What was the creative process like for this particular "Fleanger & Asi Kojak - Glockenspiel?"

The story of our collaboration with Asi has been a long and intricate journey that took seven years to unfold. The desire and talk of working on a joint project together had always been present between us, but the stars never seemed to align to make it happen. We were both preoccupied with our individual careers, which left little room for the collaborative venture we both craved. Yet, the idea of blending our distinct styles was a constant undercurrent in our conversations.

It was a pivotal moment when I decided to embark on a vacation to Israel from my home in Berlin. The change of scenery seemed like the perfect opportunity to break free from our routine and give life to our shared aspirations. The moment I landed in Israel, I reached out to Asi, eager to set foot in the studio together. 

Our artistic styles couldn't have been more different. While I gravitated towards the intricate world of melodies and emotions, Asi was the embodiment of the dancefloor spirit, thriving on the energy that ignites a crowd. The idea of merging these polar opposites into a harmonious composition both excited and intrigued us.

It was within the walls of that studio, amidst the backdrop of our clashing creative preferences, that our collaborative journey truly began. The process of creating this particular track became a testament to the power of compromise and artistic exploration. We were determined to find that elusive middle ground that could satisfy Asi's urge for dancefloor dynamism while still allowing me to infuse the music with deep, soulful melodies and emotional depth.

The beauty of this project lay in its ability to transcend our individual preferences and challenge us to create something that was greater than the sum of its parts. The track became an embodiment of the fusion of our artistic worlds, a striking balance between the urge to make bodies move and the desire to touch hearts and souls with melody and emotion.

This collaboration wasn't just about making music; it was about breaking down the boundaries of our respective comfort zones and daring to explore the uncharted territories of artistry. It was a testament to the power of shared dreams and the determination to see them through. In the end, this track was not just the product of two artists working together; it was a symbol of our creative partnership, the realisation of a longstanding vision, and a harmonious blend of our contrasting musical worlds.

Can you talk about the recording and production process for "Fleanger & Asi Kojak - Glockenspiel?"

The creation of our track was a captivating journey that began with the foundation laid by Arturia's synth. It was through this piece of equipment that we etched the very soul of the track, the bassline. The bass, in particular, played a pivotal role in defining the overall feel and groove of the composition. It provided the heartbeat that our track would dance to, grounding our collaboration with a solid rhythmic foundation.

Once the bassline had been meticulously crafted, we moved on to the next phase of our creative process - constructing the chords. This step allowed us to infuse the track with the emotional and melodic elements that I was so passionate about. We sought to create harmonies that would not only complement the dancefloor energy but also elevate the track, touching the hearts and souls of our listeners. 

With the chords in place, we turned our attention to the rhythmic aspect, working on the intricate groove of the drums. This was the moment when Essi's expertise truly shone through, as he breathed life into the track with his unique percussive sensibilities. The rhythm was the driving force that would carry our listeners through the journey of our music.

In the midst of this creative frenzy, we decided to take a well-deserved break. It was during this small coffee break that we had the opportunity to reflect on our progress and refuel our creative energies. Those moments of respite allowed us to recharge and return to the studio with fresh perspectives and renewed enthusiasm. 

Our collaborative process was a dynamic and ever-evolving dance between contrasting styles and ideas, ultimately resulting in a track that seamlessly combined our desires for dancefloor energy and melodic emotion. It was a journey of exploration, compromise, and the relentless pursuit of a harmonious balance. Our coffee breaks were not just about recharging our physical selves but also served as moments of inspiration and reflection, vital to the overall creative process.

What did you enjoy most about making "Fleanger & Asi Kojak - Glockenspiel?"

What truly stood out and resonated with me throughout the creation of this track was the profound sense of togetherness and collaboration between Essi and me as producers. We may have started with vastly different musical backgrounds and styles, but this was precisely what made the creative journey so enriching. It was in the interplay of these different ideas that the magic happened. 

Our creative process often included lively debates and disagreements, but it was within these discussions that our ideas were refined and shaped into something remarkable. These moments of creative friction were pivotal in pushing us to reach a consensus that respected both of our visions, ultimately leading to a product we are both immensely proud of.

The track's connection to ADE (Amsterdam Dance Event) and its inclusion in a sampler by JOY, a company I have had a longstanding partnership with, adds a layer of significance to this project. ADE is a prestigious platform in the music industry, and having our track featured in their sampler was not just a milestone in our journey but also a testament to the recognition of our creative efforts on a global stage. 

This track, born from our collaborative spirit and creative perseverance, exemplifies the essence of art as a medium that transcends boundaries. It brings together diverse backgrounds and ideas, navigating through disagreements and debates, only to emerge as a work of art that we can both look at with immense pride. It highlights the potential that exists when artists come together to create something greater than themselves. 

This project also speaks to the power of longstanding partnerships, such as the one with JOY, which have nurtured and supported artistic endeavours over the years. It showcases how relationships in the music industry can provide a platform for artistic expression, helping artists like us to share our work with a broader audience and connect with the world. Ultimately, this track symbolises the beauty of collaboration, the persistence in creative pursuits, and the significance of art in our lives.

How do you approach collaborations with other musicians and maintain creative synergy?

Collaborations with other musicians are a remarkable journey, and in my experience, there's no shortcut to building these creative relationships. It's not just about sending music back and forth, but about the organic process of connecting and cultivating a musical partnership. These connections often take time to develop and mature, gradually building a sense of trust and mutual respect. 

The magic of collaboration often unfolds when you finally find yourself sitting together in the studio. This physical co-presence allows for a unique exchange of creative energy and ideas. It's in these moments that you can truly harness the collective synergy that comes from different minds and talents working together. The sparks of inspiration generated during these collaborative sessions are unlike anything you can achieve on your own.

I would strongly recommend aspiring musicians and producers to embrace the experience of co-creation by regularly sitting in the studio with other artists. It's a transformative experience that not only broadens your horizons but also opens your mind to fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that might not have surfaced otherwise. These sessions can be a wellspring of inspiration, offering new avenues for artistic exploration and expression.

Moreover, the process of sitting in the studio with others is a masterclass in learning to navigate creative disagreements and building a shared vision. It's an exercise in compromise and collaboration that often leads to unique and exciting musical outcomes.

In summary, the essence of collaboration lies in building connections and investing time in the development of creative partnerships. The studio is the hallowed ground where these collaborations take shape, offering the invaluable opportunity to fuse different artistic voices into a harmonious whole. It's a journey that every artist should embark upon to tap into the boundless well of inspiration and innovation that lies within the realm of shared creativity.

Can you share a valuable lesson or piece of advice that you have learned along your musical journey?

The advice to "always stay true to yourself" may indeed sound like a cliché, but it carries a timeless and profound wisdom that has been a guiding light in my creative journey. This principle has been the cornerstone of my artistic identity and the compass that has steered me through the ever-changing landscape of the music industry.

In a world where trends come and go, and external pressures to conform or adapt can be overwhelming, remaining authentic to your artistic vision and inner voice is not just valuable; it's essential. It's about preserving the essence of what makes your art unique and genuine, rather than letting it be shaped by fleeting fads or external expectations.

Staying true to oneself means embracing your individuality, quirks, and the distinctiveness of your creative voice. It's an unwavering commitment to your artistic integrity, even when faced with the allure of what's currently popular. This doesn't mean you should be resistant to change or never experiment with new ideas, but rather that these explorations should be driven by your own curiosity and passion, rather than a desire for superficial validation.

It's a journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance. When you stay true to yourself, your work becomes an authentic reflection of your soul, a mirror to your experiences, beliefs, and emotions. This authenticity not only makes your art more relatable and emotionally resonant but also helps you maintain a strong connection with your audience.

In an industry that sometimes seems fixated on commercial success and following trends, holding onto your artistic integrity can be a bold and courageous act. It's an affirmation that you believe in the power of your unique perspective and that art, at its core, is about personal expression and storytelling.

Staying true to yourself is an ongoing commitment, a promise to honour your artistic journey and to be unapologetically you. It may take you on paths less traveled, but it's these less-trodden roads that often lead to the most remarkable and original creations. It's a reminder that authenticity, far from being a cliché, is a timeless and invaluable principle that can lead to a lasting and meaningful artistic legacy.

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