Interviews
Interview | Questions & Answers With Feyer
Multi-talented artist Feyer creates interesting genre-bending music, pulling influences from rock, electronica, and video game themes. His musical heroes include Queen, David Bowie, and Talking Heads. Currently, he’s promoting the clip for his new song “Stuck In A Video Game”, which features retro animations, plus a thought-provoking concept. Discover more details in this exclusive interview.
1 — Hello Feyer, thanks for your time. Did you study music production or are you self taught?
A little bit of both. I went to school for music composition mainly, but from there, I got guidance on how to produce electronically and take full advantage of the recording studio. After I graduated, I built my own home recording studio and became more immersed in electronic production. A lot of the little tips and tricks about how to manipulate my DAW, I taught myself (with the help of some YouTube tutorials!).
2 — What makes you so passionate about video games and music?
Funny you should ask. I was never really into video games growing up. It was more so a side hobby for me. I wasn’t allowed to have a gaming console, or even a GameBoy, growing up, so if I ever played video games, they would be at a friend’s house. And since I didn’t have games of my own, I would have nowhere to practice and would suck at the games. What really stuck with me when playing (and usually failing) these games was their awesome soundtracks. Music is my ultimate passion, and since video games often have great soundtracks, I often let them influence my own original material.
3 — Do you want to send out a positive message with your newest single “Stuck In A Video Game”?
The message is more so about life in general than about video games specifically. The skin-deep message is about how as we play these games, we become fully immersed in the characters we take on and it can be difficult to separate real life from what is on the screen. However, when you look deeper into it, you’ll find that the song is a metaphor for life, and how we’re always trying to be the best we can be and achieve next-level success, but there are hurdles we will need to overcome and tools and skills we need to acquire just to get there. Maybe it’s not so positive when you think about it, but I hope that it will provoke thought.
4 — Is banning video games the answer to video game addiction?
Definitely not! If you ban something, won’t it make people just want it more? The idea is about moderation and teaching people that these kinds of things are fine in small doses. It becomes a problem only if people begin to feel as if they can’t live without it, or their lives aren’t complete unless they do this all the time.
5 — Many critics think video games have helped the music industry survive. What’s your opinion?
I agree. As mentioned earlier, something that makes so many games unique are their soundtracks. Since games are being developed at a frequent pace, just like music, developers are always looking for original music for their work. They’re also looking to license pre-existing songs that weren’t made specifically for the games but will fit well with them. These developments in gaming will greatly help musicians creatively and financially and open up new opportunities to get their music out there in ways they may have not thought possible.
6 — We know you also produce scores for films. Which is your favorite film soundtrack so far? Why?
At the moment, the Interstellar soundtrack. It’s so simple but so impactful. It really captures the feeling of being trapped in space, while trying to maintain the connection you have to Earth. As far as film scores go, this one is very ambient but has a beautiful theme that stays with you. I also enjoy how Hans Zimmer combines real orchestral sounds with electronic timbres, reinforcing the connection between life on earth and spacious artificial intelligence.
7 — Are you working on your second album or do you prefer to release more single tracks this year?
At the moment, I’m focusing on singles, as they are much easier to promote in the age of streaming. I want each release of mine to achieve its maximum potential, so I’m working on different singles to be released every few months. I am also trying hard to collaborate with other musicians, writers and producers to create tracks that I may not have thought to make just on my own. This way, there’s a stronger sense of community. Be on the lookout for another single, to be released in late May. This one will be quite different than “Stuck in a Video Game” and have more of a rock edge.
8 — Analogs vs. Digital synths. Which one do you prefer?
Digital is what I’m most familiar with, and many of the synths I use are in the box, aka just inside my software. However, although I really dig a lot of the presets at my fingertips, I often try to tweak or combine different sounds so that it doesn’t sound too much like an obvious presets. Despite being less familiar with analog synths, I still have a great interest, as with those, it’s all up to you to manipulate and create the sound. It’s almost like cooking a dish: you need measurements and recipes for creating that perfect patch.
9 — Do you think 8-bit/Chiptune music is for everyone?
It can be if it’s presented the right way, such as when it’s in the background for a popular game, movie, or show, but for people who are more into music with live instruments, whether it be a rock band or an orchestra, 8-bit/Chiptune may be harder to digest. I try not to make straight up chiptune unless I’m asked to for a project, as I still really enjoy the elements and energy of a live rock band. Since I usually play live with a band, I want to do something in the studio that will translate similarly onstage.
10 – Finally, have you ever used cheat codes in order to win hard video games?
Nah, never, because I don’t know any! If I did, I’d probably be using them all the time.
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In a candid interview, Notaker talks about the most important details behind his debut independent album, ‘Echoes In Eternity.‘ He offers his fans a glimpse into the inspiration and emotions that fueled its creation. Happy reading!
1 — In your words, how would you describe the sonic atmosphere of this new album, ‘Echoes In Eternity’?
I would describe it as otherworldly, outrun retro, or dimensional. Those are the kinds of ideas I really aimed at for this project.
2 — ‘Echoes In Eternity’ is an interesting album title. Can you share the story or concept behind choosing this name?
I’ve always liked the famous quote from Marcus Aurelius “What we do now echoes in eternity”. It parallels what I wanted to do with this album which was to make something timeless that I could look back on many years from now and feel proud to have created.
3 — How do you think this album engages listeners on an emotional level?
As it hasn’t been released yet I’m not quite sure. It certainly holds a lot of myself in the music and hopefully, those emotions that I felt creating the music will shine through to listeners when they hear the album.
4 — What steps did you take to connect and work with Danyka Nadeau and Eric Lumiere?
I knew Eric from a collaboration we created previously so it was very easy to reach back out to him and work again. Danyka and I met through her manager Daniel who thought we could create something awesome together, and he was very right. It was a true treat to work with both, they are amazing artists.
5 — How does this material differ from your previous work with mau5trap and Anjuna?
It’s much less confined to any parameter a label might impose upon my work. This is truly a raw and unfiltered look at my music. The most “me” thing I feel I’ve ever created.
6 — Is there any particular track in the album that holds a special meaning to you?
In a way they all are, it’s tough to choose. I think the “Illusion of Time” is very special as I got to make that with one of my friends Kyu who played the hand pan which I sampled for that song. Always great to create things with friends.
7 — How would you describe the evolution of your artistic style and sound as reflected in this album?
In a way it’s cyclical. Finding new things that sound nostalgic to me and then creating them in a new and interesting way. Hopefully, people can hear that in my sound, something new but also familiar.
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Closing out the festival season with a bang, Brazilian talents Öwnboss and Selva team up on anthemic dance hit “RIOT” for their debut on the respected label Monstercat. Not only a mainstage monster, “RIOT” gears up to take on the virtual world as the official anthem in the latest Brazilian-themed season of the sports-based video game Rocket League.
We caught up with Öwnboss and Selva to go behind the scenes on the making of “RIOT.”
1 — First of all, how do you maintain a balance between staying true to your own unique style while collaborating and complementing each other’s musical style?
Selva: I think the fun part about collaborating is to mix things up and see what happens. That being said, presenting ideas with context, staying true to yourself, and respecting the collaborator’s input is the formula to create something interesting that you wouldn’t come up with yourself. For example, Öwnboss has his famous lead synth, but we never forced it in. The progression choices and the energy that builds up until the drop made that synth not only essential but also brought the power we needed for the drop!
Öwnboss: I would say that I don’t have much of that balance because I’d say I don’t follow only a single style, you know? My sound is what I like to play, what makes sense at the moment, and what makes me happy. Of course, “Move Your Body” is a track that defines me in a way and I’m very proud of it, but I always try to evolve and improve my productions, as happened here with Selva. “RIOT” had more than 10 versions that went through various musical styles, which speaks a lot to my trajectory as a producer as well. The final version was our favourite, and it brings a lot of who we are as musicians.
2 — “RIOT” is set to debut in Rocket League’s battle arenas. Is this the first time you have produced music for video games?
Öwnboss: That’s a good question because we didn’t really produce the song thinking about having it in a video game, but that’s exactly what happened in the end. I had the pleasure of having “Move Your Body” on the Formula 1 2022 soundtrack, I believe for the size the track has taken by playing on the stages worldwide. With “RIOT,” I think we were able to produce such an exciting, rebellious song…. almost like a generational anthem, that seeing it as a soundtrack for such an important and young game like Rocket League turns out to be a perfect fit. “RIOT” really has a feel of action and adrenaline.
Selva: Yes, for me it’s the first time. I still am getting used to hearing my kids across the house turning on Rocket League and hearing my song!
3 — What qualities do you like the most about the vocals on ‘RIOT’?
Selva: I think the vocals are the soul of this song. We built the song around it, and we worked really hard for the production to play the role of enhancing the power of those lyrics.
Öwnboss: I agree. I really like the contrast between the vocals of the children singing in a very high-pitched tone and Brian’s voice, more serious. I think it’s a very good balance since the sonorities complement each other. Another thing that catches me is this “battle anthem” vibe of hers, it feels half revolutionary, like… Pink Floyd. It had been a while since I’d received a vocal with this strength, and I believe that’s why this track became so important to us.
4 — Imagine you could incite a riot for change. What goal would you inspire people to stand up for?
Öwnboss: That’s a tough question to answer because the world needs a lot of change, so how do you choose the most important one? Or the most urgent. What comes first in my mind is a riot for people to be themselves, without being ashamed and without worrying about what others will think. Be yourself. I think it is a path of no return to freedom and happiness. Probably the world would be better and lighter if everyone could follow that.
Selva: Interesting question! I think once you create a song and put it out into the world, the meaning of it is no longer yours to choose. Everyone has a different life experience and people digest ideas and messages in a very singular way. At first, this song didn’t have a political angle, but it can absolutely have. I’d say: start a riot in your heart, soul, and mind.
5 — Öwnboss, your busy 2023 World Tour is currently underway. How does the release of “RIOT” fit into your tour’s momentum?
Öwnboss: The release of “RIOT” in the middle of my tour was very important because I was able to play the track on various stages around the world without it being released. People don’t know it, but the music captivates almost instantly, which makes it an important reinforcement for my sets. I see the audience eager to learn the lyrics. I can say “RIOT” certainly arrived at a good time.
6 — Selva, as a platinum-certified songwriter and producer, you have worked with prominent names in the EDM scene. What new things did you learn from this collaboration?
Selva: I think of myself as a songwriter above anything, and I’m blessed enough to work with so many different accomplished and talented artists, including Öwnboss whom I have written a number of songs. “RIOT” is a special one for me, and it just felt right to represent this one by his side. I personally learned to trust my gut more than ever.
7 — Can you capture the essence of “RIOT” in just one sentence?
Öwnboss: RIOT is energetic, revolutionary, and catchy.
Selva: All revolutions start in the soul.
8 — Were there any specific elements that made the creation of this track particularly challenging?
Selva: The chorus. We knew the chorus was potent and strong, but it was challenging to “dose” it through the song. We did a bunch of versions in order to land one that we felt delivered the chorus without being repetitive and enhanced it.
Öwnboss: Yeah, the vocals, for sure. And the collaboration with a children’s choir, which is the “extra touch” and makes it different from anything that I’ve ever produced before.
9 — What specific role did you play while working on “RIOT”?
Öwnboss: The lyrics were written by Brian, so my main role was to help set the musicality of the track, creating a climax on the chorus and the revolutionary footprint we wanted for it. Then, another challenge of ours was to integrate the high-pitched voice of the children’s choir with the other elements of the track, so that it would be dense, dynamic and keep the rebellious tone.
Selva: As mentioned I was on the songwriting. I dove in on the production as well later on, but I’d say I mainly focused on melody and lyrics and let my main man Öwnboss do his thing and create the whole context and drop.
10 — If a future collaboration opportunity arises, what new things would you be interested in exploring?
Selva: I’d like to have another go at exploring a RIOT-like anthemic chorus again, maybe in a higher BPM.
Öwnboss: Each collaboration is the reflection of the moment that I’m living. After that everything changes, so I think it’s hard to answer this question. I will always explore what is true and meaningful to me in that moment, so my music can speak to others.
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Paul Mayson‘s first-ever album, ‘One Life,’ is like a special mix of his love for House music, blended with different kinds of sounds and cool collaborations from artists all over the world. You definitely don’t want to miss this interview!
1 — With the release of your debut album ‘One Life,’ what are your expectations for how listeners will connect with the music?
My goal was to showcase my story and my sound. And for it to be an uplifting, positive, and summery album. Hopefully, it feels like that! It’s a collection of songs made at the moment, to make you feel happy and free. It’s about embracing life, the good things and the bad. And about doing what makes you happy.
2 — You’ve teamed up with a diverse range of international artists on this material. Please let us know how these collaborations came to be.
It was really exciting taking elements from different genres, working with a group of great artists who come from very different backgrounds, and bringing all of these sounds and flavors together on one project. A lot of artists I meet myself, reach out to the people I’m interested in. I often travel abroad to work on music together and do sessions in London or LA. Sometimes collabs can also happen through the label or the publisher, but ultimately it’s great to have an artist-to-artist relationship.
3 – What compelled you to emphasize the themes of life, freedom, and diversity in this album?
I’m very passionate about House music culture and the way it started. Which was all about positivity and celebrating life together. I love that message and think the soulful, feel-good element of House music is what always really attracted me to the genre. And to music in general, including other genres like Soul and RnB.
4 – Can you share more details about the process of integrating experimental elements into the music production of your album?
A few of the songs (like “Tell Me How” and “I Want You”) were basically made during one big jam session. It’s me just trying out completely different sounds, textures, and rhythms and experimenting with live drums, guitars, and whatever I feel like. Letting go of any rules connected to dance music allows for a really fresh approach to the album songs.
6 – How does the artwork complement the album’s concept?
It emphasizes the feel-good element and the overall message of the album. Life is in front of you, it’s there for the taking. You’re in the hallway, step into the light and embrace life.
7 – Will there be another amazing music video like “Have It All,” dropping in the near future?
We released a really cool art piece and visualizer for the album which I’m very excited about!
8 – Given your ambition to push boundaries within the Dance genre, do you think the bunch of producers already out there could make it tough for you to really stand out?
I think individuality is key. Doing something you’re passionate about. Telling your own story. If you go into that process, the outcome will be unique. Not following trends and doing my own thing is what helps me stand out and allows me to be ahead and I try to keep pushing myself.
9 – Among your studio essentials, what’s the item that you consider the cornerstone of your setup?
Quite a lot of my work is digital. I carry my laptop around and can produce and write anywhere with it, whether it’s my home studio, the studio in Amsterdam, a hotel, or even an airport. That’s what makes it flexible and international! Just being able to work anywhere and get the creative process going. At home I also love my Adam A77x monitors and I also use a Prophet synth.