One of the breakthrough artists of 2013 smashes it up with the mighty ‘Miami 82’
Interview ; Dan Prince
Rene welcome to DMCWORLD, where in the world are you right now?
“Hey there, thanks for having me. Right now I’m in Estonia – in studio, finishing my brand new remix.”
Before we kick in with your new music, let’s rewind for a moment. And what a wonderful story you have dude, from learning music in a small Estonian town to spinning tunes to thousands at Creamfields! You attended music school for seven years at the outset where you studied piano before progressing to technology, what was the dream for you during those early years studying, was a career somewhere within music always the plan?
“Yeah when I was a kid and attended music school, I already had some music-related career in mind. Not really as a producer or a DJ, but more like just a musician in a band or such.”
How old where you when you first heard the strains of dance music – who were the artists that first got you interested?
“I was about 10, back in 1998. Discovered the older-era production of Scooter and instantly fell in love with it. By then I already got my first keyboard synth and I liked to create simple cover/remixes of the tracks I liked the most, on the synth.”
Tell us about the progression from piano to your first hardware synth and then the Steinberg Cubase 3X3Öit seems you were in a hurry all of a sudden to start creating!
“There was a big gap between just playing piano/synths and starting with the actual producing. I studied piano when I was a little kid, but started learning production ‘seriously’ in 2007.”
Where were you making your early productions…and looking back what were they like?
“I used to do trance music in the past on another alias, when I started producing. I released quite a lot of tracks back in the days, but I still like them.”
What was your first big break in the music industry?
“I would say playing on the mainstage of Creamfields last year, while having no tracks and remixes released yet. My first Syn Cole production (Silhouettes Remix) had just gone on promo week before.”
Today you are firmly settled in the Avicii Le7els label, how did that happen?
“Early 2012 I started sending some progressive house tracks to LE7ELS. First few tracks weren’t really anything good, but after I finished with ‘April’ they instantly liked it and got the track signed there.”
Well what a 2013 you have had! Superstar DJ appearances, your songs premiered on Radio 1 – the best year of your life?
“Yeah 2013 has been just awesome so far. Had so many big gigs with just 1 original track and 1 remix out, during the summer. Now my second track ‘Miami 82’ was just released, also my new remix for ‘Hey Brother’ has gone on promo. Both have received amazing feedback and support from the big ones out there. And currently, finishing a remix for a very big name on Universal Music. More details to be revealed soon.”
Okay let’s talk more about the music. As you mentioned, this week sees the release of your massive ‘Miami 82’ track that comes courtesy of an Avicii Edit, talk us through the history of the track…
“I finished an early version of the track in December of last year. A funky 80-ish touch, with an electro vibe. Think it’s a cool combination. Avicii made a great edit on it!”
Tell me about your working relationship with Avicii, it seems you two have a definite affinity when it comes to music?
“Yeah it has been great. I’ve made two remixes for his tracks, starting with ‘Silhouettes’. It definitely put some big exposure on my name when it got released.”
Your killer remix of his ‘Hey Brother’ lifted it from it’s country roots to a festival banger! How did you approach this remix?
“I felt I could give some big room touch to it, with my sound. As Avicii’s manager pitched this opportunity for me, I agreed right away to give it a go.“
What are the big tunes you’ll definitely be spinning this weekend…?
It changes constantly, but some of my favorites right now are…
Don Diablo – Origins
Qulinez – Noise
Madeon – Technicolor
Dannic – Blueprint
Hard Rock Sofa – Let Me Hear You Scream
Axwell – I Am
Where were you when Pete Tong premiered Avicii’s new Edit of ‘Miami 82’ on Radio 1?
“I was actually in my studio, finishing up a new track. Right away tuned in, when the show started…”
You have had some mouth watering DJ shows this year, we were in the crowd at Ushuaia in Ibiza this summer, in a word WOW!! Let’s kick off with the white isle…did you have a chance to explore this magical party island?
“Great to hear you liked at Ushuaia! I definitely enjoyed playing there twice. Unfortunately did not have much time to explore around in other clubs and places. I really hope to do it in 2014!”
What did you make of the whole Ushuaia set up?
“Loved the open-air vibe there. Ushuaia + great summer weather is a perfect combination.”
We were also in Miami earlier this year and saw you being interviewed at the hotel. Miami is off the hook right? What is your favourite story from Miami 2013?
“Yeah I totally loved the week in Miami back in March. Specially attending Ultra Music was amazing, was the first time for me. Met so many people there in the network!”
Every DJ moans about the traveling – the airports, uncomfortable planes, the lonliness…how are you coping with the jet set life style?
“No complaints yet from me. As it’s all in the launching-period for me right now, all good!”
What is on a Syn Cole rider at your gigs?
“Hehe, it’s pretty standard. Some drinks and food. For the gig only the equipment is important for me, also some water and energy drinks…”
You seemed to enjoy the bright lights of Tokyo, they are on a different level over there! How did you find the crowds in the East, was there musical knowledge on a par with Europe?
“Yeah Tokyo was amazing. The crowd felt super energetic actually, every track I played went on with a full blast!”
Anthem of the summer?
“Haha.. I don’t know. From big room tracks perhaps Martin Garrix – ‘Animals’?”
I see you played in your home country for the first time this year, what was that experience like?
“Really loved playing here as headliner. Many of my friends attended the party, so we had a great time!”
Okay some quick fires…
The producer of 2013…
“Zedd, really love his stuff.”
Your favourite remix of 2013…
“The Alesso Remix of ‘If I Lose Myself’.”
The album of the year…
I don’t have a favorite, but I really enjoyed some tracks from Daft Punk’s and Mat Zo’s albums!
The record you wish you would have made from the last 20 years…
“From dance tracks perhaps ‘Cafe Del Mar’. It’s an all-time classic for me, and still gets a new remix every year.”
Your best friend in the world…
“I’d say the piano!”
A talent your fans do not know you have…
“I used to do loads of 3d graphics design, specially animations. I still do, occasionally.”
A cheesy song you love but really shouldn’t…
“I don’t know if it’s cheesy really, but I do like Thrift Shop by Macklemore.”
The most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you whilst Djing…
“Years ago back when I started – pressing ‘next track’ on the wrong deck, resulting in complete silence for like 5 seconds…”
The best piece of advice you have ever been given?
“To stay focused on the stuff and goals you want to achieve.”
And finally, what is coming out next from you release wise?
“The remix for ‘Hey Brother’ and the new remix for Universal I just finished. Plus quite a few originals coming up!”
