Faders – Rocking Psytrance dancefloors

So who is the man behind Faders?

I’m Or Kopel, a 35-year-old from Southern Israel, happily married and blessed with a daughter who brings endless inspiration. I’ve been producing psytrance music since 2003 and plan to continue indefinitely. Faders is my musical expression, reflecting my lifelong passion with the psytrance culture.

When did you discover Psytrance and what was the road that led you to start the Faders project?

My journey into psytrance began through the influence of my older brother, who introduced me to cassettes featuring artists like Yahel, X-Dream, and Simon Posford. The captivating sound and energy of psytrance mesmerized me, offering a completely new musical experience. As I delved deeper into this world, attending underground parties and immersing myself in the culture, I felt compelled to explore it further.

Simultaneously, I started experimenting with music production software like Fruity Loops, learning to create my own sounds and compositions. With time, my passion for production grew, and I began releasing tracks on various labels, eventually receiving requests for bookings.

It was after my first gig that I realized my calling lay within the pulsating rhythms of psytrance. In 2006, I officially launched the Faders project, committing myself to a lifelong journey of creating psytrance music.

How did you choose the name for the project? What is the vision behind Faders’ music?

The name ‘Faders’ was chosen with a deep symbolic meaning in mind. Just like in life and music, where things fade in and out, the name encapsulates this transient nature. It represents the ever-changing, fluid essence of existence and the dynamic shifts within music.

You actually have been around for a long time now and have released on the most respected labels along the years, yet it seems that in the last years your music is gaining more attention. What has changed?

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of releasing music on esteemed labels, but it’s true that in recent years, my work has garnered more attention. I attribute this shift to a few key factors.

Firstly, I’ve made a concerted effort to focus on creating the music that truly resonates with me personally. This involves constantly striving to innovate and infuse fresh ideas and concepts into my compositions. It’s a challenging endeavor as a music producer, but I’ve dedicated myself to refining my craft and translating my creative vision into tracks that I’m genuinely passionate about.

Additionally, I’ve placed a greater emphasis on sound design and mixing. I’ve committed myself to continual learning and exploration, delving into new techniques and refining my skills every day. This attention to detail has allowed me to elevate the quality of my productions, resulting in a more polished and impactful sound.

Ultimately, I believe it’s this combination of unwavering dedication to my artistic vision and ongoing pursuit of excellence in sound design and production that has contributed to the increasing recognition of my music in recent years.

Your First album came out in 2010, the second in 2017. Are you going to keep the 7 years gap and can we expect a new album soon?

Yes, it’s interesting how the seven-year gap between my first and second albums became somewhat of a trademark for me. It’s not just a coincidence; seven has always been my lucky number.

And I’m thrilled to confirm that, yes, later this year, psytrance lovers can anticipate the release of my third album, ‘Storyteller.’

Follow Faders:

https://www.facebook.com/faderslive

https://www.instagram.com/faders_music/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMncBZqOKKNX-GYHR6qZBmg

Can you tell us about the album a little and where is it coming?

I genuinely believe it’s my best work yet. ‘Storyteller’ encapsulates the journey and experiences I’ve accumulated over the years with Faders. It’s a versatile album, incorporating a myriad of ideas and concepts that I’ve explored throughout my career. I’m genuinely excited about this upcoming release, and I can’t wait to share it with everyone.

What is your personal favorite Psytrance track of all time?

Choosing a favorite psytrance track is no easy task, but if I had to pick one, it would be ‘Mahadeva’ by Astral Projection. This timeless masterpiece has captivated me since the first time I heard it, and it remains a track I can listen to endlessly.

In fact, my admiration for ‘Mahadeva’ inspired me to take on the challenge of remixing it in 2015. It wasn’t an easy decision, as I felt the weight of reinterpreting such an iconic piece of music. However, I thrive on creative challenges and decided to embark on the adventure.

After delving deep into the track and exploring various ideas, I was thrilled with the results. The remix I released in 2023 breathed new life into ‘Mahadeva’ and became a hit at festivals around the world. It was a truly rewarding experience to put my own spin on a track that has meant so much to me over the years.

Can you tell us a bit about your studio setup?

My studio setup revolves around a blend of virtual synths and select hardware pieces. Among my prized hardware units are the Virus TI Snow, Model-D, SH101, TB-303, alongside various distortion and delay pedals. For audio interface, I rely on the reliable RME soundcard, ensuring pristine sound quality.

Backing up my hardware arsenal is a powerhouse of a computer, essential for handling the demands of modern music production. Cubase serves as my DAW of choice, providing a versatile and intuitive platform for crafting my tracks.

One of my personal hobbies is exploring new plugins and effects, and I’m constantly on the lookout for innovative tools to enhance my sound. It’s a process of continual experimentation and discovery that fuels my creativity in the studio.

Future plans besides the album?

Absolutely, beyond the album release, I have some exciting plans on the horizon. Firstly, I’m thrilled to announce my debut at the Ozora Festival, a dream come true for me. Playing at such an iconic festival has always been on my bucket list, and I can’t wait to share my music with the Ozora community.

Additionally, I’ll be hitting the summer festival circuit, with appearances lined up at various festivals around the globe. It’s always an incredible experience to connect with the crowd and fellow artists in the summer festivals.

On the music front, I have some exciting collaborations in the pipeline. I’ll be teaming up with esteemed artists such as Astrix, Electric Universe, Avalon, and more for some thrilling new releases.