The sky's the limit with Aly & Fila

Image: Aly & Fila 

For many dance music stands as a universal language we can all relate to and admire. This is a notion that must be considered when putting into perspective the path Aly & Fila have journeyed on the way to their current hallowed standing at the summit of trance music. 

As they put it in the interview "most musicians in trance music were from Netherlands or UK or Ireland", yet this didn't stop them planting a seed in the Egyptian sand. That very seed developed into a burgeoning trance scene being established on the North African outpost, primarily via their internet radio show Future Sound Of Egypt, something that may prove not to be far wrong.

These foundations led to a glittering career spanning 13 years and counting, that helped the duo achieve their dreams of producing alongside Paul Van Dyk, evolve their seminal imprint (also called A Future Sound Of Egypt), and lay claim to tune of the year on Armin Van Buuren's In A State Of Trance radio round ups. 

With them pencilled in at Digital Society 8 at Leeds' 02 Academy on Friday 6th March alongside a horde of other trance behemoths, we caught five minutes with the esteemed duo to discuss their latest product alongside Van Dyk, and other varying points of interest. 

What's it like to be producing music alongside Paul Van Dyk, particularly your latest track 'Guardian' (above)? Were you big fans of him when you were getting into the trance scene?

One of our ambitions from day one of becoming producers was to do a collaboration with Paul van Dyk. So when the opportunity arose it was amazing. We are so happy with the feedback on the track also. Paul was one of our main inspirations to get into the scene and become trance musicians.

You first established yourself in Egypt using a small studio, a true testament to hard work when considering where you are now. How hard was it to put yourselves on the map in Egypt? Is trance a prominent genre of music over there?

When we were first starting out it was very, very difficult. Most musicians in trance music were from Netherlands or UK or Ireland, so to be an Egyptian trance duo was very against the norm. But through hard work, dedication and having the right people around us, we have managed to forge a career in the industry.

Trance is growing in Egypt, through our weekly radio show “Future Sound of Egypt” (FSOE) on Nile FM in Cairo, our record label and events of the same name with Egyptian artists signed by us.

You played in Vietnam for New Year’s, it's not a country normally associated with electronic music, how was your experience there? 

It was our first time and we can’t wait to go back! It was a really amazing show, great crowd.

What’s the latest happening with your Future Sound Of Egypt (FSOE) label, tour and brand?

2015 is gearing up to be a busy year for the brand. We are having two releases a month on the label and we will release the FSOE Volume 3 compilation in 2015. We are currently deep in talks regarding our FSOE 400 world tour in around seven or eight months’ time. 

How important of a platform do you believe internet radio to be within the realm of trance music? 

It’s very important that people from all parts of the globe can tune in and listen to radio shows and new music from new producers and more commonly known musicians in the genre.

You have been friends since a young age so you've obviously spent a lot of time together, what we want to know is what you think each other’s annoying traits are? 

Ha sorry! That’s between friends.

And finally, if you could sign any record in history to FSOE, what would it be, and why?

Paul van Dyk’s For An Angel' - it was revolutionary.

Want to catch Aly & Fila at Digital Society? follow this link for tickets. 

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