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Interview | MOTi

Dutch DJ/producer MOTi has released his new track, managing to put a whole new spin on Salt-N-Pepa’s 80’s classic 'Push It'. Utilizing the classic melody and combining it with grammy nominated singer/songwriter Laura White’s vocals makes this a track to remember.

 

MOTi has well and truly put himself on the musical map, having had a huge number of collaborations with some of the biggest names in the industry including Tiësto, Martin Garrix, Major Lazer as well as many more. Next to numerous dance records, MOTi has become an established name in the pop genre, working with multi-platinum artists like Wyclef Jean, Ty Dolls $ign and Wizkid, as well as remixing tracks from Selena Gomez, Marshmello, Macklemore, Galantis, Ava Max and a great number of other artists.

MOTi said on the track:


“Laura White is such a great talent, on previous productions we only did hooks, I’m happy we finally did a full song. We wrote the record together with Maegan Cottone and Friso Venema in the legendary Metropolis Studios in London. The Salt-N-Pepa melody was actually added months after the first version was recorded and produced but it was exactly what the track needed. Very happy to work with such talented people and very happy with the final version!”


Collaborator Laura White said:


“I am so excited to feat on the new MOTi Single ‘Push It Right’! I loved the original version of ‘Push It’ by Salt-N-Pepa and so this was so cool to have re-written. We all wrote the song together at Metropolis Studios in London, myself ,MOTi, Maegan Cottone and Friso! I loved the day so much with all the gang! I love collabing with MOTi so much and ‘Push It Right’ is my favourite so far!“

 

Here at The Lowdown, we had the opportunity to speak to MOTi about the new release, working with A-list names, his favourite memories and what's coming next...


Introduce yourself and tell us a bit about who you are and what you do!

"Hi I am MOTi, I’m a DJ, Producer, Record label owner & father of 2 children and spend most of my time in the studio! Over the years I have released tracks on Spinnin’, Universal, Virgin, Sony, Mad Decent, Musical Freedom, Revealed, Heldeep and many more labels, and have played most major festivals. You might know me from my track “Virus” with Martin Garrix or “Boom” with Major Lazer."


Your new single puts a new spin on the Salt-N-Pepa’s 80’s classic ‘Push it’ featuring vocals from Laura White. Tell us a little bit about it!

"Well it actually started off without the sample. I had a writing session with Laura White, Friso Venema & Maegan Cottone. We wrote the track during that session. Somewhere in production I recorded myself saying: ‘Ah ahh push it’, like Salt-n-Pepa’s sample. When the label heard it, they said why not use the Salt-n-Pepa melody in it instead of the replay of the sample. It took over a year to produce the record but it was definitely worth it."


What do you hope the reaction will be like from your fans? Is it a different track for you or have you put your own solid sound on to it?

"Haha of course, I hope my fans will love it!! Not sure if it’s something different than my older records. I mean I’ve been releasing weekly releases for over a year now. If you release that much music, you have to try things out of your comfort zone. For this one in particular I think it’s typical MOTi sounding but a little bit more songy, less clubby. Anyways I think it’s a banger, I hope my fans agree with me."


You’ve worked with so many a-list artists and some of the biggest names in the industry. Has anyone ever given you a piece of advice that you’ll remember forever or that has helped you with your music?

"Yeah for sure! Martin Garrix gave me his mastering chain back then. Tiësto learned me a lot about workdrive and staying focused on your goals. From Diplo I learned what the difference between a good demo and a final production is working with multiple people on a track and gluing everything together. It wasn’t like people were advising me what to do I think you learn from experience and you have to make your own advice out of it."


You’ve played on some massive stages in different places around the world and at various festivals. What’s your favourite place to play and your dream place to play in future?

"I get this question a lot and I don’t really have an answer. Every country, stage or club has their own charms. I don’t prefer any place over another, I think it just depends on the set I’m playing, the people who are at the show, the other DJ’s who are playing. I mean there are so many different things that can make the mood for a party. But to be honest intimate small party with just diehard fans are my favourite shows to play!"


What’s been your favourite memory of a show?

"I have a lot of great memories of the shows I did, but RFM SOMNII is def one of my favourites. The energy of the crowd was amazing. Having 50.000 people clapping with me at the same time was one of the best feelings in the world."


What’s coming next for you?

"So many things I’m exited about! I’ve got a few releases coming up that I’m very proud of and I’m working on some huge collabs. Also the Zero Cool Studios are close to being finished, which means I will set up writing camps and invite Zero Cool artists to work in the studios. I want the studios to become a creative space where the team can come together and work on new projects. Guiding new talents and building Zero Cool Records is one of the focus points this year."

 

Listen to 'Push It Right' HERE

Instagram: @motiofficial

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