A trance up-and-comer from the Republic of Moldova who’s broken into the Top 100 this year, Andrew Rayel counts the support he’s received from his home country as one of his biggest inspirations. However, he’s also enjoyed a healthy boost after having his talent recognised by scene leader Armin van Buuren. Rayel has had several releases on the Dutchman’s A State Of Trance label, as well as heavy rotation on the famous radio show of the same name.
“Having the support of Armin van Buuren, who is an inspiration to myself and to the trance scene, is simply an honour,” Rayel tells DJ Mag. “With the massive reactions when my productions are played on A
tyle: “Trance.” Best known for: “‘Piano Man’!” Tune of
2012: “Jorn Van Deynhoven ‘Headliner’.” Breakthrough DJ/producer of 2012: “Alexander Popov.”
State Of Trance, it’s definitely given me more confidence in myself as an artist.”
Barely out of his teens, it’s nonetheless been a long journey already for Rayel, who’s been producing for several years, and was drawn to dance music after completing seven years of musical studies. He cites classical music as one of the main inspirations in his tunes. “It’s why I use a lot of classical instruments in my tracks, like piano and strings, to help create a more euphoric atmosphere. The combination between trance sounds and classic melodies brings something innovative, and classical harmony is what I want to share with listeners.” ANGUS PATERSON
If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be? “Transportation. It would save me a lot of airplane and airport time!” Should you play to the crowd or for your- self? “Of course the crowd! To share my passion of music with them.” What does EDM mean to you? “It’s being able to share the passion of making trance music with the entire world; emotions and euphoria.” Should celebrities be DJs? “If they are in it for the right rea- sons, for the passion and love of music, then why not?” Have you ever been thrown off the decks? “Haha, not yet!” Are you a DJ if you don’t beat match? “You can’t be a DJ if you can’t beat match.” Where’s the next dance music capital? “Chisinau, Moldova.”
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RICHIE Hawtin’s dedication to technology, to the future, to advancing his scene in any way possible is remarkable. Once again — following last year’s Plastikman focus — he devised a concept that had the whole electronic community in a spin. ENTER. was his weekly club night at Space, Ibiza, complete with full Saki bar and many large musical hook-ups with labels like Cadenza and unexpected bookings like Grimes. It worked, because not only did the club go off each week, but so too did it inspire the man behind it in new ways.
“ENTER. stands above everything else this year,” beams Richie. “From my vantage point, most of my best and most inspired sets were there on Ibiza. It started with an absolutely incredible opening night, and
the nights and energy just built up from there to ENTER.’s climax at EXIT!“
For those wondering if it was just a one-off thing in 2012, the answer is no. “We are only just beginning, we’ll take yet another step next year,” exclaims the M-nus boss, who also says he still listens to 99% of all promos he receives as well as single- handedly programming all his own ENTER. parties.
“ENTER. is supposed to be a first-time new experience for even the seasoned Ibiza clubbers, and it had to be a first introduction to Ibiza for some of the artists too… that was an important part of my programming and goal for the night.” KRISTAN J CARYL
If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be? “Aquaman, since I love being underwater and would love to be able to stay under all the time.” Should you play to the crowd or for yourself? “DJing is a fine balance of the two, entertaining while educating and moving things forward.” What does EDM mean to you? “Electronic Dance Music, but perhaps the D is too emphasized and is pigeon-holing the next generation of producers.” Should celebrities be DJs? “Anyone who has good taste in music should feel free to select and celebrate the music they love... doesn’t mean we all have to listen to it, though.” Have you ever been thrown off the decks? “Yes, Space, Ibiza in 1995 and Cocorico, Rimini, Italy in 1991.... both of which I now fill and/or have a residency at.” Are you a DJ if you don’t beat match? “DJing is more about the music and how you program it... these are both things that you need to feel at your core. Beat matching is just a technical skill that anyone can learn.” Where’s the next dance music capital? “India.”
Style: “Beyond EDM.” Best known for: “Pushing and fusing music and technology.” Tune of 2012: Ambivalent ‘Snowblind’ (M-nus) and Dexter Ford ‘Our Sun’ (Deep).” Breakthrough DJ/producer of 2012: “Dexter Ford.”