A Sit Down With DJ Bjorn Akesson
12:47 Apr/25/2018

His remixes are in high demand by top DJs ranging from W&W, Darren Tate and RAM to Orjan Nilsen. All his releases have been widely supported by all the top DJs including Armin van Buuren, Andy Moor, Tiesto and Markus Schulz and featured heavily on all their CD compilations, over 50 to date.
Is there too much envy in the DJ scene?
There is, but at a certain level I think its good. In many cases it results in DJ/producers working even harder to reach new heights.
What/who does inspire you when you make your own music?
Inspiration is everywhere, all around us, wether its an emotional experience, an amazing view or a person. Not really sure where it comes from in the end. Other than that I take my inspiration from all genres and types of music there is. If you listen to the same type of tracks all the time it will be harder for you as a musicmaker to get fresh ideas and create something different.
Whos your favorite up and coming artist?
Nhato, hes a hidden gem and Im not sure why he hasnt broken through yet.
Whats the worst thing that ever happened surrounding one of your gigs?
The occasional misspressed button, making the track start from the very beginning in the middle of a track.
Is there a song of yours which your particularly love more than the others and why?
Thats really hard to say to be honest as they are all different and special in their own way.
However one of my favourite is Robot Religion, a track that not many of the big DJs played but has been a huge hit in my own DJ sets and for my fans.
You make some of the most innovative trance tracks out there today, how do you keep creating new ideas and avoiding that mainstream pop sound thats so prevalent?
Thank you! Well I wouldnt mind if it sounded like mainstream pop as long as I like it, believe in it and isnt a copy of something else. I always try to make my own thing and really avoid to copy something else because that is not really inspiring. So to answer the question directly, I dont intend to keep it to sound in a certain way, the track builds itself and develops naturally.
And if you had one piece of advice for any artist trying to make it, what would you tell them?
Be yourself, create your own sound, dont go a direction you dont feel. Work hard and dont give up. Its a very tough industry and the competition is fierce. Its unfair and you dont always get the treatment you deserve, but if you really believe in yourself then you will make it!
https://soundcloud.com/bjornakesson/vival
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His remixes are in high demand by top DJs ranging from W&W, Darren Tate and RAM to Orjan Nilsen. All his releases have been widely supported by all the top DJs including Armin van Buuren, Andy Moor, Tiesto and Markus Schulz and featured heavily on all their CD compilations, over 50 to date.
"Its important to be a role model as a DJ when many people look up to you. Living a healthy life is something I will always stand for."
Have you attended music school to learn how to produce, or are you totally self-taught?
Completely self-taught, although Ive learned a lot by speaking to other producers online. This has been mostly from the technical aspect; I dont know anything about music theory or chords etc. I just feel them.
Is there too much envy in the DJ scene?
There is, but at a certain level I think its good. In many cases it results in DJ/producers working even harder to reach new heights.
What/who does inspire you when you make your own music?
Inspiration is everywhere, all around us, wether its an emotional experience, an amazing view or a person. Not really sure where it comes from in the end. Other than that I take my inspiration from all genres and types of music there is. If you listen to the same type of tracks all the time it will be harder for you as a musicmaker to get fresh ideas and create something different.
Can you describe your actual studio set up at the moment? Your favourite piece of hardware & software?
Just using software at the moment, Cubase 7 with a lot of plugins. I love working with Sylenth1 and V-Station amongst others. And of course, I have a pair of studio monitors plus a midi controller.
Whos your favorite up and coming artist?
Nhato, hes a hidden gem and Im not sure why he hasnt broken through yet.
Whats the worst thing that ever happened surrounding one of your gigs?
The occasional misspressed button, making the track start from the very beginning in the middle of a track.
Is there a song of yours which your particularly love more than the others and why?
Thats really hard to say to be honest as they are all different and special in their own way.
However one of my favourite is Robot Religion, a track that not many of the big DJs played but has been a huge hit in my own DJ sets and for my fans.
Can you remember the most unusual track that you dropped in your set and the crowd was caught by surprise but they liked it very much? Do you like to surprise your crowd, or do you prefer to go the tried and trusted way?
I always want to surprise the crowd, and if I can play something totally unexpected I will. Ive dropped dubstep and drum n' bass tracks a few times, sometimes it works very well, sometimes not so well. Its just one track in a set though, so I dont see the harm in doing that.
You make some of the most innovative trance tracks out there today, how do you keep creating new ideas and avoiding that mainstream pop sound thats so prevalent?
Thank you! Well I wouldnt mind if it sounded like mainstream pop as long as I like it, believe in it and isnt a copy of something else. I always try to make my own thing and really avoid to copy something else because that is not really inspiring. So to answer the question directly, I dont intend to keep it to sound in a certain way, the track builds itself and develops naturally.
And if you had one piece of advice for any artist trying to make it, what would you tell them?
Be yourself, create your own sound, dont go a direction you dont feel. Work hard and dont give up. Its a very tough industry and the competition is fierce. Its unfair and you dont always get the treatment you deserve, but if you really believe in yourself then you will make it!
https://soundcloud.com/bjornakesson/vival
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