i:Vibes took some time to put a few questions to the Anjunabeats trance hero - Oliver Smith...
OLIVER SMITH - ANJUNABEATS BREAKOUT ARTIST IN 2008
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 currently living in London started to release music in 2001. In the first few years, he produced tracks as Les Voleurs and Scalar. Then as Aspekt he produced ‘Mobetta’ and ‘Something Else’, which 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. In the next two years, Smith & Pledger remained very busy releasing unforgettable tracks like ‘Forever’, ‘Connected’, ‘Believe’, ‘Northern Lights’, ‘Black’ and ‘White’. As Aspekt (now including Mark Pledger), he 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 Volume 5 compilation. In 2008, he had five tracks on the Anjunabeats Volume 6 compilation. ‘Horizons’, ‘Restless’, ‘Sunrise’ and ‘Cirrus’ gave ravers around the globe unforgettable memories in the club. As a remixer, he has remixed countless artists including Above & Beyond, Luminary, Maor Levi, John 00 Fleming 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, Singapore and England. Recently he opened up for Paul Van Dyk in a few clubs in the UK. He also can be heard on well-known radio shows like Ministry of Sound Radio, Global DJ Broadcasts, Trance Around The World and Anjunabeats Worldwide. i:Vibes caught up with the industrious producer...
i:Vibes: Oli, thank you for taking some time to talk to i:Vibes. You had a very busy 2008. Are you taking some time off for some well deserved vacation and relaxation around Christmas?
Oliver Smith: I did plan to take some time off around Christmas but unfortunately I didn’t get the break I was hoping for because I was unwell – just the usual winter colds and viruses. Luckily I did get to spend some time with my family, which was good. 2009 already looks like it will be another busy year but I guess I can’t complain about that!
i:Vibes: 2008 was a huge year for you. You released five tracks on the latest Anjunabeats Volume 6. Did you expect to dominate the track list so much on this compilation?
Oliver Smith: Well to be fair it’s 4 tracks and a remix. It was just a case of lucky timing as we were waiting for the right time to release many of the tracks on the album. When the compilation deadline came, and we found the tracks fitted in so well, it seemed like the best way to get them out there. They will also be released as singles over the next few months. I did joke that I should have had my name in big letters on the front of Volume 6!
i:Vibes: What were your nicest memories of 2008 music wise?
Oliver Smith: 2008 had a lot of good music. I really enjoyed a lot of the more progressive tracks from guys like Jaytech, Dinka, Joris Voorn etc. but there was also some good trance from people like The Thrillseekers, Above & Beyond and Super 8 & Tab. There was also plenty of great music from outside the dance music scene that has been really inspiring to me. As far as my own music was concerned I was happy to be so busy with my own tracks and remixes.
i:Vibes: Anjunabeats have let artists release solo albums. In my opinion after so many high class single releases, you should be on top their list to release a solo album soon. Any plans for that?
Oliver Smith: Funny you should say that. I’m actually working on my album now. It’s quite an exciting project for me as it gives me a bit more scope to try different things. With singles it always has to be ‘DJ friendly’ and dance-floor orientated, but I want my album to show a bit more depth than that can offer. Unfortunately I’m a bit of a perfectionist so it might take me a while to make something I’m happy with. Hopefully it will be worth the wait.
i:Vibes: Over the last few years your work with Mark Pledger as Smith & Pledger blew me away, but it seems as a solo artist you have matured and gone to another level. What has changed the most in your producing from Oli when you were a member as Smith & Pledger, to Oli as Oliver Smith the solo artist?
Oliver Smith: I think it’s just a different process when you work alone. You do get a lot more freedom working solo but it’s also a lot more responsibility, as you have to make all the decisions alone. I quite like working with other people but when I’m working alone I enjoy the way that it’s possible to follow through an idea from start to finish and take the time to perfect it.
i:Vibes: ‘Horizons’ is a great track. What was your inspiration behind this track? Was this a difficult track to produce and what was the most difficult part to get right so you were totally satisfied with the track? The bass line and atmosphere are breathtaking! I never noticed a similar Dead mau5 bass line, but moreover your own style!
Oliver Smith: The way the chords and melody interact in ‘Horizons’ is the main highlight of the track for me. I was just looking for the best way to deliver that emotion and settled on the steady rhythm of the bassline and chords. Also, the sounds and atmosphere are reflective of my own style I think. I’m quite happy with the final result.
i:Vibes: ‘Restless’ is a great ending track to CD 1 of the Anjunabeats Vol 6 CD! Were you restless in getting this completed? Hahaha! The break and build up is incredible. It’s a track that starts with a lot of energy and finishes with double energy. What was your inspiration behind this track?
Oliver Smith: ‘Restless’ was one of those rare tracks where it all came together in a few hours. I often say that the ones that are quick to make are the best ones, and this is an example of that. The title refers to the rolling, ‘restless’ melodies that are the centrepiece of the tune. It’s probably one of my favourite tracks that I’ve done recently.
i:Vibes: You actually should have had six tracks on the Anjunabeats Vol 6. I love your remix of Signalrunners - These Shoulders. What were you thinking or doing as you came up with that dreamy atmosphere in the track?
Oliver Smith: Hahah. It really would have been my compilation if they’d put my mix of ‘These Shoulders’ on as well. I’m a great fan of the original, as it sounded really fresh and exciting already, so remixing it was a pleasure. Having a strong vocal also helps a lot. As soon as I got the basic elements of the track put together the dreamy atmosphere just came to me naturally. It’s the tension of the dreamy atmosphere with the exciting arrangement that really makes that one work I think. It always seems to go down well when I’m DJing too.
i:Vibes: You produced ‘Sunrise’ with Anjuna regular Boom Jinx. What was it like working with him? How were the roles in the making of this track?
Oliver Smith: I met Boom Jinx a while back when he came to visit London and he wanted us to collaborate on this track for his album. He already had the basic idea but I helped to flesh it out with some extra elements, and put together the arrangement for it as well. In the end it was a massive project with loads of tracks as we sent ideas back and forth for quite a while before it was finished. I’m really happy with the finished track though and he’s a great guy so it was a good experience to work with him.
i:Vibes: Many are calling ‘Cirrus’ track of the year. This track has so much energy. How did you come up with the title Cirrus? Does it have a special meaning to you?
Oliver Smith: ‘Cirrus’ was originally intended to go with my single ‘Nimbus’ but that got released with ‘Tomahawk’ instead as we felt that was a better package. After leaving it on the shelf for a while I revisited the track and then got it finished in time for Anjunabeats Volume 6. The names ‘Nimbus’ and ‘Cirrus’ are both types of cloud and I just felt they reflected the atmospheres that the tracks had.
i:Vibes: I can’t get enough of listening to this track. It seems like at every new listen, you can find new parts to the track that make it incredible. Why do you think this track is so unforgettable?
Oliver Smith: I’m glad you like it! I think it’s actually technically quite simple but sometimes the simplest things have the most depth. Having said that though, I always try to put a lot of detail into my tracks, even if they’re quite minimal. It also has a melody that some people really seem to like so I guess that helps too.
i:Vibes: You recently opened up for Paul van Dyk in the UK. What kind of experience was that for you?
Oliver Smith: It was great fun. We played together two nights in a row. The first night, at Matter here in London (inside the 02 ‘Millenium Dome’) was sold out. I was on late, but it was still full right up to the end. It’s quite a new club with an under-floor sound system that really has to be heard to be believed. Amazing! The second night was at Godskitchen in Birmingham and that was also full so it was a great gig as well. I just did my thing and the crowd on both nights really seemed to enjoy themselves (as did I).
i:Vibes: Could you learn anything from Paul van Dyk behind the decks?
Oliver Smith: I think we both have our own style but there’s always something new to learn!
i:Vibes: Did Paul van Dyk give you any words of encouragement? Maybe even an invitation to a Vandit night in Berlin in 2009?
Oliver Smith: I’m hoping to get over to the Vandit night some time this year. It would be good if I can play alongside him a bit more regularly in the future.
i:Vibes: You recently played in Turin, Italy. What were the Italian trance fans like?
Oliver Smith: They were all very friendly and enthusiastic and seemed to know a lot about the music. A perfect crowd! My good friends Above & Beyond were also playing that night so we had a great time together. One funny moment was when some of the fans followed me into the bathroom and I had my photo taken next to the hand dryers! All good clean fun (I did wash my hands first)!
i:Vibes: Ronski Speed recently played ‘Cirrus’ in the Technoclub in Germany. Above & Beyond have a good relationship to Anjunabeats. You have been shy of co productions since Smith & Pledger, but have you ever thought about doing something with a Ronski Speed, Mirco de Govia or Kyau & Albert from Euphonic?
Oliver Smith: I really respect the Euphonic guys as they have a great sound and they’re very consistent. Unfortunately, at the moment I just don’t have the time for any collaborations, but it’s definitely something I’d like to do in the future.
i:Vibes: What are your goals for 2009?
Oliver Smith: I’ll be working on my album, doing some more remixes and original productions, and of course DJing. Apart from that I’ll be trying to get 10 tracks on the next Anjunabeats compilation! ;-)
i:Vibes: When will you visit Germany? Talla 2XLC and his Technoclub is one of the finest Trance addresses in Germany. We want to see more Trance heroes in Germany!
Oliver Smith: I’d love to come – if you know the promoters then ask them to invite me!
i:Vibes: Thanks Olie for the chat! All the best in 2009! And keep cranking out those Trance monsters!!!
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