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It might seem against the odds, but a techno lover can totally spar with a trance prodigy. My conversation with rising star and protégé of Armin van Buuren, the Moldavian Andrew Rayel (21), is living proof of this. Number 77 in the DJ Mag Top 100 last year, 28 this year. A rising star. How long will it take this 'prince of trance' to become the absolute number 1? This amiable young man is certainly not lacking in drive.
Anyone with a slight command of his or her topography probably thinks of Moldova as a dark, drab republic of the former Soviet Union. In any case, the country, bordering Iran and Romania, is known for great poverty and frequent alcoholism. The fresh, typically somewhat Eastern European pallor of Andrew Rayel, stage name for Andrei Rata, quickly makes this stereotypical image disappear. His parents were certainly not rich, he emphasizes, “but what I needed was there.” They recognized his musical talent and in the beginning they stimulated it by putting him on piano lessons from the age of nine. So once a week he toured the local music school. “I was always drumming my fingers on the table, hence the piano idea,” he says.
Hero
The Internet did not yet exist in Moldova and until a long time after that it was very slow, so Andrei played computer games with his friends and his brother Pavel. Through this he picked up a bit of production skills. In addition, Pavel and he were glued to the radio. Between rock and pop, the station HitFM would sporadically feature a track by Armin van Buuren. Andrei’s original inspiration was classical composer Chopin. Enthusiastic: “The man was a genius! His music is so strong, harmonious and powerful.”
At thirteen, he received his first ‘basic computer’. A producer was born. “I had no studio monitors and played a little bit with Fruity Loops,” he says. Technology caught up with time, and when this simple equipment really no longer met his creative needs – he was 17 at the time – his parents borrowed money to give their talented son the necessary studio gear. They believed firmly in young Andrei. “I could finally get started with two good monitors and a sound card,” he says. The big break came when his personal hero Armin heard the Moldovan newcomer’s tracks. They were given a prominent role in his internet radio show ‘A State of Trance’, listened to by millions, and a star was born.
Visa
Meanwhile, Andrew Rayel, “because that name sounds a little nicer internationally than Andrei Rata,” travels all over the world. He performs everywhere, from Asia to Canada – except the United States. “And in December I’m debuting at Stereophonic in Australia.” For months, a visa for America has been in the works, and he hopes it will be finalized this year. After all, he has big dreams of a show along the lines of Armin Only.
Spinning at a different venue every week; will he ever get around to his university studies in Economics? “I’m in my third year and it’s going fine. I also plan a week off sometimes. You get jaded just from traveling.” Once back in Moldova there is time for his girlfriend, with whom he skypes daily anyway, his family and sometimes friends.
Bored
But eventually, and this is where the cat comes out of the bag, the studio beckons. Here he practices his great passion, barely approachable by anyone else, completely focused on his goal: “I want to make new songs every time; eventually I get bored of doing the same thing over and over again. Then it starts to itch and I long for my studio.” That was once the idea anyway, by the way: “I had no intention of becoming a DJ. I preferred to produce, until one day I thought I wanted to play my music on stage. It usually goes the other way around: a DJ eventually starts producing his own records because he is no longer satisfied with what has already been made.”
His love for producing reaches that far that sometimes he must be pulled out of the studio, otherwise he would never see his friends again. Moreover, the self-imposed solitary confinement does not always benefit his creative urge. “At some point my perception of sound changes if I’m in the studio too long. Then I have to get out!” That’s where his friends come in, he agrees wholeheartedly. He presents his new creations to them all. “I don’t need any grovelers. Of course, I always think my new tracks are gems that are absolutely perfect, but it’s good to be open to constructive, honest criticism.”
Piano
The piano that it all started with is a common thread in his compositions to this day. “I use a piano in 99 % of my tracks,” he says. Meanwhile, he produces tracks together with other trance artists like Bobina and Alexandre Bergheau. The money is flowing in, he is allowed to grow personally and musically and develop under the loving wings of Armada. Moreover, he sees the whole earth and the women are at his feet, he admits indeed smugly. And that at age 21. What’s left to wish for?
Where many producers/DJs dream of making a soundtrack to a major Hollywood film, this musical career sprinter has already achieved that goal. Okay, it’s a difference of a few letters and a continent, but he can already take credit for the soundtrack of the Indian movie Drapchi. “The director heard the track on YouTube and thought it was a ‘cool melody’, particularly suitable for his film.” So, Andrew toured to Bollywood and visited the set. Making another soundtrack is not very high on his bucket list now. “Maybe when I’m old,” speaks his youthfulness.
In the foreseeable future, first he will see his dream of a theme show fulfilled. He will then be only 22 years old. Another wish is surely also attainable: to perform with a large symphony orchestra, perhaps a crossover with music by his classical inspiration, Chopin. There’s no doubt that he will do everything in his power to achieve this. Andrew Rayel, passionate sky walker.
This interview is originally published on DJMag.nl in October 2013.