5 minutes with… Proxy

Russian frenzy-electro maestro Proxy has been making what he likes to call “cold war techno” for years, being now one of the most respected and accomplished producers in his genre. We caught up with him to talk his music influences, club experiences and much more.

Hi there, how are you and what are you up to today?

Hello! I’m ok a little jet lagged. I am just getting myself into the studio. I’m doing some upgrades.

To those not familiar with you, how would you describe your sound?

Cold War Techno.

You were born in Vladivistok, Russia, far away from European dance music culture. Tell us about your background. Which events or musical artists inspired you to start making electronic music?

I was very young when i saw The Prodigy play their gig in Moscow’s Red Square. It was a massive moment in my life. From that moment I knew I had to save money and buy equipment to make music. I am three hours inland from Moscow. I am from the east block jungle. I guess I am isolated in many ways so I make a sound that is mine.

You’ve been producing for a while now. How would you compare your sound now to your earlier works?

My sounds are always evolving. There are more layers to my newer music but the principles are the same. It needs to move you. You need to feel it otherwise its not worth it. I like my records to provoke a reaction. Being in the middle is no good for me.

Which of your own tracks would say you are most proud of and why?

This is a hard one. I have many moments I am proud of but i guess its ‘Raven’ that lifted the project up to a new level.

What are your thoughts on the following music genres: Classical, Blues, Hip-Hop, Folk, Deep House, Disco, Dubstep, Trap.

I think all musics take influence from classical as that was the birth of music, structures etc. I take many influences from hip-hop. I sampled Tim Dog in ‘Shut Up’. Disco is part of all dance! Dubstep , Trap… people try and make me that but it’s not going to happen. I am The Proxy and nothing else.

If you could choose any artist (dead or alive) to collaborate with, who would it be?

Get me Trent Reznor, Kurt Cobain and Liam Howlett in a room and I’ll show you a noise you never heard before.

You played in many clubs all over the world. What would you say has been your best experience?

I love every room I play right up to the huge festivals. Each of them have their own personality.

What’s the worst gig you have ever done and why?

Well it’s actually one of the best but turned into one of the worst. It was the san diego sports arena recently. It was incredible playing to 8,000 people until some crazy guy climbed 20metres up the production screens behind me and nearly fell to the ground. The whole show had to be stopped.

What are you working on at the moment?

Just upgrading my studio. I am drilling some synth stands into the walls. I have bought some new machines to make sounds even bigger.

What’s next?

A fully loaded Russian military missile of sound. The red button is being pressed. Except the only thing this missile destroys is dance floors.