Stepping aside
For the last few years, I’ve been living on inertia. Write a track, share something on Facebook, record a podcast, all as per usual. Always in a hurry, always in a rush. Why? I thought I knew the answer — because that’s how it’s supposed to be, isn’t it? But recently I asked myself: “Do I want to see myself there in 5 or 10 years?”, and surprisingly, the answer was no. A part of that answer was the music which no longer excites me that much.
Psytrance is stale. Even if the most successful artists say so (Astrix posted this a few days back on his Instagram story), then the scene is really in a bad place. I never said this before, but in reality, it’s not that easy to find even 10 to 15 fresh and original tracks a month to fill the monthly podcast. Same kick and bass, same copy-pasted leads, Terence Mckenna phrases, or Hindu vocals, or bloody stupid triplet drops that make absolutely no sense. Don’t get me wrong, there are some awesome and talented producers and labels around and I still love Psytrance, but not that kind of “Psytrance” that you typically hear at a festival or in Beatport’s top chart.
It’s time to make a change.
I have decided to give myself a little break, time off to make something fresh. You’ll probably won’t see me very active on social media and even think of putting Rave Podcast on hold for a while, but I want you to know that is only because something new will be forging in the meantime.
Been into the music on and off for three decades I understand what you going through. The scene comes and goes, I too am not found of today’s big festivals and canned tracks, the success of the last decade is transforming it into a product. I had been listening less and less for quite a while but Rave Podcast has totally re-energized me, every week you have gifted us with great original tracks and I really dig the vibe of your mixes. Frankly it’s the only reason I kept my DI subscription, I can’t thank you enough.
Wishing you all the best for your break, hopefully there will be room for more rave podcasts on your chosen path!
Thanks Matt, I really appreciate it.
I love psytrance. Absolutely love it.
But it’s a tool in the toolbox, it isn’t the toolbox itself. I don’t go to festivals as I’d be inundated with psytrance for hours on end and it becomes too much of a good thing. That’s also why I don’t bother to produce psytrance or DJ. Turning something I love into work, commitment and responsibility takes much of the fun out of it. But I believe if something is to be done it is to be done properly, all or nothing and Mr. Lesden you’ve definitely done that for the long time, so enjoy your break!
Music is such an integral part of the human experience, the way I keep it fresh is to mix genres. My 2 favourites are the maximal, powerful energy of psytrance and the minimal, soothing tones of modern classical music. Together they are yin and yang, one used to push forward and the other to take a step back. All must be in balance...
That’s what happened I was wondering why it wasn’t on often lately on difm. I miss it.