We recently had the chance to chat with Astralwerks own, Topic! Read our conversation with multi-talented songwriter, producer extraordinaire below!
For readers who aren’t familiar with you and your music, can you share with us how you began your musical journey?
My former music teacher introduced me to producing. He created a project where we could use music programs on computers. And as I was young of course I was drawn to media. He recognized that I had some talent and encouraged me a lot. I got stuck on that and also started producing at home. First only for friends and in 2014 I released my first single “Light It Up.” It gained over 1 million streams on YouTube pretty quickly. So this song was kind of my foundation to start everything and a great kick off to my music career. Following this first success I began working on my debut album Miles, which was released in the summer of 2015 and quickly made its way into the German and Austrian charts. After that, I released “Home” together with Nico Santos. It was this track that introduced me to the bigger crowds.
How would you say the success of “Breaking Me” has changed your life as an artist?
I think I laid a pretty good foundation beforehand working with great artists and finding my sound in what I call “melancholic dance music,” which is perfectly portrayed in “Breaking Me.” The track or its success didn’t change me personally but it definitely opened a lot of doors and gave me a worldwide audience to share my music with, which I´m very thankful for.
What does a typical day look like when working on your songs?
Usually I get up at around 10/11am, have a little breakfast and hit the gym. After that I check emails and work on whatever happens business wise and go have lunch. Only then I go to the studio, as I´m more inspired when its later in the day. That´s why my nights are quite long as I spend them in the studio being creative.
As a songwriter, where do you tend to find the most inspiration?
For me personally there really is no recipe when it comes to finding inspiration. If it comes it comes, if not then not. Sometimes you’re just with your laptop in the bedroom and you’re super inspired and then the next day you’re in a really sick studio and your creative level is super low. It’s nothing, which can be planned or scheduled. But I do need a warm surrounding that’s why I like to travel to places with good climate .
Tell us more about your latest track with ATB “Your Love (9PM)” featuring A7S! What did that process look like for you?
“Your Love (9pm)” is the first ever official remake of ATB’s breakthrough 1998 hit, “9pm (Till I Come),” Although I wouldn’t even call It a remake. As it’s a completely new song with a sample of this dance classic. It’s childhood memories brought into a new era.
Sounds a bit cheesy but it seems like it was fate finding one another for this project. ATB heard “Breaking Me,” liked the style of the production and the “melancholic dance music” sound and got in contact to me through a videographer, which we both were in contact to at the same time. The process itself was really organic. It was only a few days later we met up in ATB’s studio and got to work. After we were satisfied with the basic structure we brought in A7S for him to work on the track.
Being from Germany, how would you say the industry differs from the American music industry?
The German and American music industry have actually become more and more similar. Like 4 years ago for example there were not really any urban artists in the German single charts. Right now 70% of the top ten is flooded with urban artists kind of like in the US.
Thinking back to the first song you’ve ever produced, how would you say you and your technique has improved?
Oh, from the very first song I produced? I hope EVERYTHING has improved as it was so bad! haha
Being a musician and producer, do you have a favorite piece of gear that you are obsessed with?
I always like sick speakers!! And when you’re working with a singer, a really nice vocal chain is great. Like a nice microphone with great pre amp.
What would your advice be for young musicians, DJs, and producers?
Consistency is key! You will have set backs, I had them too. But don’t give up – it will pay off in the end one way or another.
What can we expect from you musically soon?!
A lot of new music! There are no detailed plans yet about what is coming out when, but I had a lot of time on my hands to create new stuff, which needs to be heard.
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