For over a decade Giuseppe Ottaviani has forged a reputation for being one of the leading Trance artists within the scene today. His tracks such as ‘Through Your Eyes’ ‘Lean On Me’ and ‘Ride The Wave’ have all been crowd favourites and he has remixed tracks for the likes of Armin van Buuren, Paul van Dyk and Gareth Emery.
This autumn the Italian released his third studio album ALMA and ahead of his appearance at Trance Sanctuary on the 19th November, we found out more about what goes into making an album.
Giuseppe when did you first start putting plans together for 'Alma' and what were your main aims for the album?
I think it was more than two years ago. I’ve been watching my children growing and noticed how music marks all the most important moments of their lives. This took me back to my childhood to when I used to watch the world though a child’s eyes. I felt like I really wanted to bring those moments of my childhood to my actual age but keeping the spirit and the enthusiasm intact. This is, in just few words, how ALMA was born. It’s quite an introspective album.
Can you tell us about the process you went through when making the album? Were some tracks finished quite quickly and others that took a long longer?
I actually made all the 15 tracks, or demos I should say, in just over a month. I simply used a piano and some strings as this is the way I better translate the ideas I have in mind. As I said before it’s quite a personal album so this is how I wanted to start. Then I made a list of the singers/songwriters that I wanted to collaborate with and sent out specific demos to the specific artists that I thought the melodies would work the best with. Luckily almost all the demos came out the way that I had in mind and I really have to thank all the artists involved in the making of ALMA for their hard work and passion.
Of course some tracks were easier to complete and others took me a longer time, like ‘Ozone’ for example. That song was made almost completely in the analog domain using my synths and my outboards. That means I could only work on that track when I was in studio and “repeatability” wasn’t that easy. It’s not like loading back your Sylenth presets, but it was fun.
How did your collaboration with Christian Burns come about for the track 'Brightheart'?
Christian was on top of my list to work with. I really love his voice and I knew he would do a great job. I had the perfect melody for him and he made the perfect vocals for me. He was the very first artist I sent my very first demo to and I’ve been impressed by how quickly and beautifully he delivered his version. This track was an easy one.
What are the biggest challenges you face when making tracks for an album as opposed to individual single releases? Perhaps making them sound unique but still with your distinctive style?
When working on a single release you always tend to make your “best hit to date” and you already know how this is going to sound as people are expecting that specific sound from you. When making an album I try to make each track my “best hit to date” but with the freedom that only an album can give. Yes I do my best with every single track but I’m also not scared of leaving my comfort zone to try different things. The great thing about making albums is that you can really express your creativity and people get to know you much more, so you can actually show who you are.
Of course the biggest challenge is to make sure to deliver new and fresh material but without stepping too far away from your sound. Sometimes this can be hard though as you can easily get lost by abusing of that freedom I was talking about before.
Who was the first person you sent the album or some of the tracks to? Are there some people close to you that you like to get the opinion of once you have made a track?
Of course and the first two people were my manager, Paula, and my good friend and colleague, Andrea Mazza.
Having made 3 artist albums, what are some of your favourite albums that other people have made?
Royksopp – The Inevitable End
Deadmau5 – While 1<2
U2 – Song Of Innocence
Muse – The 2nd Law
Above&Beyond – We Are All We Need
Moderat – Moderat (2009)
Eric Prydz – Eric Prydz Presents Pryda (2012)
These albums definitely had a contribution in shaping ALMA.
Performing on the road, running a record label, having your own radio show as well as producing. Can you tell us what a typical week is in the life of Giuseppe Ottaviani?
On top of that I have a wife and two kids that keep me quite busy as well! Anyway 6am the alarm, get the kids ready and take them to school as my wife goes to work quite early too. Then back in studio for music till 2pm, bring the kids home, back in studio again till 6pm, relax, repeat.
I don’t have a specific day dedicated to a specific type of work, I mean my music, label music, radio and so on just go by deadlines. Weekends? Well you know my type of weekends but I really love to get a decent amount of free weekends to spend with my family.
We have seen pictures of your Live 2.0 set up. It's very fascinating, can you tell us a little more about it?
This video explains it quite well
You will be making your Trance Sanctuary debut on the 19th November at their Kearnage event. What have you heard about the party and what are you most looking forward to about playing?
I’ve heard really good things that’s why I’m very excited to come, play and see with my own eyes !
Have you spent much time as a tourist in London?
I’ve been visiting London many times though there still so much to see and I’ll definitely make a proper tourist trip with my family very soon.
Thank you for your time, Giuseppe. All the best with your album release.
£10 Early Bird (sold out)
£12 Super Saver (sold out)
£15 Saver - (sold out)
£17 Standard - on sale now
If our event falls on your birthday weekend, we'll make it extra special by giving you and a guest free entry. Just send us an email to info@trancesanctuary.com
Following their successful tour of Australia and America, Trance Sanctuary is delighted to announce that we are bringing Bryan Kearney and his Kearnage brand to London on the 19th November!
Kearnage Recordings was created by Bryan in 2010 and has since gone on to become one of the most respected labels within the Trance scene. This success has paved the way for Kearnage events to be staged across the world in cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Dublin, Glasgow and Manchester. So we are very pleased that Bryan has chosen Trance Sanctuary to host it's first ever Kearnage event here in London.
Bryan last played in the capital in March 2015 at our 4th Birthday and he has always been a popular guest at TS. So we are very much looking forward to his highly anticipated return.
Joining the Irishman behind the decks will be a number of special guests as well as DJ/Producers from the label.
Flyer:
Region:
London
Music:
Trance. Tech Trance.
DJ's:
Garden
Bryan Kearney
Menno de Jong
Will Atkinson
Paul Pearson (Digital Society)
Mark Landragin + very special guest
Giuseppe Ottaviani Live 2.0 (Trance Sanctuary debut)
Terrace
Tempo Giusto
Will Rees (Trance Sanctuary debut)
Shugz (Trance Sanctuary debut)
Messy A B2B Traian
Simon Rasho
Loft - Hosted by UK Trance Society
Ben Dursley B2B Enix
Hon B2B Scotcha
Kris Tucker B2B Danny Scahill
Nils B2B DJ Tito
Rathin B2B Khalil Blili
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