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The Thrillseekers Interview
by TranceUnited.com:
| quote: | tranceUNITED:
Hi Steve, How are you? It has been a while since I saw you last which was at the Technoclub with Talla 2XLC in 2004. Do you remember the experience? It was an absolutely amazing night with your music!
Steve Helstrip:
I remember it well. I was a bit nervous before coming over, as I wasn’t sure what people would be expecting of me musically. I had very little ‘techno’ in my record bag, but was soon to learn that pretty much anything goes at the Technoclub. I had a great night, and hope to come back soon.
tranceUNITED:
You always take your time with releasing a Thrillseekers track. You never disappoint, because each release is always a top production. Is it difficult finding a new sound for a Thrillseekers track? There must be a lot of pressure from the trance community simply because the exspectations are so high?
Steve Helstrip:
I find working with new singers, or producers, can really help to keep your sound fresh. Coming up with new Thrillseekers singles is a challenge, but it’s what I enjoy. I don’t feel any pressure from the trance community as such; I just produce what I like and hope they do, too.
tranceUNITED:
The early response to “By your side” has been massive. What can we expect from this track soundwise?
Steve Helstrip:
”By Your Side” has a more laid back, almost housey feel compared to my earlier stuff. The music is very understated, yet has a lot of depth and layers of production. I’ve used guitar on the track, which adds another dimension, but the main focus is on the vocal.
tranceUNITED:
Besides Martin Roth who will get remix duties on this track? How do you go about choosing what artist will do a remix for your track?
Steve Helstrip:
You have to look at each track separately, but essentially what you’re aiming to do is have a collection of mixes that appeal to as many different DJs as possible. I chose Martin for the remix on „By Your Side” because we needed a mix that was suitable for peaktime plays in the clubs. I knew the vocal would work well over Martin’s sound, and I’m a big fan of his work.
Aly & Fila have done a more mainstream club mix, which we’re about to start promoting. We are also looking at the possibility of a progressive house mix.
tranceUNITED:
The Martin Roth remix has really taken off even though I prefer the original. Would you ever be unhappy if a remix becomes more popular than your mix? But with all due respect to Martin, he seems to be one of the hottest producers around now?
Steve Helstrip:
Ha! No, I’d be totally cool with that. I only release tracks that I’m really happy with, so that’s the main thing for me. If some can come along, though, and make it better (and me more money), then great!
tranceUNITED:
Your Thrillseekers tracks and remixes have always been top notch. For me The Thrillseekers sound seems very defined. Where do you see the future of your sound going especially with your next remixes? Could you ever imagine going in a slightly different direction with The Thrillseekers sound?
Steve Helstrip:
I think the Thrillseekers sound has evolved over the past year and see it continuing to change. As an artist, you can’t stand still. Music has to evolve to keep people interested, though I have no idea where it will go.
tranceUNITED:
You released your debut album “Night Music” last year which was a double CD. For those that don´t have it what can we expect from this cd. How was the response to this album?
Steve Helstrip:
The idea behind “NightMusic” was to make an album that represents both sides of what I do as a DJ and producer. The first CD, The DJ, is really a condensed set that I would typically play out. It starts off with ‘By Your Side’ and progresses through melodic and techie trance through to full-on peak timers.
The second disc, The Producer, is a collection of some of my favourite remixes. It’s got some of my well-known stuff on there, such as mycollaboration with Ferry Corsten ‘Sublime’, and Jan Johnston’s ‘Calling your name’. But I’ve also included some earlier and lesser known mixes that I still play out, like Armin & Tiesto pres Alibi ‘Eternity’ and Free Radical Surreal.
tranceUNITED:
You have many other lovely projects like Rapid Eye, Hydra, Insigma or En Motion. Are there any new releases planned in 2006?
Steve Helstrip:
My main focus this year is to work on my artist album and “Night Music Volume 2”, so I doubt there’ll be much time for further collaborations or new tracks from these projects.
tranceUNITED:
My favourite remix of yours in the last two years is “Sweet Sorrow” Ferry Corsten. I love the atmosphere that you give this track. How did you go about producing this mix? Did you have a special inspiration when you made it?
Steve Hesltrip:
I don’t really know what happens when I sit down to remix a track. I just take the parts, play around for a few days and piece together something that I like the sound of. The inspiration comes mainly from the parts you’re given to work with, but you also call upon your own musical expression, which I believe is inspired by everything in life.
tranceUNITED:
I have read you want to do Film music one day. How about getting together with BT and finding a nice movie project? Would he be someone you could imagine working with or somebody else?
Steve Helstrip:
Yeah, I could probably find time to do that. Could you hook us up?
tranceUNITED:
Five years ago “Synaesthesia“ was becoming a classic. What has changed the most in dance music in the last five years. The passion for the music will never die, but all the illegal downloading surely can´t make it any easier for artists in general?
Steve Helstrip:
Declining sales and the way music is distributed have been the biggest changes. It’s difficult to comprehend just how quickly things have changed. A lot of producers can no longer make a living from music, and studios and record stores are closing almost daily. Consequently, I believe the quality of music is affected.
tranceUNITED:
Recently the 60 year old members of the Rolling Stones preformed at the Super Bowl and their are numerous DJs in their 40s like German icons Sven Väth, DJ Dag and Westbam djing. How long do you think you would want to DJ?
Steve Helstrip:
For as long as I still have a connection with and an understanding of the crowd. I think I’ll probably hang up my headphones long before I give up making music, as that’s just something I can’t live without.
tranceUNITED:
Germany has a huge event this summer with the World Cup. Are you a Football fan? Who do you think will win the World Cup? Would England beat Germany if they were to play?
Steve Helstrip:
I’m not a big football fan, but have to admit I love the World Cup. I seem to remember England thrashing Germany 5 – 1 in the 2001 world cup qualifier, so surely we stand a good chance if we’re to meet again this year! I watched this match at the now legendry Gatecrasher Summer Sound System festival. Paul Van Dyk was playing at the same time the match was on. Everytime England scored a goal, the score was projected onto the screen behind Paul as he was playing. The arena erupted with every goal.
tranceUNITED:
Your big hobby now is your son William. How long will it take before he tries on a pair of headphones and starts dabbling with records and CDs?
Steve Hesltrip:
He’s always dabbling with the records. I used to encourage him to play with the equipment in the studio, now I can’t keep him out!
tranceUNITED:
What is your biggest positive wish that could occur in the dance scene?
Steve Helstrip:
I hope people’s attitudes towards downloading music changes so that the producers can continue making the music we love.
tranceUNITED:
Thank you Steve for the interview. Goodluck in the future!
Steve Helstrip:
Thank you, and good luck in the world cup.
Steve |
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