Some one of the few that still keep the Electronic Disco fire alive!
Ilya Santana, a native of the Canary Islands, discovered his passion for music 20 years ago through his father’s love of artists like Alan Parsons, Vangelis, Giorgio Moroder and many more. When he listened to music something was awoken in him, he was compelled to listen to everything he could get his hands on and feed his ferocious appetite. In 1995 Santana began carving out a name for himself as a local Dj by playing at all of the best nightclubs in Gran Canaria . His musical evolution required that he set himself moral and ethical boundaries by closing the doors on substandard music; he vowed only to make and share that music with his audience, which he felt was truly worthy. This decision required the continuous study of technology, which in turn allowed him to demonstrate his musical vision, whether he was Djing or composing.
His first release was on Daniel Wang’s label Balihu. Wang believed in his talent from the beginning and helped him greatly on his quest. Ilya has since released music on several respected labels like Balihu, Tirk, Permanent Vacation, Airtight, Hoog Choons & Gomma - as well as remixing artists like Human league, Space, Zodiac, The Phenomenal Handclap Band, Lindstrom, Sugardaddy & more!
Ilya has recently working on his record label "Astrolead recordings"
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Credits
Interview with Ilya Santana
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: I think every work i did is special and unique itself, i put a part of my on every work i do no matter from who comes. I can say that "The retrowave album" and all synthwave tunes i did have an special place in my heart.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: That he will have the best final product on this style, maybe the most original, almost a mystical experience ;)
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: Im dj since 30 years ago and producer around 20 years. From Djing to produce was a natural transition, learned to use gear in an era where internet just started showing up.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: All the disco genres, from the most classical (check my "Golden days" rollerboys recordings) to the most electronic, from 95 to 120 Bpm. Normally based on the most retro and underground side of disco.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: Normally i managing my own record label Astrolead recordings with my music and artists label.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: In rare cases they want something different of my style, and i advise that i don´t make another style, i make the work for they can check without any compromise and normally get satisfied.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: My studio is Cubase, Logic based DAW´s and an arsenal of any plug ins styles, also analog gear like Roland Juno 106, Roland Jp 08, Moog Theremin, Roland Boutique Ju-06A, Roland Boutique SE-02, roland boutique Jx-08, akai Mpd 218, Native instruments Maschine...
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Vangelis, Giorgio Moroder, Space, Tangerine dream, Jan Hammer...
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: I try to rise the highlights of every song with melody and structure.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Im brand new here, i hope meet some people soon.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Remixes, synth works (Leads, basslines...) and complete production tracks.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: The most gratifying is when i can translate a simple ideas to a great whole release.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: That i weighted on a very old music style
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Whatever, i have to use what each track need.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: Normally i dont make promises, i make music and they get some more that expected.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: Normally who hire me knows what i do, he knows very well what he want.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Assuming that the island have electricity (i doubt but lets be positive) an analog subtractive synth.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Is a kind of retro future disco.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Wow, very difficult question, so many ;)
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Normally on the remixes re-create the original track with my instruments, this way give me the chance to go beyond, not hooked on the original audio stems that i can´t modify notes for example. i can make longer the original melody, etc...
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: I´m a very creative person, every track that i made is different from the others every time, and i like to get the best of each track. I try to tell a Story, like a journey, i use many instruments to get what i looking for.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: It Just depends, i approach different if is a remix work or original stuff. on the remixes i like to take to my own view the original track, i like to respect the most the original track and them take to another musical context. Original stuff is a totally different game.
I was the producer in this production
- ProducerAverage price - $400 per song
- RemixingAverage price - $300 per song
- Keyboards - SynthAverage price - $170 per song
- Beat MakerAverage price - $150 per song
- Programmed drumAverage price - $150 per song
- Giorgio Moroder
- John Carpenter
- Jan Hammer
- Roland Juno 106
- Roland Jp 08; roland boutique JU-06A
- Roland Boutique SE-02
- Roland boutique Jx-08
