ATB is one of the most recognized names in dance music, having produced classical music 21:00Which has remained in our minds since its release in 1998. To talk about his latest songs, take a moment, Featuring David Frank, ATB joins us for an interview.
Take a moment marks your latest release, featuring singer-songwriter David Frank. Can you share thoughts on the creative process behind this song and collaborating with David Frank?
I heard David's voice for the first time last year and was immediately struck by his uniqueness. Shortly after, he and his team sent me the initial version of the vocal melody for “Take a Moment,” which inspired me greatly. From there, we exchanged stems and ideas, and as I was refining the song, I felt the need for a change in the B part. David and his team responded wonderfully, and that's how the final version of the song came about. Although not meeting face-to-face, David and I collaborated remotely, a common practice in today's world.
She has amassed over 1.5 billion streams on Spotify and has enjoyed a successful career for over two decades. How do you see your sound and style evolving over the years, and how does that happen? Take a moment Are you contributing to this development?
Well, 20+ years is a very long time. At the beginning of my musical journey, I had the concept of mixing danceable beats with emotional melodies, a fusion that was rarely found in the early 90s. Over time, I refined my unique ATB sound. It all started with the famous guitar playing 21:00Which has become my unmistakable signature. However, I eventually put the guitar aside and delved into developing my ATB sound. For me, the ultimate compliment is when listeners encounter a new piece of music of mine and exclaim, “This unmistakably sounds like ATB.” As a musician, you are always striving to reinvent yourself while maintaining your distinct essence. It's a delicate balance, but I think so Take a moment It encapsulates the essence of ATB while embodying a contemporary sound that doesn't belong in the 2000s.
In 2022, it received a Brit Award nomination for International Single of the Year. How did this honor feel, especially given your extensive career, and how did it impact your goals and aspirations for the future?
Naturally, I was thrilled with this nomination. German artists rarely appear at the BRIT Awards, so it seemed like a great tribute to the revamped edition of 9PM. However, my primary motivation has never been to win awards. In the mid-90s, my goal was simply to continue making music successfully for two decades, and I hope to keep that momentum going for the next 20 years as well.
Electronic dance music has undergone major transformations over the years. How do you navigate these changes, and what are the key elements that have contributed to your enduring success in the industry?
In fact, electronic music has evolved significantly over the past 30 years. In its early days, the genre was niche and relatively unimportant, but it has since gained a dedicated fanbase for its passionate artists. As the years passed, the music became increasingly mainstream and aboveground. Although this expansion opened doors, it did not always serve musical quality. Throughout it all, I tried to stay true to my style, and resisted the urge to chase every trend just because the record company or scene deemed it necessary. Maintaining a distinct sound has always been crucial to me, and I have to wholeheartedly stand behind every song I create. There have been occasions where I turned down promising collaborations because they didn't resonate with me. Ultimately, my feelings and intuition guided me through these shifts and changes in the industry.
With fans more engaged than ever, Take a moment Demonstrates your commitment to music production. How do you balance maintaining your signature style while experimenting with new sounds and genres?
In this regard, I put a lot of trust in my instincts. This approach ensures that I never lose touch with my musical identity. And I'm collaborating with other incredibly talented producers, like Max Reel (Barkley) in this case. Together, we have forged many paths, sparking each other's creativity. This collaboration enables me to maintain my unique sound while incorporating new influences into my music. It's a strategy embraced by many of my fellow DJs, including Tiesto and David Guetta, who frequently engage in collaborative efforts to revitalize their music.
As 2024 approaches, what are your plans for this year?
I've released more music this year than I have in a long time. Recently, my remix of the upcoming summer song year By Zarb he was released. Additionally, the next single, which will serve as an anthem to a highly recognizable series of events, is scheduled to be released within a month. Furthermore, I am currently working on my twelfth album.
Take a moment Available to stream on Spotify.
