Hotboxx Takes Us Behind-The-Scenes of His Recent EP, ‘Quiero Annie’
Hotboxx has become known within the world of Electronic Music as a powerful talent, one whose consistency when it comes to offering high-quality music to his listeners marks him as an unstoppable force on the scene. Recently, Hotboxx presented fans with yet another intoxicating listen, releasing his EP, ‘Quiero Annie,’ alongside Unkwnet; infused with his signature Tech House energy, the production surely showcased Hotboxx’s stellar sound as he collaborated once again to bring electrifying sonic experiences through his music.
So, today, we’re looking forward to being joined by Hotboxx to talk more about the production and gain a behind-the-scenes look into the creative and technical processes that led to such a vibrant and energetic EP.
Hello Hotboxx, how’s it going? Congrats on the release of ‘Quiero Annie’!
Going well, thanks for having me! And thank you, happy to finally get those tracks out of the archives.
To start, can you tell us about your initial ideas for the EP? Did you set out with the intention of releasing an EP or was it more of a natural process?
I honestly had a few tracks that the label wanted to release. Label head AbueKev is a good friend of mine who told me to send him some tracks I had finished so that we could try and match some up to make an EP. So, I sent him 5 different tracks to choose from and we landed on these. Although they are different style tracks, both have a similar energy.
Which track did you produce first, ‘Quiero’ or ‘Annie’?
‘Quiero’ I made almost 3 years ago so definitely made that one first – that one has been sitting there for a while. ‘Annie’ was a collab I made about a year ago with my boy Edwin, aka Unkwnet.
Both tracks are infused with your groovy signature sound, detailed with funky rhythms and high-energy beats. Can you tell us how you approach creating the rhythmic elements of your tracks? How do you produce soundscapes that are so infectious in vibes?
Thank you for the compliment!
I really don’t go in with a specific plan to do this, my only goal is to make tracks that make people dance and that push me to think of rhythmic elements that push the dance floor and push people to groove and want to dance.
The track ‘Annie’ was produced in collaboration with Unkwnet; you’ve linked up with him before so tell us, how did this project come about?
This was one of the many nights we met up to produce, we have worked on a lot of tracks together, so it really was an easy-flowing session. I started laying down drums and rhythmic elements and then he laid out that bass line and we took off from there. Once we decided we wanted to use the MJ vocal sample, it really pushed me to try and create synths and a build-up that had an old-school, almost Miami vice feel to it.
When it comes to producing an EP, how much of your focus goes towards making sure the tracks featured complement each other whilst remaining distinct in their own way?
As I mentioned, it wasn’t really the intention for the tracks to be an EP, it just kind of came together; but definitely if the goal is an EP, I really try to give a similar feeling to each track but make them unique as well.
The tracks within the EP both make use of a vocal line, can you tell us about your process for producing with vocals? Do you have any techniques that you like to use to integrate them into your soundscapes?
I mean, I definitely try to chop them and use similar effects when I work with vocals, although I really am trying to improve each time as I still don’t cut the vocals exactly the way I want to be honest, but these did come out good.
What about the production process did you find most challenging?
Both of these tracks flowed pretty easily, I guess, after the first sessions where I laid down most of the main elements and build-ups. It was a little challenging to decide how to make the build-ups more unique and how to fill the space without adding too much.
When it comes to collaborating, how do you find the process of producing alongside another Producer? What does your usual workflow look like when you are working on a collaborative project?
Unkwnet and I have worked on a lot of projects together, so we have a smooth workflow. Usually, when I work with Artists many times I will start and begin with a few elements and from there try to go back and forth with us taking turns jumping into the captain’s chair and adding elements or laying the track out so that it has influence from all the Artists.
Do you have any upcoming releases that fans can look forward to next?
I have recently dropped a remix for Original Label as well, my first peak time Techno track and then there was also a release for whoyostro and Boathouse records to start March and kick off MMW. Now, moving forward I have releases coming out basically every month at a minimum so keep a look out – I’ve got a ton of new projects on the way.
As he remains on a path that is sure to lead him to new and exciting ground, Hotboxx maintains his reputation as a talent to keep on your radar; with an exciting release schedule ahead, we eagerly anticipate Hotboxx’s next production as it promises to keep the bar raised and the energy up. So, make sure to follow Hotboxx across social media to stay in the know about his upcoming releases and performances.
Listen to ‘Quiero Annie’ Now:
Hotboxx Online
