Architect turned music producer Eric Alamango is hitting the electronic music world as a solo artist after being in the shadows for some years, working as a ghost producer. Having been drawn into the Dance music world in 2006, Eric Alamango has gone from humble beginnings to putting his signature on some outstanding tunes.
Along the years he’s managed to land deals with world renowned labels such as: Captured Music and Freak Trix and has released some impressive efforts like: ‘No Goodbyes Remix’, ‘Blessed With Love’ and ‘3 Points’. These projects have managed to pile up immense support from A-list DJs such as: Roger Shah and Benny Benassi, aside from achieving remarkable chart success and earning him a high-profile collaboration with Mike Shiver.
We’ve had the pleasure to have a chat with Eric and get a closer look at what made him the stellar artist he’s become.
Hey Eric, thanks for talking to us. How are you today and what’s going on in your world?
Hello and thank you first of all for this opportunity. At the moment I am enjoying the great weather since having a sunny day is really rare in England. My world is busier than ever since I recently started working on my own music and currently I have to finish a lot of projects.
Which part of the world do you call home?
This is a really interesting question and I will have to go with Hungary! I mean Cyprus will always be my home, it’s where I grew up with my family and friends, but the most important and crucial moments of my life took place in Hungary. I moved to Budapest when I was 18 to study Architecture and two years later I found myself making my first steps into music production and being a DJ at Greek and international parties and going on tours all over the country. Hungary is definitely in my heart and I just can’t wait for my next gig there.
When and how did you get started in the music business?
Well, I was always fascinated by electronic music as a child, listening to Hip Hop, Garage and House music. I used to create mixtapes and always listened to them closing my eyes imagining that I was the one producing that music. Of course, I had no idea how music was produced and that it was even called ‘music production’, all I knew was that the artists were DJs. So, when I graduated from high-school I started my research on music and unfortunately the only thing I was able to find at that time was music and art schools. Everything started when I went to a friend’s place back in 2006 while he was playing around with Fruity Loops 5. When I fully realised what that software was, I made a copy of it, installed in on my computer and despite the fact that my friend advised me that this software is for beginners and that I shouldn’t waste my time on it, I kept working and trying to learn everything about sound design and ‘what do those knobs do?’. Yes, back then YouTube was really new and I did not have the chance of learning from millions of tutorials. I learnt everything the hard way and this is why I respect and love so much what I do.
For those who are not familiar with your music, how would you describe your current style?
It’s definitely House. I sometimes produce Deep House tracks just because I love the mood of it, but mostly today I am into Future House. I love that ‘in your face’ punchy sound and Future House has it all – interesting melodies on the breakdown, to huge drops with filthy bass sounds. I think it has to do with the fact that I love Garage music and the sound of Future House is surely inspired by it.
Has your style gone through any major changes along the years?
I would say a big yes to that. When I started working on my first beats I experimented a lot with Hip Hop, Garage and Rap beats, until I fell in love with House music through tracks from Daft Punk, Modjo, The Superman Lovers and Stardust to name a few. Later on, I discovered the world of Trance and the complexity of it. Trance taught me to mix so many different layers of sound and experimenting with lengthy melodies and chords. I then moved to Progressive Trance, Progressive House and later on to Big Room, that did not last long for me, and now I am back to my House roots I would say.
Who were your influences growing up?
Can I get 2 pages for that? 🙂 I will just name a few that had a really great impact on my music such as: Fatboy Slim, Sasha & John Digweed, Ferry Corsten, Marcel Woods, Gareth Emery, Gareth Emery, Gareth Emery, and did I say Gareth Emery? 😛 Yes Gareth Emery was internationally famous in 2006 when I started producing so I did experiment a lot with his sound at that time. Also I was influenced a lot by Sander Van Doorn and Axwell and I believe that these guys will never stop surprising me with their music!
Do you consider yourself more of a producer or DJ?
There’s no doubt about that, I consider myself as a producer. That’s how it all started and this is what troubles me sometimes when I think of myself going on long tours. Will I have the time to produce when I am away? DJing is really fascinating and the best possible way to perform your music in front of thousands of people, getting recognised for your hard work, but when I see big artists such as Hardwell and Calvin Harris being on tour for 2 months it worries me a lot. I guess producing while flying or in your hotel room is the best you can get.
Speaking of production – walk us through your current setup.
Oh yes, the moment I have been waiting for. I really don’t know where to start from. Haha, well as an electronic dance music producer I have a minimal setup which consists of my brand new custom PC and my 32gb of pure memory so I won’t face any more issues with audio files, a pair of KRK VXT8 monitors, M-audio Profire 610 audio interface, an Audio Technica AT2020 microphone, my E-MU shortboard 49 key midi synthesizer, the Sennheiser HD 25II headphones for my DJ gigs and for late night productions (not the best for low-end mixing) and my Lexicon Lamda sound card for my laptop where I prepare all my sets and podcasts. This is my current setup whilst I am planning to build a custom studio for a better acoustic treatment.
Describe your typical process for producing a new track.
My favourite question! 90% of the time I start by building a melody and then developing everything around it – harmonies, bass line, drum composition etc. until I get to the point where I have a nice breakdown. After that I start experimenting with different main parts or drops, as we say today. I always leave the drop for last, since in electronic dance music it is considered the most important part and contains all the energy, so you need to take your time and find the best possible drop that will complete the project and make you feel good! Of course, sometimes I just come up with drop ideas and start working on that first, but I must admit that it doesn’t work so efficiently for me as I don’t get to always finish those projects. Conclusion: If I am not satisfied with my breakdown the track won’t work.
Do you have any projects lined up this year?
I do, yes. Since I took the decision this year to stop ghost producing, I am fully dedicating any free time that I have to work on my own projects. Right now I am working on one original track, one collaboration and one remix, whilst I still have 3 new tracks waiting for completion. I am also discussing with a talented producer and friend on working on a track together which I think will be perfect considering the fact that we are on the same page when it comes to music.
Which is your most memorable career highlight so far?
Recognition is an award for an artist. Therefore, two years ago when Mike Shiver, an artist who worked with record labels such as Armada, Black Hole , Anjunabeats, somehow listened to my remix for ‘Gregory Essayan – No Goodbyes’ and immediately gave me the chance to remix one of his labels’ tracks ‘White Night’ – we ended up collaborating together producing a Big Room remix for Captured Music.
Where would you like to see yourself in the coming months?
This is a hard one. I don’t like having expectations because in most cases you do not end up having the desired result. When you build something it’s always nice to stick toa plan and follow it. I used to be the kind of person whowaits for a big release on a major label because I was promised so, but then my track was declined and I had to face the reality. Facing closed doors and getting no for an answer made me who I am today, so the only thing I can promise to myself is that I will work harder and harder until I get what I wantand be where I want to be. The only thing I can tell you is that I want to see my music being supported and respected by the whole music industry in the coming months but still, this is not an expectation 😉
If you had to choose any artist, dead or alive, who would you like to collaborate with?
BT all the way.Genius, super talented, a real musician, technologist and songwriter. The guy made it to the Guinness Book of World Records for his stutter edit on ‘Somnambulist’ track. It would mean everything to me if one day I had the chance to work on a project with Brian Wayne Transeau.
Your top 3 tracks in 2015 so far?
This is surely going to take me some time to get to my three top tracks! Third place goes to SPADA’s ‘Sun Sun Sun’ and please check it out if you haven’t already. Number two goes to Don Diablo and his track ‘Universe’. I love how Don Diablo works on his transitions from one part of the track to another. So down to number one now, with a brand new track and a brand new big artist – KSHMR with ‘Jammu’. It has been a long time since I’ve heard such a beautiful Progressive House tune. ‘Jammu’ has it all, from euphoric breakdown to an uplifting drop. It is surely a must play for clubs and events!
Tell us something not many people know about Eric Alamango.
I’m a Ninja so keep it a secret! Hm… So what’s left to say about me? Oh maybe the fact that I am a vegetarian and I come from Cyprus, the island of meat lovers? People that personally know me still can’t believe that I turned into a vegetarian and how I can survive without meat J
Anything to add/shout outs?
Yes, I would like to take this chance and thank my parents and my sister first of all, for all their patience raising me up, and for believing in what I currently do. My girlfriend, for always being there supporting my every move and advising me on taking important decisions. It’s really hard to find a person like that especially as an artist. Of course a massive thank you to all my close friends who truly believe in me. You all know who you are and how important you are to me you “party animals”.
Thanks a lot Eric!
Thank you for having me, it’s been a pleasure doing this interview and I am grateful for your support.
Eric Alamango Online
www.ericalamango.com
www.facebook.com/ericalamango
www.twitter.com/ericalamango
www.soundcloud.com/ericalamango
www.youtube.com/alamango85
