Showing posts with label Anske. Show all posts

15:35:00

 


Lithuania's biggest Trance export / International DJ & music composer / Coldharbour Recordings producer / Artist at TotalVision Talent.

His latest track Confidence is out now on Markus Schulz globally respected and highly influential record label Coldharbour Recordings. We invited him for an interview and we are glad he accepted the challenge! Here you can enjoy his answers.


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.

Anske: 1. Music released on multiple "In Search Of Sunrise" compilations.

2. Performed at Luminosity Beach Festival.

3. Started a brand new techno-inspired side project + something else announcing soon.

2-Dimitris: Why and under which circumstances did you took the decision to start DJing or producing electronic dance music?

Anske: For me it all began from music production (not with dj'ing). Making music almost all day long back when I was a teenager seemed super fun and immersive. It also felt like an escape from everything else. I was super intrigued by how music worked in general, how the sounds were created and everything came together. It's a whole another world really :)

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?

Anske:  Armin van Buuren, Ferry Corsten, Markus Schulz.

4-Dimitris: It would be fantastic to talk about your track Confidence on Coldharbour Recordings. Please tell us how this track came about and what was the idea behind it.

Anske: My brand new release is called "Confidence". It's a bit different than my usual stuff. But I think it's one of my favorites. Roaring synth theme, slower tempo, very climactic drop and super fun and groovy melody to it.


5-Dimitris: How long it took you to produce it and can u describe the production process in simple steps?

Anske: I had the demo idea of the track sitting around for almost 2 years, crazy. I guess I waited for the right time to release it out into the world. I remember the whole track coming together from the breakdown. I thought the melody was super cool and totally different than what I've done before.

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.

Anske: There were a few changes indeed. In a way it's natural for most of the tracks. Sometimes you just need to do a week or even a month long break. And then when you come back you can hear the track more objectively and see whether there was something missing or needs changing/improving.


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?

Anske: Ableton. I've been using it for ages now. I think it's one of the most easy-to-learn and flexible DAWs out there. I tend to work with digital software mostly.

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?

Anske: I usually release more instrumental track but I also adore making vocal tunes from time to time. It really depends.

9-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?

Anske: The artwork for the my latest release is a standard cover from the label BUT I can say that I had such fun making the official music video to it :)

10-Dimitris: Are you planning to complete an album or mix compilation soon? if yes please give us all the details about regarding tracks and how will look and sound like?

Anske: Yes! Announcing it this month. Something regarding my other new alias.


11-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?

Anske: I'm not a big fan of constantly being on social media. I guess it's not in my blood that much. But I always try to be friendly and reply to people.

12-Dimitris: Please share your most funny and most serious incident that happen to you during your DJ performance?

Anske: Few times accidentally muting the whole track. Sounds silly now but at the moment it seemed like the worst nightmare, haha.

13-Dimitris: Are you enjoying to visit music conferences and do you have any plans to attend any of them in 2023:

Anske: Maybe upcoming ADE.

14-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.

Anske: I like how most record labels share and send the statements and statistics on time. However, I believe that most artists aren't being treated fairly regarding their stream revenues. In a way, it seems that most the music has lost it's value. This is quite sad. And weird, too. The music industry is really in a strange place right now (even stranger that it was before, lol).


15-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?

Anske: For my "Anske" project it's mostly melodic stuff and for my alter ego alias "AN93" it's hard hitting euphoric techno.

Dimitris: Your message & wishes for Flux Bpm Online readers.

Anske: Thank you for your time! :)

Thanks to the beloved Anske for his great interview



Additional info:

19:00:00

Lithuania's biggest Trance export / International DJ & music composer / Coldharbour Recordings producer / Artist at Schulz Music Group.



Dimitris: Can you mention your biggest music career achievements in 2018?

Anske: Playing at Luminosity Beach Festival + signing my music to probably the most iconic Trance compilation "In Search Of Sunrise" (vol. 14)

1) Best 3 Tracks from other artists in 2018, please give us a short comment for each track:

Anske: No particular order:

"We Are the Light" by Markus Schulz & Nikki Flores (amazing vocal track), 



"I Love You" by Ferry Corsten (love the classic Corsten sound brought back), 



"Call Me" by Purple Haze (incredible electric/harmonic vibe).



2) Your 3 Best of 2018 personal productions, give us more background info about them(please provide the listening link for our readers):

Anske: 1. "Powerball" - my collaboration with Nifra. Our styles and sounds matched so we thought of making an epic record together. Plus, we are good pals.



2. "Love Won't End" - my vocal collaboration with the US singer Victoriya. Gorgeous, soft and haunting vocals. We dedicated this song to both of our grandparents.



3. "The Light In You" - had to bring those Summer vibes! A bit more progressive than my usual records. Nice, simple and comforting emotions.



3) Best Artist in 2018(DJ & producer) please explain why you pick him/her up:

Anske: Must be Markus Schulz. A hard working artist who is absolutely dedicated to his craft. Always inspiring to see him do great things.



4) Best Remix in 2018, please explain why you liked it so much:

Anske: Ferry Corsten - Eternity (Arkham Knights Remix).



5) Best Remix that you have produced in 2018, please tell us why you believe is your best work?

Anske: My remix of "In Search Of Something Better" by Markus Schulz pres. Dakota. Was a real pleasure to remix Markus once again.



6) Best Remixer for 2018, please tell us why you choose him/her:

Anske: Davey Asprey.



7) Best New Talent in 2018 (DJ or producer), please explain the reasons why you choose him/her :

Anske: Dylhen. He has been around for a couple of years now but lately he has been killing it.



8) Best electronic music album in 2018? Please explain your decision why you think is the best album?(b) Do you believe that albums are still relevant or you prefer singles:

Anske: Markus Schulz - We Are The Light. A beautiful album packed with great performances, emotions and power.




I think that you can really get to know the artist from his album, not just his singles.

9) Best electronic music compilation in 2018, please explain what exactly you liked about this compilation(the elements you appreciate):

Anske: In Search Of Sunrise vol. 14. Legends combined to make sure that the legacy and spirit of the euphoric sound keeps thriving.



10) Best electronic music label for 2018, please justify why you choose this label and what was so special in 2018 about it:

Anske: Coldharbour Recordings.



11) Best electronic music video for 2018, please explain why you like this video so much:

Anske: Markus Schulz featuring Nikki Flores - We Are The Light. Amazing shots, atmosphere and cinematography. 



12) Best online social media for 2018 and why you believe is the best particularly in 2018?:

Anske: Instagram. Simply because most people are on their phones now and constantly scrolling their feed.

13) Best Twitter/Facebook/Instagram message you may have received about your music or your DJ performance in 2018:

Anske: Hard to recall a specific one but it really makes me happy when I get random messages from various parts of the world where people are letting me know how my tracks have touched them and asking me to come and play in their home country.

14) Best music composition software in 2018, please explain why you appreciate it so much:

Anske: A loyal Ableton user for many years now. Easy, fast and versatile workflow.

15) Best Club event or Festival that you have performed there or you would love one day to perform there, please explain the reasons that influenced your choice of the event & festival:

Anske: Luminosity Beach Festival. Beautiful views of the seaside followed by a mass of loving and enthusiastic music people.



16) Best DJ set from other fellow DJ in 2018 and why you believe his/her set was so fantastic?:

Anske: Markus Schulz 4h In Search Of Sunrise set @ Luminosity Beach Festival. A masterful, memorable and emotional set.



Dimitris: Do you have a radio show or vlog? Have you produced any YouTube tutorials for fellow artists to learn from you? If yes please tell us here the details and choose the best episode from your radio show/vlog/YouTube tutorial for 2018.

Anske: Launching the new mix series in 2019...

17) Best Radio station in 2018, please explain why this radio station is your favourite:

Anske: DI.FM - because it has something to offer to pretty much anyone.

18) Best music related website that you visit frequently, please explain what you exactly appreciate in this web site and you may recommended to your fans as well:

Anske: Sometimes when I feel the need to nerd out, read some articles or explore new toys I like to browse portals like EDM Prod, The Recording Revolution, KVR, Plugin Boutique, etc. They can be great sources if you are a creator.

19) Best production or DJ equipment (a)software & (b) hardware) in 2018 particularly if they were released in 2018:

Anske: All of the latest Izotope.

20) Best new sound or sample that has been introduced in any electronic music track in 2018 and you wish to have invented it or you may even have introduced it for the first time?

Anske: Not quite Trance but I really love the sound coming from Enrico Sangiuliano. And yes, techno is slowly sneaking up on me, haha.



21) Best technical tips that you learnt in 2018 in relation to your DJing or music productions:

Anske: Saturation is a marvellous and beautiful thing.

22) Best piece of advice you got in relation to your career in 2018 and has helped you to progress even further:

Anske: Be sincere with yourself. And if you are really getting that good gut feeling while at the studio, trust that and pursue it.

Dimitris: In 2018 the electronic music talent AVICII died and this has alerted several artists to become more health conscious. Are there any lessons to learn as an artist out from this sad event?

Anske: This is a hard topic. I think it is important to have some sort of balance in your life - music (professional) vs your personal, family life. Sometimes you just have to shut down and do something else. Explore, learn new things and stay curious. Most importantly, have someone you can truly open up to and get their support. Being inside the music bubble 24/7 can drive you nuts. It's a complex thing I believe most of us creators are struggling with it.



Dimitris: If you are DJ or producer who travels very often to perform Live in various countries can you give us your best Travel Tip for 2018 in order to survive the long travelling hours?

Anske: Good rest, healthy(-ish) food and positive energy around you.

Dimitris: In 2018 there was a big movement for revival of classic tracks and retro events have boomed with music policy of solely classic tracks. What is your opinion about events or stages only with classics and can you choose for us your absolute 3 favourite classics?

Anske: I like the idea of it. Nowadays music comes and goes so fast that we often forget how much of great music is already out there. It's awesome to hearing some of the classics being brought back to life and introduced to the younger generation.

My top 3 Trance classics:

1. Galen Behr vs Hydroid - Carabella (Galen Behr vs Orjan Nilsen Remix)



2. RAM - RAMsterdam (Jorn van Deynhoven Remix)



3. Armin van Buuren - Control Freak (Sander Van Doorn Remix)



Dimitris: Can you mention briefly your plans for your future releases, tracks, albums, collaborations, DJ gigs for 2019!

Anske: Work on the future album. Some exclusive singles towards that, collaborations with vocalists and a few big remixes as of yet.

Dimitris: Finally, what is your biggest wish for 2019 and give us your wishes for our readers?

Anske: Might sound a bit dull but I would like to wish everyone a healthy, loving and meaningful year up ahead.

Thanks so much to Anske for replying in this interview.

Additional info:

17:42:00

Everyone loves that melodically and richly layered track that screams the vibes of summer. And when asked to carve his own signature sound into Markus Schulz's In Search of Sunrise 14 journey, Anske stepped up to the plate and delivers, with The Light in You.

After completing his own set at the Luminosity Beach Festival, Anske proudly joined Markus Schulz on stage during the 4 hour In Search of Sunrise themed presentation, describing it as a proud career moment as The Light in You swept through the ears and mind of thousands of onlookers.

Showing how infectious summer-influenced trance can be, The Light in You is an ideal soundtrack for those early mornings and evenings. Anske has delivered a winner.



Check his Anske - Coldharbour Day 2018 guest mix



Dimitri Kechagias review:
[review top="1"]
 [item value="10"]Beat and Rhythm[/item]
 [item value="10"]Basslines and Groove[/item]
 [item value="10"] Melody [/item]
 [item value="10"] Synths [/item]
 [item value="10"]Breakdown[/item]
 [item value="10"]Climax  / Drop / Crescendo / Pay off moment[/item]
 [item value="10"]Intensity, Drive and Energy[/item]
 [item value="10"]Sound-design and Arrangement[/item]
 [item value="10"]Overall Atmosphere[/item]
 [item value="10"]Goosebumps / Shivers moments[/item]
 [item value="10"]Emotional affinity and heartfelt moments[/item]
 [item value="10"]Originality and Inventiveness[/item]
 [item value="10"]Dancefloor Efficiency / Festival Arenas Effectiveness[/item]
 [item value="10"]You can’t get this memorable track out of your head[/item]
 [item value="10"]It has potential to become an anthem or a classic[/item]
 [item value="10"]Anske - The Light In You[/item]
 [content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Anske rocks the big stages with his own very emotional progressive trance sound. His latest creation The Light In You is a magnificent example of his artistry. Piano chords that touch you deep inside combined with balearic style synths and mesmeric progression of melodies in order to create that stunning relaxing but at the same time so danceable and truly euphoric track that will go so well in your ears and awake your senses instantly. Some may call it future classic, only the time will tell but definitely is a worthwhile contender. #PureGold Love IT[/content]
[/review]

Additional info:

21:57:00


The fifth and final piece of our inaugural all-vocal trance presentation EP, In Bloom, arrives at the hands of one of Coldharbour's rising talents. A tender piece for the trancefamily, Anske and Victoriya combine for Love Won't End.

Already demonstrating his anthemic side, from the melodic Starlight to the brazen Powerball, the Lithuanian has quickly become an ever-reliable source of quality, and particularly present through Markus Schulz's live and radio platforms.

Specifically earmarked by Markus to contribute towards the In Bloom EP; Anske's melodies dovetail impressively with Victoriya's calm and chilling vocals. And as spring slowly becomes summer, we hope the affection for Love Won't End will continue for a while yet. 



Dimitri Kechagias review:
[review top="1"]
 [item value="10"]Beat and Rhythm[/item]
 [item value="10"]Basslines and Groove[/item]
 [item value="10"] Melody [/item]
 [item value="10"] Synths [/item]
 [item value="10"]Vocals and Lyrics[/item]
 [item value="10"]Breakdown[/item]
 [item value="10"]Climax  / Drop / Crescendo / Pay off moment[/item]
 [item value="10"]Intensity, Drive and Energy[/item]
 [item value="10"]Sound-design and Arrangement[/item]
 [item value="10"]Overall Atmosphere[/item]
 [item value="10"]Goosebumps / Shivers moments[/item]
 [item value="10"]Emotional affinity and heartfelt moments[/item]
 [item value="10"]Originality and Inventiveness[/item]
 [item value="10"]Dancefloor Efficiency / Festival Arenas Effectiveness[/item]
 [item value="10"]You can’t get this memorable track out of your head[/item]
 [item value="10"]It has potential to become an anthem or a classic[/item]
 [item value="10"]Anske & Victoriya - Love Won't End[/item]
 [content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Anske & Victoriya collaborate for the stunning Love Won't End that is included on In Bloom EP. Five great vocal trance beauties that will bring the finest feelings for this summer season. Love Won't End is a powerful dynamic dark big room trancer on the usual Coldharbour style that is epic and anthemic but dark and gloomy at the same time. Exceptional performance by Victoriya who really adds her star quality voice and elevate the lyrics to the highest plane to become the ultimate anthem for the lovers of this world. Spacious, sparkling and perfectly arranged with synthy hook to captivate your senses Love Won't End as long as this tunes shines on. #PureGold Love IT[/content]
[/review]

Additional info:

19:11:00

As Coldharbour Recordings finds another label milestone on the horizon, two of our most exciting talents collaborative on a rip-roaring anthem, set to be a big spinner during the Miami Music Week period. Step forward Nifra and Anske, striking the right numbers with Powerball. 

Individually, both artists have continued to spread their wings in the past twelve months, both in the studio and on the road. Respective anthems Never Forget and Xplorer were well appraised by Global DJ Broadcast followers last summer, and their visions dovetail impressively with this collaborative effort. 

Already receiving the nod from Markus Schulz among others, Powerball packs plenty of punch, with a melody many will be chanting along to after a few listens. It sets up both Nifra and Anske for another big year. 

Powerball is so powerful that could not resist to request an interview with Anske about this single and his career in general and we are glad he accepted the challenge after the video interview we did in Leeds.



Dimitri: When did you start your involvement with electronic dance music and which music style you are more affiliated with and why?

Anske: My journey into music started more than 10 years ago - around the time trance was considered to be in its 'golden age'. And up to this day forward, I am still going strong with trance (although I like to implement quite a bit from other genres into my productions to introduce new elements).



Dimitri: Did you had the opportunity to attend any kind of music production course or are u completely self taught? Do you consider that is essential for any artist to complete any production course?

Anske: I had no musical background whatsoever up until I went to University and finished my degree in Digital Music. It was a great life experience and I have met a lot of people within the industry. However, I do not consider this an absolute necessity to be a professional music producer. It is not an excuse not to make music - everything comes from your own determination, hard work and passion.



Dimitri: In which label was your first ever release and how did you manage to attract the attention of the label?

Anske: If I am not mistaken, my first 'professional' release was signed to ReOrder's Silent Shore Records. I might have had a few older ones, it is a bit hard to recall it now, haha.



Dimitri: Can you choose for us your Top 5 tracks that you have produced and you consider them as being highly important for the progress of your career indifferent if they were commercially successful.

Anske: It would have to be these (no specific order):

1. Epika



2. Xplorer



3. Vilnius



4. Paul Thomas & Alex Di Stefano - Shining (Anske Remix)



5. Markus Schulz ft. Mia Koo - Summer Dream (Anske Remix)



Dimitri: Let's focus on your latest release Powellball produced with Nifra. Please tell us from where did you got the inspiration for the track?

Anske: Me and Nicole (Nifra) have been good friends for quite some time now. And we always wanted to create something together. We thought our styles blend in superbly. And from that point, the energetic crowd-pleaser "Powerball" was born.

Dimitri: How long it took you to produce it and was an easy or difficult process?If you have faced any difficulties please tell us about them and how did you resolved them?

Anske: It took quite some time for us to finalise it. We went over a couple of versions before we signed it off. The biggest challenge was working on two different platforms - I use PC and Nifra uses MAC for productions. So we thought the best solution would be working with audio stem files.

Dimitri: Which was the biggest challenge that you faced during the production of this superb track?

Anske: Making sure it keeps the right level of energy throughout the whole track. It has to reflect the title! 

Dimitri: Can you describe to us the steps that you went through the production of this track and of any other track?

Anske: We bounced the project and all files back and forth until we were happy about the result. We wanted to make sure we shared the same vision and combines the best of us.

Dimitri: When the track finished did the label accepted it as it was produced or did the label recommend you to do some changes or fix certain things?

Anske:  We had to undergo a few changes but it 's quite a common practice within the industry.



Dimitri: Is this track an original composition or is it based on a template from another track produced from you or another producer?

Anske: It's an original track. But I guess you can sense some signature sound from both mine and Nifra's previous works.

Dimitri: Is the quality of this track higher than your previous one? If yes in what ways this track sounds better than your previous one?

Anske: It has a slight difference in sound characteristics. But this is because two music producers from two different background are on the same record!



Dimitri: Do you have any friends or relatives that you send them the track before sending it to a label or if you are DJ did you test it in your gigs? If yes did you have to do any alterations as a result of the crowd reaction?

Anske: Not too often. I might send it to a couple of close friends but might depend. If you have a chance, it is always great to test out the record on the road.

Dimitri: Please describe to us the studio that you have produced the track? What is your favourite hardware and software set up? Do you have in mind any new gear that you wish to get in order to raise the quality of your production?

Anske: My setup is quite basic. I have a custom PC, ADAM speakers, some analog goodies. Oh, and the ARC 2 acoustic system, which I think is a studio must.



Dimitri: Do you master the track yourself or the mastering is task for the record label? Do you understand mastering as being essential?

Anske: Usually I do not master my own works (unless I want to test them on the road), but for this record we did the mastering on our own. For my own singles, I let the record label take care of the mastering.

Dimitri: There is a growing trend of vinyl coming back for good. Would you like to see this track released on vinyl or any other of your future tracks? Do you prefer digital files or vinyl?

Anske: I love vinyl! I have just installed my own setup at home. It is really amazing to have some of your favorite music in a physical form - gives more value to it and make it special. However, printing current tunes onto a vinyl would cost a fortune.



Dimitri: Are you thinking to follow up the original with remixes?

Anske: Some remixes might come after the release.

Dimitri: Do you have any future releases planned and when will be released?

Anske: I have quite a bit planned this year. Loads of exciting records to be out on Coldharbour this year.

Dimitri: Can you mention your Top 3 best DJ gigs so far and the reasons that made them so special?

Anske: 1. Washington, DJ (Eden Lounge) - just the fact it was my first professional gig and it happened in USA! That made it really special and memorable.

2. Luminosity Beach Festival 2017 - was awesome fun playing and hanging out with all of my producer friends and people I admire.



3. Luminosity Trance Gathering 2018 - one of the most recent, fun and intimate gigs I played.



Dimitri: Do you have any more DJ gigs planned for the next few months?

Anske: To be announced...

Dimitri: Do you produce a radio show/podcast as well? Please tell us here all the details about it. If you don't have one please tell us why you don't think is important for your career.

Anske: I might be relaunching a new radio show concept later on this year.

Dimitri: Best piece of advice you got in relation to your career so far and best tip you learnt recently to make your tracks better.

Anske: Always trust your gut feeling. If you feel there's something wrong - then you're probably right.

Dimitri: Let's finish with your tips or more elaborated advice for any new artists who may read this interview and wish to get involved with the electronic music industry.

Anske: The best tip that comes into my head right now - make sure you are doing the type of music you do for yourself first. Follow your own path, whatever it may be.

Many thanks to Anske for answering this interview and Tim at Coldharbour for his continued support!



Additional info:

About Dimitris Kechagias

Flux BPM Online, 2025. Powered by Blogger.