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Sandro Silva on ‘In Another Life’, Evolution, and Building a Legacy Beyond ‘Epic’

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Over a decade after redefining the sound of big room with ‘Epic’, Dutch producer Sandro Silva returns with a more emotional and cinematic approach on his latest single ‘In Another Life’. In this exclusive interview, he reflects on his creative evolution, fatherhood, and the vision behind his label AVANTII Records.

‘In Another Life’ feels both personal and cinematic. When you were creating it, did you start from the lyrical idea of eternal love, or did the music itself inspire that story?

Thanks for the kind words to kick this interview off!

This song feels very personal to me, since I’ve experienced so many good things this year. That really influenced the song and its message, showing that love is truly eternal. The lyrics brought that idea to life, especially in combination with the melodies.

You’ve gone from shaping the sound of big room in the early 2010s to now exploring melodic and emotional house textures. What made you feel it was time to shift into this new direction?

Back then I was very young and more ‘club-oriented,’ so creating that big room sound, seeing it take over the biggest clubs, festivals, and radio definitely made an impact on me. I witnessed something I created going from very niche to mainstream.

Now that I’m older, I’m drawn to records that still have power but express emotion differently. Music that isn’t just for big stages, but also fits a relaxed setting, like reading a book, having dinner or in a more romantic setting:). I’ve also been listening to music from the era I grew up more, which has influenced my current sound and shift as well.

Your early work, especially “Epic,” defined an era. Do you ever feel pressure to live up to that legacy when experimenting with something softer or more introspective?

I definitely felt that pressure when I was younger, but now I just try to have fun and focus on projects I truly enjoy. For me, the emotion and vibe during the creative process are crucial. If I start feeling pressure, the music loses its soul, if you know what I mean.

Becoming a father seems to have influenced your new creative era. How has that changed the way you approach the studio, both technically and emotionally?

I’m much more focused on what’s ahead rather than looking back. That brings a kind of calm energy into the studio, I’m more relaxed now.

That balance really matters when you’ve been in the industry for a long time. You need new, fresh energy to create something truly different.

AVANTII Records has become your home base for this new chapter. What kind of sound or vision do you want AVANTII to represent beyond your own releases?

It was always my dream to have my own label and release music that I believe will mean something to people.

I’ve always experimented with new sounds and genre combinations but not every label or A&R understood that. Now that I’m in control, it feels amazing. I want to release music with deeper meaning, something you can feel in the melodies, use of sounds, and vocals.

In the future, we’ll definitely be releasing music from other artists too. I’ll embrace anyone who thinks outside the box and dares to be different. That’s my motto, and I’ve always believed in it.

You’ve worked with artists across very different worlds such as Steve Aoki, W&W, Naeleck, Julian, MVNA, and Chris Crone. What do you look for in a collaborator today that you might not have ten years ago?

Now it’s all about the music itself. Ten years ago, we looked at different factors before deciding to collaborate. Today, it’s the art that matters and not the people behind it. That’s probably the biggest shift when I look back.

If you could go back to 2011 Sandro, the one about to release “Epic,” what would you tell him about the long game of being an artist in dance music?

Great question. I’d tell him that staying true to yourself is everything. It’s easy to get lost in this industry, mentally and musically, but staying grounded and authentic is what keeps your journey meaningful and future proof:)

Follow Sandro Silva:
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Founder, Owner & Manager of EDMHouseNetwork. Instant lover of all things electronic dance music from the moment I heard Fatboy Slim and The Prodigy. After pursuing a career as a DJ, creating EDM content quickly became a love of mine and it has been my mission to keep delivering high quality content ever since.

Interview

Aurory Interview: Melodic House, Techno & His Sound

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Melodic house and techno producer Aurory interview on the instincts driving his sound, his inspirations, and the mindset behind his artistic direction.

Focused on carving a signature sound reflective of his creative perspective, channelling Melodic House, Techno, and immersive sound design, Producer and DJ Aurory continues to shape an identity rooted in creative originality. Guided by a vision that extends beyond the dancefloor into a wider audiovisual world, his work delivers engaging experiences for listeners to discover. In this conversation, he reflects on the instincts driving his sound, the influences shaping his next steps, and the mindset behind his artistic direction.

Hi AURORY, how are you feeling today?

Today I feel focused and inspired. Thank you for this interview!

How much of your creative output is a reaction to the sounds you don’t like in the world?

A part of it definitely comes from that, but not in a negative way. I think my music is more about searching for what I feel is missing, more depth, more atmosphere, more emotional tension, more identity. I’m always chasing sounds that feel transportive rather than disposable.

What is the best piece of advice another creator ever gave you?


To stay honest with my taste. Trends move fast, but if you build around a real artistic instinct, your sound has a much better chance of lasting.
I remember one top tier artist once told me, “In the end, who cares?” – and that really stayed with me.

What is the most unconventional source of inspiration you’ve tapped into recently? 


Bulgarian traditional music – I recently resampled elements of it and wove them into the vocal of my next track. It brings in something raw, ancestral, and unexpected, and I think the result is going to be massive.

When you’re having a bad day, what is the one song that always makes you feel better? 


I actually have one track that motivates me every time I’m under pressure, and I also play it before my sets. It’s by a very famous legendary Italian artist, and over time it has almost become a personal ritual for me – something I listen to before any important event in my life.

More generally, when I’m feeling a bit low, I’m drawn to energetic music that gives me motivation and helps shift my mindset. Most of the time, I naturally go toward the kind of music I play myself. One of the latest tracks that truly inspired me was ‘Late at Night’ by Mind Against.

If your personality was a specific instrument, which one would it be and why?


A synth, without a doubt. It can be warm or cold, subtle or overwhelming, melodic or deeply textural. That range reflects how I see myself – someone who can adapt easily to very different environments. Whether it’s a more business-oriented setting, a festival, or a more informal situation, I naturally adjust.

Who is an artist that you think everyone should listen to at least once?


Aurory, for sure if you haven’t listened to him yet!

What is your definition of a “good track”, and how has it evolved?

For me, a good track is one that evolves over time. It builds strong tension, knows how to release it, and stays simple – but in that simplicity, it delivers something powerful. A track shouldn’t feel static; it should move, breathe, and develop, with progressive elements that keep it engaging from start to finish.

One of the most important things I remember from an old professor of mine was: don’t become a skeleton in front of the computer. At some point, you have to know when to stop and let the track go. The idea of perfection, especially the one we create in our own heads, doesn’t really exist – and part of being an artist is also knowing when a track is ready to be finished.

What is the most important thing you’ve learned about yourself as an artist?

I’ve learned that in this industry, it’s not only about the music – interpersonal skills make a huge difference too. Traveling around the world and being exposed to different cultures has helped me understand the different social traits. That really makes a difference when you’re building collaborations, speaking with venue owners, or creating music with other artists.

If you could collaborate with any creative mind from the past, who would it be and why?

I think I would have loved to collaborate with one of the great classical composers, like Beethoven, and try to create a piece of electronic music together.

If you could leave one message for future creators who might be influenced by you, what would it be?

If you want something, go and take it. And most of the time, no means yes – that’s my mantra.

From our interview, Aurory has shared a glimpse into his approach, one that centres on instinct and consistency, with a focus on detail, emotion, and structure rather than chasing trends or overworking ideas. As he continues to refine his sound and explore new influences, his direction becomes clearer, moving forward in a way that feels considered and true to his identity. So, be sure to follow Aurory via social media to remain updated on his new releases, projects, and performances.

Aurory Online  

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Interview

DJ Isaac Talks ‘Let Yourself Go’ And 30 Years In Hard Dance

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DJ Isaac portrait for Let Yourself Go interview discussing his 30 years in hard dance

DJ Isaac interview talks about ‘Let Yourself Go’, reflects on 30 years in hard dance, and shares how his early rave roots and Defqon.1 2024 still connect to what he plays today.

DJ Isaac begins the year with Let Yourself Go on Scantraxx, a solo release following collaborations including Spaceman with Showtek and Berlin with D-Block & S-te-Fan. It comes after a period where much of his output involved working with others, making this release a more direct reflection of his own direction at this stage in his career. The track draws from the early rave and techno records he first heard growing up in the north of Holland in the late 80s and early 90s, while still keeping the harder sound he has been associated with for decades. That same mindset was clear at Defqon.1 2024, where he closed the mainstage with TNT and changed the set minutes before going on, choosing to respond to the crowd instead of following what had been prepared. Outside of touring and releases, he also speaks about valuing time with family more as the years go on, even as constant travel and jet lag remain part of the routine after 30 years behind the decks.

Hey! Great to meet you! How has 2026 been so far for you – what’s been good and bad?

Hey, great to meet you too! 2026 has been good so far. I kicked off the year with my new release ‘Let Yourself Go’ on Scantraxx, which I’m really happy about. The last couple of years I did a lot of collaborations, ‘Spaceman’ with Showtek, ‘Berlin’ with D-Block & S-te-Fan, so it was nice to come back with something solo that feels 100% me. Besides that I’ve had some good quality time with the family between gigs, which I’ve learned to appreciate more and more over the years. Bad? Well, 30 years in and the jet lag still kills me. That never gets easier!

When, why and how did you first fall in love with techno, and why the harder stuff in particular?

I grew up in a small town in the north of Holland. In the late ‘80s and early ‘90s the rave scene was exploding across Europe and I was completely hooked from the moment I heard those early acid house and techno tracks on the radio. I got myself a small Casio sampler and an old tape recorder and just started messing around. When I was 15 I worked at a record store that sold house and techno CDs and vinyls, so I could get a nice discount. Because I was already DJing at that point, I quickly noticed the harder stuff just hit different on the dancefloor. More energy, more power. It felt more honest to me, more pure. No pretence, just energy and emotion.

What have been some of the most influential and defining moments so far for you as an artist?

So many, but a few really stand out. Releasing ‘Bad Dreams’ in 1995 and having it blow up was when I realised this could actually become my career. And then more recently, closing the Defqon.1 2024 mainstage together with TNT. That was something else. In a time where hardstyle keeps getting harder, we proved that our sound still does its job. The energy on the field was indescribable. The funny thing is, we had a whole set prepared so we and the production crew knew what to expect from each other. But 5 minutes before we went on, we looked at each other and decided to do something completely different because that’s what felt right in the moment. Looking back, best decision ever. And that’s the golden rule of being a DJ: don’t prepare sets, feel the crowd.

Where does inspiration come from for your productions?

Everywhere really. The dancefloor is a big one. When I’m playing a set and I feel the crowd responding to a certain energy or melody, that goes straight back into what I do in the studio. I also get a lot from old rave music from the ‘80s and ‘90s, that stuff still inspires me. And funnily enough, driving my car is when a lot of ideas come to me. Probably because it’s one of the few moments where you’re not distracted and actually have time to think. Other times I just sit down in the studio with a blank project and see what comes out. Some of my best tracks started with no plan at all.

Tell us about your new release on Scantraxx ‘Let Yourself Go’? What was the aim you had with it, and what you wanted it to say?

With ‘Let Yourself Go’ I wanted to capture that pure rave feeling I’ve been chasing my whole career. After the success of ‘Feel So Good’, ‘Berlin’ and ‘Rise’, the bar was high, but I also didn’t want to repeat myself. What I wanted was to combine those early 2000s trance sounds with the hardstyle and techno sound of today. The title says it all, it’s about that moment on the dancefloor where you stop thinking, stop worrying, and just let the music take over. That’s what this music has always meant to me. It’s my first solo release in a while and I wanted to set the right tone for 2026. Really proud of how it turned out and the response has been amazing.

 

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What gear did you use, is that important to you in any way, whether in the booth or studio?

In the studio I’ve changed a lot over the years. Started with a Casio sampler and a tape recorder, which sounds crazy now! These days I work completely in the box with Logic and Ableton. For my kicks and bass I spend a lot of time on sound design, layering and tweaking until it sits right. Serum is my go-to for almost every sound. Rules don’t really apply anymore. As long as it sounds good, it sounds good. In the booth I keep it simple. Pioneer CDJs and a DJM mixer. Every major festival and club runs the same setup anyway, so it’s more about knowing your tools inside out. What really matters to me is the sound system. Give me a proper system and I can make any room go off.

Can you remember the first DJ set you played where you got paid? How did it go, how were the nerves?

Ha! I’ll never forget my first paid booking. It was at a club called The Black Sheep in the north of Holland, no joke, that was actually the name. For me, it felt like a dream come true. A packed club, and even a few diehards fully going off to my music.Then suddenly, in the middle of my set… silence. The music just cut out. Turns out the manager had literally pulled the power because he couldn’t stand the sound.
Guess my music was a bit too ahead of its time back then.
But hey… look where we are now.

How do you construct your sets, are you always thinking a few tunes ahead, do you have a tune you want to end on, or do you always just react to whatever is happening in the moment?

I always go in with a rough idea. I know how I want to open, I have a few key moments in mind, and I know how I want to close. But funny enough, 95% of the time I end up doing something completely different than what I planned. What works at one club doesn’t always work at another. Some of the best moments in my sets come from last-second decisions where I play something unexpected and it just clicks. Like that Defqon.1 moment I mentioned earlier. That’s what DJing is all about, reading the room and riding the energy. I always ask myself: what would I want to hear right now if I was standing in that crowd?

What are you working on for the rest of the year?

A lot! Now that ‘Let Yourself Go’ is out I’m already working on the follow-up. Got a couple of collaborations in the pipeline that I’m really excited about, but I can’t say too much yet. I’m also continuing my Hardstyle Sessions podcast, which I love doing. Great way to stay connected with the fans and share new music. On the touring side, the summer festival season is going to be packed as always. Looking forward to playing some of the big ones and exploring new territories too. The goal for 2026 is simple: keep pushing forward, keep making hits, keep the energy on the dancefloor as high as possible.

What one thing would make your life easier as a touring DJ?

Teleportation! No but seriously, the travel is the hardest part. If I could skip the airports, the delayed flights, the endless waiting, that would change everything. The performing itself? That’s the easy part, that’s pure joy. But getting there and back, the different time zones, a new hotel every other night, that wears you down over the years. A close second would be if every venue in the world had the same high-quality sound system. Nothing worse than showing up for a gig, doing a soundcheck, and realising the system doesn’t do your music justice. But look, at the end of the day these are luxury problems. I’m grateful for everything I’ve been able to do. I get to travel the world doing what I love. Wouldn’t trade it for anything.

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Interview

Audio Paak ‘Dallas Dance’ Interview And Afro House Shift

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Audio Paak ‘Dallas Dance’ Interview And Afro House Shift Explained Through Real-Life Inspiration And Production Process

Marking a clear shift in direction, Audio Paak’s ‘Dallas Dance’ sees the Ghana-born, UK-based artist move deeper into Afro House territory – drawing on his roots in Afrobeats while refining a more groove-led, culturally grounded sound. For Audio Paak, ‘Dallas Dance’ comes from a moment that feels personal and specific, and that carries through both the way it was made and how he explains it now. The track did not come from a fixed concept or a planned direction. It started from a real scene he witnessed and followed that feeling through the production, which gives the release a clear sense of identity without feeling forced.

The Moment Behind ‘Dallas Dance’

The starting point for ‘Dallas Dance’ came while Audio Paak was passing through DFW Airport, where a small detail ended up shaping the entire track. Reflecting on that moment, he said, “It was at the DFW airport when I noticed a woman in a simple white dress, wearing headphones and carrying a backpack, dancing to the music only she could hear.” What stayed with him was how natural it felt. It was not exaggerated or staged, just someone completely absorbed in their own music, and that feeling became the reference point for the record.

When he later sat down to make the track, there was no structured idea guiding the session. He explained, “I didn’t have a specific idea; I just wanted to make something that felt as fun and alive as she looked dancing.” That intention carries through clearly, with the rhythm and pacing tied closely to movement rather than overworked detail. The environment around him also played a part in shaping the record. Looking out from his apartment in Dallas, he could see the highway lights stretching across the city, and he noted, “The apartment view definitely influenced it. I could see the Dallas highway from the window, the lights were mesmerizing, and it created this perfect club-like atmosphere to make music.” That detail connects the title, the original moment, and the late-night feel present throughout the track.

How The Production Came Together

From a production standpoint, ‘Dallas Dance’ stayed close to its original version, which is not always the case with tracks made while travelling. After sharing it with Blvck Navy, the only real adjustment came through a simple suggestion. As he put it, “To be honest, I sent it to my friend Blvck Navy, and he suggested adding more drums. So that’s really the only change from the first draft.” That shows the core of the track was already clear early on, with the added drums helping to reinforce the groove without shifting the direction.

The setup behind the record was also relatively minimal. Since he was on holiday, he worked with a compact setup instead of a full studio environment, relying on what he had available. He explained, “I was working with limited tools since I was on holiday, and I only had my mini-PC and portable gear with me. But FL Studio had everything I needed in terms of tools and presets.” Within that process, certain elements stood out, particularly on the low end. He noted, “I’d say Analog Bass 1 TE from the GMS Basses program was my favourite. It really locked in the groove, together with the claps and snares.” At the same time, the chords required more attention, as he explained, “I needed the chords to carry that spiritual energy while still feeling club ready, with the drums complementing them to achieve that balance.”

Where ‘Dallas Dance’ Fits Now

Beyond the production itself, ‘Dallas Dance’ gives a clearer idea of where Audio Paak is heading next. He described the release as part of the early stages of a wider move into Afro House, saying, “I’m just at the beginning of my Afro House journey, but the response has shown me this could really be what I’m meant to do.” That perspective places the track within a longer trajectory rather than treating it as a standalone release, especially as he continues to refine that direction.

The response to the track has also played a role in shaping that confidence. He shared, “Getting messages from respected artists congratulating me has meant a lot,” which adds another layer to how the release has been received. Looking ahead, he is already building on this with more music in progress. He said, “I’m wrapping up two more singles, and then I’ll be putting together an EP to release on my birthday.” That makes ‘Dallas Dance’ feel like the starting point of a larger run of releases.

There is also a sense of how he measures a finished record through his own circle. When asked how he decides when a track is done, he answered, “For me, it’s when I send it to Blvck Navy and he goes, ‘YOH, did you make that?’ that’s when I know it’s ready!” It is a simple answer, but it reflects a process guided by instinct and reaction, keeping the original idea intact without overworking it.

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