Artist: Indepth Interview by: Evgeny

Hi Shahar, how are you dear northern friend? :)

Heya, I'm very good , thanks !

So let's start from the beginning who is Shahar the man behind Indepth?

Well I think that’s me. Shahar Melamed, 25 yrs. Old from Haifa , Israel.

When did you start producing music and what was the main reason for it?

I started making music when I was around the age of 14, experimenting with all kinds of materials, from industrial, to noise and IDM , basically really experimental stuff. Cant say I planned  anything,  I just made it for the love of music and for fun, Then one weekend I opened the weekend paper and there was an article about my small and humble site and my music, which was kind of a surprise. From there I was approached by S.B records, signed with them and went on to release what was my 1st album in 2003. This release was actually received really well and got some really amazing responses,  and went on to be chosen by an Israeli paper as one of the top releases of 2004. (actually it came out In 2003 but don’t tell them …heheh). From there it kinda rolled on,  I started playing gigs in Israel and abroad , got a resident slot at the Luna and so on.

You have just released a second full length album "Disappear Here" on Sonic Dragon Records, what can you tell us about the album and the label you chose to release your music on?

Well the Album "Disappear Here" is a 2 CD release. CD1 is more electro influenced and focuses more on 4X4 Beats with elements of club, psychedelica and house music. CD2 as we said earlier focuses more on broken beat stuff, from crazy breakcore stuff, to more NuSkool type sounds, and also features a collaboration with the super talented JVIEWZ who plays guitar on "Focal Point". The connection with Sonic Dragon was made by a friend, and things clicked from there. We have really put a lot of hard work into this album - from the music which I've worked on for around 2 years, to the art and packaging, to the production,  and we are really proud of the result.

One of the CD's on your new album "Disappear Here" focuses  mainly on Breaks with Psychedelic influence, shortly "Psy-breaks",    for those unfamiliar with this genre can you elaborate a bit and tell us who are your idols or   recommended artists in this genre?

My first and foremost idol would definitely have to be Shimi Tavori man, it's not only the music, I just love his style and undeniable charm man … OK now   seriously, I've always loved Breaks, ever since I began listening to music, and I wasn't really connecting with a lot of the breaks stuff that was being released . So before I started working on this album,   I said why not take a little bit of breaks, some electro, some psy and god knows what else, and see what happens. From there I lost control and the music took a life of its own. I didn’t really try to sound like any one; I think it's kind of my own style really. Still, if you're looking for some good breaks id say check out some early chemical brothers, or for some new stuff try SubSource who are kicking some major ass.

Usually artists express themselves through music, if so what would be your statement through music?

My statement is go out there and have some fun. I'm not sure i have a big serious message to deliver. When I'm playing live or DJ'ing, my aim is to make sure people are having a good time, while also trying to give them something they were'nt expecting.

The album is titled "Disappear Here" and is a double album which is divided into 2 CD's "Disappear"  and "Reappear" what is the idea behind this theme?

Well the album was divided to 2 CD's because we wanted to distinguish between two different aspects of my sound, one would be the 4 on the floor electro-progressive stuff, and the breaks side. This way I think a lot of people can find something they like inside this release, even if you're into polka man.

Looking back on your first album, do you think you’ve come a long way production wise?

I think the difference would be huge if you compare the two now. The 1st album was really experimental and fused together a lot of things like jungle, IDM ambient and many more, with no regards to how a crowd will react to it, or on what shelf to put it on – it was called anything from chillout , to ambient break beat and god knows what else.  To this album I approached with a lot more DJing and performance experience,  and that definitely changes the way you think – it doesn’t mean you go commercial or make dance anthems, but I think it can change the way you work in the studio, and help you be more focused on what you'd like to achieve.
what are the main changes in your production now days? Nowdays im focusing a lot less on experimental stuff, and a lot more on dancefloor materials, be it electro, breaks progressive and what now.  some of the tracks on the album are made to be journeys, like 8-9-10 minute tracks, and with the electro stuff I try to keep things short and sweet. Its always good to evolve and see what excites you next…my next album might be gypsy music..who knows.

Do you have any side projects besides "Indepth"? Have you tried producing in other genres?

Well I have had so many different things released; I think there's quite a lot of diversity. I've worked with ambient, breaks, electro and even have a couple of Drum n bass releases. These days my main focus would probably be ,as I mentioned ,the  housier side of electro, with my own twist to it, if you heard me play in the last months you’ve probably heard a lot of it .   A few of these releases will be out in the near month, and the next year will see at least a half a dozen more.

Is Music production your main occupation?

Music is defiantly the main thing right now.  I have my regular weekly sets at the Luna Club in Haifa, so along with that, gigs ,music production and Bar-mitzva's,  I consider myself pretty lucky to make a living from something I love . On the other hand I am also completing my B.A in Psychology in Haifa Uni, and will probably begin my Master's degree next year.

As i know you are a studying psychology as do i by the way,   why the hell did you chose this brain numbing boring subject?

Because it's boring which means I can think about how to make a good tune when I'm studying  ;)

You live in the northern part of Israel and hold a residency in a mainstream club, what can you tell us about the northern scene?
Is it any different from the central Tel Aviv area?

Yeah , I've been resident of the Luna Club in Haifa for around 4 years now, which is probably the biggest thing north of Tel Aviv as far as I know. Basically this is a line that brings together a mainstream crowd with a more trance crowd, which is something really cool. This line is active for over 4 years and gets better every year. About the difference from Tel Aviv, I think Tel Aviv obviously has a wider range of styles and tastes, with a lot more things going on. Let's say the equivalent of the Luna in Tel Aviv would be TLV or Oman17, so the good thing in Tel Aviv is you have the smaller places that have a more niche- based approach, like Maxim, or Barzilay, and therefore can have a more alternative taste. I'd love to see more diversity up north, but I think it would take some time and changes before we can see that happen.

Besides performing as a DJ or Live are you an active party person?

can't say I go to too many parties…let me know if you hear of a good one though …

What is your main goal or dream to achieve as an artist?

I think my main goal is to keep producing music that excites me and hopefully other people. I don’t have any world domination fantasies just yet…

What was your best gig till now?

That is a really hard question to answer …every gig has its own vibe, connection with the crowd, etc etc…. I can say I've always loved playing the Doof Festival, I think it's something truly unique in our country.

For the technical freaks, can you tell us what do use for producing music?   
do you use any hardware?

Well I used to have all these synths but I was too lazy to use them. Software gives you so many options, and you don’t need to get up from your chair..haha. If I had to choose 1 piece though, id go with my all time fave , my Waldorf Microwave synth, mainly because it’s orange and makes some wicked sounds.

Any last words or messeges to our dear readers?

Yeah - Read aero-groove and eat a lot of vitamins ?.

Links:
www.indepth1.com
www.myspace.com/depthsof