Interview with Dj Orkidea
Around same time last year, most of the people I know were asking themselves what have happen’ with Tapio Hakenen aka Dj Orkidea, the best Finnish export in terms of latest gigs, records and other projects that have shaped him the artist he is nowadays. Not so many of us knew what he was working on, therefore, we had to dig a bit further just to find out that he was literally in his studio working around the clock on his new album. None of us knew the album’s name, or else when it due to be released, so we all had to wait for any updates in relation to this. Time went by, pretty fast and I have ended up with an official PR (Press Release) from one of the people I am working with, that Tapio released his latest album called “20″, a double decade of music and joy, therefore I knew it has to be something special and it is indeed. With that being said, the first thing i had in mind was to establish an encounter with him, so with that being said, just read below for any further details that showcased his musical point of view and so many other information in terms of latest projects and stuff he has in the pipeline in the near future too.
1. You have had so many projects and featured tracks for this to be your 4th album after years in the industry. What kept you going ?
Orkidea: Continuos evolution of music that keeps things interesting, the great scene in Finland and some amazing people around me with whom I have been producing, DJing and promoting with.
2. When working with a producer such as Solarstone, how much overall input do you have on the actual track itself ?
Orkidea: I have had numerous collaborations with different artists: Andy Moor, Solarstone, Super8, Lowland etc and it always varies how we approach the collaboration. Sometimes there is a clear musical base for the song, sometimes we work on it in the studio and sometimes we aren’t even in same physical space when working on a track but just bounce files back and forth.
3. Did you start off with a theme to “Tw3nty” before recording ?
Orkidea: Interesting that you asked that because “Tw3nty” started out as a acoustic piano chord progression before morphing into a peak time anthemic riff.
4. “20″ also marks your first album on Solaris Recordings; what made you decide to sign with Rich Mowatt aka Solarstone’s label ?
Orkidea: I think we share lot of musical and philosophical ground with Rich – both having a little old school vibe with things – and after Slowmotion and Zeitgeist this felt like a natural move.
5. There is an ongoing theme throughout the album, if you are paying attention; I can easily sense something special about. Could be an emotion, something more personal, is that correct ?
Orkidea: An album is always a capturation of a moment in artist’s life and surely the music reflects that too. Listening to “20″ probably gives you a feeling of my life during the past two years.
6. The last time you released an album was “Metaverse” back in 2008 and it was an amazing effort – quite arguably one of the best Ambient/Chill Out albums of the year. But it kept getting pushed back and when it finally dropped, it felt like it was silently released. What exactly happened ?
Orkidea: I think we (me, Andy and the crew at AVA) did our best to make everyone aware of the album but with an indie label the resources are always limited so you can’t expect a massive ad campaign I am happy with how much attention it got at the end.
7. And the one before “Music Speak In Thousand Languages” – something that I agree 101% with you on that – released somewhere in late 2005, was only a limited edition of only 300 copies were made. Now, how many copies were made for “20″ ? I need to start getting my copy before it runs out lol
Orkidea: I think the initial pressing for “20″ is around 1500-2000 copies worldwide with Universal Music handling Finland & Scandinavia and Solaris rest of the known universe.
8. Just so all the fans know – how did Orkidea first come as an alias for your production’s name ?
Orkidea: It comes from a book. Books are always good for inspiration.
9. For those who might still not fully understand, how would you define the style of music that you create ?
Orkidea: I would say that I make Progressive trance which has a distinctive old school vibe but very modern production. And to me every track is super important and will get the most attention to detail possible.
10. 20 years and still running strong… I need to know this from someone like you; how have you seen EDM evolve during your lengthy tenure in the business ?
Orkidea: In many ways EDM scene has completely changed: the role of DJs, the way we make and listen to music, the whole evolution of music and everything else… But then again it’s still very much about going out on Saturday night and dance to the best possible new music out there. Early on things were more underground and there bigger sense of belonging together between the ravers – which is kind of miss. On the other hand the whole world has become a big village with distance between Helsinki and NYC feeling quite short. When I started there was no internet so we were sending faxes to Berlin and London.
11. Speaking about it, what do you feel has been the key to your longevity ?
Orkidea: Balancing between having your own vision and style yet keeping your mind and ears open for new things and making sure you progress at the same time as keep true to yourself. Forward forever, backwards never.
12. 20 years down the line, will it be another album, this time called “40″ ? More like… are you going to be with us for the long-haul or the short-haul ?
Orkidea: I think this album and these 20 years mark just the beginning of my career I will most definitely be playing and making music as long as I live.
13. Besides music, what are some of your future goals and aspirations ?
Orkidea: Being a great father, husband and keeping the amazing friends that I have.
14. What makes you tick ? Being such an important person in so many other people’s lives such as Super8 & Tab, Darude, Alex Kunnari, Joonas Hahmo, or else Paavo Siljamäki of Above & Beyond just to name a few, I really need to know what makes you the inspiration and motivation to all these people mentioned earlier.
Orkidea: I get excited and inspired by all sort of arts and entertainment. And with electronic music things are always changing so fast that it keeps you inspired too. Finland has a long history with trance and I was one of the first trance DJs there. But I consider myself and all these other guys one big family – no matter if you’re a newbie or old school hero
15. Is there a message for our readers or anyone else reading this amazing interview ?
Orkidea: On 11.11.11 check out the album from Beatport or iTunes and let me know what you think! And always keep openminded and respectful for new music and new people. PLUR!
Interview made by Cosmin Lukacs (TranceSound.net admin/founder)
Links:
Dj Orkidea official website
Dj Orkidea @ Facebook
Cosmin Lukacs official website
Cosmin Lukacs @ Facebook
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