i:Vibes speaks with hugely popular producer & remixer, Steve Murano. Want to know whats going on inside this mans head? Here are the questions and answers...
i:Vibes: Hi Steve, we have now ended 2003 and begin a new year in 2004. Are you excited about what is coming this year?
A: Yes indeed. I’m really excited about what’s coming next, because Dancemusic is going to change right now. On the one hand I wonder in which direction is goes and on the other hand it should be a vocation for a DJ to create new styles and sounds to have an influence on this change.
i:Vibes: You have developed a style of your own, how did this come about? Was it a natural progression for you, or did you sit down and think about how you want your music to sound?
A: I think it was both. Of course my Team and I had a vision how our productions should sound, but it was and still is always also a development of my former productions. These two ways made the typical “Muranosound”.
i:Vibes: What do you feel was your best work in 2003?
A: I can’t say. All of my productions have their own flair. Some more successful than others, but the most successful ones aren’t always the best ones for me. I think everybody should decide for him himself.
i:Vibes: What was your best remix in 2003?
A: I don’t know what is your favourite?
i:Vibes: What do you hate most about dance music in general?
A: Dancemusic should be free to make developments in all directions. Unfortunately a lot of these efforts will be destroyed by the merciless commercialization of the music-industrie and media. Another point is the way of thinking in fixed categories.
i:Vibes: What is your future plans?
A: First is the new single. It’s not ready yet, but we’re working on it. Naturally I won’t say a word about it, but you should looking forward to it.
i:Vibes: What tracks have inspired you as a producer?
A: A lot of tracks of different realms inspired me and more often these ones which are not Dancemusic. Sometimes old ones and sometimes new tracks. More over the Underground-productions are outstanding, experimental and point the way.
i:Vibes: What other producers do you respect for their music creations?
A: In first place I think of KRAFTWERK. They are the pioneers of electronic music. The next artist I’m respecting for his work is WESTBAM. During the 80th he was the founder of DJ-Music in Germany and is still working as DJ and Producer.
i:Vibes: What went through your head when you made your first track?
A: At this time I separated from my girl-friend and therefore I had a lot of time to produce, but the idea I had in mind long before.
i:Vibes: What gave you that idea for those hectic and off tap build-ups you got going?
A: That’s my style. A lot of this arise from the team-work with Tobias and Jens.
i:Vibes: Will we hear more different styles from you threw out 2004?
A: Sure. We always try, as usual, to develop our abilities and to create new and different styles.
i:Vibes: What producer would you most like to meet and work with?
A: There’s no one special. The most interesting thing of meeting another producer is the different method of working. There are many ways to reach the same objective. Especially creative working provides new experiences and ideas.
i:Vibes: How would you describe yourself musically?
A: That’s really difficult. I guess it’s a mixture of House, Electro, Trance and Techno. A little bit of everything and only the best of it - together with new and cool sounds. That’s our gut-feeling! All we produce is exactly our own taste of music.
i:Vibes: What gives you inspiration when you need it most?
A: Everyday-life and my leisure-time always inspired me, but also my great deal of travelling and playing in Clubs all over the world.
i:Vibes: What do you like to do with your spare time? What hobbies do you have?
A: To be DJ and Producer isn’t only my job but also my passion, my hobby – my life !
i:Vibes: Do you go under any other aliases other than Steve Murano? If not, do you ever plan to?
A: No, there’s no other project right now and nothing’s planed for the moment.
i:Vibes: What’s your favourite record label?
A: My label is KONTORRECORDS but I think the sound of LOW SPIRIT and SUPERSTAR is also pointing the way in Germany.
i:Vibes: What are your top tracks in the box at the moment?
A: a. Paul Nord – Prussian Carp b. N & K vs. Denis The Menace feat. Alex Prince – Cruising c. DJ Tocadisco – Nobody (Likes the records that I play) d. Lazard – Little Star e. Floress – Read my lips
i:Vibes: What would you suggest for a new producer starting out? What should they use on a tiny budget and how should they go about it?
A: Today it’s more or less pretty simple to make highbrow productions on a tiny budget. For the beginning I would recommend a simple software to find the own style of music.
i:Vibes: How many years on average do you feel it should take someone who produces as a hobby to make a playable track?
A: This could be very different. Some are the “lucky ones” producing a hit with their first single and others need more time for it. It depends on the persons themselves and on other details like personal experiences, musicality, talent, technical know-how and a l w a y s “a little bit of luck” !!!!
Thanks and greetings to all……
Steve
Steve, thank you for allowing us to conduct this interview. You have many fans here at i:Vibes and we all await what lies ahead for you in 2004.
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