Behind The Scenes of DJ Vivona & Crystal Waters ‘Don’t You Know’
Behind The Scenes of DJ Vivona & Crystal Waters ‘Don’t You Know’
Hi Vivona, congrats on your new single ‘Don’t You Know’ with Crystal Waters. How did you get together with Crystal?
Thank you! I’ve always admired Crystal’s music, so when I heard she launched her own label, IAH Records, I saw a great opportunity. I pitched a remix to her and sent over a few demos. She liked what she heard, and that kickstarted our collaboration on ‘Don’t You Know’. From there, the creative process just flowed naturally.
What was the inspiration behind the song?
I had wanted to work with Crystal for a long time, having always been obsessed with her hits ‘Gypsy Woman’ and ‘100% Pure Love’. So I prepared a draft of the song, taking into account her vocal talents and sent it to her. The idea had been in my head for quite some time and was different from the things I usually do.
What was it like working with Crystal Waters and will you be working together on a future release?
Working with Crystal Waters was an amazing experience. She is a consummate professional, and I truly hope we get the chance to collaborate again.
There are 4 different mixes across the release, what can we expect to hear?
The single ‘ Don’t You Know’ is a dynamic fusion of macro-genres that have shaped the music industry over recent decades. It’s a standout piece that shines on the dancefloor, offering something for everyone. Crystal’s voice will resonate and linger in your mind. It’s released in two parts: the first, exclusive to Traxsource, features a classic House version and an exceptional disco mix, both brimming with energy; the second release, exclusive to Beatport, includes a Deep House version with a dragging beat that keeps you moving until the end, and a Tech House version tailored for the grandest dancefloors, without losing the melodic charm of Crystal Waters’ vocals.
Production wise, how did you go about putting the release together and who did what in the studio?
Creating this track was an exciting journey. I started by laying down the initial beats and melodies in my home studio, where I could experiment freely. Crystal, who was in London at the time, recorded her mesmerizing vocals there. Once I received her vocal tracks, I went into full production mode, fine-tuning and layering the elements to match her powerful voice. Throughout the process, we exchanged ideas and feedback, ensuring every mix captured the perfect blend of our creative visions. The synergy between us truly brought ‘Don’t You Know’ to life. I also recorded a couple of musicians for bass and guitar. And of course, was essential the final touch for mixing and mastering by my trusted sound engineer.
Did you face any challenges or obstacles in the writing or recording process?
Surprisingly, everything flowed effortlessly. The entire process felt natural and spontaneous, making it an incredibly enjoyable experience.
How does this compare to some of your other releases?
This single is a unique blend of my style and Crystal’s, setting it apart from my previous productions.
What was the main kit that you used on the release and did you get to work with any new instruments or kit in the process?
For this release, I relied on a combination of my favourite gear and some new additions. The main kit included MFB Tanzbar drum, Moog Sub37, two Moog Mother 32s, and Moog Minitaur. I used Genelec 1032 speakers. For other sounds I utilized Logic Instruments. Experimenting with this mix of equipment allowed me to craft a unique sound for the single.
And what’s your favourite piece of studio kit that defines your sound?
The combination between the MFB Tanzbar drum machine and the Moog Sub 37
How has the release been going down in your DJ sets?
‘Don’t You Know’ has been a hit in my sets thanks to the diverse range of mixes it offers, from disco to tech house. This variety allows me to seamlessly incorporate it into any performance.
Have you got a preferred mix that you’re playing out?
I don’t have a single favourite mix; it all depends on the vibe and energy of the moment.
How important are songs for our dance floors?
Songs are everything. They need to make people dance and feel good, creating unforgettable moments on the dance floor.
What else are you working on at the moment that you can tell us about?
As always, I work on several projects at the same time: Including the release of the first vinyl on my label of ‘Over Him, Under Him’ with Monique Bingham, which will also include a couple of unreleased versions.
DJ Vivona & Crystal Waters ‘Don’t You Know’ is out now on Sunclock Records.
https://www.traxsource.com/title/2280988/dont-you-know
https://www.traxsource.com/title/2285503/dont-you-know
