Editor’s Note: Our interviews have taken on new branding, so we are proud to introduce our new Thursday Thoughts series! All of our exclusive conversations with the hottest artists in dance music will be going up on Thursdays from now on.

There is nothing in the universe that can stop the hot streak that Max Vangeli is on right now. The veteran DJ/producer is clearly comfortable on top of his new NoFace Records imprint, and is already in the studio cooking up what will become his second studio album (his first on his own). Of course, his résumé speaks for itself, as he has marquee releases on huge labels, and is a demanded name at festivals around the world. We are honored to have the opportunity to speak to Max Vangeli about the direction of his label, how he has grown as a producer and the hidden message in his new single.

Questions

How would you describe your sound to those are not as familiar?

I would say its progressive with a lot of melodies and vocals, I love melodies so all my stuff is melodic.

What is the biggest difficulty you have faced in your career to date?

I would say getting out of my comfort zone in anything I do, I have always been told that I can’t or I’m not good enough.  Breaking that chain was hard.  It takes a lot of trust in yourself and the right people around you.

Can you describe the process behind creating NoFace Records?

Oh man that was a lot of work.  My manager of 13 years now, Viktor is a guy who made it all possible.  After SIZE records I wanted to do something of my own, but running a label is a lot of work so I was lucky to have an amazing team on my end.  Now it’s about making good music :)

Just released on NoFace Records is “Stay Out”, can you describe the track? And is there a hidden message in the track too?

Definitely a hidden message.  It’s about having that one friend that you ALWAYS get in trouble with.  It can be a girl or a guy friend, or even a family member.  It’s a track about life and having a good time.  Life is a lot simpler than people make it out to be honestly.  So this track is about just having a good time!

All the NoFace releases have been different each release, we’ve had progressive (Shine), club-banger (Blow This Club) and now melodic (Stay Out), was being diverse always part of the plan?

Yes!  That’s why I called the label, NoFace because it has no identity; I just wanna try as many directions as possible.

How has your production process changed since People of the Night?

Oh wow yeah that was a long long time ago; I grew as a producer in general.  Now it’s about the concept not so much figuring out the sound design, I’m more of a musician now. Before it was all about learning how to tweak things, now its song writing time.

You had worked a lot previously with AN21. What happened to that partnership?

Nothing really, we are still close but he is with SIZE and now I have my own label.  I wanted to explore my solo career, and that’s kind of what happened.  But we are definitely very close still.

What do you think is the next genre to hit the mainstream?

I would say right now everything is moving so commercial that it’s hard to even follow. I think the old school house is going to make a strong comeback, mixed with a lot of pop vocals.

What has been the best moment of your musical career so far?

Playing Sensation White for the first time!!! It was a dream for me, so when I was on that stage it was incredible!  I had goosebumps all over my body.

What is in store for Max Vangeli over this coming summer?

I’m actually working on my solo album as we speak so that should be coming out in the near future on NoFace!

Top 5 Tracks

• Max Vangeli feat. Connor Foley – Stay Out
• Max Vangeli & Flatdisk – Blow This Club
• Kygo – Firestone (Third Party Remix)
• Will K – Hakai
• Corey James & Teamworx – Make The Crowd Go

About Thursday Thoughts:

At Dance Rebels, we strive to bring our readers as close to their favorite artists as possible. One of the best ways to make that connection is to discuss a wide range of topics with the biggest names in the dance music scene. If there is an artist that you think we need to talk to, reach out to us on Facebook or Twitter!