We caught up with Russian DJ ARTY to talk about new music, career highlights, fashion and much more.
When did you first realise you could make a career in music?
I’ve always loved making music since I was a kid and to be honest, it’s always been the only thing I truly wanted to do in my life. But the first time I really felt in the right place was when I signed my first track to a record label back in 2009.
Name three artists you had on your playlist when you were younger?
Axwell, Eric Prydz, Deadmau5
Where and when was your first ever live performance?
As a rookie DJ…in lounge café. It was the worst place to play but it gave me a lot of experience. As an artist with multiple recognized releases, the first big show I had was this huge festival in St Petersburg, where I first met many of my idol DJ’s and producers. It was an incredible experience.
What’s the best part of being a DJ?
Playing my own records and seeing how fans react! Also, DJing does help a lot of with music production, since it’s a great testing ground for the tracks I’m working on, like tweaking parts that didn’t really work live, since the fans are truly the best tastemakers!
What can you tell us about the music scene in Russia?
It’s great and has a lot of potential! There are lot of talents that made themselves a huge name in dance music over the past few years, and even more up-and-coming producers that are about to do the same. The only problem is that the dance music scene doesn’t have that much recognition in Russia, and people are used to listening to more of whats on the radio, like pop or hip-hop, but I’m sure it will change soon!
If you could collaborate with one other artist, past or present, who would it be?
Tie between The Weeknd and Frank Ocean – I’m huge fan of their music.
You’ve just released your new track ‘Sunrise’, how long did the song take to create and finalise?
From start to finish, it was about two months!
How happy are you with the finished track?
It was a lot of work that paid off because my fans love it, and I’m really happy with the final result!
Have you played it live yet? How was the reaction?
I started to play it live right after I got a first rough pass. And to be honest, it’s one of the best records in my live set over the past 3 months. I guess, people just love this feeling of bouncing on the edge between emotional and uplifting music.
Other than Sunrise, what song have you got on repeat at the moment?
The new Porter Robinson side project “Virtual Self” and its track called Ghost Voices. It’s been on repeat for the past few days, I don’t know how to turn this song off.
You’ve toured with huge names like Armin van Buuren & Martin Garrix, but what’s the best part about being on tour?
Playing for your fans, visiting different cities and countries, experiencing different cultures and mentalities. Life on the tour might be a struggle sometimes cause of constant travelling and homesickness, but I’d never change this life for anything else.
What was your 2017 highlight?
Bringing my ALPHA 9 side project back. I’ve never been so happy and productive in my life like in last year; so many great things have happened and it’s only the beginning.
What has been your career highlight?
At this point in my career it would be releasing my debut album “Glorious” that came out in 2015 on Interscope Records. Two and half years of constant writing, recording and production sessions – it was a great experience.
Where and when was your most memorable performance and why?
There has been so many! EDC, Ultra, Tomorrowland, Swedish House Mafia’s One Last Tour, big festivals and intimate shows all over the world, it would be unfair just to pick one.
Where, when & who gave your most memorable performance and why?
It was Deadmau5 at Stereosonic Festival few years back in Australia. Me, Martin Garrix and bunch of our DJ friends were in the middle of a 20,000 person crowd for the entire set, and Joel kept playing the tracks we were so excited about!
How do you spend your down time?
Movies, games and books! But I barely have time for any of that recently, since studio time takes pretty much all the time.
Where can we see you playing next?
Philly, Boston, LA, New Delhi for this month! And a lot of exciting shows for the rest of the year I can’t talk about.
If I wasn’t a DJ I’d be…
Game developer
Favourite film & TV series?
For the films it would be “Star Wars” or “Indiana Jones” series, I’m massive fan since I was a little kid, and my love for these movies didn’t really go anywhere.
With TV series it’s a bit harder, since streaming services are getting so massive and competing with each other for the fans making better and better shows and providing AAA-movie budgets for it. My most recent pick would be “Stranger Things” or “Black Mirror”
Drink of choice on a night out?
Probably, vodka, since it gives me the least painful headache the next day 😉
If you could have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Dark meat chicken with rice or mashed potatoes!
Who’s your biggest style inspiration?
Justin Bieber while he was releasing his “Purpose” album. The way he changed his style, his music and everything about himself was truly inspiring.
What would you wear on a night out?
Oversized t-shirt, tank tops, jeans, vans is my most choice to go!
What are you looking forward to most in 2018?
All of the music I’m going to release! There is so much, and I’m just really excited to see how people are going to react.
Listen to ARTY’s new track below:
