Andres Campo recently released a remixed version of Better Lost Than Stupid’s track ‘Inside’ on the label EI8HT. We caught up with him for a quick-fire Q&A.
Why music?
If I can’t be taught how to fly, then I must learn how to make music.
If you weren’t making music what would you be doing?
I would be involved in some form of designing for sure.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t do drugs.
What inspires you?
Everything. It can be good or bad things; sun, rain, a call, a movie, conflict, etc…
What’s the next big thing?
NFTs with my nudes! For me, the next big thing is getting back to normality and playing at Monegros Desert Festival, my favourite festival. I can’t wait to be there again.
Best club experience?
My mum opened my all-night-long set at Florida 135 with Bohemian Rhapsody. Those moments stay with you forever.
What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?
Asking these questions! Joking! It was probably having to stop cars during road works. I once stopped the boss’ car (I didn’t realize that it was him) and I got fired on my first day… I was 17 and had to hitch-hike home.
How do you know when a track’s finished?
I know a track is complete when there’s nothing left for me to remove.
What was your last day job and when did you realise you could give it up?
10 years ago when I was a chief designer. I arrived at the office tired, as I had just got back from doing three back to back gigs on the weekend.
Which song do you wish you wrote?
Nils Frahm – Says
What’s the easiest way to make it in the music industry?
Money (trust me, I hate to say this).
What’s the worst track you’ve ever released?
Maybe about 15 years ago when I produced some cheesy tech house, combining awful sounds with an awful mix. However, the worst is yet to come!
Recommend us a film.
Interstellar (I guess everybody has seen it already) and also any film with Leonardo DiCaprio.
Recommend us a book.
Déjame que te cuente – In English: Let Me Tell You by Jorge Bucay.
What or who is underrated?
Talent and effort.
What or who is overrated?
Marketing and likes.
What are you addicted to?
Sports, french fries and milk (not at the same time of course)!
What do you lust over?
I lust over receiving good news, in all of its forms.
What is your greatest regret?
Not spending enough time with some of the people that are no longer with me.
What one thing would most improve your life?
Laughing and quality time with my beloved ones.
What’s the worst gig you’ve ever played?
The worst gig that I ever played was at a friend’s wedding. I was playing the music, doing my thing and some people asked me to play some “music to dance to”… it was quite funny tbh.
Collaboration: rich creative experience or pain in the ass?
Rich creative experience! I love collaborating.
What’s the secret to a great mix?
Patience, skills and having a clear goal.
If you could only listen to one more track, what would it be?
Difficult question. I’ll go with Marmion – Schöneberg (Marmion Remix). I’ve chosen it because of the positive memories that I’ve attached to it.
How do you relax?
Having my hair stroked always works a charm.
What one piece of software/kit could you not do without? Why?
Ableton. I love it!
Art or money?
Experiences and sensations.
Ronaldo or Messi?
Never heard them DJing sorry 🤣.
Strangest place you ever wrote a track?
I usually work on my iMac in the studio. However, I have managed to come up with some cool ideas on my laptop while on trains, at hotels and in toilets…
Must-visit record store?
I mostly buy my records online through the iconic Hardwax in Berlin.
What’s your single biggest frustration in the music industry?
Not being able to edit tracks after their release. Also, labels and promoters are often looking for a “good profile” rather than an artist with genuine talent who deserves recognition.
What’s your favourite label?
Rekids at the moment. They put out a lot of cool and unusual stuff.
What’s the worst thing about making music?
When you receive a “no” from a label. However, it’s part of the game, so keep trying!
What’s your motto?
It’s better to fail than not try at all.
Also, sometimes I find it super useful to say: “I don’t give a fuck!” 🤣
Name something timeless.
Music obviously.
Tweet us a tip. What’s the best production advice you can give in 140 characters or less?
Find your place, don’t always follow the rules, avoid ego wars and have patience! This is a long road so you must learn to trust yourself. Everyone has a positive trait; it could be your creativity, your patience, a good music background, good techniques, the ability to form strong crowd connections or maybe you have a bad taste for everything!
If you just be yourself, many people will love you and trust me, it’s easier to do you. And of course, if you’re in an interview and they ask you for a 140 character recommendation, use at least 525 🙂
Complete this sentence: At heart I’m just a frustrated…
Skater.
Can music change the world?
Yes. I hope my music does at least, but the world is sick as f**k!
What are you listening to right now?
Peter Murphy – Strange Kind Of Love.
It’s on a playlist I listen to that helps me to focus on tasks like answering these questions.
What should you do before you die?
Live my best life, be happy, hug hard and be present in the good moments.
Andres Campo’s Inside remix is available to stream and buy on Beatport.
While You’re Here…
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