Thursday Thoughts 036: Oliver Ingrosso & Adam Avant
Creating a progressive house masterpiece requires an incredible amount of both creativity and hard work. Those components come easily to talented producers Oliver Ingrosso and Adam Avant. The natives of Sweden put their heads together in the studio for an upcoming melodic hit titled “Somebody”. Fortunately, the guys also decided to put their heads together to answer a few questions for us about their creative process, their inspirations and what they would tell aspiring producers.
How did you two get together to produce “Somebody”?
OLIVER
We have the same manager and she sent one of my tracks over to Adam.
ADAM
I liked the track so me and Oliver ended up doing some sessions in the studio together.
Which artists have influenced your style as musicians the most, and why?
OLIVER
Hmm, well it’s more what I’m listening to on a daily basis and I have a very diverse palette in my playlist. Overall I listen a lot to music composed for movies and Ennio Morricone is the greatest. I listen to everything from Bee Gees, Barry White, Daft Punk, John Barry, Ennio Morricone to Miike Snow, Eric Prydz, Seb, Ax and Steve. Just to name a very few. I tend to listen to a lot of deep house, techno and old school tracks.
ADAM
Axwell and Dirty South inspires me a lot a but I get most of my inspiration from movie soundtracks.
What has been the most rewarding moment in your musical career so far?
OLIVER
I would probably say playing at Pacha Ibiza. You can just feel the history in that nightclub.
ADAM
My most rewarding moments has always been and will always be when I’m out and playing. There is something about building sets to create emotion. The first time I entered a club, I was blown away by the energy and mesmerized by the immediate feeling of connectedness; that’s what I aspire to achieve at all my shows.
As trends come and go, how do you guys stay true to your sound?
OLIVER
Well I think you shouldn’t care too much for trends. It’s all about the sound you feel passionate about. You must stay true to yourself. In the end – the best tracks are those that are timeless.
ADAM
I always try to stay true to my original melodic house style but also try to stay updated with fresh new sounds and exciting vocals.
You each have been supported by some of the dance music industry’s biggest names. What does that kind of support mean to you both?
OLIVER
Those guys are such inspirations to a lot of people so it means a lot!
ADAM
All support I get means a lot and It does not matter if it’s a big name or not.
What was your favorite part of producing “Somebody”?
OLIVER
To produce a more classic house track.
ADAM
My favorite part about working with” Somebody” was of course to work together with Oliver and make a track that hopefully people will love!
How do you want your fans to feel after they listen to “Somebody”?
OLIVER
Uplifted and the urge to dance! I also want it to bring back a feeling of this scene before it all blew up and everything was lumped together in what we today call EDM.
ADAM
I don’t really know what I want them to feel, but I think everyone will create their own interpretation and their own memories and feelings when hearing the track!
At what point do you guys know a track is “done”?
OLIVER
Hahahahaha never!!!! I tend to make several versions and then discuss it with someone to get some input.
ADAM
Most of the times the hardest part about making a track can be to know when it’s finished. I discuss it with my manager and label.
If you could give aspiring DJ/producers two pieces of advice, what would they be?
OLIVER
Find your own sound in what you do and don’t think about what’s in or not right now. Trends in music change all the time. The best songs are the ones not restricted by trends.
ADAM
Work together with other people, it can be very frustrating to work on your own and get stuck on a track and don’t really know how to move forward. Second, listen to a lot of movie soundtracks, it always helps me when I have a lack of inspiration
What’s in store for you guys as festival season gets underway later this month?
OLIVER
Right now, I’m completely focused on producing and my studio work. But there will be some touring both on my own and together with Adam.
ADAM
I will also spend a lot of time in the studio but with some touring on my own and with Oliver.
Top Five Songs:
OLIVER
I’ve chosen the top 5 that I’m listening to right now.
- Mark Morrison – Return of the Mack. I re-discovered this classic the other day and I’ve been playing it every day since then.
- Andrea Olivia – Decomposing. Great deep house track!
- Pryda – Choo. This track shows that Eric still don’t fuck around. A true legend!
- Cloudkickers feat. Marcus – Bring on the night (Rocco trodeep remix). Old one but it is also one of the best!
- Eternal Soul – Lifting Me Higher (Bassmonkey’s Rocket Mix). Also an old but great track. I usually end my sets with this one!
ADAM
- Calvin Harris – Slide
- Dirty South feat. ANIMA! – All Of Us
- Kölsch feat. Troels Abrahamsen – All That Matters (Kryder Remix)
- Disciples – On My Mind
- Migos feat. Lil Uzi Vert – Bad and Boujee (ZHU Remix)
About Thursday Thoughts:
At Dance Rebels, we strive to bring our readers as close to their favorite artists as possible. One of the best ways to make that connection is to discuss a wide range of topics with the biggest names in the dance music scene. If there is an artist that you think we need to talk to, reach out to us on Facebook or Twitter!
