Earlier this year Andre Palace burst onto my radar with a lime green ski mask and trap arms. The video was a promo for his incredible Gundam EP. The breakout 3 track effort arrived on Ivy Lab’s Twenty Twenty London label and put the world on notice of Virginia’s next musical export. Heavily influenced by hip-hop and bass-heavy, Andre Palace’s style embodies the trap sound I often miss. Hypnotic vocal loops, precise percussion, and an uncompromisingly gritty approach set Andre Palace apart from his peers. While the producer still remains slightly under the radar, we thought it was due time to showcase his skills with a brand-new guest mix + interview.
The mix is almost exclusively his own works including a grip of unreleased originals and flip, plus a few tunes from a couple of his favourite artists. The interview explores his relationship with Ivy Lab, the impact of his Gundam EP, the importance of confidence, what greatness means to him, and more. Check both below.
Talk to us about the mix. Where are we headed when we press play?
When you press play on this mix, it’s going to take you into my deep imagination. I’m inspired by dramatic movie scores, hard-hitting drums, and heavy gritty synths. This mix will have a lot of unreleased gems. There are some FIRE artists that I included as well.
How did you link up with Twenty Twenty London for the Gundam EP?
Ivy Lab have been one of my biggest inspirations coming into the scene. I would send them DM’s of my tracks hoping they would check them out. One day they checked it out and it was history ever since. I would send them new tracks ever so often and they would play my track ‘Gundam’ a lot at shows. They loved the track so much that they wanted to make a EP. I’m very thankful they believed in me that much to drop it on their label!
What impact has that project had on your career?
It was a very big impact. A lot of artists I looked up to started following me and telling me how much they enjoyed the project. I would get a lot of videos of them dropping it at shows. It was a very big moment for sure!
I remember being so infatuated with the music trio NERO. Their project Welcome Reality opened my eyes to a different world. I said I wanted to make music like that but with a Hip Hop bounce.
Your sound is bringing the more hip-hop-focused direction back to electronic trap music. Is this the goal or is it just a reflection of who you are?
It’s a true reflection of who I am. I was the kid that loved every genre of music growing up. I started producing Hip Hop at the age of 14. Then I started to dive into the EDM realm with Skrillex. I remember being so infatuated with the music trio NERO. Their project Welcome Reality opened my eyes to a different world. I said I wanted to make music like that but with a hip-hop bounce. But I’m still trying to find my “sound” since I can make a lot of genres.
Does your approach to creating change when you’re producing for other artists vs. crafting solo releases? If so, how?
The creative process never really changes for me. The only small difference is adding less sounds to give the artist room for the beat.
Virginia is well known for its musical exports from Pharell and the Neptunes, to Timbaland, Clipse, Missy Elliot, and the list goes on. Do you draw a lot of inspiration from these artists or do you find inspiration elsewhere?
I LOVE all the musicians you named! I draw inspiration from them, but also from a lot of other places. I love the instruments Pharrell picks (specifically his strings) but LOVE Timbo’s drums mixed with Missy’s flow. I draw a lot of inspiration from movie/game scores. I love watching a movie and being inspired by the music playing in the background. Especially the movie “The Matrix.” Also in different types of Anime.
You’ve spoken about the importance of confidence in creating change. Do you have any personal tips or suggestions for those looking to improve their confidence?
It’s all about changing spiritually first. We are spirits wrapped in a shell called a body. Once you start to improve yourself spiritually, everything else comes including confidence.
It’s okay to have a little friendly competition but the TRUE competition is with yourself. Because only YOU know if you’re doing your best.
What does greatness mean to you? How are you working to achieve it?
Greatness is becoming the best YOU can be. It’s living out YOUR full potential. It’s okay to have a little friendly competition but the TRUE competition is with yourself. Because only YOU know if you’re doing your best. I’m going to achieve it by growing spiritually, applying discipline, inspiring others, and loving others.
When you’re not in the studio or DJing where are you spending your time?
At the library lol, I love reading. I also love trying new food and traveling.
What’s one book you think everyone should read and why?
I believe everyone should read the Bible, the Bible has a lot of wisdom in it that helped me. Even if you have a different outlook spiritually, don’t be scared to crack open the Bible. The key is to find books that break down what the verses mean in a practical way. Proverbs is a good practical start just for some straight-to-the-point wisdom.
What’s next for you?
You will soon find out ;)
Tracklist
Andre Palace – Gundam (Gundam EP)
Andre Palace – Fireblade
Andre Palace – ID (UNRELEASED)
Welcome To Jamrock (Andre Palace Remix)
Andre Palace – ID (UNRELEASED)
Al Doms – BIG DEAL (Prod. Andre Palace)
Moore Kismet – A Wandering Chance
BSTERTHEGAWD – KILL EM ALL w/ Antikvng
Andre Palace – ID (UNRELEASED)
Hooptie – Ayo What The Hell
Andre Palace – Blue Rain (UNRELEASED)
Andre Palace – ID (UNRELEASED)
Andre Palace – ID (UNRELEASED)
Ivy Lab – 650 CC
Andre Palace – ID (UNRELEASED)
Lil Wayne – Uproar (Andre Palace Remix) (UNRELEASED)
Andre Palace – Magnetic (Gundam EP)
Solo Sam x ChrisDogzout – Pressure (Andre Palace Remix) (UNRELEASED)
Andre Palace – No Stopping Me (Gundam EP)
