DotDotDot

I was interviewing this man for about 4 hours. I tried to pull out anything i could get from his mind. His thoughts, opinions and little secrets…
Many people say he is the no.1 DJ Island wide. Some say he is one of the best trance DJs and producers worldwide. I can assure you he has amazing mixing skills and he is an artist in all forms; both as a musician and a producer besides DJ’ing. He has been on production and on stage for about 13 years.
He shared his booth with an endless list of DJs; locals and internationals. He is signed up in many international labels, last year he released a single with a major success and support from great names of the dance music industry. He interacts with the crowd; and stands like a pro either he plays at a private party or in an arena with 600.000 people. I could go on introducing him forever so I’ll let you judge him by yourself.  Haris C and the story goes like this….:

Misti: Hello Haris, welcome. How many years are you counting now on the electronic dance music scene?

Haris C: Hi Misti…Well from what I can remember almost 13 since 1996…Yeah I am getting old!

Misti: What do you think about the dance music scene of Cyprus?  Do you think it is worth trying to proof or make something on this island after all the years?

Haris C: Hmm well to be honest things were way better back in 2002 - 2005 in Cyprus but now things are not so good due to many promoters and events. You see people tend to forget the Cypriot DJs or better underestimate them and they show more ‘respect’ to the international DJs; so for me it is one of the many reasons why the scene has gone bad. Back on the old days some Cypriot DJs had more than 400 clubbers per party. Now because every week we have international DJs…Cypriot DJs are about to vanish.

I don’t have to prove anything to anyone but I also don’t forget all the people who have supported me through out the years. Their support was one of the reasons that I am standing here strong.

You see some people DON’T want Cypriot artists to proceed due to jealousy or other reasons. I was speaking to some DJs friends of mine 2 days ago about this matter and from what they said to me is that clubbers and friends were giving their support to DJ MAG Poll etc… Think then what will never happen in CY.
Don’t ask y but I am 100% sure of this.

We have talents and we have producers that are way way way better than many international DJs and producers but unfortunately they can’t get out due to many reasons. Don’t tell me Cyprus is a small country blah blah blah …it’s not!

Misti: Which are the local DJs/ producers in your opinion which are better than the international ones? Would you mind naming some?

Haris C: I don’t want to go through names but there are some real talents out there.

Misti: So you actually believe that local people do not appreciate the local DJs; or not? Do you have any responses or feedback from the people here? Do you get the same response from overseas?

Haris C : Yes there are people that do not appreciate or better say underestimate locals; but there are a lot of people that do show their appreciation. Yes i am talking with people during an event, and I am getting emails and feedback. I have played overseas and the only difference from here is that people go to the clubs and dance their asses off either is Armin playing or my grandmamma and this is because they respect both the dj and music. Their motto is: Go out and Have fun. While here some people go out only when Armin and PVD visit the island. How can this be happening? I remember 3 years before; when PVD came here, the club was packed with 5000 people. .hmmmm all of them like EDM??? Too fake to believe…

Misti: By far you’ve done so much in production. You have about 27 releases including remixes and singles, and you are into about 7 compilations. Starting from your latest release of My angel feat. Anthya; and from your experience why do you believe the track made such a big success?

Haris C: Yeah and thats not all! The success from this song was the chemistry between me and Anthya and the lyrics. I wrote that song 2 years ago after the birth of my daughter.  If you listen carefully to the lyrics you will understand what the song is all about but the strongest point is the way she sings the breakdown and the lyrics of it.

Misti: What is the story behind My Angel?

Haris C: Hmm its kind of personal and i don’t want to expand on this subject.
The only thing I can say is that is dedicated to my daughter Cybil.

Misti: I guess when you started producing you knew nothing about the studio?
Did anyone helped you or still does? Do you know any techniques of sound engineering and if you do how you did learn?

Haris C: hahaha exactly. I didn’t knew anything at all but thanks to the internet everything is possible. Well Yiannis from Kuffdam & Plant helped me in the beginning with some basics steps on production. You see production has no limits and when you practice more you will get more results. Some young people ask me on msn daily about production and I give them all the help they need; but I always say to them to keep practicing and the results will come.
Of course it takes a lot of time and energy but it worth every single minute of it.

On the Techniques of sound engineering I didn’t knew anything again but I bought a book around 300 pages which helped me on improving my sound and how to combine different elements. I really suck on mastering so I am sending my tracks to Germany for that reason.

Misti: Last year you performed in France for the Techno Parade.. Tell me more about this experience you had.

Haris C: Wow one of my best shows ever; if not the best. I still can’t believe that 600.000 people were dancing in the streets from 12:00!!!! You see now we come again to the question about our Dance Scene in Cyprus. At TP we were 21 trailers playing from House to trance, psy to Hip Hop and hardstyle but the biggest point is that 600.000 people were dancing! What really surprised me was the organization of the event and I mean the French government, municipality of Paris, all the embassies and police.
Don’t ask me if we can do that here. In 100 years from now maybe yes.
Over all it was a massive experience and I was very very lucky to attend to that specific festival!

Misti: I still don’t get it though. It is named “Techno Parade” but it hosts so many different genres….. Although you played in Techno Parade; you don’t play any techno… Or do you?

Haris C: hahaha well it was the first question to ask the promoter when I landed there. She said to me that Techno Parade started in 1998 and was named Techno Parade due to the style of the 90’s. Techno for them is considered to be a word not a style of the EDM scene. Just like the 70’s and 80’s with disco although some tracks had pop and house in it.
No I don’t play techno; not that I don’t like it but it’s not my type of music.

Misti: Do you have any influences besides electronic music?

Haris C: My biggest influence is my daily life just like when i composed ‘My Angel”. I listen to everything, i respect all genres of music.. But life is my biggest influence.

Misti:  Who are the DJs you admire the most for their skills and productions?

Haris C: I like but I don’t admire anyone. For me DJs & producers such as Ferry Corsten, Rank1, Matt Darey, Solarstone to name a few are truly a jewel for the industry and that’s why they are who they are today.  I had the chance to sit in the studio with Rich (Solarstone) for 2 days and I have learned a lot from him so its not by accident that he is where he is today. And here is a small secret for you…My Next single is collaboration with Solarstone and its going to be out before summer!

Misti: Thanks a lot for sharing your secret with me! Now, you are also hosting a radio show on Mix Fm Cyprus. There is a lot of whispering about Mix Fm always booking international DJs who support your tracks or supported you in the past. What do you have to say about this gossip?

Haris C: That’s not true…M.I.K.E,RANK1,MATT DAREY,PVD,OAKENFOLD….to name a few never never never supported my tracks before… so if the gossip was true then MIX FM wouldn’t  book them.

To the specific person that said that and of course I know who he is…The answer to this is very simple.
I said to this guy “If you believe that the DJs you suggest me of booking will fill the club or get more than 300 people then I will book him/her”. And his answer was “I don’t know”!!!! So I said to him “Why spending money to something that will not work?” and he didn’t have an answer to that.
I also said to him that if we book Androulou for 10000 + tickets +hotel +++++++ and she is not known to the Cyprus EDM who will pay the damages???? I’m saying this because the specific guy wanted to play with the specific DJs he suggested.
I said to him if you have the money to book him then come on in and take the risk with the station!!!!! So the gossip its not valid…its only being said just to be said. For other reasons maybe!!!

Misti: This whispering wasn’t said by one person only; i heard it from many people both DJs and clubbers. Anyway…This was only a question … just to solve this issue out…
Is Mix Fm planning to book any DJs for performing in Cyprus anytime soon?

Haris C: No problem on that. It’s easy to make up things and talk with others but in order to have a good idea on the specific subject is by asking the other side too. Yeah I know who they are and like I said there are some other reasons why the whispering goes on. If those people want to see or to suggest specific DJs then tell them to give me a call… Yes Mix Fm has booked 3 DJs for 2009 and the First one is Ferry Corsten; then Matt Darey on the 25th of April (peoples demand and club owner) not because he supports me! The third one will be announced soon.

Misti: You’ve performed in a lot of parties at Bling club. Do you consider that place a proper club for the big DJ names to perform in it? Bling is not into electronic music at all.

Haris C: Ok; then name me one?

Misti: I am not here to express my opinion. I just ask the questions…  But if you really want me to name one I’d say Klub d is…

Haris C: (Laughs) well if we had a proper and healthy EDM scene then club Treno would have been open. Versus wouldn’t have been closed for 4-5 years…so the only solution was Bling. As for Klub D I haven’t been there before but from what I’ve heard it’s only for minimal music.
As for Bling; it’s a good club although it’s an RnB club but it’s good because it’s big and can host bigger events.

Misti: But Club Treno is open under the name The Escape club and it hosts only electronic music. Versus is now open and it is going well and Klub d it’s only for minimal music which is an electronic music genre. Do you suggest Klub d, Versus and The Escape clubs are not dance clubs?  I am quoting an answer you gave in an interview  “Unfortunately the Dance Scene is dying rapidly day after day and if you can believe what I am going to tell you is that in Nicosia the capital where I live there isn’t 1 single dance club any more!!! “…

Haris C: Regarding the quoting which you have mentioned: that specific interview was done last year on which Versus was purely commercial Club and Club Escape was only for psy! Klub D was closed back then…..so Bling was the only solution.

Misti: What is your opinion on minimal and psy genres?

Haris C: They are part of the EDM family and I respect their DJs, producers and fans but its not my type of music.

Misti: Do you consider yourself as an international DJ?

Haris C: Well, I have 27 remixes & releases. Both supported by big DJs, signed to many international labels, played in IBIZA, France, UK. I have a huge database of international fans, so I think I am.

Misti: “how would you describe your DJ career in 5 words?”

Haris C: Passionate, Amazing, Hard, Lovely, Experienced

Misti: Why on facebook your name appears as Haris Haris C Christodoulou?

Haris C: because i can’t change it

Misti: What is your opinion about the local DJS who play in the occupied areas? Do you think performing there is a good idea? I mean the whole situation is a bit risky if we consider the majority of Cypriot people still have taboos on it.

Haris C: haha nice one! Well we have to learn that they are humans too. I don’t understand the big fuzz around this matter but in my personal opinion it’s not bad. I totally understand the situation but for Christ sake it’s been 35 years ago. If we all; including them, don’t help each other then no solution will take place in this island. People are trying to find a solution on this matter so the last thing we need is the line. My wife has a house in the occupied areas so the last thing we need is the line; which on this case she will never go back. By helping each other I think this matter will be solved. But the solution will not be easy either for us or them. Only time will help. People need to get over this ASAP!

Misti: What is your opinion about Judge Jules and Above and Beyond?

Haris C: Judge Jules=Good show man and a legend in the UK..
Above & Beyond=Over estimated
We had Jules before and maybe in the future again but regarding A&B you can ask their manager…

Misti: Why do I have to ask their manager? Have you already asked them and they refused?

Haris C: No they didn’t refuse…Like wisely their radio manager wants TATW (Trance Around The World) to be hosted to our station but the biggest problem is their manager with the way he answer emails. When someone is rude and answers like ‘Yes’ “No’ then for me he is banned.

Misti: What do you think about their radio show ‘Trance around The World’?

Haris C: Good show for Anjuna fans.

Misti: Now about Trance. Many listeners and DJs think Trance on 140bpm is exceeding and tens to disappear. As a producer of this music have you started to fear this situation?

Haris C: Who are those?

Misti: People around the world. You can find them in forums discussing about it if you want to check it by yourself…

Haris C: Well, I heard Trance was dead in 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09…isnt it???
Then why Armin, Tiesto, Ferry, PVd are still filling up stadiums?
Of course its up to people to decide whether 140 is good for them or not. If a track has a 140 bpm is good and people like it then fine… and if a track has 130 bpm and people like it then its fine too. I think its time to stop this motto of: Trance is dead.
The main reason behind this thing is that now with the internet lots of labels have come up to the surface and the majority of the music isn’t as good like it was before…but its still here!

Misti: Where was the best party you ever had or been to? The best venue and the best country (on people response). ?

Haris C: I had played in too many parties but if I had to choose then I will say the Techno Parade and last Saturday @ VS. The Best Venue that i have played: EDEN IBIZA.

Misti: I see you are not performing this much anymore. Do you mind explaining why?

Haris C: Not at all. I had some family issues; plus I needed a break so I can focus on my productions and I wanted to spend my nights at home with my newborn baby. So now that she is bigger I will return back from April and onwards @ Club VS as a guest once a month.

Misti: Have you ever been in a local party with local DJs and you left amazed or surprised with a talent? If yes do you mind telling me who that person was?

Haris C: Yeah especially @ TP with Konstandinos. He has grown up musically and I was pretty amazed with him…selection wise and mixing skills!
Also with Aleka and you my dear in Ayia Napa 2 years ago…and its pitty not to see you both perform.

Misti: Well thanks a lot and i bet all the names you mentioned above are thanking you too for your kind words. What do you see in a DJ so you can consider him/her as a professional one?

Haris C: Pleasure! For me or better say my personal opinion is all about the interaction that a DJ has with the crowd. When a DJ is booked to play is booked to play for the people not for him/her self. A pro DJ is the one who interacts and reads people during a set.

Misti: Are you preparing something new in the studio right now besides the little secret about solarstone?

Haris C: Yeah I am currently working with Anthya for our new Single which will be a follow up of ‘My Angel’ the collab with Rich and 3 remixes.

Misti: Do you have any upcoming international gigs booked?

Haris C: I have a request for Lebanon during June and another request for Holland in August so I hope that both events will take place and we close the deal.

Misti: Where do you see your self in 10 years from now?

Haris C: Home watching TV loosing hair and growing a belly. hahahha ! Don’t know to be honest only time will tell.

Misti: Give me your top5 tracks of the moment…

Haris C:
1.    Ferry Corsten-Made of Love (Original MIx)
2.    Sean Tyas-Melbourne (David Newsum Mix)
3.    Dash Berlin -Man on the Run (Original Mix)
4.    Store N Forward-Computer Music (Haris C Mix)
5.    Hodel & Hornblad-Hydrogen (Ferry Tayle Mix)

Misti: And last question… as I always ask on this blog.
“Trend makes you a DJ or a DJ makes the trend?”

Haris C: Personally I think:  Dj makes the Trend.

Misti: Thanks a lot Harris . I wish you all the best

Haris C: Thank you too Misti!

www.harisc.com

Filed under: Uncategorized by miss misti