Hi MOVADA! How’re you doing? Thank you for taking the time to do this interview! What do you want the world to know about MOVADA?
Doing great, thank you! Thanks for having me here! Oooh, tricky question! For now I want everyone to wind down their car windows and blast out 'Stay' and then look out for what MOVADA brings next.
How would you describe your style for the people that aren’t familiar with your music yet, as this is your debut release although you’ve been involved in the industry before? What do you try to communicate to the audience through your vibe?
I like to try convey familiarity, warmth and simplicity. Having worked with many different people in the industry I’ve learned a lot of the tricks to creating catchy pop songs yet with a cool vibe.
Let's talk a bit about your background. How and when did you first begin exploring the world of dance music and who were some of your earliest inspirations? Who are some of your biggest influences now?
I remember summer of 2014 my old manager played me 'Need U 100%' by Duke Dumont and he asked me if I could make something similar. I remembered thinking it was an amazing song and spurred me to begin making dance tracks. Other influences are Michael Jackson, Chic, Daft Punk, Kygo, Mike Perry and Seeb.
What essential qualities do you think help kickstart a successful producer/ DJ career?
One of the major things for me was to listen to a varied amount of music, just listen to as much as you can. Current music often incorporates many different genres. I’d also say work and collaborate with as many people as you can, pickup a lot of ideas from other musicians. Never be afraid to try out new ideas.
On the new music front, please tell us about your first release, the inspiration behind making it. What was your favourite experience during the process of creating “Stay”?
I was searching for a great song to make a new dance cover and I came across the Blackstreet record 'Don't Leave Me'. For me the lyric really stood out and sounded engaging. The melody was really strong. I figured with this style of song I just needed a great bass and some simple piano chords. I find that when I make the production simple it allows the song to really jump out. My favourite bit of the process was receiving great feedback from my team and friends when I sent out a teaser.
You've already got the chance to work with some pretty renowned names in the music world through remixes and co-productions (MØ, Martin Solveig,The Him). If you could choose one artist you'd like to collaborate with, who would it be and why? What’s the most rewarding thing about collaborating with other artists?
Right now I'm really digging KYGO. He gets the balance just right between song and production. He really knows how to craft an amazing tune, for example 'Lose Somebody' and 'Higher Love'. The great thing about collaborating with other artists is the sharing of ideas which really makes it fun.
What’s your most treasured tool in the studio and what’s so good about it?
I’d say it’s my acoustic guitar which I've had since back in the day. It’s how I flesh out ideas and capture an initial vibe.
What's your DAW of choice? What do you especially like about it?
I use Cubase because the short cuts are quick and easy and I like how it allows me to organise the project.
What's your musical guilty pleasure?
Hahaha, good question. I love Demi Lovato, great voice. The tune she did with Cheat Codes 'Promises' really gets me.
What would be the ultimate place/ venue/ location for a party in your opinion?
All day long main stage club Ushuaia but ill settle for my garden with a bunch of good friends and the bbq!!
Looking into the next year or two, what is your vision for yourself as an artist and what are your long-term goals?
To continue writing tunes and building MOVADA. I feel it’s so important to get that connection with your fans and when you hear that your music is making a difference in people’s lives, that's powerful. So making music that I love and that people connect with is the most important thing, but ultimately I would love to get hit recods, and to be touring around the globe.
What makes MOVADA dance?
I love a good bass and a catchy vocal.
What are some of your non-musical passions/hobbies?
Love my films and Netflix dramas, and I like cooking up some nice bits in the kitchen. I’m getting into running too.
Finally, the three tracks pulling you through isolation are:
1. Marshmallow - Be Kind
2. Sigala & Becky Hill - Heaven On My Mind
3. Lil Naz X - Old Town Road
For information check socials:
www.instagram.com/movadamusic
www.twitter.com/movadamusic
www.facebook.com/movadamusic
www.soundcloud.com/movadamusic
Interview made by Adriana-Laura L., DJ's Arena 2020
