“The easiest way to make it in the music industry? What’s the fun in easy?” Danish house producer Christan Nielsen takes on our quick-fire Q&A.
Why music?
Why not?
If you weren’t making music what would you be doing?
Being a zombie… a grumpy zombie. That’s how I feel when I haven’t been making music for a day or two.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Jesse Rose: “Whatever happens, don’t be a dick.”
What inspires you?
Everything! I’m pretty restless that way.
What’s the next big thing?
My new EP, We Go On, coming out January 20th! Gonna be MASSIVE! Besides that, something BIG will be coming in June 2017!
Best club experience?
I played at Bahrein, Buenos Aires last month! Best gig of 2016 for sure!
What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?
I was a clerk at a gas station when I was 18.
How do you know when a track’s finished?
I wish there was a perfect answer for this, but I’ll have to say it’s a gut feeling.
What was your last day job and when did you realise you could give it up?
I still have my day job, so I’ll let you know.
Which song do you wish you wrote?
So many amazing songs out there, but I’ll have to go with Mr Fingers – ‘Can You Feel It’. Being a part of history like that must be pretty crazy!
What’s the easiest way to make it in the music industry?
Easy? What’s the fun in easy?
What’s the worst track you’ve ever released?
Hahaha not sure! Some remix I guess.
Recommend us a film.
I saw The Siege Of Jadotville yesterday. I thought it was pretty cool and interesting! Oh and Genius with Colin Firth and Jude Law was amazing!
What or who is underrated?
Mayonnaise.
What or who is overrated?
Pesto and rucola.
What are you addicted to?
Sugarfree Red Bull.
What do you lust over?
Pop-Tarts. Strawberry flavour. Uhmmmm.
What is your greatest regret?
I don’t believe in regret. It’s a waste of time.
What one thing would most improve your life?
Spending more time with my family.
What’s the worst gig you’ve ever played?
A pool party in Turkey where nobody came because the pool blew up.
Collaboration: rich creative experience or pain in the ass?
Both!
What’s the secret to a great mix?
Start with making your kick and bass sound awesome together. That and always use your reference monitors to finalise your mix. I often use my car speakers. If it sounds good there, it will sound good anywhere!
If you could only listen to one more track, what would it be?
Bill Withers – ‘Grandmas Hands’.
How do you relax?
I’ll relax when I get old.
What one piece of software/kit could you not do without? Why?
MacBook Pro from 2012. Old schooooool!
Art or money?
Art AND money.
Strangest place you ever wrote a track?
A taxi in Berlin. The taxi driver was not in a talkative mood, so I fired up the laptop.
What’s your single biggest frustration in the music industry?
That art and money don’t go hand in hand. The world would be a better place if it did.
What’s your favourite label? Why?
Play It Down and Kompakt. Because both labels embrace creativity and good music!
What’s the worst thing about making music?
Working with people in the music business who don’t understand normal business hours!
What’s your motto?
“We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.” – Oscar Wilde.
Tweet us a tip. What’s the best production advice you can give in 140 characters or less?
Keep learning! When you think you’ve got it all figured, realise that you don’t know shit.
Christian Nielsen’s We Go On EP is out via Play It Down on January 20th. Find him on Facebook, Twitter and SoundCloud.