Simon Lee and Alvin

Over the past year, the duo of Tritonal from Austin, Texas USA have stormed the music world with their infectious beats and melodic riffs, often made more pronounced by featuring vocalist Cristina Soto (whom we are still trying to get in touch for Radio KUL!).

While most trance music remain manufactured and exported out of Europe, the chance collaboration of Chad Cisneros and Dave Reed have shown that two can play that game. Their synergy has lead to original productions “Let Solitude” and “Piercing Quiet,” which are regular weapons in every DJ’s arsenal this year, and they scored gold with an energetic interpretation of Ferry Corsten’s “We Belong.” They recently released the highly anticipated “Crash Into Reason” that you may have already heard on radio stations.

Describing their music as “cutting edge,” there’s a signature big sound on all of their tracks, the signature they fondly refer to as “Air Up There” as their remixes and radio show are often named after. Logic meets emotion through synthesized magic when Tritonal flex their creativity and genuine musical prowess. That, and these guys are pretty damn friendly.

We get Chad to open up to us on Tritonal’s past, present, and future on this Radio KUL Extra exclusive.

Tritonal

Have both of you guys always been working on dance music? Briefly, how did this collaboration come about?
We have. Dave started working on tracks when he was around 10 years old, and I started producing a bit later, around 18 yrs old. When we came together, we quickly began finishing each others musical sentences.

It’s great to see a successful trance act coming out of the USA. In general what’s the trance scene looking like over there?
Its getting better! NYC and California have amazing trance scenes, and we just had a fantastic gig in San Francisco at 1015 Folsom!

How’s the response like at the Tritonal gigs!
Our fans are amazing! We love meeting all of the people who respond to our tracks, and we do our damn-dist to put on a show.

As a duo, who does what when it comes to the work? Do you guys also have a team?
At the moment, we are handling everything. Sometimes, Dave has control of the DAW, and sometimes I do. We switch back and forth, even from studio to studio. Pretty soon, we are going to need to get some help on board to help us with the pile of promo’s, emails, and marketing.

Tritonal has been just over a year now. What’s the most valuable experience that has come out of this journey so far?
Playing our tracks in the clubs, and learning what works!! Hands down, priceless wisdom.

Air Up There is such a wonderful radio show. How can we tune into it and how do you think radio shows are helping DJs make their mark?
Its easy! You can tune in at Afterhours.FM. You can subscribe as a free podcast by going to iTunes. You can also download the episodes here.

There’s an energy signature on all of Tritonal’s music. Of all the productions you guys have done, name the gem amongst them all if you had to choose only one.
Hard to choose. Vocal wise, probably “Piercing Quiet.” Music only, we have a track that is about to release on Gareth Emery’s Garuda. The A side is titled “Suede,” and is a very uplifting piece of trance. The B side is “Sideswing,” and this track rocks the dance floor hands down every single time! Love it!

Some people have labeled you guys as some of the nicest in the industry. How do you guys response to this?
We can only say thank you. We love what we do, we love life and we love people. Life is a precious gift, and we have every intention of living that life humble, lowly and meek. We are entertainers, and our goal is to make someone else’s day better.

Are you guys currently working on anything solo?
Not at the moment. Dave and I want to get Tritonal firmly established as one of the best production names in the world. We have some work to do!

How do you guys balance time between family and your music career?
We work about 8 hours a day, starting around 10 am and ending around 5 pm. I usually work out after work, and then fill my day with time with friends and family.

Do both of you go on the road and perform together? How does this work out when it comes to playing a live set? Who calls the shots in picking the tracks?
We have come to know what each other likes to play, and thankfully we usually love to rock the same tracks. We discuss possible track selections before a gig, and we pick the tunes as we feel out the crowd. Being a good DJ is working with your audience in real time, and Dave and I are in constant decision making mode on where to take the next tune. We travel together at our gigs, and the DJ Duo is packed with energy.

What are you guys currently working on? Any productions or tour?
We just finished a collaboration with Randy Boyer titled “Myogenic!!” Possible UK/Europe tour in October or Sept. We have some original stuff we are cracking on, but have to keep the hush hush on track titles. ;)

In three words, describe Tritonal’s music.
Sexy, Edgy, & FUN!

Are there any plans to come to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia soon!
We certainly hope so! Please contact your promoters and send them our Electronic Press Kit. We would be honored to get over there!

Is there a particular festival or place you’d love to perform? If so, where?
Trance Energy!

And lastly, a quick word to all your fans reading this.
We want to thank all of you guys for supporting us. We love making music, and could not have the success that we have had without you. :) Please head over to our MySpace to leave us a hello! Cheers from Austin!

Catch an exclusive guestmix from Tritonal this week on Radio KUL 097. The first hour will be mixed by us, Simon Lee and Alvin, followed by Tritonal on a one hour mix with commentary. Airs Friday 31st July 2009 at 7PM at http://www.simonleeandalvin.com/.

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