From Band to Beat: The Musical Journey of Adam Saykan

Adam Saykan’s journey from a band musician to a renowned solo electronic artist is marked by exploration, innovation, and a deep connection to both his heritage and contemporary sounds. Known for his unique style and dynamic performances, Adam blends influences from rock, blues, and electronic music to create an evolving sonic experience.

The Genesis of a Solo Journey: After his band split in 2013, Adam discovered Native Instruments' Beat Pad - Maschine, a pivotal moment that shifted his focus to solo music production. Under the alias "Spinclasse," he began a new chapter, collaborating with industry legends and exploring electronic music's vast potential.

First Live Gig: A Defining Moment: Adam’s first live performance at a house party, featuring a mix of DJs and bands, was transformative. His spontaneous vinyl mixing session marked the start of a profound musical journey. “Yo, that’s crazy, making techno live,” a partygoer remarked, capturing the essence of Adam's innovative approach.

Evolution of Sound: Over the years, Adam’s sound has come full circle, returning to the dark, minimal styles of his early works. Tracks like "1981" and "Mojo Risin’" reflect his evolution and the cyclical nature of his creativity. “Music is the story of my evolution, and I feel it comes in cycles and rebirths,” he explains.

Influences and Inspirations: Growing up by the beach, Adam discovered a treasure trove of old records, from Sinatra to The Doors, shaping his eclectic taste. “The Doors and Jimi Hendrix have been monumental influences, blending rock, blues, and poetry,” he says, highlighting their impact on his musical style.

Memorable Performances and Audience Connection: Adam’s performances at Melbourne’s premier venues, such as Revolver Upstairs, are characterized by real-time creativity and audience interaction. “Handing out fans or doing silly dances to lighten the mood and remind everyone that the dance floor is a safe space,” he shares, emphasizing the importance of connection.

Contribution to Melbourne’s Music Scene: Adam sees his music as a bridge between generations, blending past and contemporary sounds. By running events and mentoring upcoming artists, he helps shape Melbourne's electronic scene. “Just as the older generation has inspired me, I hope to pass that influence on to the younger crowd,” he reflects.

Creative Process and Collaboration: Adam’s approach to producing music is hands-on and intuitive. “Some of my favorite tracks are recorded live with only a bit of post-production, capturing the raw energy of the moment,” he notes. Collaborations are diverse, each artist bringing a unique sound, resulting in tracks that are distinct yet cohesive.

Touring and Cultural Impact: Touring in Croatia and Türkiye was a milestone, blending his heritage with contemporary music experiences. “Playing in a cave in Turkey and beachside super clubs in Croatia was a trip of a lifetime,” he recalls, emphasizing the importance of carrying equipment everywhere as opportunities can arise unexpectedly.

Mentorship and Future Aspirations: Mentoring is a cornerstone of Adam's career, providing guidance and opportunities to both emerging and established artists. “Focus on having the right attitude and passion. With the right mindset and dedication, the rest will fall into place,” he advises. Looking ahead, Adam is excited about new projects, including an SSS Compilation featuring local artists.

Embracing Technology and Innovation: Adam’s embrace of new technology is evident in his music production and live performances. Tools like Playtronica’s hardware and AI-based platforms are part of his evolving toolkit. “AI is already creating music and suggesting playlists, and I’m diving into tools to innovate further,” he explains.

Vision for the Future: Adam envisions his music evolving unpredictably, embracing the unknown. He aims to build lasting relationships and influence future generations. “Releasing physical music on vinyl will hopefully touch generations like it did for myself,” he shares, highlighting his commitment to cultural impact.

Adam Saykan's musical journey is a testament to creativity, resilience, and innovation. From his early days of band performances to pioneering electronic music, Adam continues to inspire and shape the musical landscape with his dynamic sounds and forward-thinking approach.

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