Liam MillerAikon & Sandhog have just released their new EP on the magical label “Monaberry”. Three awesome tracks, which not only made it into the Beatport charts, but also into many record bags and playlists. So it’s time to talk to these rising two music lovers.
Hey Boys, thanks for taking the time to join us. What’s the motivation that keeps you both driving forward?
Sandhog: You’re welcome, it’s a pleasure! First – composing music is like therapy for me. Physically and mentally. It helps me to be at peace with myself. And second – DJing. The feeling of being one with the crowd is something indescribable. DJs know what I’m talking about.
Aikon: First of all, I am inspired by people who react to my music. Secondly, when world-class DJs support my tracks in their sets. And thirdly, I just love writing music.
What’s your favourite aspect of what you do musically and why?
Sandhog: That there are no rules or limits.
Aikon: What I love about music is that it can convey feelings.
Tell us a little bit about the journey over the last year or so? How have you grown individually and what were the biggest turning points that pushed each of your careers forward?
Sandhog: Sandhog was born in early 2020. So it’s quite a new project – like a little boy who has just hit puberty. Biggest turning point was definitely the track “Gyoza” which attracted a lot of attention. Thanks to Jenia Tarsol and Chaim at this point.
Aikon: This year I finally managed to open my full-fledged studio, before that I maked music at home, professional equipment gave me a very big boost in the sound quality of my tracks. I also signed a lot of new material on cool labels Disco Halal, Multinotes, Exploited , Monaberry and did many collaborations with cool artists.
And another not insignificant achievement of this year, now a manager works with me who helps me solve all issues related to music, this person has tremendous experience and he is the owner of the Exploited label.
Your latest release dropped on Monaberry, what made you choose this label?
Sandhog: Monaberry chooses its artists wisely and has a beautiful and fun way to communicate with the outside world.
Aikon: I’ve been a fan of this label for about 6 years and I’ve always dreamed of getting on board. This is a strong label with a good history.
And how did your collaboration come about?
Sandhog: I was playing in Kiev when I met Aikon. It resulted in a spontaneous back to back set. That’s where we “bonded”.
Aikon: We met Sandhog when I took artists to Ukraine to the club where I was the art director. When I drove him from the airport to the hotel, we turned on our tracks to each other.
I liked his style and he probably liked mine. So we started communicating and first we maked a remixes each other and after and then decided to try to do something together.
What should we look out for in 2021 for Sandhog & Aikon?
Sandhog: Some releases and a fantastic collaboration which is going to be released in 2022.
Aikon: 2021 and next I will be releasing a lot of music with a broken rhythm, I really fell in love with a broke rhythm and I think now it is gaining momentum again. And what are you looking forward to the most? Sandhog: Playing again in front of real human beings without facemasks. Aikon: When the coronavirus is over and we can travel and perform again.