Nari & Milani; the Italian duo behind one of 2011's hardest hitting tracks "Kendo". They may still strike some EDM fans as a mystery, but with the phenomenal credentials they have, it will not stay that way for long. Nearly everyone knows Swedish House Mafia previewed Nari & Milani's "Atom" bomb at Madison Square Garden back in December 2011 and it is set to be released from its missile silo through Size Records on March 26, 2012. I would like to thank Nari & Milani for taking the time out of their schedule to answer these questions for us.
RD: When did you start producing/DJing?
N&M: DJing has been a passion of ours since we were children. We started DJing at numerous Italian clubs many years ago back in 1994.
RD: What motivated you guys to pursue a career in this industry?
N&M: An infatuation for music and the emotions that come from every single track.
RD: How did you guys come about working together?
N&M: In the beginning we were in the studio together and decided to continue working as a duo. We made the right decision at the right time that lead us to where we are today.
RD: Being a duo, do you guys go back to back while spinning or is there a certain technique you follow?
N&M: We always consult with one another on new tools, new methods, tracks to play, then decide together.
RD: Could you explain the Nari & Milani producing process?
N&M: Everything is prepared. Our inspirations are in the air and everything is connected to timing. Sometimes certain things work and sometimes they don't. We just keep adding new variables into the equation until we get the finished product.
RD: What is the inspiration behind your track 'Atom'?
N&M: We were in the studio working on music and "Atom" was born. We were in the right place at the right time.
RD: How did 'Atom' go about getting into the hands of Swedish House Mafia at Madison Square Garden? What was the process?
N&M: Steve Angello took a huge liking to the track "Atom" and signed it to his Size Records then later went on to play it with his Swedish House Mafia brothers Axwell and Sebastian Ingrosso at Madison Square Garden. Ever since then the track has rapidly been gaining momentum.
RD: The instruments in 'Atom' are dynamic but there are only a couple going on. Do you experiment a lot trying those specific sounds? Does it take you a while to find the perfect drums/chords/sounds?
N&M: It took us about a week to figure out the instruments of the song and how it would work. We took some sounds from our track "Kendo" that was also released through Size Records last year and mixed them with other new instruments we liked.
RD: What gear do you guys use when producing?
N&M: We use Cubase 6.5, Nexus, and Slyenth1. We also use a lot of samples while producing.
RD: You guys have just recently collaborated with Bob Sinclair and Pitbull on a track called 'Rock the Boat'. What was it like working with them?
N&M: "Rock The Boat" was born back in 2010 from an idea we had for a remix to one of Bob Sinclair's songs. He wanted to do something new with the foundation we built for the remix and that is how was created. Bob Sinclair and Pitbull are great professionals and it is an honor to work with them.
RD: Are you excited for WMC 2012 in Miami this year? Where can we catch you down there? Any parties planned already?
N&M: We have a couple of parties we will be performing at and you will definitely catch some unreleased material down there. We are super excited for Nikki Beach on March 22, 2012 with Bob Sinclair, Robbie Rivera, Tommy Trash, and Bass Jackers.
RD: What are your traveling experiences? Is there a city you have spun in that you can see yourselves returning to?
N&M: We love traveling and every place we perform in from metropolis to small town has a special place in our hearts. There are too many cities we admire to pick one as our favorite!
RD: Could you see yourselves obtaining residency in a city like Las Vegas, New York, Los Angeles, Miami? Any clubs pop into your mind for residency?
N&M: Yes! We would like to perform in all those cities and more. We don't have a preference in which club we would like to obtain residency because we have never tested them out but when we do we will let you know!
RD: Can you describe the connection between you guys and your crowd?
N&M: Our life, the relationship with the public, the energy the crowd releases when we perform, is almost addicting, we could never give it up.
RD: Who would you list as your mentors?
N&M: We were influenced by all the historic house producers from 1989 to 1995. It is inspiring to hear their tracks while we are in the studio thinking of new musical ideas. Too many to name specific producers.
RD: Is there a certain track you are really into at the moment?
N&M: We have a track coming out soon with Tristan Garner and 2 other amazing DJs but for right now we can't release anymore information!
RD: How do you feel about the American EDM market?
N&M: We are eager to get there! Get ready to talk about us! Expect nothing short of great!
RD: Any advice for upcoming producers?
N&M: Never give up, believe in the music, and good luck to all!
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