In the Moment with Andy Duguid

Andy Duguid was first heard by the world in 2007 when Black Hole Recordings picked up his single "Hypocrisy". A label Andy still calls home to this day.

A string of big releases followed in the forms of Don't Belong, Wasted, Lonely before he delivered his debut album "Believe". An album which to this day is still recognised as one of the stand out EDM albums of 2008.

Tours followed taking Andy around the globe playing to hundreds of thousands of people, with his hit radio show "After Dark Sessions" furhtering his name as a DJ each and every week.

Later releases like Strings, I wan't to Believe, Skin & Bones and In This Moment has only further cemented Andy's name in the EDM world as one of the best.

We sat down and spoke to Andy about his new album On the Edge..

1. A very warm welcome to TIE, How are you doing? 

I'm fandabbydosey thanks for asking!

2. We know you have visited South Africa a few times but this is a TIE staple 

question, First thing that comes to mind when you hear South Africa?

After Dark Sessions 50. Iv'e played a few times but when we played out there to celebrate ADS50 it was a magical weekend. It will stay with me forever.

3. You have just released you second album Titled On The Edge and it is absolutely stunning, give us a little more insight on the meaning behind the title. 

Thank you! The title came about during a conversation one day with my partner Lauran. I was hitting a wall with the making of the album. Everyone gets the block at one time or more. I was explaining how I felt at the time. It was as if I was taking in to much at once and I just couldn't focus on the music. I told her I felt like I was on the edge. And there it was. In the album trailer we tried to represent this.

4. Was there a specific message you were trying to convey through the album?

There wasn't one specific message. Each track has it's own story so there's lots of messages in there. But what I hope for is that people put there own stories to my sounds. 

5. As we mentioned above On the Edge is your second artist album we can still hear the signature Andy Duguid sound in the album, but to you how different is On The Edge compared to Believe?

I think "On The Edge" is the older, more grown up brother to "Believe". I think over the years of travelling and playing live have contributed to a more clubbier sound whilst keeping my signature sound. It's not something I intentionally do. I just let the inspiration flow. But people always say they can recognise my sounds instantly.

6. Where did you draw inspiration from for the album and what was the producing process like?

The production was a nightmare. It took far to long. But, looking back, it took so long because that's what needed to happen. I didn't want to rush anything and put out crap music. It's important for me to always give my best. I want to be able to put on my own album in the car and not want to skip past tracks. Like mentioned previously, each track has it's own inspiration. Take my latest single "7even". This was inspired by the life of a little girl called Olivia Downie who passed away at the young age of 7. The simplistic piano keys along with Jaren's child like lyrics was almost as if a young kid was sat down plonking on keys singing about random thoughts. This is just one of many stories from the album. 

7. On the Edge features tracks with some of the finest vocalists in the trance scene Julie Thompson, Audrey Gallagher and Jaren to name a few, how did you decide on who to work with?

I think once I have a solid demo down the decision becomes easy. I just visualize the outcome and approach them. Luckily they all like the ideas and agreed to work with me.

8. Its hard for us to select a favorite track of the album but the track with Steven Taetz Stars really stands out how did the collaboration come to be?

Well, this track was made 3 years ago. But it was more of a rock song. Steven was patient through the process as I was never happy with it. It was the first track started and the last track finished. The last minute decision to change the entire idea worked well. Luckliy Steven loved it to! So, to answer, it was that long ago, I can't remember! haha

9. Which track of the album has the most meaning to you?

I really love "In This Moment". It changed a lot for me in my career. It was played a lot by many and it was a perfect lead up single to the album. I just feel everything fell in place after it came out. Of course, "7even" holds a special place to me also.

10. Which track of the album took you the longest to produce or gave you the most grief?

Haha, like mentioned previously, "Stars" was a complete ball ache. Mainly because of the drastic last minute change.

11. Listening to the album we would use the words simple, emotional and elegant to describe the album, which three words would you use and why?

Emotive. As I feel each track provokes some sort of reaction. Whether it be happy or sad.

Meaning. As mentioned, every track has it's own story.

Dreamy. I think there's lots of typical "Duguid" dreaminess to this.

12. The track of On The Edge that describes Andy Duguid is…. 

In This Moment, as I live for the moment.

Any last messages for you fans out there Thank you again for doing this Tinterview with us and we hope to see you back in SA soon;)

Thank you!!! SA has always been good to me so I can't wait to be back!!!