Interview with St.Ego: 'An Odyssey of Sound and Emotion'
An Intimate Look at Innovation, Inspiration, and the Journey Ahead
Hello Stan! How are you today, and what have you been up to lately?
Everything is fine. I have a fairly standard schedule - besides everyday chores, I either write music or listen to new tracks. It may seem mundane, but it's something I'm completely passionate about, and time flies when I'm engrossed in it.
Can you briefly share when you started producing music, your first piece of equipment or software, and reflect on your debut release?
Digging deep into the late 90s, I encountered the Dance Ejay program for the first time. That moment sparked my passion for creating music. I soon started experimenting with the FL Studio program, pressing buttons at random. I composed music without much knowledge about mixing and mastering, yet I felt adept at it. It remained a hobby initially, without any releases. Back then, I had no serious equipment, just a standard computer, Microlab speakers (not much has changed, except now I have a more powerful computer and budget JBL monitors). Eventually, I bought a synthesizer and studied chord constructions. After 20 years, my first 'Values EP' was released on the 3rd Avenue label. It was an incredibly joyful moment, akin to living a dream. I had admired the music from this label and never imagined my debut release would be with them. It felt surreal to see myself on the cover. Fantastic!
Did you have a mentor or take any offline or online lessons to enhance your skills?
Yes, as mentioned earlier, after two decades of treating music as a hobby, I decided to formalize my knowledge and acquire new skills. I discovered a production course by Ewan Rill during the pandemic when I was working remotely and had some free time. Ewan's extensive experience and knowledge introduced me to the new Ableton program, innovative techniques, and fundamental mixing and mastering principles. In fact, my 'Values EP' served as my exam project for this course.
Do you have a preference between producing music and DJing?
I'm captivated by all aspects of music. I relish creating new pieces, but DJing is also an enjoyable process for me, especially selecting tracks that harmonize in the mix. However, public DJing isn't quite my forte; I prefer privacy. Moreover, my favorite music isn't always suited for dancing; it's often more relaxing. Thus, when it comes to DJing, I find myself more drawn to bars and restaurants.
What do you consider the highlight of your career so far, both as a DJ and a producer?
I believe the best is yet to come. There are times when I think I've created a superb track, only for the next one to surpass it. This iterative process is how I learn and evolve. I'm confident that a breakout track will emerge eventually. The most exhilarating aspect so far has been immersing myself in the world of musicians and connecting with incredible individuals. I'm thrilled to meet new people and collaborate with many renowned artists within my genre. Being recognized, noticed, and approached for collaborations by these artists is truly rewarding. The community of creative minds is simply amazing, and for me, this is the most precious aspect of my journey.
How did you first learn about Sound Avenue / 3rd Avenue, and could you mention some of your favorite releases on the label?
My introduction to the label came when I started the "E-motion sessions" mix series, frequently exploring new releases in the Progressive House and Organic House genres. Realizing that a significant portion of my collection comprised music from these labels, I tagged my notes accordingly and decided to send a demo. Among my many favorites, I would highlight: B.A.X. - Legend of the Forbidden Mountain (Mariner + Domingo Remix), Mango Cult - Sequoia (Mass Digital Remix)', and
Fabian Balino - Endless Story'. These works, in particular, reignited my passion for Organic House.
Many artists have a signature sound or style. How do you balance staying true to your artistic identity while also experimenting and evolving as an artist?
People often tell me that my music is instantly recognizable, though how I achieve this remains a mystery to me. Perhaps it's due to my affinity for pianos and guitars. Despite my efforts to explore beyond these instruments, they seem irreplaceable in expressing my emotions; they complement each other perfectly. Recently, I've been venturing into new territories. For me, the essence of music lies in memorable melodies that captivate and define a track. Yet, I sometimes envy those who can craft music solely based on rhythm and groove. When I attempt such compositions, I find myself bored and inevitably enrich the arrangement with more melodies until it transforms into something familiar to us all.
We've just released your bootleg remix of Dolly Parton's iconic "I Will Always Love You" in celebration of Valentine's Day. What inspired you to choose this particular track, and could and could you walk us through your creative process in making this remix?
It's an interesting story. I often do free remixes purely for fun in my spare time. I wanted to create something with a love theme as a kind of gift for my wife, and I thought it would also be nice for people to enjoy. I searched for popular international hits, started listening, and then I found it. The melody was familiar, but I was surprised to learn that Dolly Parton was the original artist, as I always thought the song was by Whitney Houston. This discovery led me to delve deeper into Dolly Parton's work. Once I started working on it in Ableton, everything clicked; the vocals felt perfect for the arrangement. The process was smooth, and by evening, the remix was complete. I'm very pleased with how sensually it turned out. Usually, if I feel connected to a song, the creative process unfolds quickly.
Following your debut release "Values" on 3rd Avenue in June 2022, you've had numerous releases not only on our labels but also on renowned labels such as Soundteller Records, Flug Lab, Stellar Fountain, Ready Mix Records, M-Sol Deep, The Purr, among others. How do you consistently produce such a high volume of quality music in a relatively short timeframe?
I have a list of labels that I noticed while listening to music regularly, and I made a note to myself that my music might be a good fit for them. This list is large, and I add to it regularly. Honestly, I began to believe in myself just after the first release on 3rd Avenue. I thought there was nothing to lose, so I decided to try sending my music out. It was an amazing period; it felt like all doors were open. Almost everyone liked my music. Writing music comes easily to me; I just throw sounds and melodies into the loop until it feels complete. Then, I arrange these elements. Typically, I can create about 3 tracks a week, sometimes even 5. Perhaps this is a gift, as I see many people are surprised by this.
Last year, we were delighted to release your first album on our ambient sublabel "Daydreamers." With the upcoming release of your second album on Daydreamers, could you share with us your affinity for ambient music and why it resonates with you so deeply?
My love for calm music has always been there. Originally, I planned to make chillout music; I just got drawn into the dance scene because I was a long-time partygoer. I'm drawn to the "light sadness" in music, which deeply resonates with me. You can really connect with listeners, as they are often seeking this mood. Writing ambient music is even faster than my usual process, so expect more albums. Additionally, I write chillout music with beats, with albums on Be Adult and M-Sol Records.
The music industry has undergone significant changes in recent years, with streaming platforms and digital distribution reshaping the landscape. What are your thoughts on the current state of the industry, and how have these changes affected your career?
This shift makes listening to music much more convenient, so the direction of development is justified. Having all the music in the world in your pocket is incredible. When I saw the listening figures for my music during the first year of my work, I was very surprised. Thousands of plays, incredible numbers of minutes, the number of countries! It's astonishing for someone just starting out but already achieving such success.
Which record labels do you admire the most, and do you have a specific goal or aspiration to release your music on a particular label in the near future?
Like many in my genre, I would love to release music on Anjunadeep and All Day I Dream. I don't know if this will bring me happiness, but I'd like to see. Lately, I've been focusing more on people rather than labels. I've developed friendly relations with many. In general, I try to prepare music for all the labels that approach me. But as time becomes more limited, queues form. I even keep a separate notebook and almost every day, I open it to see who I've promised what to.
What advice would you offer to your younger self, considering all the knowledge and experience you've gained in your career so far? Additionally, what advice would you give to aspiring artists who may be reading this interview?
"Make music and don't listen to anyone!" Now, everything is much simpler with numerous courses and video tutorials available. If you're passionate about music, don't put it off. Over time, it will still sweep you up; it's better if it happens sooner. Though, perhaps, this is just my personal midlife crisis, haha.
Do you have a day job, or is it possible to make a living solely from your music career?
A year ago, I quit my job to focus solely on music. It brings me more pleasure than income, but the situation is gradually starting to improve. People send me requests for music for mobile games or ask me to arrange an arrangement for their song.
Besides music, do you have any other passions or hobbies?
Of course, I love spending time with my family, walking in nature, meeting friends, and having fun. But I have only one favorite thing - music.
Are there any books, documentaries, podcasts, or TV shows that you'd like to recommend to your fans and fellow artists?
It is unlikely that I will be a good adviser in these matters. Of course, I watch TV series and films, but it’s more for entertainment; there’s nothing to directly recommend because they haven’t changed my life in any way. But as for music, I always watch documentaries about musicians with interest: "Avicii: True Stories," "Billie Eilish: The World's a Little Blurry," "Laurent Garnier - Off the record," "Martin Garrix: The Ride," and documentaries like "Pump up the volume."
Could you share some of your all-time favorite tracks or songs that have had a significant impact on your musical journey?
They'll be tearful and sad songs, but that's what I love the most. I guess I try to convey something similar in my music. These tracks immediately come to mind; I can listen to them in a loop even 1000 times:
Daft Punk – "Within"
Jean Michel Jarre - "Velvet Road"
Grandbrothers - "Bloodflow"
D-Pulse – "Velocity of Love"
Mario Basanov & Vidis feat. Jazzu - "I'll Be Gone"
What can we look forward to from you in the near future?
I already have a few releases planned with more positive dance music. Who knows, maybe this will become my new sound. Looking forward to the release of the second Ambient album on your label Daydreamers. In parallel, I'm making a lot of music that I hope will tug at your soul strings.
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