Exclusive Interview: M-22
M-22, a duo comprised of two of Europe's most talented producers Matt James & Frank Sanders. Two names responsible for producing countless hits with artists such as Jason Derulo ,Omi, Pitbull to Flo Rida. Chris Lake with the most recent remix of their classic "Good To Be Loved" is now available for streaming but available fully from Refune Records January 29th. They are now creating their own unique sound and will sure be a name you'll see more and more. I fortunately had a chance to chat it up with the two up and comers.
EPIC PRODUCTIONS: First of all appreciate you guys having the time for the interview and very excited for future productions out of you two! What made you two want to start your own productions and actually start doing that as well?
We want our fans and new listeners to turn on the radio or hear us in a club and to instantly recognize who we are. A signature sound for M-22 was and still is so important for us. So an infectious hook, or catchy drop is definitely part of M-22's sound. We also love creating warm and deep piano riffs.
EPIC PRODUCTIONS: What would you say is the M-22 sound? Any comparisons?
We really believe we have created something unique. Yes course we have influences from other Dj's and producers but its safe to say we won't be getting compared to any house hold names.
EPIC PRODUCTIONS: Were you two always mutual friends? How did the collaboration come about?
Good To Be Loved was drafted on the night we met one another. Which is why it was such a special song for us, because not only did we have the start of something great but because M-22 was born. We organised a writing camp between ourselves and mutual friends Demetri James & Jaicko Lawrence (Formula 51) we then finished the song together. There was a great vibe between us all and the actual writing of the song came together so fast. The studio got a lot of attention the following few months, we are perfectionists in the studio and we did a lot of different edits and mixes until we got our final version of the song.
EPIC PRODUCTIONS: Any plans to come to the US and do a tour?
100% we are ready to get M-22 over to North America. Its been non stop writing and producing in the studio so as well as brand new music, we are also excited for our current singles to reach their ears too.
EPIC PRODUCTIONS: What do you two have in the works?
Making new songs has been our priority over the last 6 months and in-between all that we were working around the clock so that we didn't have to miss out on those big remix opportunities. The same will go for this year! The next couple of months we will finish our new single and see it hit the market. As well as tying up all the other tracks for our album we have tons of material the hardest part is choosing what makes the cut.
EPIC PRODUCTIONS: How do you two work in the studio together?
We are as they say in England 'two peas in a pod'. One of us can leave the room and when we come back in the other person has done exactly what the other would of done. Its not often you find that it makes working together so efficient, and fun as we are always bouncing ideas off each other. We have both had extensive producing backgrounds, all this has helped us become who and what we are today.
EPIC PRODUCTIONS: What artists in the electronic dance community do you draw inspiration from?
We have both listened to all sorts of music over the years and living in different countries means we both have had different likes and influences. The French House scene, Daft Punk, Ax & Seb , Calvin Harris, Chris Lake all are sounds we love now. The production mixing and the writing of all their songs are all to the highest level.
EPIC PRODUCTIONS: Goals for 2016 for M-22?
The goals for 2016... To have global success, to work with more big names and to gain more dedicated fans. We have such great support already not only from fans but from industry professionals too. Its so important to maintain all that in 2016. Most importantly we will remember to enjoy the journey and keep putting out BANGERS!
Take a listen to M-22's original "Good to Be Loved" below via Soundcloud, and look for more to come from this dynamic duo.
https://soundcloud.com/m-22official/m-22-good-to-be-loved-original-mix
AUTHOR CREDIT: CHRISTIAN SAMPEN