Ernesto vs. Bastian consists of DJ Ernesto and producer Edwin Koelewijn. It appears that the combination of a DJ with ten years of experience, and an equally experienced producer is a voucher for success. The first start was in 2001 with big records like 'Lonely People' and 'Being Single'. Every big DJ in the world was playing these classics and there was a big hype starting. Ernesto and Bastian did even appear in the UK single charts under their Poisonclub pseudonym with the famous single 'Ibeatza'. Many big record companies were starting to get interested in Ernesto vs. Bastian. Labels like Gang Go [Blank & Jones Germany], Anjunabeats [UK] and Vale Music [Spain] signed records like 'Being Single' and 'Who`s The Starter" which appeared in every dance chart in the world. The newest single ' Darkside of the Moon' is becoming their biggest hit so far. You can hear it in every club around the world, you can read about it on the biggest dance-forums, its becoming an enormous hype and mythe all together. Ernesto & Bastian even had to change their mobile number because of all the phone calls from DJ`s begging for a promo.
Q >> Hi Guys - thanks for taking the time to speak with us! How are you ?
Very nice, thank you! Very busy as usuall!
Q >> Still enjoying the success of Dark Side of the Moon?
Of course and we think it just started! A lot of things are on the way right now: a lot of remixes of "the Dark Side" will be released (8!) and the vinyl with the original mix is being released right now in more then 30 countries next to the cd-single! The video is ready and has been video of the week at MTV Dance UK. It will be broadcasted in the coming months. Besides that our new single is ready and will be promoted in October.
Q >> Darkside of the Moon is quite a ‘different’ production; how did the track develop?
When we finished the first, there was a completely different vocal in it! While discussing this version with some people, our friend Raz heard it. Everybody thought it was going to be a big hit, the only thing they didn't like, were the vocals. So Raz Nitzan wrote some new vocals for it and we mixed them in. With some new FX we rebuilt the track completely,... and the Dark Side of the Moon was Born!
Q >> This isn’t the first time you produce such a killer tune; is there any explanation for this success?
Maybe its because we throw away a lot of productions. We only release stuff that is something different and new from our point of view! Besides that we are in the music business for almost 20 years now. Since Bastian was a teenager (1983), he was the only boy in the whole school who owned a couple of synthesizers! At the same time Ernesto was already playing records on school party’s.
Q >> Could you tell us who are the guys behind the quality productions of Ernesto vs. Bastian?
We’ve been friends for a long time and we’ve found out that our friendship could bring us more than only a good time in the clubs. We are producing music under the Ernesto vs. Bastian alias since 5 years. We met while we were working in the same company. Before that we were already busy in music business for years, Bastian made some records under the pseudonym "Dans-K" and Ernesto had been a DJ for years! We discovered we had a similar taste in music, and so we decided to combine our forces and this soon resulted in both of us producing music together. As you can see this turned out to be rather successfull!
Q >> You guys don’t produce that much; is there any particular reason for taking quite a long time to produce a track?
As we mentioned earlier we throw away a lot of things. We don't like music that sounds all the same! Although we produce a lot, our main point is to be differtent so about 70% of our productions you will never hear.
Q >> Both of you are experienced in producing, remixing and doing your thing as a DJ. Any tips for upcoming talents on UKTA?
Never never never give up, keep going during bad periods, keep growing to the next level :-)
Q >> Which hardware/software do you use for producing tracks and doing your thing as a DJ?
Hardware:
We have tons of hardware at the moment, a lot of analogue stuff but also recent synthesizers such as VirusC, JP 8000, Nova. etc. Older stuff: Jupiter 8,Roland JX 10, DX7, Oberheim Matrix 6, Roland TR 909, Korg Wavestation, Roland JD 990, Waldorf PULSE, Yamamha TG 77, Roland S 770 sampler, AKAI S 3000, Roland D50 etc etc.
Software:
REaktor 5, Kontakt 5, Korg Legacy, Ableton 5, Cubase SX3 etc. You can check out the studio pics on our website: www.ernestovsbastian.nl.
DJ Gear:
3 Technics SL 1210 mk2, 2 Pioneer cdj-1000, Pioneer djm 600 & laptop.
Q >> Every producer has their own style to their music, what would you say is the most typical feature in your productions/remixes?
I think its the dark, moody musical atmosphere; we love a good composition. Bastian has a classical paino training, so we love to arrange some good chords and melodies in the song. Trance and progressive (and even a bit of pop) is what we do best. Our sound is influenced by everyone from Depeche Mode, Klaus Schulze, Kraftwerk and the Pet Shop Boys to early 80s soul, disco and funk, but it will always be dance-influenced.
Q >> Apart from producing, doing your thing as a DJ, you also perform as a live-act with a singer and a drummer. Could you explain the idea behind this concept?
We wanted to be able to move the audience more directly with their music, and have more interaction with the people on the dance floor than a DJ can with only his records and turntables. This unique combination results in a very inspirational live performance, with extreme dynamics and most of all a thrilling dose of musical energy, which simply is impossible to resist.
Q >> Next to this every third friday in the month you are performing on ETN.FM what should an uninformed listener expect from your show?
Every third friday of the month you can listen to a stunning 2 hour non stop mix featuring the Astralmusic.com TipTop 3, Rookie of the Month and Ernesto vs. Bastian's Floorstabber!! Check out the DJ/Producer contests for this show at the ETN website: http://www.etn.fm/articledetail.asp?id=88
Watch out for the following forthcoming guests in The Next Level:
August > Andy Bagguley
September > Yves DeRuyter
Times: 1100 Eastern [US], 1600 [UK] and 1700 [CET]
Q >> Your schedule announces gigs in the Netherlands, Poland and Canada. Could you point out some differences between the party people in the countries you visited?
We think every country has great party people! It's great to see that music is universal and works out everywhere you go. A combination of good atmosphere, sound sytem, lights and of course a vibe going around the partypeople, is essential for a great party. In some country’s you play a little harder or more vocals, but the basic thing is the same: people want to have fun and so do we !!
Q >> How about your contacts with other DJ’s in the scene?
During the last months we met a lot of other DJ’s the and we have to admit it's always great to share your thoughts. Actually we are calling a lot with our fellow DJ's/Producers during a week.
Q >> Is there anyone in particular that you would like to work with in the future?
A big pop artist!
Q >> Best track(s) ever?
1. Farley Jackmaster Funk - Love Can’t Turn Around
2. Klaus Schulze - Audentity
3. Pig Bag - Papa's Got A Brand New
4. Mr. Jack - Only House Music
5. Robin S - Show Me Love
Q >> Best DJ?
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all DJ’s/Party people who are playing/buying/loving our music. You people are the reason for us doing what we do. And we will keep on trying to make the next release an even better one than our previous :-)
Q >> Any other music taste/hobbies?
Of course we do have a lot of hobbies, besides working our asses off in the studio, such as: movies, the gym, good dinners, and friends.
Q >> Would you like to say something to all UKTA-members?
It is great to be able to spin and produce music and entertain people with it. Getting all this love and feedback from all these UKTA people, makes what we do that little bit more special. Hope to see you soon in a country near you and make a little dance together. Love, peace and respect.
Ernesto vs. Bastian
www.ernestovsbastian.nl
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Interviewed By : < Magik >