foglight [Interview]

foglight is a deep tech and progressive house music producer & DJ with over 12 years of experience in crafting electronic soundscapes. With a unique, enigmatic touch that infuses serious, dark, and dreamy underground elements into every track, foglight has left an indelible mark on the electronic music scene

Having record deals with labels like Juicebox Music, Mango Alley, WARPP, One Of A Kind and Manual Music, foglight's musical journey has been a testament to dedication and creativity.

Supported by renowned artists such as Ezequiel Arias, Alex O'Rion, Sebastien Leger, Praveen Achary, Jelly For The Babies, Andrea Cassino, Khen, and Guy J, foglight's music has gained recognition and admiration within the industry.

While once receiving support from industry titans like Above & Beyond, Armin Van Buuren, Paul Oakenfold, and more for trance music productions of yesteryears, foglight's production keeps on evolving.

This week finds foglight returning to Juicebox Music with a two-track showcase 'Reformer / Circuit Valley' alongside a remix from label boss Praveen Achary.

Progressive Astronaut caught up with foglight to learn more about the release of 'Reformer / Circuit Valley', his background, nightlife in Beirut, creative process, DJing, and more. Enjoy.

Hi Gerome, thanks for joining us today, what is your current mood and what was the last piece of music you listened to?

Thanks for having me on this interview! The start of the year has been great. I had a wonderful time with my family during the Christmas vacation.

I'm currently enjoying modern psychedelia/stoner rock playlists while we talk.

How has the start to the year been for you and what are your plans for the coming week?

The start of the year has been relaxing, and I'm really excited about my upcoming release on Juicebox Music on the 12th of January. I can't wait to share it with everyone. As for the coming week, I'll be focusing on promoting the release and preparing for future projects.

Take us through a typical day when you’re not traveling. What does a day in your life look like?

A typical day in my life revolves around my studio. I spend most of the day immersed in making music, experimenting with new sounds. During breaks, I like to unwind by watching YouTube videos or playing video games. To refresh my mind, I often take walks in the forest with my dog. It's a balanced routine that allows me to stay inspired and focused on my creative process.

Some progressive house fans may think you’re a relatively new artist, which as foglight you are, but tell us about your previous alias ‘Gerome’ and how you ended up transitioning your sound to where it is now.

Absolutely! Before my current alias as foglight, I was known as Gerome in the trance music scene. I had the privilege of releasing on some of the biggest labels and receiving constant support from trance legends. However, there came a moment when I woke up one day and felt that trance music was starting to sound generic to me. I craved a new creative direction, and that's when I made the decision to transition my sound to progressive house. It allowed me to explore deeper, trippy, and melodic elements that resonated with me on a deeper level. As a DJ, I now see myself fully immersed in the world of progressive house, leaving trance behind.

Looking into your sound a bit further, you’re not a typical progressive house producer but one with more of a deeper, trippy, and yet still melodic approach. How would you describe the music you make, and who have been some of your biggest supporters so far?

I would describe my music as a blend of deep, tech, trippy, and progressive elements. I've been incredibly fortunate to receive support from fellow artists such as Guy J, Alex O'Rion, Praveen Achary, Ezequiel Arias, Sebastien Leger, Jelly For The Babies, Andrea Cassino, as well as dedicated fans, friends, and respected labels within the progressive house community :)

You’ve had a great first two years under the foglight moniker, with projects for Mango Alley, MNL, One Of A Kind, WARPP, and more. What goals might you have for the future? Or is this something you think about?

Looking ahead, my main goals for the future are to sign on more labels and secure myself some exciting gigs. I want to continue expanding my reach and connecting with audiences through my music. It's definitely something I think about and work towards consistently.

Talk to us about growing up and living in Lebanon. How did it affect your path into electronic music, and who were some of your local heroes when you first discovered the music?

Growing up in Lebanon, particularly in Beirut, where the clubbing scene is vibrant, had a profound impact on my path into electronic music. Some of my local heroes when I first discovered the music were Gunther and Stamina, whose sets in the early 2010s left a lasting impression on me. Watching international DJs like Sasha, Hernan Cattaneo, and John Digweed perform regularly in Beirut further shaped my sound and deepened my appreciation for the progressive house genre in particular

If you were a tour-guide for nightlife in Lebanon, what would be the clubs you’d take the people to see, and what local DJs do they need to hear?

if you're looking for an unforgettable experience, I would definitely recommend watching Anthon, Hrag Mikkel, and Pambouk performing. These talented local DJs have become my personal favorites and never fail to deliver incredible sets.

When it comes to clubs, my top recommendations would be Madhouse, Recess, B018, and of course, The Grand Factory.

You have a new EP ‘Reformer / Circuit Valley’ out now via Juicebox Music. Tell us a bit about the EP and how it showcases your current sound.

The tracks on this EP came to me naturally and quickly, each one starting with a small jam session where I experimented with new VSTs and sequencers on them. For this EP, I aimed to keep things simple in the production process. With friends around, I focused on the bigger picture and prioritized finishing the tracks in the shortest time possible.

Let our readers inside your studio for a moment. What is your current setup, and what studio tools are featured heavily in your recent productions, specifically your Juicebox EP?

In my home studio, I've focused on sound treatment and bass response to create an optimal listening environment. While I don't have any analog synths, I primarily use digital synths in my productions (Massive, Sylenth1, Diva & Hive). However, I enjoy recording automations using the knobs on my controllers.

For monitoring, I rely on a pair of ADAM Audio a7x speakers.

In terms of studio tools, I use a Mackie BigKnob Studio for my soundcloud, Komplete Kontrol a49 keyboard and a Novation Launch Control XL controller for my productions.

The DT 990 headphones are crucial, although I can't use them for more than 10 minutes at a stretch, they play a vital role as they help me stay sharp in my decision-making during the mixing process.

You made your Juicebox debut in 2023 with a remix of ‘Lopos’ by ARTN and now have returned for a two-track EP. What makes the label a good home for your music?

Juicebox is one of my favorite progressive house labels—it features my favorite artists, and its style just clicks with my productions. I see a lot of potential in this genre, and Juicebox is right at the heart of it.

Who is someone you share your new music with first for feedback? And how much revision do you do on a track before you consider it ‘finished’? What does this process look like in practice?

I usually share my work-in-progress tracks with friends like ARTN and Anthon for feedback. We have this mutual sharing thing that keeps us motivated and productive. In terms of revisions, I typically finish a track in 4 to 5 sessions, each lasting 2-3 hours. If a track is dragging on, I'll save the essential sounds in my user library for later and move on to the next project.

What is the task you enjoy the most when producing, and what would you prefer someone else to do?

My go-to is kicking off with the groove— kick, bass, and drums combo. Lately, in some collabs, the other artist took the reins on that, letting me dive into storytelling and arrangement. Honestly, I love every aspect of production, from sound selection to arrangement, sound design, and mixing. The only part I leave to others is mastering.

Now let’s talk about DJing for a moment. It’s a unique discipline. How would you describe your approach to it? And how would you say programming a set differs from what you play and produce now, to what you were playing and producing as Gerome?

Until last year my focus was primarily on production however I have shifted towards playing at clubs and seeking more gigs. in my perspective a good DJ stays updated with the latest tracks and ensures smooth transitions in the mix

Can you tell me a bit about how your work as a DJ has influenced your view of music, your way of listening to tracks, and perhaps also your work as a producer?

Being a DJ has genuinely shaped my taste, leaning more towards clubby vibes. It reflects in the tracks I choose to play and has subtly influenced my production style as well.

How much prep do you put into the sets you play, or are they spontaneous for the most part?

I prep a lot for my sets. Every day, I scout for new tracks, listen to promos, and download what's fresh. Before a gig, I organize groups of tracks that work well together.

If you could set up an event with a lineup of five artists of your choice, who would you book, and what set times would you ascribe to the artists?

There are many great artists, but if I had to choose a lineup, I'd go with ARTN, Kyotto, Praveen Achaary, Hobin Rude, and Subandrio. Those are the names that come to mind, and I'd love to see them live.

What are your current top five tracks in your sets?

This Guy Ben - Neptuna (Gai Barone Extended Remix)
Kyotto - Knock Knock (Original Mix)
ARTN - Pragmata
Tantum - Korner (Subandrio Remix)
Sanjay Dutta, Dharmalogy - Reaching Out (Maze 28 Remix)

If you were not a DJ/Producer, what do you think you’d be doing with your life?

Maybe a video editor or a 3D artist? It's hard to say, but I find the creative process intriguing.

If you are not DJing or socializing at clubs, where do we find you? And what are you doing?

You'll find me in the studio, either making music or immersed in video games.

What are some of your favorite TV series? Both all-time and recently, what have you been enjoying lately?

I'm into sitcoms and comedies. Currently enjoying "FISK." All-time favorites are "Friends," "How I Met Your Mother," and "The Office."

Apart from music, what makes you happiest?

Being with my friends, family, and pets makes me the happiest.

What does 2024 hold for you? Anything you can share with us?

In 2024, you can expect more music releases, more DJing, and overall, just more fun.

'Reformer / Circuit Valley' is available now via Juicebox Music: http://tinyurl.com/3cxjp8cc