Earlier in 2020, Terry released three trance singles “Just”, “Knowing” and “Forgiven”. “Stay” fits in perfectly, with the previous Terry Golden hits, in his way of mashing-up tracks and genres creating exhilarating moments that make them that much more memorable. “Stay”, “Just”, “Knowing” and “Forgiven” are now available on all platforms and ‘’LIA’’ will be available in December 2020. Until then, we invited Terry to a fast chat and ask him some questions:
1. When did you start DJing – and what or who were your early passions and influences? What is about music and/or sound that drew you to it?
I have always had a big passion for music, in high school I was the lead guitarist, playing in different bands. About 8 or 9 years ago I was at a Tiësto concert, and that was my first up front electronic music experience, and it just blew me away. The Trance and Big Room sound, with the pumping beats, builds and the hard drops, I just felt the energy – and I said to myself “I want to be that guy, as it must be the best experience in the world.” Shortly after that experience, I enrolled in some online DJ training, and even private lessons from another DJ, learning the basic techniques, beat match and more. That’s where it started for me and just developed further from that point on.
2. What was your first set-up as a DJ like?
It was a Reloop controller with Serato on a Laptop, which I also used for work. Very basic, but the newest at that point. I did not have any separate speakers, I just used small computer speakers.
3. How would you describe your development as an artist and the transition towards your own sound?
In the first years I was a mobile DJ and played whatever was required. Then I got a Trance gig to play one hour every week on a UK online House & Trance radio. Trance music has especially been my gold from the start, so in the beginning I looked a lot towards the big players, like Armin Van Buuren, Above & Beyond and others. I quickly realized that I need to develop my own style, sound and brand, and I spent the last 4-5 years on. I think it’s a question of being true to your own heart, so my own productions have helped me a lot to get there. At the same time, you have to be open and curious to new sounds but also follow the tendencies of the industry. I have a few new releases almost ready, where you will hear the difference in my sound – and hear what Terry Golden is all about.
4. What were some of the main challenges and goals when starting out as a DJ and how have they changed over time?
The number one challenge is, how many DJ´s are out there who are willing to play for almost no payment at all, and this has only gotten worse. The second big challenge is how to stand out, how to get the right connection, how to get booked for a big club event, festival etc. and especially if you are not living in or near a big town with many clubs. My personal goal has always been to go bigger and better every time and it has never been about earning money. Put me in front of a crowd, seeing that I have them in full control, their energy, their faces – is just the best feeling in the world.
5. What is it about DJing, compared to producing your own music, that makes it interesting for you?
I love being a DJ, because it is instant feedback, you cannot hide – if you play the wrong song at the wrong time, you will be punished. I think many of us, have been in the audience when a really good DJ just took it to the next level with a killer mix or mash up you did not expect. That’s the kind of experience I aim to give my audience every time I play live. Producing music is completely different, as you sit in your studio and compose a killer melody and song, the feedback you might receive could take a month to get.
Today, if you want to be able to play on the big stages, both producing and DJing is something you need to master. You need to stand out, venues need to sell tickets and if nobody knows who you are, you won´t get the opportunity to play.
6. How and for what reasons has your studio set-up evolved over the years?
I started out with just my laptop, Ableton Live and a pair of cheap speakers. Since then I have made a dedicated room with more studio monitors, a new big wide screen, a new powerful digital mixer, Akai keyboard, Push 2, cameras, mic stand etc.
I also added a lot more plugins, sample packs and a pair of Pro studio headphones. I think it’s a natural way to evolve, to gear up if possible, for me it also gives me a space to be creative. My best investment has for sure been top studio monitors, but also a soundbox and a pair of club speakers. One important thing about my music is that it has to sound good in any speaker – that is the reason why I have 3 different sound sources.
7. What is your favourite production tool/plugin/feature at the moment?
In my productions – Izotope Ozone suite and Fab filter Pro Q2 which I use all the time. Serum and Spire I use for most of my bass lines and Synths, Pads etc.
8. What should we expect from Terry Golden in the next months? Any exciting projects you can give the readers a sneak peek to? Yes, a lot is going on actually, just finished a new melodic vocal trance track called “LIA”, which has been signed by United Music Hits. I have a few more almost ready to go, so you can expect 3-4 new tracks from me in 2020 – excited to share them, and hopefully play them live soon.