When asked where his love of synthetic sounds and electonica music comes from, Jeff Alford never hesitates when giving his answer. He always quotes the electronica soundscape pioneer JMJ as his source of inspiration. Stumbling across JMJ’s sounds at the age of 10, Jeff never looked back. Jeff flirted with the sounds of Hip Hop at 16 and by 18 he was producing Progressive Trance; albeit with an underlay of breaks in his rhythm sections.

At the age of 18, Jeff went to Florida in order to gain more experience as a Sound Engineer. He did his apprenticeship at Orlando-based Full Sail Real World Studios. It was an opportunity to work with the most advanced technology and it took his music production to an entirely new level.

Two years on from gaining his Recording Arts degree and he released the album “Down to Earth” (2002)…30 tracks on 2 CDs which blended the sounds of Hard Trance and Hard House. The tracks harkened back to earlier days when trance music told a story; taking dancers and ravers on a journey. The album was also the vehicle which gained Jeff substantial attention.

In 2003, Jeff and his tracks were covered by the likes of The Daily Star, MTV, Virgin Radio…and the list goes on. In the same year, he produced the track “Reaching the Top”, a trance track selected for inclusion on the ‘Hot Clubbing Vol.5′ dance compilation CD (1,300,000 units released in April 2003). ‘Hot Clubbing’ was released in conjunction with The Daily Star & The Express newspapers. His mix was also selected to be the background music in the television advertising campaign for the CD compilation. The television advertising campaign included broadcasters such as MTV, Paramount, C4, C5 and Sky One. Radio DJ support for the track included BBC Radio One Dj, Dave Pearce.

Jeff’s tracks continue to be popular with broadcasters.

His tracks are also popular features on dance compilation CDs. One recent compilation success has been his track “Feeling the energy”, out on the ‘Psychic Vol.1′ compilation by Nonego Records (US & UK).

2006 sees the release of his album, “Heart of Trance”. As Jeff says, “The various harmonies within the Heart of Trance’s sound come from the rainbow deep inside the highest state of mind that we might all hear in the near future…leading our souls around the world.”

Feel the energy flow…take a listen and never let go…

THE INTERVIEW

what are u using ?

I’ve had so many different kinds of synthesizers in my life. I kept on trying to find the right sound and style of music I actually have today. It’s what you hear in ‘Heart of Trance’. I used the latest Virus TI from Access and the Korg SX1 sampler with digital performer’s plug-ins on my powerbook G4, rewired with Reason’s modules integrating various samples on board. Things seem to run very smoothly indeed. I don’t think I need anything else as I’m already flying with what I have.

Who Influenced You ?

The first time I heard JMJ for instance, I said to myself ‘this is what I want to do’.

What do you like most about producing/Djing music ?

When I’m recording some melodies and having various rhythms and effects running, I look at the hottest sounds that I know will keep the crowd going. I take the time needed to enhance the progression in the mix by building up the intensity around it - the higher we go in emotions within a track, the closer we get to the mixes’ climax. And that’s when I know that all you can do is: ‘trance and dance’.

Where do you think producing and electronica music will be in the Future ?

There are no boundaries of where the music can be taken. It all depends on who is in the studio producing music and what vision he or she has for the future of electronic music.

If you could record with any artists living or dead who would it be ?

It would be awsome it I could record with Paul Van Dyk, Tiesto, Jamaster A, Armin Van Buuren, Ferry Corsten, Yahel, Infected Mushrooms, and the list goes on.. I think that we could make miracles happen

The last song you just listened to ?

Well, to tell you the truth, it was “Third I”…from my Heart Of Trance album.

If you also Dj Where have you spun ?

When I started to Dj it was just for small events or some private parties at friends for fun… I’m really looking forward to make some big events in the future.

Best party ?

Club Social in Beirut, Lebanon the 9th of August 2004.

What is HOTTEST club you HAVE ever BEEN ?

I rarely go out to clubs…I remenber two concerts I’ve been out to was at PVD’s concert followed by Ferry Corsten’s concert in Lebanon while I was on vacation in 2005…

what gear do u prefer ?

I prefer using hardware synths instead of virtual synths…such as the one i have now from Access.

What moves you as an artist ?

Everywhere I go I take my music with me since my studio is totally mobile. I really take the time needed to have a perfect mixdown; adjusting the levels for each track is just another way for me to take the mix to the next level.

If you could change one thing about Djing/Producing what would it be ?

Trance music is a way of communication. I try to respond to what has been said, in my own way and with my own voice, through electronic music.

If you could change one thing about the WORLD what would it be ?

Make love, not war

If someone is interested in starting to produce their own music what peace of advice would you offer ?

Follow your heart.