Gareth Emery opens up on REDDIT AMA’s

In a recent interview on Reddit AMA’s, Gareth Emery opened up on the scene of trance, work-life balance, where tracks came to be, mistakes he’s had, and where he’s at now, personally and musically.

It’s deep, it’s personal, it’s fun, it’s truthful and it’s honest.

Here are 8 main points from the interview.

1.  He’s long been tied to trance ever since he started DJing back in the 90’s.  Early on he’s played trance, went hard trance in 2001, in 2003 experimented with the sounds of hard house.  In 2005 to roughly 2008, his music was influenced by Sander van Doorn.  From 2008 to present were his sounds went back to trance, with the release of Northern Lights in 2010, then Sanctuary, and Concrete Angel in 2012.  Most importantly, he believes that trance is here to stay.  Despite popular belief that it’s been on it’s way out since the late 90’s.  The main reason why trance will continue to stick around?

“It’s something of a chameleon of a genre that changes over time to remain relevant,” Emery stated.

2.  He looks up to producers that stay true to themselves, while making great music.  He’s mentioned looking up to Eric Prydz, Solomun, Kygo, and Calvin Harris.  Emery hopes to someday do a collaboration with legendaries, such as Armin van Buuren, and deadmau5.

3.  His move from New York to Los Angeles, and being another 5000 miles from away home inspired the title of the track.  He’s also incredibly proud of getting two ASOT tunes of the year, which include Concrete Angel and U.  Both tracks he claims changed him for the better, and had a huge impact on the dance scene as well.

4.  He also spoke of hoping to do more open to close sets, as Electric for Life last year really took off.  This is year is focusing on the 100 reasons to live tour.  He also hopes to come back to Las Vegas with another residency as the one at the SLS Hotel and Casino didn’t work out.  Gareth also shared that he has no set strategy for clubs but festivals are better with at least a rough outline.

“I never stick exactly to the plan but having it there helps,” said Emery.

If you’re wondering how much it costs to book him, it can go up to $100,000, which even he states as high.  The price however all depends on how far he has travel away from home, and for how long.

5.  On CVNT5.  Fun fact, the ghost producer of CVNT5 originally upset Markus Schulz and DVBBS.  But that’s all settled.  He’s still unsure if that will be played at a festival.

6.  Aside from touring, and working, you can find him at Hot Since 82, or Loco Dice.  Ironically, he said not many recognize him there, but since sharing his secret hang out, surely that will change.

7.  He’s cleaned up.  Emery has done drugs but not hard ones, and as far as alcohol goes he barely even touches that.  Staying away from drugs and alcohol have helped him to focus on projects that need to get done.  He is also a parent.  Priorities.

8.  Finding a steady balance between, work, life and play can challenging.  Emery has stated that it takes a lot of discipline.  He has some hard set deadlines, which include a power list of three things to get done everyday, and not checking social media, or email in the morning.  If you want to reach him at night, you won’t.  His phone is on airplane mode, and he’ll be reading a book.  He also makes sure to spend at least one full day off.

“Takes some self discipline, but it’s worth it,” said Emery.

There you have it, a more in-depth view, insightful view on who exactly Gareth Emery is.  A normal guy with a family, balancing out priorities, and lastly making some great music for fans to enjoy!