We recently had the opportunity to chat with talented Trance music producer, Andy Newtz, about all things trance and his upcoming release on Reason II Rise Music. Andy shared his musical influences, creative process, and his excitement about working with the label.
Tell us about your musical background and how you got into electronic music.
“I have always been interested in music from an early age. I played the tenor horn, and learned to read sheet music during my 1st year at high school. I was always recording radio shows and set lists from dj's back in the day of the Hacienda, back to basics, boiler room, etc. For me music was an escape, somewhere to write off the week you've just had, and have a blow out! I had been clubbing for around 3 years when the millennium new years eve came along, gatecrasher was massive at that point and they held the millennium party at Don Valley Stadium. I remember how I felt watching the artists, I think this was the turning point for me. From there I was an avid clubber, up and down the country every weekend, and I did some serious partying! I developed a love for hard trance, hard house, then uplifting trance. I just felt it was a natural progression. That lead me to where I am today, trying to create the euphoria for the next generation of clubbers. Although I am 44 now, I do still crave that dance floor buzz.”
Which artists have been your biggest musical influences?
“The old cliche for me, but my early days of trance was the likes of Armin, Tiesto, Scott Bond, Fergie and a lot more. I liked many different artists to be honest. These days there's so many good artists around. The likes of Cold Blue, Bryan Kearney, JOC, Darren Porter, Paul Skelton, Liam Wilson....the list goes on.”
How do you approach the process of creating a new track?
“Projects always start with paper. I get my ideas down way before I sit in the studio. I like to write lyrics, so once I have got some good ideas I get to work on building a pack just for that track. Soundscapes, samples, fx and have a general idea of what I want to achieve. Other times I just turn on the computer and away I go. There's no set rules to be fair, whatever feels right, generally is.”
Tell us about your musical background and how you got into electronic music.
“I have always been interested in music from an early age. I played the tenor horn, and learned to read sheet music during my 1st year at high school. I was always recording radio shows and set lists from dj's back in the day of the Hacienda, back to basics, boiler room, etc. For me music was an escape, somewhere to write off the week you've just had, and have a blow out! I had been clubbing for around 3 years when the millennium new years eve came along, gatecrasher was massive at that point and they held the millennium party at Don Valley Stadium. I remember how I felt watching the artists, I think this was the turning point for me. From there I was an avid clubber, up and down the country every weekend, and I did some serious partying! I developed a love for hard trance, hard house, then uplifting trance. I just felt it was a natural progression. That lead me to where I am today, trying to create the euphoria for the next generation of clubbers. Although I am 44 now, I do still crave that dance floor buzz.”
Which artists have been your biggest musical influences?
“The old cliche for me, but my early days of trance was the likes of Armin, Tiesto, Scott Bond, Fergie and a lot more. I liked many different artists to be honest. These days there's so many good artists around. The likes of Cold Blue, Bryan Kearney, JOC, Darren Porter, Paul Skelton, Liam Wilson....the list goes on.”
How do you approach the process of creating a new track?
“Projects always start with paper. I get my ideas down way before I sit in the studio. I like to write lyrics, so once I have got some good ideas I get to work on building a pack just for that track. Soundscapes, samples, fx and have a general idea of what I want to achieve. Other times I just turn on the computer and away I go. There's no set rules to be fair, whatever feels right, generally is.”
“Don't be too hard on yourself. Stay focused on your own self. Stop worrying about things that you cannot control.”
- Andy Newtz
Among your songs, which one holds a special place in your heart?
“‘Out Of Control’, It's not signed yet. There's still a touch more work to do on it, but as I wrote all the lyrics to the track, it makes me proud to listen and play it back.
What do you hope to achieve with your music?
“I know time isn't on my side, but if I can play my music and have people dance to it then that's enough for me. Hopefully, people will feel the passion I have for music through my productions and songs I write.”
How do you differentiate your tracks and stand out in a competitive industry?
“There's no set pattern to my productions, every track is unique in so many ways. From the naming of them, to the elements that make the tracks what they are. There's always a story.”
Andy Newtz - When We Collide
Available for streaming & download January 5, 2024
How do you overcome creative blocks when they arise?
“Try and get your key, and your track package together in advance. Don't be too hard on yourself either! Studios are lonely places to be...If you're not feeling it that day, go for a walk instead.”
What is your favorite venue or festival that you've performed at and why?
“Asot 550 pre party. Nobody knew us!! At the end, we had the place absolutely rocking. The atmosphere was insane!! I would love to play Luminosity one day, it has a special place in my heart for sure.”
What do you think makes Reason II Rise a unique label?
“I've loved Darren Porter’s work for many years, and it was a no brainer to send him a new project. The communication from Natasha (R2R Artist Liaison + Creative Content & Marketing Manager) and the entire team has been very professional from the get go. I like how they give up and coming producers the chance to showcase their ability.”
What are you most excited about releasing your music on Reason II Rise?
“All labels have a different platform, a new label for your work is always a good thing. It keeps everything fresh, and gives you the ability to cast your net wider.”
Who do you think has a big future in Trance Music?
“Inoblivion, Daxson, Angelus.”
“Be bold, be brave and don’t follow the herd!” — Andy Newtz
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