Madraas in Focus: Exclusive Interview

Riccardo & Marco Share Their Creative Journey

Jul 17, 2024

Hello Riccardo & Marco! How are you today, and what have you been up to lately?

Hello, thank you very much for the invitation. It's a pleasure to have a chat with you.

Can you briefly share when you started producing music, your first piece of equipment or software, and reflect on your debut release?

We started producing music together in 2007, using FL Studio as our first piece of software.

Did you have a mentor or take any lessons, either offline or online, to enhance your skills?

Back then, we didn't have the extensive tutorials and online lessons that are available today. The only way to learn was by watching short videos on YouTube or through hands-on experimentation. We spent countless hours exploring different sounds and figuring out the intricacies of the software through trial and error. It was a challenging but rewarding process that helped shape our skills and creativity as producers.

You debuted together in 2010. Can you share what you were doing before that and how you came together as a duo?

Our journey began with the release of our first single in 2010 and from there we released several tracks under various aliases. We had the opportunity to release music on prestigious labels such as Pacha Recordings and Deeperfect, and we also remixed tracks for notable artists such as Umek and Outwork.

Our defining moment came when we delved into the world of organic and progressive house. In 2017, we released 'Feeling of Sa Penya' on The Soundgarden, which was a turning point for our project. This release helped us define our sound and solidified our direction in the organic house genre. Since then, we've been dedicated to exploring and developing our style within the genre, which has led us to where we are today.

What inspired the name Madraas?

Marco and I met in the early 2000s while DJing in local clubs. We bonded over our shared passion for progressive and trance music, which wasn't very common in Italy at the time. As our project Staves began to take on a defined identity, we realised that we needed a new name to represent our fresh, more organic and melodic profile.

We have always been big fans of Tiesto's legendary "In Search Of Sunrise" compilations. When we were brainstorming for a new name, we wanted something that connected us to these influential albums that have shaped our sound exploration. On the fifth compilation, there was a track called 'Madras' by Global Experience, the remarkable project by Roger Shah and Brian Laruso. This track was very influential for us, so we decided to adapt the name by adding an extra 'a', thus creating 'Madraas'. It felt like the perfect way to honour our roots and our journey in the music world.

It's been two years since your first appearance on 3rd Avenue. In the summer of 2022, you remixed a track from Beije, which was well received. This week, we’re releasing your new remix for Claudiu Adam’s "Blooming Horizons" on the label. Could you tell us what drew you to remix this track and how you approached the project?

We LOVE everything Adam does! As soon as we had the chance to work together, we didn't want to miss it!

Do you have a preference between producing music and DJing?

Nah, both!

What do you consider the highlight of your career so far, both as a DJ and a producer?

Lee Burridge and releasing music on his label, All Day I Dream. This milestone opened many doors for us and connected us to an incredible community of artists. One of the most important aspects has been our friendship and collaboration with Lost Desert, who is not only a huge idol of ours but also a wonderful person. We've also had the privilege of meeting and working with many other amazing artists throughout our years in the music industry. These relationships have been instrumental in our growth and success, making this journey even more rewarding.

How did you first learn about Sound Avenue / 3rd Avenue, and could you mention some of your favorite releases on the label?

We first heard of Sound Avenue / 3rd Avenue when they became a major force over the years. It's a serious group known for its high-quality releases. Personally, we've been impressed by all Ercos Blanka's releases. The remix by Hermanez & Eran Aviner remains one of our all-time favourites. Also, "Crashes in Love" in the Beije remix is just wonderful. There are so many great tracks on the label that it's hard to list them all.

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?

We never set limits to our creativity. We simply follow our musical tastes and instincts, which allows us to stay true to our artistic identity while constantly evolving. This approach keeps our music fresh and true to ourselves, always pushing us to explore new ideas and directions.

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?

The music industry has changed significantly with the rise of streaming and social media. While these platforms offer unprecedented reach, success often depends on social media presence. We remain committed to a more authentic, emotional approach to music that prioritises artistic integrity over digital metrics.

Speaking of labels, what are some of your favorite record labels, and do you have a specific goal or aspiration to release your music on a particular label in the near future?

All Day I Dream, although our musical direction has shifted slightly from theirs over time. We remain deeply attached to the concept of the label. As for future aspirations, we're open to exploring new labels that align with our evolving sound and seeking opportunities to collaborate with those who share our passion for emotion and music.

Besides DJing and producing, you also run the “Where The Shadow Ends” label. Could you tell our readers more about the label and a release you’re particularly proud of?

Our label was created as a platform to showcase artists we deeply admire, including some of our own tracks. We're particularly proud of the releases from Paul Losev and Taleman, two talented artists who are an integral part of our roster. Their contributions embody the vision and sound we want to promote through the label, emphasising the emotional and atmospheric qualities that resonate with our audience. Although my favourite track on the label remains the remix of DSF by VieL.

What do you enjoy most about running a label, and what are some of the challenges you face?

What I enjoy most about running a label is the opportunity to curate and share music that I am passionate about. It's incredibly rewarding to support talented artists and help shape their careers. However, running a label is not without its challenges. Competition is fierce, with multiple labels and daily releases saturating the market. Balancing financial investment to stand out in this competitive landscape can be daunting. Despite these challenges, the passion for discovering and promoting exceptional music keeps me driven and committed to the label's mission.

You’ve released music on renowned labels such as All Day I Dream and Anjunabeats. How has this impacted your career? Have you seen an increase in bookings or requests to release music on other labels?

Releasing music on prestigious labels has had a significant impact on our career. Not only has it raised our profile within the industry, but it has also opened doors to new opportunities. We've seen a noticeable increase in bookings and requests for remixes and collaborations from other labels.

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?

Love the music and always believe in yourself. There's nothing more important than staying true to your passion and maintaining your confidence throughout your journey. Trust your creativity, embrace the learning process and persevere through the challenges. Let your love of music guide you and continue to grow and develop with every opportunity and experience.

Do you have a day job, or is it possible to make a living solely from your music career? Besides music, do you have any other passions or hobbies?

Yes, we both have other jobs alongside our music careers. While it is possible to make a living from music alone, we have chosen to integrate our passion into our lives in a balanced way that allows us to prioritise family and stability. This approach allows us to continue to pursue music with dedication and enthusiasm. As a hobby, we both enjoy experiencing music as fans. Whenever possible, we travel to see our favourite artists perform around the world. This experience not only inspires us, but also reminds us of the passion that led us into our music careers.

Could you share some of your all-time favorite tracks or songs that have had a significant impact on your musical journey?

Riccardo: Gigi D’Agostino - L’Amour Toujours (Original Mix)
Marco: Trentemoller - Moan

What can fans expect from Madraas for the rest of this year?

In early August, we are set to release an official remix for the legendary Booka Shade on their label and more tba 😊

Stream/download their remix on 3rd Avenue here: https://go.protonradio.com/r/rlbtr2p88bEgI

Follow Madraas:
Instagram | Facebook | Soundcloud | Where The Shadow Ends

Sound Avenue Labelgroup

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