| Interview with Vadim Zhukov ( 02.02.2007 - 17:30 GMT UTC )
Thank you for taking time out of your schedule. I know you are busy artist, producer, being a very well known remixer too etc. I appreciate you taking the time to speak with me today.
1. Who are some of the early Russian artists and musicians in trance ?
Vadim Zhukov: There were some first musicians, artist in Russia like 'Radiotrance' and 'Arrival Project' producing kinda trance stuff, but the most popular are PPK. They inspired me a lot!
2. At what age did you begin producing ?
Vadim Zhukov: I was 14 when I have first started trying different PC (personal computer) software and producing my first tunes using PC tho.
3. It might be on the table now, but now that you've succeeded in the Russian trance scene, will you go on to feature a different style from now or you'll stick with trance ?
Vadim Zhukov: I love quality trance music, but I produce and play in my Dj sets different music aswell! Actually trance scene lost that quality... 95% releasing stuff nowdays is cheap sounding uplifting trance for kids and made by them! It lost that hypnotic, melodic mood... You know... something deep and beautiful.
4. What are you working at the moment? any new records you want to let us know before it's release ?
Vadim Zhukov: I'm working on new tunes, trying to find something new, interesting and creative. That's not the biggest goal to get my tunes signed for me at this moment. So I have no any releases to announce.
5. Almost everything You've produced has major feedbacks. Were there ever periods when you lost confidence in your creativity ? And if so, whom or what whom helped you to overcome those times ?
Vadim Zhukov: Yeah, there were periods when I have lost confidence in what I do, but my friends supported me! also its important to have not only positive moments in the life cause we need problems to understand something, to overcome and move on!
6. Do you have a particular process or do you subscribe to any formula theories when it comes to producing explosive tracks that become hits ?
Vadim Zhukov: The most important thing in producing original tunes are EMOTIONS! When you put all your emotions to a tune people feel it. Good production is important too, but not so much as your feelings really... The industry became kinda money making machine, tracks factory.. 5 productions in a day using "copy-paste"... wth? let's produce good MUSIC!
7. I only know 2 of your aliases right now, Vadim and your real name Vadim Zhukov. Do You have any others so we should know about ?
Vadim Zhukov: Vadik on ITWT and Black Hole labels and also my second alias, Double V on Deep Blue UK
8. How do you record and produce your stuff, and what gear and software do you use ? I hope this is not a personal question :)
Vadim Zhukov: I use Cubase SX 2 and in most synths from Native Instruments.
9. How do you make time for jamming/recording/blogging ? What's your "day job" deal ? Do you still geek-out ?
Vadim Zhukov: Im a student. I study Public Relations at university. Usually I spend my time for studying, classes, producing and doing my gigs!
10. What other new projects and/or gigs are on the Vadim Zhukov's horizon ?
Vadim Zhukov: There's nothin to say about the future, I have nothing to plan. I will produce new music and do my gigs too :)
11. How long were you producing before one of your tracks received significant airplay ?
Vadim Zhukov: I think about 2 years before my first 'Silver Star' got airplay on Ministry of Sound radio and Above and Beyond's radio show.
12. What means did you use to get your tracks out to the public and attempt to make your name known ?
Vadim Zhukov: I have used to share my music on different websites and forums, send to labels and DJs.
13. How do you like the Russian lifestyle, and would you ever consider moving elsewhere ? If so, where about ?
Vadim Zhukov: I love Russia, but there're things I totally DON'T understand here and dont like!! I would move to Europe or maybe Unites States of America... somewhere... where people really appreciate art, music, creativity etc
14. What does your set up consist of ?
Vadim Zhukov: I have small "bedroom" studio - PC, Roland Midi Keyboard controller, JVC Stereo (yeah, cause it gives that "flat" sound, its good for mixing a track) and Headphones Sony for monitoring, piano, guitar, turntables. Thats all I need to produce my music.
15. Do you have any particular VSTs that you use often that you would consider your signature sound ?
Vadim Zhukov: I dont care about what synths to use, and yeah I like Native instruments synths, but I can use any other VSTs to produce 'Vadim Zhukov' personal vibe and original tracks.
16. Where you you get your inspiration for tracks and track titles ?
Vadim Zhukov: Everywhere!!
17. What is your favorite piece of production equipment and why ?
Vadim Zhukov: Actually I don't really care what to use, I care about the final result! it could be CDs, vinyls or kinda Serato Live Scratch for DJing, software or hardware for producing or even piano it doesn't matter. To realize my emotions into music - thats the goal!
Awesome thanks Vadim Zhukov, and best of luck with the next show, and the new album.
Vadim Zhukov: Thanks for interesting questions and have a good stuff on trancesound.net in the future!
Interview made by Cosmin Lukacs aka Dj K8oard (TranceSound.net admin/founder)
Links:
http://www.vadimzhukov.com/
http://www.myspace.com/vadimzhukov
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