It’s rare to catch up with a trio of dance music talent that matches the calibre of Pink Panda, Benny Benassi and Alle Farben in one sitting, but the stars have aligned on an exclusive insight into the story of how they came together on new collaboration ‘Set You Free.’
Released on Cr2 Records, ‘Set You Free’ sees pink Panda, Benny Benassi and Alle Farben, along with Dave Warren, take N-Trance’s 1995 dancefloor classic, revamp those unifying vocals and that unmistakeable rhythm, and turn it into a 2024 club anthem.
Pink Panda, your parties are known for being super high energy. What has the reaction been like when you’ve played ‘Set You Free’ to live crowds?
Pink Panda: “Oh, mate, dropping ‘Set You Free’ live is just like hitting a turbo button on the dancefloor! It’s a rush of energy that sweeps through the crowd – absolutely electric! The moment those familiar beats kick in, you see a wave of recognition and pure joy wash over the audience. It’s like everyone’s connected by this one epic tune. It’s not just a track, it’s a vibe, a movement. It’s like we’re not just playing a song; we’re igniting a firework of emotions. Every time, it’s a reminder of why we love doing what we do!”
You have an epic discography of remixes, including Elton John & Britney Spears, Ava Max, Dua Lipa and more, can you name a track that you’d love to get your hands (or paws!) on? and why it stands out to you?
Pink Panda: “Ah, talking about remixes, there are so many great tracks out there, but one that I’d love to get my paws on? That’s a toughie! But you know what, I’ve always been a sucker for iconic tunes with a timeless vibe. Imagine putting a fresh spin on a classic like Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody.’ Now, that’s a challenging beast, but why it stands out? It’s a masterpiece of musical storytelling, right? Remixing it would be like walking a tightrope, blending the old with the new, keeping the soul of the song alive while giving it that signature Pink Panda energy. It would be an adventure, a chance to pay homage to a legendary band while adding our own flair. That’s what remixing is all about, isn’t it? Respecting the original while taking it on a whole new journey!”
N-Trance’s ‘Set You Free’ is a huge anthem of its time. What are your earliest memories of the track in your opinion what made it such a hit worldwide?
Benny Benassi: I have to be honest, during that time I was living in Italy and I was a resident DJ, I was still Marco Benassi, not yet Benny Benassi. That record, even though it was a success in Europe, wasn’t in Italy yet. When the idea came to me from Pink Panda, I immediately thought it was a new awesome melody. They explained its story to me, and I immediately understood that it would have great potential in clubs, just like the original!
You have an incredible career in dance music, Benny. In today’s industry, what excites you about where the scene is headed? Do you think being a DJ/producer today presents more challenges, or more opportunity compared to 15-20 years ago?
Benny Benassi: I believe there was a time when it seemed like there were many opportunities with social media in general. However, at this moment, I see more difficulties, given the fact that there are fewer clubs in many areas. When I was a resident DJ in a small Italian town, there were 35 clubs where you could perform and try out your tracks. For this reason, I, along with some partners, have created ‘The Riff’, a new concept for a venue in Italy, where emerging selectors can come and play vinyl records. The idea is to provide an opportunity not only to established DJs with millions of followers but also to emerging DJs.
Alle, tell us, how did you all come to collaborate together on ‘Set You Free?’
Alle Farben: “I mean, Benny Benassi is simply a legend with an incredibly interesting repertoire and sound of music. Also, Pink Panda is a really interesting act to look at and together we´re a strong collective of DJs and producers and the work has been incredibly fun together. I’m very happy that we released our track together on Cr2 and about all the support it has received so far.”
The German dance music scene has always been a marker for the global industry and in recent times is proving to only grow stronger. What are your thoughts on the current dance scene in Germany? Are there any upcoming DJ/producers on your radar?
Alle Farben: “It is interesting to note that the sound is always moving in a harder direction. In Germany in particular, it’s clear to see how the techno/tech sound is increasingly taking center stage. I’m also developing my club sound more and more in a harder but unique direction. Many artists are experiencing new momentum and it’s an incredible joy to watch and, of course, listen to them.”
Download and Stream: https://bfan.link/set-you-free-2024
