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 i:Vibes had the chance to talk with Oliver Smith, one half of the awesome Smith & Pledger duo and established Anjunabeats artist...
If you’re not a hardcore trance fan, then the name Oliver Smith may not say much, but after closer inspection, the name should become more familiar since he is 50% of the duo Smith & Pledger, who can easily be described as the Anjunabeats Heroes. The English lad, who is living in Holland, started to produce music in 2001. In the first few years, he produced tracks as Les Voleurs and Scalar. Then he formed Aspekt with Mark Pledger, where they produced “Mobetta” and “Something else”, that were released in 2002 on Anjunabeats, at a time before either was yet established. Anjunabeats made their breakthrough in 2003, as did Smith & Pledger in cooperation with English DJ god Matt Hardwick with “Day One”, which remains one of the cult tracks on the Anjunabeats Vol 1 compilation. Over the next two years, Smith & Pledger remained very busy releasing unforgettable tracks like “Forever”, “Connected”, “Believe”, “Northern Lights”, “Black” and “White”. As Aspekt, they produced the breathtaking “Hi-Jack” in 2006. Later in 2006, Smith & Pledger decided to take a creative break as each guy decided to release some solo stuff. Oliver released an EP with two melodic tracks, “Nimbus” and “Tomahawk”, which were featured on the Anjunabeats Vol 5 compilation. As a remixer, he has remixed 23 artists including Above & Beyond, Luminary, Maor Levi, John ‘OO’ Flemming and Darren Tate. As a DJ, he is also busy, presenting his sound to the world. #1 DJ of the world Armin Van Buuren has called him an excellent DJ. He has played in famous clubs like Godskitchen, The Gallery and Passion. He has played in countries like USA, Canada and England. He also can be heard at well known radio shows like Ministry of Sound Radio, Global DJ Broadcasts and Trance Around The World. i:Vibes caught up with the industrious producer…
i:Vibes: Hi Oliver, How are you? Thanks for taking some time to talk to i:Vibes. How did you get involved with trance music? How did this become your passion?
OS: I've always been passionate about music from an early age and in particular I love the sound of synths and drum machines. Trance (and good electronic music in general) combines these great sounds with melodies and emotion and the result really becomes greater than the sum of its parts for me. It has the power to communicate with people in a way that other music can't.
i:Vibes: What was your childhood like and what was your first real musical experience?
OS: As a child I was always interested in music and music technology and started experimenting with writing and recording at around the age of 10 or 11. I then went on to have piano lessons and gradually learnt how to put tracks together.
i:Vibes: Who were your early musical inspirations?
OS: I enjoyed many of the pioneers of modern dance music. Artists like Orbital, Underworld and Leftfield. Also more experimental stuff from labels like Warp and old drum ‘n’ bass, deep house and techno. At the same time I've always had quite diverse tastes and jazz, funk, hip hop and rock all influence me as well. The short answer is if it's good music it inspires me!
i:Vibes: What has your educational backround been? What else could you do with your life, if you ever decided not to continue with music?
OS: I've studied music at high school and at University so I've been focused on doing this for as long as I can remember. I could do all sorts of other things but I don't think there's anything else that I would find as fulfilling as music.
i:Vibes: When you started making music in 2001, what experience did you have getting into the trance scene in England? Was it a difficult process for you or was it not so much a challenge for you?
OS: When I went to University I was lucky enough to meet Above & Beyond at a student party. We realized that we were all into the same kind of thing so we hit it off immediately. This was at the time when they were just getting started and setting up their label so I guess I was just in the right place at the right time!
i:Vibes: In 2001, melodic trance was booming. What DJs inspired you then and why?
OS: I liked the more progressive/trance influenced stuff so people like Timo Maas, Dave Seaman and Sasha. I was also into the more uplifting sounds of Ferry Corsten, MIKE, Armin van Buuren etc. as well.
i:Vibes: In 2001, you made your first records as Les Voleurs. How would you describe your sound back then and how has your sound progressed since then?
OS: Les Voleurs was a project that I did with some good friends from school. It isn't at all like what I do now. It was more of a jazz influenced chill out sound with live bass and vocals and we also performed live a few times as well. We released several tracks with LTJ Bukem's label and I also did some drum ‘n’ bass tracks for them as well.
i:Vibes: You met Mark Pledger and formed Aspekt and soon after Smith & Pledger. How did you guys meet and what made your team work so special?
OS: The first Aspekt EP was just me on my own. Shortly after meeting Above & Beyond I was also introduced to Mark Pledger and we decided to work together. The combination led to quite a few popular records so we must have been doing something right!
i:Vibes: You guys produced so many tracks as Smith & Pledger. Will you ever release an album?
OS: There are currently no plans for a Smith & Pledger album, sorry! I am thinking about doing a solo album at some stage though.
i:Vibes: You have been releasing tracks on Anjunabeats for five years. Anjunabeats is like a small family. What makes this label so unique?
OS: Quality. Anjunabeats are very careful to only release the very best music and we're all committed to making each release as good as it can possibly be. Also, the original guys are all quite good friends so we all know each other well and try to work as a team.
i:Vibes: When you and Mark were in the studio, how did you go about producing a track? Did each person have a specific duty or role?
OS: We both did a bit of everything really.
i:Vibes: What is your strength in the studio?
OS: I'm always trying to make the next record better than the last one. It can be very frustrating but I concentrate on pushing myself to get the best result.
i:Vibes: It is hard to pick, but I guess my favourite Smith & Pledger track is “Northern Lights”. I remember that Paul van Dyk was dropping this track in like crazy in 2005. What was the inspiration behind this track? Was this a particular difficult track to produce or did you crank it out quickly?
OS: It's a bit like the old story about the creation of ATB - "9pm Til I Come"! I was showing my girlfriend how I make a track and what I ended up with was a very early version of "Northern Lights". Mark and I then did some more work on the record and the rest is history!
i:Vibes: What is the most important thing that you try to create in a track?
OS: I'm always looking for a good atmosphere and something that makes me want to hear the track again and again.
i:Vibes: You took a small break from Smith & Pledger. You and Mark are now doing solo work. Will you guys reunite sometimes to produce some more classic Smith & Pledger tracks?
OS: I don' think we will reunite full time but it would be good to do some more tracks together in the future. At the moment we're living too far away from each other so we're experimenting with doing solo records.
i:Vibes: You are living in Amsterdam Holland now. Is there any particular reason you are there now? How is life there, and how have you been inspired in the studio?
OS: My girlfriend got a job here. It’s a nice lifestyle and the country has treated me well.
i:Vibes: I love your fantastic EP “Nimbus/Tomahawk”! You are still very melodic. What do you want to accomplish as Oliver Smith. Could you ever imagine taking your sound in another direction?
OS: I'm open to new directions. As long as its good quality music then that's what excites me most.
i:Vibes: “Nimbus” is just incredible. I love how you built this track with so much emotion and such a lively atmosphere in the break. It is one of my favourites on Anjunabeats Vol 5. What inspired you to write this such beautiful track? What was the most difficult thing to get straight with the production?
OS: Nimbus wasn't a particularly difficult track to produce but getting the melodies and atmospheres right was the main thing. I always love to create a certain mood with my tracks and I was really pleased with this one.
i:Vibes: Your last releases were “Nimbus” and “Tomahawk” as well as a remix for Maor Levi. What can we expect from you in the next months?
OS: I've been quite busy in the studio lately. The Maor Levi - "Shapes" remix is out now and has been supported by all the top DJs. I have completed a remix of Above & Beyond - "Far From In Love" which will be a part of the 100th Anjunabeats release. There's also a remix of Boom Jinx which will probably be out in the New Year and after that there's going to be my next single.
i:Vibes: With what artist would you like to produce a track with?
OS: I'd like to work with other producers like Ulrich Schnauss or Trentemoller perhaps but other than that I'm quite interested in doing some vocal tracks. It would be great to work with Imogen Heap, Tracy Thorne or somebody of that calibre.
i:Vibes: What is your most treasured possession in your studio that you could not live without?
OS: It’s not particularly exciting but I'd have to say my Apple Macbook Pro!
i:Vibes: Armin Van Buuren has described you as an excellent DJ. What can we expect from you in a three hour set?
OS: Good tracks in a good order. That's what I try for anyway!
i:Vibes: What is the strangest thing that you have experienced as a DJ behind the decks.
OS: I once saw a guy urinating on the dance floor. That was nice.
i:Vibes: What is the first thing you think about when you see the reaction of the crowd when you’re dropping one of your own productions?
OS: It’s a great feeling but I'm always thinking: "...that snare drum is a bit too loud and the strings could be a bit bigger..." - I'm a perfectionist!
i:Vibes: What experiences have you made in the Dutch trance scene? How is it different to the UK?
OS: I've been to a few of the clubs here in Amsterdam. There are some good DJs here but not as much trance as I expected.
i:Vibes: Where do you see yourself in five years?
OS: Still making music and DJing I hope!
i:Vibes: What are your current five favourite tracks?
OS: I'm enjoying Thrillseekers, Boom Jinx, Deadmau5, Breakfast. It's too difficult to choose tracks with so many great producers around!
i:Vibes: What are your five all time favourite tracks?
OS: Too many to list, sorry!
i:Vibes: What are your hobbies?
OS: I enjoy cycling, going to the gym and I'm also a keen cook, but most of the time I'm working on music...
i:Vibes: Thanks Oliver for the chat! Can´t wait to hear new tunes from you!!!
OS: No problem!
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