Leander Bauer scooped first prize in Music last year beating off many contenders. He’s completely hooked on music. We asked the YCC 2009 award winner what makes him such a successful music producer.
 
What’s playing on your Ipod right now?
Playing right now are: Giorgio Moroder, Empire of the Sun, Vampire Weekend, Phoenix, Beatles, Traffic, Zoot Woman, Gong, Hans Zimmer and of course PUR!

How long does it take you to write a piece? Weeks or even just hours?
It can take years! But a song can be written in hours as well, it really depends on the pressure I’m under.

What are you up to now?
Right now, I’m in the studio with a very talented band called The Astronaut's Eye to produce a new EP or even an LP! I’m still studying music production at University of Popular Music Baden-Württemberg (Popakademie). My studies will end in summer 2011 when I’ll receive my Bachelor of Arts.

What else is happening in 2010?
For 2010 I have several plans. I’m looking for a publishing company to release the tracks I wrote for certain artists.

Who have you worked with?
I’ve worked with many people (Chris Barron – Spin Doctors, Michelle Leonnard – Popstars 2009, Charlie Grant – Mel C & Simply Red, Philippe Heithier – Heithier, DJ Friction – Freundeskreis, Kay One – Bushido) and for lots of companies (Deutsche Post, Laut.de, Coca-Cola, Symrise, Danone, Audity) but the most important collaborations are those where you can keep up a relationship or even a friendship.

When did your interest in music begin?
I started listening to music when I was a little child growing up with rock music from the 60s and 70s (thanks parents!). As a teenager I was very lucky to make friends who were into music, so we started our own band and wrote our own songs. Towards the end of school I started discovering electronic music and started making music on computers.

What and who inspires you?
I get most of my inspiration from my social environment - family, friends - and of course I draw inspiration from my own life.

Any new talent you want to tell us about? Insider tips?
The Astronaut's Eye and Joe Bagale - an absolutely incredible singer/instrumentalist/songwriter from California that I found on myspace coincidently.

Listen to Leander’s music on his myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/leanderbauer

And check out his new find, The Astronaut’s Eye, on myspace aswell: http://www.myspace.com/theastronautseye