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Anton Pieëte is a key member of Amsterdam’s New School generation and is storming dance floors with his captivating take on contemporary techno.
We caught up with him this month to find out what makes his planet spin:
Interview|
Podcast|
Upcoming releases|
Hear him|
Charts|
Innovative and In Your Face, Anton's hybrid sound is steeped in industrial techno twisted with tough, edgy high-octane tech house. Not only is he one to hear, but also one to see as reported in Mixmag’s “Keep your eye on” feature (Feb 2010). The global dance music magazine describes him as one hell of a “hot new name you need to know about”……
Your big break came in 2008 with ‘Players’ on Intacto Records hitting the #1 top spot on Beatport and then recently Siberian on Intacto Records shot up into their top 10.
So what is it that defines the “Anton Pieëte” sound?
What I like best in techno music is
- Funky beats
- Fat grooves
- Rolling basslines
I always try to use these ingredients.
So when did you get hooked on electronic dance music? Was there someone of something that inspired you?
When I was 8 years old I started playing guitar, I'm a big fan of rock, punk, hardcore and metal, so music has been in my life for a long time. My grandfather made electronic music for a long time already and when I was 15 he gave me some of his old synthesizers, I started making music with them but not in a specific direction. When I was 17 years old some of my schoolmates took me to a technoparty and I loved it. Within a couple of months I was going every week....it was 97 / 98 so guys like Adam Beyer, Marco Carola, Ben Sims, Surgeon, Richie Hawtin etc. were a BIG inspiration for me. I started making techno music right away with the synths I had at home.
As well as being a solo artist, you’re also one half of District One with Bart Skils. Which act came first and is there a difference in the sets you play solo compared to the District One sounds?
When I discovered electronic dance music I knew I wanted to be a part of it.
My first release was in 2003, as I still made techno with the 90’s vibe not many people were very interested (haha).
I started a new band at that time and that went really well, so I was very busy writing songs for my band and techno started moving to the background. After some time I met Bart, our taste of music is very similar and I missed the techno in my life so we started making music.
We made a couple of tracks and Bart knew a guy called Dylan (aka 2000 and One) who might be interested in doing a release of us on his label. That’s how it started again. The productions went really well so after a couple of releases with Bart, I also started for myself again as well.
Your notorious for “cooking dancefloors” – do you prefer livesets or dj sets to get the crowds breathless?
I like both - but if I had to choose then maybe DJing as I can play a varied set, whereas for livesets I can only play my own music.
Talking of cooking – what is your favourite food/cuisine?
Oooeee, I like everything, I'm very easy to cook for. I don’t spend lots of time in the kitchen though, I like it but I'm not very good at it..
And favourite drink?
Chocomel!! And in the weekend vodka with ice, or beer.
If you had to make a choice between performing or “only” producing music – which would you choose? Why?
I can't make a choice between these two. They go perfectly well together. You make a track through the week and play it in the weekend.
What’s the record you feel most proud of?
Yet to come :)
If you could only listen to one track for the rest of your life – what would it be?
That’s a hard one, at home I don’t listen to a lot of techno, probably something of Karate or Neurosis, I listen to their albums alot.
What are you obsessed with at the moment?
The Effectrix from Sugar Bytes, my brother gave it to me for my birthday a couple of months ago, been using it every day since.
Do you have any tattoos?
Yes - see photo above ;)
How much money would you be willing to cut your hair off for?
Haha, no I look very weird with short hair.
Where do you get inspiration for your sound?
In da club.....
Do you have a secret weapon?
I’ve got a light saber, Luke Skywalker once gave it to me. Not many people know I used to be a jedi.
So are you into twitter, facebook etc?
Yep, I've got myspace and my private facebook for friends, I look at it everyday. Haha..that sounds pretty stupid!
Oh yeah and there's also a facebook fan page that someone else set up.
Myspace|
Facebook|
What can a club expect if they book you?
Some serious techno/techhouse....and don't forget to bring your danceshoes!!
Future projects?
Im working on my new release for Intacto (out in June) and I'll be compiling and mixing the next Voltt CD ...plus I am also busy with a couple of remixes..
THE PIEËTE PODCAST
He's taken time out this month to mix our March podcast. Happy listening! (Feel free to share the link)
The Pieëte Podcast by Planet Gong
RECENT & UPCOMING RELEASES/REMIXES
OUTNOW
Siberian EP [Intacto]
Anton Pieëte rmx and Groove remix - She Comes back by Gabriele Baldi [Bitten]
Anton Pieëte rmx - Breakfast in Bag by Carlo Lio [Quartz Rec]
OUT SOON
EP in June [Intacto]
HEAR ANTON IN THE NEXT WEEKS
12.03 - Club Korona - Kecel - Hungary
14.03 - Goa - Madrid - Spain - District One DJ set
27.03 - Krypt - Deventer - Netherlands
03.04 - CoolSounds - Las Palmas - Gran Canaria
09.04 - Basement - Beirut - Lebanon
10.04 - Click - Amsterdam - Netherlands
17.04 - Pulse Factory - Doornik - Belgium
24.04 - Lakei, Helmond - Netherlands
30.04 - Boot 10, Amsterdam- Netherlands
ANTON PIEËTE CHARTS
| 1. |
Arrival - Mauro Picotto [Alchemy] |
| 2. |
Fly House - Rino Cerrone [Rius] |
| 3. |
Cadence - Sabb (Ughl&lochi rmx) [Rawthentic] |
| 4. |
Whaler - Anton Pieëte [CDR] |
| 5. |
Silhouette - Delta Funktionen (Marcel Dettman rmx) [Delsin] |
| 6. |
Sparrows - Anton Pieëte & DJ Madskillz [CDR] |
| 7. |
Boom Boom Boom - Vengaboys (Bart Skils remake) [CDR] |
| 8. |
B-Groove - Jay Lumen (Paul Ritch rmx) [Bitten] |
| 9. |
Keep It Up - Olene Kadar [CYH] |
| 10. |
Villa Droga - Max Coppens [Be Real] |
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