Paul Strive joins us today to answer a few questions about his productions, his DJing and some insight into what it has taken for him to make waves in such a fiercely competitive scene. 
Paul Strive seems to be getting more and more acclaim and support from some of the big hitters in the house and techno scene and with good reason. Your studio output on some great labels is of the highest quality and your tunes are definitely making an impact on dancefloors. You must be thrilled at how things are going? First of all, thanks for having me. I am very pleased, amazed and happy about how things are going right now. I feel honoured to get released by those labels I was influenced by, back in the years (and I still do though). It’s an incomprehensible thing, that a simple young guy can release on the same labels like the music scene’s ‘big idols’. Awesome. The depth to your studio output shows that you combine a bunch of styles into your own sound. Can you describe your sound to those who haven’t heard your music? This is one of the hardest questions to give an answer to. My style includes a lot of elements from a bunch of styles I like. Some people say I am underground, some people say I am not. I think it’s the mid-way between underground and ‘mainstream’ music. Basically, it depends on my mood: I like to produce a bit monotonous, bass line oriented tracks but melodic harmonies are neither far from me.
Paul Strive has releases on Cr2, 1605, Natura Viva, Definitive Recordings, Rising and a whole bunch more. This meteoric rise is definitely impressive for someone as young as yourself. Do you have any tips on how other young producers like yourself can get their work noticed? What do you think has contributed to your success? Naturally, the music scene is full of djs and producers which sadly means a lack of quality. That’s why labels take less energy on checking demo emails out, because the chance of finding 1 suited track in 50 demos is low. It’s always important to find the right person to contact to. Internet is big, you can google anything, you can find anything. If you write an email to an A&R, show respect, but don’t be an asslick*r. Use social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Soundcloud(!) and so on. If you have something good, people will find it and appreciate it sooner or later. Be sure that your track fits to the profile of the label you want to get released by. Big cliché: Never give up on your dreams. This is so true. Music unites people from across the world and the electronic music scene is thriving on a global scale. Can you describe the Hungarian scene and how it has influenced your music? How did you get into the production game? Do you have any other favourite places to play across the globe? The Hungarian music scene is quite confused right now, in my opinion. Too much extremist feelings which makes people ‘fight’ when it comes to talk about the situation of the Hungarian music scene. (Although this is a worldwide problem sometimes) I would like to mention, that I know a lot of Hungarian dj/producers who produce very quality tracks and release on the best international record labels. I was 12 years old when I got my first sequencer: love for the first sight. I practiced a lot, I liked it. It became quickly the strongest hobby of mine. My friends said I have talent in that, so I’ve decided to take it seriously and started to contact to record labels who actually liked my demos. I can’t name my “favourite club” I performed at, I loved ALL of them ! For the producers out there, what pieces of kit or software are your favourite in your studio? For your DJ sets, do you have any pieces of equipment you don’t leave home without? I use Fl Studio and Acid Pro for producing. I still think that nothing depends on what sequencer you use, it is all about what you feel yourself confident with. I like most of the Loopmasters’ packs, I use VSTs (Nexus, Massive, Sylenth) and it’s always fun to create own sounds ! For Dj sets I use 2 Pioneer CDJ-2000s and 1 Pioneer -800 mixer. If you could work with one producer from anywhere in the world on a tune, who would it be? Do you have a classic tune that you would love to remix? I think that producer would be Dubfire. I am really inspired by his works. If I had a chance I would remix Michael Jackson’s classic hit, Heartbreak Hotel. http://youtu.be/D92F25QkV7k What do you have coming up in terms of releases and where can readers go to catch one of your upcoming DJ shows? I recently released my new EP “Syndrome” which is already available on Beatport and enjoys support by a lot of well-known and appreciated dj/producer. I’ve also teamed up with New York based legend, DJ Boris to work on a track that will be released on Sasha Carassi’s Phobiq Records! I have a bunch of new tracks I can’t really wait to play. For example, I have two new tracks with Ant Brooks, 1 of them will be released on Umek’s Toolroom Knights compilation and the other goes to Cristian Varela’s Pornographic Records. I’ve done a track with my Hungarian mates, Muzzaik as well and I have a new track with Roy RosenfelD which became the darkest track which came out of my hands. Your mix for the podcast is about to drop. What have you got lined up for our listeners? Sick build-ups and even sicker drops. Catchy basslines mixed up with addictive melodies. Thank you Paul Strive for taking the time to chat to us and we wish you continued success for the future. Thanks, my pleasure!
