Interview: Five minutes with Antduan

  Image credit: Dimas Frolov

Born in Israel and currently based in Thailand, Antduan (a melodic house and techno producer) has lead an interesting life. His early 20’s saw him owning a club in Bucharest, before he would go on to launch his own studio, where he assisted other rising musicians in finding their own love for music. Jump forward a few years and we find the producer in 2020, sharing the instrumental version of his single, ‘Rain Drops’. Now, the skilled producer returns with the official single – featuring the astonishing vocals of Alexandra Badoi (who has also previously collaborated with Armin van Buuren). 

Pre-save ‘Rain Drops ft. Alexandra Badoi’

The single is slated for release on the 12th of March but to keep you on your seats, Antduan has shared the tantalising preview video. You can catch the video below – after you’ve explored our interview with the unique producer.

Set the tone for us. Why the arts?

I started my music journey at a very early age with a classic instrument (piano). In my high school age, back in the 90s, I was mostly listening to pop music. In the middle 90s, I discovered club music and this was the beginning of a long love story that continues now.

Which comes first when you’re producing – the sound or the idea?

Usually, it’s the idea first. In many cases, the melody comes to my mind, mostly during the regular day – it can be in the time of watching a movie, or in shopping, and when it comes up, I record it on my phone. When I am ready for producing, I listen to my recordings and pick up the one that works the best with my mood at that moment. Another way is playing some beat on my daw and jamming on the piano creating the melody that will set the mood and build the track around it. 

Does your material feature any collaborations?

Yes sure, mainly with singers and some producers. I think that collaboration is very important for the music career, especially if we come from different genres, we get exposed to different audiences.

What’s on your current playlist?

I am mainly listening to my own genre – progressive house, melodic techno, organic house but I also like chillout music and even Israeli music. 

Tell us about the chemistry you have with your fans on stage.

Well, the fans are the main energy source, I can play for hours without any problem. Once, I played from 11-6 am no stop 7 hours and it feels like one hour, thanks to my energy source – the fans.

What techniques do you experiment with to get your original sound?

I am always trying to create emotions but also energy in my songs. I like to create long, dramatic breaks. I love it when I am playing my tracks and people shouting in the break, that means that I’ve succeeded in my mission.

Take us through a day in the recording studio.

Well, this is interesting. I wish I could say that I get into my studio in the morning, and produce until the evening, but it’s not exactly this way. I am trying to give 8 hours per day for the studio but to be honest, even 12 hours is not enough if you want to take your career seriously. Those 8 hours are divided between marketing work, lots of emails, maintaining my Spotify playlist, studying, experimenting with new technique and sounds, and last producing music. There is a lot of work for a music producer, and not like everyone thinks – “just having fun in the studio”.

Was there a specific moment in your life where you thought, “this is what I want to do”?

Yes, back in 2009, I set up my first studio and I started to work on a radio dance music concept. I really fell in love with the producer life, but back then I could not focus only on the music cause I had to run my other business, and I dreamt of the day that I could focus on producing music only. 

What do you keep close by while you’re playing a set?

Just water!

Any emerging artists on your radar?

I think that Stylo is an upcoming artist – I really like what he is doing. 

What gets your creative juices flowing?

The bassline and the groove are the keys to the mood of the track. 

Take us through your collection of gear, tech or software that accompanies your creative expression.

Well, this is a very good question – I’ve got many of them. So my favourites are in synth: The Moog sub37 for bass, and the Korg minilogue xd amazing synth for leads and Arp, then I’ve got the drums machine of Roland trs8, and of course the amazing Ableton Push. In terms of VST I am mainly using Diva, Serum and Pigments.

Any side projects you’re working on?

Yes, I started to write organic house. I feel that this kind of relaxing music you can listen to nonstop at any time and at any mood.

How have you refined your craft since you entered the industry?

Well, it’s like with anything else, the skills are growling dramatically. When I listen to my old tracks, they do not sound so bad, but also not as good for me.

Breakdown the news for us: what can we expect from you this year?

This year will be full of surprises. I am working on many new releases and collaborating with different singers. I feel that vocals tracks are missing in my genre. 

Famous last words?

Well, this is not an easy time for anyone, but we can use this time for developing ourselves, in a way we can’t do in a regular time.

Follow Antduan:

 Facebook – Twitter – Soundcloud – Youtube – Instagram – Spotify

By Sarah Britton