We caught up with German DJ and producer, Alle Farben, to talk about his latest album, ‘Music is My Best Friend’, and his journey through the music industry…
Hi Alle Farben! How are things?
Great thank you! I have just been in Thailand to refresh, play a few shows and produce my 3rd album – so feeling good!
When did you first become interested in music?
I started late in music, especially electronic music. My parents were hippies and I grew up with music from around that time. My first experience in electronic music came from my neighbor, who was an electronic music DJ, mainly trance and house, and he introduced me to electronic music and DJ’ing. Looking back those records were horrible, especially the trance ones, but it ignited my passion for house music and started the journey I am still on today!
My story as a producer began in 2009, when I met a producer for movie scores at the bar of a club I was a resident DJ in at the time. We decided to work together on my first release, ‘DANSE’, a Tchaikovski inspired record.
Your latest album ‘Music is My Best Friend’ is a banger! Do you have a personal favourite track from it?
I like all the tracks as they all have taken inspirations from different emotions I feel in my life and so they are all close to me personally. The whole album was great as it enabled me to tell the story of my present situation in life, with its ups and downs.
What made you decide to do an acoustic version of your track ‘Bad Ideas’?
I loved the musicality of ‘Bad Ideas’ and felt that the actual song itself was beautiful so wanted to present it stripped back so the beauty of the song could be felt on its own. I love the tone of the singer Chris Gelbuda’s voice too so the idea just seemed like the right thing to do.
How would you say you have progressed since you first started in the music industry?
I have learnt a lot since first starting out in the industry. At first I found it difficult to be away from friends and family for so long, which is what the song ‘Please Tell Rosie’ is written about. I have learnt to deal with it better though and make sure I plan time to see friends.
You’re playing at Tomorrowland this year! Other than that, is there anything else you’re particularly excited for in 2017?
I have just announced my US tour which I’m super excited about! I will be playing six shows starting in Washington next Friday.
What would you say is your biggest achievement in the music industry to date?
There have been a lot of incredible highs since I started my Alle Farben project, but the one that stands out for me was when ‘She Moves’ became my first platinum record. I have had more platinum selling records but I will always remember the first.
What advice would you give to aspiring DJs and producers out there?
The best advice I can give to aspiring producers is to try and make music from the heart. I think if you make music with emotion that you care about, it is a lot more likely to stand out and resonate with people and that is when something special can happen.
