MOONBEAM THE SECRET Album - VMM Interview
The Russian techno-trance-progressive duo MOONBEAM have had their music described in myriad ways, though what’s certain is that there is ecstatic swooning on a dancefloor when their tunes are dropped. Comprising of brothers VITALY and PAVEL KHVALEEV, the DJs/producers MOONBEAM release their third full-length studio album THE SECRET (Moonbeam Digital). DJs since 2003, MOONBEAM have steadily built a devoted following by playing clubs of all sizes and the major European festivals, bringing their sometimes-dark, sometimes-soaring sounds to the European clubbing masses. In 2005, the pair founded their Moonbeam Digital imprint and have been releasing music from cutting-edge EDM artists ever since.
The VMM speaks to Moonbeam about their new album, THE SECRET out on BLACK HOLE RECORDINGS, and what’s next for the Russian duo in 2012.
The Interview:
Great to speak to you Vitaly and Pavel, aka MOONBEAM, here for VMM. Congratulations in being placed in the TOP 100 DJ poll this year at #65!
VMMQ: MOONBEAM, you have released in 2008 the album Consumption and in 2010 the album Around The World. You now release your third studio album called THE SECRET (Moonbeam Digital). Can you tell us all about the journey behind this album and how long it has taken from conception to the final mix-down?
MOONBEAM: Well, The Secret is like a new stage of our production. It’s a different musical phase, not like before. We used new techniques and something of a new approach to music writing. The whole process of creating took about six months. During this time, we thought about the concept, we found our vocalists, and we finally recorded the album.
VMMQ: You have released a few singles already from the album. These are “Wanderer” and “Sensitivity. “ Can you tell the VMM what other singles are you looking to release from THE SECRET album and who will you have on remix duties for the forthcoming single releases? Why did you choose these for single release as well?
MOONBEAM: We are going to release singles (with Beat Service, Sol Noir and other remixes) from The Secret until May 2012. The third single “Excess” will be released in December. Also we are going to organize a remix competition for one of the singles from the album. Which one? At the moment it’s a secret. [laughs]
VMMQ: The VMM would like to ask you a little about your own imprint, Moonbeam Digital.
1: Why did you want to set up your own label?
MOONBEAM: First of all, your own label is really cool. But, seriously, it is very convenient to have your own platform for releasing music. You don’t depend on somebody else and this is the most important thing.
2: What sort of artists are signed to Moonbeam Digital?
MOONBEAM: No specific criteria. Our label is for good producers.
3: What do you look for in a track that you would sign to Moonbeam Digital?
MOONBEAM: It’s hard to say that we search something special at each track. It must be original, first and foremost.
4: Where can budding producers send promos to?
MOONBEAM: Send it to label@moonbeam-music.net
VMMQ: Moonbeam your home country is Russia. Where in Russia do you come from and what’s the dance music industry like in Russia compared to Europe? Have things changed much in the last five years?
MOONBEAM: We live in the city called Nizhny Novgorod. It is located about 400 km from Moscow. More and more artists from Russia are becoming popular. However, we believe that this is not the peak and we must develop.
VMMQ: As label owners and international DJ producers, can you tell the VMM what’s a typical day like in the life of Moonbeam?
MOONBEAM: It looks like an ordinary day of many people. Family, friends, time for some physical and mental development, and of course we spend a lot of time in the studio. At weekends, we are going on tour, so it’s clubs, festivals etc.
VMMQ: Can you tell the VMM who produces these great videos for your music productions?
MOONBEAM: We do! Video production is one of our most favorite things. All music, promo videos and other stuff, it’s our own production.
VMMQ: We know you are brothers. The VMM would like to ask you what age did you begin to work together and produce music, and do you find it easier or more difficult as brothers working together creatively?
MOONBEAM: Our career as Moonbeam started in 2003. And you know, many people think that if you worked with some of your relatives it ends badly. But there is nothing wrong or bad; moreover, it’s always good to have a kindred spirit close to you when you are doing something, especially making music. We have the same tastes and views in most cases and it often helps.
VMMQ: The VMM would like to ask you both who are your idols of dance music who have influenced your music style and compositions?
MOONBEAM: We don’t have some sort of idol or something like this. But we really like Bjork, Royksopp, Daft Punk.
VMMQ: The VMM would like to ask you Moonbeam what highlights do you have from 2011?
MOONBEAM: First of all, the release of our third album! And of course visiting new countries, new meetings, etc. In 2011, we performed at many world famous festivals in Mexico, Asia and Europe, and after that we have only the best memories.
VMMQ: Finally Moonbeam can you tell the VMM will you be touring The Secret album in 2012, and if so, where will you be taking the album on tour?
MOONBEAM: Of course. We already have some confirmed dates in Asia, Europe and now we’ll be working on trying to set up some U.S dates. It’s gonna be a long list of gigs, so check our website for updates.
Thanks:
The VMM thanks both Vitaly & Pavel aka Moonbeam for taking time out to speak to the VMM team and we wish you both continued success for the future.
Moonbeam – The Secret
Tracklist:
01 Secret (feat. Tomomi Ukumori)
02 I Love Your Face (feat. Fisher)
03 Ghost
04 In Your Eyes (feat. BlackfeelWite)
05 Disappearance (feat. Avis Vox)
06 Wanderer (with Eitan Carmi feat. Matvey Emerson)
07 Mipmap (with Spartaque)
08 Daydream (feat. Leusin)
09 Hills Folded In Mist (feat. Loolacoma)
10 Sensitivity (feat. Tomomi Ukumori)
11 Excess (feat. Pryce Oliver)
12 Hidden Place
LINKS: moonbeamonline.net/English
