Showing posts with label Text Interviews. Show all posts
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02:34:00


Made up of Ric Scott and Alex Hush, the duo between them has credentials that stack up high. Ric has worked on some of the best dance and trance tunes, including with Warp Brothers, Ian Van Dahl, Paul Van Dyk, Moogwai, and more recently Lady Gaga, Paul Hardcastle and Hemstock & Jennings.

Alex is also known as one half of the production duo Koishii & Hush, who have released their own tracks, including collaborations with New Order’s Gillian Gilbert and Duran Duran’s John Taylor.

Ric and Alex first collaborated together on a remix for Erasure, before deciding to make Daybreakers an ongoing project. 

Their first remix as Daybreakers was for the U2 single ‘Love Is Bigger Than Anything In It’s Way’ which helped propel the song to the top spot on the Billboard Dance Club Songs Chart. With the success of the U2 remix, they were asked to remix Madonna’s single ‘I Rise’, which also took the #1 spot, giving Madonna her 48th #1 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs Chart.

The awesome Daybreakers recently collaborated with Radio Company for the brilliant Quarter To that is out on ZYX Music. It sounds like the perfect occasion to have a nice interview with them and find out how this great project came about and the background story of Quarter To plus bits and pieces of their music career so far that you are eager to know. Read their interview right here. 


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.

Ric: One of my biggest goals was working for Vince Clarke, we’ve done 3 remixes now.

Alex: I would agree the Erasure stuff has been a highlight along with U2, Madonna and many others

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

Ric: After 11 years at Music School, I saw Adamski performing ‘Killer’ on Top of the Pops and thought; ‘I could do that’, so I purchased a small sampler, a drum machine and a synth and here we are.

Alex: Music has always played a huge part in my life and after a brief stint at a dance music radio station, production seemed the next likely step.


3-Dimitris: 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?

Ric: Jean Michel Jarre, Kraftwerk & Vince Clarke


Alex: Matt Darey, Shep Pettibone & Stephen Hague

5-Dimitris: It would be fantastic to talk about your latest release with Radio Company called Quarter To that is out now on ZYX. Please tell us how this track came about and what was the idea behind it.

Ric: With Quarter To, the main premise of the track was already there, we just needed to remix it and put our own stamp on it. Taking cross genre tracks which are this far apart can present various challenges.

Alex: I have known Steve from Radio Company for awhile and thought that their track would work really well with a dance interpretation. After a brief discussion, we all agreed it was an idea worth trying.


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

Ric: From start to finish the track was on the desk for around 4 weeks in total from general ideas through to final master. Firstly, we put some ideas down then chose the best parts from each idea. Once we had the basis for the track down, it was time to put the vocals down and place them throughout the track. One of the challenges with this track was that we didn’t want to lose the flow of the ‘song’ so we had to find a way of letting the vocals blend seamlessly into the musical track, Once all the parts were in place, then it’s time for reduction. This is where we remove additional elements to clean the mix up. After this, we zero’d everything apart from the Kick. This allows us to level everything to the kick so the that the kick drives the mix. When we were happy with the mix, we mastered the track ready for release.

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?

Ric: We use Presonus Studio One v6 with the only outboard hardware being a Presonus IO Station 24c, monitors and an Alesis V49 Keyboard. Everything else is software. This is more due to space restrictions rather than mere choice.

If I was to give an opinion, it would be that each producer has the right to produce however they want. Some suit more outboard hardware and some more onboard software. When I started it was all outboard but over the years software has taken a more front row in terms of production and I love the sound of some of the analogue emulators, even if you need to run them through an emulated compressor to add more warmth, I do think they are close. But each to their own, however they produce, we all do the same job at the end of the day.

8-Dimitris: Do you prefer vocal or instrumental tracks? If there are vocals on the track we discuss about tell us about the singer you work with?

Ric: I like both as they both have their challenges. Keeping an instrumental track interesting and on the flip side, getting the vocals to sit in the mix. As long as the vocals are clean we can manipulate them to how we want them. Alex: Same. Both can be equally strong although having a great vocal can make an already fantastic instrumental really soar.


9-Dimitris: Are there any vocalists/singers on electronic dance music you aspire to work with?

Ric: I’d like to work with Becky Hill, Anne-Marie or Ella Henderson, I think they’re all really talented singers.

Alex: That Girl has been delivering some amazing vocals lately so she is definitely on the bucket list. 

10-Dimitris: Please choose the most powerful lyrics ever included in a dance track and why these lyrics have touched you so deeply and have a special meaning for you?

Alex: I think the lyrics from ‘Close To You’ by Tiesto & Jan Johnston are outstanding. 

“Do you find solace in the sun
Do you consider life as one
Do you believe there is a limit
To how fast a man can run
Someone said you're born alive
Well I don't feel that alive
No I don't feel that alive
I don't feel that alive”

Just something about that hits with such emotion.


11-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?

Ric: I personally think that Cover-Art side of the business has suffered due to Budget cuts, but I think ‘Quarter To’ does a great job. 

When it comes to artwork of tracks I would have to say Thriller, Dark Side of the Moon, Surfin Safari etc.

Alex: For dance music, Chakra ‘I Am’ has an amazing image.

12-Dimitris: Do you have your own record label? if yes tell us when did you set it up, the reasons behind this decision and your top 3 releases on the label so far plus 2 or 3 releases that we should look after from your label.

Ric: ‘Cooper Recordings’ was set up in 2013 mainly to release music from myself and upcoming artists that I could support. I signed artists from Miami, Argentina, USA and the UK.

Alex: I do but more recently have been working with Lost Witness and Conductor & Cowboy on the new label Trance FC, where we really focus on new and upcoming artists as well as selected legacy artists and tracks.

13-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? 

Ric: We have nothing in the pipeline yet but given the correct licensing costs, nothing’s impossible.

14-Dimitris: Can you pick up your all time favorite album or compilation and tell us why you adore it so much?

Ric: Sure, Vorsprung Dyk Technik. I love this album. It’s raw dance and early trance all rolled into 3 CDs. It shows Paul’s evolution through the years and how his techniques changed and grew. If he’s reading this, do a part 2 😊

Alex: New Order ‘Substance’. Genius from start to finish.


15-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?

Alex: To be honest we really only promote things on social media when we have a remix or single coming out. I find it to be a bit of a chore to constantly have to create content, especially when you may not have much to say. 


16-Dimitris: Do you have any gigs/festival performances confirmed so far for 2024 in which ones are you most excited to perform and why?

Ric: None yet as we are concentrating on studio time this year, but if an offer was to present itself, we would seriously consider it.

17-Dimitris: Please share your most funny and most serious incident that happen to you during your DJ or LIVE PA performance?

Ric: I was playing a gig in the UK, I followed Jordan Suckley onto the decks (who was brilliant). I went on and around 10 minutes into my set, due to the amount of people who were on the stage with me, the photographer (Sara) tripped over the Deck connector and disconnected the decks which made everything go silent. Luckily, I knew exactly what Sara had done and plugged them back in and away we went again.

Nothing too funny or serious has happened over the years but it’s all about how you deal with the issues as and when they arise. I think learning to DJ locally and having issues come up through the night and learning to deal with them, you learn to make a joke out issues and panic less.

18-Dimitris: If you expect to have a steady income from your music productions are you satisfied 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. 

Ric: I think that the digital streaming platforms should rethink the way they distribute the wealth they have gained from other people’s hard work. The low rates paid from streaming platforms in no way compensate the years of practice, hours of work and outlay that the artists & producers have to pay for. If every DJ that plays completed the Public Performance lists then organisations such as PRS etc could recoup this money back. Radio & TV play is still good where physical formats usually cost more to produce and little return.

Alex: Not even close to proper compensation. Daniel Ek, CEO of Spotify now has a net worth of about 5 billion dollars all while saying that the cost of creating content is ‘close to zero’. He may have the largest music platform but that mentality is a major part of what is wrong in the industry.

19-Dimitris: Please note for all the new talents that read this interview to get some inspiration from you any technical tips in relation to your DJing or music productions. Also any piece of personal or music business' advice that has helped you to progress even further and is worth telling to the new upcoming talents. 

Ric: If this is something you really want to do with your life, be prepared to put in the hard work and free work to showcase your talents and also be prepared to be turned down by labels. Take this as a cue to better yourself. Learn new techniques from people like Streaky for example and don’t play your music to people you know, they’ll always tell you you’re great and this isn’t what you need to hear. You need constructive criticism about your music. Play it to someone who knows music.

Alex: Just do your own thing. It is fine to fit in a genre but do not try and copy what everyone else is doing. That may bring you success but in the end if you are not ultimately making something you love, you won’t feel as fulfilled.

20-Dimitris: Is there a club classic that you would like to remix or rework in 2024? Do you attempt often to do your own bootlegs of classics?

Ric: Funny you should ask, I have recently remade ‘For an Angel’ by Paul Van Dyk. I like to remake tracks to see how my production compares to the original.

Alex: Yes and no. There are some great classic tracks we think would be great to remix but at the same time, can you really do anything to make it better? That said, we are always open to the discussion or to make an attempt and have a few slated for future release :)

21-Dimitris: How much do you care if your fans or followers like your productions? Do you struggle with the audience reception of your tracks and is this thought adds extra pressure on you and discourage you too? 

Ric: To be honest, our fan base is quite eclectic, and you can’t please everyone all the time. The rules are if one person doesn’t like something, they will tell on average 11 people. If someone loves something, they will on average tell 1 person. All chatter is good chatter in the music business. Someone might not like a track, tell others who are then compelled to listen.

Alex: Exactly. Once the track is out there, it’s not ours anymore, it’s in the ether. We just do our thing and hope that our fans enjoy it. Try to take all feedback, good or bad, the same. Everyone has an opinion and that’s what it is all about. 


22-Dimitris: Do you believe that audience should be banned from constantly taking photos or videos during DJ sets or are you happy with these activities? 

Ric: In my opinion, I think clubbers who stand videoing are missing out on a great time. Just go and really enjoy yourself. You can watch the night back on YouTube as the promoters often hire pro videographers. Just enjoy the night and dance! I know that some DJs and Bands have banned phones etc from gigs to try and promote this.

When I was clubbing in the 90s and 00’s all we did was dance through the night, memories will never be deleted, and we loved every moment of it.

Alex: Agree and if you feel you have to record something, keep in mind the people behind you who may want to just watch and enjoy.

23-Dimitris: Do you prefer small clubs or huge festivals to perform? in which festivals or clubs you aspire to play in the future?

Ric: I like both, they both bring the best out in me. If I’m playing to 200 people in a club or 20,000 at a festival, I’ll always bring the performance. Everyone still gets the same level.

Tomorrowland has always been on my list, but the phone never rings, and the same goes for EDC. If the promoters are reading, we’re available 😉 

Alex: Yeah Tomorrowland! Give us a call 


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

Ric & Alex: We hope you like what we do and we greatly appreciate the support we have received from dance fans around the world. It truly means a lot

Thanks so much to Richard & Alex for their precious time dedicated to reply to this interview.


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04:03:00

 




Tom Boldt's uncanny mixture of propulsive dance beats and orchestral grandeur has earned him a reputation as a unique up-and-coming artist in the EDM world. With his commanding stage presence and natural gift for crowd interaction, the Hamburg-based DJ is dedicated to showing his audiences the time of their lives with every single performance.

Tom's career has spanned over 15 years, both as a member of the duo Store N Forward and as a solo artist. He was initially inspired by the trance music movement, particularly Dutch artist Ferry Corsten, whom Tom would later share the stage with. As Tom's career blossomed, he developed the unique synthesis of electronic styles that would eventually become his signature, dancefloor-awakening sound.

Over the years, Tom's sound has evolved and matured, but he has always stayed true to his roots in trance and progressive with influences from the 80s and 90s. His music is characterized by soaring melodies, lush harmonies, and intricate rhythms, all combined to create a euphoric and uplifting experience for the listener.

Tom's recent release, "Purple," on Enhanced Recordings, is a perfect example of his 80s-influenced signature sound. The track features driving beats, ethereal vocals, and a powerful drop that is sure to get dancefloors moving. It has already received support from some of the biggest names in the industry, including Tritonal, Andrew Rayel, Elevven, Ferry Corsten and Kyau & Albert.

Another standout track from Tom is "Real To Me," a collaboration with the talented vocalist Sarah Russell on RazNitzanMusic. The track is a beautiful blend of Sarah's emotive vocals and Tom's uplifting production style, resulting in a truly memorable and emotional piece of music.

Tom's collaboration in 2020 with L.A.-based singer Kyler England on "Higher (with you)" is also worth mentioning. The track showcases Tom's ability to create powerful, driving tracks that still maintain a sense of emotional depth and nuance.

As Tom's star continues to rise, he remains dedicated to his craft and his fans. His passion for music is evident in every track he produces, and his commitment to creating memorable and uplifting experiences for his listeners is truly inspiring.

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.

Tom Boldt: First of all, I am very proud of what I am doing. Not everyone is capable of making music and working with great artists and labels around the world. In addition, playing alongside Ferry Corsten in Houston, USA, and with Kyau & Albert, who are my idols, has been incredible.

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

Tom Boldt:  started when I was around 8 or 10 years old. I have always been interested in technology and music, and this was my chance to combine the two. Besides that, taking piano lessons was an opportunity to avoid going to dance school.

3-Dimitris: 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?

Tom Boldt: 1. Ferry Corsten 

2. Above & Beyond

3. Moogwai

4-Dimitris: Can you tell us the top 3 tracks from the past that have influenced your sound the most and why?

Tom Boldt: 1. Above & Beyond & Richard Bedford - Alone Tonight

2. Miami Nights 1984 - The Girl

3. Myon & Shane54 ft. Kyler England - Summer Of Love

5-Dimitris: It would be fantastic to talk about your latest release Deep Blue on FSOE Argento. Please tell us how this magical track came about and what was the idea behind it.

Tom Boldt: I came across the idea for the track when I was in Curacao. I love diving, and Curacao is somewhat of a paradise for diving. The deep blue waters around this beautiful island inspired me to take a musical chance and adapt the idea into a progressive trance track.

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

 Tom Boldt: I always start with a melody, and I came up with this one in 2018 when I was in Curacao. For some reason, I never revisited it until mid-2022 when I stumbled across the old file. I tried to recall the time in Curacao—the vibe and the feel of the island—and started working on the beat and buildup. I found a great vocal that fit perfectly with the melody. Ultimately, I finished the track in 2023 and sent it to Dan Stone, and it got signed to Argento again.

7-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.

Tom Boldt:  I always struggle with mixing and mastering. To be honest, I am not good at this, but I practice every day. Lately, I have been receiving a lot of help from Farius, and his tips and tricks always push me further. In 2023, I switched from Cubase to Ableton after more than 20 years, which is cool, but the workflows are very different, and I am not that fast in Ableton yet.

8-Dimitris: If you would have the opportunity to change something in your track and maybe to do a new remix what elements are you unhappy with and you are going to change? Is there any artist that you feel would be fantastic to remix this track and why?

Tom Boldt:  Haha, I always wish to revise all of my tracks since I am learning mixing and mastering, but it's okay not to do so. Things are done, and looking forward is more what I prefer.

I really like the tracks by Cubicore and Codeko, and I would love to remix one of their tracks someday.

9- 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?

Tom Boldt: As mentioned, I was totally into Cubase and switched to Ableton this year. Working with a software for as long as I did with Cubase makes switching a big thing. I’ve also left all hardware behind. Now, I mostly work on the road with my MacBook. Previously, when collaborating with Chris for Store N Forward, I used a lot of hardware, but always struggled with the workflows. In the digital world in which I currently operate, you are completely free in all your decisions, especially regarding when and where to make music.

But I also love returning to my studio, turning on all the lights, and just enjoying the environment. It offers a different kind of inspiration, and it always gives me shivers.

10-Dimitris: Do you prefer vocal or instrumental tracks? If there are vocals on the track we discuss about tell us about the singer you work with?

Tom Boldt:   I love both :)

11-Dimitris: Are there any vocalists/singers on electronic dance music you aspire to work with?

Tom Boldt:  For me Richard Bedford is one of the gifted singers around the world. I would love to work with him, for sure. But I also was gifted enough to work with singers like Kyler England, Linnea Schössow, Sarah Russell, Neev Kennedy and many more. 

12-Dimitris: Please choose the most powerful lyrics ever included in a dance track and why these lyrics have touched you so deeply and have a special meaning for you?

 Tom Boldt:  "Summer Of Love" by Myon & Shane 54 with Kyler England.

I think everyone has fallen in love with someone in the summer, and these lyrics describe the feeling perfectly. I was lucky enough to turn my summer love into something more.

13-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?

 Tom Boldt: Absolutely. The Artwork fits perfectly on the track. 

The best artwork I've seen so far is for sure the Above & Beyond album "We are all we need" 

14-Dimitris: Can you pick your favorite top 3 record labels including the one released the track that we discuss in this interview and give us a short comment about why these labels are important to you and the music scene too?

 Tom Boldt:  I need to pick 4.

1. Argento, is an upcoming label from the UK, with a very strong identity sound wise. 

2. Enhance Recordings, also from the UK and one of the most recognizable labels in the world. 

3. RazNitzanMusic, always quality releases and known for fantastic vocals. 

4. Anjunabeats, they are always pushing the trance sound forward, like these other 3 labels. 

15-Dimitris: Do you have your own record label? if yes tell us when did you set it up, the reasons behind this decision and your top 3 releases on the label so far plus 2 or 3 releases that we should look after from your label.

  Tom Boldt: No, I am an artist and producer and I like it the way it is. 

16-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? 

 Tom Boldt:  Can’t say too much; I am working on something, but for now, I am focusing on singles.

17-Dimitris: Can you pick up your all time favorite album or compilation and tell us why you adore it so much?

Tom Boldt:  Not a trance album, but I was totally in love with Madonna's 'Ray Of Light.' Not just because of William Orbit, who produced the album, but it opened up an entire new world of soundscapes and ideas for me.

18-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?

 Tom Boldt: I am used to be on Instagram, and thats also the best way to connect with me. @tomboldtmusic

19-Dimitris: Do you have your own radio show/podcast/twitch stream or Vlog(video blog)? If yes please give us a comment about it and how long it  take you to prepare for it and if you are always excited to produce it?

 Tom Boldt: I do have a monthly radio show called "Workout" on Digitally Imported. The show is aired every 4th Tuesday of the month at 20 CET. Additionally, I have my own Spotify playlist, "Just Some Really Good Music":

  

I spend quite some time arranging the tracks and mixes, but I love listening to trance music and picking my top tracks every month.

20-Dimitris: Do you have any  gigs/festival performances confirmed so far for 2023 in which ones are you most excited to perform and why?

Tom Boldt:  I am not playing gigs this year; instead, I'm focusing on studio work. Maybe next year, you'll be able to see and hear me at some DJ gigs.

21-Dimitris: Are you happy about the quality of the tracks released in your preferred music genres?  Please justify your answer with your opinion about it!

 Tom Boldt: Yes, trance is evolving every year, and it seems to me that more and more barriers are breaking down from year to year. I love that in this genre, you are free to do everything you want.

22-Your current Top 3 tracks with short comment:

Tom Boldt: 1. Deepblue - Tom Boldt (Argento Recordings) - what a surprise :)

2. Stormarn - Farius & Johann Vilborg (Enhanced Recordings) - Love the vibe and the build-up of the track. So much energy.

3. Must Be Dreaming - anamē & Bien (Anjunabeats) - One of my fav. artists at the moment. Love the vocals and their sound. 

23-Dimitris: Please note for all the new talents that read this interview to get some inspiration from you any  technical tips in relation to your DJing  or music productions. Also any piece of personal or music business' advice that has helped you to progress even further and is worth telling to the new upcoming talents. 

 Tom Boldt:  Stay focused and find your own sound. This industry is not for those who copy existing music; it is for creating new music.

24-Dimitris: Many producers and DJs  offer online masterclasses or teach to music production & DJing courses. Do you believe is essential to take part in any of these courses to develop your skills? Are you are offering any of these services? or other related services like ghost-producing or mastering? please tell us about these activities 

Tom Boldt:  It is always good to get ideas and help from someone else. Masterclasses and 'How-To' videos can help you solve your problems and develop your skills. However, I don’t think it is necessary to book any online courses to get into music production. If you are open to technology, love making music, and have an idea, just do it. Don’t wait for the next tutorial to get things done.

25-Dimitris: Is there a club classic that you would like to remix or rework in 2023? Do you attempt often to do your own bootlegs of classics?

Tom Boldt:  There are too many to just pick one. But yes, I have something in the making; more to come next year.

26-Dimitris: Please choose the best and worst remix of  club classic and tell us why you like or dislike them.

 Tom Boldt:  For me, there are no bad remixes. But I am happy to pick one I really like at the moment - 'Hyper Hyper' by Scooter, mixed by Giuseppe Ottaviani. To be honest, this kicks ass.

27-Dimitris: How much do you care if your fans or followers like your productions? Do you struggle with the audience reception of your tracks  and is this thought adds extra pressure on you and discourage you too?  

Tom Boldt: First, I make music for myself, and I am lucky enough that some labels like the music and release it. Fan feedback is always important to me, especially when I try something new. I respect every opinion on my music and learn from negative comments as long as they are factual.

28-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 artists who are attempting to mix influences from various genres in their tracks? 

Tom Boldt:   As mentioned before, in trance music, you can do whatever you feel. This openness allows for exploration of other genres like house or techno. I really like this flexibility because it would be unfortunate to abandon a great idea just because it doesn't fit into a particular genre.

29-Dimitris: Is your music business your full time occupation and are you able to make a leaving out of your music business (DJ/producer/label owner/teaching or mastering tracks)? If not what other jobs are you doing in order to support your income?

 Tom Boldt: Music is my love and my passion, but not my main income. I work in IT industry for living. 

30-Dimitris: Do you believe that audience should be banned from constantly taking photos or videos during DJ sets or are you happy with these activities? 

 Tom Boldt:  Maybe I'm old-school, but when I go clubbing, I go out to dance. However, I can understand people who share their videos and pictures on Instagram and other platforms. And it's always great to see a video of someone, somewhere on this planet, dancing to your music.

31-Dimitris: Do you prefer small clubs or huge festivals to perform? in which festivals or clubs you aspire to play in the future?

 Tom Boldt:  I like both and I would be happy to be back on the road in 2024. 

32-Please choose for us your favourite holiday destination and share with us your most unforgettable holiday experience(good/bad)

Tom Boldt: Everyone who loves diving and beautiful beaches should go to Curacao someday.

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

Tom Boldt:  Thanks for having me. It is always a pleasure talking with you guys. Since we are close to Christmas, I hope you all have a great one with your family and friends.

Thanks so much to team at FSOE for arranging this interview. 

Thanks to the brilliant Tom for his wonderful answers

Find Deep Blue here: https://fsoe.streamlink.to/deepblue


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01:56:00


ZOYA is a singer, songwriter,DJ and recording artist. Since an early age she has had a profound interest in music which would lead to studies in opera and piano at the Music academy in her hometown. ZOYA would then leave her home country of Bulgaria to embark on a bohemian lifestyle of music, work and travel. Living and working in different countries she was constantly learning, gaining experience and collecting new inspiration to incorporate into her style of song writing. In 2013 she fell in love with electronic music and knew from then on that it was in this genre that she wanted to make her impression. During the ADE she presented 2 songs and her voice was first announced to a worldwide audience. The collaboration requests started to rain in and her first project with LTN was signed by Armada music. Currently ZOYA is working hard writing for herself and other artists. Her main love will always be trance but having an eclectic taste in music herself she is always open to experiment in other music genres. 



Acid Lullaby is her latest release for Edge Vision part of Abora Recordings and we are more than glad that she agreed to talk to us about this new single and tell us about her foundation in music, her present goals and future ambitions. Enjoy her very informative answers right here.

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

ZOYA: My musical journey started from High School and continued through the Music Academy with opera and piano, but later on I fell in love with electronic dance music.It was in 2013 when I first attended ADE, I went to a trance event and since then I knew that will be my music.I remember that night Solarstone was playing, it was pure magic.

Dimitris: 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?

ZOYA: When I first got in the scene,I was a singer-songwriter. That wasn't enough for me so I went to study production and sound design in a private music school. There I graduated the DJ course as well so now I'm fully qualified. There is still many things to learn but I think I am on the right path.

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

ZOYA: My first ever release was a progressive house vocal track that I wrote. It was called "Walking into heaven" and it was featured in the best of Miami 2014 compilation. I presented the song during the Winter Music conference in Miami and people liked it so it came naturally to release it.

Dimitris: Please pick for us your Top 5 tracks that you have produced and you consider them as being highly important for the progress of your career.

ZOYA: "Acid Lullaby" I like it for the production quality, that's my latest track which was just released on Feb 25th. Check out the official video on my youtube channel 



"Bubble" (released on number 1 dance label in Australia Bourne recordings). That track was N2 on the Czech chart last year.



"zoyasmusic". Actually I am trying to improve each time I produce.

"Scars"-vocal uplifting trance track which was voted one of the top 25 tracks in 2018 in category 
Uplifting Trance. It took 2 years to produce it but the final result was worthy.



"In My Mind" produced as pop/house and voted N1 track on Deep House Radio Bulgaria for 2018



"Oceans Away" released on Armada. I wrote and sang the song as acoustic version with guitar, someone else made the trance version.



Dimitris: Let's focus on your latest release Acid Lullaby. Please tell us from where did you got the inspiration for the track and what kind of music influences is including?

ZOYA: I like energetic trance, also darker sound.As a producer I feel like tech/psy trance is my thing.That's what "Acid Lullaby", my new release which I classify as PsyTechlifter.My sound is influenced by Mark Sherry, Jordan Suckley, I like Jorn Van Deynhoven tunes a lot.



Dimitris: 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?

ZOYA: It took me around 2 months.I am not the fastest yet because I am a perfectionist and I will re-work something million times till I like it.

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

ZOYA: It took long because I was trying to create some of the sounds using the knowledge of the sound design class. I was experimenting a lot but in the end I think it came pretty nice.

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

ZOYA: First I will choose a track that I like and put it in my DAW as a reference track.Then I will see the structure and analyse the elements and sounds used there and after the fun begins...experimenting and checking how it will sound  best.



Dimitris: 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?

ZOYA: The label took it the way it was, including the mastering.

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

ZOYA: Completely original.In fact it is a hybrid between psy and tech trance with elements of uplifting in the break down.

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

ZOYA: I wouldn't say its better than my previous track.It is just different sub genre. My previous track "Scars" was uplifting vocal trance and "Acid Lullaby" is PsyTechLifter.



Dimitris: 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?

ZOYA: I have many friends in the industry but I don't send them my tracks.If I am not sure I prefer to take an extra class with my music teacher and discuss it.As a DJ I test the tracks,yes. During my live gigs or radio show.

Dimitris: 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?

ZOYA: At the moment I am building a new studio.This particular track was produced on my laptop with Ableton 10. I use serum a lot, I really like playing with it.

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

ZOYA: Some labels prefer to do their mastering so they ask for the pre-master of the track when you sign. Mastering is a completely separate skill and not so many producers are good at mastering.

Dimitris: 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?

ZOYA: I've never thought about it but now that you are asking me, I would like to have it yes.

Dimitris: Are you going to release soon any remixes to support Acid Lullaby?  

ZOYA: The track is going to have a remix but I will keep it a surprise for now.

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

ZOYA: Yes, I have a few more tracks coming the next months.

Dimitris: Your favourite Top 5 tracks at this moment!

ZOYA:  The Sound Of E - ( Jorn van Deynhoven Extended Remix)



 Armin van Buuren, W&W - Ready To Rave 



Fake ID - Jorn Van Deynhoven



Tempo Giusto - Solace in your eyes



Darren Porter - Inertia 



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

ZOYA: I like creating a journey when I play so I always prefer longer sets. I played two extended sets last year: one 6h open to close in Berlin and one 5h In Prague. The 3rd gig was a private party in Monaco.

Dimitris: Do you have any more DJ gigs planned for the next few months? If yes please note them down here.

ZOYA: I'm going to play in Sofia, Bulgaria on March 9th which is really soon so if you are around make sure you come.

Dimitris: Can you give us more details about your Ultimate Energy radio show?

ZOYA: I am hosting my radio show "Ultimate Energy" on Trance-Energy radio. It is twice a month- every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month at 16h GMT.Live stream is always available on the radio site and after I upload the episodes on my soundcloud or youtube channel- zoyasmusic 



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

ZOYA: I am still learning and trying to follow this tip but to be patient and keep working hard.Things are coming but it takes time and a lot of hard work.

Dimitris: Can you offer us your career tips or more elaborated advice for any new artists who may read this interview and wish to get involved with the electronic music industry.

ZOYA: I would suggest to take the time and learn properly. For myself I like to understand and learn the foundation of everything at the start and then just to improve. 

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?

ZOYA: Sometimes the stress, the travelling, the fatigue and the expectations that people have from you can be too much. I think it's important to try to balance and take care of your health as well and if you need to slow down just do it. It's not all money, health is the most important. 

Dimitris: Can you tell us your best travel tips in order to survive the long travelling hours that many artists must go through?

ZOYA: Oh I am not the best person to ask that. I survive the long flights but I completely mess up my diet and training if I am away for a long and then I am always angry with myself. Again I am trying to be as healthy as possible when it comes to food but its not always easy. I know what I have to do in theory but ... sometimes I don't do it.

Dimitris: There is a big movement for revival of classic tracks and as a result of this 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?

ZOYA: I like classics but I don't if younger generations would enjoy them as much. I think it's good to have stages with classics and I have seen people really enjoy It, I guess it all depends on the venue. It is really hard to pick my top 3 favourite classics but I can tell you that I am remixing one now and it will be out soon:))) 

Dimitris: Please give us your messages for our readers?

ZOYA: Keep listening to the good music and also keep supporting your favourite artists, without you we wouldn't have the motivation to do what we do.



Thanks to ZOYA for replying to this interview.

Additional info:


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01:09:00

Encompassing bound-less experience and energy from across Europe, Italian Melodic Techno trio FOLUAL have been working around the clock this year and are now ready to unleash their signature analogue sound onto the global stage. Comprising of scene veterans Luca Antolini, Alessandro Bianchi and Luca Folco, 2019 will see a steady stream of music from this exciting new outfit, all destined for their own new label Apogee Recordings via Black Hole Distribution. From London to Milan, Bologna to Barcelona, there will certainly be no escaping FOLUAL’s presence and music in 2019.

We are extremely glad that Folual have accepted our challenge and we have arranged this top notch interview. FOLUAL in 2019 will get really big so have your ears open for their own brand of cool techno.



Interview is written and conducted by Dimitri Kechagias, Music Journalist and Radio DJ

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

FOLUAL: We are 3 artists (Luca Folco, Luca Antolini, Allesandro Bianchi) with over 25 years of combined industry experience, last year we decided to start this project together and from January 2019 we have begun to release our Techno / Melodic productions that have been 12 months in the making.

Dimitris: 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?

FOLUAL: We have had so much experience  with other types of music over the years, such as Hardtrance / Trance / Progressive, every day we try to progress. Studying is certainly good for anyone, but we think also that certain things you just have inside, there’s no escaping raw taelent – you can’t really teach that.

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

FOLUAL: Over the years we have all had numerous releases on stacks of labels of all shapes and sizes. To begin with all our FOLUAL material will be going out on our own label Apogee Recordings, distributed by Black Hole.  For us it is the year zero ... although individually previously we have worked with big labels like Armada, Saifam, Grotesque, Black Hole ect ect

Dimitris: Can you pick for us your Top 5 tracks that you have produced and you consider them as being highly important for the progress of your career.

FOLUAL: It's far too early to attribute importance to 5 productions and in any case it would not be easy to answer, because everything we do we like. We are sitting on around 15-20 tracks that are now surfacing bi-weekly on all the usual platforms. You tell us ;-)



Dimitris: How long does it take you to produce a track? Is it an easy or difficult process?

FOLUAL: Certainly every production requires lots of attention, concentration and decisions until we feel that it is exactly the way we wanted it ... this is the goal for us.

Dimitris: Which is the biggest challenge that you face during the production process?

FOLUAL: Finding the sounds, giving a sound to the mix, give harmony and melody that does not tire, try not to be trivial.

Dimitris: Can you describe to us the steps that you go through in the production of your tracks?

FOLUAL: We look for a kick and a bass, then we get rhythmic. We then look for an idea that we all like and a strong melody that goes with the project. It’s a very natural process really.

Dimitris: Have you had any problems getting your tracks signed?

FOLUAL: This is the advantage of having your own label. We can spend more time concentrating on finishing quality music.



Dimitris: Do you ever use templates to finish tracks more quickly?

FOLUAL: We try to do original things all the time, it can happen that it sounds a little like something else – but that’s the beauty of music isn’t it?




Dimitris: Can you describe to us the studio that you  produce your music? 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?

FOLUAL: We usually work on 2-3 daw FL, Bitwig, Cubase and then finish the work on Logic, which remains the basic DAW ... We have some external machines like the Virus, Arturia, Roland etc.

Dimitris: Do you master the music yourself or is the mastering a task for specialists in mastering? Do you understand mastering as being essential?

FOLUAL: We master everything ourselves in-house. It’s something that we like having total control over.

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

FOLUAL: Of course we would love to see FOLUAL on vinyl, we are used to digital that is always faithful, but coming from the oldskool vinyl always has its charm for us all.

Dimitris: Do you have any remixes coming from other artists in your tracks? 

FOLUAL: At the moment we will only be releasing our own productions on Apogee recordings, but expect to see some big name remixers further down the line. Watch this space!

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

FOLUAL: As mentioned above, you can expect two fresh releases per month on Apogee for the rest of this year..enjoy!

Dimitris: Can you note down your favourite Top 5 tracks at this moment?

FOLUAL: There are just too many that we like, to name only 5 would mean to reject others. We did share Spooky – Little Bullet and Nathan Fake – Outhouse on our fan page recently as throwback classics though.



Dimitris: If you are DJs except of producers please tell us here your Top 3 best DJ gigs so far and the reasons that made them so special?

FOLUAL: I think there are too many for us all to mention individuals, we have all played in many parts of the world. Now as FOLUAL the story has just begun and we are looking forward to seeing where the music will takre us this time around.

Dimitris: Do you produce a radio show/podcast or are you in the process of starting one?

FOLUAL: We have literally just come out of a meeting with RadioSync and are launching our very own podcast in March which will be called the ApogeeCast. We are syndicating this on a big global scale and are looking forward to showcasing some of our favourite music each week, alongside a few exclusives from the studio of course. Watch this space!

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

FOLUAL: There is always something new to learn, we never get there, and we need to remember to remain humble forever.

Dimitris: Can you share with us your tips or more elaborated advice to any new artists who may read this interview and wish to get involved with the electronic music industry.

FOLUAL: Stay true to yourself and what you like doing, the res twill follow – as cliché’ as that sounds.

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?

FOLUAL: It's a terrible and sad episode, you should never cancel your life for business and popularity, you need to stop and sometimes understand that life is also made of other things, we have learned these things at our expense too previously .... We do not hide our sympathy for Avicii nad his friends and family. Truly awful.

Dimitris: If you travel very often to perform in various countries, is it possible to share with  us your best travel tips in order to survive happily the long travelling hours?

FOLUAL:  Read, enjoy it as much as possible and live every moment in the here and now! You must be aware of what you always do, our mind can be our worst enemy in these situations, it creates tensions, worries …we think it's always important to remember that we are lucky to have these opportunities to travel and share our music.

Dimitris: There is a big movement for revival of classic tracks and as a result of this retro events have boomed with music policy of solely classic tracks. What is your opinion about the classics revival?

FOLUAL: Everything goes away and ... then comes back, a circle of life if you will, beautiful things are never forgotten. A bit of classic never hurts, but it’s important to keep pushing the music forward also.

Dimitris: Finally do you have any specific message for our readers?

FOLUAL: We wish everyone the best, we advise you to not live your life on a smartphone or tablet ... look around you. 'there are beautiful things everywhere if you look for them ... and if you love music it will always be a true companion in life.

Thanks very much to FOLUAL for taking some precious time to answer this interview in a such an intresting way.




Additional info:
Instagram: apogeerecordings


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