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#InDepth Interview with Azotti about his track Butterfly on Mondo Records
As we edge our way into spring, what better way to celebrate the occasion than with a brand new masterpiece from rising star Azotti with the lush sounds of 'Butterfly'.
Azotti of course is no stranger to the Mondo Records ranks, with previous hits such as 'The Miracle', 'Coffee' and 'Back Again' to name but a few. The production maestro comes up with the goods once more and 'Butterfly' is a lush fusion of summer drenched progressive vibes, lush melodies and a bags of energy.
Expect to hear this one played a lot over the coming months - a guaranteed summer anthem in the making.
Butterfly is ISOS compilation material without doubts and we were so impressed that we invited Azotti for an interview and we are glad that he replied in our questions. Thanks Yuri Denisenko aka Azotti.
Listen / Buy: https://MondoRecords.lnk.to/MND272
Dimitri: When did you start your involvement with electronic dance music and which music style you are more affiliated with and why?
Azotti: Since my childhood, all my life I've loved electronic music. But officially I consider the starting point as an artist on October 10, 2009, was the first performance of Azotti. In general, as for me, Yeah I am a big music lover, I like different styles and directions of music, I like working in the studio mixing these different styles, doing something from this club-melodic. When I first started, it was trance, progressive, uplifting, then I tried progressive house, deep house with melodic and trance elements. Music is my life the last 9 years ;)
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?
Azotti: It's important to have a knowledge or to complete a production course. I am completely self taught! General concepts about music harmony and notes were given to me from my father when I was a child as he was a musician, the drummer, in Ukrainian (Soviet Band). My parents wanted to offer me Economic education. For this reason, about 8 years, since 2000-2008 I have studied and worked in this area. All my knowledge in music production I got it myself. How amazing that in our time there are such things as the Books, Magazines, Internet, Google, YouTube, and it is unfortunate that many people can not find there answers to frequently asked questions about music production.
Dimitri: In which label was your first ever release and how did you manage to attract the attention of the label?
Azotti: It was Redux Records (Germany) in winter 2010.
I just made a track and sent it to the record label demo email and they released it!
Dimitri: Which are the 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.
Azotti: 1 - The Miracle
2 - Day And Night featuring Bagga Bownz
3 - First Kiss
4 - Fallen Dreams featuring Bagga Bownz
5 - Sultry City
Dimitri: Let's focus on your latest release Butterfly. Please tell us from where did you got the inspiration for the track?
Azotti: This track was created in the summer, it is filled with summer energy and sun! The main idea came to me during the creating process. But a funny incident happened to me while I was working on this track. It was at the final stage when a butterfly just flew into my room and sat on the audio card, I thought that it is a sign, and called the track Butterfly!
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?
Azotti: To make a good quality track, it's not a problem, not a long process, we know that the best hits were created in a few days with one breath. The problem is different, you have to wait a lot of time, even months for the release of the track or single, usually it takes a long time for the label, because there is a queue order, a stream. I had cases of tracks that were released after one year from their production.
Dimitri: Which was the biggest challenge that you faced during the production of this superb track?
Azotti: Initially, the track was with the vocals, it sounded good, but later label refused the vocal, we abandoned that idea, and I had to re-do most of the track, add more effects and melodies. In the end, it turned out great!
Dimitri: Can you describe to us the steps that you went through the production of this track and of any other track?
Azotti: The first step is a sketch and an idea, then there is a stage of creating an arrangement as well as mixing and mastering in the process, then I asked the opinion of few friends about this track, I analyse it, and if I feel that something is missing I make adjustments, and only then, the finished track is send to the label as a demo!
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?
Azotti: Sometimes the label accepts the track without making any adjustments, and sometimes it happens that the label recommends to make some changes. It also happens that the label rejects the track and then I send it to another label.
Dimitri: Is this track an original composition or is it based on a template from another track produced from you or another producer?
Azotti: Sure! I'm often inspired by other producers and DJs it's true, I listen to a lot of music! But any of my works are original compositions with original ideas.
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?
Azotti: You know, there is such a saying. "There is no limit to perfection" I always try to make the quality better of my works from year to year, thanks to technology and knowledge.
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?
Azotti: Of course! My relatives are very fond of electronic music, they strongly support me! Yes, I often test my tracks on a big sound system in the clubs or festivals, and watch the reaction of the crowd, it really helps me.
Dimitri: Can you 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?
Azotti: I have a powerful PC, today this is the main thing! I work for many years in Cubase DAW. I have an RME audio card, a pair of studio monitors - ADAM and a subwoofer for monitoring low frequencies, a large 27 "LCD monitor. I also have good studio headphones. This is my small home studio, a great place for ideas and creativity)
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| Azotti's Studio |
Dimitri: Do you master the track yourself or the mastering is task for the record label? Do you understand mastering as being essential?
Azotti: I always personally do mixing and mastering for the track. It's important for me. Of course I think that the ideological part for music is above all, but the quality must also be at a good level! If the original producer can not master on his own, then the mixing and mastering services are provided by the label.
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?
Azotti: I'm a big fan of vinyl for many many years from 90s, I have a small home collection of my favorite music. It's an indescribable feeling to hold the music and feel it with your own hands. I'm glad that the vinyl returns. And I really dream that this track or maybe some of my future works will be released on vinyl.
Dimitri: Are you going to add any remixes for the track?
Azotti: Specifically, this release does not include remixes, only radio version, it is slightly shorter in duration about 3 minutes. But I almost made a slightly different version of this track, I plan to test it on the radio soon.
Dimitri: Do you have any future releases planned and when will be released?
Azotti: This year my aim is to release a lot of tracks and a few tracks have already been signed and are waiting for their time to release them during spring-summer and there are a couple of tracks which are still looking for a home. Just right now I finished two new tracks, in progressive and house style. I also work on a collaboration with a really big vocalist. Stay Tuned more info coming soon!
Dimitri: Please mention to us your Top 3 best DJ gigs so far and the reasons that made them so special?
Azotti: About two years ago I performed at a big concert stage "Stereo Plaza", in Kiev and there were many thousands of people. I did a warm-up before Markus Schulz and Ferry Corsten, it was unbelievable! I also did a live recording, it sounds great with the crowd shouting, by the way, you can find this in my page on mixcloud. After this performance I have a big following of fans who always wait for my performances. In October, I managed, by coincidence, to make a half-hour DJ set in the DeLaMar theatre in Amsterdam at the festival ADE, it was very spontaneous and not planned. But I'm always ready for non-standard situations. Always great parties in the Kiev club Forsage and Saxon!
Dimitri: Do you have any more DJ gigs planned for the next few months?
Azotti: Yes, of course, let it be my little secret! I will say only that it will not be in my motherland Ukraine!
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.
Azotti: I do not produce a radio show or podcast, because now the market is really over saturated, most of the fans of electronic music listen to mostly the most cult DJs and musicians. In my opinion, in order to make a radio show, you must at least become very famous, release an album, and make your radio show live! In this case there is a sense...
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.
Azotti: I'm a very gullible person, and I recently received advice from my good friend Michiel - it sounded something like .. Come on - do not be so gullible, because in this world you are surrounded mostly by not very good people.
Dimitri: Can you give us here 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.
Azotti: Never give up! Be patient! Do not stop every day to learn something new! Love the family! Love the world because it is so interesting! Always remember your roots!
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