Exclusive Interview with Rising Star, Initial Eyes

Dance music’s latest rising star Initial Eyes embarks on his new alias that explores the depths of trance and progressive. Initial Eyes has stormed the charts and press outlets with his latest release ‘Riddle Of The Sphinx’ and has a deep dedication to sharing and creating music that makes him stand out from the crowd. We caught up with Initial Eyes to find out some more about the artist.

Tell us a bit about your musical background?

I don’t mean to get so deep and personal right out of the gate but maybe it will be helpful to some of the readers in finding their passion. I had a cousin growing up who was like my brother, as I don’t have any siblings. He used to share new music with me constantly.

Back then, it was a lot of rock and metal. He died of leukaemia when I was 12 and that was when I picked up both guitar and piano. For years I spent hours practising both every day after school and on the weekends. I think it was my way of coping with his loss. Anyways, music has been a big part of my life ever since and I try to carry that discipline into production and this project overall.

How would you describe yourself as an artist?

I feel like it’s a moving target. Currently, I’m just telling stories through music, working every day at it trying to stay consistent. I’m focused on making songs that I want to listen to myself and dance to on the dance floor, hoping that translates to the listeners. Creating music and sharing it with the world is an extremely personal thing and I feel it can convey more about me than words ever could.

Sum up your music in a sentence?

Melodic, ethereal, dance music with a focus on musicality, groove, and the balancing act between aggressiveness and euphoria.

What made you fall in love with dance music?

I’m continually falling in love with it over and over again. But the moment that led to me deciding that I was going to learn production sticks out in my head. I was just at a local beach with a childhood friend who was playing Daft Punk and Justice on his speaker he brought with him and I was just like “dude what is this?!”.

That same night I dove deep down into the internet rabbit hole on similar artists and how they were creating these sounds. Started learning production and never looked back.

What is your greatest achievement to date?

This is a new project for me that’s just starting to ramp up and I’m a bit hesitant to bring up past successes. I had a remix land on Spotify’s Trance Mission and Fresh Electronic official playlists under my last alias. It was a bit surreal to see something I created hit half a million plays.

Who are your idols?

I wouldn’t say I idolize anyone but there are definitely a few that are a big inspiration. This one tends to change as well but let’s see. Currently, I would say Rodriguez Jr., ARTBAT, and Yotto.

What would you be doing if you didn’t discover music?

It may come off as a bit morbid, but I might as well be dead. If there’s anything that gives me purpose and a place in this world, it’s music. Whether as a fan and listener or a creator really.

What are your main goals you want to achieve this year?

I’ve set a personal goal of releasing at least 12 tracks this year. I’m also beginning to focus on shooting for releases on a few labels that I’ve been a fan of for some time. The live music scene has obviously gone through major adjustments with recent events but I’m hoping to start making my way into playing shows once things turn for the better and ramp back up.

All time favourite dance track and why?

This is a tough one and it’s not easy to just name one. But I’m going to go with Motorcycle – As The Rush Comes. JES’s vocal on that sends chills down my spine.

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself

Not sure how interesting some will find this, but I read a LOT. It’s my way of slowing my mind down every night to get ready for a solid night of sleep. I have an insatiable thirst for knowledge about life, our biology, the brain, psychology, philosophy, art, how things work, and everything in between. Makes for great conversation too.

Who would you love to collaborate with?

Eli & Fur. I fucking love Eli & Fur.

Have you got a dream label you’d like to release on?

Anjunadeep, ZeroThree, and more recently Afterlife

What’s the best concert or event you have ever been to?

ABGT 250 at The Gorge. Incredible vibes.

What do you do to help you gain inspiration?

Listen to other music. Browse through sounds and samples that might spark an idea. I’ll jot down song title ideas as they come to me so that I have options to pull from when starting a new track. Go for a walk or bike ride out in nature or watch films.

Finally, where can we go to discover more of your music?

I made some short-links for everyone, or just search Initial Eyes anywhere. Follow the music on SoundCloud, Spotify, and Apple Music.