Darren Tate will be bringing his much anticipated third artist album 'Horizons 03' to the table next month so we thought it was due time we had a chat to the man all about it...

 It’s been a while since we last had an artist album from Darren Tate, almost four years as his last came in 2009. The musical talent of the man is astonishing as aside from his dance roots he is also heavily involved in writing music for films. He has five on the go for this year. He still manages to produce the dance music his fans will most recognise him for and that’s a good thing, as he produces the very best. Not only under is own name but also under his other aliases like the DT8 Project and 8 Ball. The third coming of his hugely successful album series will begin next month as he unleashed ‘Horizons 03’. The first two were superb and from the teaser video’s he’s been releasing the third continues the trend. We went to have a catch up with Darren about the album and to find out what film he could score from the past if he had the choice.

iVibes: It’s been a while since we had a catch up Darren, many thanks for taking a few questions from the i:Vibes team, how has 2013 been for you so far?

Darren: It’s been a great year so far!

iVibes: We thought you had been a bit quiet last year since your last artist single ‘The Eternal’ came at the back end of 2011 but now we know why. When did you start thinking about Horizons number three?

Darren: I’ve been talking about it for a good few years and we even did a Winter EP. It’s taken a while even I admit..

iVibes: After two immensely well produced first two artist albums, what did you want to achieve with the third edition?

Darren: The Horizons albums are all about the clubbers that have taken the time to buy my music, to come to my gigs, and to show appreciation and a love of all things musically uplifting. This third instalment is a testament to them.

iVibes: How has the sound changed and evolved from the previous editions?

Darren: The key difference is the album starts a lot slower; there’s more of a development from progressive house through to trance rather than just being an out and out trance explosion (though it’s still uplifting even at a slower tempo). I think that’s representative of the times as well. Many people don’t realise that I’ve been recording house music for many years as 8 Ball and Funkysober so those influences will be present in this album.

iVibes: Why the route to keep the artist albums in a series and not separate titles?

Darren: On all the Horizons series there are singles that have already been released as Darren Tate; therefore it makes sense to continue what is in essence a journey through Darren Tate releases over the years.

iVibes: What tracks are your favourite from the new Horizons collection?

Darren: Hard to say as they’ve all got something a bit special about them. For those that like thinks a bit deeper and a bit funkier tracks like “Sympathy” and “The Wave” are going to stand out; for those that like to be uplifted at peak clubbing times tracks like “Tears” and “All I Am” will be probably hit the spot more. As said it’s a journey.

iVibes: As we understand the first single from the album will be a track called ‘Tears’ which is a gorgeous piano driven beauty. Where do you find the inspiration to create such gorgeous melodies?

Darren: I experiment on the piano until I find “the moment”..!

iVibes: The opening track off the album is from a motion picture soundtrack you’ve worked on called ‘Snapshot’. How do you go about taking on a project like that compared to an artist album?

Darren: I’ve been working on feature films with another composer called Ken Lampl for about five years. My approach to writing films usually involves a lot more in the way of manuscript and development though the computers still at the heart of the composition process.

iVibes: What was it like to work with Boy George on one of your side projects Funkysober and have you any plans for fresh material with him?

Darren: We only met really once. I’ve done an updated version of our track “Sunshine Into My Life” which is due out on Zulu Records shortly with a remix by My Digital Enemy

iVibes: You have two collaborations on the new album with Harry Diamond and Jim Credland. What are those two like to work with and do they have a similar taste in music to yours?

Darren: Both individuals are great guys with different talents. Jim’s like a rocket scientist and I love his commitment to technical exploration. Harry on the other hand is more of a “getting the vibe / feeling right” and let’s go with that. Both are cool approaches.

iVibes: It’s not the first time you’ve produced a track with Harry as ‘Tate & Diamond’. Have you any plans to collaborate more in the future?

Darren: Not really as I’m mainly busy with the latest house projects, DT8 releases and films.

iVibes: With so many side projects, was it a tough to find a slot to get stuck in the third Horizons as we did not see a Darren Tate single last year?

Darren: Yes.. Especially with five films to score right now!!

iVibes: Will you be taking the album on the road and doing any live versions from the album over the course of this summer?

Darren: Probably not due to other commitments. However I am going to still continue to produce all manners of dance records and will never forget the fans.

iVibes: If you could describe what the Horizons sound is all about to someone who has yet to experience, how would you put it?

Darren: Great uplifting dance music ranging from chunky funky beats to soul searching songs.

iVibes: The album is out on your own label Mondo Records, which has been delivering some stunning records over the past few years. What artists are you particular fond off from your label at the moment?

Darren: I won’t name pick; there’s too many guys doing too much great music and it would do anyone an injustice to leave anyone out.

iVibes: You will soon have a new 8 Ball tune out called ‘The Wave / Sympathy’ which drives down the more progressive house route. What sets the 8 Ball aliases apart from the usual Darren Tate sound?

Darren: I’ve been producing as 8 Ball for many years. To be honest these two are the tranciest 8 Ball record to date. Mainly it’s a progressive / tech / deep house pseudo and until now all the records have been out on other labels.

iVibes: Do you think it’s good for artists to createaliases to experiment and have the freedom to try something new without thebacklash of criticism that it’s not what they expect?

Darren: Absolutely; and sometimes it essential due to legal restriction set by labels.

iVibes: Do you think you will ever dig out the Jurgen Vires name again for a new track?

Darren: Probably not.

iVibes: What new material can we expect on Mondo Records over the next few months?

Darren: We have some exciting releases coming up over the next few months on Mondo Records from rising talents such as Azotti, Matt Eray, Anxess, Iversoon & Alex Daf and much more. Plus, there will be a select few tracks from the album released as singles, with the possibility of some remixes too. Watch this space.

iVibes: Trance fans will always remember you for your early productions but what do you make of the trance scene at the moment?

Darren: I think there’s a lot of samey kind of stuff out there. I find it slightly frustrating the love people have over some artists who’s production quality though being very good actually have I think quite a soulless approach to music writing.

iVibes: Do you think you will ever get together with your old sparing partner Jono Grant for another track?

Darren: We did start a new one quite a few months back but goodness knows if either of us will have the time to get it finished. Having said that Jono and I have remained good friends and we do see each other quite often.

iVibes: We are really looking forward to the new album Darren, the first two albums still get featured in the music rotation here at iVibes towers. One final thought, if you could have produced the music for one film from the past, what would it be and why?

Darren: Stars Wars! Can you think of a more legendary film score?

The third artist album from Darren tate will be released on the 13th May on Mondo Recordings!

ALBUM TEASER

:: Read more about Darren Tate's brand new artist album 'Horizons 03' right here!

 :: You can pre-order the album directly from the Mondo Records web shop right now!