WORLD PREMIERE: Volt & State – Anthems [Enhanced Recordings]

We are proud to have partnered with renowned record label Enhanced Recordings to bring the exclusive premiere of their next big single, as well as interview the artists involved. With many quality productions on Protocol Recordings in the rear-view mirror, Dutch duo Volt & State bring their talents to Enhanced Recordings for their debut on the label. Formerly solo artists under the names Martin Volt and Quentin State, the two men quickly realized that two heads were better than one and joined forces permanently. The track is titled “Anthems,” and was given its first radioplay by Nicky Romero last week during his Protocol Radio show. “Anthems” will be available as a Beatport and Spotify exclusive on June 17, and on all other platforms on July 1.

The duo certainly stays true to their trademark progressive house sound, and bring beautiful melodies alongside emotional vocals from start to finish. “Anthems” begins with piano, and is soon joined by male vocals and percussion. Once the vocalist hits the chorus, the piano ducks out and is replaced by a more mellow guitar sound. This serves to accentuate the vocals, and they stand out in a gorgeous manner. Volt & State then add pulsating chords underneath the vocals, which brings an even higher amount of energy. This serves as the perfect bridge to the buildup, as Volt & State seamlessly change the mood. “Anthems” drops into a segment of pure progressive euphoria, as scintillating layers of synths match flawlessly with an enthusiastic bassline.

Enhanced Music – ENHANCED258 | Buy/stream “Anthems” here.

Interview

How would you describe your sound to those who may not be familiar with it?

We’ve always had a lot of melodies going on in our tracks. I think the melodies are telling something that really create the Volt & State feel. Sometimes happy, but sometimes also a bit more dark.

Has there been any one artist who has been a mentor to you?

That has to be Nicky Romero, he taught us a lot. Especially about vocals and how to arrange tracks to make them a bit more listener-proof.

At what point did you guys decide to scrap your separate projects and join forces permanently as Volt & State?

That was even before Volt & State. At first we tried to outdo each others tracks and eventually decided to join forces. We released as Martin Volt & Quentin State, and eventually came up with the idea of having a shorter name so people remember it more easily.

“Warriors” was obviously a huge track for you guys. What was it like to see it succeed, as well as have Nicky Romero open his Ultra set with it?

That was definitely one of the highlights so far, seeing him play a track you worked on for such a long time together.

We are premiering your brand-new single, “Anthems,” on Enhanced Music. How did this single come together, and how is it to work with Enhanced?

Actually, this track has had multiple versions before the final. And there were some words in the lyrics that needed some work. The vocal and the track were completely separate projects at that time.

Do you guys find it more difficult to create vocal tracks like “Anthems” as opposed to instrumental songs like “Rush”?

The vocal is one of the most important layers, so it can be more difficult finding the right hook for the vocals. Once done right, you have a great addition to the overall track. People tend to remember a track with a vocal more easily.

What has been your favorite moment in your musical career so far?

Playing in South Africa is still among the favorites! The whole vibe and interaction with the crowd was amazing!

If you could give 2013 Volt & State a piece of advice with the experience you have now, what would it be and why?

That would be a lot of mixing and mastering tricks to roll out the tracks more quickly!

What is your favorite part of the DJ/producer job?

That special moment in the studio when you know you have an idea that could work.

What is in store for Volt & State this summer? Any secrets you can let us in on?

We are playing Sziget, so we are very looking forward to that. Also, we are doing a bit more different music in the future, which is exciting, but also a new chapter.

Special thanks to Volt & State and Enhanced Recordings for this feature!