ANOTR Interview

We talk to Jesse from the rising Dutch duo

Amsterdam house duo ANOTR, aka Jesse van der Heijden and Oguzhan Guney, went from fledgling newbies to full force stars in 2016 thanks to string of international dates and showcases. What better way to kick off 2017 then than with their debut set at Awakenings, Eindhoven's giant festival, where they slotted into the line-up between Adam Beyer, Âme, Loco Dice and Sam Paganini.

It's a united European front on Friday, as the pair join countryman Franky Rizardo and Germany's Klangkuenstler (info and tickets here) at Egg Presents. Ahead of their arrival we spoke to Jesse.

Why Anotr, rather than Another? Aren't the Dutch into Es?

ANOTR comes from the previous project we worked on. We were ready for a new sound, that's why we started with a clean slate as ANOTR. Next to that, we’re always trying to find something special when we’re making our music to make our tracks stand out from the mass.

What's the best and worst thing about making music with someone else?

The best thing is that when you’ve been working on a project by yourself for ages and get tunnel vision, there’s always an extra set of fresh ears to take a different view on the whole project.

The worst thing is that you sometimes get a creativity overload. With some of our projects there’s too many ideas for one track.

Do you have any strange studio rituals, regular studio snacks, local hangouts when you take a break for food/coffee etc.?

When we get in the studio first thing we do is clean up the mess we made the night before and were to lazy to clean. Afterwards we make ourselves a coffee and a tea with mint, ginger and cinnamon.

When we’re doing a marathon studio session and stay in late we usually smoke some good Moroccan hash to really get into the music.

2016 was your breakthrough year. What were the highlights?

One of the highlights was our first ever overseas gig at Egg, followed by gigs all across Europe and South America. Next to that, going from no one knowing your music to seeing artist you look up to supporting your music.

What are you looking forward to in 2017? And what releases can your fans look forward to from you?

This summer is looking to be our best one yet with loads of sick festivals. Next to that we’re releasing a ton of music this year so keep your eyes peeled. A few of the tracks that are going to be released soon: 'Funk Phenomena', Sante's 'Acid Rain (ANOTR Remix)', the vinyl only 'Bad Horn' and many more.

Tell us something about each of you that the public don't already know?

Oguzhan used to be a breakdancer when he was younger and I used to be bald just a few years ago, ha ha. 

Which three tracks sum up what you're likely to play at Egg on Friday?

Kevin Over - 'Buckfast Blackout'

Cuartero - 'Nosy Neighbors'

Michael Bibi – 'Restoration'