For most DJs topping The DJ Mag Top 100 poll at Number 16 and selling over 40,000 records would be a dream come true but for hard working Russian artist Bobina the real joy comes from the hard work and passion he feels for music.
Inspired into learning how to make music after hearing Armin Van Buuren's 'Communication', the Moscow based Bobina, real name Dmitry Almazov's music career shot to life after huge trance label Maelstrom spotted his talent and signed his first track. Since them he's been voted Russia's No 1 dj; tipped by Ferry Corsten as the one of the most talented producers in the World and won a raft of awards, in UK, Russia and Ibiza.
In 2009 he consolidated his place at the top of his game when released his first artist album 'Again' (Maelstrom). Highlights of from the track include 'Invisible Touch' and the brilliantly titled 'Go Get Vodka' . Known by those that work with him as having an infectious and chatty personality Bobina, which means coiled spring, makes a rare appearance in London at Maelstrom's 10th Birthday at The Gallery.
Hello and thank you for taking the time to answer these questions. Firstly I notice you've been busy with Bobina TV which is an online travel/DJ blog which shows a mixture of your gigs, music and travel stories. Do you have fun doing that?
No, it’s the most boring thing ever and I do not enjoy it at all! Ha ha – kidding. It's really interesting for me to work on Bobina.TV, it's a new experience for me. I do this mainly for viewers in Russia. I want to share with fellow Russians the beauty of different countries. The main aim is to show the countries and the cities and not really focus on the djing.
Catch Episode 3 Bobina's TV blog series
From Episode 3 (above) you seem to like Apple products. Will you be getting an iPad and if so what potential do you think they hold for innovative DJs such as yourself.
Yes I like Apple, but I work on both Mac and PC. I got an iPad for my mum in the USA but currently have no plans yet to introduce it in to my sets or producing structure as I have no need to. My Macbook & iPhone are enough for me.
Do you think Social Networking site such as Facebook and Twitter have changed the approach to music.
Yes I think so. Personally I'm not a big fan of Facebook but I really love Twitter!
You can follow Bobina's tweets @bobinamusic
You're from Russia and seem to play a lot in your country. What do you think of the Russian dance music scene at the moment. If I was going there on holiday which clubs would you recommend I visit?
Russia is a very big country and every city has own specific things. I live in Moscow but during the weekends I’m never there. I know there is really A LOT of clubs but I’ve been only to a few. I think you need to come here and find out for yourself as there is too much to choose.
Do people recognise you in the street?
From time to time yes – especially on train station. I have no idea why train stations, bit it's true.
How did you get into DJing and producing?
I just listened to Armin’s Communication many years ago and was like WOW! How did he do this? From this I decided to learn to produce. Later I was like . . . 'hmm' . . . it would also be a good idea to share the music, its not bad to share something good with people, so I started DJing.
What were your influences for ‘Again’ (released on Maelstrorm). How long did it take you produce?
It took me about a year to complete that album. I never search for influences to be honest. Maybe that’s why Bobina Music is never classed as 100% trance music. I really don’t understand the DJs in interviews say “Well . . . this idea I took from that tune, and that’s idea is from that tune”. In 21th century the technologies are so advanced that you can really just do what you feel without having to steal from other tunes.
What do you think is the key to surviving and creating a successful DJing career these days.
I think in a few words it is: Productions, DJ skills, good management and charisma.
DJing and technology is changing at a rapid pace at the moment. What future technology trends are exciting you the most?
For DJing I still use CD’s – I know its all about laptops nowdays, but I don’t like that feeling to be honest. Sometimes maybe it's cool to play live melody from your iPad for example but in general I prefer ‘oldskool’ DJing from CDs.
You're playing at Maelstorm's 10th Birthday at London's Ministry of Sound next week. How did you first become involved with the label?
Back in 2005 I released tune “September Rain” but I've known Tim Binns (A&R director) for even longer. When I started to produce records I sent him the tracks and he was first who responded!
You've been recognised for your work quite a few times. Voted No. 16 DJ in the World in DJ Mag, Winner of the 2009 Ibiza DJ Awards in 2009, featured on MTV, voted the winner won Best Russian DJ and were the first Russian DJ to appear at the Miami Winter Music Festival. What is the secret of your success?
Hard question . . . I never look at the things you mentioned to be honest! I just work – work for fun and work for myself. When you work a lot – it's normal that something is happening! I think that thing really makes me a happy guy.
How would you describe your sound?
Somewhere between progressive and trance!
Bobina means coiled spring in Russian
You’ve written loads of tracks but what is the one that is closest to your heart and why?
Hard to say. I only know that I really dislike my track 'Invisible Touch' I keep hearing so many good things about it, especially after Ferry Corsten’s remix. But still I don’t find it too special. In fact can I tell you a secret – it’s the only tune EVER I played in my sets that I play because I know people wanted to hear it! Ha ha
Check out 'Invisible Touch' which despite Bobina himself not liking it sold a non too shabby 40,000 copies.
Will this be your first time DJIng in London. If so are you looking forward to it.
No it's not . . . I played at Turnmills and also in the club called Heaven a few years ago! I"m Really excited about Ministry of Sound after I saw a DJ booth on a photo in the net. It looks unbelievable. Russian clubs, for sure, should learn how to build DJ booths from MoS! I hope I see you there.
Photos courtesy of Bobina. Not to be reproduced without permission.
Maelstrom bring a typically large and impressive collection of label artists for their outing at The Gallery. First up is one of the main men of the scene, the ever busy and enthusiastic voice of Radio 1 Judge Jules. Joining him to launch his brand new artist album is UK trance legend Lange, entitled ‘Harmonic Motion’. Lange has been one of the most consistent producers of the trance genre over the years and his sets at The Gallery are always eagerly anticipated. Russian dj Bobina has fast made a name for himself all over the world and continues to be an ever present force. The 103 welcomes back some good friends of ours in the shape of Riley and Durrant and their Electrik Playground parties. Joining them tonight for a very special headline slot is Gallery main man Tall Paul
Box
Judge Jules
Lange album launch "Harmonic Motion"
Bobina
The Viceroy
Bar - Electrik Playground
Tall Paul
Riley & Durrant 3 hours
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