NYC’s Unseen., although fairly new to the music scene, has been releasing top tracks on a huge roster of significant labels (Lelantus Records, Bull In A China Shop, Androgyne Audio, Running Cloud) for the past couple of years. Originally presenting themselves as two, Unseen. became one back in December of 2019 when PRØVOST left due to wanting to focus on his own sound, label, and promotion company, Techno Brooklyn, now a top events group in NYC, alongside his business partner Austin Hunter.
And even though now only formed of Adrian, Unseen. is still flying high, where recently he has released his EP ‘Direction’ on his imprint label Lelantus Records. The signature sound combines melodies with drums and synths; in an addicting, energetic way.
HEY ADRIAN! HOW ARE YOU DOING AND ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT THIS SUMMER?
100%, and thank you for inviting me to this interview. Yes, I’m really looking forward to this summer as I will be starting my season here in NYC, where I currently live and then making a transition to Germany, where I will be moving. I’m really excited about that part because Europe is where my genre thrives and where lots of the main artists in my genre live.
HOW HAS QUARANTINE BEEN FOR YOU?
Honestly, quarantine was a blessing in disguise for me – it gave me time to focus. I was a relatively new artist at the time so I needed time to experiment and study the Melodic House & Techno genre. It also gave me some time to figure out how to monetize music, which many artists struggle with when it comes to generating income from arts. As a result, I took to YouTube, teaching other musicians how to market their music using today’s best digital marketing practices. My channel is under my personal brand ‘Adrian Barrin’.
WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR PRODUCTIONS, WHAT DO YOU FEEL SETS YOU APART?
The most exciting thing about doing music is that it is never planned. I find most of my best productions are from experimenting and trying new things. I’m a big believer in rushing the first draft of a song, then going back and improving it little by little until it’s complete. That’s why ‘Direction’ is my personal standout track. I wasn’t aiming for anything during this session and lost myself for so many hours in that melody and the drums.
AT WHAT AGE DID YOU START PRODUCING AND MIXING RECORDS, AND DID YOU EVER THINK YOU WOULD END UP HERE?
I started producing about 2.5 years ago, maybe 3. Obviously, I wasn’t good but I’m a fast learner. I kept watching other people produce. I would go to my engineer’s apartment while he was mixing and mastering my tracks, and as he did that, he would walk me through what he was doing, and I would ask questions. Over time, I got better. I used to use waaay too many instrumentals and he taught me simplification. Also, while in my duo with PRØVOST, I would watch and learn what he was doing.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE PURSUING THEIR DREAMS?
Don’t be afraid to experiment, study other artists, and ask questions. If you feel lost, listen to other artists’ music and analyze it. Ask yourself questions about what makes it good. It’s these questions you ask that will make you a better producer.
Check out Unseen.’s latest EP ‘Direction’ below:
