They’re Egypt’s pride and glory. Being at the forefront of trance music for many years, Aly & Fila enjoy the status of some of the world’s most popular DJ’s and producers. Hot off the release of their label’s output ‘Future Sound of Egypt Vol.2’, we hooked up with them to ask them all about what 2012 is going to bring.
Hey guys! How are you doing?
Aly & Fila:”Hi, we are great thanks, just come back from a tour of USA which was really cool, now time for some studio time and weekend gigs ahead.”
2011 has been a great year for Aly & Fila! You guys celebrated the 200th FSOE show, ‘We Control The Sunlight’ became first in the ASOT Top 20, the label released many successful tracks… how will you guys top that success in 2012?
Aly & Fila:”2011 was a pivotal year for us, the scene changed somewhat with the influx of a new breed of house DJs/producers and music. But we stuck to and will always stick to what we believe in, trance is such a worldwide phenomena we are very proud to be at the forefront of this movement alongside so many other great artists/dj’s/producers. We were so proud to receive 2011 Tune of the Year with Jwaydan for ‘We Control The Sunlight’ on A State of Trance, thanks to everyone support for the track. 2012 is shaping up nicely, we just released the follow up to FSOE Volume 1 – which is Volume 2, we are working on our next artist album which will be released this summer, and we will receive singles off the album and are working on some interesting remixes also.”
There’s another thing we need to congratulate you guys with: the release of ‘Future Sound of Egypt Volume 2’! Unlike its first volume, that was a real showcase of the label, Vol.2 is more of a collection of Aly & Fila’s favourites, right?
Aly & Fila:”We would have to say it’s a mixture of music from the label and some favorites also, the great thing about doing the compilation is it can give us a great opportunity to showcase new up and coming talent and also the established artists”
What exciting tracks are ahead on the Future Sound of Egypt label? Discovered any new talent lately?
Aly & Fila:”We have 2 very special discoveries. First one has to be Tonny Nesse who is having a great EP to be released soon on FSOE. Also the great duo ‘Fady & Mina’ from Egypt, they are doing great uplifting and energetic music.”
What about a follow-up to ‘Rising Sun’? Is there a new album in the making, or should we be a bit more patient?
Aly & Fila:”The new album is nearly finished! :) The plan of the release is around September 2012. We have worked with many great artists on this album. We can’t say more at the moment. But for sure ASOT 550 sets will include some previews from the album!”
The follow-up to ‘We Control The Sunlight’, ‘Coming Home’, was featured on A State of Trance 2012. What can you guys tell us about this absolute tune?
Aly & Fila:”We decided after the success of ‘We Control The Sunlight’ to do another collaboration with Jwaydan, we are very happy with the outcome which is ‘Coming Home’. The vocals are very emotional, Jwaydan has a great voice and we feel once again we have worked well together and hopefully the people will enjoy the track also.”
One of the highlight gigs of these upcoming weeks, is the A State of Trance 550 event! You guys have been part of these celebrations throughout the past 6 years and will be playing in LA and Den Bosch for 550. How does it feel to be part of a global happening as big as ASOT?
Aly & Fila:”It is such an amazing feeling, our management told us last week we are the only DJ’s besides Armin and Markus Schulz to play the annual ASOT celebrations for the last 6 years having played ASOT 300 (our debut was in Den Bosch) , ASOT 350 in Belgium, ASOT 400 in Rotterdam, ASOT 450 in Toronto and ASOT 500 in Den Bosch and Sydney and now ASOT 550 in LA and Den Bosch. We are very proud to have been and still are a part of these brilliant celebrations, massive thanks to everyone who have helped to make this possible.“
How long have you guys been a fan of the show? Were you listening to ASOT long before you broke through as Aly & Fila?
Aly & Fila:”We would have to say we have been listening to the show since nearly the start to be honest, for an artist it’s always a great feeling when Armin plays one of your tracks on the show, he has really supported us so much over the years, for that we are really grateful.”
What difference had the show made to your career with Aly & Fila? Did the show inspire you guys to have your own FSOE show?
Aly & Fila:”We think it’s very important as an artist to have a radio show, our FSOE show is now on more and more radios stations, and with the power of the internet the show can be listened to so many times after broadcast. ASOT was definitely an inspiration, can imagine it was and is for many artists who have radio shows. The show has definitely helped with our career. When you are an up and coming DJ/Producer to have your tracks played on ASOT helped for the tracks to be heard to a far wider audience, to gain more recognition, and we are sure promoters all over the world look at Armin’s tracklists to see who may be hot or not. We are very sure Armin and ASOT has played an essential role in the development of many artists careers.”
What can the ASOT 550 listeners and clubbers expect from your sets in LA & Den Bosch? Any exclusives?
Aly & Fila:”Some exclusives for sure! But we cannot reveal yet, the same kind of energy we have always given behind the decks.”
Anything you’d like to say to Armin and the ASOT listeners?
Aly & Fila:”Huge thanks to Armin and the listeners of ASOT for all their support over the years and their continued support, really looking to seeing you all at ASOT 550 in Los Angeles on March 17 and ASOT 550 in Den Bosch on March 31st.”
PS – There are still tickets available for the A State of Trance celebration in Den Bosch, get your tickets here: https://www.astateoftrance.com/a-state-of-trance-550/den-bosch/buytickets/
