The Russian sensation tipped by Guetta and Avicii for global stardom
Artem, welcome to DMCWORLD. That was a massive BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix you recently brought us – what kind of response did you get from that, quite an honour…
“It was really big honour for me, of course. It means that you’ve reached an important point in your producer/DJ career. After the Essential Mix came out on BBC Radio 1, my Twitter and Facebook just
blew up. I got a lot of responses from people and am still getting some. I’m really glad that listeners like it.”
How old were you when you started developing a taste for electronic music, what tunes and artists were you nodding your head to?
“About 13 years old. I start listen to Prodigy, Chemical Brothers, Chrystal Method. The sound was so fresh and unique for me, it definitely changed my way of thinking about music.“
What was your first break into the music industry?
“It was the EP ‘Vanilla Sky’ that came out on Enhanced Recordings. A good time for me, a time when I learnt how everything works in this business. So, I just sent few tracks on their demo e-mail and thankfully got a response, that they wanted to sign and release it. I didn’t have a manager at that moment, so was not so curious about terms in contract. Just happy young man, who finally made first step in his dream.”
What is the finest record you have ever played to a dancefloor?
“Talking about my tracks, it’s of course ‘Around the World’ and my remix for Ferry Corsten ‘Punk’, I even can’t distinguish one track from these two because both work so well. But from the other producers, it’s Tiesto – ‘Love Comes Again’ (Bart Claessen Remix), still playing this track a lot at the end of my shows and people really love it.”
You are in amongst a very cool elite band of DJs from America, Canada, Australia and Europe who are really showing the way at the moment. What fellow producers from around the world are you rating at the moment?
“Mat Zo, Porter Robinson and Alesso. Greatest talents, all have a really unique sound and are making something different.”
Can you remember the moment you were in a club when it suddenly hit you that you wanted to make a career in music?
“I remember it! One of my best friends was a DJ in local club when I was 15-16 years old and I wanted to be as cool as him. We went to this club a few times and I was just shocked how awesome it was. He actually made music as well, so he is the person who initiated my love for electronic music.”
What are your plans for Miami 2012 – what parties are you going to be sending wild and are there any other events you wanna check in party week?
“Miami this year for me is going to be crazy. It will be my first time on WMC, so I’m pretty excited. Ultra Music Festival, a pool party with Roger Sanchez, a party with Axwell at Nikki Beach. Not sure yet what shows I’m gonna check out, but there will be a lot of friends there, so really good times ahead.”
What is your current top 10 you are spinning…
“In no particular order and I won’t include my own tracks…”
Miike Snow – Paddling Out (Wolfgang Gartner Remix)
M83 – Midnight City (Eric Prydz Remix)
Massive Attack – Teardrop (Bart Claessen & Tom Fall Bootleg)
Koven – Wake You Up
Above & Beyond Feat. Zoë Johnston – You Got To Go (Seven Lions Remix)
Dimitri Vangelis & Wyman – Roll the Dice
Sander van Doorn – Chasin’
Heatbeat – Rocket Monster
Knife Party – Tourniquet
Mat Zo – It’s Yours
How important or relevant do you think the DJ Mag 100 is – a poll you are riding very hight at the moment?
“For me it just shows how my fans are loyal to me. If they give their votes for you, your rating goes up and it means you’re doing something right. It’s not something that really shows your real popularity, but it’s a good goal to reach.”
It’s your birthday – what 3 DJs do you ask to come and play for you and why?
“I would bring my 3 best friends, whether they know how to play or not. It would be just so fun!”
What is your favourite ever tune?
“Orbital – ‘Halcyon’ – forever and ever.”
What is the best DJ set you have ever witnessed?
“Armin van Buuren in Den Bosch, it was bliss! The vibe he had was ridiculous.”
You have appeared at some of the biggest clubs and festivals throughout the world – where have been your best gigs?
“Last year, New Eve’s show with Avicii in New York, Global Gathering in Kiev, Ukraine and A State Of Trance 500. Best shows so far.”
Tell us about home life – where are you living now, who are your big music friends there?
“I live in a small city in Russia, called Engels. There is not so many people who live there, it’s quite a nice place, where you can just relax and spend time with your family, friends and focus on music. There is few really close music friends here – Anton Stellz, he was that DJ from the local club and still one of my best friends. Alexander Popov – a big trance artist, this is going to be big year for him and Misha Kitone – who has some really nice releases and upcoming tracks on Spinnin’.”
What did your parents think of your choice of career?
“I think when you’re at such a young age, to get support from your parents is what you really need when you are deciding what you are going to do for the years ahead. Maybe my parents were a little bit sceptical in the beginning, but right now they totally understand what I’m doing and are happy for me, which makes me really happy.”
You are only in your early 20s but already have a vast list of releases – what track are you most proud of and why?
“I can’t pick just one, every track is like a little part of my soul. Every track has been important; because it’s always a new experience when you work on new track, learn new features. It would be unfair to choose only one!”
And finally, what can we expect from you from the rest of 2012 studio wise?
“I have already finished five new tracks this year and have a lot of uncompleted stuff plus a bunch of collaborations, it’s going to be crazy, you will hear it all…”
‘Trio’ by Arty, Matisse & Sadko is out on Beatport 5th March
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