We recently caught up with AndThen to see what he’s been up to recently. He has also recently released a single on Junior Jacks label, Adesso entitled ‘Salsa‘ – BUY NOW
Hi, how you doing?
Good thank you, hope you’re good as well.
Firstly, how long have you been producing and what got you into dance music?
I made my first track in about 1997 in my mates studio but he did most of the engineering. I’ve been making music for about 15 years but taking it seriously over the past 10 years. I would say that I have upped my game though in the last 3 years really working hard on improving my sound.
Do you have any exciting music that is coming out in the next coming months? (What labels and when?).
Yes I can’t wait! I have had a great couple of years with music released on Circus, Adesso, Cubism and loads more. I have a great year planned. End of Feb my return to Junior Jacks label Adesso. I love working with Geoff and the team as they are so supportive.
My first track ‘Calling’ did really well and got support from loads of big names. Solardo played it at the Zurich street rave in front of nearly 1 million people! My return to Adesso is called Salsa which is a groovy track with a catchy vocal. I also have released planned with Kittball and legendary New York label Nervous this year.
How would you describe your sound to someone who hasn’t heard your music before?
I would say it’s percussion led groovy music with a bassline to make your bum wiggle abandoned your Nan dance.
Where are you based?
I am based in the South East of England.
What other DJs from around the world have been supporting your music?
As I just mentioned Solardo, Jamie Jones, Yousef, Blondish, Paco Osuna and loads more. I am really honoured by the support I have had by artists I’ve looked up to for years.
Do you have any exciting bookings you’d like to talk about that are happening this year?
I have a few coming up but I am really excited about working with a new party called Sativa. They are based in Basing House, London. Their first party was unbelievable so I can’t wait to go back there. I’ve literally just got back from playing my local club thirty3hz in Guildford. It’s an intimate venue and the crowd was amazing the other night, so can’t wait to go back there soon.
Who are your top 5 artists who have influenced you to get where you are today and why?
Carl Cox as I’ve listened to him for years. Yousef as I have always loved his sound and to be on his label now is an honour. Nic Fanciulli is a big influence seeing his rise to where he is now. The new CEO of Defected, Wez (whilst he is an artist in his own right, it’s more about him that has influenced me from afar), I watched an interview of his when he was the GM and followed his story on socials. It was his journey that influenced me to get back into music in a big way. Recently I’ve been influenced by Ango Tamarin (Tom Staar), his sound under that name is immense! I am lucky that he is remixing one of my tracks!
If you could work with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
Beyoncé as she invented House music and she would propel me to stardom! Jokes… Marshall Jefferson is one. I want to use his vocals and ideas on a track. I’ve been lucky to speak to him a few times and he’s a cool guy. I’ve messaged him on Facebook to do something and maybe he hasn’t got to my message yet lol… Danny Tenaglia would be cool to work with.
What does your music production setup consist of?
I’ll be honest. Most of the time I sit anywhere around the house with my laptop, sound card and studio headphones on and get ideas down. I do then need to go and sit next to my monitors and push 2 to clean them up. I mainly use push 2 with ableton and mostly vsts. So all the Soundtoys stuff, Serum, subbassboom etc.
What is your most used plugin that you use on every track?
Kick2 goes on everything and the ableton eq8.
Away from dance music, what is your go to music to listen to?
I have a wide range of tastes. I am really into Chinese opera at the moment.
February 28, 2023