Although many producers who jumped on the hard trance bandwagon have been just as quick to step off, Germany’s acid master A*S*Y*S (aka Frank Ellrich) has confirmed his longstanding allegiance to the sound, and in 2007 continues to fly the trance and acid sound. With a long list of seminal hard trance productions to his credit, and just as many stellar remixes, Frank will be returning to Australia this month for two shows, before heading back down under again in May for Transmission. ITM got the low-down on what’s been keeping him busy of late.
What’s going on in the acidic world of ASYS these days?
When I’m not touring my life consists of living more or less in my studio and developing new tracks and sounds for new productions. In addition, I’m on a never ending track search for my regular radio show ‘Filter’d’, and for my DJ sets as well of course!
Hard trance and hardstyle had great success around the world last year, what were some of your highlights for 2006?
In the case of hardstyle I agree, but with hard trance I totally disagree. That genre is nearly dead unfortunetaly. Too many good producers have stopped or left it to step into other styles. After some difficult years for hard trance I see a small light at the end of the tunnel. Hopefully this light will get brighter and will end up as a refreshing and positive return for the style. Asked about personal highlights, I would mention the performance at the huge Dutch event In Qontrol and my first DJ shows in Brazil.
Give us a good reason as to why hard dance is the best style of music?
Hard dance music evokes something within which, to me, never gets stimulated by any other sounds. I like to say that it extroverts us into something else! For me it is a unique power that cannot be supplied by electro or house. I always prefer to rage hard behind the decks or at the floor instead of just swinging my hips… haha. But for sure, every style has its own unique fascination.
We’ve seen you stage dive in Australia, climbing the rafters in Japan and moshing in the UK. Are there any other stunts we don’t know about?
Haha… I like to become a part of the crowd and develop a relationship with the people who I am playing for. That’s why I wouldn’t call my job a ‘job’. It’s simply my passion, and I can express it in certain ways when the circumstances allow. And yes, I have many other stunts which usually occur backstage… shhhh.
‘No More F#ckin Rock & Roll’, ‘Acid Headcracker’ and ‘Acid Save Your Soul’ are just a few of your many achievements. What is it with rock and acid as song titles that attracts you?
Well it’s no secret that A*S*Y*S means ‘Acid Save Your Soul’, and that I often use dirty acid sounds in my productions, though not always. So over time it’s become a kinda A*S*Y*S brand to combine track titles with ‘Acid’. Meanwhile, others copy it as well. Regarding ‘No More F*ckin Rock & Roll’, it was a special statement made at a certain time where, in Germany, huge record companies tried to create hype about a comeback for rock music. But it was not naturally driven, more a try to push it by casting bands. So I felt I had to make a statement about it!
You’ve worked alongside Kai Tracid as part of Tracid Traxxx; can we expect more wicked tracks with this label in the near future?
No, unfortunately not! My recent single ‘Cheers’ will be the last Tracid Traxxx release! The owner Kai Tracid has decided to stop the label because he is planning to release totally different sounds than those used on Tracid Traxxx. Therefore he feels that a consequent cut is the best way to avoid an ongoing image transfer to his new sound. That doesn’t mean that at the same time A*S*Y*S will stop as well! New and further releases will be out on my new own label, and a bunch of remixes are already on the way.
Since joining Tracid Traxx you have also expanded yourself to the Straight on Black label from Holland. What are some of the projects you’ve been getting up to with those guys?
Ronald and Rodney (DJ Pila) are really good friends and we work together in many ways. Our latest collaboration is the creation of the Anthem for In Qontrol 2007. We are also doing a battle set with DJ Hellraiser on the mainstage at this event in April. It will be a lot of fun for sure!
You have a big fanbase in Australia, when can we catch you next?
My next Aussie gigs are on the February 23rd at Family in Brisbane and then February 24th in Melbourne at Universe at Kryal Castle. Also, I will be playing at Transmission on May 26th in Sydney. I really can’t wait because of all the shows I play around the world, I feel at home in Australia and always get unbelievably great support!
If you’ve been craving the original hard trance sound be sure to check out ASYS when he tours this month and in February:
Feb 23 – Brisbane, Family
Feb 24 – Melbourne, Universe
May 26 – Sydney, Transmission
