1Mix Radio: Interview with Max Graham about Cycle 7

Max Graham, a man of many musical talents especially known for blurring the lines of trance, techno and progressive, has once again created his one-of-a-kind installation that transports you to a dark room with intimate vibes. The yearly time is here again where Graham delights with the very awaited Cycles 7, a jewel full of unique sounds with unexpected twists and turns.

The perfectly curated tracklist, which includes work from seasoned veterans, familiar names and up-and-comers, will for sure take your breath away. Graham’s favourite producer of the year, Rick Pier O’Neil, delights with three new originals including bassline-dominating piece “To Declare”. Also making an appearance are THNK, Henrik Zuberstein and Ewan Rill’s “Lotos” featuring Avenax’ stunning vocals; all staples in Graham’s sets. His keen ear for up-and-coming talent gained Dimi Mechero and Apsara a spot on the mix as well. And marking the 15-year anniversary of Graham’s “Airtight” comes an out-of-this-world rendition, which Graham called his “Remix Of The Year”, created by no stranger to the Cycles family, Tim Penner.

This time around the architect of build, energy manipulator and vibe connoisseur, Max Graham delivers a gem packed 78-minute, 16 track compilation that will stimulate your senses. A condensed mix showcasing what the widely popular ‘Open to Close’ concept is all about. From Guy J’s “Equinox,” a hauntingly rhythmic track enough to lure you in, to Graham’s newest release “One Hundred” (Raw Mix) with a chunky bassline and infused builds, perfect for the peak hours of the journey to the magical, goosebump inducing, almost orchestra like piece exclusively written for this installment by Tim Penner, “Shadow Light” (Cycles 7 Outro Mix), completes yet another Cycles.

Handpicked gems that work in a dynamic cohesion of sorts, come alive to bring you the jewel masterpiece that Cycles 7 is. Whether in a dark room with intimate vibes, the beach, or on the road, this pearl never goes out of style. His name is Max Graham. And this is Cycles 7.

It's great opportunity that I have the chance to interview once again Max Graham after interviewing him in person in events such as ADE and Tomorrowland. In the following lines Max Graham talks about the 7th instalment of his brilliant compilation and you can read his answers right here. Press Play Cycles 7 and enjoy!

Interview is written and conducted by Dimitri Kechagias, Music Journalist and radio host at 1mix radio

Dimitri: First of all congratulations for reaching the 7th instalment of your timeless compilation. It would be great to make up a short recap about the previous volumes from 1 to 6 and peak up from them your absolute favourite volumes and tell us the reasons for your choice.

Max: I can’t pick a favourite but it’s been a nice progression through my evolution as a DJ and each time I go back and listen it’s really cool to hear that snapshot of where I was then for each volume.

Dimitri: In what ways Cycles7 is different from the previous volume and how can you define the prevailing sound in this compilation. Is it prog house or deep trance or deep psy trance or new hybrid that is in between these genres?

Max: I don’t know how to define it as genres are interpreted differently by everyone (as we see in so many online arguments) for me it’s just the sound that I love at the moment but it’s always diverse also. It accurately reflects where my direction is both for the radio show and live sets.

Dimitri: How hard or easy was to select the particular tracks for your compilation. What were the criteria that these tracks ticked and have been selected to shape the compilation?

Max: Criteria is simple, I have to love it and nothing more. As for picking the tracks It is tough as each one has a specific place. For example building the first half is a very different job than say the last three tracks so I try to find things that i love that fit in the groove and play their part in the flow of the mix.

Dimitri: Do you intended to create a listening experience i.e. a journey for the listeners or this compilation is for playing loud to warm you up before going out or also as soundtrack for your party with your friends?

Max: I think it can be all three depending on your mood, it’s definitely not just a collection of hits to get you ready to go out, it’s definitely a journey as that’s the only way i know how to DJ but as i said i think it works for many different moods.

Dimitri: The question is if the compilation is mixed live or if it is manipulated and edited in the studio in order to sound truly perfect?

Max: I would never mix a CD compilation live unless it was advertises as a live set. The goal is to create the perfect flowing story not to show off my live dj skills so there’s a lot of adjustments made in the studio to gain the best result.

Dimitri: Your latest single is called Amnesia. Would you like to talk about this single and the story behind its production and of course why you pick Alex De Stefano to remix it.

Max: Not really any story, just another day in the studio really. It has a touch of an evil vibe and I knew right away and Alex would really take it to another level with his tough style. I've always been a huge fan of his and I'm sure we will work together again.

Dimitri: Your show Cycles goes from strength to strength capturing the imagination of thousands of fans worldwide. Can you let us know how long you prepare for this radio show and why you believe Cycles is different and unique in contrast with the radio shows from other DJs?

Max: I don’t really know if it’s different and unique, i think that would be a question for the listeners as they would do a better job comparing it to other shows. For me It’s just the way I like to DJ. As for the preparation it’s quite a lot. Each Monday i purchase music and download promos for about two hours. Then I spend two hours editing each track to suit my style. Then another two hours mixing the show and one more hour writing the voice-over, rendering and mastering. It’s a full day each week but it helps my DJ sets as I'm forced to always look for new music each week.

Dimitri: Do you enjoy using Cycles as platform to introduce new talents or the main criterion to pick a track for it is if you like it indifferent if it’s from well-known producer or upcoming ones?

Max: Of course it’s great to push new talent but for me it’s about each track, I love finding new and fresh tracks and it doesn't matter if they are by established artists or new ones. As long as the track moves me I’ll play it and even better if most people haven’t heard it yet.

Dimitri: We are all in shock about Paul van Dyk terrible accident during his ASOT performance. I wonder if you had any similar bad incidents that expose you to danger while you were performing.

Max: None yet thankfully.

Dimitri: Finally in the age of the internet that you can be your own distributor why you decided that working with the backup of a record label like Black Hole recordings is a wise thing to do?

Max: My job is making music and djing so anything that can give me more time to do that the better. Blackhole has been great at handling all that other stuff like itunes / beatport / youtube and spotify. It’s very time consuming in the end.

Many thanks to the always welcoming Max Graham for replying in my interview and wish him all the best in his forthcoming Cycles tour.

Many thanks to Tim at Stark Profiles for organizing this interview.