How did your collaboration for “I Stay” come about? What inspired you to merge your musical visions?
“I Stay” is a fusion of Melodic Techno and Afro sounds—two styles that are very popular right now. My friend Rvckhimov excels in Afro House, while my background leans more towards Melodic and Indie Dance. We wanted to create something fresh and exciting, blending different genres in a way that would work both in clubs and at festivals. “I Stay” is a perfect example of this synergy and marks another step in our ongoing collaboration.
What are the main influences and inspirations behind the sound of “I Stay”?
“I Stay” is an epic story about love—that’s how I would describe this track in a few words. I hope it resonates with people around the world.
You both have different backgrounds and journeys—how did you blend your personal styles into this EP?
Yes, that’s true. We even live in different countries—I’m in Kazakhstan, and Rvckhimov is in Uzbekistan. We met last year in Tashkent, where I was performing, and soon after, we decided to join forces in music. I’m very happy about this because we manage to create incredible compositions together. Rvckhimov gravitates more towards Afro and Tribal sounds, while I lean towards Melodic and Indie styles. “I Stay” perfectly reflects this fusion of Afro and Melodic elements. We’ve experimented with this approach before in tracks like “La Nisa,” which you should definitely check out!
Gassan, your recent singles have dominated the Indie Dance charts. Did you bring that same energy to this project, or did you explore new directions?
Yes, I’ve made a strong impact in the Indie Dance scene, but “I Stay” represents a new sound for me. I hope it performs well, but beyond that, I want to keep experimenting with different styles. Both Rvckhimov and I are currently working on solo tracks that explore a variety of genres, including Melodic Techno, Indie Dance, Afro House, and even classic House. Trends are evolving rapidly, and I believe it’s no longer fashionable to confine yourself to just one style. I always say—don’t limit yourself!
Rvckhimov, you’ve been focusing on Afro House for the past two years. How did you incorporate this style into the EP, and how do you see the evolution of the genre?
Yes, he’s a huge fan of Afro sounds, and over the past year, I’ve also started evolving my sound alongside him. However, I now realize the importance of creating a diverse range of music. Many artists who were primarily focused on Afro House are now shifting towards Melodic Afro, and our upcoming release, “I Stay,” embodies this transition.
Gassan, you’re about to start your tour in India. Do you plan to test some of the tracks from “I Stay” during your sets?
Actually, I just returned from my tour in India—it was an incredible experience, with performances in three cities. The final show took place in Goa, at the top club Salud, where artists like Korolova, Maceo Plex, Jimi Jules, and Goom Gum have performed. It was an honor to stand behind the same decks as these legendary artists. I have a deep love for Indian audiences—they are the most welcoming and enthusiastic crowd I’ve ever played for. During my sets, I had the chance to play “I Stay” along with many of my previous releases, and the response was amazing!
What do you hope listeners will feel when they hear this EP? What’s the main message you want to convey?
For me, the most important thing is emotions. I want people to feel happy when they listen to this track—whether they’re on the dance floor, in the car, or at home. I often receive messages on social media from listeners sharing their emotions about our music, and it brings me so much joy to know that our tracks spark positive feelings and resonate in people’s hearts.
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