We talked to Entel about his debut album ‘Melodies in Harmony’, a progressive house and trance-inspired release on Grum’s Deep State Recordings.
Entel is a progressive house and melodic techno DJ/producer from Columbus, Ohio. He just released Melodies in Harmony, his debut album and the first LP on Deep State Recordings.
Entel started his music production journey over a decade ago while attending Ohio University. Melodies in Harmony is his first full-length artist album, and Entel’s progressive style fits perfectly on Grum‘s Deep State record label. Last year, Entel supported Grum with Frank Bono in Chicago and made his debut on Anjunabeats with a remix of “Luna” by Gabriel & Dresden.
Melodies in Harmony features ten tracks that explore progressive house, techno, and trance sounds. We interviewed Entel about releasing his debut album, collaborating with vocalists, his favorite DJ sets, the Ohio electronic music scene, and more.
Melodies in Harmony by Entel is available now on all platforms.
Last month, you released your debut album Melodies in Harmony on Grum’s Deep State Recordings. You’ve been a DJ/producer for over 10 years – is the release of this album your proudest achievement yet?
Yes! It for sure is. Grum has always been a massive influence on me over the years and to be the first artist selected to put an album out on his label is an incredible honor. I’m thankful for the outlet he and Deep State have given me for this collection of songs. Fun fact: the day everything was officially marked complete was July 8th, 2022, exactly 10 years to the day after the Entel Project was created.
Your music combines influences like progressive house and techno. What is your vision behind the album?
Melodies In Harmony is an album meant for the club but accompanied by a story that shows what inspires me outside of the typical nightlife setting. My goal was to show the different sides of my sound while keeping a similar melodic theme throughout.
Songs like “Crisis”, “Rhiannon”, or “Dream State” really lean into progressive music, while “Korriban” and “Error” are more on the techno side of things. “Akai” and “Falling In” are a nod to the impact trance has had on me. Above all else, I wanted to showcase the different sides to my writing and what inspired the music I create.
Melodies in Harmony features multiple vocal performances from Luke Coulson and Eileen Jaime. How did you first get linked up with them, and how does their presence make a difference on the album?
I found both through their previous work and was an instant fan of what I heard. Eileen has impressive writing credits that drew me to reach out to her, and it was a massive bonus we clicked so well creatively. Luke has a song titled “Old Friends” that was a huge factor in messaging him about a collaboration.
Both of them are incredible songwriters that really took the time to understand what the message behind the album is. They brought their own unique styles to the table and allowed these songs to have another layer of depth. I think it’s undeniable their presence is incredibly impactful. I’m very grateful for both of them lending their talents to the album.
“Crisis” is the album’s lead single and the first song on the tracklist. Do you think “Crisis” is an accurate portrayal of your sound as an artist?
I do! It’s an upbeat melodic progressive song that I think represents my sound really well. From the instrumental to the lyrics, it tells a story that gives the listener a place they can dance and be at peace in the moment.
What is another song on the album that particularly means a lot to you and why?
This one is tough to answer. I truly do feel lucky to say I love each of these songs in their own right. If I were to pick another song though I would say “Rhiannon”. It’s a song influenced by an era of music that’s heavily inspired my writing over the years. With lyrics by Stevie Nicks reimagined over a progressive fueled instrumental, it’s a combination of different musical styles that have contributed to my melodic sound.
Also, when I was younger I would play guitar over old classic rock acapellas, trying to make up my own parts. To be able to bring that full circle into an Entel production is something I’ve always wanted to do. It’s an honor to have done it with a song written by Stevie Nicks.
You studied audio production at Ohio University and experimented with dubstep and drum n bass early in your career. How did you eventually find your calling in progressive music and who influenced you the most on this journey?
When I was younger I was an odd blend of electronic music fandom. It was in 2012 when I traveled to Toronto for ‘Veld Music Festival’ that it really solidified my love for Progressive Music.
Night one Deadmau5 headlined followed by a night two set from Avicii. It was after those sets that I really dove into learning about the music I love so much today. As far as Entel is concerned, I never looked back after that point outside a few production experiments. I will say though I have an alias I use if I ever get the bass music itch, and it still influences some of my sounds in the studio. I think it’s important to pull inspiration from an array of places, and for me, bass music is one of those.
You released your first song as Entel in 2015 and have gone on to open for artists like Gabriel & Dresden, Grum, Lane 8, Cosmic Gate, and Mat Zo. Do you have a favorite memory from your DJ sets over the years?
For sure! Getting to open for Gabriel & Dresden was amazing in 2019. Dave Dresden gave me opportunities after that show that really helped push me to where I’m at today.
I think my shows with Grum may be my favorite though. Getting the chance to support him in New York City and Chicago last year were major milestones for me. Both cities had incredible energy, and I can’t wait to be back!
You’re based in Columbus, Ohio and often perform around the area. What are some of the best qualities of Ohio’s electronic music scene?
We have such a wide array of venues around the state. It allows us to get everything from international stadium tours to smaller concerts at amazing independent venues. It makes for really healthy local scenes with a lot going on every week.
Also, each city is full of very passionate fans. They consistently show up for their hometown artists, which is incredible in today’s industry climate. Everything seems to follow its own trend in Ohio. I’m constantly inspired by what I see going on around me, and it’s had a very positive impact on my music over the years.
Finally, what’s next for Entel now that you’ve released your debut album?
I’m always writing new material, but there’s nothing to report on that front just yet! For now, I’m excited to announce a string of shows here soon and be able to play this album on the road in some new places.
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