CHRS: I prepare my sets very naturally and without barriers, the music must first transmit something to me otherwise I could never give energy to the audience.
We are happy to present our next guest, CHRS!
Hailing from Catania, CHRS is a DJ, producer and sound engineer who has been shaping the techno landscape since 2008. His journey into the world of electronic music was sparked by his brother, who worked in Swiss clubs and introduced him to a myriad of artists who have left a lasting imprint on both electronic and non-electronic music genres.
Over the years, CHRS has not only honed his skills behind the decks but also ventured into music production. The 90s, a defining era for music, greatly influence his artists style.
CHRS's dynamic productions and captivating DJ sets have led him to perform at various prestigious international festivals and clubs. His notable appearances include Tresor West in Dortmund, Phase 2 FesHval in Catania, With Love FesHval at Afrobar, Industrie, and Glitch FesHval in Malta, as well as Blackworks in Madrid, among others.
We sat with CHRS to find out more about his new release "In The Darkness" and other projects. Check it out below!
Hailing from Catania, CHRS is a DJ, producer and sound engineer who has been shaping the techno landscape since 2008. His journey into the world of electronic music was sparked by his brother, who worked in Swiss clubs and introduced him to a myriad of artists who have left a lasting imprint on both electronic and non-electronic music genres.
Over the years, CHRS has not only honed his skills behind the decks but also ventured into music production. The 90s, a defining era for music, greatly influence his artists style.
CHRS's dynamic productions and captivating DJ sets have led him to perform at various prestigious international festivals and clubs. His notable appearances include Tresor West in Dortmund, Phase 2 FesHval in Catania, With Love FesHval at Afrobar, Industrie, and Glitch FesHval in Malta, as well as Blackworks in Madrid, among others.
We sat with CHRS to find out more about his new release "In The Darkness" and other projects. Check it out below!
RMH:
Can you share the inspiration behind your debut release on Indira's ARTCORE label, 'In The Darkness'? What led you to create the tracks 'In The Darkness' and 'Sharp Blade'?
CHRS:
I have always been fascinated by the PSY world, I heard the music which was being released on ARTCORE and thought it was exactly the place for me to release my music, in a way that allows me to express myself. I sent the first track ‘In The Darkness’ and she got back to me really fast asking for a second track to make an EP. I was so happy, as Indira and her team trusted me from the first moment, and they are such a great team.
RMH:
As the A&R for PHASE 2 and the manager of the label, how do you balance your roles in scouting talent and managing the overall artistic direction of the label with your personal artistic endeavors?
CHRS:
I manage the PHASE 2 label with a lot of love, we grew up together with this project, it's my home. Sometimes that little time I have when not working on PHASE, I get to relax and read books, or look for some new music.
RMH:
'Sharp Blade' has been a standout track for Indira, played in her sets for the past 9 months. Can you delve into the creative process behind this track and how it seamlessly blends psy-trance, breakbeat, and hardstyle elements?
CHRS:
‘Sharp Blade’ was the second track I made after 'In The Darkness', I was actually worried about this one, as sometimes you think you won’t be able to match the first track which was signed, and it won’t be good enough. But this track has actually become one of my favourites. It gives me a lot of energy when I listen to it, but at the same time melancholy and nostalgia with some of the lines I used.
RMH:
Mixing and mastering professionally for others is another facet of your career. How does this aspect of your work influence your own artistic approach, and what challenges do you face when working on diverse projects for different artists?
CHRS:
Mixing and mastering is a very delicate approach, for now, I try to work on projects which are very close to my sound. Firstly, I listen to the track many times, to try and understand where the artist wants to go and then together, we decide what needs to be changed. Sometimes the changes are so small, but they make a big difference. When it comes to mastering, I always try to leave the tone that the artist wants to give unchanged, as that's part of their identity and personality in the music they make. Sometimes it’s more just a matter of polishing, cleaning and increasing the levels here and there to make it a perfect and finished product.
RMH:
As someone deeply involved in SEEDJ, how does your work there contribute to the larger electronic music community, and what initiatives are you particularly proud of?
CHRS:
I have been working on SEEDJ since day one and I am very happy to be part of this wonderful project. Within the platform I deal with market research, new potential artists, tutors and partners and above all I manage the contests section, which gives registered users the opportunity every day to play in the best clubs in the world, release on their favorite labels and have chance to win premieres and much more, a real opportunity.
RMH:
Looking ahead, you have some upcoming events, including the Carnival Rave by PHASE 2. How do you approach curating and performing at events like these, and what can attendees expect from your sets in the coming months?
CHRS:
I prepare my sets very naturally and without barriers, the music must first transmit something to me otherwise I could never give energy to the audience. During the week I listen to a lot of music and I insert the tracks I like into a private SoundCloud playlist. When I select music for an event, I move my mind inside the club and think about what the audience's reaction might be like. In the coming months there will be many new things, my sets will always remain full of energy and movement but influences change and the skill of an artist lies in the ability to adapt by inserting his own recognisable touch.
RMH:
If your DJ setup suddenly transformed into a spaceship, and you could take it to any planet for a unique intergalactic rave, which planet would you choose, and what extraterrestrial beings do you think would have the best dance moves?
CHRS:
Not something that I have ever thought to be asked! Ha ha. But I like it. I would definitely go to Saturn, I am fascinated by this planet, I don't know if we will find life up there, but if someone knew there was a party maybe it would start to populate.
Editor: Olly Kuskova
