M.U.M & 1605 Session proudly presents "Miami Sessions with Umek"- M.U.M- Episode 61

Rod B. & Alvaro Garfunk bring you the Miami Underground Movement ANDREW TECHNIQUE - biography Be Ray Ya Book Hey, Can't Play the Piano, Luna Park and Fresh are just some productions which recently invested Andrew Technique as one of the hottest young electronic artists in the region. And it's not a small deal if we take in account he's determined to challenge the infamous Slovenian techno heritage and take it to the whole new level. When he's not abusing the decks and comps on his own, Andrew, a protégé of Flow Management and dedicated member of SDJF initiative, performs as a member of Foreplay!, Parallel Fusion (live) and R&A projects. Well, he sure came a long way so far. Especially if we bear in mind he grew up on metal guitar reefs. "It’s true. I'm an art junkie,” admits Andrew. “When I was a kid people thought I’d become a successful painter, actor, singer or whatever. But it was the music that attracted me the most for as long as I can remember. In business I believe in professionalism and dedication, but when it comes to producing and performing music I indulge in being lead by my feelings. And I’m very emotional. I can get goose bumps or even a tear in my eye listening to some great piece of music. I’m not ashamed to admit that. I do listen to the comments given by my friends and people that I personally believe they are credible critics. I respect good-intended critic, but I got where I am today mostly because I decided so and worked hard to reach some of my personal goals,” summarizes his career Andrej Šarkanj aka Andrew Technique. Although as a master of his own destiny he almost abandoned his dream not so far ago. “Let’s just say I came to the major life-crossroad and had to decide what I wanted to do with life: I could have ended my music career right there and then or choose to channel all my free-time and energy into production and promotion of my own vision of dance music. It never was, and still isn’t, all roses. But now, that I finally get the positive feedback from the right people I’m happy I decided not to quit," explains Andrew with a tiny sparkle of satisfaction in his eyes. He made some big steps in 2007: he produced bunch of great fresh sounding tunes, his records are now being regularly played by the top deejays such as Umek and Valentino Kanzyani, some of his tracks were already broadcasted on BBC Radio 1 ... But, regarding the strong competition, Andrew is aware that just a few of good releases will not bring him much. So he doesn’t rest on early successes: "Dedication, sustain quality of releases and a bit of luck are key elements on which I build my future as an artist.” It’s been more than a decade since he developed a passion for 4x4 beats. “I used to be into guitar music. I learned to play the piano, I joined the garage band as a teenager and I grew up on hard rock and metal,” smiles Andrew on not so distant memories. “During the high school period I came in touch with other genres, widened my musical spectrum and finally turned in totally different direction. I started listening to electronic stuff, learned how the music is selected, performed and produced and in a few years established myself as a tech-house deejay." Although some could label his sound more like unique mixture of minimal, electro and progressive elements. "We leave in a time of genre blending, so it’s hard to label one’s sound, anyway,” admits Andrew. "But those who follow my work do know I’ve always had a strong passion for organic African rhythms." And how did he get his name? “Andrew was an obvious choice, just a translation of my civilian name. And I choose Technique since I was always very handy with stuff, I still work in a computer shop, MacGyver is a big hero of mine and the name also reflects what I do as an artist.” And the influences: "I listen to a lot of music and I got inspired by a lot of great artists along the way. I try to find something special in every piece of music and all musicians are mentors to me in a way. But the most important influence for me as an artist was and in a way still is our local super club Ambasada Gavioli. It was the place where I was introduced to electronic culture and where I experienced some great performances of leading global deejays.” Andrew is also known as a “very friendly artist”. He's a member of SDJF initiative that is dedicated to constant development of the local electronic club scene and supporting young artists. And when he's not performing on his own, he abuses decks and comps as a member of Foreplay!, R&S and Parallel Fusion (live) projects: "There were also some others, but this things come and go and only the best stay. The basic idea behind collaborations is to get together with other artists, develop and share ideas or blend genres. And it's always more fun producing and performing music with other people than on your own." As a producer he gets all the help he needs from his musical guru Tomy DeClerque. He established his nam...