Up-and-Coming Artist: STOIK
About STOIK
The new generation of DJs and producers are bringing great EDM. Among them, STOIK is producing genre-bending tracks such as “Clandestine Ingredient” with its low BPM, acid lines, and a showcase of vocals. Readers that are unfamiliar with his sound can get acquainted by listening to the exclusive guest mix at the bottom of the page. Have a listen and read the interview with STOIK below.
Interview with STOIK
OneEDM: STOIK IS YOUR ALIAS, DOES IT HAVE A PARTICULAR MEANING OR DESCRIBE YOUR MUSICAL ACT IN ANY OTHER WAY?
STOIK: It’s based on stoic, which roughly describes dealing with things in a patient and self-controlled way. I think that describes both my personality and my music pretty well.
WHO AND WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO FOLLOW YOUR PATH IN MUSIC?
My biggest drive must have been an honest love for the process of creating music. There’s just nothing like it. And by now it evolved into kind of a life’s purpose, really. My chance of contributing and leaving lasting footprints.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF MAKING MUSIC?
I’d say it’s the personal satisfaction of creating something cool. I’m my own biggest critic. But every now and then I manage to create something I really love, which feels just amazing.
https://www.facebook.com/iamSTOIK/videos/345285272680538/
YOUR SOCIALS “About” sections read “A new kind of Techno”. HOW WOULD YOU FURTHER DESCRIBE YOUR MUSIC?
I find it very hard to put a label on my music, mainly because my tracks go in various directions. But in general I’d call it: Hypnotizing, Progressive, Psychedelic, and Deep.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TRACK OF ALL TIME?
Number one has to be Oxia–“Domino”. That melody is just pure perfection, and the whole track has such an amazing feel to it in general, just perfect. And if I may, a close number two is Geck-o–“Those Eyes”, which he released for free a couple years back.
WHEN YOU’RE NOT CREATING OR LISTENING TO ELECTRONIC MUSIC, WHAT KIND OF MUSIC WOULD SOMEONE FIND YOU LISTENING TO ON A RANDOM MORNING OR EVENING?
I listen to lots of different stuff, but I do stay in the electronic realm almost entirely. Other than that, there are some classical pieces I like a lot. Sometimes I’ll go to classical concerts with my girlfriend – very inspiring, too!
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE FESTIVAL TO PERFORM AT SO FAR THIS YEAR?
A party rather than a festival, but definitely The Funky Cat #7! It was my first live performance as STOIK. I worked for that set a lot, made special edits and new tracks and it was all worth it. The whole party was magical, too. What a great experience!
DO YOU HAVE ANY DREAM DESTINATIONS TO PERFORM AT?
I’ve never played an open-air stage, so I really hope to get the chance soon!
The Funky Cat LABEL WHICH ENCOURAGES MUSIC FREE FROM ANY BOUNDARIES HAS ALSO RELEASED SEVERAL OF YOUR TRACKS THIS YEAR AS WELL AS A GUEST MIX ON IT RADIO SHOW. LOOKING BACK WHAT WAS THAT ALL LIKE FOR YOU?
I’ve been a big fan of The Funky Cat and the label manager Geck-o for a long time, so it really was a dream come true. And it is the perfect label for me as an artist, too. The whole team is really talented and welcoming. I met everyone in person for the first time at my debut at The Funky Cat and really connected with the whole idea/concept behind The Funky Cat. And as you say: there are no real musical boundaries, so creativity can flow freely – I love that!
https://www.facebook.com/iamSTOIK/videos/424789574713826/
IN LIFE AND MUSIC, WHAT WOULD YOU CONSIDER YOUR BIGGEST STRUGGLES?
Wow, well that’s not an easy question! What I struggle with at the moment is balancing studio-work and office-work. Often times I’ll start my day in the office feeling really motivated and creative. But when I get to the studio in the evening I don’t have as much energy and have a hard time getting into a productive and creative mood again. I remember that being a lot easier a couple years back when I was still in school. But I do have my rituals now and get it working most of the time.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST SATISFYING ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR IN YOUR CAREER?
With my old alias, I had some great international bookings and had my music played on big stages. But I’ve always been a producer first, so I’d say the most satisfying achievement was getting my production quality to where it is today.
APART FROM EDM, WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO?
Well, I like doing stuff with my girlfriend, family, and friends. Snowboarding in winter and (non-American) Football in summer have been hobbies for a long time, too. But right now I spend most of my free time in the studio, really 🙂
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO TALK ABOUT?
I have big plans for my next release on The Funky Cat. Lots of innovative new music is in the making right now. If you’re interested, best follow me on Instagram or Facebook. And one more thing: on The Funky Cat’s Bandcamp page you can download all the label’s releases for 0€ or more – you name the price, so that’s definitely worth checking out! Finally, thanks Eric and OneEDM for the interview, and thank you for reading!
One EDM Exclusive Mix from STOIK
Enjoy the selection of sounds of STOIK from the playlist below.
Tracklist
Title-Artist
- “Not A Mantra” [INTRO MIX]-STOIK
- “An Undisturbed Mind”-STOIK
- “The Truth Troops”-STOIK
- “Clandestine Ingredient”-STOIK
- “The Stranger [CRYWOLF EDIT]J-STOIK
- “One Look Was All It Took”-STOIK
- “Nightmare”-STOIK
Connect with STOIK
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For EDM Interviews and more on Electronic Dance Music check out OneEDM.
