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Artist Spotlight: Amtrac
A few weeks ago we had the pleasure of new Amtrac music on Anjunadeep. His ‘Generator EP’ showcased his flair for creating melodic club music, and hilarious online content. We caught up with Caleb to talk about juggling the roles of producer, DJ and label boss, creative inspiration and his Anjunadeep Explorations debut this summer.
Hey Caleb, how are you doing? Could you tell us a little about yourself?
Good afternoon! I’m doing great, currently just hunkered down in the studio - I grew up in a small town in Eastern Kentucky (Morehead) where my love for music first started. Raised on the likes of Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and Billy Idol from my father, then the more alternative side with David Gray, Tangerine Dream and Journey from my mother. I played bass and keyboards in a few post-rock bands in high school where my production skills started, always tinkering with recording. Shortly thereafter I discovered Fruity Loops, the rest is history.
What's something a fan might not know about you?
I competed in the world series of video games in 2007 for Counter Strike. I’ve found CS to be a common ground for producers my age, we all dabbled.
Tell us about the ‘Generator EP’, what inspired these productions, which one is your favourite (if you had to choose), and which track was hardest to finish?
They all came together at the same time, quite a fluid energy. 'Generator' saw the most revisions though. I had been playing it in my live show for over a year with constant tweaks - but always knew there was something special about it.
How do you stay creatively inspired?
Listening to music always and forever. Nothing like finding a new music rabbit hole to explore.
Have you received any advice that’s stuck with you throughout your career?
If you are making records for other people i.e. conforming to the mould, trying to sound like another producer - that’s a sure ticket for regret later on down the road. If you make a record that at first listen sounds a bit confusing, you are probably onto something. Labelling music with a genre limits it by definition, just try to enjoy the ride and create for the sake of creating.
How do you balance DJing, producing, and running your own label (OPENERS)?
Everything in moderation keeps me excited, I try not to put all my eggs in one basket. I love both DJing and producing but for vastly different reasons. OPENERS is another thing, I’m constantly trying to push the sound of the unknown - There’s no specific genre I’m looking for, it’s all about the feeling. They say it takes a village and they are right, I’m very fortunate to have such a lovely team to keep the wheels turning.
We know you’re very close with one of our good friends Kevin Durante - how did that relationship come about?
We first met at Movement festival in Detroit. Years later when I moved to Los Angeles, me and Kevin started attending Orlando (Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs) & Loren’s (Goddollars) party ‘Fashion Island’ every Monday - Shortly after we started writing music together & released our first collaboration ‘Pray’ on OPENERS.
You’re joining us at Anjunadeep Explorations for the first time this summer. What can fans expect from your set?
You never know really, I tend not to plan too much & work off of the crowd. I’ll definitely bring some special bits.
What else have you got planned for 2025?
I have a slew of records that should see the light soon enough & my 4th album is starting to shape up. Time will tell 😊
