One of the most long-standing Italian artists on the international circuit, Hollen’s contribution to the progression of techno during his fifteen year-long career has been immense. With an extensive discography of underground cuts across an impressive selection of leading labels including Tronic, Terminal M, Kuukou Records and Filth on Acid, the prolific producer is here to speak about his brand new ‘Timeless’ EP, released on his Prospect Records.
Hey Hollen, thanks for chatting with us today! Firstly, where in the world are you at the moment?
Thank you, guys, for the interview.
Let’s say it depends on when you are reading this. lol
I live in a little city close to Napoli, where I have my studio and spend most of my time. But, if you are reading this on the weekend, it depends on where the music has brought me.
You’ve just released your brand new EP “Timeless” on your own Prospect Records. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind this project?
The inspiration was born when I listened to different music with Detroit nuances, functional grooves, and some more impactful sounds, such as a vocal or a synth chord (also ranging into house vibes).
How does “Timeless” differ from your previous releases, both in terms of sound and thematic content?
The idea for “Timeless” was born from the desire to create a track that embraced both house and techno sounds, which could be suitable for different dance floors. Rounding out the EP is “Convert, ” reflecting my vision of a functional track.
As an artist and label owner, how do you balance your creative process with the business side of running Prospect Records?
Indeed, dealing with many things together is always challenging; it requires excellent organization and planning. I’m lucky because I have a proper team helping me manage everything around Prospect Records and my profile.
Can you walk us through the creative process of producing the tracks on “Timeless”? Do you have any particular rituals or routines in the studio?
I wouldn’t say I like to follow specific routines or patterns for my creations, but I go a lot with sensations of the moment or simply let the machine speak. “Timeless” was created starting from the groove with an excellent functional rhythm… Later, I had the idea of inserting a vocal and some small melodies (different synthesizers) to make everything more musical and engaging.
Which track from the “Timeless” EP are you most excited about, and why?
The main track, “Timeless,” is the one that expresses the warmest and most emotional vibes. Both the vocal part and the chords touch deep sensations in the soul.
Your music has a distinct style that blends various elements of techno. How do you maintain your unique sound while continuously evolving as an artist?
To maintain the unique sound, it is important to create guidelines to continue over time during the production phase; exploring new sounds always draws new inspirations to experiment, evolve, and expand the sonic impact while maintaining your imprint.
The techno scene is constantly changing. How do you stay current with trends while ensuring your music remains authentic and true to your vision?
I constantly update myself by searching among the thousands of music promos I receive in my email every week. I always follow what’s going on in the market by checking the different streaming and download platforms. Besides the trends, I stay true to what I feel and like. I’m not a big fan of changing genres and BMP the way the wind is blowing. Also if this means that venues and festivals will close their doors because you are not trendy anymore. I still put 100% of myself into my work, and my passion still moves me.
In today’s digital age, social media and streaming platforms play a crucial role in an artist’s success. How do you leverage these tools to connect with your audience and promote your music?
At the beginning of the social media era, I was against this new phenomenon, but then, over time, I understood that if used well, they are tools with enormous potential. They can help a lot to make your music discoverable all over the world (simply, don’t misuse or abuse it). For example, I love sharing content, such as videos from my studio, with my fans… It helps me to create a great connection and interact more through comments and direct messages.
Prospect Records has grown significantly under your leadership. What are your future plans for the label, and what can fans expect next?
Prospect Records has grown significantly not only because of my leadership but also because of the team members’ help. Teamwork always wins (also because with a real team, it is easier to grow in our business). Our plan includes a long catalog of releases, giving space to new (talented) emerging artists and well-known names in our scene. The intent is to grow the brand more and more, export our sound to new unexplored lands, and do showcases around the world (which we did for some time in the past, albeit on a small scale).
Looking ahead, what are your goals for the rest of 2024? Are there any upcoming projects or performances you’re particularly excited about?
For 2024, there will be other releases, ranging between various techno shades and different labels, as well as some shows worldwide.
