Young, gifted and Danish! Meet Anders Ponsaing, one of the new breed who is making waves on the white Island. With his new ‘Deep Gravity EP’ dropping on Favouritizm, we paid a visit to his Ibiza studio to see what’s cooking as he prepares his dance floor weapons for the new season.
Hi Anders, welcome to DMCworld! Where are you in the world right now?
Right now I’m sitting on my balcony by the Mediterranean Sea in Ibiza Town.
What was the first piece of music you heard today?
It was Lingala feat. Junior by Lee Burridge, Lost Desert – love that track.
How would you describe your sound?
I would say it is a mix of Tech, Deep House and Techno. I like to think that my universe of sound is melodic, with a nice Analog sound and a tight but driving beat.
Who or what first turned you on to make dance music?
I actually started playing the piano at my old school and I also really liked twisting and turning with the sounds on my computer. I really like the whole concept about making music and I have just expanded my knowledge ever since. I really wanted to do and know how to do everything on my own. It really makes me feel satisfied when I have composed, mixed and mastered everything myself.
Your remix of ‘Don’t Tell Me No’ for Eva Scolaro and Steen T last year has reached over 2 million Youtube plays, you must be pretty pleased about it. How did you hook up with Steen?
Yes, I’m very, very pleased! Such a cool and nice feeling! Steen and I have known each other for a very long time. I met him the first time 11 years ago, back when I was studying sound-technique at a school in Copenhagen. My drum teacher at the school set me up with his studio friend to get some good pointers on productions and that person was Steen. Last year, Steen was one of the people who talked me into moving to Ibiza. And after a month here, I was working on the remix for him. I’ve actually also just finished another remix project for him too. It’s very Balearic and I can reveal that it’s the title track and first single from Steen’s new album ‘Balearic Bliss’. It looks to be a beach bar winner with the response we’ve had so far. I very excited about that one too.
You’re just about to release your debut EP ‘Deep Gravity’ on Favouritizm, tell us a bit about the release?
I’m thrilled about this EP. Two very cool tracks that I have been playing here in Ibiza a lot! Both of them work very well and I really like the vibe, the melody and chord progressions in them. They are actually an outcome of being here in Ibiza, with all the inspiration and freedom we have in the music here on this island.
‘Deep Gravity’ is quite a departure from your remix style on ‘Don’t Tell Me No’, is this the shape of things to come?
Yes! Deep Gravity is my more underground approach. I really like the darker stuff with a nice groove. I think you can count on more releases like these from me.
How do you set about writing tracks and where do you get your inspiration from?
Here in Ibiza I try to get out and listen to a lot of different DJ’s playing when I’m not busy playing myself. That really inspires me. Sometimes I have to leave the club to go home and make my idea on the spot. I really only sit down and produce when I have an idea of something. And that doesn’t always mean that I have a whole track in my head, maybe just a sound or a melody.
What piece of studio kit is essential to your sound?
Hmm.. I don’t think I have one thing essential to my sound. I use a lot of different things. Basically I am a Logic man to the bone. I have used Logic since I was 16 years old. My setup is an Mac Book Pro from late 2013 with an Apollo Duo Twin from Universal Audio. Using the Shadow Hill compressor and Fabfilters a lot. My 2 favorite plug-ins at the moment must be U-he Diva and Sub Boom Bass from Rob Papen. But I must say that after having moved here to Ibiza and not having a big, fancy studio like back in Denmark, I am really surprised as to how good my mixing is in my headphones. It’s actually better than when I mixed with my expensive studio monitors and in an acoustically controlled room. I think I have just found the perfect headphones for me (Aiaiai TMA-1 Young Guru Studio Edition). I think they are essential to my sound in every way! I think it’s important to feel comfortable with how you hear everything when you produce and mix.
You moved from Denmark to Ibiza last year, what prompted the move and how have you been settling in?
Well, I have had thoughts about moving for a long time, not Ibiza specifically, but just away from Denmark and the Danish radio music. Last year I said “okay now I’m gonna do it!” and I decided to move to Ibiza. Two months later, I was here! I really, really love it here, there are many cool people from all around the world and the music here is just the style I love. And after being here all winter made me really fall in love with the Island even more.
What advice would you give to fellow DJs and producers thinking to do the same?
I would say, do it! But they must be aware that it’s very difficult to get a job, or even to get considered because most places hire DJ’s they are familiar with or get they recommended.
Where have you been playing and what are you most looking forward to this season?
I was resident at Avenue Ibiza, I have been playing at Guarana Santa Eularia and playing for Sublime Ibiza, House Room, Feel Good Fridays, Bambuddha and some private parties. I am really looking forward to this season, especially because I now know how everything is here and I think I’m going to have a busy and fun season this year.
Where are you favourite places to hang out?
Ooh it’s hard to say actually. I really love being with friends at Plaza de Parque in the center. But Nassau Beach Club is also one of my favourites. But in general, it really depends on what I want in the moment, the Island has so many cool places to offer.
Who are you current top 5 producers?
These are not in order, just producers I admire a lot.
1. Kölsch
2. Gorge
3. Solomun
4. Guy Mantzur
5. Johannes Brecht
We come to your house and raid your record collection, which embarrassing record do you need to chuck out the window as we arrive?
Haha, nice question! I guess it would be Westlife!!
Which record makes you say ‘damn I wish I made that!’?
Bipolar Star by Olivier Giacomotto, it is crazy cool!
Finally what’s coming next from you?
Aside of my new remix for Steen Thottrup as I mentioned before, I’m also in the process of finishing a really cool track and I can’t wait to get it finished and out.
Anders Ponsaing ‘Deep Gravity EP’ will be released on Traxsource promo May 8th / Full release May 22nd 2017 on Favouritizm
