PRØVOST is the DJ and production moniker of Ryan Provost, the driving force behind leading New York club and record label Techno Brooklyn. Techno Brooklyn has gone from strength to strength in recent years, hosting the likes of Layton Giordani, Kevin Saunderson, Sam Paganini, Bart Skills, Nastia, and many more at their weekly club night. Whilst Provost himself has been making an impact both as a club resident and a hotly tipped producer and remixer.
‘My Feeling’ sees PRØVOST take things up a gear, with a single set to propel him into the major leagues. The record is a hypnotic techno monster tethering the producer’s trademark entrancing sound to a classic Alexander O’Neal vocal, previously made dancefloor ready by Junior Jack in the late 90s.
EG caught up with PRØVOST to learn more about the drop of his ‘My Feeling’ EP, his Techno Brooklyn brand and label, views on the current state of the scene, and more.
EG: Hi Ryan! Welcome to EG. It’s a pleasure to have you here with us. Where are you based right now? How have you been?
PRØVOST: Hi there! Thanks for having me. I’m currently based in New York City, but have some travel plans over the coming months, so I’m looking forward to that. Otherwise, I’ve been great, just hard at work in the studio, working on my label and my own productions.
EG: Summer’s almost over…What has yours been like? Any particular highlights?
PRØVOST: Actually, summer was pretty eventful! I had the chance to play alongside some amazing artists like Sam Paganini, Joyhauser, and others for my Techno Brooklyn residency. Also, I got the chance to headline my first Circle Line Boat Party this past July, on the Hudson River in Manhattan.
EG: By the way, congratulations on the release of your new ‘My Feeling’ EP! What has the reception been like so far?
PRØVOST: Thank you so much! I’ve been holding onto these tunes for a while now and I’m super happy to be able to release these on my label, Techno Brooklyn Records. The reception has been nothing short of amazing so far. I’ve been getting a ton of great feedback from some top artists and have been lucky enough to share it with my fans at both my events and on my new radio show – ‘Experience Techno Brooklyn.’
EG: So, how did ‘My Feeling’ come about? What’s the inspiration behind this particular EP?
PRØVOST: This EP came about in 2021, where I was inspired by the classic Junior Jack record, ‘My Feeling’, as the vocals layered in this tune really provided an amazing source of my creativity in both the breakdown and throughout the bulk of the track itself. I coupled the vocals from the classic tune with some ravey stabs and emotive pads, where the process of pairing these two elements actually came about as a mistake and actually ended up working out perfectly in the end. On the B-Side, ‘Disco Lights’ brings more arpeggiated melodies with rolling percussions, while coupled with a cool vocal sample I came across called ‘jack to the morning light.’
“I’ve been holding onto these tunes for a while now and I’m super happy to be able to release these on my label, Techno Brooklyn Records”
EG: And, of course, the EP is available via your own Techno Brooklyn brand. How is the label doing at the moment?
PRØVOST: Yes it is! And will be available everywhere on October 7th. The label is doing great. I’ve been getting a ton of demos from new and upcoming producers from all over. I have a full release schedule leading up to the end of 2023, with some awesome names in the industry, and can’t wait to share their music through our platform with you all!
EG: Let’s take this one back to your origins. When and how did you come across electronic dance music? Do you remember what your first impressions were?
PRØVOST: I first came across electronic music in 2010 when I attended the Winter Music Conference in Miami for the first time. I didn’t know many artists then, so I wasn’t sure where the good parties were, but since then was able to educate myself on top artists and parties. I fell in love with the music right off the bat and after that trip, I immediately bought my first mix deck and downloaded my first DAW (Logic) – the rest is history!
EG: What are your views on the increasing demand for DJs and producers to be much more than just that in order to stand a chance of ‘making it’? Doesn’t all that just ‘pull’ the artist away from the craft?
PRØVOST: It’s definitely something that needs to be addressed in the industry. I feel that at times there isn’t enough quality music, but I guess it’s just the age we are living in now, where, as a DJ & producer, you sort of need the whole package in order to truly progress. There’s a ton of competition out there nowadays, so whatever makes you stand out the most, i.e – record label, brand, radio show, etc.
EG: What are your thoughts on the current state of the scene? What would you like to see more and less of?
PRØVOST: The scene is probably the strongest it’s been in years. Lots of markets in the USA and around the world are becoming a part of the festival circuit and that’s great to see. New promoters and event organizers are popping up left and right, and this definitely a good thing for electronic music. I’d like to see more of the raw warehouse events with solid production and lineup curation, and less of the clubbier / bottle service events.
“I’m currently in the process of creating my first remix compilation with a handful of top artists. This will definitely be the next big milestone for my career and I couldn’t be more excited”
EG: What’s next for PRØVOST & Techno Brooklyn? What particular milestones are you looking forwards to now?
PRØVOST: I’m currently in the process of creating my first remix compilation with a handful of top artists. This will definitely be the next big milestone for my career and I couldn’t be more excited. This will be happening in later 2023, so keep an eye out and stay up to date on my social media. 😉 For our Techno Brooklyn brand, we are looking forward to hosting top names for the remainder of 2022 and are equally as excited about what we have in store for 2023!
EG: Thank you so much for your time, Ryan! We wish you all the best for the future.
PRØVOST: Thanks so much, guys! Was a pleasure chatting with you. Much love! ☺
PRØVOST’s ‘My Feeling’ EP is available via Techno Brooklyn Records. Purchase your copy here.
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