After receiving heavy support in Purified live sets and radio shows, it was the natural step for Belgian melodic maestro Paradoks to make his Purified Records debut, delivering a euphoric and powerful two-track EP, ‘Flying Particles’.
Creating an otherworldly soundscape, the title creation takes listeners to a lofty dimension, brimming with oscillating synths projected across a rumbling bassline. Continuing his sonic voyage with ‘Wander’, Paradoks sets a dramatic tone with crisp percussion, a driving bassline and hypnotic synth motifs.
Rising at breakneck speed, Paradoks has received extensive support from a wide range of industry heavyweights, including Eelke Kleijn, Kevin de Vries, Nora En Pure, Oliver Koletzki, Tale of Us, Tiësto, Township Rebellion and many more. With releases on the likes of Stil Vor Talent and Parquet Recordings, ‘Flying Particles’ marks his first release on Purified Records, solidifying his reputation as one of dance music’s most exciting talents.
INTERVIEW
CR: Hello, Paradoks Glad to have you on Canadianravers; how are you doing?
All is good, thank you. Currently sitting under the sun of Barcelona.
CR: When did you start producing/DJing, and what or who were your early passions and influences?
I started producing at around 15 years old just for fun. The music I was making back then was totally different. I have been influenced by so much different music ranging from Eminem to Linkin Park and all the genres in between, including Classical, Dubstep and Drum & Bass (back then) and all the extremes you can imagine.
As for DJing, the first DJ show I had was in D! Club (Lausanne) at 19 years old. The club was packed, and I had never played on CDJs before, so I was stressing out, but it went so well that ever since I knew I wanted to push it further. A year or so after, I started as Paradoks and was driven by darker tech-house, until finally, my sound evolved to what it is today.
CR: What is the best advice you have received while pursuing your career as a DJ/Producer?
I think I learned more through personal experience rather than advice. But if I can say one thing: Take your time, enjoy, and remember that it is a marathon, not a sprint, so be patient. Every Artist has had his “beatings” in the Industry, so just get up every time and don’t give up on what you love just because you don’t receive immediate validation from your dream label or idol.
CR: On the EP ‘Flying Particles’, we love both tracks. Can you tell us a little bit more about the thought process for your EP and the tracks itself?
In short, I always experiment for the first hour or so when coming up with ideas for tracks, and then it naturally flows into what the track wants to become. I try to avoid to “force” it in shape, but rather understand what it wants to say, then complement and build on that. This is the exact thing that happened with the EP: every track wanted to express itself differently, and I just followed the direction it gave me.
CR: What persuaded you to team up with Purified Records to release your EP?
The music, the artwork, and more than anything: Nora En Pure herself. She is really professional, supportive, kind and down to earth, and I’m happy we had the chance to get to know each other a bit more over a coffee or a walk at the lake in Zurich. I want to surround myself with people exactly like that.
CR: What is the first album or piece of music you bought for yourself, and what was the medium?
Probably the first Linkin Park album “Hybrid Theory,” but I’m not so sure. Back then, we still had to buy CDs at the physical store ;)
CR: Is there a track that never leaves your personal playlist because it has a certain emotional connection to you?
Not really. Or rather, no tracks really leave my personal playlist. Most of the tracks I listen to are really tied to specific moments of my life, and I will always come back to the multitude of tracks I have saved in my Library.
CR: Since you have been in lockdown, what genres have you been listening to get some inspiration for your next tracks?
I have listened to so many different genres that it’s hard to say, but it tends to be towards calmer music. Also, my productions became “calmer” ever since I can’t play anymore.
CR: What do you like to do during your downtime other than producing music?
I LOVE my motorcycle. I go and explore everywhere I can; I love hikes and riding the bike in nature. Now that I’m in Barcelona, I like to go play Volley at the beach.
And, of course, going for coffee or beers with good friends. ;)
CR: Are there any projects that you are working on that our followers should know about?
Right now, I am studying for a master’s degree in Innovation & Entrepreneurship. I have less time for music and haven’t been in the studio for over a month since we have many group projects. But so far, I’m loving it, and I feel it will give me extra motivation for when I will slowly roll back into music production. For now, I’m focused on all the start-up opportunities to improve our music industry, but also in other industries.
Lighting Questions for Paradoks!!
CR: Texting or talking?
Talking.
CR: Coffee or tea?
Coffee.
CR: Hard liquor or Beer?
Beer! (I’m Belgian…)
CR: Cake or pie?
Cake.
CR: Hot dogs or hamburgers?
Hamburgers.
CR: Xbox or PlayStation?
PlayStation.
CR: Movie theatre or arcade?
Movie theatre.
CR: Guitar or piano?
The piano of course.
CR: Marvel or DC Comics?
None ☹
CR: Dog or cat?
Dog!
CR: Hot weather or cold weather?
Hot ;)
CR: Outdoor or indoor events?
Outdoor!
PARADOKS SOCIALS:
PURIFIED RECORDS SOCIALS: