Introducing Aki Bergen

Introducing Aki Bergen

27 April, 2010 | 1.56AM

• Written by: Kornel Koch
• Filed under: Music News: aki bergen, neurotraxx, neuroxyde

Do Beatport users know something that Discogs doesn’t? Check out the entries for Neuroxyde and Aki Bergen, and you may be left with the impression that they’re a pair of bit players on the scene. Wrong, and wrong!

Both aliases belong to the same producer, in fact. Born in Rome and based today in Dublin, Bergen has been in the game for a decade now, working as a DJ, producer and label operator of the imprints Neurotraxx, Neurotraxx Deluxe, and Starlight. In 2007 he was recognized for having sold more than 100,000 singles—in France alone—and he’s such a regular inhabitant of the upper regions of Beatport’s charts, he might as well leave a spare toothbrush there.

Bergen has a big summer coming up, with singles and remixes for 100% Pure, Area Remote, Plastic City, Great Stuff, King Street, Peppermint Jam, and more, so we figured it was a good time to get better acquainted with the rising star.

How did you get started making music?

I was lucky to be a teenager during a time when there were so many electronic music programs on the airwaves. I was fascinated by the rave age and that atmosphere of musical innovation. I remember hours and hours of waiting in line to buy vinyl, not knowing that, years later, I would be playing them as a DJ. I had no idea of what it took to write a song. I would ask myself, ‘How can I become a DJ?’ Maybe it was destiny, or maybe I have just been stubborn, but with time that question turned into a goal. After all this time, the music remains my greatest love ever.

Do you DJ or play live (or both)?

I’ve been djing since I was young, I am still in love with the sensation of having vinyls in my hands. I could never give up with what I feel I am: a DJ!

Where do you record?

In my 13-year career I have produced records everywhere, even in air terminals, but I own a professional recording studio in the city where I grew up, where I work on all my ideas. That’s the place where all of my tracks were born.

Do you have a preferred piece of kit/software?

I like to experiment with new sounds and new generation softwares, but I’m tied to my old hardware: Access Virus C and TI and Waldorf Pulse are my favourite ones.

Morning person or night owl?

Even if I’m almost forced into this kind of life, I am undoubtedly a night owl. Besides, it’s rare for me to sleep in in the mornings. The important thing is not to make me drink more than a drop of wine, otherwise I could fall asleep anywhere and at any time!

What inspires you when you go into the studio?

Life. Often I feel like the catalyst of everything happening in my world, and that gives me the strength to express my feelings in music. What I create is for you to judge. I strongly believe that creativity is a higher expression of every aspect of human experience. Having the possibility to “create” something new every day is the biggest privilege for somebody like me.

Which record do you wish you had made?

This is a really good question… No doubt there are many songs I would have felt honoured to write, maybe the one I really would have enjoyed is ‘Horny’ by Mousse T vs. Hot’n’Juicy.

What’s your favourite club?

A club is always a club! Any place where people are dancing and having fun in a healthy way, without drugs or any kind of excesses, that is my favourite club.

Favourite contemporary producer?

Hmm that’s not easy to answer, there are many stand out producers that I admire. Since I’m nostalgic I am still fascinated by artists like Alan Braxe, Kid Creme, or Silicone Soul, just to name a few…

Cats or dogs?

I truly love all animals, but I prefer dogs because of their behaviour and nature towards men. I must say though, that lately I’m starting to appreciate cats...!

Carnivore, vegetarian or vegan?

Carnivore!  Absolutely! I love a good barbecue with friends. I could never give up eating meat.

Future planned releases?

Neuroxyde & Doomwork, ‘Andromeda’ (w/ 2000 and One & DJ Madskillz Remix) [100% Pure]
Aki Bergen & Doomwork, ‘Mama Bamba’ [Area Remote]
Aki Bergen, ‘Something Like This’ [Plastic City]
Aki Bergen, ‘October 14th’ EP [Kolour Recordings]
Daniele Tignino, ‘Woodanza’ (Doomwork & Neuroxyde Remix) [Bitten]
Rah Band, ‘Clouds Across The Moon’ (Aki Bergen Vs. Neuroxyde Remix) [Great Stuff]
Johnny Dangerous, ‘Clear My Mind’ (Aki Bergen Remix) [King Street Sounds]
Omar, ‘It’s So’ (Aki Bergen Remix) [Peppermint Jam]
Joe T. Vannelli, ‘Never Knew feat. Alison Limerick (Aki Bergen Remix)’ [JTV Recodings]

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