Seoul based producer Raiden has been conquering the market in South Korea for well over a year now. His latest collaboration with Bright Lights, “Heart of Steel” was recently featured in Ultra Korea’s 2015 after movie. The up beat progressive powerhouse showcases Raiden’s true ability as a producer. He’s fresh off his Ultra Music Festival Miami set which can be found here. During his performance, he debuted his latest remix of Fedde Le Grand’s “Keep on Believing”. Having being picked by Fedde Le Grand himself for this remix, Raiden delivers with an extraordinary talent. Putting his own electro-progressive spin on one of Fedde’s newest tracks, Raiden has us in love with his latest remix.
More than just a progressive remix, Raiden perfectly incorporates chopped up vocals to put a completely new spin on this hit single. Fusing in some hard hitting kicks and claps, Raiden puts out a taste of his South Korean production skills for the world to hear. RaverRafting had the opportunity to talk to Raiden about his latest remix and his plans for the future. He’s performed at festivals all over the world and is slated for another performance at Ultra South Korea this year. Check out our full interview with Raiden below!
What first got you into producing music?
Raiden: It was whilst I was living in Japan, when I was a guitarist in a rock band. I was walking down the streets one day and I heard Robot Rock by Daft Punk. It made me realize that it wasn’t just analog music that had the power to excite people – that it was possible to entertain people using electronic sounds in the exact same way.
Raiden: A lot of rock bands that I really respected were also starting to use electronic samples in their music, so I guess that also helped spike my interest in the genre! It wasn’t long before I was desperate to produce my own music, so I went at did it!
What is your favorite genre of music?
Raiden: I have to say rock music – it’s my roots! But anything that is groovy, soulful or emotional always calls out to me. I don’t discriminate against genres; I love all music.
What artists have influenced you the most?
Raiden: David Bowie is definitely my favorite musician, but loads of other artists have also influenced me. Rock bands like Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rage Against The Machine, Led Zeppelin, and Jimi Hendrix and a lot of electronic artists, DJs and producers like Daft Punk, Justice, Chemical Brothers, Lcd Sound System & Prodigy all inspire me and have been incredibly influential to my music.
Your newest remix of Fedde Le Grand’s “Keep on Believing” what exactly went into producing it? Do you have a favorite part of the song?
Raiden: When I first listened to ‘Keep On Believing’, it felt different from ‘Don’t Give Up’. It was a bit more sentimental and groovy, and I especially liked the vocals. I tried to emphasize the groove, making the track a little bit more rock based by adding electronic elements to it. I thought that would then liven the vocals more, which is what I really wanted to draw focus to, as the vocals are my favorite part. That’s pretty much how I got into it.
Is there any festival or location you really want to perform at?
Raiden: I’d love one day to play at Coachella and it would be awesome if I could perform at rock/band-orientated festivals like Glastonbury, too. However, performing at the Ultra Miami Main Stage would be my ultimate dream come true.
You’re based in Seoul, South Korea; can you compare the scene there to the USA?
Raiden: The Korean EDM scene is really starting to take off. Recently, a lot of K-pop stars have been working on collaborations together and with other dance artists, and it’s starting to get a lot of traction. I feel like the US and Korean listeners actually have a similar taste in music. Hip-hop is huge in Korea, it’s actually the mainstream genre, and lots of hip-hop artists are now getting into trap as well. EDM is definitely evolving here and people are noticing it.
You’ve performed at multiple Ultra’s so far, what was that like?
Raiden: I feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to play at different Ultra events. Every country has its own culture and flavor, so it’s a completely new experience each time! There’s this special moment you get sometimes in shows where everyone shares this overwhelming feeling of being united together through one song. I think with the Ultra shows you always get that kind of feeling. It really is amazing how music can do that.
You’re premiering a new track at Ultra South Korea this year; can you tell me anything about it?
Raiden: I can’t say too much about it, but I will be premiering a remix that I did for Florian Picasso and a collaboration I have done with Fedde Le Grand. I’m so excited to see how the fans will react. Slightly nervous as well but mainly just really excited! I hope that my set and these tracks will show my fans the progression I’ve made musically this year.
Anything you’d like to say to your fans? Any words for up and coming producers?
Raiden: Just a massive THANK YOU! for always being supportive of my music and performances. I will continue to work really hard on my music so I hope you will be hearing more of me soon with my upcoming releases!
Raiden:I don’t think I’ve really accomplished enough to be giving advice to other people! But what I can say to other young producers just like me is to always stay humble and keep making music. Keep progressing and never give up, keep pushing until your last breath!
Raiden: Again to the fans, thank you so much for your support! Stay tuned for my upcoming releases!
Connect with Raiden:
https://www.facebook.com/djraiden
https://twitter.com/Raidenmusic
https://soundcloud.com/djraiden
https://www.instagram.com/dj_raiden_
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