Egyptian trance duo Aly & Fila took out some time during their India tour for Submerge’s Access All Areas to speak with The Sherp about their new album ‘Quiet Storm’, playing in Mumbai earlier at A State of Trance 600 earlier this year and a lot more…
Sherp:Β Welcome back to Mumbai, we are so thrilled to have you guys back here. How does it feel?
Aly & Fila: We are really looking forward to playing again, ASOT 600 here was amazing this year.
Sherp: Your track βWe Control The Sunlightβ was chosen by Armin van Buuren as βTune Of The Yearβ on A State of Trance in 2011. What was the inspiration behind the remarkable track?
A&F: We knew Jwaydan and had discussed working together for a while, then we came together and it worked really well.
Sherp: We absolutely love your new album βQuiet Stormβ. What inspired you to make the album and also name it βQuiet Stormβ?
A&F: The album was 3 Years in the making.Β At the start of the album is like a build up by the end of the album it is more of a storm that has brewed then is unleashed.
Sherp: Which is your personal favorite track from the album?
A&F: Hmm.. possibly First Sun β we feel itβs really powerful.
Sherp: In what way is your set going to be different from what you played at A State of Trance 600 in Mumbai earlier this year?
A&F: It will have a lot of new material.Β
Sherp: Which non-EDM artist do you wish to collaborate with?
A&F: We would love to do a collaborations with Madonna and Lana Del Rey.
Sherp: Your label as well as your radio show, both titled βFuture Sound of Egyptβ (FSOE) have been hugely successful. What are your future plans with the label?
A&F: The label is releasing every 2 weeks now, so plenty of new music coming out. For the next 12 months for it to keep growing, and the radio show is growing all the time .Β We have big plans for 2014 with FSOE 350.
Sherp: Have your Egyptian roots influenced your style of music?
A&F: 100% – you can hear it in some of our productions, Egyptian trance as some have called it.
Sherp: What do you do when youβre not traveling or producing?
A&F: Relax with friends, family and dogs. π
Sherp: Describe the βAly & Fila soundβ in three words.
A&F: Uplifting, Melodic, Driving
Sherp: What are your three personal favourite tracks that you will be playing during this tour?
A&F: ReOrder & Ian Standerwick presents Sky Patrol β Folding Your Universe
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Aly & Fila feat Susana β Without You
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Aly & Fila feat Sue Mc Claren β Mysteries Unfold.
Sherp: Do you have any pre-gig rituals?
A&F: Just relax and sleep.
Sherp: Best moment behind the console?
A&F: Every time the crowd goes wild.
Sherp: Biggest fail behind the console?
A&F: Has not happened yet.
Sherp: As an artist, who or what has inspired you the most?
Β A&F:Β The people and the fans!
Sherp: Lastly, do you have any message for your Indian fans?
A&F: Lets party together and have a great time! π
FESTIVAL FIVE
1. Best festival experience?
A&F: Kazantip, Ukraine
2. Weirdest festival experience?
A&F: They all have been normal.
3. Festivals youβd like to play at and why?
A&F: Bal en Blanc in Canada looks cool.
4. At what age did you attend your first music festival?
A&F: Hmm, I believe I was 18.
5. Craziest fan youβve encountered?
A&F: There are crazy fans everywhere in a good way, all good hearts.