I would first and foremost like to thank you graciously for this interview. It was a pleasure meeting you and attending your performance at Rebel. You did an excellent job mate, and we hope to have you come back to New York very soon! Now onto the questions…

Which artists had the most influence to your career in music?

There was no particular artist as such, I have been influenced by all music that I have heard whilst developing my career. There are many early electronica artists, but also classical music, ambient and film scores, so to highlight specific artists is a tough job.


DJ vs. Production, which do you prefer more, and why?

I love Djing and I love Producing. Its very hard to chose which you prefer. If I was cooked up in the studio solid for a few weeks then I would probably say Djing. But I have been on the road (apart from a few short stops at home) for a long time now. So at the moment I would have to say Production. This is also because im sitting in a cold dark hotel box room in the mountains in Greece with no internet (which enables me to catch up on things like interviews), no heating and no bank to get any euros to buy myself some food!….oh and only greek tv.....so you can see why Production is currently my favourite!


Did you enjoy visiting New York for your recent performance at Rebel in late November?

Yeah I always like coming to New York. Its got a really homely kind of feel to it and there was a nice enthusiastic crowd at Rebel.

How does it feel to be nominated for a Grammy Award?

Im glad of course, it’s a great honour… but Im also not one to let these things get blown out of proportion. I prefer to look ahead rather than dwell on something that has happened… that doesn’t mean im not grateful though! It is an honour to get nominated by people within the industry for the industry.


How would you describe your experience working with Markus Schulz, and do you plan to work with him again in the near future?

It was a great experience, he’s a nice guy and I would definitely like to work with him again. He has a lot of passion for what he does.


Are there any upcoming projects involving yourself that you would like to mention?

In the studio I am concentrating on my solo album. For this I am collaborating with various vocalists, producers and musicians. Its hard to balance the time but I’m dedicated to getting it finished for Autumn next year….if I have to have a few months away from Djing then that’s what Ill do. Im really excited about it and I hope it will help in setting standards and expand the listener base for this type of music.


Is there a vision to expand AVA Recordings at some point, and are you currently searching for new talent?

The label has some great artists producing great music, but Im always looking for new talent. It would be nice to find the next big producer and judging by some of the latest demo's there are alot of people out there working hard on improving their productions.
We are not going to try to expand the label too much. I think its important to keep the quality and not allow our tunes become so disposable.


Who were some of your favorite vocalists to work with?

Every vocalist has something different to bring to the table and everyone is unique....I couldn't pick a favourite. Im working with a variety of vocalists for my album and I have a feeling my favourite will be amongst them

Who would you consider to be the main members of your team or entourage and what roles do they play?

There are Chris and Kev who are my music scouts. They currently download the promo’s and sift through the unbelievable amount of tunes that get sent. Unfortunately there is a large percentage of unplayable material, so that firstly gets sifted. Almost like quality control. If something is not playable but has good ideas I still get to hear it though so these guys sort everything out.
There’s also Myatt, who runs the PR Company I use and he helps a lot with the daily ins and out, and he is to be seen at the front row of every UK gig (and some European). Then there are agents and managers who all play their own roles....

No matter where you go, as well as most of the photos I have seen you in; you always seem to wear this particular silver chain; is there any symbolism behind this chain or did someone special buy it for you?

Haha, you are quite observant. There is no symbolism or anything like that, I like the simplicity of it and its quite a unique design…this and the fact I only own 1 chain!

I absolutely love your new hairstyle, but was wondering if you ever planned to go back to the blonde look sometime in the future?

My hair is still the same, I’m just too impatient to sit in the hairdressers whilst they put in the color and ramble on at me for an hour about how soap opera's and the latest toe nail varnish.

Are there any other comments that you would like to share with your fans as well as TranceSound.net?

Mainly that Im working very hard at present, and I’m trying to find out where this music can go from here. I could make a tune a day if I stuck to a simple formula but Im really trying to make something new and push the limits in the studio.
Id also like to thank everybody who listens to my music and shows their support in all other areas over the past year. I hope to see you all around the globe at some point ….

Enjoy the rest of your tour, and best of luck with the Grammy!

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Electronic Night Life
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