The dance music scene is filled with a variety of artists to fill every musical preference and style one may be searching for. There are of course the talented DJs who have the ability to make a room explode with their selections and uncanny sets. On the other hand there are producers that can create tracks that can blow one's mind from the very first beat, due to their creativity and incredible aural landscaping. There are also artists that combine both skills in an equal fashion, thus excelling in all they may set their sights on. One of these artists is without the shred of a doubt Benjamin Leung from Canada, widely known in the dance music universe as "Somna".
This talented individual has gone above and beyond to spread his love for dance music with the world. His first artist album "Beside You" was one of the best albums I have heard in a long time and it was only natural that it was a huge success! His DJ sets at glorious events such as the prestigious "AVA Nights" are ones to fondly remember in our minds, as are his special sessions on "Twitch". He also has played a major role on the success and evolution of "AVA Recordings" over the years, curating the label alongside dance music icon "Andy Moor".
I had the honor to conduct an exclusive interview with him a couple years ago when I was a resident writer for "Trancefix.nl". The time was definitely right for yet another interview with the man himself, this time for "MusicTalk15", so we can all find out what he has been up to and of course discuss his second artist album, which has been receiving such high praise!
Many thanks for the exclusive interview and for your time once more man! Welcome to "MusicTalk15"!
Question 1: It has surely been a busy year for you! Lots of definite highlights to remember and rejoice! Which ones would you select from the whole bunch?
2023 was definitely a year with a ton of exciting things!! I released my 2nd album and also had my debut guest appearance on "A State Of Trance"!! Definitely got to tick off some of my goals I’ve always wanted to achieve!
Question 2: Your first artist album “Beside You” remains a firm landmark in your career and still remains an aural treasure to all true “Somna” fans worldwide! Imagine their thrill hearing about the launch of your second album. How have the reactions been so far by fellow artists, friends and fans?
It’s been very well received! It was hard doing a follow up album to “Beside You” as many of those songs I hold dear to my heart but I’m overjoyed to see that songs from “Satellites” has been very well received by the fans!
Question 3: Your second artist album is of course named “Satellites”. Would you like to elaborate a tad about the title, character and in general the concept of this second album?
The album title is kind of my love letter to the fans that supported me during the pandemic. During that time when we were all locked at home I started streaming DJ sets on Twitch and met the most wonderful people online and the amount of support I received was overwhelming. “Satellites” to me signifies us all beaming our love around the globe to each other no matter where we were.
Question 4: For dance music addicts who have not yet had the pleasure of listening to the album, what would you like to share with them about the album and what surprises lay within?
I suppose listen with an open ear as its quite varied and while there’s plenty of trance in there, I tried to create a broad range of styles and challenge myself as a music producer while retaining the core feelings I try to incorporate into my music (which are melodies).
Question 5: For myself artwork is always a deciding factor when checking out releases in general. Interesting choice on the anime style artwork selected for the release of “Satellites”. Was this your choice and would you like to share a few words about the artist and are you a fan of anime? If so which ones?
I actually don’t know who the artist is but Deon at "Alpha 5 Design Group" organized it and we had many discussions about the direction. I had some ideas but my original idea actually centered around a wire frame of a satellite but somehow it veered into anime and then this idea came about and I am SO HAPPY with how it turned out. Each character was custom drawn and I just think the artist did such an amazing job. As far as being a fan of anime, I watch the odd one here and there but haven’t really been into many series aside from "Attack on Titan"… before it got all extra weird haha.
Yes!! Its available also as a CD and double disc Vinyl! The autographed versions sold out right away but if you purchase a copy and bring it to any of my shows I would love to sign it!
Question 7: Speaking of the album, news has come to our attention that you have begun album tours. How cool is that? How has it been so far and what do these shows contain besides showcasing music from the album?
It’s already underway now and I’ve done some fantastic shows to support the album. Aside from showcasing music from the album, I’ve been able to sneak peak share some of the upcoming remixes and venue dependent, some of my shows include time coded visuals to go with certain songs which creates a super cool experience!
Question 8: Word has it that you played at the legendary “Cyberdog” located in Camden, London. Been there twice myself. How was your experience and were the people surprised to see you playing there?
It was super fun!! People were dancing and it got busy and they actually have a pretty intense sound system (I had to wear earplugs when I was wandering around after). Honestly I think only a handful of people knew who I was, I feel like 80% of the people who came through were probably tourists haha.
Question 9: Another highlight is your recent guest appearance on “Armin Van Buuren’s” prestigious “A State Of Trance” radio show. Must been rather special gracing the decks of the legendary studio. How did you feel to be a part of it and did you play any exclusives for the show?
It was such a dream come true to be a guest on there! Also extremely nerve wracking playing a set there knowing that millions of people tune in and there’s no room for error. I debut my remix of "Luminn" “Tempus” on there as well as the upcoming "Sam Laxton" remix of my track “Not Too Late” with "Sarah de Warren"!
I’m glad you asked!! We had an "AVA Night" in conjunction with the "Unkonscious" festival brand in Bangkok on Feb 4th for their official after party! I was so excited to be making my Thailand debut and it was at the amazing "Eden Club" with their Void sound system.
Question 11: “AVA Recordings” has showcased so many amazing and talented artists on the label over the years! Some of them have even had the pleasure to release an album on the label such as “DJ LTN” and “Sam Laxton”. Are there any plans for any of “AVA’s” artists surprising us with a brand new artist album or perhaps DJ mix compilation?
I don’t know if I should spill the beans but one of our artists is working on their debut artist album (which might not be released on AVA but we’re still so happy for them!)
Question 12: It has been grand seeing “AVA Recordings” branching out into some rather fine sub-labels, each with their own unique character and attitude. Will we perhaps see a compilation featuring some of each of the sub-labels finest sounds, perhaps mixed by different artists from the label?
Our 500th release on the main label of "AVA Recordings" is coming very soon and we’re planning on releasing some kind of a compilation with new remixes that we’re excited about. It’ll branch across all our sub labels so you’ll definitely a wide range of dance music.
Question 13: October is always an important month in the dance music community. The reason? The massive “Amsterdam Dance Event” (ADE) situated in The Netherlands. Are you or any other “AVA” artists going to participate this year and if so what surprises can we expect?
I’ll be there again in 2024! I missed 1 due to the pandemic and I had the biggest fomo ever so never again shall I miss out (unless for a VERY good reason). Its too early to do a pre announcement for an announcement of big things to come but….big things to come…
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