Exclusive Interview: Heerhorst Unveils "Animo"

In a candid interview with Beatportal, Heerhorst delves into the creative process behind "Animo," his evolving sound, and the journey to perfect his signature blend of peak-time techno and melodic elements.

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In a recent interview with Beatportal, Heerhorst shared insights into his latest track, "Animo," which blends melodic and peak-time techno with a unique sound that reflects his artistic evolution. The track is described as a continuation of the sonic journey he began with his earlier work, "Dark Clouds," released on Drumcode. "Animo" features a powerful kick, rolling bass, and almost Psy-trance melodic elements, enriched by Bulgarian vocals and cinematic drums that evoke a tribal atmosphere. Heerhorst explained, “With this track, I wanted to perfect that blend.”

As an artist who has been active in the electronic music scene for over a decade, Heerhorst is known for constantly refining his sound. He emphasized how "Animo" stands out from his previous releases due to its innovative use of Bulgarian vocals, which he believes add a fresh vibe to the techno genre. “The unique Bulgarian vocals in ‘Animo’ are something you wouldn’t typically hear in a techno track. They bring a fresh vibe that sets it apart,” he stated.

Heerhorst also revealed some of the challenges he faced during the creation of "Animo," particularly in finding the right vocal. Once the perfect fit was discovered, the production process flowed seamlessly. “I spent nearly a year testing it in clubs and refining it in the studio before releasing it,” he recounted, expressing his satisfaction with its eventual home on HILOMATIK.

Known for pushing the boundaries of techno, HILOMATIK was a natural choice for Heerhorst's release. Having previously collaborated with the label on his track “Watch Me,” he felt a strong connection to its ethos. “Being a fan of Oliver’s music—especially his Hi-Lo alias—I felt ‘Animo’ would be a perfect fit for the label,” he noted.

Throughout his career, Heerhorst has focused on embracing new trends while maintaining the essence of his unique sound. He remarked, “I aim to be versatile, producing across genres and bringing elements of each into my style.” His evolution as an artist involves continuous learning and adaptation to the latest technology and trends, ensuring his work remains relevant in a rapidly changing music landscape.

Heerhorst’s approach to maintaining his distinct sound while navigating the shifts in techno involves a willingness to take risks. “I’m open to new trends and willing to take risks, even with sounds that might seem commercial,” he explained. He relies on his instincts and unique arrangements to keep his music fresh and engaging.

Balancing melodic elements with high-energy intensity is another aspect of Heerhorst's production process. He articulated his philosophy, stating, “The melodic elements in peak-time techno shine in the breaks, while during high-energy sections, melodies come from vocals, stabs, or even tuned percussion.” Each element is carefully tuned to create either a harmonious or dissonant vibe, depending on the track’s needs.

Inspiration for Heerhorst comes from a variety of sources beyond music. He draws motivation from walks, movies, documentaries, video games, and even graffiti, which he finds particularly compelling for its dedication and hard work. “Graffiti, especially, motivates me with its dedication and hard work, similar to what it takes to stand out as a music producer,” he shared.

When it comes to creating tracks that resonate on global dancefloors, Heerhorst believes that the key lies in making music that encourages movement. “If a track makes you want to dance, it’ll resonate with others. But standing out requires something special—balancing the predictable with surprising elements,” he explained. He encourages producers to remain prolific, as the magic ingredient often emerges from consistent effort and experimentation.

For aspiring producers looking to carve their niche in the techno scene, Heerhorst offered valuable advice: “Spend time producing and finishing tracks, even if they’re not perfect. Don’t get lost in tutorials—load your favorite tracks into your DAW and study their structure.” He believes that with dedication and focus, one's unique style will naturally evolve over time.

Looking ahead, Heerhorst is optimistic about his future projects. He mentioned, “Now that festival season is over, I’m spending more time in the studio. Hopefully, there will be more for HILOMATIK soon.” Fans can anticipate a remake of a trance classic and an exciting collaboration with one of his heroes later this year.

As Heerhorst continues to explore new sonic landscapes, his commitment to innovation and artistic growth remains evident in every beat and melody he crafts.

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