Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano continued to keep their fans around the world grooving away all summer long, and now they’ve swung by for a chat!
One of the most dynamic duos in the dance music scene today is none other than Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano. Since they first met by chance back in 2006, these two artists have grown in a monumental manner with fantastic releases and stunning sets along the way. Taking the stage everywhere from iconic festivals such as Tomorrowland and EDC Las Vegas to nightclubs in Ibiza and China, they’ve left a lasting impression on many in the community while making feet move constantly on dancefloors.
This year was shaping up to be another massive one for Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano, but the world had other plans as the pandemic took hold. Without skipping a beat the two began to play livestream sets, notably taking the virtual stage for Sensation ‘Monument of Light’ and delivering a performance that’s well worth watching. They also were some of the first to play socially distanced shows when they were allowed and saw success by embracing the new normal that we’re all living in.
Now Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano are pressing on into the fall after dominating the summer with the aforementioned performances as well as tracks like “Life After You” and “Devotion.” But before they dive deeper into the colder months we caught up with the duo to chat about their experiences and more, check it out!
Watch Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano’s Sensation ‘Monument of Light’ Set on YouTube:
Hi Sunnery James and Ryan Marciano, thanks for taking the time to chat with us today! Throughout the pandemic, you’ve kept your fans dancing around the world with some fantastic live streams including a notable one during Sensation ‘Monument of Light’. What has it been like transitioning from live crowds to virtual ones? Has your track curation changed at all?
Of course, [playing] live is completely different from streaming, but the thought behind it is the same for us. We’re there to wow the crowd. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to engage directly but we learned really quickly. Reading comments and such afterward also helped us select certain tracks or change the tempo.
On the flip side, you’ve played live shows to socially distanced crowds during Het Strand van 2020. What was that experience like with such an intimate crowd?
It was cool because you could actually see and be amongst real people. Also, you could tell everyone was longing for this moment to go out and party. Great fun!
What are your thoughts on live shows returning even as the pandemic continues to be present around the world?
It’s hard to predict anything so far. Let’s hope that when the pandemic is over we can all be united again.
Artists in the scene have expressed a wide range of emotions during the pandemic with some being more creative than ever and others facing mental blocks while in the studio. How have you guys continued to stay motivated?
Luckily we have a great team around us, some of them have been with us for years so we all keep each other motivated and inspired. But last year in November we already decided we wanted to do fewer shows and develop other ways to generate income so we could be home more often. We have been on the road for over ten years now so to us it was time to rethink some parts of our business routine. Of course, we didn’t foresee this pandemic coming but we were a bit prepared.
Aside from your work in the studio and virtual performances, you also launched a course centered around DJ Strategy through The School Of House. What inspired you to create the course, and can you share some details on why aspiring artists should sign up?
It all aligns with our concept ‘Exposed’. Besides a show, it was also meant for us to show and tell everything we’ve learned during our years in this industry. And share that with the community. Also to help youngsters achieve the same as us. The course is meant as an inspiration and reaffirmation you need to go for it. Everything is possible.
You’ve also been vocal about the changes that need to be made in the scene to better support Black artists and combat racial injustice. While we are currently trying to make strides here in the United States, do you feel that the momentum for change has picked up in Europe?
Every country has its own challenges. Also over here in the Netherlands. The good thing we see happening now is that people are getting more aware. That’s a great first step towards a better and equal world for everyone. Our goal in this discussion is to tell people we’re in this together and we need to fix this together. There can’t be a “you and I,” it’s us. But let’s start by acknowledging there is inequality and injustice.
Finally, since the world has drastically changed and many people are seeking positive inspiration right now, can you share an uplifting message for your fans?
These are challenging times for all of us but please focus on what still brings you joy and happiness. We think it’s the music. Music will unite us again and it will give us the strength and spirit to overcome all of this.
Connect with Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano:
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