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HBT Exclusive Interview: Meet Andre Mayer
What first drew you into music production and EDM in particular?
It all started with a computer and a package of cornflakes when I was eight years old. I tried some demo versions of the “Magix Music Maker“ (Techno, Hiphop, Rock) which were inside the cornflakes package. By that time it was sort of a game for me. Putting blocks together and afterwards you have got a track. Wow! This was really exciting for me. Aged twelve I started to listen to Trance, Techno and Rave, mostly from German artists. When I was fourteen I bought a CD-Compilation which included a bonus CD with samples from “Second Spring’s Irresistible“. I created my own version of this track and it was such great fun that I decided to try producing music myself. I felt that this was my passion.
Almost all of your tracks have a low tempo Nordic house vibe to them, and we can easily identify your signature sound in each of your tracks! How did you manage to achieve such a unique sound?
Actually, I wanted to do Trap and finally ended up in this Nordic house style. During the last fourteen years, I’ve been producing EDM, I’ve created tracks in different genres like Hardtrance, Trance, Hands UP and many more. In the beginning, I’ve tried to make music like my role models do. So I rebuilt the tracks or tried to copy them as best as I could but when you do that, you don’t have your own sound which sets apart from others or has got recognition value.
In the beginning of 2017, I tried something new with my own unique sound and a slower speed. My new tracks now sound completely different than all the other tracks I’ve made in the past. I think I’ve found my sound now.
Your latest track “breathe” is very well mixed and features your awesome unique sound, Could you tell us more about how this track came about? What is your creative processes like?
„Breathe“ was created from a follow-up track from my first single „Be You“. I had no certain feelings for this follow-up track and while I’ve been doing the recomposing, I recovered these piano chords. With these piano chords, I started a new arrangement and I’ve been successful. While I’m composing I usually have got ideas for a music video. I derived the name „Breathe“ from this idea.
Each track I start with an idea of a composition and a simple grand piano. The sound is neutral and I’m not constantly reminded of other tracks and compositions that sound similar. For me, feelings have got a very important role in composing a track. It’s perfect when I get goosebumps by the end of the day. I’m a melodic type, so I always create the melodies, harmonics, and basslines first. If they sound great just with the kick, the track gets a higher level with a handful of drums. In the second part, I do the drums and the effects. When it’s good enough, I have a break for one or two weeks and then I continue with the mix and master process.
Austria is a beautiful country that can easily inspire musicians to create great music. Do you draw inspiration from the beautiful Austrian nature and historic buildings?
The ideas for a composition just come up to my mind no matter what time or day it is. Sometimes when I go for a walk with my children I do get some ideas, too. For example the melody for „Be You“ came up like finger snipping while playing with my kids in the garden. I started thinking of something else and suddenly the dropmelody was in my head. From time to time I hear a track on the radio and think the sound of the plucks in the background or the chords are very good. Later I try to remember that sound and build my own melody in my head.
2017 has just passed, how would you summarize 2017? Did it turn out the way you expected it to?
2017 was a very instructive year for me in which I started the project “Andre Mayer“. My goal from 2017 was to release two tracks and do the mix and master. I met very nice people, I’ve finished building my studio, created my own unique sound and completed a track with a friend. I am not the type who sets goals for a year. I do everything step by step.
2018 has just began, what are your goals for the new year? Any upcoming projects we can get excited about?
You can be excited in any case. One of my goals this year is to compose more tracks than last year. At least three or four tracks would be great. I’ll try to get more recognition value. I’ll also try to create more variety so my music doesn’t sound too similar. A big goal is to add vocals to my tracks but therefore I need a female singer who has got experience in songwriting, too, as I’ve got no talent for that. Currently, I work on another track with a friend. It’s a different genre that we will release this year.
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