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: 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 ‘We Control The Sunlight’ was chosen by Armin van Buuren as ‘Tune Of The Year’ 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 ‘Quiet Storm’. What inspired you to make the album and also name it ‘Quiet Storm’?
A&F: The album was 3 Years in the making. 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 – we feel it’s 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.
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 ‘Future Sound of Egypt’ (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 . 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 you’re not traveling or producing?
A&F: Relax with friends, family and dogs. 🙂
Sherp: Describe the ‘Aly & Fila sound’ 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 – Folding Your Universe
Aly & Fila feat Susana – Without You
Aly & Fila feat Sue Mc Claren – 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?
A&F: 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! 🙂
FESTIVAL FIVE
1. Best festival experience?
A&F: Kazantip, Ukraine
2. Weirdest festival experience?
A&F: They all have been normal.
3. Festivals you’d 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 you’ve encountered?
A&F: There are crazy fans everywhere in a good way, all good hearts.