Interview: Vertical Mode / Volcano ahead of Easter Vortex 2018

Hanan Gorenshtin produces as both Volcano and as Vertical Mode.

This weekend we are in for an explosive treat of psychedelic music from him at the Easter Vortex Psytrance extravaganza as he presents his music to the Cape Town dance floor.

Get to know Hanan and his insights of the psychedelic trance scene, what he’s up to this year and how he does it all, plus what drink you can buy him if you run into him at the bar. 😉

Where do you see Psytrance in 10 years in terms of-

A: Scene
B: Music

Vertical Mode: It’s hard for me to try and see it 10 years from today, because I feel that in our scene everything is very dynamic and can change in ways not really expected.

I guess I can tell you what I wish to see for our scene in 10 years. I wish it will stay the same or even get bigger.

How do you keep up with producing for Volcano, collaborations, Vertical Mode, touring and kicking back and relaxing? How do you find your balance?

Vertical Mode: It’s a mission no doubt he he, but I try to keep up the balance between touring and working in the studio.

Let’s say that the past few years I have been very busy, and I still do, and I love it 🙂

How did the union between you and Xerox transpire to form Vertical Mode? Was Terminator the track that sealed the deal between you and Moshe?

Vertical Mode: ‘Terminator’ was the first track I produced with Moshe under Xerox & Volcano, since then we’ve had a great run.

I guess after a few times sitting in the studio and working together we had something special going on.

Vertical Mode came from a place that we both wanted to experiment and try something new and different and that’s how Vertical Mode was born.

Speaking of collaborations, you’ve written tracks with some of the industry greats like Imagine Mars, Avalon and Sonic Species. Why do collaborations work so well in Psy-Trance?

Vertical Mode: I sure did- great opportunity working and collaborating with awesome artists / producers.

I think that collaborations work well not only in Psy-Trance- it can work in any other genre. Every artist brings something of his own and sometimes combining it can bring amazing results.

Vertical Mode has released full albums, something not all too often focused on as many artists bash out singles and understandably so. What is the magic behind making albums as Vertical Mode?

Vertical Mode: Actually, I love making albums, the rush and the excitement in making an album is pure fun.

When was the moment that you decided “That’s it- I’m going to produce Psychedelic Trance”?

Vertical Mode: The first time I heard Psy-Trance it was magical. I asked myself how they do it? – and that I must try it myself.

What are you focusing on this year, 2018? What are you most looking forward to?

Vertical Mode: Mostly making new music. I have great inspiration lately and this year I want to release more and more music. I have new interesting collaborations with Electric Universe, Outsiders and more.

You will be playing at Easter Vortex in Cape Town this weekend; is this your first time in South Africa?

Vertical Mode: It’s my second time in South Africa but last time I came for a really short time so this time I am going to stay longer and experience some of your culture.

What have you heard about our parties and what can people expect from your sets?

Vertical Mode: I’ve heard that you guys know how to party 🙂

So, I am really looking forward to coming and play and I am surely preparing something special.

Favourite drink? (In case we bump into you at the bar :P)

Vertical Mode: Hennessy 😉

Interview: Vertical Mode / Volcano ahead of Easter Vortex 2018