“Shivers”, “hairs on the back of your neck”, “hands in the air”, “reaching for the lasers”, “losing your mind” and “rushing to the music” are just some of the effects described by their fans when listening to Egyptian duo Aly & Fila in full flow on the dance floor. Since their burst onto the international clubbing consciousness with their massive hit “Eye of Horus” back in 2003, they have been a full-on inspiration to clubbers and DJs alike. Their euphoric, uplifting blend of sweeping trance has seen them rise to an A-list status alongside the likes of Armin van Buuren, Blank & Jones, Ferry Corsten and many more.
For the new fans of Aly and Fila give us a little story on how you two met and came to be the great DJs and Producers that you are. Describe to us your sound.
We have been very close friends for many many years, and we were both interested in dasnce music and it just clicked. Our sound is uplifting trance
How would you describe the Trance Scene in Egypt, compared to the rest of the world?
It's very different in Egypt, house dominates really, but we are trying to create more awareness and with Future Sound of Egypt now on Nile FM in Egypt, that should help
Being from Egypt what elements of the country inspire you most? Is it your surroundings that contribute to your epic remixes and productions? Where is the craziest place in your homeland that you have spun?
The whole history and heritage inspires us, the Pyramids to the temples, valley of the kings. The craziest is place by the Pyramids
We know that you first built a small studio back in 1999, the epic journey of Dj`ing and Producing started there, what major changes and influences have you seen in the Electronic Dance Music Genre since then?
Dance music evolves all the time, especially in last ten years, trance went underground in around 2002/3 then came back up to light.
You have played alongside Armin van Buuren in "A State of Trance episode 300" and "A State of Trance episode 350", which would be your favourite of the two, considering atmosphere, ambience and fan support?
It's hard to compare, both were amazing and special, as was the 400th episode this year, big thanks to the fans and Armin for inviting us for 3 years in a row
Your Bounty Sheet holds a plethora of remixes and productions, if you had isolate a few favourites, those with special meaning or intent, they would be?
Each production we make has a special meaning, we like it to tell a story, Thebes was special one as is all of them
I am a fan of Dabkeh music which comes from your area. Do you particularly favour that genre? If you do, what artists do you support, would you consider bringing them on board and having them cross over to the world that is Electronic Dance Music?
We are open minded for all music, and im sure the fans can hear in our sound a form of relevence to Egypt, Egyptian trance as some have called it.
With the DJ Mag Top 100 DJ campagin underway. Who have you two personally voted for? Who do you see being in the top 3?
That would be saying, we have too many favourites and artists who inspire us, top 3, i wouldnt like to guess as so many artists have had a great 12 months, we are very lucky to of been voted into the Top 100 in 2008, thanks for all your support in last 12 months.
Source :
Trance Podium - Aly & Fila interview
