The Italian duo Artslaves was founded in 2012 by two young producers, Alex and Dom. Together they formed their label Moan Recordings that become in just a few years one of the most influential Minimal / Deep Tech labels in the world, with hundreds of successful tracks and with some of the most interesting artists in the scene. We caught up with them recently to find out about how they run Moan Recordings, and also their recent collab EP ‘2 Pain’ with their friend Leonardo Gonelli…

WWD: Hey guys, great to connect with you!! How was your 2023 been for you, both on a personal and professional level?

It’s wonderful to connect with you too! 2023 has been quite a rollercoaster for us as well, both personally and professionally. We’ve put in a lot of work to ensure that 2024 is filled with great music and positive connections. Looking forward to what the future holds!

WWD: Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your upcoming ‘2Pain’ release on your label Moan Recordings? Are there any specific themes or influences that shaped the music?

The inspiration for ‘2Pain’ originated about 6 months ago during a studio session with our friend Leonardo Gonnelli. The goal was to create something dynamic for the dancefloor, breaking free from rules. After crafting the first track, ‘2Pain,’ we fine-tuned it based on dancefloor feedback. This led to the creation of a compelling EP, marking an exciting chapter on Moan.

WWD: What gear did you use and does that matter to you?

Our studio setup is streamlined after nearly 15 years, embracing simplicity. The Roland TR-8 remains a favorite for beats, coupled with various VSTs, all orchestrated through Ableton Live. Inspiration often strikes in diverse settings like planes, hotels, or nature outings in our camper. We fine-tune and finalize everything in our dedicated Moan headquarters. The journey from inspiration to studio brings our music to life.

WWD: Moan Recordings is known for its unique approach to electronic music and has a strong reputation for supporting emerging talents. What would you say you look for in demos when you receive them for the label?

Over the past 12 years, Moan Recordings has championed numerous emerging talents who have gone on to become prominent DJs and producers. Our approach involves investing in and supporting emerging artists throughout the year, often going beyond the usual efforts to build a substantial audience for them. This has been a consistent policy for us since the beginning, reflecting our commitment to nurturing new talent in the electronic music scene.

WWD: How do you judge the success of yours and the label music and does it matter? Is chart success important to you?

The success of Moan Recordings is deeply meaningful to us. It’s like a cherished family member, and watching it thrive year after year brings immense joy. Similarly, with ArtSlaves, Domenico and Alessandro manage both entities with passion and determination. While charts are not a primary focus for us, they haven’t been a key metric. Our choices have been guided more by our beliefs and dedication to the music, rather than pursuing chart success for financial gains.

WWD: What’s the last record you heard that made you go wow?

The recent works of ANOTR have left us in awe. Their music possesses a special quality that transcends genres, connecting with both the spirit and body. While it might not be our usual genre, these tracks seem to defy categorization and have a universal appeal that resonates with everyone.

WWD: What advice would you give to your younger self when starting out in dance music?

We would advise our younger self to relentlessly pursue dreams and ideas, to push boundaries even further, to avoid looking back, and to cultivate more specific projects to work on. Emphasizing the importance of respecting music and the work invested around it is crucial. Stay focused, keep evolving, and honor the art.

WWD: What else do you have coming up in the future you are excited about, both for you and for the label?

Exciting times ahead! In 2024, both Moan and Artslaves will undergo a rebranding, including refreshed graphics designed by a professional. The focus will shift to fewer releases, prioritizing quality with renowned names and exceptional music. We will release some music on some amazing label like: Moan, Bamboleo, TBX, Deeperfect and more to be announced. Anticipating a dedicated year to celebrate and elevate both Artslaves and Moan.

Artslaves collab release with Leonardo Gonnelli is out now on their label Moan Recordings. Grab it here

Artslave: Facebook / Instagram / SoundCloud