Exclusive Interview with Swanky Tunes
Swanky Tunes is a Russian DJ & Producer trio, that made its entry into DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs list in 2015. They are well-known for their track "Here We Go" (a collaboration with Hard Rock Sofa), which was part of the "Fast & Furious 6" soundtrack.
Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with Swanky Tunes, shortly before their performance at Demo Thonglor on 30th July.
Where are you answering these questions?
Hello Siam2Nite. We’re in Nanjing, China now.
You are a Russian DJ & Producer trio, that made its entry into DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs list in 2015. How did you get in touch with electronic dance music in the first place and how did you get into DJing and music production?
We were young guys who just loved electronic dance music. We’ve listened to different genres: from techno to ambient and really wanted to know how it could be produced. We made first steps in production in 1998 and later this year had first live performance on a local club’s stage.
As we remember it was electronic dance music festival gathered together young and coming up producers. We performed at 5AM and only our friends left on a dance floor. That was confused, but unforgettable moment.
We had continued to perform with live shows for next 7-8 years until decided to try DJing. It was always interesting, as we produced music for DJs. When you perform a DJ set you have freedom to play not only your own tracks, but also whatever you want.
We’ve been DJing for 10 years already and really enjoying this process, because we love to make people dance and give them good feelings.
You play and produce Electro House & Progressive House. How would you describe your own music, what is distinct about it?
You know, Electro and Progressive House is just a part of our musical baggage grabbed since 1998. We started from Techno and Electro, moved into Big Beat and French House, then became to make Synth Pop and Progressive House and now discovered ourselves in Moombahton.
On this long musical path we had a chance to work with many amazing producers such as Tiesto, Laidback Luke or Kaskade, but honestly we never could say what’s distinct about Swanky music. Guess our fans or musical critics should answer this question. They definitely know better ;-)
You well-known for your track "Here We Go" (a collaboration with Hard Rock Sofa), which was part of the "Fast & Furious 6" soundtrack. What other tracks, remixes or mix-sets would you recommend to someone that is not yet familiar with your music?
We believe you have to check our collaboration with Russian duo Going Deeper called “Far From Home. This house track got more than 8 million plays on Spotify.
One more to check is “Entertain Us” produced together with Far East Movement. And the latest one is our remix of Armin van Buuren’s “Heading Up High”.
What is on your agenda for the near future and what are you currently working and focusing on?
Right after Thailand we’re heading to South Korea, Georgia and Ibiza. Of course many shows are planned in mother Russia. In September all three of us are on vacation. Sometimes we need to have a rest ;-)
In August we have 2 singles to be released. One of them called “Till The End” and you can check out preview on Swanky Tunes’ Souncloud. Now. Another one is unveiled yet, but follow us on Facebook and Twitter to get more updates soon.
What were the best and the worst gigs you ever played and what were the funniest things that occurred during any of your performances?
No doubts, gigs could be different, but it’s better to keep in mind only good of them as it makes you happier. There are many things happened to us on gigs as well.
Some of them were funny, some – really not. But the cutest one occurred in Canada. After a long flight finally we arrived to our hotel and found out in rooms trinkets with Canadian flag and postcards with great wishes from our fans. Honestly we still keep them at our studio.
You have performed in Thailand a few already times already: in Pattaya, Bangkok and Phuket. Did you keep your performances – and Thailand in general - in good memory? What can people expect from your upcoming performance at Demo Thonglor?
Sure, to perform in Thailand is always amazing. Thai’s audience is great and always ready for a new and different music. We’re excited to get back again and prepared a lot of new tracks to play.
Guess it’s going to be an amazing night at Demo Thonglor. Let’s get Swanky together! Cheers ;-)