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Lyktum expands on his new album ‘Home’ – talking about his love of storytelling, creating new harmonies and the concept behind his musical works.
Pan talks getting caught short crossing the Sahara, acid eyeballs and tells us Trance is the Answer, plus shares his thoughts on his latest release 'Beyond the Horizon' - all from a beach in Spain!
Miss C chats about living with the KLF, DJing in a huge cat’s mouth, training her brain and the upcoming super-duper Superfreq Grande party at LDN East this Saturday, 16th September!
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Blasting towards summer festivals with Bahar Canca ahead of Psy-Sisters Spring Blast!
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SOME1 talks family, acid, stage fright and wolves - ahead of his upcoming album release ‘Voyager’ on Iono-Music in February 2023!
The Transmission Crew tell all and talk about their first London event on 24th February 2023!
NIXIRO talks body, mind and music production ahead of his release 'Planet Impulse' on Static Movement's label - Sol Music!
Turning the world into a fairy tale with Ivy Orth ahead of Tribal Village’s 10th Birthday Anniversary Presents: The World Lounge Project
The Psy-Sisters chat about music, achievements, aspirations and the 10-Year Anniversary Party - 18/12/22!
A decade of dance music with Daniel Lesden
Earth Needs a Rebirth! Discussions with Psy-Trance Artist Numayma
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New Techno Rising Star DKLUB talks about his debut release White Rock on Onhcet Republik!
PAN expands on many things including his new album 'Hyperbolic Oxymoron' due for release on the 14th April 2022 on PsyWorld Records!
Psibindi talks all things music including her new collaborative EP 'Sentient Rays' on Aphid Records, her band Sentience Machine and 10 years of Psy-Sisters!

All aboard, it's Bennett's Electronic Boat Sessions

Reported by Roscosulli / Submitted 25-07-07 20:08

Andrew Bennett is one of the most talked about up-and-coming artists in dance at the moment. Having started out in the production duo 'Hammer and Bennett' with a number of classy releases, this German sensation has since been churning out quality after quality on his own and is now really starting to get recognized, with people like Armin and Markus Schulz stating him as their faviourite DJ. That's some accolade!

There’s quality in quantity here with plenty to get excited about and lots for you to listen out for so ahead of his debut UK set at the Electronic Sessions boat party Ross Sullivan caught up with him in anticipation of something special.



Ross Sullivan: Firstly, I must ask about the name. Some people may think you are English with it. Is it your real name?

Andrew Bennett: (smile) I am really called Andy actually, but Bennett is not my real name. My real German surname might be a bit difficult pronounce for English native speakers, but it sounds a bit like Bennett, so I decided to use this English name with regards to my real name.

So hows 2007 panning out for you so far?

2007 is definitely my best year so far. It started with the single Light Of Hope, a collaboration with Rico Soarez aka Probspot, which was very successful. It was followed by Menar and the latest one Safe From Harm, which just has been released. My next single will be Heaven Sent, which features vocals of Kirsty Hawkshaw and then another new Andrew Bennett & Rico Soarez single is scheduled for November.

I started a new project, too. It’s called Andrew Bennett pres. Memento which is less trancy and more into Progressive House. The first single of this project is called A Broken Frame and it was supposed to be released on Supra Recordings, the label I am responsible for as the A&R manager. But then the guys at Global Underground listened to it and signed it right away for a worldwide exclusive release on GU Music. It’s coming soon. And that’s still not it: there will be a new M.I.K.E. vs. Andrew Bennett at the end of the year and also some more new tracks.

And not to forget some remixes, I just finished, first of all for Tiesto. I produced two different remixes of Everything feat. Jes Brieden, a track from Tiesto’s latest album. Another remix is coming for Matt Darey’s single Sum Of All Fears and for Luetzenkirchen’s single Last Night In Vegas on Global Underground.

Also my DJ career boosted this year. I played all around Europe at several festivals and great clubs.

What would you say best describes your sound at the moment?

My sound is a mixture of deep progressive trance, mixed with house and electro elements. I love to experiment with different styles and sounds.

Where’s your favourite place to play in Germany and what do you think in general of the scene over there Trance wise?

My favourite place to play in Germany is Hamburg. We have a party series here called Tranceport. I’ve played there a lot and it’s always awesome. The crowd is brilliant and the atmosphere is great. But to be honest, this is nearly the only good trance club party here in Germany, as Trance as well as Progressive House are not really working here anymore. There are some good festivals like Nature One and Mayday where you find some trance floors but the club scene is totally focusing on electro and house at the moment.

Do you get to go out clubbing much, and what DJs do you really admire?

I’m not clubbing that much at the moment, but when I go out I like to listen to something totally different, like James Holden or Miss Kittin, for example. I love their sound and it’s very refreshing to listen to a different sound, before I get back to work the whole day in my studio.

Where is the best club you’ve ever played and why?

I played once at Space Ibiza, which was amazing, of course, but I also love
Illusion in Belgium. The people there are so cool. They enjoy the sound and the atmosphere is very enthusiastic. I’d say that’s my favourite club.

Where are you yet to play that is an absolute must?

There’s still the whole world I want to travel. The full list would not fit on this piece of paper!



How did you get your first big break DJing?

Everything started as a resident DJ of the Trance Nation events. This is an event series based in Germany, but the events take place all over Europe. I’ve been playing for Trance Nation for a few years now and I am still playing for them.

Have you managed to relax and have a holiday this year?

Unfortunately not yet, as I’m very busy in the studio. But I already planned some holidays for August, so I hope I can manage to have some free time, then.

What football team do you support?

Though I’m from Hamburg I like Bayern Muenchen most! My second favourite team is St. Pauli Hamburg. This club is a bit different to any other club in Germany. A bit crazy, but very nice . Their claim is “non-established since 1910.”

Who would you say has been musically your biggest influences?

Definitely Depeche Mode! I love every track they made, I have every album, DVD, single, etc. – I’ve been listening to Depeche Mode for nearly 15 years now and I still love them as I did the first day.

Your radio show has gone from strength to strength, tell us a little bit about it

My radio show is called The Fifth Element and I just recorded Episode 27 a few days ago. It’s getting great feedback and more and more attention. It is a 2 hours show and the sound I play there varies from tech house to progressive house and trance.

Growing up in Germany who were your biggest influences and inspirations
in dance music?


There were two people, who really had a big influence on me in the beginning. The first one to mention is Tandu aka Ayla. He is a very good friend of mine and back in the day we played a lot together. He was also the one I was worked with on my first productions. The second name who I have to mention is DJ Taucher. In 1999- 2001 we played also a lot together in Germany and I really liked his sound. It was so fresh and different to anything else in the scene and it was always very inspiring listening to his sets.

After a slump for a few years, the UK seems to be coming back with a bang. Which is good as it's still regarded as the place to crack the scene first. Are you looking forward to making your debut over here?

Yes, definitely. I’m totally looking forward to come to the UK. I’ve never been to London, yet and I hope it will be a great event. I’m very excited!j

What is your favourite foreign country to play?

I played in Istanbul in Turkey some months ago and the atmosphere and the people there were unbelievable. To be honest I did not expect such an enthusiasm, but it was a night to remember. Simply amazing!

Who are your favourite producers?

There are a few producers I like a lot. I love Junkie XL. His mixture between rock and electronic music is so cool. Same with U.N.K.L.E., his latest album, War Stories is amazing and I’ve been listening to it a lot. I like Gregor Tresher and Stephan Bodzin, too. These great German tech house guys produce a sound with such a big feeling it really divides their tracks from the others. And, of course, I like M.I.K.E. a lot! He is a genius in the studio. He has been producing for so many years on such a high level and he is also a very good friend of mine.



Was DJing / producing something that you always wanted to do from an early age or did you have something else in mind?

Music has always been the biggest part in my life. When I was a child I played piano for over five years and I have a very musical background in my family. After finishing school, I started to study law, but I was already DJing a lot, so I focused more on that and started to produce as well. Music is my passion, it’s my life and I’m happy that I focused everything on it.

Which of your productions have had the greatest response when you've played out and where was it?

Language always has a great response wherever I play it. But after playing a lot of gigs within the last months, I have to say that my new tracks like Safe From Harm or Heaven Sent receive an amazing reaction, too. The same with the remix for Tiesto. Wherever I’ve played it, the feedback has been huge. So it’s hard to answer this question by only naming one track!

Do you prefer to play massive events and festivals or smaller more intimate venues?

I prefer smaller venues. I like the atmosphere in clubs more than at big festivals, though it’s nice to play on festivals, too. I’ve played twice at Nature One and that has a special feeling as well.

Restaurant or Take Away?

Restaurants!

Finally, were really looking forward to having you play for us at ES. What can we expect from your set?

I’m very excited to play at ES! I think I’ll start with some more progressive sounds to build up the tension later on. Of course, I never can tell 100% what I will play before I have started, as I always get a certain inspiration by watching the crowd and the atmosphere.

Thanks for taking some time out with us Andrew, see you on the 14th!

Thanks a lot for this interview and I’m looking forward to play at ES.

Photos courtesy of Andrew Bennett. Not to be reproduced without permission


ElectronicSessions - Summer Spectacular
Send an eFlyer for this event to a friend Include this Event in a Private Message Direct link to this Event
On: Saturday 4th August 2007
At: Golden Jubilee Boat [map]

From: 12 noon - 6.pm
Cost: £20 / £25 inc afterparty
Website: www.electronicsessions.co.uk
Ticket Info: TICKETS

Tickets are available to buy now from www.electronicsessions.co.uk

£20 - Boat Party
£25 - Boat Party + Afterparty
Buy Online: Click here to buy tickets
More: Last Sat (June 23rd) we pulled off one of the best parties I’ve had the pleasure to be involved in. ES on the thames had everything! great music, great Dj’s. great people and a buzzing atmosphere! Check out all the pics and reviews here http://www.dontstayin.com/parties/electronicsessions

For those of you who want a bit more ES boat party action this summer, we have another one lined up now for August 4th!! This time though the party will be taking place in the day time, so let’s hope for a scorcher on board the Golden Jubilee.

The line up is one of the most exciting and innovative we have put together including 3 very special Exclusives and a Uk debut !!! Here it is….
Region: London
Music: Trance. Tech Trance. House. Deep House. Funky House. Prog House. Tribal House. Vocal House. Techno.
DJ's: Upper Deck – Melodic, Progressive, Electro, Driving

Mr Sam ( Uk Exclusive )
Andrew Bennett ( UK Debut )
Niklas Harding ( ElectronicSessions)
Tom Bailey
David Horne

Lower Deck – Dirty, Funky, Filthy House and Electro

Sick Djs (Andy Burby)
The Persuaders
Chris Cee
Duff J
Dan Goss ( Dj Simmonds)

Who's Going? (13) : Adam Symbiosis, Alan-Banks, Alex Buck, AveryDJs, DJAndi_C, Mark Landragin, Mat Lock, roscosulli, SCOTTY.A, starseeker, sullivan, Tinks, TomBailey 

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Other Features By Roscosulli:
Ahoy there, it's Lizzie Curious
Illuminate Electronic Sessions with Solarstone
Niklas Harding gets all shipshape for Electronic Sessions
Ahoy there my Electronic Sessions maties, it's Andy Moor
Re:Locate yourself to Electronic Sessions.
The views and opinions expressed in this review are strictly those of the author only for which HarderFaster will not be held responsible or liable.
Comments:

From: sullivan on 25th Jul 2007 20:35.55
My Favourite Producer at the moment, looking forward to Andrew playing his Uk Debut for us.

From: DJAndi_C on 25th Jul 2007 21:11.53
both Andrew Bennett and Mr Sam are on my hot list at the mo so this party is gonna rock!

From: Alan-Banks on 25th Jul 2007 21:20.42
a great atmospeheric producers. He comes up with the goods - can't wait

From: TomBailey on 25th Jul 2007 21:36.18
Very talented DJ/Producer, really looking forward to playing on the same lineup a week on Saturday!

From: strings on 2nd Aug 2007 21:33.59
Yipee another 'up and coming' artist on the dance scene

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