Andrew Meller
We are marking December, the last month of 2023, with a special announcement and interview with an honored guest and our good friend, a true giant in the world's electronic music scene. His creativity leaves an indelible musical mark and continuously leads the world of electronic music in new directions with each new release. An outstanding DJ and producer whose influence in the world of electronic music grows stronger every day. With his unique personality and unique sound, he gains the respect of many and excels highly in the music industry. From the first moments of his career, he shows his innovative approach to electronic music, preserving the authentic style and energy on stage. His hits, renditions and performances at the world's biggest festivals and clubs make him one of the most relevant DJs and producers in Serbia, who later moved and lives in Skopje, from where he often travels and performs around the world.
Andrew Meller started producing electronic music in 2009 through his projects ReWire, Beat And Juice and Depth Perception. Under the name Andrew Meller, he began performing in 2014, providing his first solo platform, where he fully devoted himself to music, producing and performing tracks influenced by House, Deep House, Tech House and Techno. In the following, read the conversation with Andrew Meller :
Hello Andrija, and welcome to www.roomania.mk. We've been planning this interview for a long time and we're probably making it at the right moment when we're preparing a New Year's event together. Your name became world famous, especially through the remixes of "Born Slippy" and "Insomnia", released in 2018 by Glasgow Underground, but what can you tell us about your period before that? How did Andrew Meller form his musical identity before becoming well known on the global stage?
Hello guys and thanks for the invitation. I love music,and i am listening to it very long time. Before pseudonim Andrew Meller Andrew Meller, I had releases in collaborative projects. The names I performed under were ReWire Djs, Beat and Juice and Depth Perception and that was from 2009-2014. In 2014 I decided to start an independent project as Andrew Meller. The sound was and remains basically house, and since I myself don't like generic stuff, there are always oscillations, sometimes bigger, sometimes smaller, mostly from my search. When I look for music and when I make it, the goal is to make something cheerful and positive. Some of my patterns that I grew up with and the groove that I liked the most and still drives me are Tech house and Techno (from the period 1998-2005). I will mention some names whose music and sets left a mark on my personal development: Carl Cox, Gary Beck, Dave Mothersole. In the new era, Solomun, Maceo Plex, etc. Maybe looking at it like this, it seems confusing, but as times change and tastes become different over time, I carefully watched, analyzed and stole the craft of all these people as much as possible, and thus formed my own style.
What were the biggest challenges you experienced in the early days of your career and how did you manage to overcome them?
The first thing is that I came from a small backgroundI come from the small town of Pozarevac and it was very difficult to break into the market in Belgrade, where it was the centerof the events. What set us apart from other teams was the production we had and that passion and dedication when you get a chance to perform in BG. The first person to give us a chance was Pepe at his famous Tube club. You see, we were so strong that we gave 300% of ourselves that night, where Pepe himself was there listening to us. We agreed on a residency once a month in one of the best clubs that Belgrade had. That place was my second home, literally. What I encountered early in my career were stumbling blocks from certain people. Some people didn't like that I go in with 300% energy and where I just don't allow myself to make a mistake, at least when it comes to the music selection. I will also quote certain people "You are not from Belgrade, you cannot come to us. You have no one to bring!". It's worth mentioning because it's a personal boost for you and it's a frustration that brought me to the "now I'm going to work even harder and show you that it doesn't matter where you're from, it's the music!" phase. What would you say in Macedonia, thewheel is turning.We do not choose where we will be born, but we choose how much we will fight for something of ours and what kind of people we will be.
We do not choose where we will be born, but we choose how much we will fight for something of ours and what kind of people we will be.
What are your fondest memories from the beginning of your career and what remains unforgettable for you from that period?
All those parties we did with no money and in the red, fixing the equipment, the sound system, sticking posters around town and all that to play music, we and the people had fun. I remember the Tube, wow what parties there were, it was total madness. I love when you feel that crazy energy where you're at the mercy of the sound and the dance floor. I also liked the first EXIT where my friend Petar invited me to play music with him on the stage he organized. The student scene sponsored by a coffee brand. It was supposed to be a side scene with few visitors. While everyone gathered on the Urban Bug stage to play a half hour set, I was having a great time on the side stage, playing music all night with my friends on a full stage, which was asked to close due to overcrowding. I remembered,there was also a bar in Zrenjanin,it was called White Horse and what a crazy crew you wouldn't believe.We used to gothere every other week, leave at night, play musicfrom 9-6 or 217 in the morning and drive home for 3 hours by car. God kept us from perishing. Lots of extra memories and nice things. The whole processof building and growing is beautiful and should be enjoyed.
You have performed at major world festivals and in many eminent clubs. How do you describe the differences in energy and audience reactions between cities like Skopje, Belgrade and other capitals in the world?
The Balkans is a different story compared to the rest of the world, just as Europe and South America are different. Each area has its own story. I sincerely love them all because everywhere you can see, hear and learn something new. At the moment, the situation is that personally Skopje is much better positioned as a club than Belgrade, but Belgrade has huge parties without good clubs. I'm a big fan of night clubs because that's where it comes education and culture from, but there should also be big events from time to time to make it worthwhile to bring in a bigger name.
What was the reason you moved to Skopje and how would you define the Macedonian electronic scene?
My girlfriend is from Skopje and since Belgrade has been dark for both of us for the past few years, we decided to come to Skopje & & livetogetherLook, for me right now there is no better place where I feel at home, maybe even better. I'm fitting in really well, the people and the environment we're in are good people, so I'm just getting better. I really like the hedonism Macedonians have, really, who wouldn't haha. In terms of music, my association in previous years when Skopje is mentioned is funk, soul and disco, I don't know why, but even then I moved and started going out, I believe that the feeling did not deceive me. There is a lot of high quality music and culture being nurtured here. I mentionedin another interview the people who, in my opinion, deserve it, I will mention them here as well : Machki, Vishko, Maci. People who are into music and hospitality and are not "sold". As long as they are here, I believe this scene will exist.Much respect to them.
Ups and downs are an inevitable part of everyone's life, but in this profession we can say that extremes and extremes are different. How do you deal with it?
Everyone has their own story and no one is immune to everything that happens around them. Not sleeping normally and wasting your energy can make you tired after a while. Heavy touring is a special category that is like running a marathon. Your nervous system is seriously compromised, and I think even Dwayne Rock Johnson would collapse after a while. Even when you add in the consumption of stimulants to stay awake and other supplements, it is like adding fuel to the fire, followed by depression, anxiety and other related things. I'm straight and sober, so I've had a few burnouts so far. It's a completely normal thing that requires rest, a psychologist or coach and a person next to you who knows what's going on and can help you.
How do you choose and process the samples you include in your music project? How do you choose the right sound for the context of the composition?
Everything is by ear It often happens that I hear something on the radio or something on the air that catches my attention, so I replicate the sound and process it further. I start with a hook, then I build a groove based on that, sometimes I go to playball, sometimes it's UK sound, sometimes it's progressive. There are no rules. That's why I start from hook. I'm always guided by my feelings and I don't have any templates other than the initial one, where I have pre-packaged groups where I'll insert things for easier organization and visibility. I have 8 groups (Kick – Bass, Top Drums, Perc, Snare/Clap, Synth 1, Synth 2, Vocal, FX) so I have a clearer and faster workflow. I use the complete Arutira, Repro 1 and 5 and more recently the UAD PolyMax, but I'm always downloading new ones to try. As for effects, I use the standard Ableton and Arturia, there is also a group of effects that I like from the company D16. They are the best for me to play. For mix and space I use fabfilter like EQ and Multiband. My limitersare from the same company and I wouldn't change them right now, they have proven to be very reliable and accurate. This is my foundation, so maybe it will help someone in creating their own process.
What is the secret to continued success and maintaining a unique authenticity in an industry where trends are constantly changing?
A lot of work. It's a cliché, I know, but it's true. When trends change, you stay true to yours, but you also shape them. I'll get bored playing the same sound for 10 years. I will get tired. You need to evolve and be open enough to hear some new things and styles. The more you listen, the more your mind will open up and the better your production will sound. You don't need to sell yourself, but you also don't need to be forgotten for a while.You have to balance.
Your releases have a wide application spectrum, from festival and energetic to club and intimate. How do you find the balance between the energy and the peace you have at home to create "bangers"?
I've been mixing and producingon headphones since the beginning. Monitors are there when my ears get tired, so I can rest and get my thoughts straight. As I make a song and relate to it, I create a picture in my head of the audience's reaction. I'm not in the studio anymore, I'm "at a party". Guided by my heart throughout the process, I feel the same excitement when I make a song and when I play it. So far 95% of the tracks I've made and the emotions I've felt while making them have also been felt by people when I play them live. It is something that feeds my soul and that is where peace comes from. When you connect with the universe in that way, a path opens up that you just have to surrender to and follow.
How does your personal life and experiences influence your music and performances? How do you balance the personal and professional aspects of your existence? Do you do any other creative things besides producing music?
I finally reached the level where my life is completely music , that is, I live only from music. I have a harmonious relationship in which we are both, I am more artistically oriented, while Vedrana is more business oriented and multitasking. So my private life is actually my professional life. Besides, I really like to make things. I am a machinist by profession, I liketo weld, I do anything related to locksmithing, woodworking and so on. My second passion is video production, another creative side that is even professionally related, because we have an agency for production and creation of video content. The plan is to one day make music videos related to my songs, but then when the time comes.
Most often, after a long commitment and release for global production houses, comes the need for your own creative platform. How did the idea for Rewler Records come about? What is the background and direction of your platform?
Well, it's not that I've always wanted to have my own record label, because it's a really big commitment and it takes a lot of time. Since the range of labels where I can release music is narrow and they are increasingly templated and looking for generic stuff, I decided to start my own label. The direction is basically house and tech-housebut normally I'm always open to some new things. It can be a good label for the misunderstood. So far, in addition to my releases, I have hosted Gulou Home Studio who were in China at the time(Urosh and Aida) and the cult Beijing DJ and producer Mickey Zhang. I expect to have some new producers coming up soon, so if you have one or someone you don't read or something you think would be agood fit, feel free to send it to demos@rewlerrecords.co.
As we already mentioned, you live in Skopje, but Skopje is not very often on the map of your performances. Your next event in Skopje is scheduled for New Year's Eve at the Epicenter club, where you have already performed. What are your memories from the previous performance, what are you preparing and what can we expect for the New Year's event?
Last time was crazy and fast :). This time it will be even crazier, and maybe even faster. There will be many people who don't usually go out on weekends, but will come to this event for the New Year because we had a great time at the EPI BOAT party on Lake Ohrid. The atmosphere there was truly memorable. A friendly place for extended family and friends. Friends from Serbia have also confirmed their presence and I am already excited about the team that is coming together. Therefore, I take this opportunity to invite everyone who is into good fun and positive vibes to join us for the New Year. Besides me, the well-known Macedonian DJs Mitrik and Flooder will also perform.
*Andrew Meller's answers have been translated from Serbian to Macedonian.
The New Year event will be at the Epicenter club (Skopje) on 31.12.2023. Tickets can be purchased in advance at a price of 800 MKD at Makka Bar (Skopje), or at the door at the entrance of the Epicenter club at a price of 1000 MKD. A party you must not miss!!