as 2024 was!
Thanks so much to Suncatcher for his fantastic interview.
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"]Best of 2024 Interview with Suncatcher[/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Suncatcher highlights the best tracks, productions, and artists of 2024, including Hel-sløwed & Amber Revival, Exolight, and Daniel Kandi. Suncatcher also shares their favorite DJ gigs, production techniques, and plans for 2025, including a new release and Sunlight State’s return. The interview concludes with holiday wishes and gratitude for the opportunity. [/content]
[/review]Additional info: