Jul 26

Eleven Of July: "My main focus will always be the music production"

Operating at the heart of the melodic techno genre since its early beginnings, Augusto Proto aka Eleven Of July has now established himself as one of the movement’s core artists. World class DJs such as Adriatique, Dubfire, Above & Beyond, Mind Against, Undercatt and more have chimed in with support for his stylized take on the genre.

"Thinner" is your latest EP released on BrokenHearted. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind this project and what you aimed to express with the included tracks?

Chaos gave rise to “Thinner” and “Hybris”. I had just returned to Rome after spending the winter in Southeast Asia. I hadn’t produced much music during my stay in Asia; in fact, I had only produced my previous EP, “Avadavat.” Therefore, I was eager to create new material but didn’t have much time to spend in the studio at that moment. So, these two tracks were born from obsessive-compulsive studio sessions where I tried to create the most danceable tracks possible.

As a DJ and producer, you have a wide range of musical influences. Which artists or genres have most influenced the sound of "Thinner"?

I feel both tracks were influenced by the current trend in progressive melodic techno. I believe they are among my most influenced tracks, so to speak, by this new trend. Clearly, the backbone of each of my works will always be influenced by all my years in contact with underground music culture, from the progressive of the 90s onwards.

Managing a label like BrokenHearted requires a lot of time and dedication. How do you balance your role as a label boss with that of a producer and DJ?

My main focus will always be the music production. BrokenHearted was born especially because I felt the need to have my own platform after years working with many different labels all over the world. I wanted to have full control over my music. Whenever I involve other artists it requires time and effort, so that’s why lately I’m less keen to do that and all of the latest releases on BeokenHearted are signed by Eleven Of July.

The creative process can vary greatly from artist to artist. How would you describe your approach to music production? Do you have any particular rituals or habits when working on new music?

In the past, especially in the beginning, I felt the need to make music every day. Now, I sit at the computer when I feel like it. If I feel like it. With this approach, the hours I spend on production are much more fruitful. At the same time, I always perceive everything as a game. As it should be.

The music scene is constantly evolving. How do you see the future of your label BrokenHearted, and what are your long-term goals as an artist and label boss?

As long as I still have something to say, there will be me and there will be BrokenHearted, regardless of the situation in the music scene. Concerning my goals, I just want to improve my art day after day, to translate everything I feel in the best way possible. Everything else that comes from that would be a gift.