Sequence Six: “Music has allowed me to be seen for all that I am.“
Pure Talent interview: Sequence Six
Pure love: when and how did you get into music?
I grew up around music. My mom was a multi-instrumentalist, my older brother a classically trained pianist, so there was always some form of music around me. I always found music to be a soundtrack to my life with different styles and tones connecting with different moods.
Pure beginnings: what about the process of getting into production? How did you learn the ropes of it?
I started learning on my own, studying youtube tutorials and in the studio videos until I got to a point where I was producing songs that had all the important elements. Once I got to that point, I started learning from someone who is on Pure Trance! Allan Morrow at AM Studios taught me a lot and really helped me understand the details of music production that I use on a day to day basis. Now I’ve done some templates for his website. Pretty cool full circle moment.
Pure talent: when did you realize you were on the right track and on to something good?
Honestly, within the first year of making music. I have always written my melodies the exact same way. I don’t think about them and they just appear in my head like a memory. It’s a gift to be able to experience music like that and then make it audible for everyone, so I knew I needed to improve on the technical side so I could express what was within me in a polished and professional way.
Pure growth: you’ve been working in music for about 12 years now. How do you look back on your development as a producer and DJ?
I look back with so much gratitude. I started on this journey with such little knowledge but I knew what labels I wanted to sign to, the brands and clubs I wanted to play and I’m on those labels and have played for some of those brands and clubs. It’s very surreal to look back and see little Gio dreaming of being in the exact position I’m in now.
Pure sound: How would you describe your sound? Do you hold onto a signature sound, or do you like to experiment?
I would describe my sound as emotional, expansive, uplifting and high energy. I do feel I have somewhat of a signature sound, but I also love experimenting with new things. I plan to lean into more experimentation over the coming year. I’ve always wanted to write an album, and that might be in the works soon.
Pure mind: in what way does music help you in life, mentally? What difference had it made and how does it affect your every-day life?
Music has allowed me to be seen for all that I am. All of my fears, my hopes, my dreams, are threaded into my music. Releasing this music into the world has forced me to process so many of my own emotions, let go of limiting beliefs, and truly connect with other people in ways that have made me feel embraced and accepted. I don’t know what my life would look like or who I would be if I wasn’t making this music.
On the listener side of things, music is very frequently playing in my life. I don’t listen to much Trance outside the studio, but when I’m in the car, the shower, when I’m cleaning, and sometimes when I’m cooking, I’ll put some music on. It’s a soundtrack for the moment, and it helps me feel more alive.
Pure home: what’s the US trance scene like, in your opinion? What are the good things about it, and what still needs to improve?
I live in Los Angeles which is a hub for Trance music in the US. We have Avalon, Academy, Exchange, 6am, albeit Techno most nights still books Trance, Intricacy and within a two hour drive is San Diego where I’ve seen Solarstone perform at Spin multiple times. There is a level of awareness around Trance just from these brands and clubs so add Dreamstate into the mix and we have Trance extremely frequently. Expanding out from that, San Francisco has a wonderful scene too. The rest of the US has a scattered amount of Trance, but from my recent tour I can tell you one of the best cities for it is Minneapolis, Minnesota. I played a 2 hour set at REV for Kind Beats and it has been the highlight of my shows this year and one of my favorites of all time. I was crying, multiple people in the crowd were crying. The energy, emotion and understanding of Trance in that city is incredible, and also a small community. It’s beautiful to witness. Chicago is incredible, but this brings me to the things that need to improve. I have played to a packed club in Chicago as I know many artists in Trance have, but the shows are extremely infrequent, and I believe too many brands and clubs book based on trends and don’t take chances. People will come to a club to party, but good music is good music and if more clubs would lower their fee and make a deal with smaller Trance promoters, everyone would win. Trance would expand, the club would make money and we would bring this lovely music to more ears.
Pure movement: when was the first time you heard of Solarstone and the Pure Trance movement? Does it feel at home to you?
I first heard of Solarstone when I heard Seven Cities. Probably around 2011 or 2012 which is when I was first getting into Trance. Pure Trance was one of the first label goals I had. It only took 11 years, but a handful of my songs have found a home here. Pure Trance has been a place of trust for me even when Solarstone was turning down my demos. Lol. He always gives me the most honest feedback and I know that every record he signs is one he truly loves. It’s a joy to speak with Rich, and he has such an incredible ear for music, so to have his support and to have been asked to remix New York Sunday and to be getting my music played on Pure Trance Radio consistently, it all feels like a warm hug. Pure Trance is a beacon of authenticity in the electronic music space and that will always feel like a home.
Pure future: we’re hot off the release of ‘Mewali’, what a track! What can we expect for the future of Sequence Six?
You can expect more releases like Mewali, a very special vocal record coming on FSOE later this year with one of my favorite vocalists in Trance, and some extremely exciting shows that will be announced soon.
‘Mewali’ is out now. Grab your copy here.