Before 2010, Max Vangeli was the DJ and producer that some of the biggest names in House music were talking about, eagerly awaiting the Eastern European newcomer’s explosion onto the House scene with the unstoppable force of his dynamic and melodic sound.
With a host of dates supporting the Swedish house mafia, an exclusive headline show in one of Miami’s hottest clubs and two of the most highly anticipated remixes in House music under his belt, you could excuse Max Vangeli for being Starry Eyed right now!
This year so far has seen the San Francisco based producer take his melody driven House sound to clubs and parties around the globe, taking fans to the next level. In light of this new found success, Vangeli is far from blind to the dramatic turn his career has taken.
He said: “It has really been amazing, lots of exciting stuff has been happening for me so far. Touring has given me an opportunity to really test out my records in front of crowds and get them perfected. Also, working with amazing people in the industry and releasing records on labels like SIZE and Refune has been a blessing many people in the industry could only dream of.”
Along the way, Vangeli has been able to home in on his sound and exactly what it is that keeps bringing the crowds in search of his incredibly distinct sound. He said: “I would say it is all about melodies, and hooks. For me if there is no hook or amazing melody - there is no music, so I think this is my strongest point.”
This is something that Max feels is lacking elsewhere in the dance music industry at the present time. “Lots of producers come and go just because they get lucky with some sounds, but for my music I like to think of it long term because melodies live FOREVER.”
Vangeli is living the epitome of any DJ or producers wildest dreams, having caught the attention of House music’s most celebrated characters. Early in his career Vangeli was spotted by no other than the Progressive House master Laidback Luke, who took him under his wing and mentored the San Francisco based producer in his production techniques. This was a lesson that Vangeli would never forget. “I was so appreciative of what Laidback Luke did for me, he was always there to answer production questions for me when I was starting out.” As a result, the producer now hosts a forum on his website allowing aspiring producers to grill him for advice. He added: “The least I could do was carry on in the same vein as the guy did for me and pass on the experience. I think it is important to help out when you get a chance because at the end of the day we were all in the same shoes at one stage,” he said. This practice see’s Max go through hundreds of demos and questions on a weekly basis, a time-consuming but necessary practice in the young producers eyes.
“It takes a lot of time to go through all the demos, but once again I know how much it means to starting producers so I answer every single one I get...good or bad.”
Other key players within the industry have wised on to the mans talent since Laidback Luke first showed interest, most notably Sweden’s finest export- Swedish House Mafia. To Vangeli, their support has been a key element to his success within the industry and something that he is eternally grateful for. He explained: “It is an amazing feeling and I think their support has a lot to do with my success. When you have the best in the business supporting your work it really does not get any better than that.”
Size Records owner, House Mafia master and incredibly successful producer Steve Angello has inspired Vangeli endlessly in his quest to crack the industry, a figure for whom his gratitude just about outweighs the opportunity to be starstruck. He said “Steve has been a massive help in my career thus far and I can’t thank him enough for everything he has done. I really do feel blessed.
“The guy is a work-horse. He is just generally amazing at everything he touches, be it House, Pop, Hip-Hop, it all turns to gold. I am absolutely infatuated with his work ethic.”
This relationship with SHM has seen Vangeli secure support slots at their sold-out dates at Brixton Academy, as well as at the Dark Forest for their annual residency at Pacha, Ibiza. Our man from San Fran doesn’t seem the least bit anxious, but feels he has earnt this exclusive ticket-to-ride.
“I don’t know how to say this, but I am so ready for these dates it is untrue,” he said, adding: “I worked my ass off to get this far and finally the time has come. It’s going to be an amazing rollercoaster ride and I am completely ready for it!”
Vangeli will join AN21 for regular support slots, another label mate who he has released a spat of singles and remixes with on various labels, including the recent release ‘Gama’ on Size Records. When asked what attracts him to working with AN21 as much as he does, he explained: “I think we both have very similar styles and working together is a breeze. It works, we love it, and apparently the fans love it, so what else can I say?”
The duo recently embarked on a full scale assault of British music, which included remixes of budding UK singer Ellie Goulding’s ‘Starry-Eyed Surprise’, and the Prodigy’s dance-cult classic: ‘Smack My Bitch Up’.
Gouldings 2010 chart hit presented the producer with a vocal offering that he just could not ignore. “Ellie was just an AMAZING singer with an offering which I could not resist. We had no idea she was going to blow up the way she did, so the decision was made purely on the melodies. I’m such a sucker for amazing vocals, and we just knew this was it.” The remix was such a success that it was added to the revised edition of Goulding’s album.
‘Smack My Bitch Up’ was an offering that could not be turned down by the duo. “This was a PURE classic and it just felt right to give it a go. When Prodigy was done i was like...WOW...we will ROCK this! People have been going crazy for it at WMC Miami and the volume of requests for it has assured us this was a good move”.
After the events of the last six months, anyone would have thought that Max Vangeli would be looking to rest his body and soul, if only for a while. Well, you thought wrong!
“To be honest, I live in my studio,” he confessed. “At this point in my life it is all about the music for me. I don’t think I have gotten to the point yet where relaxing and anything else is the one goal in life...and that helps me to get my music heard all around the world! Maybe in a few years I can slow down a bit and focus on other things, but right now its ALL about the music and figuring out what’s next in house music.”
For now then, Max will continue this pioneering approach into the ever-progressive industry. The budding producer has much more to offer the House scene before the year is done. “Fans can expect lots and lots of shows all around the world, but more importantly I will be slowing down on my remix work and focusing on original productions. I am going to be doing a lot of releases on SIZE and continue growing as a producer.”
Those gripped by Vangeli’s remixes need not despair though, for what is to follow before this slowing down process is a truly exciting exit. He explained: “This summer will see me and AN21 mixing some truly awesome tracks from Gorrilaz and Erick Morillo, to name a few. After that it is all about original releases, which I am really excited about!”
The guy knows his sound and has mastered his industry, while maintaining respect for his majors and fans alike. Essentially, Vanegli has never been more certain of one thing. In his own words: “HOUSE MUSIC IS WHAT I DO!”
Catch Max live with SHM and AN21 @ the Dark Fprest, Pacha Ibiza August 8 and 30, as well as at the legendary Creamfields festival August 29.
Check out Vangeli on Facebook Here!
