As we delve deeper into fall, American trance and progressive producer/DJ Morgan Page wraps up one of the biggest tours of his career. As of today, the Morgan Page Presents 3D Tour is in its second half of tour cities, and continues to roll on. As explained by Morgan, this tour is meant to be a "feast for your senses," with dazzling 3D effects and production rivaling the best IMAX 3D productions today. And of course, accompanying this display are the sounds of some of the best progressive producers in the game now, Morgan Page and friends. For this tour, Morgan enlisted the help of super producers Audien, Walden, Beltek, Topher Jones, Project 46, and Maor Levi, all of whom continue to make some of the best progressive tracks in EDM. During their recent tour stop in Charlotte, North Carolina, I had the chance to sit down with Audien and Maor Levi (the guest DJs for my leg of the tour).
While I would normally provide a full review of the event, the venue in Charlotte was incapable of housing the massive mounds of production equipment necessary for the show. Thus, the DJs could only perform with more traditional club lighting and effects. Fortunately, the lack of their full production didn't seem to bother the performers whatsoever, as every one of them threw down an incredible set. Still, it would have been nice to be able to experience the tour as it was fully intended. Previews for the show look truly incredible:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8C6HdxYMknU#t=38[/youtube]
The highlight of the night was, of course, meeting with Audien and Maor Levi. Having already toured for a number of months together, it was great to pick their brains regarding a wide range of topics in EDM, ranging from their tour experience, to their productions and the current state of EDM. Below is a truncated version of the interview with Audien (and forgive the brevity of the interview; it occurred before his performance and so he was more pressed for time). Check back later for the full interview with Maor Levi.
EARMILK: So how’s the tour experience so far? You’re on tour with Maor and Morgan, you’re actually in the second half of the tour now. So how’s it going?
Audien: Really good. It’s a different experience for me because I’ve never toured on a bus, I’ve always done one-off shows where I’ve flown in for a particular show. But bussing is really cool, because a.) you don’t have to fly and b.) you get a lot more sleep than when you’re traveling. Yeah, I like it lot. It’s a whole different lifestyle.
EM: Compared to shows by yourself, have you noticed a different crowd? Or has it been the same number of people, same energy?
A: Every area has a different crowd, you know. But of course, all three of us have our own fanbases but I think there’s a lot of overlap there. We all have one thing in common: We all make very melodic music, and I think there’s a general fanbase for that.
[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/100908383" width="100%" height="166" iframe="true" /]
EM: So yeah, let’s talk about that a bit. Throughout your career you’ve pretty much released a style of melodic, progressive house and trance , and haven’t really gone into the banger/festival house, the style arguably most popular in EDM now.
A: Well, I’m not saying I won’t go into the festival house world. But whatever I do, I never want to lock myself into one particular style, you know? I always want to make different music. One day, I’ll feel like making a trance-y, melodic, and then the next day I’ll make something with a Dutch house kind of sound. I don’t think you have to be a certain kind of person to make any type of music. I think anyone can make anything.
[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/77021291" width="100%" height="166" iframe="true" /]
EM: Well not everyone is as talented as you, but I digress…
A: [laughter] Well, thank you!
EM: Speaking of diversity in your music, you actually had a big room style of house with your song “Thrust” with Norin and Rad.
A: That’s an oldie!
EM: … And your recent remix/collaboration with Bruno Mars for his song "Treasure" is great. What sort of collaborations can we look forward to? Anything in the pipeline?
A: Not as many collabs with producers, but I have some really cool collaborations with vocalists coming up.
[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/102296339" width="100%" height="166" iframe="true" /]
EM: Any you can tell us right now?
A: Yeah, I just finished a track with Matthew Koma (best known for his collaboration with Zedd on “Spectrum”). We also did another track with a vocalist named Ruby Prophet.
EM: I was actually going to ask you to please please please play “These are the Days!” I love that song!
A: I certainly will! So yeah, the new one is called “Circles” and it’s going to out in December.
[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/68962393" width="100%" height="166" iframe="true" /]
EM: As a fan I'd like to know, where’s your radio show?
A: I do a monthly Soundcloud show, called “Month” mix. I just do it monthly because, I don’t know, I feel like there’s not enough music that I absolutely love to do a show every week. I feel like in a month, I can put together a really good mix of a show, without being predictable or repetitive, and I can play some stuff that I’m really digging. Haha, I guess I’m really picky.
[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/115486369" width="100%" height="166" iframe="true" /]
EM: Who really influences your music interest? And who are you digging these days?
A: I listen to a lot of guys, honestly. It’s kind of hard to say off the top of my head but, like, I love Axwell's stuff, and really there are so many great producers that I draw inspiration from. You just get it from everywhere really.
EM: Anything you want to say to your fans out there, people reading this?
A: Yeah, thanks to everyone that’s coming out to the shows! I’m really looking forward to doing more shows, I think we’re actually about halfway done, or at least my leg of the tour. I think Morgan has another 72 shows left.
EM: [laughter] He’s a busy man!
A: Yup. But I’m glad I could be part of it, happy to be part of it all.
Check back here for the full interview with Maor Levi, and make sure you check out MPP3D when it comes to a city near you (and check the links provided below for tour information).
