So, let’s start with the producer Siconix, from Malta!
Hey Siconix,
Hey, what’s up?
All good, thanks! So, let’s start with a simple and direct question so the people can get to know you a little more: who are you? (Tell us more about what you do in Life, where do you live, your real name, what elements could define you, …)
I am from the Southern part of the Island (Malta). My real name is Daniel, however almost everyone who knows me calls me “Sic” (shortening of “Siconix”). For more than 3 years now, I am a resident DJ in one of the best / biggest clubs in Malta: the Havana808. On certain occasions, I play in clubs like Shadow, So City, Soho Lounge, Aria Complex (open air), Numero Uno and various events. Mainly, when I DJ, I mix Hip-Hop, R&B, R&B House, Reggaeton, and commercial songs. Trap Music is the style that I do not play much in the clubs because of the lack of audience, however this is the main style I like to work on and produce in my own studio. Yeah, the studio is my home, it has always been a dream to have my own place where I can work, with no disturbance, so I can put all my energy into my music. The more I work the more distinctive my beats become and the more people can recognize them. I like to put high notes and deep bass, even if I’m working on a commercial track. I also use Orch Hits and choirs. So mostly, it’s cinematic music.
When did you start music production?
If I remember correctly, I produced my fist beat when I was 15, which, without doubts, was a big deal for me at that time. It was, in fact, a beat for my own song on which I put some lyrics. Yes, I used to sing as well.
Which style(s) of music are you currently producing? Have you always produced it?
Trap and especially Hip-Hop has always been my jam. I grew up with old school Hip-Hop and music of artists like 2Pac, songs with life… as much in the lyrics than in the beats themselves. For me, this is true and real music. The only problem was, there were very few rappers in Malta that were good, and I wanted to keep my production going. Trap was the style I chose and I felt that it was the right one.
Trap music, for me, is the replacement of Hip-Hop, but without vocals. So, there’s more room for me to be creative.
So, when I jumped from Hip-Hop to Trap without being able to find rappers for my beats, I was actually contacted by a rapper from Australia, who wanted to sing on my Trap beat and we already have 2 songs released together. I’m very happy with such collaborations. You can have a listen to one of them here:
Are you particularly inspired by an (or several) artist(s) when you compose your music?
Well, it’s impossible not to get inspired by today’s producers, there are so many of them out there working on different styles and for sure at least one of them is going to hit you with the style you like. I enjoy the music of many artists and producers of Hip-Hop and Trap, but the ones with whom I try to follow up are Mike Will Made It, Zaytoven, Metro Boomin, MMG, UZ, D!rty Audio, TroyBoi, Tropkillaz and Yellow Claw.
Why are you producing music? And more globally, what means “music” to you?
I do know what’s the feeling to be one out of a million people who jump and sing to one song, but I always wondered what it’s like to be the one who makes that million people jump to your beats. That is my target, producing that kind of beats. If I manage to get one done, there will be a second one, and then a third one, etc…
It may sound kind of “usual” saying that music is my life, but it’s impossible to explain. You would have to spend one hell of a busy summer with my routine to see how much I actually do for it.
According to you, what is the best way to develop a business in the music industry?
Regarding production, in my opinion, you always need to do 1 commercial track out of 5 tracks so you will hit different crowd. That’s one of the things.
Have you ever played gigs (shows) as a DJ? If yes, where or which ones? Tell us more about your DJ activity (if you’re DJing)!
As I have mentioned, I am a resident DJ in a club. I usually play weekends unless some events come up in between, but once the summer starts I’m in the club almost every day. I think I have quite a solid background in DJing, but I also believe there are no limits in getting better, so I do prepare and I still practice for every single night, apart from production in my studio. While I’m playing, I have my own tricks how to turn up the crowd as well as to end up the night easy. You need to give them the feeling of what you feel and deliver the best vibes at 100%.
Are you living from your musical activities? If no, do you plan to make a living from music in the future?
Let’s say I could live from it right now, but you know, it is not just about working for a living, but how much ambitious you are. You can either do it as a hobby and pay for it, or take it seriously and one day it might start paying off for you. I do have a day job as well, and I do love what I do with music, but crazy summer schedules are definitely not a hobby for me. I have ambitions and I am working for them.
Can you tell us what will happen to you? Do you have stuff in preparation, future collaborations or personal projects?
At the moment, I am collaborating with Wilno from Melbourne (Australia) on a Hip-Hop track, with Maltese rappers such as Digby, who released an album with 2 of my tracks and I’m also thinking of releasing my own album with Trap beats, kind of a deep set that tells a story. Lots of my work can be found on my SoundCloud, right here:
I am also preparing some tracks for different record labels and even sets for radios and Spotify. One of the mixes I’m working on right now is for Alex Sampler (Trap Nation – Italy).
And for the producers out there:
In what Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) are you working? And why that one?
I’m on FL studio 12.3 because the style I’m working on, I think, fits good with this program.
In average, how many time do you spend in the studio on a typical day or week?
On weekdays, I spend 4 to 5 hours every day, then weekends, as much as I can. Since it’s my own studio I do not need a strict schedule so I can work there as much as I want and at what time I want.
Have you any technical tips to share with us (composition, sound design, mixing, mastering or anything else…)?
For mixing, I like it loud and crispy, the sounds definitely have to be clean. It is very important to have good mixing before the mastering.
Finally:
Any important people in your Life you wanna mention, thank or talk about?
A big thanks goes to my partner, she supports me at 100% in everything I do. It is not easy to be a part of the life I live, but together we make things work towards both – career and family. A big thanks goes as well to my family and my dad for helping me out when building up the studio. In general I could say that every single person in my life had a certain influence on me and my music. My inspiration I get from big music artists, my haters – give me a lot of motivation, and my crowd – the people who keep me going.
Anything you wanna add to end up that interview?
Work Hard, Play Hard.
Thank you very much for your time Siconix!
Stay up-to-date with him on the following platforms:
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/Siconix
Twitter – https://twitter.com/Siconix
Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/SiconixMusic
Facebook Profile – https://www.facebook.com/Siconix
Soundcloud – https://soundcloud.com/Siconix
iTunes – https://itunes.apple.com/mt/artist/siconix/id1081930336
So, this was our very first interview, and we got a lot more coming! We hope you liked it as much as we did. We have to say that we are more than happy to release and to work with artists such as Siconix. There’s talent, there’s passion, there’s dedication, work and a professional approach. People like these simply create a vibe, a connection, and fulfill us on the magical road we’re taking together: music.
Also, don’t forget to have a listen to the sick Trap track Siconix released with us about a month ago, available on TrapStyle France!
It is also available on Spotify, and present in the “WE ♥ TRAP” playlist by The Lucky Network. If you like that style, this playlist is for you, and we will continue to work on it to provide you the best Trap Music we find. Press play.
Have a super nice and musical day ♥
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