Melanie Louise Interviews Axwell
There is something to be said about the talent and
dexterity of today’s writers/producers. With a deep
understanding of a number of genres and styles, they can
transverse a range of musical tastes – using all the
best parts to create favourite wholes.
Introducing Axwell. Born in Sweden, but a
self-described native of house music, he is the talent
that gave us this summer’s DJ Magazine Hype Chart No1 –
Mambana’s ‘No Reason’. He is the creator of ‘Starbeach
ft. D’Empress’. He is the deep house project called
Mahogany People. And he is the man behind the vinyl with
the big buzz this fall – Jetlag’s ‘So Right’.
Still considered a fledgling by some (at a mere 24
years of age), Axwell started making music when he was
13, “Oh and don’t tell, but I did some horrible trance
records when I was 17...” Having worked through this to
discover what he calls ‘the funky-ness of house’, he
released his first official 12” over half a decade ago
and has been a player on the scene ever since.
Axwell considers his musical development an ongoing
process, and whilst still searching for a definitive
‘style’, he pushes a combination of sounds and ideas – a
Latin twist here, some bass grooves there – but his
focus is firmly on house and the soulful vibe.
For Axwell (and just like Axwell) it has to be funky,
and with as much energy as possible.
As for working with the label that he has always
admired, Soulfuric have welcomed this fledgling with
open wings and Axwell is over the moon. “I’ve been aware
of Soulfuric since day one and always admired their
talent and the 100% effort they put into their
releases.”
In a fine example of ‘Just do it’, Axwell and his
manager sent a show reel to Soulfuric’s Brian Tappert
and Marc Pomeroy. To Axwell’s immense surprise they not
only liked what he did, but also suggested an immediate
visit to Florida. So Axwell went Stateside replayed a
few bits for Brian & Marc, and, as Axwell so
eloquently puts it, “BANG!”
Welcome to the family.
Axwell’s first release on Soulfuric – as Mambana –
was a huge success, not only topping the industry
charts, but actively championed by the likes of Louie
Vega, Danny Rampling & Joey
Negro.
