Thursday Thoughts 048: Our Conversation With Gil Glaze
Swiss DJ/producer Gil Glaze is one of the most in-demand names in the dance music industry as it shifts into an “online only” presence. He has shared the stage with plenty of the scene’s titans in the span of his career, with Martin Garrix, Tiësto and David Guetta just the tip of the iceberg. He’s also had the chance to support The Chainsmokers and Sigala on tour, though that list will have to wait to grow until the current health crisis passes. We had a chance to discuss his new hit “Talk To Me” with Josh Charm on STMPD RCRDS, the direction of the dance industry and plenty more with Gil Glaze:
How would you describe your collaboration process with Josh Charm?
I have to say everything was super-efficient and quick! Josh and I have the same work ethic so when we began to collaborate we both had our signature sounds that blended well together.
How do you describe your “sound” as a producer?
I always try to keep to my roots of “Piano House” as I think 80% of my music has a piano in it. I feel that this keeps the “music” within electronic music rather than just a track full of electronic synthesizers.
When producing a collaboration or solo, where do you typically find your musical inspiration?
I don’t do that many collaborations for some reason, which I only realised recently. I like to choose artists who know what direction they are heading with their music and have some sort of unique touch or sound. When working on a solo I usually find inspiration from going out to shows and seeing other DJs. Lately I’ve been very inspired by what is on the radio!
How do you think the music industry will emerge from the current pandemic?
I think it will be super difficult to come back from this. First of all, I feel there is a fear of going close to one another so I can’t imagine people will want to be crowded together at a concert or festival anytime soon. Our industry will probably be the last to open up sadly. If we have to wait until 2021 to perform at festivals and clubs, then I imagine the music industry will continue to focus on staying connected through the internet, DJs doing live streams, producers focusing on music for TikTok and finding ways to keep the music going.
Besides music production, what has been your go-to hobby during the times of social distancing?
I’ve been biking pretty much every day, learning to cook and tried painting one night but that was a fail. I set out a goal at the beginning of this quarantine to finish things I have had on my to-do list for years but never had time to do. I rewatched my favourite TV show Entourage, got new visuals and a new DJ booth built and I had my wisdom teeth removed last week!
Do you have a dream collaboration, and if so, who would it be with?
I would love to work with The Chainsmokers as they keep breaking barriers with music! Another person I would love to work with is Martin Jensen. We keep talking about doing something but just have not found the right idea or time yet!
What would be your dream festival lineup to see once things re-open?
The Chainsmokers, Alesso, Jonas Blue, Martin Garrix, Fisher, Coldplay!
Gil Glaze’s Top 5 Songs:
- The Him feat. Amber Van Day – Tragic
- Bonobo – Ibrik
- Now O Later – Roses in Rain
- EDX – The Time Is Now
- Redondo – Together
