Toronto’s Saad Ayub took a chance and transitioned from a trance filled career, to a new wave of sound, people and events within melodic techno. Naturally progressing to a new world of productions and sound, Ayub’s latest ‘Shelter’ EP, resonates what he is currently connecting with both in a personal and professional level. The four-track ‘Shelter’ EP, is Saad’s ode to the Amsterdam Dance event, with the title track dedicated to the infamous Shelter nightclub located in the basement of the A’DAM Tower. Debuting his new found love and productions of melodic techno, Saad’s creations are hypnotizing dance-floor worthy pieces of art, ready to take you to a higher consciousness. We had a chat with Saad Ayub, and here’s what he had to say…
In a previous interview you stated that you chose to shift from a trance centric sound to melodic techno because you enjoy challenging yourself in the studio… Are there any other sub genres you hope to experiment with in the near future?
At the moment melodic techno or techno is what’s keeping me inspired. As you know, Beatport is labelling melodic techno as melodic house / techno. So you could technically say maybe house too? To be frank, I am just enjoying my time in the studio as a producer, without anyone to dictate me on what this or that should sound like.
‘Toronto will always have a special place in my heart. But lately, my main source of gigs has been in Europe. So realistically speaking, I can see myself relocating to somewhere in Europe soon.’
You are based in Toronto, Canada which is known for its recently evolving electronic music scene and selection of unique dance venues. In the coming years, would you consider relocating? And if so, where would you go?
Great question, to be honest with you Toronto is what made me who I am today as a DJ and producer. It shot me up to the stardom in the Trance scene, and not to mention any shows I have performed so far, it’s never been a slow one. So for that reason, Toronto will always have a special place in my heart. But lately, my main source of gigs has been in Europe. So realistically speaking, I can see myself relocating to somewhere in Europe soon. Preferably Outskirts of Amsterdam, Italy or Berlin.
How was this year’s ADE experience for you? What were some of your highlights?
I feel every year it keeps getting better and better. I had a great show with Shine Amsterdam / Ibiza crew. I also connected with the techno world in a more personal way, this time around. What stood out for me this year is the shift in people’s taste in music. I feel music lovers are getting more and more open minded to different sounds, and it echoed throughout ADE. I can’t wait for 2020 already!
Your newest EP ‘Shelter’ was released on October 11th, the name ‘Shelter’ is inspired by your favorite hidden dance venue in Amsterdam, called Shelter. What is your fondest memory at this location?
This was a random decision to go to the club Shelter, by my group of friends that I was travelling with in 2017, during ADE. We wanted to go out for one last time and celebrate the success of our first ADE. Everything was either sold out or closed, except for Shelter. I had zero expectations about the venue, but when we came to the door it reminded me of the club Berghain a little (that was my first year going to Berghain too). It blew my mind the moment I entered into the bunker. The sound system was so clean ( I didn’t even need to wear earplugs) and Maceo Plex’s set was out of the world. The experience touched me and Andy personally and we were talking about the place for months, and would tell anyone when speaking about Amsterdam that it’s a must place to visit.