One of Déepalma Records‘ most notable recent releases is a new remix of ‘Find Your Way’ by The Spirit Project & Starving Yet Full, crafted by the esteemed German duo Monkey Safari. Celebrated for their contributions to top electronic labels such as ORIANNA, Get Physical, Spectrum, and Rose Avenue, Monkey Safari bring their signature style to this latest project.
This release is a notable convergence of talent, reuniting Monkey Safari with Cédric Gasaïda, the voice behind Starving Yet Full and former frontman of Azari & III. Additionally, it marks their first collaboration with Paul Murashov, the creative force behind The Spirit Project. In this interview, we delve into the artistic process behind this remix and explore the partnership that brought these accomplished musicians and this burgeoning electronic record imprint together.
WWD: Your remix of ‘Find Your Way’ showcases a balance between dreamy atmospheres and driving rhythms. How did you approach marrying these contrasting elements and what were the challenges and rewards of achieving this balance?
We approached the remix by first identifying the core mood of the track, aiming to blend its dreamy atmosphere with energetic rhythms. The challenge was to maintain the ethereal quality without losing the track’s momentum. Achieving this balance was rewarding as it created a dynamic listening experience that resonates with both emotional depth and danceable energy.
WWD: Déepalma Records has been a hub for groundbreaking releases. How did the label’s ethos influence your creative process while working on the remix and what aspects of the label’s identity did you aim to amplify through your interpretation?
Déepalma Records’ forward-thinking approach inspired us to push our creative boundaries and experiment with new sounds. We aimed to amplify the label’s identity by incorporating innovative elements while staying true to our melodic and rhythmic roots. This alignment allowed us to create a remix that reflects both our artistic vision and the label’s ethos.
WWD: How do you guide listeners through this remix and its journey and what emotions or narratives did you aim to convey through your musical storytelling?
We guide listeners through the remix by building a sonic journey that evolves gradually, using layered melodies, textured soundscapes and focused on the vocals. Our aim was to convey a narrative of introspection and upliftment, creating a balance between reflective moments and energetic peaks. This approach ensures the listener is emotionally engaged throughout the track.
WWD: As prolific producers, how do you stay inspired and continue pushing the boundaries of electronic music, especially when working on remixes of existing tracks?
Staying inspired involves constantly exploring new music, technologies, and cultural influences. We push boundaries by experimenting with different genres and production techniques, infusing our remixes with fresh perspectives. This approach keeps our creativity flowing and helps us bring something unique to each project.
WWD: Your music is relevant to a global audience. How do you incorporate diverse cultural influences into your sound and how did this global perspective manifest in the ‘Find Your Way’ remix?
We incorporate diverse cultural influences by drawing inspiration from various musical traditions and incorporating global sounds into our productions. In the ‘Find Your Way’ remix, we used a mix of organic and electronic elements that reflect a global musical palette. This fusion adds a universal appeal to our music, resonating with audiences worldwide.
WWD: The remix showcases a seamless combination of organic and electronic elements. Can you delve into the sorts of textures and instrumentation that contributed to this release? How do these elements reflect your musical evolution?
For this remix, we used a combination of analogue synths and sampled organic sounds to create a rich, layered texture. These elements reflect our musical evolution towards more intricate and dynamic productions. By blending organic and electronic textures, we aim to create a sound that is both timeless and contemporary.
WWD: The electronic music community is known for its collaborative spirit. How do you navigate the creative exchange and maintain a cohesive artistic vision while working on remixes and original productions as a duo?
Collaboration is key to our creative process; we balance our individual ideas to maintain a cohesive vision. Communication and mutual respect are essential as we merge our perspectives into a unified artistic direction. This dynamic allows us to create music that is both diverse and true to our collective identity.
WWD: What impact do you hope your remix of ‘Find Your Way’ will have on listeners? How does it fit into the larger narrative of Monkey Safari’s musical journey?
We hope the remix will evoke a sense of connection and emotional resonance with our listeners. It fits into the larger narrative of our musical journey by showcasing our commitment to evolving our sound while staying true to our roots. This remix represents another step in our ongoing exploration of blending organic and electronic elements.
WWD: With the advancement of technology, particularly AI, electronic music production is becoming more accessible than ever. Is this a good thing? Do you experiment with any new technologies in your work?
The accessibility brought by technological advancements, including AI, is a positive development as it democratizes music production. We embrace new technologies and often experiment with them to enhance our creative process. These tools can inspire innovation and push the boundaries of what is possible in music production.
WWD: Lastly, can you tell us about any other exciting projects or upcoming shows you’re looking forward to? Do you have a track of the moment?
People can look forward to a series of exciting new stuff in the coming months. We have several remix projects for Para for Cuva, Eli & Fur and Yulia Niko in the pipeline. Of course, there are a lot of new original tracks, and we are still working on our next album for 2025.
The track we’d like to leave you with is ‘OnlyL’ feat. TSHA & NIMMO by Mind Against. We love it and play it a lot at the moment – incredible emotions paired with forward-driven instrumentals.
WWD: Thanks for the chat, guys!
Monkey Safari’s Remix of ‘Find Your Way’ is available here