Exclusive interview with George Acosta for TranceSound.net

March 2, 2011 Posted by Cosmin Lukacs in Interviews

Interview with George Acosta

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A very consistent interview made with one of the most prestigious American artists. George Acosta is revealing enough information to understand that his musical style has changed throughout the times. On the other hand he is mentioning on how Ultra Records was his first platform to escalate within the EMI (Electronic Music Industry), being a major milestone in relation to his music as well. Reading the interview, you can easily spot that ‘down to Earth person’ attitude and his positive vibe and most important, his ability to be open minded in terms of recognition and special relationship he has with Patrick Moxey, the Ultra Records’ owner, even thou he is now with another major recording company, from the other side of the Pond, called Black Hole. He is also sharing his love for vocal tracks, mentioning some of the most known female vocalists of the moment. Overall, a very top notch interview and something to be learned from an artist like him.

1. You have a consistent style. What makes your sound special ?

George Acosta: I guess what makes me special is that I never stay behind the times. There are certain aspects about my DJing that remain consistent, but as far as the type of music I spin, I feel that that has evolved throughout the years. As of right now, I feel my style is made up of a more progressive house. However, I always like to mix my music to a certain level, making sure you can always pump it up nicely in a club. I need to be certain that I can always hear my kick and bass perfectly.

2. Take me through a typical studio session with you and someone such as a Kathleen Fisher

George Acosta: When I make a song for someone such as Fisher, I always think about how I can make this already talented artist shine even more than she already does. I customize the song for her specific vocals. In other words, I make the song only for her. I personalize it to her style. I envision the song with her amazing voice, and then for a few days, I study other popular songs that are mostly played in rotation on the radio or big on the charts. I then begin to create the song and once I have the concept, I send it to Fisher. She then, with her vocals, adds her special touch and the song comes back to me to be finalized.

3. You have been making a lot of vocal tracks along some of the top major female vocalists out there. We have mentioned Fisher earlier, also Tiff Lacey, Truth, Aruna. Let me know what else you are working (or trying to work) on right now along any of these pure bliss vocalists mentioned above, or any others ?

George Acosta: All of the above mentioned ladies have brought me much success. They are all such talented artists in their own right and have such incredible voices. They all have brought their special touch, their signature sound to the songs I’ve created just for them. Not only have I worked with these women, I have worked with other major talent as well. Emma Lock, who is also featured on my album, is one that has a very cool, very distinct voice. Some of the songs that feature Emma, Truth, Fisher and all the other lovely ladies are set to come out this year. As for Fisher, what can I say about her ? She is my driving force behind my new album, “Visions behind Expressions.” Currently, I have other projects in the works that feature other talented artists which I am hoping to release very soon.

4. Checking out a couple of sites I came across that you have been all over, going to different conferences and appearing at different events and clubs worldwide. You have had the opportunity to meet a lot of people. But what would you say was the best piece of advice that you were given about trying to make it in the EDM (electronic dance music) industry and from whom ?

George Acosta: Throughout my career in the music industry, I must say I’ve met a great deal of people, artists and other talents. I’ve also received a lot of advice, some good and some bad of course. I must say out of everything I’ve experienced and everything I’ve learned, I’ve kept one very key piece of advice close to my heart and believe it or not, that has been to remain humble. It’s very important to surround yourself with good people and a great team that you can trust to keep you grounded and down to earth. It’s also important that those same people look out for you and want what is best for you. I do have to take the time out to send a big thank you to my team and to my loyal fans for their unconditional love and support throughout the years. I am truly blessed.

5. Back in the day, you were signed to Ultra Records, releasing notable tracks. Are you still signed with them in any way ?

George Acosta: No, I am not signed to Ultra Records at the moment. I am however grateful to them since I believe that through the many compilations that I have released through Ultra Records, it transitioned me from a producer of Planet Soul to the international DJ, George Acosta. While I am discussing the topic of Ultra Records, I would also like to express my thanks to the owner, Patrick Moxey, for all of his support during my years under this great label. Currently, all my music goes to Arny Bink of Black Hole Recordings. It has been a blessing to have this well renowned European label support me and my music. The Black Hole Recording staff has been amazing and has kept me busy with some great talent and providing me opportunities to work on some great remixes.

6. What is your relationship with Richard Durand ? Is there a future track in the making perhaps ?

George Acosta: Richard Durand is an amazing producer and he is also under the same label as I am, Black Hole Recordings. I met him once and he is a really genuine guy and I would love to work with him soon. Actually, recently he sent me one of his songs that he will be releasing as one of his singles soon. I must say that I worked incredibly hard at giving the remix my personal touch, while at the same time experimenting with another type of sound. I would love to go more into detail but I need to keep it under wraps for now.

7. What do you have in the works in terms of a studio album, and when do you expect to have it released ?

George Acosta: My first studio album in 10 years is set to be released on April 4th, 2011 on Black Hole Recordings. The title of the album is “Visions behind Expressions” and it features songs that include the vocals of Fisher, Emma Lock and many more incredible artists. I am also in the process of producing another album, while creating remixes for artists such as Robbie Rivera and Richard Durand, just to name a few. As you can see, I am keeping busy. [laughs]

8. Your schedule definitely sounds pretty hectic right now. What do you like to do when you are not working on something or else spinning in any clubs worldwide ? Are you into any secret hobbies ?

George Acosta: With my career being so busy and hectic these days, how I spend my down-time is extremely important to me. I normally love to spend time with my family, especially my children. I enjoy barbecuing for my family as well as my friends. I also like to escape the pressures of everyday life by watching movies, practising the piano, or playing with my dog.

9. You are one of the American Dance4Life ambassadors since 2008. How did that happen ?

George Acosta: I received a phone call from Wes, the head of Dance4Life, asking me if I would like to be involved. I truly believe in what the organization stands for and I also did a couple of events for Dance4Life. I believe Dance4Life is a great organization, I stand behind it and I will always strongly support it.

10. What is your collaboration with Roland, the leading manufacturer and distributor of electronic musical instruments ?

George Acosta: I am currently using some of Roland’s equipment to produce my albums, songs and remixes. I have always been a fan of their equipment and I even have a lot of their older models such as the Juno 60, the Juno 106 and the TB 303. I love their classics. I’ve also used the Fantom-G7 which has been a great piece of equipment to have in my studio.

11. Is there anything you want to let the TranceSound.net readers know ?

George Acosta: Please don’t forget to check out my new album, “Visions Behind Expressions,” due on April 4th, 2011 on Black Hole Recordings. Also, under my label, AcoMusic, there will be four new releases beginning the second quarter of the year. In addition to all that, I have lots of remixes in the works with Dean Newton, Richard Durand and Robbie Rivera. I’m currently bringing under the AcoMusic family an amazing new talent named Niseem. You will be seeing some of my future work with him. Finally, I’m working on expanding my show, the Lost World, currently broadcast on Sirius XM Radio on Electric Area, to other countries around the world.

For more information, visit Black Hole Recordings

Interview made by Cosmin Lukacs (TranceSound.net admin/founder)

George Acosta