We interviewed the world-famous producer / DJ Martin Garrix and the new unit "AREA21" by the singer / producer major.
AREA21 is a joint project by Martin Garrix and two alien travelers (commonly known as M & M), who are the alter ego of the major. The long-awaited first album "Greatest Hits Vol. 1" was released on November 12th last year.
This time we interviewed Martin Garrix and Major. From the background of the formation, the meaning of the unit name and the reason why the concept was alien. In addition, he talked a lot about the differences between individual activities and projects and future plans.
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table of contents
-Are you both in Amsterdam?
Major: Yes, it's the Netherlands. We're making music and rehearsing live together.
-I heard the story when the two met for the first time (I met at a party in LA and soon after that I met again on an airplane), but I came to make music together and form a unit called AREA21. Can you tell me how it happened?
Martin: From my point of view, I think it's a big excitement to be able to play completely different music. Until then, I focused only on electronic music and appeared in big festivals, so-called EDM, I was thinking only about that kind of music.
However, since I started working with the major, I feel like I've opened my eyes in many ways. Experiment with new sounds or play a guitar that you haven't touched for a long time. Yeah, that's why it sounds more lively. That kind of work was so much fun that we started together, and it's still the same. I think that's the core of this project. It's just fun.
Major: I totally agree with you. Enjoy the fun. I think that's the driving force behind this project. We didn't start by saying, "Let's do a crazy project with aliens." It was born naturally from the two of us. I am open to my heart and pursuing possibilities. After removing the restrictions, trying new ideas, and having fun, something really cool and "Isn't this amazing?" Was born, and I feel like I've come this far.
--The debut song "Spaceships" was released in 2016, and several singles have been released since then, but it has taken a long time to complete the debut album. Did you think of it as a long-lasting project from the beginning?
Martin: I wasn't thinking about going on for a long time or spending my whole life from the beginning. Anyway, it's fun to make music together, and I think music is that kind of thing. Make people happy and connect people. In fact, both of us were connected by music, and what impressed me was that it was fun to make the songs for this album, but the people who listened to it also felt that fun, and everyone It's time to feel connected. I feel hot. I think it's important.
Major: I don't think that's exactly the case. The aliens have just arrived on Earth. The story has just begun. More adventures await from now on. For a lifetime (laughs).
[Video] AREA21 --Mona Lisa (Official Video)
-Why did you decide to release an album at this time when it was difficult to tour and promote due to the influence of the pandemic due to the corona disaster?
Martin: There are two reasons, the first is AREA21, so I wanted to release it in 2021. The second is the Korona-ka, which has been restricted in various ways, and human interaction has decreased. It's absolutely necessary for humans to interact with each other, and I wondered if we could cheer everyone up even a little.
Also, everyone is staring at smartphones and comparing with others on SNS, so we wanted to be aliens. It doesn't matter what it looks like, each one is unique and special as it is. For aliens, it's hard to understand that they're just looking at their smartphones, and it's a mystery why borders exist. Sometimes everyone's opinions are even more divided by the Korona-ka.
So it's true that Korona-ka isn't easy to promote, and the music people want tends to return to the nostalgic music before Korona-ka, but this is correct for us to deliver to everyone in terms of sound and message. I thought it was timing.
-Mr. Martin Garrix and Mr. Major have also been active as solos. Can you tell us the difference between solo music and making this unit's work?
Martin: There are no rules when working with a major. Run around in the room, dance, and jump on the couch. Take out your guitar and have a jam session. I think I made a lot of songs while traveling. I think what makes this project different is that you don't think too much and you do what you feel.
In the session as Martin Garrix, before entering the studio, the goals you want to achieve, such as what kind of sound you want to make and what you want to set as a goal, are decided. I listen to the music of the person I collaborate with, and I just think too much about what I can add to the sound and song of that person. By analyzing in advance, plans, goals, ideas, etc. are decided by the time the session starts. But in the AREA21 session, I can make it without thinking, maybe because I've been working together for a long time. That's a really fun place.
Major: I'm the same. That's exactly what Martin said.
[Video] Martin and Major answering YouTube comments
--- Who came up with the concept of this project, an alien traveling in space, crash landing on Earth?
Martin: We both thought about it together. I named it AREA21 because my studio I used before was on the 21st floor with a spaceship-like design. And since my debut song was "Spaceships", I thought, "Then we'll be aliens," and I drew a picture of an alien, and that's the concept ever since.
Major: For me, music always feels like it's heard from other planets. That's why alien music is so natural.
--The reason why the title of the album is "Greatest Hits Vol. 1" is "because it is the title given to many of the wonderful albums on the earth". It's funny, but it's confusing (bitter smile). Perhaps that's what you're aiming for, but who came up with this title?
Martin: Which one? I don't remember well (laughs). But I wanted to make it a funny title, and when I saw that the albums of my favorite artists always said "●● Greatest Hits", we aliens quickly said, "If so, let's go." I thought about it. I didn't know that in order to release the best album with such a title, I had to release many albums by then (laughs).
Major: I found it interesting to try things that other people wouldn't do, and I'm ignoring the established rules and saying "let's make the title Greatest Hits" (laughs). ).
--Did you have any other title ideas?
Martin: Hmm, that's all.
Major: I don't think there was anything else.
Martin: I thought it was ridiculous and awesome (laughs).
Major: Anyway, we both laughed a lot. I hope it will be communicated to everyone.
-I think it's the first time for Martin to have a permanent vocalist, but what's the difference between working with a different vocalist each time and working with just one of the majors?
Martin: Yeah, the approach is very different. I make demos and sometimes majors make demos, but if you think "this isn't for AREA21", you can use it as a Martin Garrix song.
In fact, the upcoming Martin Garrix song was written with a major. It's a more uplifting type, and I thought it was more for Garrix than for AREA21. Even if you don't set a goal like "let's make a song for a festival this time", you can try it freely and decide later, so it's really easy. Also, working with the same voice is very interesting to me because I can experiment with how to change his voice depending on the song.
Take out a part of the song, change the chords and pitches, apply distortion, and try using auto tune. It can be difficult, but it takes a lot of ingenuity to make it enjoyable through one album. Try various things with the best voice of the major. It raises it to the next level.
-Is AREA21's music production different for majors?
Major: As Martin said, this project is a very close collaboration, so that's the difference. It feels like the lyrics, melody, and music come down at the same time. It's nice to have this kind of experience, and it feels like I'm looking at myself from the outside. It seems that the song is born through ourselves, and we feel like a helper.
--What kind of artists are AREA21 influenced by?
Martin: Pharrell Williams and the outcast.
Major: I'm Bob Marley, there are many other great artists. People who make music that connects people, such as the Rolling Stones and U2. Like the Beatles, we are influenced by all styles of music. I also have an influence from 2 packs.
--Did you have any influence from Gorillaz or Daft Punk when it comes to using anime without showing your true face?
Martin: Of course it's 100%. I think the way Gorillaz's music and anime are fused is very unique and different, and so is Daft Punk. I think it was novel and groundbreaking. Even now, at Garrix shows, they always play their "one more time." We want our music to be listened to in such a timeless manner, and not only in terms of sound but also in terms of lyrics, we will hear AREA21 even after 10 years, 20 years and 30 years, and it will be timeless. I'm glad to be loved. From now on, more digital, VR, metaverse, etc. will advance.
AREA21
-Not only party tunes, but also issues related to modern social media such as "Followers". How do you think you should interact with SNS?
Major: I think SNS has both good and bad sides. On the positive side, I think it's great to be able to get in touch with friends and family and to broaden and explore the world. I'm from Detroit, Michigan, but I got into the music industry because of social media. Even if I wasn't actually there, I think it was possible because of the internet and SNS. But sometimes everyone is having a hard time. Thanks to SNS, everyone ...
Martin: Compare with others.
Major: Yeah, I compare it to others and I'm too dependent on it. It's easy to forget the reality of what's really important when you're just looking online. I'm not healthy because I'm always comparing with others, criticizing myself and being depressed, and just worrying about what others are doing. So we wanted to honk about that, but we're not denying everything. It's definitely a great tool.
Martin: Especially in Korona-ka, it connected people. It's important to find a healthy balance. Anyway, I don't think it's good to start comparing with others. Whether it's clothing, artists, art or sound, you can compare which one is the top, or compare the numbers. When that happens, it's over.
Everyone has their own way and I think there is a way to go, so if you just compare yourself with others, you will lose sight of yourself. If you think "that is cooler" or "that photo is cooler", there is no end to it. Because everyone uploads only the best photos taken with the best location. Everyone looks happy on SNS. But in reality, that's not possible. Everyone has emotional ups and downs, so I think it's important to know the difference between that reality and SNS.
--- For the two aliens who have nothing to do with nationality, race, gender, etc., do you think that what people on earth are doing makes you look strange, strange, or change?
Martin: What is the border for aliens? It's really strange. Even though the earth is a sphere, I dare to draw a line. Any love is love. No matter who you love, it doesn't change to love. It's a very narrow view, or I try to distinguish it in the form of love. I've never seen it on a star other than Earth, it's very strange. No matter who you love, you are free and it is not up to others to decide. Isn't that the key to everything? It's strange that the world is so divided. Seen from the outside, it's very crazy (bitter smile).
Major: From that perspective, you can see what people on earth are doing. On the other hand, I think I can learn it as a teacher. What can we do?
--AREA21 made a surprise appearance at the music event "EMC" in which Martin Garrix appeared and became a hot topic. How was your performance here?
Martin: Yeah, we did a little surprise performance at EMC. The audience's reaction should have been good, but I couldn't see anything at all because it was the headgear I just made (laughs). My eyes were cloudy with my breath.
Major: The lights were also flickering.
Martin: You didn't see anything after 10 minutes (laughs).
-Isn't it difficult to wear a mask and sing?
Major: But the mask only covered the top of my mouth, so if I put the microphone under the mask properly, singing wouldn't be a problem (laughs).
--Please tell us your plans for future live performances. What kind of stage are you planning?
Martin: I'm just rehearsing the tour. I'm going to be on stage with a full band. There are drums, bass and keyboard players, I play the guitar, and the major is rap and vocals. I don't know the date, but I'm preparing for the tour.
-Not appearing as part of Martin Garrix's DJ set?
Martin: That's not the case. Maybe I'll do that a few times. There may be a major singing in my DJ set. But we want you to see the full band live. A set where everyone is jamming. Because AREA21 is the music made for that. There is a guitar in the live drums, no DJ. It's completely different from the Garrix show.
Major: I want to be the best live band. I'm doing my best to make people who watch the show feel something.
Martin: Just this week I was rehearsing with a full band every day. Anyway, I'm happy to say that it's a full band (laughs).
--Specifically, when is it likely to be?
Martin: It depends on the situation in Corona, so I can't say for sure, but I'm talking about festival-related appearances. Once it's decided, I'd like to show off the live by streaming first. I want fans all over the world to watch it and then start the tour.
-Is it difficult to play live in Europe or America right now?
Martin: As for America, I think it's easier than before. But my Europe scheduled for next week has been cancelled. The Omicron strain has a high infection rate, but the bed usage rate seems to have dropped considerably. Yeah, I'm looking forward to this summer, I believe I can go all over the world.
--- So you mean you'll stay on Earth for a while, right?
2 people: Yeah, that's what I mean (and smile).
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-Do you think you will come to Japan?
Martin: Of course. I'm planning to come to Japan as Martin Garrix, and I'm thinking of coming to Japan as AREA21. Japan and Tokyo are my favorite places in the world. I hope I can perform the band in front of Japanese fans.
Major: I agree with you. If I could perform in front of everyone in Japan, that would be a dream.
--In recent years, there have been many reports that the existence of UFOs and the like seems to be a reality. How do you see them? Maybe you're an alien companion?
Major: That's right (laughs).
Martin: Really, my family and friends are coming "hello" (laughs).
Major: We're always in contact with fellow aliens.
Martin: We all did BBQ in the backyard the other day (laughs).
-Are the members of other bands also aliens?
Martin: Yeah, I think they're aliens, and they're really good musicians. The drummer is Bron, the bass is Glen, and the keyboard is Vince. Vince and I have been together for about 6 years now, with people we've worked with before. Glen also plays the bass on many of Garrix's songs. Bron is playing with a song that will be released in the future. Right now we're all having a jam session and adjusting the balance together.
Major: I'm also an artist on the planet and I have other alien friends. But you say you can't reveal your name yet. There are far more alien companions than you can imagine (laughs).
Martin: Without a joke, we're about to start observing the new Space Telescope, and I'm really looking forward to what we can discover there.
--Are there any plans for 2022 other than live activities? It seems that you are making new music as AREA21, so can you listen to the next album unexpectedly soon?
Martin: I would like to do that, but it takes a lot of time to create an animation. Even if the album is completed in half a year, there are preparations for selecting singles and making animations after that.
And while the first album didn't have any guests, the second album wants to work with everyone we think is cool. There is preparation for that, and it takes time, including the production of animation. Also, what I learned from the production of this first album is that it takes time to make good things. Don't hurry.
Making music is fun, but I have to spend some time making animations to convey something. The first album took a lot of time. However, I plan to release singles one after another, and I don't feel like I'll be away for a long time and come back again.
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--Did the music complete much earlier on the first album than on the animation?
Martin: That's right, but some of the songs were just barely edited. For example, the song "21" was made in the week when we had to complete and deliver the album. The song order of the album was already decided, but I wanted to add "21", so I removed other songs instead. There is room for improvement until the very end. Tell the anime production team about the composition, timing, etc. of the song from the demo stage and ask them to start making sketches and storyboards. We will complete the song in parallel with them.
[Video] AREA21 --21
--Are you planning to use anime at live performances?
Martin: Probably not an anime, but a lighting style. I'm thinking of a surprising writing like "Wow, I've never seen this!" I have a lot of ideas, such as a UFO flying over the audience, but it's about whether it can actually be realized. We are all thinking about it and devising it.
--Lastly, could you tell us a message to Japanese fans and what to listen to for this album?
Major: Of course. I want to tell everyone on the planet, including Japanese fans, that there is only one thing. As everyone harmonizes, the connection will be strengthened. Don't forget to love.
Martin: What I would like to convey to everyone is thank you very much for your wonderful support so far. I am grateful to AREA21 as well as to Martin Garrix for their support. There is no doubt that your experience in a beautiful country is the best memory of my life that I will never forget, and I hope that when I come to Japan at AREA21, I will be able to create even more new memories. As for the album, I hope everyone will enjoy listening to this album. I hope everyone will be happy and enjoy themselves, want to start dancing, feel better, and feel something. Thank you very much. (In Japanese with both hands together) Arigatou!
(End of interview)
AREA21 debut album "Greatest Hits Vol. 1" is now on sale
Price: ¥ 2,750 (tax included) Product number: UICH-1016
First press board limited inclusion privilege: ・ AREA21 character ・ Sticker (1 sheet 4 patterns) ・ AREA21 original T-shirt lottery application serial number
* With Apple Music / Amazon Music, you can enjoy spatial audio by Dolby Atmos.
Click here to watch / purchase: https://umj.lnk.to/AREA21ALBUM
Click here for comments on the album by Martin Garrix and Major: https://www.universal-music.co.jp/area21/news/2021-11-12-3/
Click here for comments on each song: https://www.universal-music.co.jp/area21/news/2021-11-12/
Click here for the storyline of AREA21 music videos so far: https://www.universal-music.co.jp/area21/news/2021-11-12-2/
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