Formula Indie Sessions : Interview with Andrew Dum

What is your earliest memory connected to music?

My first strong memory connected to music is sitting in front of the TV watching MTV. I was fascinated by the music charts and the energy that artists were able to transmit through their songs. I loved following the rankings, discovering new music and seeing how certain songs connected with people. Without realizing it at the time, that curiosity slowly turned into a passion that would eventually define my artistic journey.

How did your passion for creating music begin?

My passion for music developed gradually. Around the age of 24-25, I started working as a presenter for a music television channel, and that was my first real contact with the music industry. Until then, I had only experienced it from the other side of the screen, but suddenly I was attending concerts, interviewing artists and seeing how the industry worked from the inside.

Over the years, I became increasingly drawn to music and eventually discovered DJing. That was the moment I realized there was something that attracted me even more than television. I enrolled in DJ courses and dedicated more and more time to it, even though I never imagined I would eventually become a music producer.

At that point, I had no formal musical background and knew very little about music theory. However, being surrounded by artists and studios made me curious about the creative process behind a song. That curiosity slowly evolved into a passion, and that passion pushed me to learn and create.

Today, music production is one of the biggest passions in my life. I love the energy of performing as a DJ, but there is something truly special about creating a track and seeing people connect with it. When your music reaches people and evokes genuine emotions, the feeling is difficult to describe.

What’s the story behind your current music project?

The Andrew Dum project was born from a passion that developed over time. While working for a music television channel, I hosted a show focused on nightlife and club culture together with my manager, Bogdan Niță. Through that experience, I had the opportunity to travel, attend major events and meet DJs and artists from around the world, including in iconic places like Ibiza.

Although I was working as a presenter, I found myself becoming more and more attracted to what was happening behind the DJ booth. Encouraged by my manager, I began exploring DJing seriously. I was so passionate about it that I would send him new mixes almost every day, trying to prove how much I wanted to pursue this path. After months of hard work and persistence, I got the opportunity to take my first steps as a DJ.

That was also the moment when the name Andrew Dum was born. Over time, it became an artistic identity that truly represents who I am.

I released my first track in 2017, and since then the project has evolved continuously. For me, music has never been just about energy or entertainment. Every track needs to tell a story, carry an emotion and represent something real. If a song doesn’t make me feel something, then I feel like it’s missing an essential part of its identity.

What defines me the most is that I eventually learned to be myself. It took years to find my own sound and artistic identity, but once I did, everything started to feel much more authentic. Today, after nearly a decade of work, Andrew Dum represents much more than music. It is the result of every lesson, challenge and experience that shaped my journey.

How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?

I would describe my sound as emotional, melodic and energetic.

Although I work within electronic music and explore genres such as Melodic House, Afro House, Indie Dance, Progressive House and Organic House, I never limit myself to a single direction. Every track tells me where it wants to go. Some ideas naturally evolve into Afro House, while others become Melodic House or Progressive House.

If there is one element that defines my music the most, it is melody. The piano is the instrument I feel most connected to, and it plays an important role in many of my productions. I believe it contributes greatly to my artistic identity and to the emotional depth I try to create.

I love music that combines energy with emotion. I want people to dance, but I also want them to experience those unexpected moments that give them goosebumps. If a track can create that feeling, then it captures the essence of what I try to achieve through my music.

What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?

The most important lesson I’ve learned is that you have to create music for the audience that truly connects with who you are, rather than trying to fit into a formula.

For many years, I focused heavily on creating music that could work in the radio world because radio was one of the strongest promotional tools available. It was an important stage in my development, but eventually I realized that electronic music has its own culture and its own audience.

Since 2023, I’ve focused much more on creating music that feels authentic to me and that speaks directly to the people I want to reach. I started producing music for dancefloors, festivals and the electronic music community without constantly thinking about whether it would fit a particular format.

I still pay attention to trends and new directions in the industry, but I never allow trends to define my identity. Everything has to pass through my own artistic filter. Once I started trusting my instincts more, my music became much more authentic.

What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?

Today, I believe you can create incredible music with a good laptop and a strong idea.

I work within the Apple ecosystem and use Logic Pro as my main DAW. I started producing in FL Studio, but Logic Pro felt much more natural for my workflow and helped me develop my ideas more efficiently.

When it comes to plugins, Serum is probably the one I use the most. I also rely heavily on Diva and the FabFilter suite. They have become essential parts of my production process.

The instrument I feel closest to is the piano. I especially love the classic sound of the Korg M1, and I use a MIDI controller to quickly transform ideas into musical sketches.

Most of the time, I start with the drop. I build the core energy and identity of the track first, and then develop the rest of the arrangement around it. Melody always plays a central role in that process.

Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?

Lately I’ve been listening to artists such as Samm Be, Maz, Black Coffee, Imad and RÜFÜS DU SOL.

What I admire most about them is their ability to create emotion and atmosphere while maintaining a strong musical identity. If I had to highlight one artist in particular, I would mention Imad. There is a certain emotional depth in his music that I connect with deeply.

At the same time, RÜFÜS DU SOL continue to inspire me through their ability to blend electronic music with powerful storytelling and emotion. These are the kinds of artists that remind me how important it is to create music that feels honest and authentic.

How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?

I believe everything happens for a reason, and when I look back at my journey, I can see how every experience has shaped both my music and my vision as an artist.

The music industry is not an easy path. There are moments when results take longer than expected, moments of doubt and moments when you question whether you should continue. I’ve experienced all of that. But every time, something would happen that reminded me to keep going.

Many personal challenges became fuel for my professional growth. Difficult moments didn’t stop me; they motivated me to work harder and push myself further. There were sacrifices along the way, and there were people who questioned whether music was the right path for me. Sometimes those words hurt, but they never made me give up.

Deep down, I always felt that this was where I belonged. That perseverance is reflected in my music. Every track carries a part of my experiences, emotions and lessons learned throughout the years.

What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?

For me, emotion is the most important ingredient in music.

I love energy, groove and seeing people dance, but what people truly remember is how music made them feel. I want my music to bring optimism, happiness and positive energy. I want people to forget their worries for a few moments and fully enjoy the present.

At the same time, I want there to be those unexpected moments that hit you emotionally. The kind of feeling you experience at a concert or festival when everything aligns perfectly and you get goosebumps.

If my music can create that kind of emotion, then I’ve achieved my goal. Long after the music stops, people may forget a drop or a melody, but they will remember how they felt. That’s what I hope to leave behind through my music.

What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?

The most important lesson music has taught me is patience and self-belief.

At the beginning of my career, I thought success depended on major labels, strong support and external validation. Over time, I learned that if the music is truly good, it can find its audience regardless of where it starts.

A perfect example was my independent remix of “Cruel Summer.” I had no major expectations, yet it eventually received support from RÜFÜS DU SOL and climbed the Beatport charts. It was a powerful reminder that great music can create its own opportunities.

I’ve also seen tracks that initially received very little attention but later found their audience months or even years after release. Those experiences taught me not to seek instant validation and to trust the process.

Music taught me that patience, consistency and belief in yourself are often far more important than immediate results.

What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?

Of course, performing at festivals like Tomorrowland or Burning Man would be incredible experiences. However, what attracts me the most are daytime events.

There is something special about playing music during the day. The atmosphere, the light, the freedom and the connection between people feel different. The emotions are expressed in a unique way, and I find myself deeply connected to that energy.

More than any specific venue or festival, I want to perform in places where my music belongs and where I can create a genuine connection with people. I want to keep evolving, but I also enjoy letting the journey surprise me.

Many of the best things that have happened in my career came when I least expected them, so I’m excited to see where music takes me next.

If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?

The first name that comes to mind is RÜFÜS DU SOL.

I’ve admired them for years because of the way they combine emotion with electronic music. They have built a unique sonic identity that feels authentic and deeply personal, something I truly respect.

There is also a special connection for me because they supported my remix of “Cruel Summer,” which was a very meaningful moment in my career.

I often finish my DJ sets with “Innerbloom,” a track that I consider one of the most emotional pieces ever created in electronic music. It perfectly demonstrates how electronic music can become something much deeper than entertainment.

I would also love to collaborate with Black Coffee because I admire his groove, elegance and ability to create emotional depth without losing dancefloor energy. But if I had to choose only one artist, it would be RÜFÜS DU SOL.

Where can our listeners follow and support your music?

Listeners can find me on most major social media and streaming platforms under the name Andrew Dum.

I try to share not only my music, but also parts of my creative process, studio sessions and everyday journey as an artist. You can follow me on Instagram, TikTok, Spotify, YouTube and other major platforms.

My music is available across all digital streaming services, and DJs can also find my releases on Beatport and other specialized music stores.

I invite everyone to join me on this journey and discover the music and stories that continue to shape my career.

Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?

I believe the next chapter of my journey is about building upon everything I’ve created so far.

Over the years, some tracks have reached wider audiences while others have remained undiscovered. Yet every release represents an important part of my evolution as an artist. My goal is for more people to discover not just one song, but the entire body of work behind it.

When someone explores multiple tracks, they begin to understand your artistic identity, your sound and the story you’re trying to tell. That’s something I hope more listeners will experience in the years ahead.

Rather than focusing on specific milestones or destinations, I prefer to focus on the process itself. I’ve invested a tremendous amount of passion, perseverance and consistency into this journey, and I hope that work continues to reach and inspire more people.

I believe strongly in what I do, and I trust that music will take me exactly where I’m meant to be.

What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?

I hope people discover who I really am beyond the image, the social media presence or even the music itself.

It’s natural for people to form opinions about someone they don’t know, but I hope that through my music and my journey they will get to know the person behind the artist.

I want there to be a genuine connection between myself and the people who listen to my music. More than anything, I want them to see that everything I create comes from a place of honesty, emotion and authenticity.

If people can connect with my music and understand who I am as a person, then I feel I’ve created something truly meaningful.