Interview with Ewan Rill
Exploring process, discipline, and the deeper meaning of club culture.
Ewan Rill has long been known as one of the most consistent and dedicated voices in the progressive house scene. With more than a thousand releases across over a hundred labels, his work is driven not by trends but by curiosity, discipline, and a lifelong fascination with sound. In this conversation, we discuss his early days in Siberia, his evolution as both a producer and DJ, and how he maintains creativity while remaining grounded in the culture that shaped him. We also explore the role of teaching, community, and personal philosophy in his journey so far.
Hello Ewan! How are you today, and what have you been up to lately?
Great to see you again, it has been a while. Thanks a lot for the invitation. These days, I dedicate myself entirely to music production and teaching.
Can you briefly share when you started producing music, your first piece of equipment or software, and reflect on your debut release?
If we start from the very beginning, my first equipment appeared back in the late 1990s, some DJ gear by Stage-Line, and I started experimenting with music production in Acid Pro, Reason, and later Fruity Loops. At first I was barely known, but in the early 2000s I began to focus more on producing and performing as a DJ in many nearby cities as well as in my hometown, Kemerovo.
Did you have a mentor or take any lessons to enhance your skills?
I never had a mentor who taught me directly, but of course there are artists I look up to and learn from. For example, I always enjoy talking with Henri (Cid Inc). It is always interesting to hear about his mixing and mastering techniques.
You have released over a thousand tracks across more than 100 labels. How do you maintain such a high level of productivity and creativity over time?
I guess it is my technical mindset and the drive to optimize the creative process. I have always been searching for the perfect formula for making club music. The structure, the psychological and even magical aspects of how music affects people fascinates me. Producing in Ableton has made the whole process faster and more enjoyable. And of course, being deeply involved in club culture keeps me inspired constantly.
Do you have a preference between producing and DJing?
At the heart of it all is DJing, because it is about communicating with people. The interaction, the shared energy, the dancing, that is what keeps my passion alive. Producing is more of a hobby for me. Maybe someday I will take it seriously enough to create a few dozen thousand tracks.
You’ve shared the stage with many artists. Are there any memorable gigs or unexpected moments that stand out?
There have been many, from wild and punkish to sweet and heartfelt. Some unforgettable 5 to 6-hour sets, invitations with artists from the UK or Ibiza, performing with Barry Gilbey, Matt Darey, Jerome Isma-Ae, Ferry Corsten, and John Digweed. Once I even ran several kilometers with a crate of vinyls to make it to a DJ battle in the Altai Mountains. Another time, I performed blindfolded just to prove I could mix without seeing anything. Many funny stories, but the most important thing is that no matter where artists come from, we share the same life and spirit.
What do you consider the highlight of your career so far?
Performing at Fusion Festival in Germany was very inspiring. Becoming a Certified Ableton Trainer in 2019 was another big milestone. On the production side, my first releases on The Soundgarden and Sudbeat felt very special.
With so many releases, how do you decide which tracks to finish and release?
As someone with a technical mindset, I like to organize and optimize my workflow. I focus on the idea, sound design, and function of the track. Inspiration has never been a problem for me. Sometimes I finish and release a track quickly, sometimes I leave it for weeks to understand how I feel about it later.
How did you first learn about Sound Avenue / 3rd Avenue?
Before we met in Vilnius, I was already releasing on Sound Avenue. I have always liked the deep sound and groove quality that defines the label and its affiliates.
How do you balance having a signature style while still experimenting and evolving?
It has always been difficult for me to stick to only one genre. I want to express different emotions and sometimes blend techno, deep, acid, progressive, tech house, electro, even trance. Still, I chose progressive house as the main direction while leaving space to experiment.
What are your thoughts on the current state of the music industry?
I try to stay optimistic. I remember the times when club culture was not considered legitimate entertainment and everything had to be built from scratch. After seeing that, I appreciate progress, even with mistakes and challenges. It is important that we support each other and keep evolving the community.
What are some of your favorite labels, and do you have a dream label to release on?
Early Morning, Bedrock, Replug, Sudbeat, The Soundgarden, Meanwhile, Warpp, Mango Alley. I would probably like to release something on one of Guy J’s labels when the right track appears.
What advice would you give to your younger self, and to new artists?
Work hard, stay consistent, and do not be lazy. Dedication is what matters most. If you want respect in this industry, you must earn it through effort.
Do you have a day job, or do you live solely from music?
I teach online students from all around the world at Resonance Academy, both private and group lessons.
Besides music, do you have other passions or hobbies?
Art, museums, travel, nature, traditions, ancient culture. I also enjoy anime, gaming, and cycling when I have energy left.
Any books, documentaries, or films you recommend?
I recommend “Electroshock” by Laurent Garnier, and cult classics like Hackers, Berlin Calling, and Human Traffic.
Could you share some of your all-time favorite tracks that influenced you?
Rich Curtis – Freeloader (Cid Inc Remix)
Tone Depth & Ampish – On a Boat (Jerome Isma-Ae Remix)
Jelly For The Babies – Cosmopolis (Mohn Remix)
Damian Mazzeo – Recollections (Subandrio Remix)
What can we look forward to in the near future?
I plan to spend more time in the studio and perhaps create an album or new project. Expect new releases and more DJ sets soon.
Stream/download his latest Sound Avenue Remix: click here
Follow Ewan Rill here: Instagram | Soundcloud