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Get to know Digital Farm Animals
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© Jonathan Benbaruk exclusively for On The Move
DIGITAL FARM ANIMALS
© Jonathan Benbaruk exclusively for On The Move
You have seen Pigman somewhere or heard Digital Farm Animals on a track even without knowing it. The DJ, songwriter and producer has already successfully built up an eclectic track record of hits for a wide range of artists, while also working on his own project. Whether it’s Dua Lipa, Galantis, Noah Cyrus or James Arthur, Nick Gale of Digital Farm Animals seems to be the go-to guy if you need a well-penned hit. After collaborating with Louis Tomlinson, Bebe Rexha, Nelly, Alan Walker, Hailee Steinfeld and more, the artist released a new single featuring Becky G and Rvssian. Let’s dive into it with the man himself!
© Jonathan Benbaruk exclusively for On The Move
On The Move: Hi Nick, thanks for taking the time to answer and great seeing Pigman at the photoshoot. First of all we’re very curious to know where does Pigman come from?
Digital Farm Animals: A land before time. A place we all wish we came from.
On The Move: How about the pig helmet?
Digital Farm Animals: He was born with it.
On The Move: We discovered your music in 2015 with your song «Didn’t Know» ft Yasmin. Even since you’ve been collaborating with more and more artists coming from different music genres. How do you choose your collaborators and topliners?
Digital Farm Animals: Love that record and thank you for being supporters from such an early point! I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work with so many artists from so many genres. This sounds incredibly cheesy but I honestly just try and aim for what I think the best voice is for that particular record. If we can combine that with an artist who has a big fanbase then that’s a double win. But we’re definitely in an age where the sonic matters more than the name.
« We’re definitely in an age where the sonic matters more than the name »
On The Move: Besides releasing music through Digital Farm Animals, you also produce a lot for other artists. The projects of yours that come to mind are Dua Lipa’s «Be The One», Noah Cyrus’s «Stay Together», James Arthur’s «Empty Space»… What do you think is the biggest difference between producing for Digital Farm Animals and producing for other artists, especially pop artists?
Digital Farm Animals: As a producer/writer for others it’s just about trying to get their message across. Ultimately it’s their story and it’s my job to help them tell it. From a production perspective, it’s about fitting the sonic with their particular sound/audience etc. It’s definitely a unique challenge and when I manage to (sometimes!) get it right, it’s incredibly rewarding.
On The Move: You originally come from the UK. We interviewed a couple of DJs and producers from Great Britain, who moved to LA, and who said that here in America they feel like they have more creative freedom than back home. Do you agree and what do you think is different in between the music scene here and the one in the UK?
Digital Farm Animals: Neither agree nor disagree. Everyone has their own perspective. I personally love being in London. I travel back and forth to LA as there are incredible talents there as well. I personally find that London/ the UK has a certain lack of not giving a fuck about it which I love and the LA pop scene is slightly more formulaic. But to be honest, everyone seems more open to working now than ever before so both have their benefits and downsides!
On The Move: Let’s talk about your new single «Next To You» with Becky G, feat Rvssian, that is in my opinion, a super solid track. How did it come about?
Digital Farm Animals: Luckily I had the Pigman hit up Becky and Rvssian. Becky killed the vocal. Rvssian took the production to another level in my opinion and we ended up with a record that we all love. I just hope the public do (and streaming!).
On The Move: What are you working on at the moment? Any other upcoming collaborations you can talk about?
Digital Farm Animals: A few exciting ones in the bag. Nothing I can disclose!
On The Move: Which advice would you give to upcoming producers/artists to get their foot in the door?
Digital Farm Animals: Do not stop. If you do you’re fucked.
On The Move: Any new artists that you like at the moment and that we should know about?
Digital Farm Animals: Kira are amazing (from London).
INTERVIEW BY PAM CHARBIT - PHOTOS BY JONATHAN BENBARUK
DIGITAL FARM ANIMALS,
BEHIND THE BEST POP TRACKS
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