Starting his career as a local bar DJ in Los Angeles, Hrag Beko developed a deep love for music and a fascination with DJ technology, which fueled his ambition to pursue a global dream.
Photo credit: Hrag Beko – Official
Discovering his passion for music at a young age, Hrag Beko has gained recognition from diverse backgrounds, thanks to his genuine enthusiasm for creating his own music.
Through dedicated work in the studio, he continually refines his ever-evolving sound. His exceptional talent has earned him support from respected artists such as Paul Oakenfold, Promise Land, EDX, Croatia Squad, and Kid Massive. With releases on well-known labels and the endorsement of top DJs, Hrag Beko’s future is filled with anticipation.
EG had the opportunity to interview Hrag Beko, discussing his latest single ‘In My Mind’ and exploring his upcoming projects.
EG: Hi, Hrag! Welcome to EG. It’s a pleasure to have you here with us. How have you been? How did you kickstart your year?
Hrag Beko: Hello, hello! It’s a pleasure to be here. Thank you for having me. I’ve been good. I started the year easy and took some time off from the studio to spend time with family. Now I’m starting the year with a fresh attitude and music. My career kicked off over 10 years ago in Los Angeles as a DJ, spinning in some of the hottest clubs and making memories in the city’s nightlife. After a few years, I decided to get into production and have been enjoying making music ever since. Nowadays, I spend most of my time on production rather than being a DJ.
EG: By the way, congratulations on the release of your new collaborative single, ‘In My Mind’! You must be psyched to finally share this one. What has the initial reception been like so far?
Hrag Beko: Thank you! Yes, I’m very excited about this release and even more excited to kick off 2024 with a release on Toolroom. The response to the track has been nothing but positive so far, from the promo emails to the radio show support.
EG: ‘In My Mind’ sees you teaming up with David Novacek. What was the creative process like for this one? Is this the first time you guys have come together to make music? Did you share a similar inspiration or bring your own ideas to the table?
Hrag Beko: This is actually our first collaboration with David Novacek, but we’ve been good friends for a while now. I did a remix for one of his tracks, which was released on his label Adelante Records, and then I released one of my originals on his label. ‘In My Mind’ was a project I started a long time ago. I sent the track to David, and he enjoyed the sounds. He added his touch to the track and had a different idea with the vocals, which worked out better and led to the final project, ‘In My Mind’.
EG: And ‘In My Mind’ is available as part of Toolroom Trax’s ‘Leaders Of The New School 2024’, a VA that compiles a selection of standout graduates from the renowned Toolroom Academy. What was the experience of participating in the academy like? Can you share some insights with us?
Hrag Beko: It was great to participate in the academy. As a producer, you are always learning on a daily basis, and that never stops because that’s how you improve your craft and challenge yourself to do better every day. The academy was great because it helped bring a new perspective to my production skills and also allowed me to connect with people and expand my network. The Toolroom Academy is really great for anyone, whether they are new or seasoned, to join and continue to improve their production skills.
“As a producer, you are always learning on a daily basis, and that never stops because that’s how you improve your craft and challenge yourself to do better every day”
EG: You also have a couple of remixes coming out soon for Ricky Montana & Plinio B’s ‘Shake Down’, right? What can your fans expect to find on this one?
Hrag Beko: Yes, I’m excited about this remix, and I’m happy with the final result. Fans can expect lots of groove on this remix, with energetic rolling bass and melodies.
EG: What do you look for when considering remixing a track? Can you usually imagine what you’re going to do with it before you start?
Hrag Beko: The thing I look for when remixing a track is how I can make it different from the original, to ensure that I bring my sound to the project and keep it distinct from the original. I try to stick to the tech house style and utilize some of the sounds from the original, especially if the track has vocals. I listen to the original a few times and try to get a feel for the direction I will take with the remix. My focus is always to bring positive energy to any remix project I work on.
EG: Stepping out of the studio for a bit… Over the past few years, we’ve seen a significant rise in acts or concepts that rely on these large screens and stunning visuals. Do you think this enhances the musical experience? Or is it detracting too much from the actual music?
Hrag Beko: I believe the large screens and stunning visuals truly enhance the musical experience in the industry today. Some of the acts with visuals are mind-blowing. I personally experienced Artlife in Los Angeles, and the visuals were extraordinary. I think this is just the beginning of impressive visuals, and it will only improve from here.
EG: Additionally, the use of AI in music has become quite common after its initial introduction, which raised many questions. What’s your opinion on this? Have you considered its possibilities? Do you find any potential uses appealing?
Hrag Beko: I have been following the AI technology in the music industry, and I think it’s great. It truly makes the production experience more enjoyable and takes it to the next level. I have been looking to incorporate it into my studio and experiment with it in my future productions.
“My focus is always to bring positive energy to any remix project I work on”
EG: Finally, can you provide some insights into what’s next for Hrag Beko? What’s in store for 2024? Where can your fans catch you next?
Hrag Beko: There will be lots of new music this year, and I want to take the Hrag Beko brand to the next level by expanding into possible merchandise, live shows, and joining an agency to represent Hrag Beko. I am very excited and optimistic about 2024 and what the future holds for Hrag Beko.
EG: Thank you so much for your time, Hrag! We wish you all the best for the future. Take care!
Hrag Beko: Thank you so much for having me. I really enjoyed this interview and appreciate you all. Take care!
Hrag Beko’s ‘In My Mind’ is out now via Toolroom. Stream and download here.
Follow Hrag Beko: Website | Spotify | Soundcloud | Instagram
