EDMinsider Interviews Trance DJ/Producer Andrew Rayel

You may not know his name yet, but get used to it. Trance DJ/Producer Andrew Rayel has been making a name for himself in the electronic dance music scene. Receiving the support of major EDM icons such as Armin van Buuren, Rayel songs have been “Tune of the Week” on the popular A State of Trance radio and his song “550 Sensa” was nominated as one of the ASOT 550 celebration songs for this year. With his single “Aether” blowing up throughout the trance community, we decided to take this opportunity to chat with Andrew Rayel on what new music is on the horizon for the DJ/Producer.

EDMinsider 1. Is Electronic Dance Music a prominent music genre in your hometown? Were you always interested in EDM?

Andrew Rayel: In my country, EDM music is on it’s first steps of developing. But it continues to grow very rapidly. Last year, there have been lots of events attended by big DJ names like : Above & Beyond, Rank1, Arty, Cosmic Gate, Richard Durand, Marco V, Myon & Shane 45. So I think we are on the right way of developing EDM music in Republic of Moldova. I was interested in electronic dance music since childhood, listening the songs of Tiesto and ATB. Over the years I listened to several styles of music and I was most impressed by classical & trance music, so I decided to combine them.

EDMinsider 2. Besides EDM, what other genre’s of music do you enjoy most? What are a few of your favorite non-Electronic Dance Music albums of all time and why?

Andrew Rayel: I listen a lot of classic music by Klaus Badelt, Hans Zimmer, Steve Jablonsky. This is a kind of modern classical music which are actually soundtracks for movies like: Pirates Of The Caribbean, Inception, The Last Samurai. I really like albums of soundtracks.

EDMinsider 3. If you weren’t a trance producer, which style of music do you think you would create? Do you create music within other genres if so, do you use any aliases?

Andrew Rayel:If I weren’t a trance producer I think would create instrumental piano & modern classic music. These two styles inspired me most and I consider them the most epic, is music that contains a message and is full of emotion. I also produce soundtracks for movies, and one of them should be released this year which is called “ Drapchi the Film” with my track “The Spirit of Yiga”.

EDMinsider 4. One of your tracks which really gave you proper expose amongst the dance music community was “Aether“. What was some of the initial motivation behind the song and what are some things you can tell us about what went on to make this track come to life?

Andrew Rayel: For a long time I was thinking about making a track using an opera voice, something euphoric. I wanted it to be melodic and emotional, to touch everybody’s soul. The inspiration for this song came up suddenly, right away and from the beginning I fell it was going to be a special track, something unique. Finally, “Aether“ came out which means the air that gods breath with. This track was the Tune of the Week in the most known trance show A State of Trance with Armin van Buuren and it makes me feel very happy . But I was a lot more impressed when I heard of the track being included in Armin Only Mirage show in a lot of countries and ASOT 2011 CD.

EDMinsider 5. Who were a few of your favorite producers of 2011? Who are some DJs/Producers you are looking forward to new material from in 2012 and why?

Andrew Rayel: Some of my favorite producers of 2011 are Gareth Emery, Dash Berlin, Arnej. I am impressed by the music they create, and they already showed to all world that they are some of the best trance producers. I’m looking forward for some big names like Orjan Nilsen and Estiva. They doing a really great job and I think in the future will be in the Top 10.

EDMinsider 6. Your track “Timide” alongside Ruben De Ronde was released in 2011. What are some things you can tell us about the song making process? Do you have any studio routines or rituals?

Andrew Rayel:When I heard the original mix of this song I was impressed by the enigmatic singer and I imagine how will be my remix. I tried to create something melodic and while full of drive . The song making process was really enjoyable cause the small vocall parts from original give me a lot of ideas, finally that created an atmosphere of excitement and mystery.

EDMinsider 7. In EDM Insider’s recent interview with Ruben De Ronde, he mentioned you as being one of the biggest up-and-coming producers to watch for in 2012. What are your feelings towards this? What do you have lined up for the upcoming year?

Andrew Rayel: I am very glad when such big names on EDM stage like Ruben de Ronde mentioned me as one of the biggest up-and-coming producers to watch for in 2012. This encourages me very much, and makes me feel important, give me a push for my future ideas. For 2012 I have a lot of new singles signed on Armada Music and some great remixes. Also one big vocal tune with Lira Yin that hope will be released soon.

Bookings: Roger Semaan Productions. www.rogersemaan.com

Check out Andrew Rayel’s single on Armada Music dedicated to the ASOT 550 Theme Contest, “550 Sensa“.