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Pre-ASOT Interviews with Alex M.O.R.P.H.

http://www.365mag.com/index.php?pg=...+Music+Magazine
365MAG INTERVIEW: ALEX M.O.R.P.H.
Special: 365 Interview (2010-05-03)
Whether it's strolling the streets of Sunset Boulevard or Breaking the Light whilst performing at A State of Trance in Roseland Ballroom New York, Alex M.O.R.P.H. is consistently followed by the Sunshine. Alex has just released the follow up to his Purple Audio album on April 16th, 2010 and he looks back at the success of the release with no regrets. The remixed installment is entitled Purple Audio Reloaded featuring mixes by Chriss Ortega, Estiva, Robert Mint, Orkidea, Signum, Woody van Eyden, Glenn Morrison, Mark Eteson, Odelaf, Daniel Kandi, Menno de Jong, and David Forbes with vocal appearances by Katie Marne, Roberta Harrison, Ana Criado, Michael, and Simon.
We found Alex to be a very intriguing artist, very humble yet so passionate about trance music. If you keep reading we believe you might feel the same…
How are you today?
Hello, I am very well, thank you. I'm a little bit tired; I had a long flight behind me. I flew in from Germany today and last weekend I flew in to Miami and went back to Germany for three and half days and now I am back in the United States.
Have you ever visited New York before?
I visited New York in December of last year. It's pretty funny, when I say last year it seems like a long time ago but it was only four short months ago. I was here for a meeting with SeaToSun recordings to meet in person after several phone calls and thousands of emails. I was flying back from Mexico so it was convenient to stop over. I spent three wonderful days in New York and I really love it here.
What was on your agenda from the moment you landed up till now?
I arrived a bit late today because of customs. I think this was my worst experience with customs ever. There were about five planes landing around the same time and only a few airport staff handling customs. It took ages. We got into some traffic getting out of the airport as well. It seemed like the whole world was coming to New York. Later on I will enjoy the New York nightlife and get another impression and check out all the lit up buildings and other attractions.
What does performing at the ASOT 450 gig mean to you?
It is a great pleasure for me to perform at A State of Trance 450, and to even be invited to play the gig. I've known Armin for a long time as an act and in person. I know he has been supporting my music for ages. I'm not really much into statistic but a friend of mine mentioned to me that I was one of the top three played artists in the A State of Trance Radio show for the past few years.
Well that is definitely a good sign!
That's a very good sign and I am very proud of it. I am very happy to be featured in the show and that he likes my music. It's a major event with five shows worldwide including Toronto, two in New York, Poland, and Bratislava.
Yes, Poland. That is where I am from.
Oh you are from Poland?
Yes, I am Polish 100% from Warsaw.
Oh dzien dobry. (laughs) Jak sie masz? (Translation: Hello, How are you?) I love Poland!
There's a good crowd out there right?
The crowd is super. I like their mentality; it's a bit diverse. I like the vibe there; it's a very good vibe. The productions are insane in Poland. I've been playing in Poland for ten years. I heard from other DJ's from the UK and abroad and everyone wants to play in Poland at the big festivals. I love their passion for music. When you go out there it's just a good mood there, and people can't tell me whether it depends on if you go to a rich country or a poor country; it doesn't matter. Their feeling for the music is amazing. It is one of my favorite countries to play in. For one event I can remember I was wearing my I Love Trance shirt, and then about mid way through my set I stepped off the stage and returned with my I Love Poland T shirt.
They went crazy didn't they?
Yes, they went absolutely mad. It's all about showing your respect. There aren't many counties around like that.
Which event would you say is the greatest EDM event of all time, whether you were attending or performing at the event?
That's a really hard question because I think there is really no way that I can figure out just one event. It all depends on the event, the people, the weather, how big the stage is, the intro and the artists lined up. There are so many factors. Many events have their own special type of memorable character.
What track do you plan to release as your next single or album, and when is it due to be released?
It's a work in progress honestly. Purple Audio worked out very well. It's not easy to release a full trance album these days. Surprisingly it got a good rating from the critics. We had a superb amount of support from DJ's. We put out six singles before the album release, which is unusually because normally you would put out one of two singles. Every month a new single off of the album was released. It was a risk but it ended up working out in our favor.
Sometimes you have to take risks.
Yes, you always have to try new ways. The business is going faster and faster these days and they say that you should never change a winning concept but when the concept isn't working anymore its good to try new ways of doing things. Stay tuned for remixes on the Purple Audio Reloaded album. The artists I have personal respect for have chosen their personal favorites on the album and remixed the tracks. There will be a physical copy as well as exclusive digital releases.
Which of your own productions always get a strong reaction from the crowd?
There are so many of them.
Well, which ones make the crowd go absolutely wild?
Out of my own productions I would say Sunset Boulevard.
That is one of my favorites.
It really catches emotion on the dance floors. They go on a journey and get really into it. I would also say that Sunshine was also a really strong track on the dance floors as well as Walk The Edge. I get a lot of requests to play it. I actually received correspondence from a female from Canada who had cancer and she told me that she was on Chemotherapy and she told me the song helped her through the bad times. It really makes you think about how your music affects people and it's really touching.
Which of your earliest original productions or remixes are you most proud of? I'm talking about Flaming Clouds and New Harvest era… come on tell me!
Well you said it already!
Really? Are those the ones?
New Harvest was one of my favorites.
Absolutely!
New Harvest was really the peak time track that was hot at the moment. It was uplifting and emotional also Flaming Clouds. It was one of my first vocal tracks.
Who are some of your favorite artists to work with; and who do you look forward to working with in the future?
I get this question all the time. I would love to work with Paul van Dyk, but I have already. He has co-produced several of my tracks. When you have remixed nearly everyone who is big in the scene you really wonder what to focus on next. There aren't many missing on my list. You would probably know even better than me since you are posting your articles everyday. Not to sound arrogant but I don't know whom else at this point. I want to work with some vocalists for example, not any pop stars. People who are more into our style of music.
Well you have Sylvia!
Yes, but I can't say I would want to work with her because I am already working with her. (Laughs)
It's definitely happening!
Well for example may be Sharon Den Adel who has worked with Armin before, she has a really nice voice.
Have you begun working on the follow up to Purple Audio?
Yes! We just launched Purple Audio Reloaded. This year we are not focusing on a new album, which is in the making, but I can't say much about it but it will be developing next year. It would be nice if it works out but it will be released in 2011 at the earliest.
Have you ever thought of starting your own compilation series, or possibly one based on Heaven's Gate?
We literally just fixed the deal on this so I am glad that you asked. The Heavens Gate Compilation album one will be released with all of our favorite tracks on a double disc with myself and Woody Van Eyden and it should be ready next year.
What are some of your predictions in regards to the future of music?
If you are asking me where I think the future of music is going; If I know the answer to that right now I would be rich within three years. Honestly, I don't know where it's going.
Well, where do you think it's going?
Everything is going towards crossover. All these cool House and Progressive guys who don't want to touch trance are doing these bootlegs. They don't want to touch Trance.
Do you think that artists will ever win the fight against piracy?
No, I think there is no chance.
Does it bother you?
It is hard to find a system that will deliver protection against sharing your tracks. What makes me sad is the people who are grabbing the tracks for free, they don't even realize what they are doing. They don't even think they are doing something wrong. Physically as a metaphor if you see a market and someone walks up and steals an apple for free because they are hungry and they run away, they know for sure they did something wrong.
No remorse.
They don't even feel bad for a second. If someone were to invent a way to stop this may be it would change the way that people think about it. At this point I think it's nearly impossible. If I could compare it to a bakery, they steal the bread and don't even eat it themselves. They just give it all their friends.
That is a very good analogy by the way…
When you buy an album how can the person get a feeling of how much it is worth to them?
They won't notice what it is worth until its too late…
Yes, when the music becomes lower quality because the artist cant afford to get their studios running due to what is stolen from them, or when record companies can no longer have the funds to create covers, and hire people to properly promote their work on the internet. They download more than they could possibly listen to within a given day and its bullshit.
Are there any other projects in the works that you would like to tell us about?
What I am recently very proud about is my recent connection with Sylvia Tosun and her team.
They are great!
They are doing a lovely job and they are so passionate in what they do. I am so happy that I got in touch with them.
We are very glad to have you here playing for New York!
Thank you! I just remixed Sylvia's new single entitled Above All. I've been in love with that track from the first time she played it for me just four and a half months ago in her car. There are some great things lined up and I really love their company and I feel very welcome.
Do you have any other comments for your fans?
I would love to say thank you to everyone who believes in my music and comes to my shows. The most important thing I can say is, never stop enjoying the music that you love, no matter what support it! Show respect to the artists and buy a track or two if you can.

http://www.trancesound.net/news/201...e_pre_asot.html
Interview with TranceSound.net
When Alex M.O.R.P.H. unloaded "Purple Audio" from the chamber last year on VANDIT records it marked down a new chapter for one of the industries most recognizable faces. He has been a true force on the trance circuit for quite a few years and his debut LP brought together the tried and tested style we all know and love but also unleashed a new blend of electronic flavors. The sweet mixture of uplifting melodies, harmonic vocals, driving bass lines and mesmerizing breakdowns to be found in tracks like "Sunshine", "Spirit", "Break The Light" and "Purple Audio" were met with the guitar rocking vocal gem of "Wanna Be".
RELOADED takes the sound of Purple Audio and breaths new life into Alex's outstanding original works.
How are you today?
Alex M.O.R.P.H.: Hello, I am very well, thank you. I'm a little bit tired; I had a long flight behind me. I flew in from Germany today and last weekend I flew in to Miami and went back to Germany for three and half days and now I am back in the United States.
Are you planning on doing any shopping while you are here?
Alex M.O.R.P.H.: Yes, that will be tomorrow. Tomorrow I will spend the day shopping, and save a bit of time for relaxing before the sound check. Then we will have dinner with all of the artists and we are off to ASOT 450.
When are you staying until?
Alex M.O.R.P.H.: I will be staying until Sunday night. I want to relax a bit before I go home. I don't want to moan but many people don't know what's behind being a DJ. Of course it's the best job in the world for me; it's my dream job and I love doing it.
That's right, they just think you land and you play and it's all over. Always busy right?
Alex M.O.R.P.H.: It's hard work being a global artist. They think I just jump on a plane and people roll out the red carpet. It's about much more than just having fun. You waste a lot of time on jet lag, turbulence, customs etc.
And interviews? (laughs)
Alex M.O.R.P.H.: Oh no, that's not a waste of time. I think it's very important these days. Our music is very underrated in the press and magazines. Trance is totally underrated.
In the US definitely.
Alex M.O.R.P.H.: Well not just there but everywhere. When you see all the dance magazines, it's all about the minimal, techno and house. People forget that the big audiences are drawn to the major trance events. We fill up the big halls. There is enough room for all kinds of music but I wish it wasn't so underrated all the time.
I completely agree with you. I will always be into trance until the day I die.
Alex M.O.R.P.H.: Just look at the top ten DJ's of the world for example.
How does your creative process work for producing tracks?
Alex M.O.R.P.H.: It depends on whether it's a remix or an original track. Remixes are usually very easy for me. I just listen to the track that I am preparing the remix for and I get some ideas of where I am going with it. If I don't hear anything I can work with then I simply don't do it. I usually hear something during my first listen. For my own productions it's a bit different because you have to invent your own melodies. When you are creating your own track you start with just an idea and begin from scratch and develop it.
I've already interviewed you at least three times if you can remember but since we last caught up with you in 2009 has there been any progress in regards to the Trance scene in Germany?
Alex M.O.R.P.H.: Well we finally meet in person (laughs) I do remember the interviews. When you are on the internet conversing with people you remember the things you discuss but you can't necessarily put a face to the name of figure out who the person really is.
Yes, the Internet is very impersonal when it comes to interviews.
There is nothing like having a like one on one with the artist you are interviewing. You get an immediate vibe.
Alex M.O.R.P.H.: We have set up some nice small events since then about three to four times a year in Germany. Last year the company behind Mayday and Nature One decided to do a full trance event, which is pretty cool, and a step in the right direction. It's still very risky in Germany event if you do everything in the appropriate fashion you can still loose money. We had all the big names you can imagine in the scene and then we hosted our Heaven's Gate event on the second floor and it went very well. I anticipate a second edition this year. We are teaming up with promoters in our area to plan future events. We have Dash Berlin, and also Signum. I've loved Signum's stuff for ages and the new stuff they have been producing is incredible. They are a must have. Menno will also come in. We are trying our best to keep it running in Germany.
That's great! Oh Menno is awesome.
What are some of your goals in the Trance scene? The world is yours, what do you want to do?
Alex M.O.R.P.H.: Honestly I don't know. I hope that Trance can be much bigger than it is at the moment. I want to promote Trance and achieve more focus towards it and attract more attention. The quality is better than ever when you compare it with the old classic tunes. I'm talking about the A List, the good guys who know what they are doing! Their production level is better than ever.
Are you still working on drawings in your spare time?
Alex M.O.R.P.H.: I haven't had much time since the last time we spoke but yes I am still drawing when an idea hits me. It's very spontaneous when it happens.
Have you ever thought of showcasing your art?
Alex M.O.R.P.H.: Well my manager is always pressuring me to do so. The two topics in regards to music and design are a bit far away from each other. For example Purple Audio, I just woke up and decided the name of the album.
You know my favorite color is purple, so I love it!
Alex M.O.R.P.H.: Purple is a strong color, it has charisma. The concept was to bring a color into the tone of the music. I love the color purple. It explains the music and translates it.
How about if you were to do your own album covers?
Alex M.O.R.P.H.: Yes, we have thought about it several times. Sylvia can show you some of my art. I will send you some examples of it. I can't even describe it.
Are there any other projects in the works that you would like to tell us about?
Alex M.O.R.P.H.: What I am recently very proud about is my recent connection with Sylvia Tosun and her team. They are great! They are doing a lovely job and they are so passionate in what they do. I am so happy that I got in touch with them.
We are very glad to have you here playing for New York!
Alex M.O.R.P.H.: Thank you! I just remixed Sylvia's new single entitled "Above All". I've been in love with that track from the first time she played it for me just four and a half months ago in her car. There are some great things lined up and I really love their company and I feel very welcome.
Do you have any other comments for your fans?
Alex M.O.R.P.H.: I would love to say thank you to everyone who believes in my music and comes to my shows. The most important thing I can say is, never stop enjoying the music that you love, no matter what support it! Show respect to the artists and buy a track or two if you can.
*(Ignore the duplicate questions, this was one extensive interview that I split up for two media outlets.)
http://www.alexmorph.com/
http://www.myspace.com/alexmorph
http://www.electronicnightlife.com/

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Electronic Night Life
http://www.ElectronicNightLife.com
Last edited by euphoria on May-05-2010 at 13:30
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