Exclusive Interview with ENEI
Hailing from St. Petersburg in Russia it was way back in 2003 that a young Alexey Egorchenkov first got the taste for the musical drug Drum & Bass. Like many others before him he became hooked, dabbling with his own production and DJing soon after. Taking the artist name Enei his career began to blossom giving him star status in his beloved Russia and far but it wasn’t until 2007 that things really began to escalate. During this year Enei earned his first official release on the Dutch label Fokuz but it was the first of many as others began to drop on other imprints such as Blu Saphir, Cyanide and Citrus throughout 2008 and 2009. Whilst his productions and profile began to take shape a certain eagle-eyed label boss, renowned for his supreme A&R’ing, was keeping close tabs on him; it wasn’t long before the phone call was made and Kasra secured the first Enei release for Critical Music at the end of 2010. The rest as they say, is history. Releasing the Andy C favourite ‘Cracker’, ‘One Chance’ and the much lauded ‘Stone Head EP’, Enei’s Critical discography is relatively short but seeing the sheer talent within Kasra signed him exclusively for the label in 2011. It was Enei’s biggest year and to top it off he came away the ‘Best Newcomer Producer’ accolade at the end of year Drum & Bass Arena Awards.
Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with ENEI, shortly before his performance at the PHATFUNK Drum&Bass night at Glow Nightclub on 3rd January.
You are from St.Peterburg in Russia. How did you get in touch with Drum&Bass in the first place?
I was a 13 years old kid and got old tape with jump up mixes from my school mates. I was really surprised to hear that sounds i never heard before. It was makes me crazy!
How would you describe your own music in just a few words?
Its dark, jungly and weird.
At the end of 2010 you got signed on the prestigious London-based Drum&Bass records label “Critical” – alongside artists such as Spectrasoul, Calibre, Sabre, Lenzman, Total Science, and many more. How did that come about and what influence did it have on your productions?
I was really happy! I had a dream to be on Critical for about 5 years before and finally i got it!!! I've been so impressed.
You have been voted “Best Newcomer Producer“ at the Drum & Bass Arena Awards in 2011. What influence had the award on your career and what did it mean to you personally?
It was like one of many small winnings in my life. I was happy but i know that i shouldn't stop. Its very important.
At the end of 2012 your debut album “Machines” was released. What can you tell us about the album and its creation process?
It was a long story, sometimes it seems like i haven't done it and its still in progress. Like "oh my god, i did an album... really?”
Its bunch of dark and deep rollers but its still dancefloor. People dancing!
What tracks would you recommend as an introduction to someone that is not yet familiar with your music?
I think the best is "Trainchaser", "Elephants" Its really me!
What are you currently working on? What’s on your agenda for the near future?
I made some tunes for new Critical Music compilation which will be released in january. Then i have a bunch of tracks for my new EP for next year. There should be some interesting. As usual one tune with the DRS vocals! Keep your eyes open.
What was the best and the worst gig you ever played and what was the funniest thing ever occurred during any of your performances?
I have played many gigs this three years past. It was a lots of craziest nights in UK and europe. I think the best of is Let it Roll festival, Outlook, some of Paris gigs, of course Fabric! I also played in Hong Kong 6-8 months ago and it was crazy…
What can you tell us about clubbing and nightlife in your hometown St.Peterburg? Do you have any nightlife related suggestions for first-time visitors?
We have a couple of promoters who is doing a good nights but now the scene going down... Most of the promoters are really interested in house music because its become a popular in europe and UK and also US so we have 1 or 2 good gigs in a year. And also we have a huge rave called "Pirate Station" but it's a commercial story :)
On 3rd January you will perform live here in Bangkok at Glow Nightclub at the monthly Drum&Bass club night PHATFUNK. Have you visited Thailand before? Will it be your Bangkok debut? What can Bangkok expect of your upcoming performance?
I never been in Thailand before, but i love asia so much and i think it should be the best gig in my life!!! Cheers!!!