Interviews
Interview | Questions And Answers With Patrick Dreama
Patrick Noppert aka Patrick Dreama has been in the electronic music scene for over two decades. As an experienced artist from the Netherlands he probably knows a lot of things about the European DJing culture. He’s currently promoting his newest Trance single “Last Travel”, on different social networks and I admire this man because, despite his busy schedule and different responsibilities, he never lost the interest to continue making music.
1 – How did you get started making music?
Well, making music came after I started spinning records in my bedroom and had my first real big gig at the Escape in Amsterdam. There I met Robert Verkerk (Guitar Rob, RBA and the producer for DJ Astrid). Robert liked my style and invited me to come over to his studio to discuss productions. Together we produced the DJ Peddo (my first DJ name) remix for DJ Astrid her track called “The Spell”. Back then I was more telling what I wanted and Robert did the work hahaha. That is where it all started.
2 – How does your music style has changed over the years?
It has changed a lot!! This could be considered a good thing but maybe it’s also my biggest trap. I like almost all the electronic music at the moment but you have to make choices because nowadays it’s impossible to DJ or produce all these styles. I started out with Hardcore and fell in love with Trance. When that died a little bit I went into Progressive House (the older stuff) and slowly moved into Tech House. After that, I started to love Vocal House and ended up in Techno when I met my buddy Jamez. There was one red line in that story, I never stopped listening and loving Trance. When my partner wanted to focus on other stuff I decided to go back to Trance with a new name.
3 – I have read that you have produced more than 50 tracks in your entire DJ life. What has been the most meaningful track you’ve produced up to date and why?
All of them are meaningful to me really but if I have to pick one it would be Jamez & Soulboy – Sexy Lady which was released on Omnis Recordings. With “Sexy Lady” both our styles merged perfectly and it was the first record we produced which had the potential to become a big one. We all thought so but in the end, it was just a nice record hahaha. The record was also the start of a long and still ongoing friendship between me and Jamez and us and Omnis.
4 – What was the inspiration behind your latest track “Last Travel”?
The track was produced during an offshore trip in Brunei. Because it was going to be my last trip to Brunei, which meant no more long travels from the Netherlands, the name was easy. The inspiration for the music just comes and goes. I call it my layering in my head process. You start with a pad and hear a lead, piano, and extra stuff. In the end, you will have everything for a track.
5 – Has “Last Travel” been remixed yet? Would you like to add some vocals in the future?
At the moment it has no remixes. The decision was made with Blue Soho Recordings to release the original together with a radio version. Let’s see how the track will do during the next few weeks and maybe we can start thinking about remixes for a second release next year. That’s where vocals could be a part of it as well.
6 – Are you also working in the offshore industry? Is it hard to combine your day job with your DJ career?
For many years I chased the dream of becoming the next big thing as a DJ/Producer and sell out big stadiums and headline major festivals. But at one point you just need to look into the mirror and be a realist. I have had a great “career” in the late nineties with a lot of traveling and fun but completely missed the boat that needed to bring me to stardom. I work in the offshore industry yes and it sounds weird but it is the ideal combination for me now when looking at my DJ career. I am in a 4 weeks on and 4 weeks off schedule. During that on a period I just produce some rough ideas on my laptop (when I have a few hours off) and during that 4 weeks at home I start working on them in my studio. Basically, I don’t aim for a real professional career in music anymore. I will be producing records and do gigs but I need to work around my real job.
7 – How popular is the Trance scene in your hometown Schagen?
It is not hahaha. Schagen is a small town and there are no major clubs over there. Don’t get me wrong, it is a wonderful place and sometimes they have parties (Tech House & Techno) but Trance just isn’t a big thing in my area.
8 – What are your “must haves” at a show?
Ehhh..a great crowd and a great sound system?!? I really have no special wishes during gigs to be honest. Just make sure all the equipment is working and I will be fine.
9 – How can your fans get ahold of you? What social platforms do you like using most?
During my trips offshore I sometimes have a slow connection when it comes to the Internet so staying in touch on all social media platforms is hard. I have chosen Facebook and SoundCloud as my main platforms. Facebook because of the interaction and SoundCloud so I can see the actual stats of plays. I just love seeing my plays go up which means people are actually listening to my music! So if you need me you know where to find me.
10 – What piece of advice do you have for aspiring Trance DJs out there?
Guess it is the same story everyone will give them. Do what you like and if you believe in something just go for it. It’s a hard world and you have to do it yourself but just have fun and enjoy. Don’t expect to be the next Armin, Sied or Markus it probably won’t happen but when you look back in a few years and produced some great tracks and made some friendships on the way then it was all worth it!!
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Interviews
Exclusive Interview: Paul Mayson Delves Into His Debut Album ‘One Life’
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.
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Interviews
Exploring “My Friends”: Tobtok Talks Creative Process And More!
In this exclusive interview, Swedish producer Tobtok discusses all the details about his latest single as part of the ongoing countdown to the upcoming ‘My Friends’ EP. This is a collaborative effort with farfetch’d that you definitely shouldn’t overlook.
1 — Congratulations on the release of “My Friends.” Please tell us more about the influences and musical style that shaped this cool track.
Thanks! This tune has taken inspiration from bits and pieces of tracks I’ve been into over the last 10 years, everything from Daft Punk to Fred Again. It contains a lot of micro samples and vocal lines that are in a similar vein as old French House records, but we also wanted to experiment with the current UK rave sound, which we think ended up in a pretty unique and interesting way.
2 — How did you and farfetch’d navigate the creative process together, especially when faced with differing ideas or disagreements?
We were kind of on the same page with most things to be fair. Jerry from farfetch’d is a very creative guy and he loves to bash out new ideas, which worked well for me to develop into full songs. We worked on every track together in my studio and finished them off together. Of course, we had some different ideas about certain things but since none of us had a big ego, we just compromised. I think when you like the same kind of music, you usually think quite alike.
3 — What sets this collaboration apart from your previous singles?
I think this is possibly the strongest single from the EP. It feels catchy and is super simple yet not too boring. It also has Jerry’s voice in it which is unique to any other of our tracks.
4 — Can you share any funny anecdotes about specific moments while crafting “My Friends”?
We have hidden a few wacky voice notes in it as a sort of ambiance. It can be heard in the second verse or whatever you wanna call it. You clearly hear Jerry laughing about something, but I can’t remember what it was.
5 — Is this tune part of an upcoming album or EP?
It’s track no.3 from our ‘My Friends’ EP which has a total of 6 tracks. It was released via Perfect Havoc on 29th September.
6 — What are your emotions when your music receives recognition and praise from other producers in the industry?
It’s always so much fun to get praise from your peers and colleagues. These people live and breathe music and probably hear way more stuff than the average listener, so I guess they tend to be less impressed by music.
7 — Has your signature sound as Tobtok undergone changes over the years?
Haha most definitely. I started out with French House which evolved into Nu-Disco. I later jumped on the Tropical House train (quite early on in my defense). Left that and tried something cooler with my track “ABER,” and from there, it’s been more of a mix between UK and Deep House.
8 — Is there any specific music genre you’re eager to explore?
Old School Disco and Soul. I’m a big fan of the 70s as a whole, that’s why I’ve bought a few vintage Roland pieces in my studio and a Rhodes Piano.
9 — Considering the global nature of music today, are there any international artists you’d love to collaborate with?
I love Jungle right now, for reasons made quite obvious in the previous question. They’ve mastered this cool retro 70’s/Motown sound and yet managed to make it sound fresh somehow. I’d love to just hang out in the studio with them and see what they do.
10 — As we conclude, do you feel that there’s a certain formula that artists can follow to produce chart-topping hits?
Nowadays, it’s all about doing something that stands out from what everyone else is doing and probably also adding a sprinkle of nostalgia and familiarity into something. A good example is the new Peggy Gou record which is a massive hit that takes inspiration from ATB but puts it in a new and interesting context. It doesn’t hurt to have a massive TikTok following either lol.
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Interviews
From Drummer To EDM Producer: Kouss Opens Up About “Can’t Go Back”
You must read this interview with Kouss! He used to rock it as a badass drummer in the Stellar Revival band, but now he’s spilling the beans about how he switched things up and got into making electronic dance music (EDM). The spotlight is now on his latest track, “Can’t Go Back.” Learn more here.
1 — Putting your sound into words, how would you convey the mood and sensations that your music evokes to someone unfamiliar with it?
My music aims to be an uplifting and thoughtful blend of Progressive House and Dance-Pop. Even though the music is very dancefloor-friendly, the songwriting is very Pop-forward. I also love mixing live instrumentation with electronic production to create layered recordings. As a drummer, having live elements mesh with the electronic really brings out a unique texture.
2 — Your transition from Rock music with Stellar Revival to EDM is quite remarkable. Can you tell us more about it?
The transition from Rock to EDM is an exciting and natural creative evolution. I’ve always been passionate about electronic music, so finally being able to fully immerse myself in the genre as a producer and songwriter has been fulfilling. My background as a touring Rock drummer also gives me a unique musical sensibility that I try to incorporate into Kouss Records.
3 — As a drummer, you had to adapt to a different genre. How did you translate your rhythmic background into this new realm?
When approaching any genre, especially Dance music, I’m utilizing my background in percussion to create grooves and drum patterns. The drum parts still come from the same creative place whether I’m sitting behind a drum set or drawing with a MIDI controller. I will say that with EDM I find myself focused more on groove and restraint.
4 — In what ways have Illenium, Zedd, and David Guetta played a role in shaping the sound of your new single “Can’t Go Back”?
Illenium, Zedd, and David Guetta definitely influenced the melodic and atmospheric vibes in “Can’t Go Back.” Their music motivates and challenges me to produce massive soundscapes on the highest level. They’re all melodic magicians, and I continue to be inspired by their work. I also feel like I put my own spin on “Can’t Go Back.” It’s almost like the line between EDM and Pop became blurrier on this track.
5 — What’s the story behind the song title?
“Can’t Go Back” is generally about moving forward and not dwelling on the past. For me personally, it’s about evolving as an artist and person.
6 — Anna Kline’s presence on “Can’t Go Back” adds a unique dynamic. How did this collaboration come about?
I was introduced to Anna soon after starting the Kouss project by “Can’t Go Back” co-producer and dear friend Phil Barnes. The second I heard Anna sing I knew I wanted to work with her. She’s an incredible songwriter and an awesome human. It was an organic collaboration that we’re both stoked about. Definitely be on the lookout for more collaborations with Anna in the future!
7 — How do you aim to connect with listeners on an emotional level through this single?
I aim to connect with listeners on an emotional level through the authenticity and musicality of “Can’t Go Back.” It’s about delivering that special feeling to the listener. We crafted this recording from a place of passion as artists. The lyrics are relatable and cathartic, and Anna’s vocals draw you into this sonic world we created. We also tap into some nostalgia with the Big Room House vibe. But overall the goal was to give listeners an authentic musical experience that resonates with them, regardless of what genre they usually listen to.
8 — For “Can’t Go Back,” did you experiment with a combination of electronic elements and live instruments?
Yes, “Can’t Go Back” mixes electronic production with live drumming and live guitars. The live instruments give the song a dynamic texture and human feel. Not every Kouss song will have live instruments, but it’s definitely a major part of the debut EP coming in 2024.
9 — Looking ahead, how do you envision your music style evolving?
I want to continue bridging the gap between organic and electronic. Creatively, I think there’s a lot of meat on that bone. I also don’t want to limit myself to a single genre or style. I love all types of music and ultimately hope to develop a sound that draws from those diverse influences and experiences.
10 — Lastly, reflecting on your journey so far, what’s been the most memorable or rewarding moment of your music career?
Working with talented musicians and creators who are excited about my music has been humbling and inspiring. I didn’t expect it, but the reaction to “Can’t Go Back” has been both unexpected and validating. It’s so cool to see the song played in clubs, gyms, and cars. I’m truly fortunate to share my passion for music and connect with listeners who share the same passion.