PAUL VAN DYK’S NEW AMBIENT FULL LENGTH ALBUM ALLOWS US & YOU TO “ESCAPE REALITY” AURALLY!
T H E F E AT U R E I N T E R V I E W
“HE’S GOT GAME!” +
DANIEL DEJMAN THE BURGEONING CHICAGO DJ AND
PRODUCER GETS QUIZZED ABOUT HIS LATEST “STTÆB” EP & FAVORITE CHI-TOWN HANGS.
THE GODS MARC ROMBOY FOR AIAIAI TMA-2 MODULAR HEADPHONES MARC TALKS ABOUT HIS LATEST RELEASE “ELKA,” HIS FAVORITE PIECE OF GEAR & HIS CREATIVE EVOLUTION..
GETS A WRITE-UP ON WHY THEY ARE POISED TO TAKE OVER THE MARKET.
> NICO MORANO > TIBI DABO > MIRKO DI FLORIO > ELEVNS > CHRIS GEKÄ > HELENA LEGEND
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Inside MAY/JUNE 2020
COVER FEATURE Did you know that Darude represented Finland in the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 with the song “Look Away” with singer Sebastian Rejman? DId you know that he spent eight months of last year working with Finland’s Red Cross? Did you know that he is a fan of Metallica? Did you know that he is pretty good hockey player? We dig deep and get him talking about these topics along with a few other nuggets of all things Darude.
56
Features DANIEL DEJMAN
THE BURGEONING DJ AND PRODUCER BASED IN CHICAGO GETS QUIZZED ABOUT HIS LATEST “STTÆB” EP, HIS OWN SLOW DANCING TO TECHNO IMPRINT, WHICH CHICAGO BASEBALL TEAM HE FOLLOWS, WHERE HE HANGS AND MORE BY OUR TECHNO EXPERT, LEO WEAVER.
MARC ROMBOY
OVER THE COURSE OF THE LAST TWO PLUS DECADES, THE GERMAN BORN DJ, MUSICIAN AND COMPOSER MARC ROMBOY HAS BECOME SYNONYMOUS WITH A SOULFUL ELECTRONIC MUSIC SOUND THAT HAS TAKEN HIM ALL OVER THE WORLD. WITH RELEASES ON MANY INFLUENTIAL LABELS, FROM INNERVISIONS TO OVUM AND KOMPAKT TO 20:20 VISION, AS WELL AS HIS INFLUENTIAL SYSTEMATIC RECORDINGS LABEL, JOSEPH ARTHUR CATCHES UP WITH MARC AND TALKS ABOUT HIS LATEST RELEASE “ELKA,” HIS FAVORITE PIECE OF GEAR AND HIS EVOLUTION AS A COMPOSER AND PERFORMER.
46 Departments 16 ICYMI A ROUND-UP OF RECENT NEWS FROM AROUND THE WEB.
24 NEW MUSIC PREVIEWS
DOCTOR P, HIGH STEP SOCIETY, INFECTED MUSHROOM, LOUIS LA ROCHE, MAKO, ZILLA, ZOO BRAZIL.
38 BUZZ WORTHY/ARTIST PROFILES
NICK MORANO, TIBI DABO, MIRKO DI FLORIO, ELEVNS, CHRIS GEKÃ, HELENA LEGEND.
66 GEAR/PRODUCT REVIEW
AIAIAI TMA-2 MODULAR HEADPHONES STRIPPED DOWN AND REVIEWED.
50
70 REVIEWS
PAUL VAN DYK’S NEW LP OF AMBIENT SONGS “ESCAPE REALITY” ON VANDIT LEADS OUR REVIEW SECTION.
01 - Naizon - My House 02 - Claude VonStroke & Green Velvet - Jolean 03 - Walker & Royce - Rise To The Sky 04 - Chris Lake - Lose My Mind 05 - DJ Glen & Bruno Furlan - Another Planet 06 - Dustycloud - Bold 07 - Claude VonStroke - All My People In The House
08 - Malaa & Dillon Nathaniel - Give It Up 09 - Solardo & Camelphat - Accelerator 10 - Billy Kenny - Call You Back 11 - Chris Lake, Chris Lorenzo, Anti Up - Pizza 12 - Glass Petals - Fucked Up 13 - Green Velvet - La la land >> STREAM
OPENING NOTES by JOSEPH WENSELL
MAY/JUNE 2020 Our May/June 2020 Cover Artist, Darude, is one super cool dude. Famously known for his massively successful track “Sandstorm,” there is much more to this talented musician from Finland than most know. For instance, Darude represented Finland in the Eurovision Song Contest 2019, spent eight months of last year working with Finland’s Red Cross, is a fan of Metallica and apparently is pretty good hockey player. We dig deep and get him talking about all these topics along with a few other nuggets of all things Darude.
This issue’s Buzz Worthy/Artist Profiles include Nico Morano, Tibi Dabo, Mirko Di Florio, ELEVNS, Chris Gekä and Helena Legend. Closing up the May/ June issue, we have a review on some cutting edge headphones for you consumer electronic
Our other feature interviews include an up-and-coming techno Dj and Slow Dancing To Techno label head based out of Chicago by the name of Daniel Dejman. Then there is Marc Romboy, who has been wowing critics and EDM fans the world over for more than 20 years. Marc shares his thoughts on his latest EP, why he embarked on his career, successes and gear preferences.
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junkies followed by new music reviews from Paul van Dyk and others that need to be in your music libraries. Oh, BTW, we also catch you up with recent ICYMI news, new music previews. Read, stay safe and be healthy!
B EATSELECTOR Moving Electronic Music Forward
PUBLISHER
JOSEPH WENSELL CONTRIBUTORS Catherine Strickland Cody Miller Cory Royster Erik L. Richardson Holly Roscoe James Arena Joseph Arthur Karin Haslinger Leo Weaver Tim Stark Vladimir Jean-Philippe Zach Miller
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NEW SINGLE OUT NOW
ICYMI NEWS FROM AROUND THE WEB n Forevr, a new 360° management company has
entered the esports world. Combining industry professionals with a deep understanding of the esports community, Forevr aims to create value for both its clients and brands by joining their journey with a holistic management approach. Forevr’s roster is comprised of some of the biggest stars within esports. It’s a stellar cast of renowned athletes and content creators that includes Dota 2’s OG co-founder and team captain Johan ‘N0tail’ Sundstein, who recently became esports No.1 prize-winning player of all time. Fellow OG team member and Finnish pro-player Topias ‘Topson’ Taavitsainen also joins N0tails on the roster. Both players, along with their OG teammates, cemented their place in the esports history books becoming the first organisation to win back-toback championships at The International 2018 and 2019. From founder Marc Ogihara, who has over 8 years artist management experience working with the likes of Denmark’s biggest international artist Martin Jensen, to investor/advisor Frederik Byskov, who is one of the founders of Astralis the world’s leading Counter-Strike team. What lies within the core of Forevr is a team of extremely passionate industry professionals. Built on modern management models, Forevr promises to be a new concept in the esports ecosystem. Forevr’s 360° approach includes a top-to-bottom strategy that includes player management, press/marketing/ social media management, partnership activation, legal and business management. In addition, Forevr offers creative consultancy for brands. Visit https://www.forevr.gg for more details and information.
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Beatselector Magazine | May/June 2020 | 17
ICYMI NEWS FROM AROUND THE WEB
n
While we are all stuck at home in isolation, Amy Thomson, 45, who in her career has managed Swedish House Mafia, Seal, DJ Snake and marketed for Kanye West decided to take to the internet and deliver a 400-page free book, “Artist Management & Marketing: A Beginners Guide.” The book is available as a PDF download or a read on-screen app via Myobschool. Having a run school in 2018
called Mind Your Own Business, which saw 152 kids from 17 countries descend on London, Thomson noticed a shortage of text which summarized the multiple topics a Manager needs to be aware of. In the 300 pages, she tackles planning, scheduling, the roles of Record Companies, Publishers and service agencies, royalties, releasing a record, international marketing, brand deals, merch deals through to
mental health and book and film recommendations. Sample budgets and timelines and working examples from campaigns from her archive and one she has admired cover 400 pages of easy to understand pages designed to add some clarity to the largely unregulated work of Management. There is advice on fees, roles, contracts through to press training. In early 2020, Thomson closed her management company after 17 successful years, confirming her new business will open before the end of the year which is based around the recovery, storage and cleaning up of catalog recovering revenue and arranging assets into a neat online hub tracking revenue and your rights in
one very easy and Artist friendly hub. “This system is an easy way to support managers and Artists on their rights, the return of their catalog, royalty statement balances and the revenue they miss, in one summary report anyone can create with one click. It also helps you run your catalog reminding you of dates that matter, like audits, and rights reversions. It baffles me people make songs worth more than cars and houses and yet have not kept them in anywhere near the same level of order... Some think it’s too late if they lost paperwork. They are wrong... My investors and I are in beta now, and the launch will be by the end of the summer.”—Amy Thomson.
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n This year’s International Dance Music Awards
(IDMA) winners were announced online, as the Winter Music Conference in Miami had been canceled due to the Coronavirus pandemic. For the second year in a row, the IDMA committee worked on the nominations together with musictech company Viberate to pick the nominees, based on their social media and streaming metrics, thus ensuring objectivity in the artist selection. Vasja Veber, Viberate’s co-founder, explains: “Music awards are often criticized for being biased. Sometimes you can play the system and pay for votes. The IDMA nominee selection does not work like that. We use data from big networks (streaming services, social networks, ticket vendors etc.) to see who really
deserves a nomination, and in my opinion, these numbers reflect the actual popularity of an artist in the most unbiased way possible. Working on their fan interaction should be every artist’s main promotional focus, and not just the winners, but also the nominees master this art.” With the Covid-19 pandemic bringing live music events to a standstill, artists have to turn to the internet to keep in touch with their fans. Boosting engagement, gaining traction, and other online activities are now more important than ever, and they also result in higher popularity ratings on Viberate. “Because of this, it will be very interesting to see who gets picked next year,” Veber adds. See the full winners list here.
Beatselector Magazine | May/June 2020 | 19
ICYMI NEWS FROM AROUND THE WEB
The MeetHook platform allows musicians and teachers to continue their work during these uncertain circumstances, while still connecting on a personal level. Users can book personalized sessions with hosts in advance or find a host that is available immediately. Users can also try out different hosts in five to 10-minute segments to find the instructor that is the best fit. MeetHook hosts are able to manage schedules, conduct lessons and process payments, all within the app. “As we struggle with the disruptive effects brought on by the coronavirus, MeetHook provides a new way to stay connected, which is much more direct and personal than other social media or business platforms,” said MeetHook Founder and CEO Anthony Citrinite. The roster of professional hosts on MeetHook includes such internationally recognized n The coronavirus pandemic has led to a musicians as bass player Bootsy Collins, drummer significant number of people engaging in “social Steve Gadd, KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick and tenor distancing,” only leaving their homes to get sax player Javon Jackson. essentials. As a result, many music teachers have experienced a decline in business from delayed In addition to musicians, the app also includes or canceled lessons. MeetHook is here with a hosts with expertise in entertainment, business and sports, such as comedian Jackie Martling and solution. personal trainer and actor Talon Warburton. This mobile app allows musicians, students and teachers to stay connected through one-on-one “We’re ready to schedule appointments and help our video calls. ”As a consequence of the coronavirus students grow and develop,” said Bootsy Collins, “A pandemic, professionals are losing money because Funk Me Bobble.” the venues where they make their living are being closed or quarantined,” said MeetHook Users and hosts can join MeetHook at no charge. President Michael Moorin. “Musicians cannot give The app is available in the Apple App Store and on lessons or play at festivals, teachers cannot teach at Google Play. schools, and other professionals and mentors cannot Learn more at www.meethook.com. support and advise the people that rely on them.”
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n
Monstercat embraces creative visionaries from around the world with their newest apparel collection, enVISION x Bene Rohlmann which officially launched on April 29th.
amazing talents of wonderful artists with dynamic backgrounds into our world of apparel, and on April 29th, enVISION came to life, celebrating its first artist collection with Bene Rohlmann.
enVISION is an exciting new endeavor that continues Monstercat’s tradition of empowering creatives in multiple artistic fields. Since day one, Monstercat has set out to make a mark in the industry not just for music, but for championing visual artistry and design.
Berlin-based artist Bene Rohlmann has playfully reimagined Monstercat with a vibrant tropical graphic infusion. Choose from a selection of pieces for men and women, including men’s hoodies, t-shirts and sweatpants and women’s t-shirts, and hoodies (multiple colour options available).
enVISION will be the canvas on which visual artists from around the world can showcase their fresh Attendees of past Monstercat events will notice Bene’s perspectives; where bold individuality and creative unique artistry contains similarities to the Monstercat collaboration meet to offer collections unlike anything world we have awakened. ever shared in the Monstercat Shop. Visit the Monstercat shop to check out the threads. Monstercat couldn’t be more excited to bring the
Beatselector Magazine | May/June 2020 | 21
ICYMI NEWS FROM AROUND THE WEB
A crew of five, Simon, Tobi, Camera man Manoah and tour managers, Griffin and Josh, they took for the open road, immersing in an array of musical, cultural and culinary experiences as they travelled across San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland and Seattle, before ending in Vancouver. Following the highs and lows of their journey, ”Miles To Go” sees Andhim proceed in true Andhim style; the lows were always approached with a distinct sense of comedy; overflowing toilets, fridges flying open in transit and 39 cent microwave burritos that tipped the scales on their inadequately arranged eating habits across the tour. “The whole tour was terrible for our bodies. Shitty food, no motion, no sleep and a lot of parties. It was like an anti-health campaign. A defiant protest against all the cold pressed juices and Acai bowls in the world.” Andhim Embracing the wild and whacky areas of their trip, Andhim can be found eating interesting, off-kilter taco selections and hosting an after-hours at their RV in San Diego, moonwalking across Hollywood’s walk of camping in the Red Woods of California, before nIt was April 2017 and as the sun rose on the fame, spontaneously heading towards Big Sur. Embracing North American West Coast, it seemed something the freedom that travelling in an RV offered, ‘Miles To particularly outrageous would ensue on the beautiful Go’ is an amplification of Andhim’s outward charm coastline. Landing in San Diego, a pair synonymous and infectious hilarity. with a thirst for life, German electronic duo and ‘Superhouse’ pioneers Andhim arrived to embark on Having been shown at film festivals across the globe their North American Tour, yet something different including Filmarte Festival, Berlin, Filmfest Bremen was afoot; they would travel for an entire 10 days, and Universal Film Festival in Kansas City, “Miles To Go” 2,000 miles in a 30ft RV, hunting the American dream was awarded “Best Score” at Swindon Independent for beers, boobs and burgers. Now bringing together Film Festival, UK and “Best Documentary Feature” at a detailed and aptly humorous account of their travels, San Diego’s IKFF. Andhim present their west side story tour diary and movie, “Miles To Go.” Andhim’s “Miles To Go” is an all-encompassing look at two DJ’s taking touring back to its roots and ditching “We rented this 30feet speed monster for a 10-day road the private jet and champagne lifestyle. trip along the west coast of America. In the end we went 4000 kilometres in this RV.” - Andhim Watch it here.
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nADMN is co-founder of the soon-to-be-launched
Infolines and has released on Audiophile Deep and and Anabatic Records. Fellow co-founders Remote Viewing Party, made up of Mike Petrack and Aran Daniel, are fellow Motor City natives who appeared on Resident Advisor’s stage at Movement Festival Detroit last year. The mystery surrounding Bendersnatch and Maxlow allows their records to do the talking, as both artists “are remaining anonymous and off the radar.” Launched on May 1, 2020 (vinyl) and May 15, 2020 (digital) with the debut release titled “Packard” and is “Inspired by the dark and dirty warehouses of Detroit”, the label takes a nod to the city where techno originated, acting as a home for off-kilter, leftfield releases designed solely for the club-floor. “As techno and house have become less underground and moved to the main stages of major festivals they have become soft. Infolines aims a different course. These tracks are aimed straight for the floor. Bangers only. Three minute breakdowns are out, the groove is in.” It’s a no-nonsense club affair as “Packard” kicks off with Bendersnatch’s Homage, a heavy-hitting nod to Detroit that’s built for a proper soundsystem. The Dub Mix version comes next, with soft, warming tones and the same pumping underlay. ADMN’s Machine 8 follows. A gritty, textured cut that oozes substance, the near full-length acid bassline is a real highlight of the record. Remote Viewing Party soon serve up the brain-melting Fuxwiddit, a pulsing combination of staggered breaks and broken bleeps, before Maxlow’s Heard finishes things just how the club intended: with full-throttle kicks, reverberating synths and disorienting, mind-bending vocals. Visit https://www.infolinesmusic.com for release info.
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FUTURE SPINSU NEW RELEASE PREVIEWS
On March 6, 2020, Circus Records released Animal Vegetable Mineral Pt.2, Doctor P’s first ever LP. The new LP is the follow up to Animal Vegetable Mineral Pt. 1, a landmark EP released in 2012, which gave the bass world four monumental tracks and influenced a generation. Featuring the massive, era-defining “Flying Spaghetti Monster ‘’ as well as the ever popular “Bulletproof” with Eva Simons. The new full length album of 10 tracks features the recent single “Smoke & Flames” feat. Virus Syndicate, as well as the mammoth collaboration tracks with Franky Nuts, CRaymak and Shapes amongst others. The popular “Give It Up” with Dutch dubstep producer Franky Nuts, received a long list of support from influential names such as Zeds Dead, 12th Planet, Excision and Pegboard Nerds, and his seminal Dubstep anthems “Something To Believe In” featured on Spotify curated playlists Dubstep Don and Bass Arcade, and received there mix treatment from fresh faced bass producers CRaymak & Fransis Derelle. If that wasn’t enough, the prolific producer has thrown in three brand new unreleased tracks just for good measure! Proving he is still the master of all things bass and one of the most exciting and dynamic producers in the game, he displays DnB crossover with new track “Back Where I Started,” ragga influences on “Fuck The Speaker” and old school rave breaks on “Alone.” Animal Vegetable Mineral Pt.2 is available now via Circus Records. Get it here.
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FUTURE SPINSU NEW RELEASE PREVIEWS
In the midst of overblown computer noises and a rainbow LED sea, the man felt
beckoned by a soft, distant light. Upon entering the fantastical shanty village known as The Folly, he and his tribe happened upon an debaucherous, balcony-shaking dance party, thumping to a sound that fit just as readily into a gilded vintage ballroom as a digital desert playground. In that moment, Music, Love, Art, and the Present Moment were the only things that mattered; this was the day Gravitas and High Step Society united. High Step Society’s new EP P erception, out via Gravitas Recordings, boldly combines the driving beats and bass drops of modern electronica with the hallowed tones of jazz. Through exploring this fusion, the result is an EP that is unstoppably danceable and overflowing with creativity. High Step Society evokes subtle nostalgia for another era, while authentically translating timelessness into a form of contemporary grit. A work spawned from a diverse group of creatives – trained jazz musicians, dark folkies, seasoned funk/rock players, and bass music aficionados – Perceptionrepresents a melting pot of collaboration and blending of styles. Revisit the past with “Side Step,” where a luscious sonic soundscape is concocted from perennial jazz and dreamy, euphonious ingredients. After communing with the past, “Back to the Roots” extends an energetic groove that leaves all worries behind. Title track “Perception” is a dynamic, alluring killer that dances along the concepts of perception, attraction, and infatuation. Woefully rolling through the night on “No. 9,” imaginative instrumentation drives you back into your darkest hour. Transfiguring into a ghostly escapade, “Howlin” is an unearthly companion that escorts you to the brink of the multicolored musical cauldron. Get it here.
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FUTURE SPINSU NEW RELEASE PREVIEWS
Electronic dance music legends Infected Mushroom are best known for their sonic innovations and pioneering of the Psychedelic Trance genre. Twice ranked amongst the world’s “10 Best DJ’s” by DJ Magazine (the bible of the EDM scene), and with over 14 million hits on YouTube and a #8 position on the Billboard charts, the Israel-bred, L.A. based duo Amit “Duvdev” Duvdevani and Erez Eisen have created one of the most powerful kingdoms in the world of dance music. Following the success of Infected’s 2009 album “The Legend of the Black Shawarma”, Erez and Duvdev delivered their most multi-faceted electronic album to date with “Army of Mushrooms” in 2012 on Dim Mak Records. More recently, the duo released “CVII”, a long-awaited sequel to their critically acclaimed 2003 album “Converting Vegetarians”. Adoring fans continue to congregate en masse for Infected Mushroom’s averaged 120 show/year tour. Their jaw-dropping live performances never fail to impress with psychedelic visuals, their trademark enigmatic vocals, hypnotic arrangements, and psy-trippy synthetic rhythms. Infected Mushroom bring us the psy-trance hits fans love with their highly anticipated More Than Just A Name album. Released on March 23, 2020 through the Canadian label Monstercat, gives fans a taste of their signature sound with previously released singles: “Ani Mevushal”, “Freedom Bill” and “Only Solutions.” The Israeli duo continue the string of hits with a seamless listening experience starting from lead single “More of Just the Same” in collaboration with WHITENO1SE. The spectacular 8 track album is available now. Get it here.
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FUTURE SPINSU NEW RELEASE PREVIEWS
Born and based in the UK, producer, remixer and DJ Louis La Roche released his collaborative album, Saturday Night Griever on March 27, 2020 via Ever After Records. La Roche has previously provided official remixes for artists such as Basement Jaxx, Aeroplane, Lemaitre, Fred Falke and BAYNK and received support from tastemaker Youtube channels Spinnin’ Records, Mr Suicide Sheep, Majestic Casual, and Mr Deep Sense and publications such as Mixmag, DJ Mag, Your EDM, Magnetic Mag and Data Transmission. The British talent has received over 40 Million Youtube views, with his remix for Crystal Bats receiving over 1.8 Million views alone, and over 23 Million plays on Spotify. To achieve his unique style, Louis La Roche draws influence from a wide variety of artists such as Prince, Michael Jackson, James Murphy, Daft Punk, Mylo, Soulwax, Fred Falke, and Stuart Price. Noteworthy writers on Saturday Night Griever include Frankmusik (producer for Ellie Goulding, Erasure and Tinchy Stryder), and LA-based musician Ryland Blackinton (ex-member of Cobra Starship, songwriter for Kelly Clarkson, Sam Sparro and The Night Game). “Saturday Night Griever was written from April 2017 - June 2019. I set out to make this a collaboration record, with vocals on every song. It’s very much a Pop record, which is something I’ve delved in but not fully explored before. All the collaborations were done remotely except one, which was recorded at The Old Hit Factory in London. The albums title and opening track were inspired by what I was reading in 2017 about UK music venues closing, nightclubs struggling and people not going out as much as they used to.—Louis La Roche Saturday Night Griever is now available via Ever After Records. Get it here.
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FUTURE SPINSU NEW RELEASE PREVIEWS
Bristolian Stephen Redmore, known through his drum & bass alias Mako, has finally unleashed his new LP Oeuvre on Metalheadz, something which he’s been working on behind the scenes for some time. Mako is well known for his slick production and penchant for underground anthems, something which has been seen again and again on his own imprint, Utopia, as well as across a plethora of labels which have acted as pillars for the drum & bass world. Directly translated to “a body of art,” Mako’s LP “Oeuvre” is representative of his life’s work in music production. The switching breaks of “Heartstone,” slamming, yet eerily hollowed snares of ‘Offline’ and grinding bassline of “Life Cycle” alongside the late Andy Skopes, a testament to the legacy he left behind, set the tone. Meanwhile, Villem and Fields join Mako for the LP’s next collaboration “Liquid Groover” before the emotive swelling build of “The Window’” gives way to a second drop beat switch up, continuing the journey. “Flip It” has already been doing the club rounds, as the moody Photek atmospherics on “One Reality” and more affectional twists of “Holding You” adds to the tracklist’s versatility. “The Scenic Values” underscores Mako’s love of Krust and Doc Scott production grooves, whilst the experimental soundscape of “Hoxton Home” heralds back to old Lemon D. “Oh Really” finishes the album’s more club-orientated offerings, which follows with a 170 bpm techno style track via “Passive Aggressor.” Oeuvre is a walk-through of Mako’s many personalities as a musician and it finds a welcome home within Metalheadz’s historic discography. Get it here.
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FUTURE SPINSU NEW RELEASE PREVIEWS
First releasing with Accidental in back in 2017, the working partnership between Zilla and label boss Matthew Herbert has been more than fruitful. Their work together thus far has seen support from respected taste makers including Huw Stevens, Don Letts and John Kennedy and their first single “Get Your Way” sound tracked Elle UK’s most successful campaign ever #MoreWomen #ELLEFeminism. Sitting somewhere between the crunch of the avant garde and the joy of a good hook, Zilla With Her Eyes Shut is an album of deeply personal stories from Zilla’s life. These range from memories of childhood trauma, mysterious injuries sustained sleepwalking and coming to terms with the voices in her head, all delivered through Zilla’s powerful, arresting and at times haunting vocal performance. The sonic narrative parallels this lyrical content with tracks being built from the sounds of objects relating to the song’s subject matters. These include a book, a lightbulb, a hair pin, a stone and Zilla’s own sleep talking. Speaking about this approach, Herbert commented, “I like the fact that Zilla can sit at a piano and bash out some Rachmaninov and Debussy, but chose instead to make an ahead-of-its-time record out of the ephemera of ordinary life. It bristles with the friction of real life as opposed to the comfort of the recording studio.” Connecting dots between RnB, vocal pop and leftfield electronic experimentalism, the album opens with the bold and menacing statement “Get Ready.” The interplay of Zilla’s catchy harmony led vocals and Herbert’s playful production provide plenty of engaging moments throughout, with earworms like “Remember” and “In My Head.” At the half-way mark the album takes a sharp turn further to the leftfield with the off-kilter timings and staccato samples of “Cut Me Boy,” before making way for the softer sonics of “Rainbows” and “Desire.” Following the latest single “Whisper Whisper,” the record closes with the melancholic triumph, “Paris.” Get it here.
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FUTURE SPINSU NEW RELEASE PREVIEWS
Stylistically classifying what Zoo Brazil does is a feat most John Andersson watchers gave up on time ago. Never out of design, a desire to confound or to duck the sound-du-jour, it’s simply a consequence of his deep-within musical wanderlust. As a result, more than the average, Zoo Brazil’s longplayers have served as critical waypoint snapshots of where – musically - John’s at. For Sins And False Alarms, another acknowledgeable different theme prevails. Two years and two months removed from Point Of View the Swede fields 12 new tracks, which see the tone deepen and the musical outline reshape into something altogether clubbier. More instrumentdriven in nature, its vocal-less numbers regularly touch on styles broadly housey (both classic and contemporary) and techno-like in style. The vocal cuts that do exist have allowed John to resume working with a close-knit group of singers. “Any Moment Now” and “Point Of View” alumni Ursula Rucker returns, whilst having sung on “POV”’s “Nine Mind,” English songstress Mama’s also back behind the mic. John’s brought new blood in too, with Laura Bettinson (under her FEMME pseudonym) likewise lending voice to “Sins.” “Getting Closer” strikes a breezily positive opening note for “Sins,” which - through its riff sway, French House suggestions and strummed guitars summons much coastal ether. Every bit its partner, “Brighter Than The Sun” adds bass pulse and shaking breaks, before underscoring its blissed-out chorus with subtle 303. Routing the album down a sparser, more minimal line, “I Don’t Remember” hooks the attention with its haunting sirenic female harmonies and deceptively slight timbale percs. “Mystery Walk” raises the bass profile, kicks the tempo up again and goes night-time cruising. Maintaining the floor pace, “Intersong” brings undulating LFO waves, harmonic float and bass guitar thrum, while reverb, vocoder & snare mark out ‘Alone’s production. As it passes its midpoint, John unscrews the vocal valve some, releasing more song-led cuts into “Sins” system. Wrapped in an irresistibly groovesom production and lent classic house style by Ursula Rucker, “Never Enough” delivers a stream-of-consciousness on consumerism. ‘Were sophisticated monsters of glamour’ smoulders London-born/Berlinbased singer Mama on “Monique” as John’s production feeds the track house-sultry rhythms and melodies. “Atlantis” meanwhile ushers in some Knuckles/Heard vibes and instrumentation, before “Change You” housily pumps thing back up, replete with it every-bit-as Chicago-esque male vox. Tying off For Sins And False Alarms, “Sweet Talk” flips both tone and chromosome, as singer FEMME upliftingly brings the album to an end-of-the-night-vibed conclusion. Get it here.
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BUZZ WORTHY ARTIST PROFILES
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NICO MORANO
!
N
ico Morano is all about creating an intangible mood in every way he can. And out of this unique quality in combination with his urge for pushing boundaries and reaching like-minded people, the party concept of More Morano arose. A musical trip with a selected audience at unique and unexplored locations going from the rooftop of the MAS museum to the Porthouse in Antwerp and even reaching abroad at the Secret Villa Party in Ibiza. But that’s not all. Through a live broadcast, his More Morano vibes get hold of an online reach of up to 300, 000 people per edition. Besides his dj career Nico’s mission is to further focus on translating all his dancefloor experience into his own productions. After EP’s and remixes on labels like Atmosphere Records, Ein2, Karera, Love Matters and Shaker Plates, he continues to release on major outlets. He now starts a fresh and exciting new label, named after building suspense and awareness through his Ontourage event series, which has seen him perform at the most incredible landmarks around Belgium: Gaasbeek Castle, Saint Peter’s Abbey and Antwerp Station. Currently, Nico has launched his own imprint Ontourage Music with a new single, “Blackout” featuring Nathan Nicholson. The track is a vocal delight with deep, rubbery drums and icy hi-hats. The whole production, slowly but surely, lifts you up into a state of ecstasy and then showers you in lush melodies. The emotive vocals will send shivers down your spine and are sure to mark the high point in any rounded DJ set. The start of Ontourage Music has well and truly begun! —E.D. Beatselector Magazine | May/June 2020 | 39
BUZZ WORTHY ARTIST PROFILES
T
TIBI DABO !"
ibi Dabo, aka Max Guardans, whose natural talent and distinctive sound have already brought him to the attention of some of the underground scene’s most respected tastemakers. Born in Barcelona and now living in Berlin (via London), Tibi Dabo is a pseudonym that gives Max the freedom to immerse himself in the world of electronic music - experimenting, being playful and exploratory, while also carving out a niche for himself. Named after a mountain in his hometown Barcelona, Tibi Dabo’s nom de plume pays homage to his roots, which will always be the foundation for his creative journey. In the Spanish city he started playing the drums when he was very young and a few years later began working with his cousin, finding they had similar taste in music. Their musical relationship continues to this day, with their band project Family Time taking them around Europe, the USA and Mexico. His first release captured the imagination of a scene legend, Sasha, who signed the “Ende” EP to his label Last Night On Earth back in 2017. A year later, another one of the scene’s most respected tastemakers, Damian Lazarus, signed Tibi Dabo for an EP on Rebellion titled “La Dorada.” Following his acclaimed remix of Dubfire featuring Carl Craig, Berlin-based Tibi Dabo returns to Crosstown Rebels with “Disbelieve.” Marking the first of three EP’s to be released on Damian’s label this year, ahead of a much-anticipated debut album in October, Max states “the tracks reflect the absurdity of human matters and despite things being set in stone, these things are still dependent on human consciousness.”
—E.D.
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BUZZ WORTHY ARTIST PROFILES
MIRKO DI FLORIO !"
A
world without music is not my world! This is what the Italian DJ Mirko Di Florio feels. Supported by the greatest
international artists like Jamie Jones, Lee Foss, Marco Carola and Loco Dice, Mirko Di Florio has long been in the international house scene. Initially as a resident of the Do Not Sleep Ibiza party with Darius Syrossian - for which he played in venues like Space, Privilege and Sankeys paving the way to his residency at the “Too Long” party in Milan. At the end of 2016 Mirko started a collaboration with Lee Foss and joins the Repopulate Mars family label with releases “Coco Club” (EP) and two other singles “Soul City” and “Say What”? He‘s played at various showcases including one in Miami during WMC and in Newcastle at “Digital” along with MK, Camelphat, Solardo, Detlef and others. Additionally, Di Florio has notched two overseas tours. The first in America and the second in South America, performing in places like Lost Beach Club in Ecuador and Bijou in Boston among others. In 2019 Mirko released “Mesmerized” on Green Velvet’s label Relief, “Someday” on Solotoko, “Long Time” on Armada and an edit of Kanye West’s song “I Love It.” In 2020 Mirko joined the MK Area 10 team and will release a couple of singles later this summer. In the meantime, his latest release comes by way of Emerald City with “Electric Brain” featuring two dynamic remixes from label boss Jamie Jones. This scintillating record will no doubt find its way onto many radio stations in the coming months.
—E.D. Beatselector Magazine | May/June 2020 | 41
BUZZ WORTHY
ELEVNS !"
ARTIST PROFILES
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LEVNS is an electronic and beat maker duo home-based out of London, taking inspiration from innovators like Steve Jobs and the street artist KAWS. They see technology as a means to develop music and creativity; something to be embraced and unafraid to ignite the joy of new discovery in the listener. The brainchild of hard-working producers Gramm and Aurelian they met through different projects in the past. They collaborated on what was meant to be a brief idea but the chemistry was such that it grew to something much greater with ELEVNS becoming the result. Their discography includes ebut 2019 EP “Faces and Places” released via Deja-New Records embodies catchy, diverse sounds their sound. You are nothing without your live performances and ELEVNS are well aware of this. When it comes to live performances, you can expect anything from a bouncy “2-person” show complete with live video all the way to a full band spectacular. On March 18, 2020, the duo released their latest single for Deja-New titled “Get Back” in collaboration with American rapper Mr. J. Medeiros. “Get Back” Incorporates a range of influences from Kaytranada, J Dilla and Anderson .Paak, delivering an irresistible up-tempo beat coupled with the versatile vocals of Mr. J. Medeiros. This latest offering further showcases the duos ability to conjure a fresh sound builds upon an already impressive discography: “Got You;” “Falling into You” and their debut EP “Faces & Places;” all of which continue to validate ELEVNS as one of the United Kingdom’s most promising rising acts.
—E.D.
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BUZZ WORTHY
CHRIS GEKÄ !"
ARTIST PROFILES
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hris Gekä is an agitator and activist of the French and international electronic scene with releases on some of the most famous imprints including Kevin Saunderson’s KMS Records, Nervous Records, Marshall Jefferson’s Freakin909 Records, and Robbie Rivera’s Juicy Music. Many of his tracks have shot to the top of many international charts and onto many compilations such as Pacha Ibiza, Amnesia Ibiza, Space Ibiza, WMC Miami and ADE Amsterdam. Roger Sanchez, who invited him to mix his radio show “Release Yourself,” and has since received the support of international DJs such as Erick Morillo, Stefano Noferini, Wally Lopez, Julian Jeweil, Hollen, The Yellowheads, and Enrico Sangiuliano among others. Seasoned and intuitive, he has maintained a constant production and release flow with remixes for Eddie Amador, Stefano Noferini, Ultra Naté, Lenny Fontana and Crystal Waters forging his solid industry reputation, and making his tracks and remixes a regular Beatport and Traxsource Top 100 charter. He mixed the double compilation CD “IBIZA TECH HOUSE VOL.2” for the famous German imprint ZYX Music, “REVOLUTION IBIZA UNDERGROUND,” and the compilation CD “IBIZA WORLD CLUB TOUR” featuring 13 of his favorite Deep House, House, Tech House and Techno tracks. Known for his energetic, grooving and ecstatic mixes, cut for the dancefloors, his music oscillates between Tech House and Techno and has propelled him to mix in the biggest clubs around the world. Check out his radio show “ONE HOUR WITH CHRIS GEKÄ” broadcasting on radio stations in France and abroad.
—E.D.
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BUZZ WORTHY ARTIST PROFILES
HELENA LEGEND !"
H
elena Legend was born in Bristol, UK and her journey to her current standing as a DJ and production powerhouse has taken her from the West Country city to Ibiza, where she worked in club promotion. Her first plays on the decks were after school sessions at her high school friends house known as the UK DJ Eats Everything from here to endless hours mixing in her bedroom, was where she learned to DJ and soon found that her natural aptitude for playing music put her in the limelight. A move to Australia cemented the foundations of her blossoming DJ career and she became one of the nation’s most iconic selectors in just a few short years. With the foundation of classical training at the core of her innate musical abilities, her debut single “Girl From The Sky” hit the No.1 spot in the Australian club charts and remained there for four weeks. From there on in, she skyrocketed into the stratosphere and beyond. On the road, Helena has been busy as always, from countless festivals and a heavy presence in China, to the “Beauty & The Beard” tour of the U.S. with her buddy Kennedy Jones plus a worldwide touring schedule. She has rocked dance floors at festivals all over planet Earth including Tomorrowland, Big Day Out, the Future Music National Tour, the main stages of Ultra Music Festival and Stereosonic as well as touring Asia supporting Alesso at a series of sold out stadium crowds. Helena Legend is a force of nature and buoyed by the success of her new direction, there is nothing she can’t achieve. As well as music, Helena’s passion for fashion design came to fruition with the launch of her new label later in 2017.
—E.D.
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SLOW DANCING TO TECHNO?
DANIEL DEJMAN SAYS YES!
Daniel Dejman has been relentless in asserting his studio prowess since the start of his career in 2017. With multiple hard-hitting releases, the Serbian native and now a Chicago resident, he has successfully navigated the electronic music landscape and has settled in the realms of Hard House and Techno. The burgeoning DJ and producer continues this rich vein of form into 2020 with his latest “STTÆB” EPanother tour de force for his blossoming back-catalogue. Showcasing consistent progression and a four-to-the-floor approach to crafting propulsive Techno, the inaugural contribution to his own Slow Dancing To Techno imprint.
Written and interviewed by Leo Weaver
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has its musical roots dating back to the ‘90s. How so and who are the artists that drove the EP’s inspiration and ideas? DD: Dj Misjah, Mike Dearborn, Renato Cohen have always had an inspiration because their productions were top! In addition, starting out in the ’90s as a DJ has influenced my style today as a producer. Now that ‘STTÆB’ has been released, what’s next? DD: Release a single soon, with a late summer EP to follow, and a possible vinyl release as well.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and how the last couple of years have been for you personally and professionally? Danil Dejman: Growing up in Chicago, you see the scene evolving locally and globally. As an artist, it has helped me grow respectively on the creative side as well as the professional side. Having many renowned artists come out of Chicago has definitely been an inspiration, especially when you see your hometown heroes make it big. Chicago has a very rich and well-documented history in electronic music. When did you first discover the importance of Chicago’s scene and how did it set you on your path? DD: I would say around the year 2000 when I started slowly making my way through the scene, attending the parties, hearing what was being played, and gradually getting to play the local parties, bars, and small clubs. What is the mission of your new label imprint Slow Dancing To Techno? DD: The mission for Slow Dancing To Techno is to have that freedom of releasing my own music as well as the music of the artists I work closely with and to discover new artists that are dedicated to the craft and that fit the label. Your first EP release on the label is ‘STTÆB’ and
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It is becoming quite apparent that the current crisis of the Covid-19 pandemic is driving the music industry to evolve and change its traditional distribution, business and live performance models. In your opinion, is this a positive or a negative move? DD: In my opinion, it’s a positive move to some extent. Artists, labels, and promoters are coming up with creative ways to reach their following and keep them tuned in. It’s also difficult for artists who have lost a substantial amount of income at this time because the loss of gigs. With the digital age, an artist can only make so much with online record sales and streaming. Who is your favorite DJ/producer of all-time? DD: Joey Beltram. What is your “go-to” venue in Chicago and why? DD: I have two go-to venues, Smartbar & Spybar! The only two bars that focus on music and only music. You can basically walk in there naked, without being judged, and just have an amazing time! Lol Looking into the future, where do you see yourself in five years? DD: Touring the globe. Chicago White Sox or Chicago Cubs? DD: The Cubbies!
“I have two go-to [Chicago] venues, Smartbar & Spybar! The only two bars that focus on music and only music. You can basically walk in there naked, without being judged, and just have an amazing time!” —Daniel Dejman
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MARC ROMBOY
Over the course of the last two plus decades, the German born DJ, musician and composer Marc Romboy has become synonymous with a soulful electronic music sound that has taken him all over the world. As well as releasing on only the most influential labels, from Innervisions to Ovum and Kompakt to 20:20 Vision, he is also the sole mastermind behind the influential Systematic Recordings label and has been since 2004. In this Q&A, we get Marc talking about his latest release “ELKA,� his favorite piece of gear, his evolution as a composer and performer and his wide ranging list of musical influences.
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THE SOULFUL ELECTRONIC MUSICIAN TAKES THE TIMES AS THEY COME. Written & interviewed by JOSEPH ARTHUR
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“AFTER SCHOOL I STUDIED MEDICINE BUT I SPENT MORE TIME IN THE RECORD STORE THAN AT UNIVERSITY. AFTER THREE YEARS I DECIDED TO GIVE THE MUSIC A TRY.” —MARC ROMBOY
Your latest EP “ELKA” on These Eyes is a terrific release. What does it mean to you and what messages did you intend to pass along to the world through its music?
which is supposed to come out this year.
Marc Romboy: I did Elka as a follow up of “Trapped In An Orbit” which was my first release on the label in 2017. I had a clear mission to make a similar track as I finally found a label where I can experiment a bit with the slower (and maybe a bit more electronical) sounds.
MR: Yes, as a child I was pure record collector and I didn´t have any idea how to produce electronic music. Afterwards I became a DJ and during the last 15 years I became more and more a sound professor and composer. I think it´s a good evolution.
When did you start working on “ELKA,” where did the inspiration come from and what is the meaning of the EP’s title? MR: I started working on Elka in 2018 actually. I have a small collection of very old and unknown drum machines that I keep experimenting with. One day I grabbed a box from Elka and one from Vermona (a brand from the former GDR), and started jamming on it. The results are “Unreal Sun” and “Elka,“ it was great fun. Now that “ELKA” has been released, what’s next? MR: I do have another Kompakt (probably Speicher X) release throughout the year and right now I am in the middle of some collaborations, even cross-genre. I am working on a concept-album for a special label and there is also the recording of “Reconstructing Bach”
How have you evolved as a composer and a performer over the course of your career?
What is your favorite piece of gear/equipment and why? MR: When I started to produce electronic music around the beginning of the 90s, my most burning desire was to make music with the distinctive open hi-hat, kick drum and ride sounds of the TR-909. I even booked an advertisement in the local newspaper, but without success. A good friend from Brooklyn, Ralphie Dee gave me the hint to try my luck at a music shop in Manhattan called Rogue Music and hey, they could offer me one for around 2,000 USD. I scraped all my money together and ordered the machine and believe me, the day when the postman stood in front of my door, I was the luckiest person on earth. And what I really love about the 9090: The shuffle function. It´s so sexy and not to create with virtual instruments. The internal programming has something magical I can´t really describe. If you have the opportunity to try it out somewhere, please do it, you will LOVE it.
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Describe your career including life changing events, failures and dreams. MR: Well, after school I studied medicine, but I spent more time in the record store than at university. After three years I decided to give the music a try. This was exactly during the period when the Loveparade in Berlin became bigger and bigger. This was for sure the crucial milestone. You list some very interesting artists that influence you ranging from Kraftwerk, Daft Punk and Kiss to John Cage, The Residents, Iggy Pop and Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, just to name a few among many other iconic musicians. Why is it important to have a wide and extensive knowledge of cross musical genres as a composer, producer and DJ? MR: I don’t know whether this is really important but I assume that everybody gets inspired by mentors who were older and more experienced. I´m sure that in example Kraftwerk were inspired by Bach and Freddy Mercury by Debussy etc. I personally liked almost everything with big beats, i.e. New Order, Heaven 17, Yello and Grandmaster Flash. What was the very first concert you attended and did it influence you to become a musician? MR: It was in 1985 in the Cologne football stadium and I listened to Level 42 and Queen. Exciting times. If you were able to go back in time, which decade would you like to revisit and why? MR: Without any question the Berlin of the 1920s. I think those times were not that far away from the Berlin of the 90s and 00s. How have you kept yourself occupied during the Covid-19 pandemic? MR: I’m spending my time in the studio, so not that much has changed. I take the times as they come. There is nothing really you can do, right?
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“...I am working on a concept-album for a special label and there is also the recording of “Reconstructing Bach” which is supposed to come out this year.”—MARC ROMBOY
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!
He’ s [STILL]Got Game ...and it’s more than just Sandstorm WRITTEN & INTERVIEWED BY JOSEPH WENSELL PHOTOGRAPHY BY NANA SIMELIUS
2019 marked twenty years since the release of Toni-Ville Henrik Virtanen’s (more famously known as Darude) eponymous track “Sandstorm” that has gone on to sell millions of units and widely featured in the media, particularly at sporting events and on soundtracks for video games and television shows. There is much more to this talented musician. For instance, did you know that he represented Finland in the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 with the song “Look Away” with singer Sebastian Rejman? Did you know that he spent eight months of last year working with Finland’s Red Cross? Did you know that he is a fan of Metallica? Did you know that he is pretty good hockey player? We dig in and get him talking about these topics along with a few other nuggets-all things Darude.
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How are you and how are you spending your days during the Covid-19 pandemic? Darude: I’m great, thank you, though admittedly somewhat cabin fevered and at times losing my sh*t with it, but my family is healthy, we’ve got food and a roof over our heads, we’re together, so I can’t complain – a lot of people have much worse conditions going on. I’m trying to keep a regular studio rhythm going on, and I live stream 3 times a week on Twitch: Mondays are IN DA STUDIO, which is studio & production based, Wednesdays are DIAL IT IN, a WhatsApp chat with fans and peers, and Fridays are VIBING OUT, a DJ set based on the vibes I’m feeling that week. Tell us about your recent involvement with the Finnish Red Cross and why it was important to you.
LOOKING BACK ❱❱
WHAT WAS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT MUSICAL EXPERIENCE THAT HAPPENED TO YOU IN 2019?
Darude: I took part in a huge collaboration between 150+ Finnish artists, singers, music and video producers and other music industry professionals initiated by Lauri Tähkä, one of our most beloved stars in Finland. The song is a hopeful and catchy sing-a-long piece that I made a little synth and bassline for and I’m very happy and proud to have taken part in the creation and publication of the song! 100% of the proceeds go to the Finnish Red Cross and the funds are directed to helping out those suffering due to the Covid-19 pandemic. You represented Finland in the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest and presented the track “Look Away”with The Giant Leap front man Sebastian Rejman. Tell us about that experience.
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Darude: Oh boy… That project spanned over 8 months, so there would be an enormous amount of things to tell, but it was a grand ride for sure. Sebastian and I were friends before, now we’re deeply bonded for life. He’s an amazing dude on top of being the talented writer and singer and testosterone oozing stage performer he is! The first part of the journey was the Finnish national final, UMK, where one of our 3 songs, “Look Away,” was chosen to be the representative song in Tel Aviv in May at the Eurovision Song Contest. It was a great experience with the best-of-the-best Finnish TV professionals, but the main event, ESC, in Israel was just mind-blowing. It was big, it was well-organized and it was incredibly valuable to get to see and do that kind of production in front of 10 thousand people in the live audience plus the tens of millions live TV and online viewers. The whole UMK crew was fantastic and I’m very thankful I got to experience it
all with them. In 2019 and into the early days of 2020, you spent a great deal of time touring the world. Which city, venue and green room stands out as the most incredible? Darude: That’s always a gnarly question, because bowing one direction means mooning the other (a fun Finnish saying :D). But for the interview’s sake, I’ll mention my NYE 2020 show in Portland, Oregon at 45 East. It was such an energy-filled and happy night. The crowd went nuts all night, the sound, light & visual setup in that venue is top notch, and my midnight ball drop timing was perfect if I do say so myself! It was a special night for sure.
“I HAD A BOYS’ NIGHT OUT, SAW METALLICA PLAY LIVE FOR 55K CRAZY FANS IN FINLAND AND WE WERE IN THE SNAKE PIT BEING SWEATED ON BY JAMES HETFIELD.” —DARUDE What is “Dial It In” and what are some of the most interesting topics callers submitted? Darude: It’s my Wednesday live stream on Twitch where I take WhatsApp messages from viewers and respond to their questions. I’ll even call some of them live on the stream and will also aim to do a call with a peer – like last week Myon and I had a great half an hour convo! People have messaged in great comments and questions. We’ve covered everything so far from being stuck inside on lockdown – how is everyone coping where they are located, to who is my favorite DJ. It’s been a wide range of topics and I am super excited to see where the conversation goes each week. It’s great to get to connect with people in this way.
2019 marked 20 years since the release of Sandstorm. Explain the track’s extraordinary longevity and popularity. Have you seen an uptick/resurgence in streams for “Sandstorm” over the last year and if so, what is the contributing factor/reason? Darude: Ha, if I only knew, I would’ve made a couple of dozen other sandstorms… ;) I don’t know, many people have their theories and I believe everyone’s is as good as mine. It’s simple, yet apparently not easy to get sick of (for many), it’s got a distinct sound you recognize from a fraction of a second really, it’s got a lot of energy, it’s uplifting and that all is in the music, the sounds, not in lyrical form, so the possible message you take from it is formed you by yourself. I don’t know Beatselector Magazine | May/June 2020 | 59
if there’s been a resurgence over the last year, but I’m happy of course that there have been various memes and occasions in the recent years’ pop culture where’s it’s popped up in some potato flute or symphonic orchestra form and gotten the original back in people’s minds as well. What is your impression of the redux of “Sandstorm” on Alex Christensen & The Berlin Orchestra’s Classical 90s Dance Volume 3? Darude: It’s great! There are tens or hundreds of more typical electronic bootleg remixes, some good and some not so, but that one is something with more depth and obviously human touch. Seeing and hearing this kind of thing gives me great sense of validation as back in the day I heard very often belittling things about dance music, you know, it’s just “push the button” stuff, it’s not real music, it’s blah this blah that and hearing something I made in this kind of context makes me and perhaps other people realise that electronic dance music can be equally meaningful and have emotion provoking aspects to it as “traditional real music” :) I’ve also been incredibly proud of this one put together by dear friends. The whole Classical Trancelations in Concert, and their full orchestral version of “Sandstorm” with a choir was simply magnificent: https://areena.yle.fi/1-50007533?seek=6618
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What new music are you working on in 2020? Darude: Several new tracks in progress, but the lockdown situation did put a little kink in our plans, as I was going to do a tour starting this summer around a series of releases, which now won’t happen due to the Covid-19 pandemic. I will be releasing other music in the meanwhile though, so stay tuned. What was the most significant musical experience that happened to you in 2019? Darude: I had a boys’ night out, saw Metallica play live for 55k crazy fans in Finland and we were in the Snake Pit being sweated on by James Hetfield. How’s your hockey game these days? Darude: I got game! ;) But in reality, I had way too little time on ice this season, which, now of course due to the lockdown also ended a bit short. Hopefully we’ll be able to get back out on the ice in the fall! Beatselector Magazine | May/June 2020 | 61
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FROM THE ARCHIVES
“SOME PEOPLE ABSOLUTELY THINK I HAVE TO LIVE UP TO IT. EVERY TIME I RELEASE SOMETHING TO A RECORD COMPANY, THEY USUALLY COMPARE IT TO ‘SANDSTORM.’ NOTHING WILL EVER BE AS BIG AS THAT HIT WAS FOR ME. THAT’S NOT PESSIMISM OR ME HANGING MY HEAD DOWN, IT’S JUST, DUDE, NOBODY KNEW THAT TRACK WOULD BECOME AS BIG AS IT DID.” —DARUDE, ISSUE 11, NOVEMBER 2017
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REVIEWS PRODUCT
“Headphones For The Gods” AIAIAI TMA-2 MODULAR HEADPHONES
With the headphone market being extremely oversaturated and at the same time expectations being very high, we decided to do you a favor and find you a great pair. Undoubtably, 2019 was a remarkable year for the headphone market. Sales reached over 96.7 million, which represents a growth of 53%, but in the middle of all of the blood, sweat and competition, AIAIAI’s TMA-2 modular headphone system stands out and delivers incredibly with enhanced function and performance. So a couple of weeks ago was the “Day of Reckoning,” my AIAIAI TMA-2 modular headphones arrived in the mail. The very first time I put them on I felt like I stepped into a different room I really couldn’t believe it. The over-the-ear padding on the ear cushions make for a really comfortable fit, suitable for long-term wear, and also really did a lot for enhancing noise cancellation. Next was to try out my new toy during an evening recording session that I had scheduled previously and the TMA-2 modular headphones by AIAIAI didn’t disappoint, performing great on isolating highs while I was tweeking a mix in the studio, which was very impressive to me. I actually caught some things I didn’t previously hear in my prior mix sessions. The TMA-2 frequency response is extremely accurate and the low end dynamics are far above average. An audio device with good frequency response is able to play all the low, middle, and high tones
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REVIEWS PRODUCT
correctly and in the proper proportion to each other translating to our ears as rich, vibrant sound and I must say the TMA-2 delivers without a doubt. The overall quality easily places AIAIAI headphones amongst the sound leaders of the audio industry.
is what makes these headphones a game changer, you can swap out the ear pads, the speaker units, the headband and the cables, making them very fun to have and AIAIAI should easily own the market with these features.
The TMA-2 modular headphones are an ideal choice for eliminating noise bleeding issues which will work great for any Dj live at a party, on the mix, or even someone doing a little personal listening in public or just hanging out around the house.
MY OVERALL IMPRESSION: Very crisp sound quality, comfortable and durable design, along with fun interchangeable parts, allowing you to build your own pair makes the TMA-2 a definite winner. So, let’s say if God himself had his own pair of headphones, I think they would be made by AIAIAI.
Definitely multi-functional, but the modular system
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—Shon Murdock
TRUSTED BY... CHARLOTTE DE WITTE
KAYTRANADA
BONOBO
BRODANSE
MNVP
www.aiaiai.audio Beatselector Magazine | May/June 2020 | 69
REVIEWS
ALBUMS
{
Indispensable Essential Good Fair Poor
}
PAUL VAN DYK ESCAPE REALITY VANDIT
On April 17 of 2020, Paul van Dyk released a collection of 16 songs, surprising us that it was not typical of the style of PvD’s music we have come to know and love. In an unprecedented move mirroring unprecedented times, Paul has decided to delay his highly anticipated dancefloor-centric “Guiding Light” album on ice until the day that clubbing starts to make sense again, hopefully sometime this Summer. Out of even the most troubling and challenging moments, the decison to delay the release “Guiding Light” has paved the way for a real treat— “Escape Reality” —a personal project that Paul has had
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in mind for release for some time now. With unexpected events giving its theme higher purpose, he sequestered himself in the studio to complete it. “Escape Reality” has given PvD the opportunity to take a second look at some of his best-known works. The remakes reflect warmer tones, slower and more considered tempos, it has allowed him to reframe each track in a remarkably different and distinctive manner. Life’s opportunities can unexpectantly present themselves in many ways,
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REVIEWS ALBUMS and for Paul, one did. This change in sound direction should be wholly embraced as it is a gorgeous redux of his classic tracks including “For An Angel,” “Guardian,” “The Ocean,” “Music Rescues Me,” and several more. Paul’s focus of implementing sophisticated orchestration, acoustic intrumentation and vocals for the album becomes fully apparent with the opening track, “Guardian” featuring Aly & Fila and vocalist Sue McLaren. The track instantly sets a peaceful and calming mood, especially needed for the times we are currently living in. Joining Paul for this much needed music therapy session are Jessus, Adham Ashraf, Tricia McTeague, Pierre Pienaar, Hemstock & Jennings, Plumb, Wayne Johnson, Johnny McDaid, Mark Eteson, Starkillers, Austin Leeds, Ashley Tomberlin, Vega4, Emanuele Barveri, Braveri, Rebecca Louise Burch, and Arty. Listeners will also hear the influence of Paul’s studio mate Roger Shah, adding blissful sounds and “feels” of warmth, slower pacing and tempos. Speaking to the album’s release, Paul explains: “Last month (March 2020) it quickly became apparent that putting out an album designed for the dance floor ‘Guiding Light’ in a largely club-less world would not be right. So focusing on music-making and a release whose function is now more intimate made a lot of sense. Music became my remedy. When I got underway, much of the personal apprehension I’d been feeling moved into the background. Impasses that I’d previously reached on certain tracks vanished, new ideas popped and angles appeared. It was a remarkable final production month to something I’d enjoyed playing with for years, and a specific reason to finish it became its tipping point. This project was, to the greatest extent, waiting in the wings. Reality can be unkind and while this release isn’t a remedy, it might play its part in helping us to clam down, relax,
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dream and escape reality.” “Escape Reality” clocks in at just under 1 hour and 30 minutes. While I could enighten you with thoughts and words on each and every track on “Escape Reality,” fans of Paul van Dyk and his pristine canon of compositions really do not need to read a detailed impression of the songs laid out, they already know Therefore, I’ll simply list what the highlights are and they include: “The Ocean” with Arty; “For An Angel;” “Guardian;” “New York;” “Heart Like An Ocean” and “Only A Dream” both featuring the sublime vocalist Tricia McTeague; “Home;” ”The Other Side” and “Music Rescues Me” featuring emotional and beautiful vocals of Paul’s longtime friend Johnny McDaid. As I come to the conclusion of this review, I looked outside form my home office window. It’s the beginning of May 2020 and the temperature is in the 20s and believe it or not, it’s snowing! It should be warm, sunny and a time of rebirth of springtime flowers, birdsong and blooming trees. Wishing and thinking I need to chill, I hit the replay button! As we all continue to suffer and perservere through these unprecedented and unpredicatble times, overflowing with anxiety, fear, disappointment and frustration, this offering from Paul and company provide us with an opportunity to close our eyes, take a deep breath and allow the music to wash away all these feelings, albiet for just a moment. “Escape Reality” is the perfect remedy for whatever ailes you. Take the time and put aside an hour and a half, put the album on, relax, light a candle and turn the lights off. The end result will be greater sense of self, reflection, priorities and love. I for one, thank him. —Joseph Arthur
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REVIEWS ALBUMS
CRAIG CONNELLY A SHARPER EDGE BLACK HOLE RECORDINGS
Three years ago Craig Connelly debuted with his LP “One Second Closer.” For Craig himself the three year break provided him the time to evolve as a producer and elevate him from a promising name to major contender. With the arenas and festivals getting bigger and his music drawing evermore DJ air & set time, comes ever-greater expectation. “A Sharper Edge,” releasing on May 15, 2020, will meet all expectations. “One Second Closer’ enjoys the massive success of 8-million-Spotify streams and this new album is poised to do the same, alluding to Craig’s unlike-anyother approach. Described at the core of its production lies something that is the result of - if not quite soul searching by Craig, then certainly some introspection.
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“I wanted to try a non-traditional approach to this album,” says the Manchester born-andbased DJ, “and I thought a little pre-production mental exercise might give me some insight. So before ‘A Sharper Edge’s day-one, I crunched what seemed important in my life and more and more four words kept popping back. So when I sat down to compose each track, I tried to bring one of the four - Destiny, Energy, Travel or Optimism to my foreground and subsequently channel it into that piece of music. Whilst all the tracks represent a more radio or club focused sound, every one was designed to have its own story - regardless of whether it has lyrics or not. Even the instrumentals were written with the intention of being anchored in a strong human emotion or feeling. This album is the biggest and most rewarding body of music I’ve ever produced, I’ve never felt as satisfied with any project as I do with this one. I would love for my fans to walk away from this record with a sense they just heard something which resonated with their life experiences, and they can feel optimistic about the future.” —Craig Connelly “A Sharper Edge” features seven vocals and seven instrumentals. Must hear tracks include: “California;” “Tranceatlantic;” “Earth Dimension C-137;” “Life Half Lived” featuring Karina Ramage and Cammie Robinson’s fabulous vocals on “Run Away” are simply brilliant. Also worth noting are the tracks “Sonic Grey,” “Everyone Loves A Triplet,” ‘Watch The Way You Move” and “Anything Like You.” “A Sharper Edge” has all the essential goods allowing Craig Connelly to the rise in the Trance ranks. —Catherine Strickland
REVIEWS ALBUMS
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REVIEWS ALBUMS DJ Harvey during his summer residency at Pikes Ibiza, and the band had tracks on both his Mercury Rising compilations. The singles “Kills & Kisses,” “Obey” and “Slippery People” (their fantastic cover of Talking Heads’ classic) has further demonstrated their unique and flawless production that is capturing the hearts and dance-floors around the world.
RHEINZAND RHEINZAND MUSIC FOR DREAMS
Rheinzand is a collaborative project between Reinhard Vanbergen, the multi-instrumentalist producer, Charlotte Caluwaerts and Mo Disko from the renowned duo The Glimmers. Rheinzand’s songs are a mixture of dance music’s rich history, giving nods to old and new genres, forgotten and popular scenes in order to create their own take on today’s musical landscape. Their exotic style caught the ears of Kenneth Bager’s label Music For Dreams on which they have released their debut self titled album on May 8, 2020. “Blind” was the first single of this musical adventure and was aimed straight for the dance-floor. The track was championed by
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Rheinzand played many Festivals in 2019 and has created a strong following. Live on stage they are accompanied by the likes of Stéphane Misseghers (dEUS) on drums and Bruno Coussée (Manngold) on bass. Hailing from Gent, Belgium the band’s release of the self titled album hints back to the days of disco, new wave and pop from the late 70s and early 80s, however, they place a modern day spin on songs built for todays exciting electronic dance music scene. 11 songs deep, the digital album and double vinyl release enjoyed lots of hype leading up the official release and after one listen, you realize why. The music is infectious, groovy and fresh and the vocals, well, Charlotte is exquisite. There are several songs on this debut that will no doubt fill dancefloors the world over. In addition to the the lead single “Blind,” other burners include the funky and exotic “Synti,” “Strange World” and “You Don’t Know Me” channeling the spirit f Donna Summer and “Obey” is an instant modern day disco classic. “Rheinzand” has delivered an epic and stunning collection of songs for that will stand up for years to come. —Joseph Arthur
REVIEWS ALBUMS
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REVIEWS ALBUMS vocal bass. Yellow Claw makes appearances on four tracks, opening with “Supernoize,” that opened the album’s tracklist and announced it as a single release back in January 2020; following up with “Beat Your Mother” featuring Radical Redemption and Lil Texas, “Let There Be Bass” with Dither, as well as “Free Your Mind” with Crisis Era. Barong Family pulled off a label-wide album with flying colors, and we can’t wait to see what exotic location inspires their next one!
VARIOUS ARTISTS HARD IN BANGKOK BARONG FAMILY
The official Press Release pitch goes like this. After a three-part series of mini-releases, Barong Family’s highly anticipated “Hard in Bangkok” LP is finally out in full force! Although travel is limited for many listeners right now, the album will whisk you away to Thailand’s capital city, where 14 artists of the Barong crew gathered to hang out, exchange ideas, and as a result of the production camp, made new music. “Hard in Bangkok” brims with its spirit, from the cacophonous and frenzied theme of hardstyleinfluenced, hard-hitting tracks like “Tom Yam Disco” from Sihk and Stoltenhoff to the downand-dirty, booty-shaking vibe of RayRay and Crisis Era’s “Naughty.” There’s even “BKK to LA,” which is Rawtek & LNY TNZ’s trap answer to
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Jim Taihuttu and Nils Rondhuis are the talented duo behind Yellow Claw, the electronic music artist project that has been changing the game in bass music since 2013. Their heavy, hip-hop-influenced, and clubready sound began on their early tracks like “DJ Turn It Up” and “In My Room” ft. Ty Dolla $ign & Tyga - which collectively are about to surpass 300M streams on Spotify alone and both have been certified Gold. Yellow Claw’s 2015’s debut album “Blood For Mercy” hit #1 on Billboard’s Heat Seekers Chart, Top Dance/Electronic Albums Chart, and scored an Edison Award the Dutch equivalent of GRAMMY. They haven’t slowed down since, with a packed tour calendar that included last year’s epic takeover of the LA’s iconic Shrine Auditorium to a crowd of 7K people, and their work with Barong Family label. Stay tuned for more new music from this readyready crew coming this year and pick up this album. —Leo Weaver
REVIEWS ALBUMS
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REVIEWS
EPs
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SEVEN LIONS
FIND ANOTHER WAY OPHELIA RECORDS A year and half since Seven Lion’s last release, “Start Again,” a new five track EP has just been released. “Find Another Way” on Ophelia blends beautiful acoustic songwriting and vocal performances, heavy and melodic dubstep, psytrance, piano and trance influences, precisely tuned sound design and even chilled-out house. It delivers! The EP features guest appearances with Au5 and Crystal Skies on the opener “Remember,”Tyler Graves on tracks two and three “Only Now” and Senseless”, April Bender on track four
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“Another Way”and Halien on the closing track “What’s Done is Done.” This EP is a collection of songs showcasing extraordinary talent and creative imagination. Seven Lions’ last EP enjoyed tens of millions streams. This new release has the goods to accomplish that same feat. As Seven Lions’ stock continues climb within the electronic music sphere, you can be assured a great and diverse listening experience on “Find Another Way.” —Leo Weaver
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REVIEWS EPs
ALFREDO MAZZILLI ALCHEMY PLANET RHYTHM RECORDS
Born and raised in Italy, Alfredo Mazzilli discovered his passion for music from a very young age which initially led him to cultivate an interest in the guitar and, subsequently, to enter the electronic music scene, a genre that has permeated his professional career ever since. In December 2019, his track “Murder Situation,” released on Planet Rhythm, was voted as one of the best tracks of the year that allowed him to win the Raving Spoon Award. On March 31, 2020, Mazzilli dropped his latest EP, a four track contemporary gem titled “Alchemy.” Heavy and fast paced drum beats and rhythms dominate this release along with intricate synth work, provides you with a powerful soundscape of modern techno music that not only leaves a lasting impression, but also showcases the young producer as a tour de force in larger-than-life sound design. —Leo Weaver
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REVIEWS EPs
JACKLNDN DEEPER RUNA
jackLNDN’s brand new EP, Deeper, described by Insomniac as “the new face of house music,” is now available for your consumption. The goal and concept for this new EP came into thought after his album Thoughts last year. jackLNDN set out on another journey for this EP. “What does it mean to get to know someone on a deep level in this day and age? Can we do it better? How do you capture that feeling and deliver it in terms of sonics?” These were the questions Jack sought to answer in this release. “Deeper” consists of 5 “chill” flavored tracks featuring soft vocals with romanticized lyrics, intricate and contrasting rhythms and moody melodies against varying degrees of tempo. In short, “Deeper” explores relationships and its from jackLNDN’s own perspective. Musically speaking it is deep. —Catherine Strickland Beatselector Magazine | May/June 2020 | 83
REVIEWS EPs
LEVELA AXIOM CRITICAL MUSIC
Levela is a U.K. based drum and bass Dj and producer that is making some very interesting sounds. Fact is, he’s been creating and developing his creative musical strokes for years, beginning when he just 13 years old, coming to the realization that he wanted get in to music production industry. Years on, he’s now at point where he is crafting exquisite dnb tracks, with a-list collaborators and unique sound design that separates him from the typical and usual d’n’b coming out these days. Levela’s latest EP, “Axiom” for Critical Music is a four-track package featuring Jakes, Particla and Kasra. There are many elements that showcase throughout the EP, but none more so than the great authoritative samples, sirens and beats and the vocals- how they are used and how they contribute to the EP’s over-all theme. Brilliant stuff. —Leo Weaver
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REVIEWS EPs
NICKY ROMERO REDEFINE PROTOCOL RECORDINGS
Nicky Romero’s latest EP “Redfine” delivers three high-energy tracks brimming with progressive builds, lots of bounce, percussion, and off the table drops, everything we’ve come to expect from the Protocol Recordings chief. The music represents his vision modern dance music, but also draws on his roots.”Redefined” kicks off with “I See,” the first single released back in January. One listen and you’ll understand this EP was “all a buzz” leading up to its March 27th release. The second cut, “Time,” presents highenergy dance music as well, giving way to the closer, “Replica”- a guaranteed hot and sweaty dance floor filler. Historically, Nicky Romero has always released high quality electronic dance music. “Redfined” showcases the musical evolution of this prolific producer with its three white-hot tracks featuring sonic sound design of both old and new. —Joseph Arthur Beatselector Magazine | May/June 2020 | 85
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SINGLES
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UPPERMOST
WHEN THE BIRDS START SINGING UPPWIND RECORDS
Uppermost’s latest single, “When The Birds Start Singing” dropped on March 20th via his imprint Uppwind Records. The new track has moody and emotional atmospheres, “searing electronics” a hypnotic melody, bounce, and heavier synthesizers that flashback to his past rock-centric influences. The self-taught DJ and producer from Bordeaux, France native elaborates: “Hearing the birds in the early morning truly warms my heart and inspires me. It feels like they are celebrating the sun coming
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back while the sky is still fully dark.” When you listen, you cannot deny that Uppermost is hitting his stride as an upcoming songwriter and producer to watch. “When The Birds Start Singing” moodiness is brilliantly peppered with brightness and optimism placing this listener in space of relaxation and peace, and yet, feeling warm fuzzy with anticipation for the warmer months of summer. —Catherine Strickland
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REVIEWS SINGLES
GLOBAL WYN (WATCH YOUR NECK) CIRCUS RECORDS
“The inspiration behind ‘WYN (Watch Your Neck)’ was to create something weird, dramatic and different. I wanted to create a sound that would resonate with listeners as a signature Gl0bal track. I really enjoy incorporating orchestral elements with distinct heavy basslines to create my music, and I believe the wonky production featured on ‘WYN (Watch Your Neck)’ highlights my distinct sound.” - Gl0balThe multi-talented Canadian producer has dabbled in trap, hip-hop, and dubstep, and with this latest single for Circus Records- ‘WYN (Watch Your Neck)’ you get a bass and trap hybrid featuring intense synths, weird sound effects, a touch of the mystic and a kick ass bass drop. Built with head bangers in mind, the track showcases the young producer’s vision of a no holds barred approach to crafting heavy trap beats. He nailed it! —Leo Weaver
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REVIEWS SINGLES
LUIS RODRIGUEZ NOT YA EGO MUSIC
Luis Rodriguez is a Italian Dj & producer based in Naples who started releasing music in 2012. He’s known for the official theme song of Italian cult TV series “Gomorra,” the official remix for Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike’s “Mammoth” and his Eiffel 65’s “Blue” official remix, amassing over 2.5 million streaming plays. Beginning in 2016 Rodriguez embarked on his solo career with his first releases, bootlegs and mash-ups earning support from DJs all over the world including Tiësto and Hardwell. At the end of March, Rodriguez dropped his latest single for EGO titled “Not Ya” and it features a dope and unforgettable female hook. Right from the start, fans of Rodriguez’s previous works will instantly be enthralled as it gives a lasting impression as it gets stuck in your mind and ears. Bank on it! —Joseph Arthur Beatselector Magazine | May/June 2020 | 89
REVIEWS SINGLES
ROOFTIME BLIND EGO MUSIC
Rooftime is made up of Lisandro Carvalho and brothers Gabriel and Rodrigo Souza Pinto whose ideas came together once they were on the house roof instead of college, even before such ideas were put into practice in the studio. Their talent in music production was recognized even before performing live for the first time. Brazilian DJ Vintage Culture was the first host of this journey, by releasing the single “I Will Find” with the trio in September 2018. The trio began 2020 with a bang releasing a very strong track “Free My Mind” with Brazilian dance music star Alok and the duo Dubdogz, which, in just three days, reached 1 million plays on Spotify. Following up “Free My Mind” Rooftime’s new single “Blind” is a departure from the usual presenting new sounds that are deep, magical and soothing. —Joseph Arthur
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REVIEWS SINGLES
SHAUN FRANK ON YOUR MIND PHYSICAL PRESENTS
Multi-platinum selling DJ/Producer Shaun Frank’s resume reads like this. He helped The Chainsmokers’ Andrew Taggart write and compose the Billboard #1 single and Diamond certified hit ‘Closer’ in the back of a tour bus,(true story) has worked with Steve Aoki, Oliver Heldens, DVBBS, KSHMR, and has performed on world’s biggest stages including Tomorrowland and EDC Las Vegas. The Toronto based producer has a new single out, this time starring of Alicia Moffet, a rising talent in her own right for ‘On Your Mind.’ You’ll hear influences from the classic house canon without a doubt, and when the poppy sounds and vocals come in full, view, you’ll be experiencing a perfectly crafted radio friendly hit. As stated in the Single’s Press Release ‘On Your Mind’ allows the listener to embrace the world of warm summer fantasies. It does just that. —Catherine Strickland Beatselector Magazine | May/June 2020 | 91
