Richard Durand “Wide Awake”- VMM Album Interview
With Richard Durand having successfully rebooted the In Search Of Sunrise into an IDMA-nominated compilation, the latter half of 2010 saw Richard return again to the studio. So over a period of six months he recorded the follow-up to his freshman album, ‘Always The Sun’. Now he’s ready to put 2011 into overdrive with his much anticipated second Artist Album. So the VMM is very excited to once again speak to the international DJ producer Richard Durand about this brand new artist Album called “Wide Awake” that’s out now on Magik Muzik/ Black hole Recordings . We find out what’s behind the music on this fresh new album and will he be taking this new sound on tour in 2011.
The Interview:
Hi Richard it is great to speak to you here again in the VMM and hope all is well with you and this fantastic album release.
VMM Q: Richard for those who have not had a chance to have a listen can you describe the sounds of your new album “Wide Awake“what’s been different about this album journey for you?
Richard Durand: I think it’s fair to say that this album is a bit rougher than my last one. This CD has more tracks on it that are meant for the dance floor. The last album was more easy listening, like when you’re at home or in the car
VMM Q:The VMM would like to ask how did you begin working on this collection of tracks and what’s behind the name of the album “Wide Awake“?
Richard Durand: I always start with a blank ‘canvas’. I try not to pay too much attention to previous projects either. I just produce track by track and then hope that the outcome is something I’m happy with! I’m on the road a lot so I also produced most of the tracks for this album while I was on the move, which is pretty awesome because there are so many different sources of inspiration when you’re travelling. One day it can be the vibe at a festival and the next it could be something that I saw or felt at a club. It has a huge influence on my music. The albums name is based on the single that I did with Ellie Lawson.
VMM Q:The VMM would like to ask you Richard can you give us a short description about what is behind the music of each track on the “Wide Awake“ Album?
Richard Durand:
TRACK:01 Burning Piano - I produced this track when I was on my way home one day, I was really tires and felt like doing something ‘low-key’. I never made it into a full track, so later I decided to use it as an intro. Maybe I’ll finish it off with some vocals one day, haha.
TRACK:02 Clear Blue Sky – This one was made in the studio. I came up with a weird melody, which in all honesty, doesn’t really sound great until you’ve heard it a couple of times, but them it’s awesome!
TRACK:03 Wide Awake (feat. Ellie Lawson) – What can I say… haha. Ellie is an amazing singer so I tried to work around that, I wanted the song to be all about the vocals.
TRACK:04 Airwell – Another one that happened on the road. I think I was flying back from the US when I came up with this track. I’m really happy with how the bass line turned out.
TRACK:05 Explode (feat. Kash) – This was a joint effort – Kash and I made it in my studio. He came to the studio one morning and by the end of the day we were done, haha. I love working with Kash. He’s a talented guy. I thought it would be fun if the vocals were parallel to the melody. If you listen carefully, the melody builds up after every 4 bars… and so do the vocals. We thought it was a cool effect, something different 
TRACK:06 Frozen Dreams – I couldn’t sleep one night after a long, busy weekend so I got up at 6AM, sat on the couch and played around. Suddenly this great melody rolled out… I initially wanted to use it as an intro…
TRACK:07 Andain – Everything From Me (Richard Durand Remix) – Wow! I love the vocals on this track. Andain asked me to come up with a remix using these vocals. I didn’t have to think about it for very long… the vocals set your teeth on edge.
TRACK:08 Dryland – This track does really well on the dance floor. It’s kind of funny that the remix I made became the original and vice versa. 
TRACK:09 Night and Day (feat. Christian Burns) – One out of three tracks that hadn’t appeared on an album yet. Now I think it’s kind of a weird (maybe unique is a better word) track… I had to get used to it again but now I love it!
TRACK:10 Robotic – This is definitely a floor filler. I’ve been using this track for a while now and it doesn’t matter what time it is, this one totally kills it every time (in a good way!) I made this track on my way to Australia one day.. I must have been thinking of the ‘roof party” in Brisbane, haha
TRACK:11 N.Y.C (feat. Jess) – Ha… I wonder where I was headed when I made this one, haha. Got to love jess!
TRACK:12 Tiger’s Apology – Another one for the dance floor, it’s strange how people just seem to ‘get’ it every time I play it.
TRACK:13 Open Range – Great melody (I think)… I started it in Australia and finished it at home on the couch
TRACK:14 Real Deal – I think this is a really special track and maybe this one also proves that I am not only a trance DJ… I just make music Sometimes it has some trance influences and sometimes I really don’t think and just go for it! It’s awesome for dancing.
TRACK:15 Crystal (vs Alex O’rion) – We were in the studio together way back.. Maybe 8 or 9 years ago and we came up with this melody together.
I thought it would be a great idea to use the ‘old’ melody for a track on my new album, so… there you go, I don’t chuck everything
TRACK:16 Incredible Music – Can’t really say so much about this one… It’s a great one for a set at a club. One tip; don’t play this one when you’ve just woken up, haha I don’t know what the consequences might be Originally the ‘Incredible Music’ sample was only in this track 2 or 3 times, but when I tested it I realized it could be a cool gimmick, so I really let it shine in the break. Great thing is that you know that when you play this track, all eyes are on you!
TRACK:17 Disturbed – Yet another track that you shouldn’t play too early in the morning, haha… test it yourself and you’ll see what I mean!
VMM Q: Richard can you tell the VMM do you have a fav track from your “Wide Awake“album if so why?
Richard Durand: This might sound a bit weird but the remix I did for Andain is my favourite (and it’s not even my own, haha). The vocals are just so powerful. I could have cried (and I did… just a little) when I finished it, I love it!
VMM Q: Richard we see that you have worked with several people on this new album including Jes, Alex O’Rion ,Christian Burns, Kash, Ellie Lawson so do you enjoy making music best alone or in collaboration which do you enjoy the most?
Richard Durand: I only actually spent time in the studio with Kash and Alex, the others were long distance projects! We kept sending each other music and vocals and kept going until we were both psyched about the result. Oh and I’m sorry Kash, but I have the most fun with my brother Alex
VMM Q: The VMM would like to know will you be releasing any singles from the “Wide Awake”album and have you any remixes on board for theses releases yet ?
Richard Durand: We just released the promo for the next single and I also plan to release “Robotic’ and ‘Real Deal’. I also remixed Robotic and ‘Explode’ (with Kash) should also be coming out along with a George Acosta remix… and then I have to hurry up and get ready for ISOS 9!
VMM Q: Can you tell the VMM Richard will you be touring the “Wide Awake“ album around the globe and if so where and when can we expect to see performances start?
Richard Durand: Absolutely! I’ve actually already started. I’ll be touring various areas’ so check out the website for dates and venues. I’m on my way home from Moldova right now, after a show that’s part of an album tour, which was also an awesome night by the way, so I think good times are coming!
The VMM thanks Richard Durand for taking time out for your Album Interview and we wish you success for the new album and success for the rest of 2011.
Richard Durand: You’re Welcome!! Richard Durand
