How was 2019 for you?
Rene Wise: Without trying to sound too over sentimental 2019 has probably been one of the best years of my life. I’ve met so many amazing people and gained great friendships over the year, mostly through music-related situations. It’s been a very focused year for me; without exaggeration, my whole life this year has been devoted to music, trying to improve myself as a producer and DJ and surrounding myself with like-minded people. I will admit, it has become too obsessive at times and as I don’t really have anything else to take me out the music cycle as I’ve no other hobbies to throw myself into, although this has its downsides. I also think it’s a positive, as it keeps me motivated and driven.
Highlights?
Spending a week jamming in the studio with Rødhåd at his Berlin studio in February. Rødhåd has been a long-time inspiration of mine and it was a great pleasure to work on music together and get to know him personally. April was also a very special month for me, as my second release on Mote-Evolver came out and then later that month I played the opening slot at Berghain for Luke Slater’s remix EP release party, which turned out to be one of the most fun nights I’ve had DJing. Aside from that, other highlights have been all the amazing places I’ve been lucky enough to travel to and DJ. I’ve met so many other talented DJs and people through gigging in different parts of the world this year and it’s great to see the scene thriving in so many different places, due to the efforts and work of crews and other artists.
Lowlights?
I’m grateful to say there have not been many lowlights this year. However, sometimes things have become a bit mentally straining for me, as like I mentioned above, I don’t really have any other hobbies to detach myself from music. When you’re constantly putting your mind into one thing, the fun can start to disappear; self-doubt and other negative mindsets can start to form and you can begin to tire of something you’re so passionate for, this is never healthy. 2019 has been a learning experience for me in how to deal with this mental stress that I developed from my own obsessive nature. Too much of anything can be bad a thing and it’s important to look after yourself.
Song of the year?
Sheesh, big question. I honestly can’t just pick one so I will have to list a few!
Roberto & Jamie Anderson – Bare Essentials Feat. Robert Owens
VIL – FYS
Barker – Utility
Planetary Assault Systems – Give It Up
What’s your New Year’s resolution?
I never really put much thought into New Year’s resolutions, whether that’s a good or bad thing…But if I can keep learning and improve as a producer/DJ, stay in good health and continue to enjoy this journey in music, then that will keep me content in 2020.