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 i:Vibes caught up with one of Anjunabeats new artists, Sundriver, who has just had his new single signed to the label and also appear on its most recent compilation, Anjunabeats Volume 6...
SUNDRIVER - NEW TRANCE FROM THE UK
Sundriver is a UK trance producer from Hatfield. He has made a name for himself in 2008 with beautiful atmospheric tracks. He was influenced by the likes of Paul van Dyk and the Thrillseekers. His two big breakthrough tracks of 2008 were ‘Feel’ which won record of the week on Trance Around The World. This track also got a nice touch up remix from Underwater and Nitrous Oxide. His other track, ‘City Lights’, was record of the week on Trance Around The World 220. This track must have impressed Above & Beyond so much that they signed it to Anjunabeats and showcased it on Anjunabeats Volume 6 which is out right now. When listening to other tracks like ‘Monique’ or ‘In Waiting For Summer’, Sundriver takes the listener on a breath taking journey with many emotions. The new comer from the UK found some time to chat with i:Vibes...
i:Vibes: Hi mate, thanks for taking some time to talk to i:Vibes. It has been a great summer for you. I guess you don’t want the summer to end? Have you realized the success with ‘City Lights’ is reality and not a dream?
Sundriver: Yes , I realised that when I put my signature on the contract (hahaha!) , but there is still quite a bit to be done . Im not really satisfied with how my track sounds , and I will never be , I guess (hahaha!), but as long as people are listening, I'm happy.
i:Vibes: How was your month vacation? What did you do and did you get inspirations for lovely new tracks?
Sundriver: I had a really great time in my home country where I mostly spent it with my family and friends. I also went to the seaside , and that is the place where the idea for my new track came from.
i:Vibes: From the feeling of many of your tracks, you seem to be an upbeat person who likes the ambient sounds of summer. Can you get through winters or are you going to keep making these dreamy summer kind of tracks?
Sundriver: I make music all year long , it doesn't really matter if it is in the summer or the winter. Ideas for my tracks come from my head , and the weather has little, or no influence on it.
i:Vibes: You’re from Hatfield in the UK. What was your childhood like and when did you get involved with music?
Sundriver: Lets make it clear , I live in UK , but I was born in Jastrzêbie, near to Katowice in Poland. I moved to the UK 5 years ago, and I am thinking of going back to Poland next year. I had a really exciting childhood , but I dont want to go into the details.
i:Vibes: Did you have some kind of unforgettable experience with music, where you knew you wanted to become a producer?
Sundriver: I still dont know if I want to be a producer (hahaha!). I produce because I enjoy producing tracks, but if people like what I do and want to pay for it, then that's even better (hahaha!).
i:Vibes: Do you still go to school? What could you do job wise if you didn´t have music?
Sundriver: I finished my education, but am thinking about University next year. Im not really sure about what I could do if I was not in music...
i:Vibes: I can see how Chicane influenced you. I am sure you would agree that ‘Far From The Maddening Crowd’ has to be one of the all time great EDM albums. What was it about Chicane that made your heart go wild for them?
Sundriver: I couldn't say in a few words, but there is definitely something about the way the music comes across that appeals to me.
i:Vibes: What one Chicane song makes you think “Wow how did they get that track so perfect?”?
Sundriver: Thats an easy question......... ‘Saltwater’ with Moya Brennan, need I say more?!
i:Vibes: How would you describe the Sundriver sound?
Sundriver: In one word: UNIQUE.
i:Vibes: It seems like proggy music is slowly declining. There are so many good young producers making this trance, ambient music. How do you describe this trend? Is that where the trance sound may be heading in the future?
Sundriver: Im not a fortune teller (hahaha!) , but hopefully there will be more trance ambient producers , because on my gigs or radio shows I dont want to play my own songs, I want to hear a variety of music that I like, but trance ambient sounds, that can impress me, as well as those listening, are what I am really after.
i:Vibes: ‘In Waiting For Summer’ is really an amazing track. It is not signed yet which is difficult to believe. I guess that is your thinking when summer is over and it’s winter? Hahaha! Was this a difficult track and where were you in your mind when you produced this track?
Sundriver: I dont really know where I was at the time, but I was probably in my studio room. I decided to keep this track for myself , so this won’t be released. Why?? I think it’s just not good enough.Thats all.
i:Vibes: ‘Feel’ was your breakthrough track. It is really an amazing track. Pretty much perfect, usually one should leave those kind of tracks alone but Underwater made a brilliant remix, how did you like his remix?
Sundriver: Oh thats a brilliant remix made by Lukasz , but honestly all remixes are brilliant, everyone can find something for yourself. I like all of them !!!!
i:Vibes: What was the most difficult thing in getting ‘Feel’ to feel right? The melody is very catching!
Sundriver: I think the guitar part was the most difficult. I spent a few hours on tweaking and changing the melody, but finally I obtained the desired sound.
i:Vibes: Your dream was realized as Above & Beyond signed ‘City Lights’ to Anjunabeats. How happy were you when you found out that the guys wanted your song to be on their label and what were you doing as the news came?
Sundriver: This was one of my dreams , there are a lot more (hahaha!). I was extremely happy when I heard the news , it’s a huge achievement and I will never forget that special moment !!!!
i:Vibes: What makes ‘City Lights’, in your opinion, so special? So many artists dream to have a track on Anjunabeats!
Sundriver: I don’t think it is so special, but in my opinion this track reminds me about 'the good old days' of trance which was back between 1998 -2002. Simple with a nice, catchy melody. This is how my track sounds, and I will keep it that way.
i:Vibes: ‘Highway Central’ is also incredible. The melody is unforgettable. What is the most difficult thing in finding a melody that will forever stick in your ear?
Sundriver: All credit should go to Vision84 (Andre Glensk and Silvio De Vega), because the original track comes from them. I did a remix , and this is what you hear on my MySpace. It’s never been released, because it wasnt strong enough.
i:Vibes: What can we await from you in the future? What are you working on at the moment?
Sundriver: In the future ?? You can expect more Sundriver tracks. At the moment I’m working on my own original. It’s called ‘Summer Love’, and I think this will be the most beautiful track I have ever made. Simple melody and summer feel, typical Sundriver sound !!!
i:Vibes: How do you work in the studio? Do you have a certain method how you go about making a new record? Some producers find a bassline or melody first or go in other routes. How is your plan in the studio?
Sundriver: Most of the time , I start from a pad melody . If it sounds ok , and I like it , then I make the main melody and guitar and all the other parts comes in later.
i:Vibes: With what artist would you like to be locked away with in the studio for 24 hours?
Sundriver: Chicane !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i:Vibes: If you had the chance to remix any trance song, what would it be and how would your version sound?
Sundriver: I have 2 or 3 tracks which I would love to remix. One of them is ‘1998’ by Binary Finary . How my version would sound ?? You know how (hahaha!).
i:Vibes: Besides your PC, with what piece of equipment in your studio could you not live without?
Sundriver: My Virus Ti. Perfect instruments for pads and plucks.
i:Vibes: Do you think you could change your sound in the future? Please don’t!!
Sundriver: Sure I would, but Sundriver sound will be as it is now, for some time (hahaha!)...
i:Vibes: Besides Paul van Dyk, what other German producers do you respect?
Sundriver: Dj Shah and Dj Tonka !!!!!!!
i:Vibes: Where do you see yourself in five years?
Sundriver: Hopefully I will go back to my country , but if you mean music...hmm.....I want to see myself making quality tracks and sometimes playing gigs...thats what I want , basically...
i:Vibes: What are your five current favourite tracks?
Sundriver: Joonas Hahmo - Cocktail Bar
Tritonal - Lights Over Austin
Paul Keeley - Paper Jet
Sensitize - If Only We Could Try
Rapha - Pandora (Daniel Kandi's Emotional Mix)
i:Vibes: What are your five all time favourite tracks?
Sundriver: Paul Van Dyk - For An Angel
Binary Finary - 1999
Blank & Jones - Cream
Chicane - Saltwater
The Thrillseekers - Synaesthesia
i:Vibes: Who do you think will be crowned #1 at DJ Mag? Will it be a contest between PvD, Armin and Tiesto or could someone else like Above & Beyond sneak in the back door?
Sundriver: Hopefully no one from those 3 will be on the top this year , I would love to see A&B on first place . I'll keep my fingers crossed !!!!!!
i:Vibes: What are your hobbies?
Sundriver: Not many really, sports like tennis and basketball, travels, movies, pubs/bars/clubs (hahaha!), anywhere to socialise after hours.
i:Vibes: If you could take three things on a deserted island what would you bring?
Sundriver: Don’t know really (hahaha!) , maybe iPod, PLENTY of cold beers and sun cream!!!
i:Vibes: Thanks mate for the interview. Good luck in the future!!!!
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