Ahead of his new single with DJ MEETCH, ‘Body On Me’, Ørjan Nilsen sits down with EDM House Network to talk collaboration and staying fresh.

Rising US producer DJ MEETCH kicks off the first in a run of major new music releases with hot new single ‘Body On Me’, a collaboration with everyone’s favourite Norwegian dance superstar Ørjan Nilsen, dropping August 21st on Robotic Rumbling Records.

The track, which sees the pair unite in the studio for the very first time, is a high octane slice of bouncing electro peppered with vocal stabs and swaggering, jacking synth lines that gradually build up to a rushing, euphoria-tinged drop. It’s an emotive dance floor banger that perfectly encapsulates the production values of both artists, as DJ MEETCH explained:

“I have always had a vision of what I want my music to sound like and what my brand would be about. ‘Body On Me’ is the perfect reflection of that – it’s energetic, yet emotional, it allows for people to see the dancefloor as their safe haven, it’s groovy, it’s fun, it’s just a song for the people. I am everyone’s favourite robot, I am a man of the people and I want to bring groove, joy and happiness on the dancefloor.”

Speaking about the experience of working with Nilsen, whose 20 year career has established him as one of the biggest influences from the North European electronic circuit, MEETCH said: “Working with Ørjan was such an amazing experience – he brings so much legacy and knowledge, and I think together we managed to bring a perfect balance between melodic house and peak groove energy. I can’t wait to see how people connect with it!”

As ‘Body On Me’ finally lands on the dance floor and global DSPs, EDM House Network got the chance to sit down with MEETCH’s collaborator – and all round clubbing legend – Ørjan Nilsen to get his take on the single, working with the young US producer, and how he still keeps things fresh in the studio and on the dance floor after 2 decades in the business…

Hi Ørjan, welcome to EDM House Network! Where are you in the world right now and what are you doing?

Ø: Hi guys and thank you! Right now I’m at home, just came back from Street Parade in Zürich and getting ready for Park Beats Festival in Poland this coming weekend.

Congrats on the new single with MEETCH, Body On Me. What was it like working together on the track?

Ø: Thank you! Oh it was so much fun, it’s always good stepping out of your comfort zone and working with new talented people, and Meetch is such a nice guy it just flowed.

You’ve said that MEETCH “reminds you why you fell in love with music in the first place.” How did he do that, and why had you forgotten?

Ø: Just the joy he has for it and the pure happiness it creates starting up. I’ve been doing this for 20+ years and even tho I haven’t forgotten, travelling for so long and working so much sometimes mean that you kinda forget how lucky you are in the end, being able to do this. The love for music and playing it tho? Will never be forgotten or go away.

You’ve had a long career, and you don’t seem like you’re going to stop any time soon. How do you stay fresh and relevant?

Ø: Not a chance!! I love this too much. Learning new techniques and dabbling with other genres creates a lot of inspiration and creativity. I think if you stop and refuse to embrace other genres or even changes in your own you’re doomed to stagnate. So far, I just love the journey of finding out new things.

It looks like you have a lot of fun making videos for your socials – are you as friendly and crazy in real life?? Is there an Ørjan Nilsen the performer, and a private Ørjan Nilsen, or is what we see what we get?

Ø: sometimes when I look at the videoes I reeeaally really wish it was a made up persona (cause God that guy can be a bit embarrassing haha) but unfortunately, I can’t even blame that… So I guess what you see, is what you get.

How was it remixing Darude’s Feel The Beat? Is it true that he performed at your school when you were a kid?

Ø: It was like a full circle kind of moment, and that track was actually my favorite of his. Yes not Sandstorm! Haha he did perform at an elementary school up here in Kirkenes, not mine tho! Was already out of elementary school at that time. Was so surreal!

Do you think trance music will ever be as dominant as it was back in the 2000s? Would you like to see it come back or do you think there are new genres of music that are more interesting these days?

Ø: I think the borders between genres are getting more and more blurred, for better or for worse. And yes, the share melodic aspect of trance means it’ll never lose potency within music, there will always be trance. Whether it’s gonna be as big as that era I have no idea, but I do think it’ll still be a major part of festivals and the clubscene for maaany years to come, in some shape or form.

We heard there’s more new music coming up from you and MEETCH, can you tell us more about that?

Ø: That is true!!! Can’t disclose too much yet, except it’ll be released on my label «In My Opinion» and cannot WAIT for it to be released!!