VMM Interview - In The Spotlight with Turkish DJ Producer & Label owner Faruk Sabanci
Faruk Sabanci is one of Turkey’s biggest dance music exports, DJ & Producer of EDM and label owner of the quality Arisa Audio and Harmonic Breeze Recordings. Faruks music has seen massive support from many of the biggest names in Trance including Paul van Dyk, Armin van Buuren, Tiesto, Above & Beyond, Sander van Doorn, Markus Schulz, Judge Jules and many more which makes it clear why Faruk Sabanci is truly flying the flag for Trance in Turkey. With a good number of highly well-received releases under his belt it was in late 2010 when Faruk Sabanci signed with Armada Music and you will find Original and Remixed works from the Turkish impresario developing into an impressive Armada catalogue.
VMM is excited to have a chance to speak with Faruk Sabanci who we place In The Spotlight to ask him how it all began and what’s next for this exciting, dedicated new international artist whose is only at the beginning of a wonderful musical journey.
The Interview:
Hi there Faruk Sabanci hope you are well!
VMM Q: The VMM would like to know how has 2012 been for you so far?
Faruk: The beginning: Firstly, thank you for having me! 2012 has been very hectic so far but great nevertheless. This year I’ve been leaning towards planning for 2013 and further with some great new projects and big releases on the way. I really can’t wait to see what the next few months of this year will bring along.
VMM Q: Faruk Sabanci can you tell us why did you wanted to become a DJ and a producer of electronic dance music?
Faruk: Nowadays we see a majority of producers later on becoming DJ’s as they are in demand being known for their successful releases, it was quite the opposite in my case. I started DJ’ing as an amateur while I was in elementary school with no expectations, so DJ’ing is more of my childhood passion which grew on me after curiously seeing Tiesto’s concert DVD’s and being amazed by how someone can fully control a huge crowd with a pair of decks and a mixer. I started producing later on in 2008 with the urge of being able to play out my own tracks to a crowd and things seem to be working out ever since.
VMM Q: We here that you learned to play the piano did you take any grades and do you find it helpful in making dance hits?
Faruk: True, I took Piano classes for about a year during first grade and decided to quit as I lost interest, big mistake! Having knowledge through playing the Piano is indeed helpful and widens perspective in the writing process but I wouldn’t really call it a game-changer within Dance Music. A hobby of mine that I wish I wouldn’t have given up so early.
VMM Q: Faruk can you remember what was your first dance track that you heard and thought I want to make music like that?
Faruk: It was the Robert Miles album ‘Dreamland’ of 96 that made me think ‘I want to create something as great as this someday’. Such a timeless album, but back then hearing for the first time was really captivating.
In the studio:
VMM Q: Can you describe to VMM readers the Faruk Sabanci vibe and sound?
Faruk: I think I am mostly known for not sticking to a certain sound, which keeps it very interesting for me as I tend to use completely different samples and plugins in my tracks that range from 128 to 140 BPM. There is of course a general sense to my music. Emotional, driving and versatile would be the right words for a description.
VMM Q: Faruk can you tell VMM what studio set up do you have and what is your favourite bit of studio kit at the moment?
Faruk: I have a very simple setup that works out perfectly for me. Logic 8 running on a MacPro desktop with the regulars including Sylenth, Nexus, Vanguard, Massive amongst others. M-Audio LX4 monitors, Akai MPK49 keyboard, and a pair of AKG K702 headphones. I don’t necessarily handpick a favourite studio product, however I have been using the Spectrasonics Omnisphere in pretty much all of my recent productions as well as Logic’s very own ES2.
VMM Q: Can you tell our VMM Readers Faruk what do you most love about producing a new dance tune?
Faruk: I love the fact that I can never stop improving my sound and there is always something new to learn. It’s also great to be able to freely interpret elements of a completely different genre into a dance track, sky is the limit! I very much enjoy collaborating with other artists and singers as well, every collaboration widens my perspective further.
VMM Q: Can you tell the VMM what new Original & Remix releases we can we look out for in the coming months from Faruk Sabanci ?
Faruk: My new single featuring Josie, ‘Wake Up’ has just been released on AVA Recordings and is rising in the charts already. My next single will be ‘Elveda’ which has been exclusively featured on Armin van Buuren’s Universal Religion 6 compilation which I have high expectations. Coming later on will be the follow up of Wake Up on AVA Recordings, a completely different 140BPM track under a new name which I will be using for up-tempo material of such, 3 vocal singles and a remix for one of the most influential artists in the scene which I can’t say much about. Busy times ahead!
Relaxing time:
VMM Q: VMM would like to ask other than dance music what do you listen too when your chilling out these day’s Faruk?
Faruk: I’m a big fan of Chillout and Lounge music, my current favourite would be the Unclubbed compilation series by New State Music which has a very cool concept. Acoustic version of the biggest dance hits performed by some of the scenes favourite singers. What could be better?
VMM Q: When you are not creating your next dance Hit or jet setting around the globe Djing, what do you like to do Faruk to chill out?
Faruk: To me there is no better chilling than just relaxing at home with a couple of movies and have my friends over. Simple as that.
The label owner:
VMM Q: Can you tell VMM about your own imprint Arisa Audio and Harmonic Breeze Recordings:
Faruk: My business partner Joseph Arias and I established the Arisa Audio label group in 2009 together with the sublabel Harmonic Breeze Recordings with no big expectations. We just kept on releasing what we thought was quality music and thankfully were able to receive a lot of support from the biggest names in the scene very quickly. The amount of time and effort that went into this project is gigantic, but now we are very pleased to see that Arisa Audio has become an established brand in this scene with its rapid growth.
1: How did you come up with the name Arisa Audio & When did the label launch?
Faruk: We had a lot of names in mind at the start, but later on I spontaneously came up with ‘Arisa’ that is simply made up of our names, and Joseph was totally up for it. We officially launched the label in January 2009.
2: What sort of genres do you release and what do you look for in a track you may sign?
Faruk: We release Trance of all kinds. On Arisa Audio we usually prefer releasing the more big room and club orientated tracks whereas on Harmonic Breeze we tend to focus on more of the fluffy and melodic music. We look for a balance of top quality production and musicality, if you are able to combine these two qualities in your music – you got it right!
3. Where can VMM readers send their demos for your labels A&R team?
Faruk: If you think your track has the potential of getting signed, don’t hesitate to send it over to demos@arisaaudio.com and we will certainly check it out.
The DJ on Stage & Radio:
VMM Q: Faruk Sabanci can you tell the VMM what gig’s have you coming up around the globe in the coming months?
Faruk: At the moment I am taking a break from the international gig’s as I will need to focus on my studies as well as my productions. The confirmed shows are distant from now therefor I can’t get into a lot of detail just yet but keep your eyes open for upcoming dates in Germany, Holland, Turkey, England and my US debut early next year. Further details will be available on my website soon.
VMM Q: VMM would like to know all about your Radio show called Cold Harmonies:
1: Whats behind the name Faruk?
Faruk: I picked the name Cold Harmonies as I thought every listener of the show can give it a meaning of its own, track by track throughout the show. What it means to you is the only thing you should worry about.
2: Whats the vibe of the show?
Faruk: I play a rather broad selection of music, usually taking off with Progressive House and progressing all the way into Uplifting Trance. I like to take my listeners on a journey while they are being updated with the hottest new tracks in my sets.
3: How long has the show been on Air?
Faruk: It’s been a great 4 years. October 30th we are celebrating Cold Harmonies 100 with a special event on Afterhours FM where some of my artist friends who are very familiar to the listeners will join in with their exclusive sets. Can’t wait to announce the line up!
4: Where and when can we tune in to Cold Harmonies?
Faruk: Cold Harmonies is aired every second and fourth Sunday at 21:00 CET on Afterhours.FM
VMM Q: Where can our VMM Readers find out all the latest NEWS about Faruk Sabanci?
Faruk: For all the latest news make sure to check out my website as well as my Facebook and Twitter pages.
facebook.com/faruksabanciofficial
youtube.com/faruksabanciofficial
soundcloud.com/faruksabanci
VMM thanks Faruk Sabanci for taking time out to speak to us and we wish you further success in 2012 – 2013!
