Raiden

Interview by Dan Prince

 

Dude, welcome to DMCWORLD – where on planet earth are you today?

Thanks! Currently I’m in Seoul, Korea.

You have set dancefloors alight across the globe thanks to your remix of Fedde Le Grand’s which is out now…a rework that you were hand picked by the man himself! Tell us the story…

I’ve had a few chances to talk to Fedde about my music in the past, so I guess through a lot of music chat we got close! I got to visit his studio, which was a great experience because I’m a fan of Fedde’s work, especially his new album. I had always wanted to work with him so when he asked me to work on “Keep on Believing” for his new remix pack, I was completely up for it.

How did you approach the remix, what were your aims/objectives with the track?

As soon as I heard the beautiful piano intro of “Keep On Believing” I was imagining what the track would sound like if you were to add some guitars and a heavy drumline to it. I wanted to emphasize the melody and make it more dramatic with a fuller sound, so I started working on it straight away! Since I already had the concept and the general direction down, the rest came by pretty easily. For the drop, I tried really hard to create a groovy vibe by keeping the vocal elements to a minimum. I really think the remix has the right balance between the original sound and my signature sound, and I’m very happy with the result.

Can you remember where you first road tested the tune?

I first played it at club Octagon here in Korea. Octagon has an amazing sound system so it was really satisfying to hear the track through some serious speakers. The crowd seemed to enjoy it too!

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What are the 5 big tunes in your box this weekend…

– Martin Garrix & Third Party – Lions in the Wild

Very upbeat, very energetic vibe that has summer anthem written all over it.

– Flume – Say It feat. Tove Lo

Flume’s stuff is always fire! “Skin” is a f*****g masterpiece and this one, ‘Say It’ is my favorite.

– Boys Noize – Mayday

I’ve been following Boys Noize since the Oi Oi Oi days and he does not disappoint. I think the album has a super high production value and Mayday definitely shows that.

– Moti – Turn Me Up

First thing I gotta say is that the drop is so lit. The vocals add to the groove of the track and I just love it, it’s sick!

– Axwell ^ Ingrosso – Thinking About You

The synth gives the track a very retro vibe. Digged the video, too.

So…2 weeks to go until Ultra hits Seoul!!! How we feeling? Are you the sort of producer who has his set all planned already or are you just gonna see how it goes…?

I’ve played at different Ultra events but every performance feels special. I’m getting a chance to perform a longer set this year and along with the “Keep on Believing” remix I’m planning to unveil a lot of new tracks so I’m very excited. Before the set, I only plan for the most basic aspects, with emphasis on making the intro and the ending of the set emotionally compelling. Other than that, I try to adapt as the performance goes. Like at Ultra Europe, I just went on without any prep for the set and had a great show. The crowd was so wild so you could really vibe off them. It was amazing – unforgettable experience!

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At what age did dance music first appear on your radar and how?

I’ve been a rock guy for a long time but dance music always had a certain appeal. I don’t think I really understood it until I heard “Robot Rock” by Daft Punk while I was going to school in Japan. It made me realize that it’s possible to excite the listener not just using analog sounds but also with electronic samples. Rock bands at the time were already incorporating electro sounds to their music and I thought it sounded really cool and interesting, and soon enough I wanted to produce my own.

Early musical influences?

The first instrument I’ve ever played is the guitar. Naturally, I listened to lots of rock music growing up and I have countless CDs that I cherish still to this day. The feeling of ripping off the plastic packaging, listening to the first track of the album while looking at the album jacket has always been an incredible experience. When I listen to those songs now, the old memories come back, so I try to sneak in elements of rock music in my performance at times. Funny thing is, the crowd seems to like it too.

How old were you when you first thought of a career in music, what did your family think?

I was 12 when I first wanted to be a musician. There was a game called “Guitar Freaks”, which was like an old school “Guitar Hero”. I played it a lot, to the point where it was time to man up and learn the actual instrument.

There are a lot of creatives in my family – my mother was an artist and a painter, and my uncle is a famous guitarist in Korea, so they understood my decision to pursue a career in music. They have supported my career every step of the way, from the moment I told them I wanted to play the guitar to now. I’ll always be thankful for that.

Your first real ‘break’ in the music industry?

My career is only starting to take off so I don’t think I can really say I’ve had my first real ‘break’ yet. What I can talk about is how my career started. After I graduated high school, I went to a music school in Japan and joined a band there. It was called “Black Market Jams” and I had a great time, even releasing an album. It was the first actual step I took towards becoming a musician and I’m glad I got to do it with them, wouldn’t have it any other way.

What is coming out next from you studio wise?

I have a few things ready to come out! I have a remix and collabs with different artists, and a few solo projects as well. I’ll be showcasing some of them for the first time at Ultra Korea, which I’m really looking forward to!

What is the last piece of music you actually bought?

Drones by Muse.

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What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made in your life and how did you overcome it?

I was working on a project in the studio all day and left the computer on when I left for the night. I came back the next morning and saw that all my files were gone. Apparently there was a power outage the night so the computer turned off, and that royally screwed me. I mean it’s definitely not the biggest mistake I’ve made in my life but, and I think other DJs can relate to this, it was one of the most frustrating moments. It sucked even more that I had no one to blame but myself.

Which famous person would you most like to see play you in a film?

Félix de Givry. His portrayal of Paul in “Eden” felt really sincere.

What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken?

Biggest risk I’ve taken is getting out of my ‘music comfort zone’. I had trapped myself in a musical bubble that really inhibited me from growing and progressing. By crossing over and exploring other genres other than ones I was used to, it helped me to evolve as a musician.

What accomplishment in your life are you most proud of?

I’m very proud of the fact that the “Keep on Believing” remix is my debut track!

And finally, what is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

My mother always said to “seize every opportunity you get in life”. I’ve been following that advice and so far it has worked out for me.