When Alex M.O.R.P.H. unloaded "Purple Audio" from the chamber last year on VANDIT records it marked down a new chapter for one of the industries most recognizable faces. He has been a true force on the trance circuit for quite a few years and his debut LP brought together the tried and tested style we all know and love but also unleashed a new blend of electronic flavors. The sweet mixture of uplifting melodies, harmonic vocals, driving bass lines and mesmerizing breakdowns to be found in tracks like "Sunshine", "Spirit", "Break The Light" and "Purple Audio" were met with the guitar rocking vocal gem of "Wanna Be".
RELOADED takes the sound of Purple Audio and breaths new life into Alex's outstanding original works.
How are you today?
Alex M.O.R.P.H.: Hello, I am very well, thank you. I'm a little bit tired; I had a long flight behind me. I flew in from Germany today and last weekend I flew in to Miami and went back to Germany for three and half days and now I am back in the United States.
Are you planning on doing any shopping while you are here?
Alex M.O.R.P.H.: Yes, that will be tomorrow. Tomorrow I will spend the day shopping, and save a bit of time for relaxing before the sound check. Then we will have dinner with all of the artists and we are off to ASOT 450.
When are you staying until?
Alex M.O.R.P.H.: I will be staying until Sunday night. I want to relax a bit before I go home. I don't want to moan but many people don't know what's behind being a DJ. Of course it's the best job in the world for me; it's my dream job and I love doing it.
That's right, they just think you land and you play and it's all over. Always busy right?
Alex M.O.R.P.H.: It's hard work being a global artist. They think I just jump on a plane and people roll out the red carpet. It's about much more than just having fun. You waste a lot of time on jet lag, turbulence, customs etc.
And interviews? (laughs)
Alex M.O.R.P.H.: Oh no, that's not a waste of time. I think it's very important these days. Our music is very underrated in the press and magazines. Trance is totally underrated.
In the US definitely.
Alex M.O.R.P.H.: Well not just there but everywhere. When you see all the dance magazines, it's all about the minimal, techno and house. People forget that the big audiences are drawn to the major trance events. We fill up the big halls. There is enough room for all kinds of music but I wish it wasn't so underrated all the time.
I completely agree with you. I will always be into trance until the day I die.
Alex M.O.R.P.H.: Just look at the top ten DJ's of the world for example.
How does your creative process work for producing tracks?
Alex M.O.R.P.H.: It depends on whether it's a remix or an original track. Remixes are usually very easy for me. I just listen to the track that I am preparing the remix for and I get some ideas of where I am going with it. If I don't hear anything I can work with then I simply don't do it. I usually hear something during my first listen. For my own productions it's a bit different because you have to invent your own melodies. When you are creating your own track you start with just an idea and begin from scratch and develop it.
I've already interviewed you at least three times if you can remember but since we last caught up with you in 2009 has there been any progress in regards to the Trance scene in Germany?
Alex M.O.R.P.H.: Well we finally meet in person (laughs) I do remember the interviews. When you are on the internet conversing with people you remember the things you discuss but you can't necessarily put a face to the name of figure out who the person really is.
Yes, the Internet is very impersonal when it comes to interviews. There is nothing like having a like one on one with the artist you are interviewing. You get an immediate vibe.
Alex M.O.R.P.H.: We have set up some nice small events since then about three to four times a year in Germany. Last year the company behind Mayday and Nature One decided to do a full trance event, which is pretty cool, and a step in the right direction. It's still very risky in Germany event if you do everything in the appropriate fashion you can still loose money. We had all the big names you can imagine in the scene and then we hosted our Heaven's Gate event on the second floor and it went very well. I anticipate a second edition this year. We are teaming up with promoters in our area to plan future events. We have Dash Berlin, and also Signum. I've loved Signum's stuff for ages and the new stuff they have been producing is incredible. They are a must have. Menno will also come in. We are trying our best to keep it running in Germany.
That's great! Oh Menno is awesome.
What are some of your goals in the Trance scene? The world is yours, what do you want to do?
Alex M.O.R.P.H.: Honestly I don't know. I hope that Trance can be much bigger than it is at the moment. I want to promote Trance and achieve more focus towards it and attract more attention. The quality is better than ever when you compare it with the old classic tunes. I'm talking about the A List, the good guys who know what they are doing! Their production level is better than ever.
Are you still working on drawings in your spare time?
Alex M.O.R.P.H.: I haven't had much time since the last time we spoke but yes I am still drawing when an idea hits me. It's very spontaneous when it happens.
Have you ever thought of showcasing your art?
Alex M.O.R.P.H.: Well my manager is always pressuring me to do so. The two topics in regards to music and design are a bit far away from each other. For example Purple Audio, I just woke up and decided the name of the album.
You know my favorite color is purple, so I love it!
Alex M.O.R.P.H.: Purple is a strong color, it has charisma. The concept was to bring a color into the tone of the music. I love the color purple. It explains the music and translates it.
How about if you were to do your own album covers?
Alex M.O.R.P.H.: Yes, we have thought about it several times. Sylvia can show you some of my art. I will send you some examples of it. I can't even describe it.
Are there any other projects in the works that you would like to tell us about?
Alex M.O.R.P.H.: What I am recently very proud about is my recent connection with Sylvia Tosun and her team. They are great! They are doing a lovely job and they are so passionate in what they do. I am so happy that I got in touch with them.
We are very glad to have you here playing for New York!
Alex M.O.R.P.H.: Thank you! I just remixed Sylvia's new single entitled "Above All". I've been in love with that track from the first time she played it for me just four and a half months ago in her car. There are some great things lined up and I really love their company and I feel very welcome.
Do you have any other comments for your fans?
Alex M.O.R.P.H.: I would love to say thank you to everyone who believes in my music and comes to my shows. The most important thing I can say is, never stop enjoying the music that you love, no matter what support it! Show respect to the artists and buy a track or two if you can.
Sylvia Tosun & Alex M.O.R.P.H.
Pictures from Armin van Buuren presents A State of Trance 450 @ NYC, US, made by Zaneta M. Soroko Ortiz aka Euphoria, TranceSound.net Co-admin.
Interview made by Zaneta M. Soroko Ortiz aka Euphoria (TranceSound.net Co-admin)
Links:
Alex M.O.R.P.H. official website
Alex M.O.R.P.H. @ MySpace
Euphoria @ MySpace
Electronic Night Life official website
