Moldova’s numero uno getting set for Armada Captivating at ADE
Interview by Dan Prince
Andrew a massive welcome back to DMCWORLD, where on planet earth are you today?
Big thanks on having me back! I am in Moldova, which is home to me, and currently in my studio.
A storming summer under your belt, loads of great productions coming up…but let’s kick off with Armada’s brand new club night ‘Armada Captivating’ that hits ADE on October 14th. It’s a new approach from the team, changing tact from the Armada Night event that we all know and love, Armada Captivating is now bringing us a broader range of music with a strong focus on new talent…
Armada Captivating will be a huge night during the famous Amsterdam Dance Event week. Not only being in Amsterdam which is the home base of the all-star label, the night itself will be so special simply because the range of the artists in the line-up is unique in so many ways, so many talented artists, and I simply can’t wait for such a huge night.
Where else can we catch you at this year’s ADE?
I will be playing exclusively for my label’s night, so better make sure I see you jumping on the dancefloor.
So it’s the annual fun fest known as the TOP 100 DJs just around the corner, the time of year when social media goes on overdrive with artists from around the world all looking for votes. How important is this quest for glory to you?
Top 100 DJS is important not just for myself, but for every artist. It’s a poll where it puts a spotlight for every artist. I try my best not to fully focus on it and kind of over pushing with the marketing of it as I really don’t feel comfortable on consistently reminding my fans to vote for me, I tend to do a reminder from time to time and this is something that’s completely up to them on whether they want to vote or not, and I am thankful for every single person who takes the time to support me and my music, and all I can say is that #1 or #100 I am more than blessed to be doing what I am today and to have all the support from everyone.
Let’s talk studio, you’ve got us buzzing again thanks to a new piece of production…this time it’s a collab with Mark Sixma…please talk us the sound and history of the track…
First of all, many thanks for the support! Really happy to see the massive feedback on my collab with Mark. He is such a great guy and talented artist, we have been friends for a long time, and it kind of happened unexpectedly. I usually go to Amsterdam from time to time for meetings with my label, and agency and some press material related, and you know you sometimes have a few off days, and I have several friends that live in Amsterdam including Mark, and one day we were like…hey what are you up to tomorrow? Nothing? You? Studio? Sure! And the magic happened.
Ibiza was INSANE this summer!! The hottest on record, the busiest on record – and everywhere rocked. We loved your sets at Armin’s ASOT – what a spectacular position for a DJ booth – right in the middle of the fucking swimming pool !!! How was Ibiza for you this year?
Indeed! Ibiza is already a magical island…having the chance to spend time there is really beautiful. I had a week off there and really enjoyed every minute of it. To be able to play in ASOT with the legend himself on the Island…you really can’t ask for more…You have Ibiza, ASOT, & Armin…what more do you want? Simply perfect combination! I loved every show that I had the pleasure in being part of, the crowd was amazing, the atmosphere, everything was top notch! And yes, that DJ booth in the middle of the swimming is truly EPIC!
Tune of the summer?
Andrew Rayel & Mark Sixma – Chased
Every single time was really different and special, but haha honestly I can say my after party set in the green room. I did a back 2 back set with my friend Ruben De Ronde, in which we played deep house, and it was something unique for me playing a deep house set for the first time! Was really cool!
Another mental event you have just rocked is Creamfields last weekend…weather was as expected really poor – but the festival was brilliant. How was it for you?
Creamfields was unbelievable! WOW! The Armada stage was off the hook! Loved every minute of it, debuted so many new material, crowd was superb, AND for me personally weather was perfect, I mean usually you come back with muddy shoes after Creamfields, but this time my shoes were clean when I came back to the hotel…so woohoo!
One of the regions that has really exploded in the past 3 years is Bali. What was once a beautiful tranquil island is now a haven for clubs and festivals. It must be a joy for a DJ to play there?
Beautiful place to go to, such an awesome island to have the chance of experiencing, and the nightlife is booming year after year! Had the chance of playing Dreamfields back in August which was very good!
Tomorrowland is recognized by many as the world’s number 1 festival. What makes it so good and how was this year’s event for you, any particular highlights?
Tomorrowland makes it so good with its own dreamland experience you know? The entire theme that they have going in the festival makes Tomorrowland what it is, and I love it. Any particular hightlights? To be honest the entire night was a highlight to me. Memories of a lifetime!
What are the 5 big tunes in your box this weekend:
- 1)Andrew Rayel ft Jonny Rose – Daylight
- 2)Andrew Rayel & Mark Sixma – Chased
- 3)Andrew Rayel & Alexander Popov – Mimeses
- 4)Deem – Elevation
- 5)Orjan Nilsen – Now We Are Talking
And finally, what is coming next from you studio wise?
Lots of new material coming up, singles, remixes, really can’t wait for everyone to hear, I hope they will enjoy it. Last but not least thanks so much for the interview and your support, and of course to everyone’s support. Looking forward to see everyone somewhere around the world!
www.instagram.com/andrew_rayel
www.soundcloud.com/andrewrayel
