Vibelung Interview

 

On route to South Africa from the USA for a one night only gig in the Mother City at the end of July in conjunction with Inrichmint, Mr Spencer and So Up from London with love, playing alongside Kiki from France and some of SA’s hottest talent; Mia Monroe, Lady Ellinor and Christopher Wilde, opening with Fiona Hare. Jacqueline Freer took the time to interview Vibelung ahead of his trip to give you more on the man behind the music.

 

 

 

• Who in your opinion is the longest standing legend in electronic music? Paul Oakenfold stands out to me. I was about 11 years old when my Mom took me to the record store where I picked up his album Tranceport. To this day it’s still one of the inspirational pieces of music I have ever laid my hands on.

 

• What type of music did u start playing? I started playing off solely electro. I was sitting at the pool with my girlfriend in Cancun Mexico, and got my mind blown by Fedde Le Grande’s “Put Your Hands Up for Detroit”. It spurred my fascination and it has been a driving force in what I do in my productions today.

 

• How would you describe your music now? Generally these day’s I try to add more of a twist to my sets besides heavy bassline driven electro tracks. I have incorporated a lot of techno into my sets, as well as a bit of progressive and tech-house. I also am in the process expanding my alias Crix (www.soundcloud.com/crixtunes), which will be focusing on dubstep productions.

 

• Music helps people with major moments in their lives; it’s amazing what music can do for the emotions. When u play or make music what does this do for you? Since dance music is at such a worldwide level right now, in a way it makes feel able to travel the globe from my studio. Currently I have been unable to travel much due to some family complications so it kind of relieves some of that tension.

 

• Do you adjust the music you play for a festival and in a club? No doubt about it, the music I play in my sets dramatically changes. At festivals I prefer playing more driving techno/tech-house kind of tracks, pretty much due to the acoustics of the larger events. A kick, clap, cymbals, and a melody goes a long way when you’re getting wave reflections off of walls and or outside obstructions.

 

• How do you prepare for a show, what is your ritual? Do you wear any lucky charms? Generally I don’t have a game plan in the way I prepare for a show. I do however burn every single track I play to cd’s and listen to them in my car while driving. Doing this ensures that I know each track inside and out and allows me to be a little bit more creative during the mixing process.

 

• What do you say to people that sacrifice their personal style for the sake of commercialism? It’s a choice a producer has to make, and it’s honestly a really tricky one. One could make great underground tracks that are on a superior level to that of any commercial track, and I’m sure you have names on the top of your head (Tiesto, Skrillex, Zedd etc.). But honestly if you want to make a career out of what you love, making these sacrifices can help one achieve their goals. So all in all, no I don’t prefer commercial material but I try to keep my mind open to the guys who choose that route.

 

• Are there any epic events that stand out in your mind? Absolutely. The work that Insomniac (USA) has been throwing around the country has been absolutely phenomenal. Expanding their Electric Daisy Carnival brand to other states so far has been a huge success. Texas in itself has evolved into one of the powerhouses of the USA as far as EDM is concerned. So kudos Insomniac!

 

• Who would you like to collaborate with in regards to both production and performance? Funny enough, the person I would like to collaborate the most with is my mentor Francis Prève. The amount of information he knows about production and dance music is almost staggering. Some other producers I would love to work with are Weekend Heroes, Lazy Rich, Chrizz Luvly, Ftampa, Da Fresh on the international scheme.

 

• Which parts of the world’s party scene would like to explore? Ibiza. There’s just something about partying on a beach with the best DJ’s in the world that makes it a no brainer. I’ve been hearing the buzz.

 

• Technology for DJs is evolving, where do you see it taking music makers on the next level? Technology is great, there a plethora of software and hardware pieces hitting the market every single year. For me special gadgets haven’t really been affecting my productions as much as the workflow, still it’s a benefit.

 

• What’s in the pipeline for you such as next year? Currently, most of my focus is in Academik Records with my label mates. We are releasing about 2 EP’s per month at the moment, in which I am responsible for the promotion as well as public relations. We are also looking at releasing some unique loop packs from unreleased synthesizers as well as some pretty unique ones.

 

• Any other hot performers we should watch out for? Of course. First off my mentor and great friend Francis Prève (Academik Records, Toolroom, Armada, and Different Pieces). Also some of my label mates have been   doing absolutely stellar work such as William A (Academik Records, Armada, Different Pieces), Billy Jay, Secret Panda Society, and Shreddward. Also there is   another guy who I’ve known for a good while now named Sifu (Formal member of trance group 303infinity) who has been on somewhat of a hiatus, but has some  extremely dancefloor potent tracks coming out. Also on this list is Left/Right and AFK locally in my home city of Dallas, Texas.

 

• Any advice for DJs and producers starting out and driving to make it in the industry on a global scale? As a competitive business sometimes interaction with promoters or other DJ’s can be demeaning. You will be told you’re a horrible DJ, and that your productions are complete rubbish. Do not fear because this is generally a good sign (as weird as it sounds). If you’re good the people who count in this industry will notice you and take you under their wing.

 

• First album you ever bought? Seal. One of my favourite vocal artists of the past 24 years.

 

• Your fondest musical memory? Probably producing loop based productions at the age of 13 on Sony Acid. It was pretty much the prelude of what was to follow years down the road.

 

• Your biggest musical influence? Seeing people have the time of their lives. An untouchable feeling for me.

 

• Your favorite nightlife spots? Lanai (Austin Tx), Kingdom (Austin Tx), Mantus (Dallas Tx), Plush (Dallas Tx)

 

• If you could play in one city in any country, where would it be? Before this interview I would have been answering the question with South Africa, but now since it’s reality I am going to have to say Brazil.

 

• Favorite gig of all time? I would have to say PWN at Lanai, the vibes that circulate in that room are extreme.

 

• Your top 5 tunes at the moment? William A – Alpha (Original Mix), Doublewave, Min & Mal – Wildox (Original Mix), Torben Boswich – I Move On (Style of Eye Remix), Koen Groeneveld – Airbuzz (Original Mix), Crazibiza – Planet Groove (Original Mix)

 

• What’s your current studio setup like? Monitors: 2 7″ Adam A7X Monitors, Akai MPK49 Midi Controller, Moog Little Phatty, Doepfer Dark Energy Semi Modular, Blue Bluebird Condenser Microphone, 2 CDJ 800′s w/ Mixer, Custom audio PC built by myself

 

• What’s your party trick? Wait I have to have a trick to party?

 

• Your worst vice? Video games, over excessive sleepiness from being a night owl.

 

• Vodka, whiskey or rum? Argh matey I’m going to with the rum.

 

• Something you can’t live without? My girlfriend Paula, family, my dog Rupert, Academik Records, House.