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:)

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