Luke Terry (Ten Questions with...) Exclusive Interview
1. What is trance music to you?
Trance music is a huge part of my life. I was introduced to trance as a teenager in the mid to late 90s and it has never left me since. Most days I listen to the music in some way, shape or form, whether it's driving to work, at the gym, or doing label work for Yanada.
It is always evolving. The core of the music is there, but it is quite a different offering to what it was like in the late 90s, throughout the 2000s, the 2010s and even very different to the sound of a few years ago.
It is great to see a comeback of physical media as I think it helps promote the longevity of the music. You're much more likely to listen to a vinyl or a CD more than just streaming a track.
3. What are your goals in producing trance music?
My most recent goal has to been to complete a new album. I'm just about there with this one, which will be my third album. This one really is a journey, it's been about 2 years in the making. I can't wait to start sharing some of the music from that in the new year.
4. Who was your inspiration to start producing trance music?
My dad initially got me down the electronic music route in the 80s with the A Flock of Seagulls album, in spite of his best efforts of trying to make me a heavy metal fan. This followed on when he got me Chicane's Far from the Maddening Crowds album in 1997 and I never looked back.
I loved the music and was desperate to try and make it myself, which started on some really basic software called Music 2000. I used to spend all my money on buying records and music software and hardware. I suppose that habit hasn't stopped really!
5. Which song are you most proud of and why?
I'm really proud of a lot of my music. My remix of Matti Laamanen's Obsession on Tsunami kick started my music career, Broken Promise was my first original release, then there's standout tracks like Arpora with Kerry Leva that John O'Callaghan released on Subculture with his monster remix.
There is a song from my first album called Kuranya that holds a special place though. It never really got a great deal of traction, but I still really love every bit of that track. I was going back to using hardware more on my productions then, and my dad had not long passed away so it really was from the heart. Out of all of my music, if you haven't heard that one, I'd definitely say have a listen to that.
There's a nice mixture coming up. Taisaku with Chris Johnson is a real stronghold at the minute I think. We work really well together and the songs keep flowing. I've got a few tracks coming up with Aerium who has been a friend for a long time. And some great projects with some vocalists too.
7. What inspires you to create trance music?
I just love it. I've enjoyed the music for around 30 years now and there's no sign of that love fading. The moment I stop enjoying it, I will stop creating it.
8. What hardware and software do you use to create trance music?
I've gone back and forward from being mainly hardware, to mainly software, and now it's a nice blend. I've always been windows and have moved between Cubase, FL Studio and Ableton. There's well over of two decade's worth of plugins collected at that time too. I use Mackie HR824 monitors that have served me well for about 15 years and a NI S88 MIDI keyboard. Hardware wise it's the usual Nord, Access, Roland, Novation, etc. I do have a not so little pre-production secret weapon at the minute though which I am using in absolutely everything!
9. How do you perceive the influence of social media on the career development of a trance artist?
It's a requirement in the modern music scene. If you aren't present, then I would definitely say it's harder to be heard. I put a lot more effort into Yanada than I do with my own social media presence. However there's only so many hours in the day and I'd rather push the label and the artists on there where I can.
10. Finally, what would you like to say to your fans?
Thank you very much from the bottom of my heard for your support over the years, whether that be streaming my music, buying a digital or physical copy, and those who have come to see me DJ. I really hope you enjoy the new album when it comes out!
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