Who is ImanoS?

Posted by PR on Nov 30, 2010 in Interviews | 6 comments

ImanoS is a rising talent from the city of Vancouver, Canada.  His rise to fame started with his amazing bootlegs and collaborations, propelling him into the spotlight in the Electronic Dance Community.  His tracks have been well received with major support from heavy hitters such as The Swedish House Mafia, Tiesto, and Armin Van Buuren.  We’re very happy and proud to give you our first hi-liferecords.com interview with the one and only ….ImanoS!

hi-life:   First of all, thanks for doing this interview with us!  When did you start showing your interest in House music?

Imanos: Hey thanks, it’s no problem! I first started showing interest in House Music around 1998 when I was 11 years old or so. I saw the music video of “Music Sounds Better with You”  by Stardust on Electric Circus on much music and really liked it. I think where I really started getting into house music a lot more though was during my teen years especially when I heard Pete Tong play M.A.N.D.Y Vs. Booka Shade’s “Body Language” on live from Global Gathering edition of the Essential Mix in 2005. Till this day I absolutely love “Body Language” and Booka Shade of course.

hi-life:  What drew you towards Djing and producing?

Imanos: My love for house music drew me to it. I just loved the music, loved showing the music to others and the DJing and producing were just a progression and more of a natural step in that direction. It just kinda happened with the flow I never really planned and set out to do any of this. Funny how that all works.

hi-life:  Vancouver is a very eclectic city in regards to music and culture.  How do you keep up with the trends?

ImanoS: I would say maybe it’s better to not follow trends, but to just enjoy what you are doing or what you like and not try to latch on to trends or whats hot. However at the same time I think the music is trending more towards tech sound. Not like the past few years where it’s been tech minimal but more tech big room almost crossover house. You can see it in the charts as well. Labels like Hotfingers, Great Stuff, Starlight have really been putting out this sound in 2010 and they have done exceptionally well in the charts this past year and these are the kind of tracks that are working in the clubs right now.

hi-life!:  Which artists inspire you the most?

ImanoS: Artists who inspire me the most would have to be Steve Angello, Booka Shade, Mark Knight, and several others.

hi-life!:  Describe your perfect gig?

ImanoS: I would have to say I would love to play at Nikki Beach during WMC.Just in general I would love to play more beach parties. I think summer and house music go together like maple syrup and pancakes

hi-life!:  What’s your technical rider consist of?

ImanoS: My technical rider is pretty standard. DJM 800, CDJ 1000′s. 2 monitors left and right. So very simple and basic, nothing too crazy.

hi-life!:  What gear do you use at your shows/gigs and in the studio?

ImanoS: At shows I have my soundcard and my Akai APC 40 which I adore. In the studio I have all this as well as some KRK monitors and my Akai MPK 49. So again a very basic standard home studio and not too much crazy gear for a live set. This is all stuff anyone can set up which and it’s also very cost effective.

hi-life!:  What’s your favorite city, you’ve toured to?

ImanoS: It’s hard to say whats the favorite city. The last time I played in London in October was great and really good vibe. New York recently was great for me as I got to see several of my old friends. I really enjoyed being able to play music for my friends and enjoy the night together. So I would say one of those two.

hi-life!:  What is your favorite track of all time and why?

ImanoS: All time ahh this is a very difficult question. I’m listening to several genres of music and like so much of it! I would say again if were going to talk just house. I love all the classics like “Big Fun”, “U Don’t Know Me”, “Get Get Down”, “Music Is The Answer”, all of them. If I was to pick one it would definitely be “Body Language”. The track just means a lot to me and has a special place in my heat for me. The first time I heard it I went nuts and I had to go find it right away. Soon after is when I was so into the music listening to all the radio shows learning more about the music the artists, but it all started with that track for me.

hi-life!:  Your track ‘Elleda’ with Nunzi is killin’ it over at the Tech house Beatport charts right now, what inspired you to make that track?

ImanoS: Thanks! I am very happy with how its performing!

Elleda was inspired by someone who made me feel happy, and fun to be around during this summer and I’m thankful for the inspiration I got so thanks to them!

hi-life!:  If you were sent to a secluded island and you were only allowed 5 albums to take with you, which would they be?

ImanoS: Haha this one is too tough as well. It would have to be a lot softer music. If i was in a secluded island I don’t think I would be wanting to listen to dance music all the time. I think maybe I would have to take some Minnie Ripperton Greatest Hits album, Perhaps a Strictly Rhythm Box Set, and a few other more 70′s soul albums.

hi-life!:  What can we look forward from ImanoS in the next couple of months?

ImanoS: You can look forward to an onslaught of new singles they will be coming 1 by 1 for the next few months. With a few remixes for friends also being released in between. Also there will be some nice gigs, stuff I can’t discuss at the moment. Everybody just sit tight and you’ll find out more soon!