Berlin-based producer VONDA7 has constructed a stellar reputation with appearances on the likes of Sasha’s Last Night On Earth imprint and Pan-Pot’s Second State label, among countless top notch releases. This month, she makes her bow on Disorder with a splendid rework of Crowhea’s ‘Skipped Lines’, showcasing a soothing yet powerful, synth-laden masterpiece. We were lucky enough to catch her on a studio break this week, we had the opportunity to run through her relationship with LNOE, her daily routine and the new track. Enjoy!
WWD: Thanks for taking the time to chat with us! Can you give us a run through of your day so far?
It’s 1pm here in Berlin, I usually wake up pretty early, around 8 or 9am, I like making music in the mornings when I don’t get too disturbed. After a few hours I take a break and go through my emails and social media… then depending on how I feel I either go back to making music or go to the gym or meet some friends or people I work with. I like to keep my days pretty organized because only then do I feel I can relax and get creative without any distractions… it might sound strange to some people but I have learnt over the years that this is how it works best for me.
WWD: If you could have an extra 4 hours in the day, what would you spend it doing?
I would use it to spend more time with my loved ones but also with myself – working out, meditation, wellness… it’s important to recharge your batteries. I am trying to balance my life right but I am also a bit of a workaholic… it’s hard not to be though when you do what you love, and I’m quite a passionate person, very serious about any commitment I make.
WWD: You first caught our eyes and ears appearing on LNOE. How did you first connect with the label and how has the relationship developed since then?
I met Maren who co-manages Sasha and the label during Tomorrowland a few years ago… I sent my demo last year, it was a couple of months until Sasha listened to the tracks (and I sent a lot of them!) but he liked them so much that he decided to sign two EPs right away. He has been very supportive of tracks I’ve released on other labels too and is just such a nice, down to earth guy. The whole team behind LNOE is great, I feel very at home there. Also being a big sci-fi fan I just love the name – Last Night on Earth, it’s just so good.
WWD: LNOE boss Sasha is a legend. Is it still possible for emerging producers to go on and have such a big impact on electronic music as pioneers like him?
He definitely is. I have a great respect for him and the longevity of his career. The music business can be exhausting and he is still in it, doing what he loves and succeeding at it, gaining his following generation after generation.
I think it is possible for emerging producers to have such an impact, but nothing happens over night. I myself took quite some time to get to where I am and I know it’s about enjoying every step of this journey and not reaching the destination. We live in times where everyone wants things instantly though. I see a lot of new DJs with little experience emerging and being created by a team of people almost like a marketing product. People suddenly become DJs or even worse, calling themselves producers when they have absolutely no idea about making music and have other people make their tracks. These kind of people won’t have much impact because their intentions are not pure or real but those who truly do what they love and lead from the heart, they have a chance to influence people for years and years.
WWD: What do you think are the essential ingredients for fostering a long-term bond between an artist and their followers?
Play and create good music and be kind.
WWD:Is there one central reason why you chose the path to create and share your music?
There isn’t… I always knew it was right for me but it took me some time to truly believe it… I started in the times where it wasn’t so obvious that you can make a living as a DJ/Producer, at least not in my circle, but I am glad I finally took a chance and dedicated myself 100% to it.
WWD: We hear a lot of great things about Berlin but are there any traps and dangers to be avoided as a musician/artist?
Haha, this city sucks you in and changes you completely; once you move here, you will never be the same again, so watch out 😉
But seriously, the biggest challenge for a lot of people is to stay in control. There’s a lot of temptations here, endless parties, great music and top league DJs playing every night… I used to go out a lot when I first moved here as well, I think everyone should do it and get to know the scene but you just need to know when to stop. And don’t forget to go home 😉 I don’t go out that much anymore other than when I DJ, but like I said it’s all about keeping the right balance. Berlin has a lot to offer other than parties, it has a great art and design scene as well.
WWD: We’re very excited to share the full premiere of your ‘Skipped Lines’ remix today. Can you share with us where your head was at as you were putting the track together?
I wasn’t going for a dancefloor bomb here, rather something to listen to on a melancholic day. I made drums with 909 drums using Samples from Mars which I used on most of my tracks until I got my Analog Rytm drum machine couple weeks ago. Synths are as usual – my Moog / Little Phatty, Prophet 6 and Roland TB-3. And of course many effects which make the sounds more unique and stand out. The whole process went really fast and smoothly, the vocal is very beautiful and it was a pleasure making this track.
Follow: VONDA7