Steve Allen recently released Uplift, his debut artist album. After hearing that release, I was blown away and just knew I needed to learn more. Since requesting an interview I’ve seen him popping up left and right. In this interview we talked about his new album, what other artists are promoting his work and who designed the album cover. It’s been fun getting to know Steve and this interview is something I’m proud of. It is my pleasure to introduce you to Steve Allen.
You recently released Uplift, your debut artist album. Tell me more about that release and what you hope to accomplish with the new album.
For me, the album tells a story of my growth as an artist, with many of my milestone tracks included, you can hear how my style has developed and matured over the years I’ve been producing music!
There are a lot of names featured on that album including Cathy Burton, Betsie Larkin, Dart Rayne and Shogun. How do you know all of these people and did you pick them based on the song or work with them to produce each track?
I;m a big vocal fan, so the vocals have to excite me to work with them, once they have had that effect on me, regardless who the vocalist is, I just go with it and put my stamp on the track!
You are originally from Leicester. Living there you have easy access to Liverpool, Leeds and London. Do you get the chance to travel around the UK much or are you stuck in the studio all the time?
Yeah, I’m lucky, I’ve travelled to most of the UK with gigging and sightseeing, however now I tour more, I see more of the world than I do the UK!
Are you planning a big tour to promote the release of your debut album?
Not really. We have our label launch show on October 13 in Birmingham, UK which I’m really excited to be playing a local show and album set. It’s going to be special!
You post a lot of selfies on Instagram! What other social media networks do you use?
Facebook and Twitter mainly.
Who did the album art for Uplift?
The original concept was by my designer Diego Sosello. He’s fantastic and then we passed it over to Raz Nitzan’s designer to add the final label bits!
Tell me more about Allen & Envy.
Not much to tell now. The project was a huge part of my past, however I never look back… Always look to the future!
You produced a remix on Christina Novelli’s hit single “Where We Began” on Garuda. When you produce a song like that, do you need the artist’s permission? Does you send the finished track to the artists or just hope they hear it along the way?
I was approached by the Garuda team to remix this, most of the time the label approaches you as they have a vision of what they want, so it makes it a lot easier for me to do my thing!
There are a lot of big names in electronic dance music. When you are not producing, who do you like to listen to?
I have a Spotify playlist that I created. I listen to that all the time, check it out here.
Your work has appeared on a wide range of record labels over the years. Is there an advantage working with multiple labels?
For a long time I felt like I didn’t belong on any one label, hence releasing on many, until it suddenly dawned on me that Raz Nitzan and Amsterdam Trance was my home, we have a great relationship and now I’ve just launched Uplift with Raz, so this is where you’ll find the majority of my music from now on!
Ministry of Sound is one of my favorite clubs in the world. I also like festivals. As a DJ, do you prefer playing smaller more intimate gigs or do you like the rush of a big crowd?
Big, big, big for me. I love the production, however, this year’s Luminosity Beach Festival was on the smallest inside stage. It was absolutely off the hook. It was unreal!
Critical Artists handles your bookings. Have you enjoyed your time working with them? When they book you a show, do you work together, or do they book and you just go?
I co-own Critical Aritsts with my good friend Pablo Anon. I look after my own bookings so it gives me the freedom to be in control of my own future.
What’s next for Steve Allen?
I’m considering my second album, an Uplift mix compilation of the label, and we will see what other opportunities come up!
Thank you so much for doing this. In all of the interview I do, I always give the artist the last word. Go.
Thank you! Keep it #Uplift.
Connect with Steve Allen:
Website: http://www.steveallenmusic.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steveallenofficial
Twitter: https://twitter.com/steveallenmusic
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/steveallenmusic
