Artist Spotlight: AVIRA
Can you tell us more about the remix of Rise Up and how you approached it?
This remix for me had to keep the essence of the original. The melody is so infectious that it immediately caught my attention. I wanted to create a slower-tempo version for my sets. The challenge was living up to the original’s energy while giving it a darker edge. Thankfully, I think (hope) I pulled it off.
A remix is always a conversation between your sound and someone else’s. What does “Rise Up” sound like when it’s been through the AVIRA filter?
A conversation is exactly right. I have to respect the artists and their original vision while infusing some of those deep, dark AVIRA moments I’ve felt with crowds in the past few years. I think the big takeaway from this remix is the anticipation. Building tension for as long as humanly possible, especially with an instant classic like this, that extreme feeling of euphoria on the dancefloor when the melody comes to life is what I’m most proud of here.
As we celebrate 25 years of A State of Trance, what stands out as your personal, all-time favorite ASOT memory?
A state of trance has been a part of my life since the first time Armin played one of my tracks. It opened a whole new world to me. Living in the suburbs of Toronto meant I never really enjoyed the rich dance music culture until I was old enough to go downtown to the clubs. Having that real-time interaction online with the show and its fans became an instant part of my life. It’s tough to pick one moment, but I’d have to say playing the mainstage at ASOT1000 Utrecht is something I’ll cherish forever.