BEATSELECTOR Magazine July/August 2019

ON THE HEELS OF CASSIUS' TRAGIC LOSS OF PHILIPPE ZDAR COMES THE FABULOUS ALBUM DREEMS!

FATIMA HAJJI "AMERICA, ARE YOU LISTENING? YOU SHOULD BE!"

BEN STERLING HIS FANATSEE REACHES REALITY

ADELINE

SURRENDERING TO THE WAVES OF THIS MAGIC OCEAN CALLED LIFE

MARK SHERRY GOES DEEP INSIDE HIS NEW ALBUM "CONFIRM HUMANITY"

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HERNÁN CATTÁNEO LUKE POTTER NAATIONS NORA EN PURE BUKU FONK RECORDINGS NEWS & NEW MUSIC PREVIEWS

FAITH In The Product LOYALTY To The Client LOVE For The Consumer

TW BS teamweasal.com

B EATSELECTOR Moving Electronic Music Forward

July/August 2019

PUBLISHER

JOSEPH WENSELL CONTRIBUTORS Caitlin Cline Catherine Strickland Chloe Aiello Cody Miller Cory Royster Erik L. Richardson Fred Lee James Arena Joseph Arthur Karin Haslinger Leo Weaver Payton Gerencir Stephanie Hernandez Vladimir Jean-Philippe Zach Miller

EDITORIAL REQUESTS

editor@beatselectormagazine.com

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GENERAL INQUIRIES

info@beatselectormagazine.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS

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inside JULY/AUGUST 2019

86

COVER FEATURE

FATIMA HAJJI

In today's male dominated world of professional DJing, Spain’s Fatima Hajji has been steadily growing her fan base through hard work, perseverance and a self described unrelenting determination. For nearly twenty years, she’s been perfecting her cutting edge, hard and punchy Techno music and taking stage performance to a level that many strive for. She has rocked the stages and crowds all over Europe, Asia and recently in the USA. With major projects on the way, including a remix project of DJ Pierre’s “Acid Track,” a new Dejavu event concept and a new EP, it’s prime time for Fatima and we could not be more excited to land this interview and feature this phenomenal musician, performer and entrepreneur.

inside JULY/AUGUST 2019

Features 68 BEN STERLING

Influenced by his family's 70-80s disco collection, modern electro, Chicago house and Detroit techno, and at just 18 years old, he's already impressing some of the world's biggest stars.

72 ADELINE

With a strong sense of self and an ability to lay down hypnotizing chords and wobbly bass next to magic melodies, Adeline’s own playful vocals are the icing on the cake, and her fans eat it up!

76 MARK SHERRY

Mark Sherry dives deep about his new full length album "Confirm Humanity," the “whys”, “hows” and more in this great interview with guest contributor and Trance music’s authority, Tim Stark.

Departments

22 ICYMI

ROUND-UP OF RECENT NEWS FROM AROUND THE WEB.

34 NEW MUSIC PREVIEWS

ABOVE & BEYOND, CRAIG CONNELLY & FACTOR B, FRANKIE KNUCKLES & ERIC KUPPER, HYPRESSION, JP LANTIERI, MOON BOOTS, ROGER SHAH, TIMMY TRUMPET, AND TRINTONAL.

54 ON TOUR

BUKU HITS THE ROAD THIS FALL WITH HIS VERY OWN 'CRUISIN' USA' TOUR WHICH WILL MAKE ITS WAY THROUGH THIRTY DIFFERENT CITIES IN TWENTYTWO STATES ACROSS THE NATION. CHECK THE DATES!

56 BUZZ WORTHY/ARTIST PROFILES HERNÁN CATTÁNEO, LUKE POTTER, NAATIONS, NORA EN PURE.

64 LABEL WATCH

Q&A WITH BIG ROOM GIANT & FONK RECORDINGS BOSS DAAN ROMERS AKA DANNIC.

98 CD/EP/SINGLES MUSIC REVIEWS

IS THE CHEMICAL BROTHERS' LATEST RELEASE "NO GEOGRAPHY" WORTH THE HYPE? READ THE REVIEW AND FIND OUT WHAT OUR CRITIC HAD TO SAY.

[OPENING NOTES] Written by Joseph Wensell

JULY/AUGUST

2019 Our July/August 2019 issue of BEATSELECTOR Magazine is as hot as the heatwave dominating most of the United States. Spain's Fatima Hajji graces the cover and gives us an indepth interview to treat you with. Our other features include Q&As with the U.K.'s rising star Ben Sterling, Sweden's Adeline and Trance giant Mark Sherry.

him about how the first three years of his label Fonk Recordings is going and what's on the horizon. After hearing the news of the tragic passing of Cassius's Philippe Zda, just two days before the release of the duo's newest offering, we couldn't pass up the opportunity to write about the glorious music on their album Dreems. Also inside, we have write-ups on a few new and recent music releases deserving attention that should be on your radar and must have lists. So, as the heat continues to blaze on, go inside this issue and you'll find it chock full of cool content for you to consume.

Read on!

Hernรกn Cattรกneo, Luke Potter, NAATIONS and Nora En Pure receive our "Buzz Worthy"/ Artist Profile treatment, plus we list dates for Bass music master BUKU's 2019 'Cruisin' USA' tour, which will make its way through thirty different cities in twenty-two states across the nation. For this issue's Label Watch, we revisit with Daan Romers aka DANNIC, catching up with

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[ICYMI] Insomniac Announces Lineup For 5th Edition Of Dreamstate SoCal At The NOS Events Center NE W S F R O M A R OUND T HE WE B

Beatselector Staff | FESTIVAL NEWS

Get ready, trance fam—Insomniac has announced the complete lineup for Dreamstate SoCal, featuring more than 45 of the genre’s top artists. Returning to NOS Events Center, Friday, Nov. 22 and Saturday, Nov. 23, the most anticipated trance event of the year will combine Insomniac’s unparalleled production and stage design with eye-catching art installations and performers to create a uniquely enhanced atmosphere that will leave Headliners in awe.

The fifth edition of Dreamstate will dive deep into all sub-genres throughout the two-day festival, offering Headliners an eclectic roster of trance’s hottest names, such as the debut of Abraxis (Seven Lions psytrance project with Dimibo), Above and Beyond, Astrix, Vini Vici and critically acclaimed producer, Gaudium.

This year, fans will experience John O’Callaghan’s alias Joint Operations Centre while Bryan Kearney will showcase KARNEY. In addition, German talent Cold Blue will be delivering a Winter Album Showcase. Dreamstate will also bring exclusive B2B sets including Skypatrol (Standerwick & ReOrder) and the world debut of AA meeting (John Askew and Activa), along with debuts by Pathfinders, Fables, and Ashley Smith vs. Maria Healey. Trance classics from the iconic Space Brothers and Japan native Yoji Biomehanika will be providing unmatched showcases alongside legendary names such as Johan Gielen and Kai Tracid.

Last year, Headliners journeyed through the dimensions of Dreamstate and towards a higher state of consciousness, forming a community that thrived even after the music stopped.

As North America’s largest trance event, Dreamstate broke barriers in 2018 and featured unforgettable sets by Ace Ventura, Vini Vici, Paul Van Dyk, Artic Moon vs. Ram and more.

For more information and tickets visit SoCal.DreamstateUSA.com.

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[ICYMI] Flower Power Is Back!

Pacha Ibiza Kicks Off Its 39th Season With New Novelities, New Rooms & A New DJ Resident N E W S F R O M A R OUND T HE WE B

Beatselector Staff | CLUB & VENUE NEWS

Flower Power by Pacha inaugurated its thirty-ninth season on May 29th. A summer in which the legendary party by the cherry club has many reasons to celebrate coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Woodstock, the event that changed the history of rock music and an entire generation.

From those values of peace, love and freedom emerged Flower Power by Pacha Ibiza on an original idea by Piti Urgell, who after decades at the head of the booth, this summer gives the musical magic of the party to DJ Joan Ribas. Resident of Pacha since 1987, if there is a DJ who knows the spirit of Ibiza parties, it’s Joan Ribas, who will make the dance floor move this summer at Flower Power by Pacha every Wednesday with the best of soul, funky and rock of the 60s, 70s and 80s. Next to him, DJ Mariano, another indissociable name from the island's music scene.

Together they will put the soundtrack to the Main Room, where the Flower Power magic comes alive with incredible shows and musical performances under the artistic direction of Made in Italy Ibiza. In addition, Flower Power presents this summer two new rooms: Pacha chá by Pandora with DJ Oliver and Javi Muñoz, and Funky Room by Elements with Kintar and guests. Every Wednesday until October 2nd, Pacha Ibiza transforms into a kaleidoscope of 60 sounds,psychedelia, show and hippie-glam.

Visit Pacha.com for more details and ticket information.

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[ICYMI] N E W S F R O M A R OUND T HE WE B

Bilbao BBK Live Reasserts Its Place Among Europe’s Top Festivals + 2020 Dates Announced Beatselector Staff | FESTIVAL NEWS

Bilbao BBK Live bids a grand farewell to its 14th edition, boasting the most contemporary roster in the festival's history with artists such as The Strokes, giving one of the best performances their only Spanish show this year; Rosalía, a star who knows no borders with a live show to match the calibre of her music; Brockhampton, a rap collective in the prime of their powers; the indispensable Liam Gallagher; Thom Yorke, with his solo project; and Vetusta Morla, who had the whole festival singing along to their hits. Also worthy of special mention were Saturday night's performances, having drawn 37,000 people who rocked out to Weezer's show, The Good, the Bad, & the Queen, Vince Staples, Hot Chip and 2manydjs, all seeing out the 14th edition in climactic style.

Bilbao BBK Live has consolidated itself as one of the most important festivals in Europe, with people from over 100 countries among its audience. The campground once again proved one of the favorite lodging options, hosting a total of 9,000 guests in its different camping, glamping, and capsule facilities, featuring extra services and activities such as yoga and the Akelarre stage. As in previous years, the festival is collaborating with the Zierbena Sarea association to reuse the tents campers donate after the festival. The organization also thanks the public for its cooperation in keeping Kobetamendi clean and green and for having made use of the sustainability measures implemented at the festival: separate waste and recycling bins, reusable cups, and the cashless payment system which avoids manufacturing festival tokens. In this regard, the festival's commitment extended far beyond its collaboration with BIAAF, a capsule collection of garments manufactured with fibers made of plastic collected from the ocean, which was also well received by festivalgoers.

Bilbao BBK Live 2020 will take place July 9-11. Early-bird tickets are now on sale online for the special price of €96 for the 3-day pass and €111 for the 3-day pass with camping.

Visit Bilbao BBK Live for ticket and more information.

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[ICYMI] N E W S F R O M A R OUND T HE WE B

Key Music Industry Members Meet At IMS IBIZA 2019 To Discuss The Impact Of Single-Use Plastics Beatselector Staff | INDUSTRY NEWS

At the International Music Summit (IMS Ibiza) 2019, key music industry members met to discuss the reduction of single-use plastics within the industry. With the discussion taking place around the 'Bye Bye To Plastics – How The Music Industry Can Evolve Together For A Greener Future' panel, it was highlighted that according to 'The Show Must Go On, An Alarming Report From Festival Thinktank - Powerful Thinking', UK festivals produce 23,500 tons of waste with audiences consuming 10 million plastic bottles per year. The report also indicates that UK festivals use 5 million liters of fuel and emit almost 20,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) every single year. At this current rate, it has been predicted that there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean by 2050. A key focus of the IMS panel was placed on electronic artists requesting plastic free hospitality riders for each event they perform at, highlighting that small steps will start to have a positive impact.

"We want to remove single-use plastics from the music industry. Think about small actionable stuff that we can actually get people to do. Let's change our hospitality riders to be plastic free.

The whole point is that we make these tiny steps so we can then move onto the next layer."— Vivie-Ann Bakos (Artist – BLOND:ISH / Bye Bye Plastic; Canada) The panel took place in Ibiza and the discussion also focused on how to make a positive change on the island itself, with points including implementing three separate waste disposals bins (landfill, recycling and composting) along with stopping consumption of beef to reduce our carbon footprint. "Ibiza plastic free is possible. Just join the movement!

Spread the word and lead by example. You can really use your influence to make it happen."— Sandra Benbeniste (Ibiza Preservation Fund; Executive Director; Spain).

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[ICYMI] Kia Motors America Teams Up With SiriusXm To Provide The Ultimate EDM Music Festival Experience N E W S F R O M A ROUND T HE WE B

Beatselector Staff | INDUSTRY NEWS

Kia Motors America announced the ultimate EDM music festival experience – the Kia Soul Station Powered by SiriusXM. This immersive activation is designed to provide festival goers with an unforgettable experience and help them refuel their souls in a fun, refreshing way.

The activation will feature amazing music, one-of-a-kind glam rooms and a beautifully designed space that promotes the 2020 Kia Soul and SiriusXM. The Kia Soul Station was part of two of the most popular EDM Music Festivals this Summer: the Sunset Music Festival in Tampa, FL, May 25-26; the Spring Awakening Music Festival in Chicago, June 7-9; and will be onsite at the Electric Zoo Music Festival in New York City, August 30 – September 1.

The Kia Soul Station Powered by SiriusXM is a place where guests can enjoy a little soap, some suds, and the chance to get their glam on. As they enter each festival, guests will be greeted by a 16-foot wide misting arch, so they can cool off before they heat up the dance floor. The Soul Station will also feature a "Human Car Wash" consisting of foam cannons, spinning brushes and drying fans, as well as the "Shine Room," a beautifully designed space where festival goers can sample a variety of makeover products to glam up their style before heading back to the dance floor.

Enter online for the chance to win a trip for two to New York, NY including airfare, hotel stay, and a pair of VIP passes to the Electric Zoo Music Festival in NYC. For Official Rules visit www.siriusxm.com/EZoo2019.

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[ICYMI] N E W S F R O M A R OUND T HE WE B

Oasis Festival 2019 Dates and Artist Lineup Announced Beatselector Staff | FESTIVAL NEWS Oasis Festival unveils the complete line up for the landmark fifth edition, which takes place from September 13-15 in Marrakech. Detroit heroes Theo Parrish, Moodymann and DJ Bone and techno tastemakers Cassy, Dana Ruh and Anastasia Kristensen are bound for the pioneering Moroccan music festival, along with special live shows from Hercules & Love Affair, Baltra and Paranoid London. Acclaimed local talents, including Amine K, Polyswitch and Monile bolster a rich roster of Moroccan talent too, with many more new names just announced.

The third and final wave of names brings a healthy Detroit contingent, with the intoxicating DJ styles of Theo Parrish, unbridled charisma of house renegade Moodymann and uncompromising techno selections of DJ Bone. Anything could happen with the back-toback between Ibiza stars Cassy and Eats Everything, while deep and smoky house from Berlin favourite Dana Ruh and left-of-centre rhythms from Pampa's Robag Wruhme will add plenty of new flavours to the already eclectic line-up. Next to high profile DJ sets, some of dance music's best live shows will also land at Oasis Festival, including throwback house and disco act Hercules & Love Affair, raw, lo-fi warehouse specialists Paranoid London and the expertly nuanced electronics of Baltra.

As ever, there is a vital local contingent at this year's event, including Moroko Loko founder and veteran of every single Oasis Festival, Amine K, local figurehead Polyswitch, old school house man Malik, rising star Monile and newcomers Massimo and Nomads.Bringing an all out aural assault will be the electrifying Anastasia Kristensen, while slick tech star Archie Hamilton, Scottish party starter Eclair Fifi along with a special DJ set from Chromeo.

This latest wave of names top off an impressive roster of talent, including Amelie Lens, Apollonia, Dixon B2B Ă‚me, Four Tet, Jayda G, Loco Dice, Mall Grab, Sonja Moonear, and Seth Troxler, as well as strong selection of Moroccan talents like Casa Voyager's Driss Bennis and eclectic selector Yasmean, all of which ensures that Oasis Festival's fifth edition is set to be the best yet. Tickets now on sale at www.theoasisfest.com.

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[NEW MUSIC: PREVIEWS] “Our music has always been about getting in touch with, and understanding and accepting our emotions. After those amazing yoga sets, we realized that there is a bigger place for this more reflective music within our little universe,” explains Above & Beyond’s Paavo Siljamaki. “With the Flow State project, we want to help bring people’s attention and focus towards helping themselves find better mental fitness and overall happiness in life,” adds Siljamaki.

“Through raised awareness, being more present, one can reach a state of flow: a creative and free state of mind where time, fear and stress dissipate.”

Above & Beyond has announced "Flow State," a 49-minute panoramic journey of ambient compositions and warm, neo-classical soundscapes that offer moments of meditative calm in these busy and often overwhelming times.

A break from the anthemic dance sound that swept Above & Beyond’s "Common Ground" LP to #3 in the Billboard Album Charts in 2018, "Flow State" is the culmination of a journey which began at Burning Man in 2014.

A chance encounter on the Playa led to a spontaneous sunset yoga set on the infamous Robot Heart stage, guided by renowned yogi Elena Brower. A magical and spiritual experience for those present, it inspired Above & Beyond to begin opening their biggest global gigs with yoga sets, creating transformative experiences for 25,000 strong crowds at The Gorge Amphitheatre in Washington and Huntington Beach, California. The original Burning Man yoga set has subsequently gone on to amass over 2 million streams on Soundcloud. As the band began writing more original music for these yoga sessions, the seed for “Flow State” was sown.

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To long-time fans of Above & Beyond, this new album will come as no surprise; quieter moments have always been essential components of their chart-topping electronic albums. Alongside 14 new compositions, 3 of the band’s classic ambient works are remastered for "Flow State" including the iconic "Sun In Your Eyes," a track currently given a new lease of life via DJ support from tastemakers such as Jamie XX.Designed to be experienced in its entirety, the LP rewards complete, focussed listening and encourages a headspace where the journey becomes the destination - extending a canon that includes Brian Eno’s "Music For Airports," KLF’s "Chill Out" and The Orb’s "Adventures Beyond The Ultraworld."

In addition to the 49-minute album journey, Elena Brower leads a 13-minute talk on self-acceptance, set to the music from Flow State. Brower commented: “Flow State is about the subtlest, innermost conversation, trusting ourselves, and looking inward for acceptance. That acceptance of our own humanity is an experience of Flow State.

It’s a profoundly peaceful space for listening and healing.”

Above & Beyond’s "Flow State" album will be released on the band’s Anjunabeats imprint on July 19th.

Stream/Buy it here.

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[NEW MUSIC: PREVIEWS] has to offer. First to the mix forge, Craig hits the ground running with a rapid-fire succession of his own matter. In and amongst, you’ll find the deskfresh likes of "One Equals Atmosphere Squared" and "Solstice," as well as his 8/10 MIXMAG scoring latest, the “dramatic and emotional” "Waterfall."

Peppered between are Bryan Kearney’s essential "Omega Six," Cold Blue newie "Simplicity" and Giuseppe Ottaviani’s floor-ripper "8K." Righteously, Craig’s most recent remix work is also in abundance, with rewires of Ferry Tayle’s "The Way Back Home" and Sneijder & Karen Kelly "Be With You" dominating. James Dymond’s "Mandalore" and "Futura" from Waio & Kearney light the path to its summit, which is capped by Craig’s valedictory "Reverence."

John O’Callaghan’s Subculture label tips its cap to summer with a fittingly superheated dualdisc music compilation. For it, the mix-reins have been passed to two of the label’s most trusted operators, Craig Connelly & Factor B. As is evermore the series’ form, our protagonists have used the platform to bring a near album’s worth of their own studio work to the release, elementally tying it to the label’s sound. Two thirds of both mixes are comprised of the producers’ own work, including many fresh-to-the-fore and upcoming creations.

Alongside you’ll naturally find a critical mass of audio from fellow Subculturists and musical likeminds. Giuseppe Ottaviani, Bryan Kearney, Cold Blue, Lostly, Neptune Project, Ferry Tayle, Sneijder, James Dymond, Waio and (scarcely needs saying!)

John O’Callaghan are just some of the music makers contributing sonics to Craig & Brendan’s ‘Subculture’ adventure.

Delivering trance textures to suit a spectrum of tastes (melodic, tech, tough and uplifting among em!), ‘Subculture’ assembles the finest summer ‘19

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Factor B assumes the controls for Subculture’s second disc and – with his Anti-Gravity Intro Mix of "Stardust Symphony" - delivers the most epically sweeping of scene-setters. From there Brendan lines up his own "Anything [For You]," as well as the Cat Martin sung "Crashing Over," his spring 2019 instrumentals "Alpha" and "Touch" and the Thrillseekers paired "Into The Last Light."

Lostly brings some "Neon Skies" to the mix’s midpoint, before Brendan cracks open the Factor B remix locker to jailbreak his latest rewires. In quick succession comes the Australian’s refits of Neptune Project’s "Pulse," Cold Blue’s "Mount Everest" and John O’Callaghan & Deirdre McLaughlin’s "Stay With Me," tying the mix off with his update of Marc Dawn’s classic "Random Walk."

The perfect compound of artist and label identities, musically, what goes up no longer has to come down!

Craig Connelly & Factor B’s ‘Subculture’ arrived June 28.

Stream/Buy it here.

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[NEW MUSIC: PREVIEWS] equal credits for their creations.

Together they re-produced and re-purpose classic cuts for modern dancefloors, with reworks including tracks from Marshall Jefferson, Inaya Day, Candi Staton, The Sunburst Band and Hardsoul, alongside Frankie Knuckles originals. These releases have now been brought together by Eric to feature on special album called "The Director's Cut Collection" on SoSure Music. It includes the Director's Cut reworks of Frankie's seminal record "Baby Wants To Ride" with Jamie Principle (recently released on what would have been Frankie's 64th Birthday back in January), along with Frankie's first #1 single - "The Whistle Song" on which Eric shares writing credits.

There are few people across the globe, who will have not been touched by the work of Frankie Knuckles. Forever regarded as 'The Godfather of House' for his unrivalled contribution to the house music we know today; what started as an underground movement in Chicago has grown to international heights thanks to Frankie. His records earned him recognition on a global scale, allowing him to work with some of the globes biggest names including the likes of Diana Ross, Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson.

Five years ago, Frankie passed away in Chicago on 31st March 2014 leaving behind one of the greatest house music legacies spanning almost four decades. Now he is commemorated by long time writing and production partner Eric Kupper. Eric, himself a seasoned DJ producer and writer, has worked on over 116 Billboard #1 Dance Records and played a pivotal role in a many of Frankie's productions. Having both worked together for many years they established themselves at "Director's Cut" from 2011 and set about producing original releases and remixes based on the classic "Def Mix" sound while sharing

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Within a multitude of classic reworks, highlights include The Director's Cut and Kenny Summit ReDirection on Lou Rawls' "You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine;" the last documented track that Frankie ever played, at his final show at The Ministry of Sound. And a previously unreleased version of Ashford & Simpson's "Bourgie Bourgie."

Other moments to look out for include Candi Station's "Hallelujah Anyway" and The Layabouts "Bring Me Joy" alongside Spencer Parker and Dan Beaumont's "The Look," Sybil's "Let Yourself Go" and Inaya Day's "Lets Stay Home;" all receiving the Director's Cut treatment.

"The Director's Cut Collection" is a fitting tribute to commemorate the fifth anniversary of Frankie's passing whilst giving Eric a platform to tell his side of the creative story. This album is released in collaboration with The Frankie Knuckles Foundation who work to continuing Frankie's legacy well into the future.

Stream/Buy it here.

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[NEW MUSIC: PREVIEWS] hopelessly intoxicated by the relentless pulse of the rhythm.

With "Cold Blood," we seem to be invited into HYPRESSION's emotional core translated into the language of dance. "I Just Wanna" hits right away.

Emotive and doleful, the melody plunges into the more subdued reaches of our psyche and coaxes us out onto the dancefloor.

Music has always had the capacity to act as a salve to soothe our souls, transcend reality, and alter our states of mind. HYPRESSION has figured out the perfect formula to achieve these results. The fouron-the-floor Bass House beat holds steady through the tune and hooks the audience into the track.

Jauz's label Bite This! releases HYPRESSION's 3-track EP "Cold Blood." This 20-year-old Russiabased producer has already earned the respect of notable DJs around the world, such as Diplo, The Chainsmokers, Habstrakt, and Jauz himself, who previously supported HYPRESSION's music.

His breakthrough came when he collaborated with Jauz on "On Fire" in 2018 which was released on Jauz's album "The Wise and The Wicked." Now HYPRESSION is back with his own project. His stellar production acumen, fearless sentimentality, and unparalleled production prowess demand the attention of everyone in the dance music community.

The first track on the EP, "Cold Blood," features an enigmatic production styling of Networth, which adds to already deliciously forlorn tone of the song. As the tune pushes forward and weaves into and out of somber trap sequences and hyped-up bass house beat structures, the audience becomes

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The beat compels us to move, shuffle, and bang our heads while HYPRESSION's meticulous sound design entrances us. "Kitchen House" hits off the bat. The vocal sample that greets the listener is in the Russian language, which transports us into a potentially new, experimental mental space. As the drop hits, the tune launches into a dynamic bass house heater that will turn any dance floor into a frenetic shuffle of exuberant bodies in motion.

"Kitchen House" maintains the saturnine vibe HYPRESSION weaves through the entire work, which makes this EP a beautifully unified piece of art. DJing is an opportunity to write a story with music, and a healthy dose of these tunes will add depth and complexity to even the most hyped festival set.

Stream/Buy it here.

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[NEW MUSIC: PREVIEWS] our world so rich."

The album delivers a nostalgic techno vibe while showcasing contemporary electronic elements and arrangements. Every single has the ability to be a great tool for any techno and house DJ, as it can rattle any club.

Moreover, "Zodiac" is an album that should be in every techno aficionado and in every dance music lover's playlist.

"Zodiac" truly takes the listener on a ride from expansive and vast to sparse and simple.

Flemcy owner JP Lantieri has taken five years to prepare his 12-track "Zodiac" album, and is releasing it both digitally and on CD, a nonstop rhythmic journey pulsating with kicks, bass and transcendent distorted melodies.

"Zodiac" is a dance music instrumental album covering progressive house, techno, house, melodic house, deep house, all seamlessly flowing creating an intertwined musical escape that navigates beyond time.

Undoubtedly, JP Lantieri's talent is showcased in the album with every track. The detail in every production is precise with strong percussion, catchy synths, and heavy basslines.

From "Aries" to "Pisces," every track has the ability to resonate with the listeners.

Each track is dedicated to a sign of the western horoscope which JP Lantieri says is "a celebration of life and of the tremendous varieties of human characteristics which make

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Crescendos into almost nothingness take the audience on journeys of the mind and consciousness, while the body remains moving to the rhythm.

"Zodiac" is the perfect LP to play from beginning to end with tracks literally dedicated to every person. "As an instrumental dance music album I want the music to generate emotions, without the need of interpretation through lyrics" says JP Lantieri 'so, I invite you to come and dance among the stars that we all are."

JP Lantieri's "Zodiac" album is released both on CD and digitally by Flemcy Music and Right Recordings.

Digital release by Flemcy Music. CD release by Right Recordings in brick and mortar stores.

"Zodiac" was released worldwide on July 19th, 2019.

Buy it here.

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[NEW MUSIC: PREVIEWS] One of the most popular songs from "First Landing," "Power" featuring Black Gatsby, was recently used in a UNICEF campaign to fight against child marriage and promote schooling for women in Niger. Filmed in the desert of Agadez, you can watch the moving and inspirational clip here. With "Bimini Road," Moon Boots has brought back collaborators from both his debut album and his ambitious 7-person live show. Black Gatsby, Nic Hanson ("Keep The Faith") and KONA ("Fortune Teller") all make appearances that help to make Bimini Road Moon Boots’ most compelling musical statement to date. Ross Clark (St Lucia) contributes guitar to three of the album’s hookiest and most affecting tracks. Moon Boots’ eagerness to bring melody and songcraft to unpredictable-butaccessible club grooves make him stand out in a crowded field of beatmakers and careerists.

After a foray into exotic psychedelia with his "Keramas / Harpanet EP," producer / DJ / keyboardist Moon Boots returns to his jazzy house foundations with "Tied Up." an ode to the bonds of love and/or bondage (depending on your perspective). Boots and his friend, Brooklyn nightlife fixture Steven Klavier, channel their appreciation for barbershop harmonies and early Pharrell to create a sweet and unforgettable summer jam.

"Tied Up" is the first single from Moon Boots’ newly announced second LP "Bimini Road." Inspired by the discovery of the ruins of Atlantis at Bimini in the Bahamas, "Bimini Road" is a joyous listen that combines elements of soulful & melodic house, disco, and R&B. Moon Boots’ debut album "First Landing" was a rare slow burn in today’s disposable music culture, steadily amassing a broad international following and an impressive 35 million streams since its release in August 2017. Praised by Mixmag for its “deep textures and funky melodies,” "First Landing" has become a contemporary electronic masterpiece with support from Jason Bentley (KCRW) and Annie Mac (BBC Radio 1).

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The album also features new collaborators, including Little Boots, whose song "You Won’t See Me Cry" carries echoes of Blondie, ABBA and Giorgio Moroder. LA-based pop chanteuse Niia, next-generation house diva Kaleena Zanders and Gary Saxby of the Harlem Gospel Choir round out the list of guest vocalists.

Born in Brooklyn, Moon Boots gravitated to music at an early age, spending many years playing piano, keyboards, and synthesizers before he ever made a beat. Inspired by legends like Frankie Knuckles, Derrick Carter, and Paul Johnson, he moved to the home of house music, Chicago, where he played synth in an indie band and worked as a local DJ before aligning with the legendary French Express label for his earliest releases. Eventually signed to taste-making UK label Anjunadeep, Moon Boots has always stayed true to his mission of making infectious music that transcends genre. Songs not just for DJs and dance-floors, but for everyone.

Stream/Buy it here.

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[NEW MUSIC: PREVIEWS]

Whether you be beat-seeker, heat-seeker (or both), we’ve something the season simply can do without – a soundtrack! June 21st saw Roger Shah reconvene his wandering band of multitalented Magic Islanders and musical set sail for the sun.

We can all agree there’s something to be said for a bit of dependability in these crazy mixed-up times! Here’s the question though… Is Roger Shah’s "Music For Balearic People" now the most reliable part of any electronic music summer!??

Consider… over the duration its eight volumes have materialised in the same month of each year (sometimes even the same week!). They feature a dedicated cast of music-makers, some of whom have been there from its first word and played a part in every edition. Style-wise it’s kept its musical culture locked; ditto for its ethos of globally connecting people who see life the Balearic way. And it has - every step of the way - been helmed & honed by series standard-bearer, Roger Shah.

As "Magic Island" approaches its landmark tenth outing, Roger’s again marshalled his crew of Balearic People for the 2019 trip. On this expedition you’ll find regular cohorts including (*deep breath*) Rene Ablaze, Pierre Pienaar, Brian Laruso, Raul Pablo Sanchez, Bob

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Memphis, Clarks, David Broaders, Sergey Shabanov, Aaron Sim and others. Naturally, outside of Magic Island season, Roger’s expended his energies working on new summer-saluting material. You’ll find new pairings (many of the them for the first time) with Stoneface & Terminal, Kristina Sky, Pierre Pienaar and others besides. As you’ve every right to expect, there’s also a renewed wealth from Roger’s bestknown aliases - Sunlounger, High Noon At Salinas and Global Experience among them. As ever, each of Magic Island’s mixes echoes the respective vibes on two very distinct times of the day. With mix 1, Roger musically backdrops sun and sea, beach, lounge & bar.

Hitting the recline button, the mix cruises out with the temperate latest from Clarks, Ihab Sameh and Marycee & Balearic Session. Around the midpoint High Noon At Salinas pop an umbrella in your drink, adding the intoxicating notes of "Siente El Sol" and the Terrace Mix of "Espalmador" for good measure. Series regulars Raul Pablo Sanchez & Brian Laruso bring cooler-yet essence with "Schattenspiel" and "Anything," before Global Experience deliver the housier perspectives of "Sa Trinxa." Roger’s own creations maintain the mix’s glide path as "The Sun Will Rise Again" from Sunlounger & Susie Ledge preludes the welcome return of San Antonio Harbour with "Neon Colors."

Frontend of Mix 2 and Roger ushers some new Magic Island blood into the spotlight with Zoxy, Terry Gaters and Fredd Moz and Ingsha all making their series debuts. With the drums up, bass braced and synths rigged, Roger hits a collaboratory tract, dropping new clubbier in-studio teamings with Kristina Sky, Stoneface & Terminal, Rene Ablaze and others. Series vet David Broaders is hot on their heels with the floor-waxing "Heliosphere," whilst with "Castaway" and "Azimuth," Sergey Shabanov likewise pitches in with a pair of hand-raisers. Roger works in some similarly styled magic with the Aneym-sung "Whisper To Me" from Andy Elliass, along with the Polish producer’s Rolfiek collab "On The Way To Wonderland." Rounding off 2019’s Magic Island excursion, you’ll find Eric Senn’s "Chase Your Dreams" and "Fantasy Land" from Yodis, while Corrie Theron sends Disc 2 on its way with "Smile."

Sream/Buy it here.

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[NEW MUSIC: PREVIEWS] globe – from the USA to China; all through Europe to the UK. The non-stop run will see Timmy reach a heady 80,000 fans a week through his enthralling re-imagination of live DJ performance, including a main stage performance at Tomorrowland in July.

“Thanks to my fans I have been able to play my music in every corner of the world. This track is an ode to them and the amazing experiences that we continue to share together. World At Our Feet represents our united planet, our playground, and the opportunity each of us have every day to live life to the fullest. Peace, Love and Rock N Roll!” – Timmy Trumpet

With his anthemic single "World At Our Feet" already hitting 5 million streams, plus another 3.6 million video views, Australia’s Timmy Trumpet now releases a stellar remix package of "World At Our Feet" featuring reworks from Spain’s Danny Avila and France’s RetroVision, plus a previously unreleased extended version of the festival favourite.

Big room heavyweight Danny Avila works the epic vocal to stunning effect delivering a main room club weapon, while RetroVision turns "World At Our Feet" into a slamming future house workout that’s sure to destroy dancefloors alongside the extended original.

Both remixes perfectly embrace Timmy’s signature psy-trance production with a chorus intended for the world’s biggest speakers.

Australia’s favourite DJ export, Timmy Trumpet, is the much-loved musician who this year embarked upon his biggest ever tour yet.

As part of his marathon world tour, Timmy will be playing over 60 shows around the

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Timmy Trumpet is an acclaimed jazz musician, turned international dance music pioneer that draws from his classically leaning roots. Timmy is proud to be an unusual live instrumentalist that holds multiple Club Chart successes and Beatport number ones.

In addition, he’s garnered over half a BILLION streams for his hit Freaks featuring Savage.

Other hits include "Party Til We Die" and "Oracle. " Timmy Trumpet launched into 2019 by ticking off another massive achievement, reaching unbelievable heights as the first ever DJ and instrumentalist to perform in space as part of the World Club Dome Zero Gravity event.

Timmy Trumpet – "World At Our Feet (The Remixes") are out now.

Stream it here.

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[NEW MUSIC: PREVIEWS] "The title for our latest full length album, 'U & ME' – is a very simple pointer towards Unity & Love that we feel is inherent in life itself. Ultimately, we are all connected – in fact everything in the Universe is connected. Music allows us to express that connection through sound. There is so much inherent divisiveness in our culture today and we wanted to flip the 'you vs me' or the 'us vs them' dialogue on its head. 'My Country,' 'My Team,' 'My Race,' 'My Beliefs,' 'My Social Group' – they all are ideologies people identify with to enhance their false sense of self and can be divisive instead of unifying. Through them, people make themselves 'right' and others 'wrong' and define their identity through their enemies, the 'others,' the 'non-believers' or 'wrong believers'. This identification leads to suffering. Hopefully, our music can act as a light that shines upon one simple truth – Love.”– Chad & Dave aka Tritonal.

Tritonal have had a massive presence on the electronic dance music scene for over a decade, and this year is poised to be their biggest yet. 2019 has been home to some of the duo’s most prolific singles including “Little Bit of Love” with American popstar Rachel Platten, fan-favorite single “U Found Me,” “Hard Pass” and more, all leading up to the release of their third studio album "U & Me," out now on Enhanced Music.

Experts at combining elements of traditional pop music with euphoric dance music, "U & Me" is a refreshing 19 track masterpiece from the duo. The high energy electro-infused tracks are reminiscent of the golden era of progressive house, of which Tritonal first exploded into. Each song is a feel good listen, and many feature impressive collaborations with vocalists including Rachel Platten, Mozella, RYANN, Evalyn, Lourdiz and more.

"U & Me" is another significant release on Tritonal’s label Enhanced Music, an imprint they have owned and operated for 10 years in partnership with Will Holland. Enhanced Music is home to over 400 releases from acts including Arty, Audien, APEK, Breathe Carolina, Dezza, Koven, Cuebrick, Matt Fax and many more.

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In an effort to support a cause near and dear to them, Tritonal has partnered with the National Alliance for Mental Illness, and will be donating a percentage of their "U & Me" merchandise proceeds to help raise awareness for mental health within music. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI is an association of more than 500 local affiliates who work in communities to raise awareness and provide support and education that was not previously available to those in need.

With Tritonal fans being amongst the most loyal in dance music, Tritonal has launched a special competition whereby the grand prize winner will receive entry into Tritonal shows for life. The winner can expect a special “U & ME Forever Card” that is also a true collectors item!

Stream/Buy it here.

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[ON TOUR] Faithful listeners of Pittsburgh native Buku have been chomping at the bit to hear what is next from the bass heavyweight and he does not disappoint as he returns with his first release of the year, "To Ya Brain" in addition to the revealing of a massive United States tour. Buku hits the road this fall with his very own 'Cruisin' USA' tour which will make its way through thirty different cities in twenty-two states across the nation. Kicking off in September, the four-month long tour will see support from fellow bass connoisseurs Zeke Beats, Esseks, FRQ NYC, Secret Recipe and sfam. Buku continues to ride a massive wave of success following his stint on Space Jesus’ ‘Temple of Noom’ tour as he teamed up with some of electronic music’s brightest talents to bring his signature sound to every corner of North America.

While holding an impressive string of monumental remixes, originals, and EP’s under his belt, Buku sees support from fellow industry heavyweights Bassnectar, Diplo, Space Jesus, G Jones, Minnesota and so many more. With a plethora of new releases slated for the latter half of the year in addition to the commencement of his 'Cruisin' USA' tour - Buku exhibits absolutely no signs of slowing down and will only continue to further solidify his standing within the forefront of the bass scene.

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September 5th: Nashville, TN September 6th: Greenville, SC September 7th: Atlanta, GA September 8th: Birmingham, AL September 11th: Washington, D.C. September 12th: Hartford, CT September 13th: Brooklyn, NY September 19th: Cincinnati, OH September 21st: Grand Rapids, MI October 4th: Madison, WI October 5th: Minneapolis, MN October 6th: Fargo, ND October 10th: Indianapolis, IN October 11th: Columbus, OH October 12th: Chicago, IL October 17th: Boulder, CO October 18th: Ft Collins, CO November 14th: Eugene, OR November 15th: Portland, OR November 16th: Seattle, WA November 21st: San Francisco, CA November 22nd: Santa Cruz, CA November 29th: San Diego, CA November 30th: Los Angeles, CA December 12th: Oklahoma City, OK December 13th: Dallas, TX December 14th: Houston, TX December 19th: Orlando, FL December 20th: Jacksonville, FL December 21st: Tampa, FL Beatselector Magazine | July/August 2019 | 55

[BUZZ WORTHY] HERNÁN CATTÁNEO

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Written by JOSEPH ARTHUR or 30 plus years, Hernán Cattáneo has championed the Argentinean underground sound through his unrelenting dedication, an unparalleled set of technical skills and a network of international supporters ranging from established artists such as Danny Howell, Guy J, Nick Warren, Paul Oakenfold, Sasha and John Digweed, as

well as mentored newcomers Guy Mantzur, Marc Poppcke and Amber Long.

Hernán's collective discography lists dozens of original singles, remixes and compilations that document his musical vision and interpretations of progressive underground house and techno music. It all began for Cattáneo back in the 1980s with his first residency at Buenos Aires’s iconic venue Clubland.

Serving as a career launch pad of sorts, he would go on to earn and gain opportunities ranging from record contracts to high profile performances all over the world. Cattáneo is well known as a lover of all kinds of music and as such, always delivers high quality cutting-edge musicianship and songwriting with each project he releases. This is one of many reasons why he consistently receives accolades and critical praise year after year, decade after decade. This summer will see Hernán release a double disc spanning 33-tracks for Balance Music. The package represents a continuation of exquisite mixing, song selection and diversity, and should be hitting stores and outlets soon. In the meantime, he has announced a huge string of dates kicking off in Tirana, Albania that began on July 3rd and wraps up in Cancun, Mexico on December 1. The current itinerary includes stops at ADE, Rise Up Festival, Balalton Sound Festival, Tomorrowland , Loveland Festival, as well as club appearances in major cities on every corner of the globe. Hernán Cattáneo has had a spectacular career and continues to impress, this is without a doubt and it appears the prolific DJ and producer has no plans of slowing down. Again, a new forthcoming 2CD set consisting of 33 handpicked songs and multi-monthly booking now through December ensure fans-new and old-a musical experience based on his always evolving and highly personal musical ideals dating back to his beginnings.

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[BUZZ WORTHY] LUKE POTTER

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Written by CATHERINE STRICKLAND ising U.K. Singer songwriter Luke Potter first caught international attention via his 2013 EP “One Day” garnering acclaim from influential DJs and producers alike. A couple of years ago, in 2017, Potter released the single “Something More.” The track has tens of millions plays on Spotify. The follow up to “Something More,” “It’s

Easy,” was co-written and co-produced by Jorgen Elofsson who has credits with the likes of mainstream Pop artists including Kelly Clarkson, Britney Spears, Paloma Faith and Robyn. He’s also worked with mega-producers Steve Powers who was behind hit records with McFly and Andrea Bocelli to Fleetwood Mac producer Ken Caillat, goes to show that industry insiders are paying attention to his songwriting and creative potential. In May of this year, Luke Potter revealed a new single from powerhouse label Ultra Music titled “Healing.” The praise doesn't get much higher than what Ultra Music’s Nordics Managing Direction exclaimed-“From the moment I heard his voice and his songwriting, I was blown away! And no, Harry Potter is not his brother!” “Healing” exemplifies Potter’s songwriting style displaying raw emotion, intimacy, and honesty raised up by soft instrumentation. As an artist who writes based on personal experiences, Potter attributes the song’s inspiration coming from the depths of anxiety and exorcising it as expression of light for many. In just a few weeks after the track’s official release, it has already racked up millions of streams across multiple platforms and has been added to nine Spotify’s New Music Fridays playlists, as well as making the cut as Record of the Day on New Pop Revolution UK list. Building on the single’s success, Potter recruited Dutch remix artist Madism taking the original to "Pop" territory right on time for the summer festival season. Potter's beginnings stem from following in the footsteps of his musical family, picking up the guitar, self taught and obsessed.

Then he heard the Goo Goo Dolls track “Iris” and his life changed. The classic brought out and awakened the song and lyric writing talents that speaks directly and connects all walks of life, struggles and all. Prediction: Luke Potter will continue to rise and rank among the top of artists to watch out for.

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[BUZZ WORTHY] NAATIONS

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Written by CATHERINE STRICKLAND re you familiar with Nat Dunn and Nicky Routledge, also known as the Aussie and currently Los Angeles based duo act NAATIONS? In a nutshell, Nat delivers powerful vocals and Nicky provides the sounds. It’s a killer combination of talent truth be told. It’s been written that they exhibit the musical swagger reminiscent of M.I.A., Eliphant, Rihanna and Rudimental. Intrigued? You should be and here’s why. There is a good chance that you know and have heard of the huge hit from 2017 titled “Real Life.” The track, featuring Gorgon City and Duke Dumont, served as an Ibiza anthem, so if you don’t know it, take a moment and search it out. And while you’re at it, I encourage you to check out their debut EP “Teardrop.” The 6 track EP features the iLoveMakkonen collaboration “Long Time,” “Keep It Real” and “History” —both produced by frequent collaborator Baby Daddy of Scissor Sisters and a previously released track “Air & Water,” produced by Alex Metric. They’ve graced some of the most iconic stages on both sides of the Atlantic including NYC’s Outpost, London’s Brixton Academy and XOXO, as well as debuting at CRSSD Festival. Moving on to current events, Dunn and Routledge have recently teamed up with producer Hayden James to release a crafty merging of styles that ultimately morphed in to an infectious radio and club friendly track titled “Nowhere To Go.” Speaking to the track, Nat and Nicky comment “We met Hayden last year in LA and he played us a demo he’d written the night before and it sparked a memory of one of our demos we wrote two years before in Sydney. We worked them together in one day and we had a song, which was crazy!" Additionally, NAATIONS will be the supporting act for Hayden James’ Australian and U.S. legs of his “Between Us” Headline Tour beginning this September in Houston.

Getting back to the new single “Nowhere To Go,” it’s being positioned and set up as another “Summertime” smash and gives a glimpse of what is to come with their forthcoming “Star” EP.

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[BUZZ WORTHY] NORA EN PURE

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Written by JOSEPH ARTHUR ora En Pure makes deep house and indie dance tunes and she’s a core member of the Zurich, Switzerland collective Helvetic Nerds. Ultra Music Festival, Coachella, Tomorrowland, Ushuaï and Privilege Ibiza, Mysteryland USA are a few of the places she’s had on her ongoing touring itinerary. Career milestones include a 2016 BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix. In 2017 she drops several impressive releases including the terrific 4-track EP “Conquer Yosemite,” as well as achieving the honor and title of “the first female artist to play Tomorrowland’s Mainstage Daybreak Session.” 2018 was a pretty good year too, landing her own weekly radio show on SiriusXM Chill, hosting her first Purified Miami Music Week Opening Party, plus a massive world tour in support of the global hit-“Sphinx.”

So, in a short couple of years, Nora En Pure has been making great strides in moving her career forward delivering uplifting and positive songs to a growing and loyal audience and fan-base spanning the globe. In May and June of this year, she continued to inspire and awe audiences across the USA and Europe with performance dates in major cities including Boston, NYC, Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Zurich, Amsterdam, Ibiza, and Taufkirchen presenting her latest single “Birthright.” The track is described as an “emotive single, which encapsulates her signature sound across its stunning soundscape.” The track features a big piano melody, soulful bass, enlightening percussion and delicate synthesizers radiating a positive glow and was premiered by Pete Tong on BBC Radio 1. Nora En Pure’s 2019 so far has illustrated an upward path of recent successes that has been recognized by her contemporaries, international media and dance music enthusiasts all over the world. You can bet on hearing more from Nora En Pure and her beautiful blend of electronic beats leading listeners out of the darker realms of deep house with intricate instrumentals and enlightening melodies. As every track she gets her hands on turns to gold, and every performance she gives leaves the audience in awe, Nora En Pure is an artist well deserving of being “Buzz Worthy.” Watch and pay attention.

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[LABEL WATCH] For ten years Daan Romers also known as Dannic has been creating Electro and Big Room House music that has catapulted him to the top tier of the genre's talent pool. He has built his reputation and worldwide popularity through his massive anthemic solo releases, as well as, his grand collaborations with Hardwell, DYRO, Sick Individuals, Fedde Le Grand and many others. Three years ago, in October of 2016, Dannic embarked on a new venture with the mission of helping younger, developing producers and artists break through the clutter with the launch of Fonk Recordings. Daan had a plan right from the "get go" to provide emerging talent an environment that nurtures artistic creativity, growth and exposure by offering advice and production tips, along with other mentoring aspects related to success. We caught up with Daan to check in about how the label is doing, what releases are coming out and what the rest of the year and the future look like for the growing label.

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"I really like to help younger producers with both their mastering, and offering more general production advice to allow them to finish their tracks. Throughout the years, I’ve been working with a few talents and now I’m in the position to push them and give them a platform."

—Dannic, October 2016

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FIVE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS with Dannic

1: Three years ago we had a conversation talking about the launch of your label. How’s it going?

It’s going really amazing, thank you! I remember when we first launched, I knew what I wanted to do, the path I wanted to take, it was just streamlining everything and growing from an idea into our own unique Fonk family that took time. It’s been great to get to engage with producers from all over the world and not only make our label a growing hub for new music, but also a safe space where I want the artists that we sign to be able to come to me for advice; whether it's production tips, getting out of a music-making rut when they have a bit of writer's block, or advice on navigating the industry. I want us to be a close collective all doing something we love and I feel like that is something we’ve really achieved.

2: How has Fonk Recordings evolved over the last three years? What kind of obstacles, if any, did you experience and what adjustments (for the better) did the label have to make for greater impact, whether in sales, visibility and reach, artist bookings, etc...

Of course there have been some hiccups along the way but that’s the beauty! Sure, it’s frustrating when a track we wanted to sign falls though, or a relationship just doesn’t work, but it happens to everyone, both making music and running labels. It can be frustrating for everyone involved! The important thing is to dust yourself off and luckily we’ve had a great following and a very loyal fanbase who continue to support our releases.

3: Tell us about the label’s new music coming out this summer beginning your new single “Whip.”

"Whip" has actually just been released! The lyrics are a play on something you may have heard before but I wanted to bring that big-room energy with a slightly tribal feel coming to the drop; it almost pairs together this notion that I still love the classic sounds by paying homage or tipping my hat, but with a fresh Dannic twist.

Bingo Players, Garrix, R3hab, Ummet Ozcan and so many more great guys have been supporting "Whip," it’s super cool how great the response has been from the fans too!

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We also have a Summer EP dropping in July which really will get everyone excited for the brighter months, lots of energy and positive vibes! I always enjoy compiling these various artists projects because we can indulge in a few different styles that are individual to the producers making them and still offer variety to our listeners that won’t alienate them. I will also have a new collaboration out on the label with Bougenvilla and then in August, we welcome back We AM for another special link-up! Make sure you follow us to be the first to know.

4: Do you have any special label oriented plans for ADE 2019 that you can share with us?

Well, ADE is always my favorite time of the year, I love it! It’s always crazy but getting to visit the city and hang around with everyone you may not have seen, maybe all year, because the whole industry attends, is always fun!

For the past three years, our Fonk parties at ADE have always sold-out and we’ve brought a wave of new guys through with us but we were also lucky enough to have Hardwell pass through and surprise everyone with a set one year! Who knows what this year will bring, but you can keep a watch for announcements across our social media.

5: Where do you see Fonk Recordings in the future?

I just want us to keep expanding and making sure that we always place the welfare of our artists, both mentally, physically and how they feel positioned in the industry; I want to give artists both new and established a place to release their music as part of a collective. From big-room to house, EDM to the more uptempo tracks, all of the artists we sign to Fonk, I try to make sure that everyone is happy and confident in the processes. Of course, we are always looking to expand and accept demos for exciting new sounds and banging tracks – I want us to remain growing, positive and an active and relevant label within the dance world that we operate. It’s 2019 and we’re still plotting for the next big move, I hope you all join us for the ride!

5fM

LATEST RELEASES OUT NOW

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THE FANTASEE LIFE OF

BEN STERLING Ben Sterling is quickly becoming an in-demand and respected artist in the house

music sphere. Influenced by his family's 70-80s disco collection, modern electro, Chicago house and Detroit techno, and at just 18 years old, he's already impressing some of the world's biggest stars. With early career accomplishments including a residency for Rulin' at London's Ministry of Sound and a breakthrough new EP on Jamie Jones Hot Creations imprint, Sterling is one of the 'Young Lions" to watch.

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"

My real highlights have been Jamie Jones playing seven of my tracks at EDC Las Vegas in 2018, I'll never forget that.

And to witness him playing my music in front of me at festivals is always a buzz.

Hanging round with all these artists and just seeing how down to earth everyone really is and welcoming me with open arms! Those are my best highlights." —Ben Sterling

How does it feel to have the top tier DJs behind you?

BS: Honestly it's crazy to think that as they are hero's of the industry providing some legendary music and legacy over the years, and for me to come up I am forever grateful they put their time to help me grow!

It's hard to put into words to say a big enough thank you to all of them.

How extensive was the Disco collection in your household and what would you recall as your all time favorites? How often do you return to the music from the 70s and 80s for inspiration?

BS: My father played a lot of the old school disco and also electro, while my mother played Balearic

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house music when I was a kid, so I had the best of both worlds! Some favorites they would show me come from the likes of Debbie Jacobs, New Order, Jackie Moore. But also new era disco—as that was me growing up with likes of Shapeshifters, Michael Grey, Daft Punk, David Morales. I genuinely always return to 80s era as there was so much gold worth digging through and even some tracks that haven't been heard. So much talent.

What would you say are your most "thought of" career highlights so far (Gigs, relationships, recordings, travel destinations)?

BS: My real highlights have been Jamie Jones playing seven of my tracks at EDC Las Vegas in 2018,

I'll never forget that. And to witness him playing my music in front of me at festivals is always a buzz.

Hanging round with all these artists and just seeing how down to earth everyone really is and welcoming me with open arms! Those are my best highlights.

Tell us about your new Hot Creations 3-track release "Fantasee."

BS: "Fantasee" took inspiration from dc10 the club and also me being a fanboy of the acid house era from Armando, Phuture, Bam Bam etc... so I wished to include a track that was modern but raw and in this track I did so. I also ended up having an remix opportunity from the talented Jansons, who delivered an amazing jacking house vibe! Ending

with "Melanie Please," which was really fun to make, experimenting with breakbeats and groovy basslines.

What does the rest of 2019 look like for you and where are you going in the future?

BS: 2019 has been crazy at the minute with four ibiza shows in the top clubs including DC10. Playing festivals abroad such as Elrow Barcelona, BPM Festival in Portugal, WHP- a new venue and my first ADE show! Very exciting times ahead.

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ADEL SURRENDER TO THE WAVES OF THIS MAGIC OCEAN CALLED LIFE!

AN OPEN INVITATION FROM

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Adeline’s beginnings as a DJ, producer and performer all started in the Swedish underground club scene. With a strong sense of self and an ability to lay down hypnotizing chords and wobbly bass next to magic melodies, Adeline’s own playful vocals are the icing on the cake, and her fans eat it up!

Catherine Strickland conducts this Q&A session discussing Adeline’s experiences, struggles, inspiration and her new release "You*re Sick" (Crosstown Rebels).

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Take us through the early days of your music career and how did you end up as a working DJ and producer in EDM hotspots including NYC, Milan, Berlin and London.

I started DJ’ing back in Stockholm during university years in the mid 2000’s. I was rolling away on my longboard to signup for a dj school that was just kicking off which was a extraordinarily serious one spanning 3 months. I was living my life with a very academic approach so that was probably exactly the format that I needed. After that I threw myself into the Stockholm club scene straight away, and later on hosted club nights (one together with La Fleur called Housewives), was playing all over Sweden and also hosted the biggest electronic music radio show in Scandinavia on Swedish National Radio. PS. I did finish my studies, and got that M. Sc in Mathematics, after all DS. Did you have difficulties on the way and how did you overcome them?

Life is a never ending ebb and flow, so the only thing we can do is to surrender to the waves of this magic ocean called life. I’ve always been built strong of perseverance and self dicipline, and giving up has never been an option in my life. If I’m into something I do it for reals, and especially that’s been the case with music. Music is my passion, and it’s my tool for self exploration. I get to know myself better as I strive to be better as an artist.

For those not familiar with your music, describe

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what first time listeners will experience as well as why should they check out an upcoming live show.

I like hypnotic sounds, and ambiguous messages in my lyrics. I’m all about exploring the different dimensions we live in, and my music is testament of that. Live I like to take the ravers on a journey, through different atmospheres. I tell a story.

Tell us about your new Crosstown Rebels EP “You*re Sick.” What is the inspiration and story behind the songs.

So a bit like I said above really. These songs are an invitation to come with me on a journey. I draw inspiration from my life, and the experiences that change me mostly. It’s funny actually, cause I wrote You*re sick quite a while ago but just a couple of months ago I met the person that this song actually was about. So, sometimes the song comes first and then the experience in this reality comes afterwards!

Very trippy actually.

Country Girl or City Girl? Likes and dislikes?

So as I’ve grown a bit wiser I now LOVE the country side. That’s why I love to spend time in Ibiza, as it has beautiful nature abut also the music pulse of the best of the big cities. I only like big cities for the music scene you get, otherwise I’d love to move out to the countryside ASAP.

CM

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MARK S

TALKS "CONFIR

it’s been said and written that Scottish tech-trance DJ and producer Mark and enthusiastic presence in the industry, with original productions and 15 years, Sherry has chosen the Single format as his modus operandi, and Originally published June 8th on beatselectormagazine.com, Mark dives d in this great interview with guest contributor and Trance music’s authori

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SHERRY

RM HUMANITY!"

k Sherry’s stardom continues to be on the rise. Recognized as a dedicated d remixes on Spinnin, Armada, Lange Recordings and Anjunabeats. For d recently, for the first time, he has a brand new full-length album to work. deep about the new collection of songs, the “whys” and “hows” and more ity, Tim Stark. Oh, and by the way, Mark is touring the new album too!

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Tim Stark: Thanks for letting us throw some "Confirm Humanity"-sized questions at you, Mark – let’s talk! First up then (and probably the most obvious), why - after fifteen or so years as a dedicated singles man, have you decided to go full album!?

MS: “Thanks a lot for the interview guys first of all! I suppose there are a number of reasons. The first being that my touring always eats up a lot of my time on a monthly basis, and if the music releases stop then the touring fizzles out - to a certain extent.

So you need to release music (singles) at a steady pace to keep things ticking along, especially these days with the speed that things are moving at. So, to set aside 2 years of my life for the album took a lot of preparation, like locking in my studio time, making sure I had a good creative flow when I actually was in the studio, and of course working all of that around my touring. It’s not an easy thing to do…but I can breathe now!”

TS: Now was it really that ‘Confirm Humanity’ Captcha box that set this in motion, or had the idea of recording one been percolating - to at least some degree - before that?

MS: “The thought of producing an album has been on my mind for well over 10 years now, but as for me actually pressing the ‘I’m going to start making an album now’ button happened at the start of 2017. The ‘Confirm Humanity’ concept magically happened halfway through 2017 when I first experienced that ‘captcha’ page, as I was trying to log in to a website. It hit me like a brick in the face, the scary realization that technology has become so advanced and intelligent that it’s effects were starting to creep into our everyday lives - having to prove/confirm to a bot that I was human before I could proceed. It was a total ‘Bladerunner’ moment, human vs.

A.I. - and the main catalyst that got me starting to think about the whole concept of the album, a massive light bulb flicked on in my brain. It was just meant to be!”

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TS: As the aforementioned trackby-track man, do you think that approaching an album was a more daunting prospect for you than your average first-timer?

MS: “It was daunting, for sure, but I’ve always worked really well under pressure, so I just rolled with the punches and got the first 5 tracks done, to use as a main foundation of the album. I’ve made 2 albums before as part of 2 different bands/groups, so I knew what was required, but the thing that was different this time was that I was extremely well prepared in the studio - physically and mentally!”

TS: Both on the surface and in the fabric of its concept, there’s a lot being said & suggested with the album. Is it primarily about artificial intelligence, or life in the technologically advanced world or something else? How would the man behind it sum it in a sentence!?

MS: “It’s pretty much all about artificial intelligence, technological advances, our purpose here on the planet, space, religion, imagery, symbolism, humanity.. in a nut-shell. It’s heavily inspired by films like Interstellar, Sunshine, Prometheus, Bladerunner etc. Sorry, that was way more than one sentence, lol.”

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TS: Title track aside, can you pick up on some of the album’s tracks, which best showcase the theme and give us a little background to them?

as oppose to religion, but the ‘Dark’ TV show got my head in a spin about humanity, so in turn that gave me lots of good ideas for the album.”

MS: “Triquetra is a tribal tech-trance track and the word ‘triquetra’ has 2 meanings’: It’s the name of the religious symbol for the Celtic Cross, but it can also mean/represent ‘past, present & future’, which conveniently ties in with the musical theme on the album, as in some of the tracks have a classic sound, some are modern and some are futuristic. If you Google the word ‘triquetra’ you will see the shape of the symbol and how it’s 3 triangular sections meet in the middle, which suggests that these 3 moments in time (past, present & future) could potentially all meet at the same point. Suggesting that time doesn’t move in a straight line, it’s not linear as we imagine it - running from past to present to future - but in more of a circular motion. If you watch the absolutely amazing TV show ‘Dark’ on Netflix, it explores the whole idea of time-travel and how each section of time can impact the other, which this track is based around, basically. The title is also related to religion and the fact that people have so many different types of religious beliefs, and it’s these beliefs that in many ways make us human. I’m not much of a religious person, I believe more in scientific facts

MS: To give readers an idea of how the production as a whole came together, what was the first track to be completed, your mid-production point and the final one?

MS: “I started a collab with my old friend, the extremely talented David Forbes in 2017, called ‘Yerba Del Diablo’, so that was really the first track that was locked in for the album.

I suppose ‘Triquetra’ was a halfway point, cos actually I road-tested that at Luminosity last year.. And the final ones were ‘Luminosity Theme’ and ‘I’m Not a Robot’, which I’m both really proud of.”

TS: And which was the quickest and which the trickiest?

MS: “The quickest was ‘Method To My Madness’, that track just seemed to write itself! The trickiest one was definitely ‘I’m Not a Robot’ - there is a ridiculous amount of layers in that track and an absolute ton of effects running over the percussion buses and stabs/elements to get all of the crazy feedback effects going on in the background. It was time well spent though in my opinion!”

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TS: To the nearest month, how long did the album take to produce?

MS: “24 months from the beginning of the concept to finishing the last edit of the last track - a long time!”

TS: No, unsurprisingly you’ve taken the opportunity to work with some new co-producers on the album. Was it a tussle settling on exactly who you wanted to work with or a no-brainer!?

MS: “It all worked out really well to be honest. I am really good friends with David Forbes and Mallorca Lee so it was very easy to get them into the studio to work on our collabs together.

We have a lot of history together so it’s always a great laugh too! I’m also friendly with Richard Durand, Ross Ferguson, Tempo Giusto, Vlind, Joey V, Clare Stagg and Marcella Woods too.

So it always makes things easier when you work with people that you actually know, respect and admire. I only met Christina Novelli recently at our video shoot for ‘Lighting Fires’, but she’s really nice and very easy to get on with – and amazingly talented! I worked with Tuomas (Tempo) in his studio while I was over in Finland for a weekend in 2018, and I then finished the track off in my own studio at the start of this year. I also worked with HP Source in Adelaide but it was the least developed track

in the pile so I had to shelf it for the moment. But I’ll get back onto it one of these days!”

TS: Likewise, what was the criteria for you when selecting which vocalists to work with?

MS: “I’m really fussy when it comes to vocalists to be honest, and unfortunately I feel that the trance scene is full of just mediocre vocalists.

There are very few that can really belt it out with lots of soul and power that make me think ‘wow, will you listen to her/his voice, that’s incredible’. A really good vocal should give you goosebumps. Induce some kind of emotion/reaction, grab your attention in everyway. Or all of the above to be honest – all of the vocalists on this album have that effect on me. They all have very different styles and tones, but each of them has their own very distinct and instantly recognizable sound. They all have really great diction too. My pet hate is hearing vocalists that mumble. I want to be able to hear every single word that they are singing, so that I can really get behind the vocal and feel as if I’m part of the story that they are telling.”

TS: Now its done and released, are you happy that it was worth the production endeavor?

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MS: “I couldn’t be happier or prouder to be honest. I think it’s easily the best collection of tracks that I’ve ever put together (along with the collaborative artists as well of course). I just hope my followers think the same haha - but from the reactions and comments that I’ve read so far, it’s all been very positive. Mixmag have just made it their ‘album of the month’ on their trance pages too, so I’m absolutely delighted about that! I was happy with the tracks that I made for this album in 2017/2018, but the studio work that I’ve spent on the tracks in 2019 couldn’t have gone any better – it’s been the icing on the cake for me. I’m not the fastest worker in the studio, but I was absolutely flying along from December right up until the deadline in April this year, the tracks just seemed to write themselves – it felt like I was on autopilot. It’s been an amazing period of my life and I’m already thinking about when my next album will be…”

TS: And fan-response-wise which single piece of feedback has put the biggest grin on your face?

MS: “I was extremely careful to make sure that all 18 tracks were as good as they possibly could be, but I suppose

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in my head there were 2 or 3 where I wasn’t quite sure if they would be accepted as well as the others or not.

So to see some comments from my followers online saying stuff like ‘this is my favorite track on the album’ about some of the less obvious tracks, was really amazing. I felt a huge relief because I could see that it wasn’t just the more obvious tracks that were getting a great reaction but some of the ‘dark horses’ on there too. I’ve been really touched by a lot of the comments but one really stuck out to me. It said that he was glad that I’d waited to release a good solid album and not rush something out a few years ago, just for the sake of it. They also went on to say that they thought it was great how all of the tracks grabbed their attention and not just a small handful of them, like you get on a lot of albums. So that was really cool to read, especially with it being my first ever artist album that’s been released under my own name. So that made me feel really good about it all.”

TS: Thanks Mark and best of luck with the album’s ongoing progression!

MS: “Thanks a lot, much appreciated!”

CM

"It was a total 'Bladerunner' moment, human vs. A.I. - and the main catalyst that got me starting to think about the whole concept of the album, a massive light bulb flicked on in my brain. It was just meant to be!" ―Mark Sherry

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THE MOD

FATIMA M

BY JOSEPH

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DERN DAY

MIRACLE

H WENSELL

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I

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n today's male dominated world of professional DJing, Spain’s Fatima Hajji has been steadily growing her fan base through hard work, perseverance and a self-described unrelenting determination. For nearly twenty years, she’s

been perfecting her cutting edge, hard and punchy Techno music and taking stage performance to a level that many strive for. She has rocked the stages and crowds all over Europe, Asia and recently in the USA. In addition to spending a majority of her time on the road touring, she also runs three independent record labels: Standbite, Taikatta and Silver M, the latter of which is right on the cusp of entering the upper echelons of artist run imprints. With major projects on the way, including a remix project of DJ Pierre’s “Acid Track,” a new Dejavu event concept and a new EP, it’s prime time for Fatima and we could not be more excited to land this interview and feature this

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phenomenal musician, performer and entrepreneur.

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You've been DJing for almost twenty years and have been enjoying a successful career in Spain and throughout Europe. Are you now at the point in your career that will bring more performance dates in the United States?

FH: Yes, next year will be 20 years playing music. I started in my hometown (Salamanca) and bit by bit I started playing at new spots near from where I grew up. My career kept growing and was lucky to play in most of the Spanish and Portuguese cities and then, 12 years ago, I started to play regularly across Europe. After I played in most European countries, I was getting bookings to play in South America for few dates and every year my gig schedule expands with more new places being added. I now have requests from exotic places in Asia and have recently completed my debut USA tour - and, yes. I hope to be back soon; I just love to share my music everywhere and to meet different people and cultures around the world. I'm pretty lucky to do what I love.

And speaking of the U.S.A, you were recently in Los Angeles and San Diego for first-time club dates. How did you like visiting those cities?

FH: I spent 1 week between LA and San Diego, I loved both places but LA is an enormous city, it's really impressive with many things to do/visit plus it has a magical aura created by the movies and TV shows that used the city as their scenery. So, it's a must when in California. But, San Diego touched my heart I really love the place, it's big enough to have all you need but easy to visit and to ride through. It also has many natural jewels like La Jolla coves with the lovely wild seals and birds like Pelicans and Cormorants, it's simply amazing. Coronado Island and the Balboa park. Really nice city.

What other U.S. cities would you like play in and why?

FH: For a while I wanted to visit San Francisco, it attracts me a lot because it's a freedom symbol. Chicago with all its history, Miami because of its vibe but top of my list is New York. A few years ago I was on vacation there and I just flipped out, I felt a connection with the city and it's a place where I will love to live one day in the future.

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You've been traveling a lot so far in 2019 and your itinerary for the next few months includes several high-profile appearances. Any particular show that you are most looking forward to?

FH: This work means I travel a lot, so I can't complain at all, it's my life and I love it. Some of the summer spots I have on my mind after coming from the US are festivals, just love to play open air because of the atmosphere. Medusa in Valencia in August looks like an amazing one, this weekend I'll be in one of my favorite spots in Amsterdam Thuishaven for Wonderland Festival and I'm also really expecting Dava in Romania because it will be my first festival in this country. Also, there is a big one in Portugal but can't reveal it yet. And, of course, to be back in Ibiza, as part of the Tronic parties at Eden.

After you finish up touring, what will be the first thing you do? How do you decompress after spending so much time traveling and performing?

FH: When at home I like to have a walk with my dogs through the forest, it's called La Dehesa and you can walk for many hours with just sometimes seeing Deer, Wild boars and foxes.

Also, I have 2 cats who walk with us but they remain near the house until we come back, then I called them and they appear from the top of a tree or hiding in the vegetation. Very funny, love them.

In your experience, how has the industry changed (for the better or the worse) and where do you think its business practices are headed in the future?

FH: In general terms I'm optimistic. The scene has grown up a lot throughout the last 2 decades, now it's a global thing and there are more places where Techno is being played and, of course, much more people making amazing music. The problem sometimes is to find it, because there's so much music being produced. Everyone involved in the scene is becoming more professional every day and my vision is this will keep growing. We have models from other genres like Rock and hip hop that have made the path from underground to global and also genres branched in other sub-genres. I think some of electronic music's most commercial genres will change or simply disappear and others like Techno, where people really create a culture, have a long-lasting future. I really don't know what business practices will come in the future but I'm pretty sure that for the next generation politicians will not ban this genre and will probably provide more support like what is happening now in the most advanced places with electronic music like are Berlin or Amsterdam. This will only improve our scene and it's starting now.

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Your label SILVER M has been very active this year. Hype up the label's latest releases and tell us why the artist(s) and the music deserve listens and support.

FH: My aim with the label is to give back a small part of what I receive and the way to do it is simple; I just release the music I like, when newcomers send stuff to our demo email I don't read the name behind the production, I just see if I like sound and the vibe, that's all. Also, sometimes I'm honored when some of my favourite producers want to be part of the project so it's an organic thing. Our next release will be from Raul Young and we have the whole year planned. A few weeks ago we had bombs from George Makrakis and Superstrobe and the incoming stuff includes releases from Artem rEady, 2Mult, Maharti, Adrian Oblanca, Teqnov, Dok & Martin and many more.

Aside from music as your life's true passion, what other opportunities would you like to pursue down the road?

FH: To be honest I'm totally focused on music and want to keep doing it. My other passion is animals. In fact, I'm a dog trainer but don't have time enough to do it now. So, probably in future I can combine those two passions.

What would you say is the most revealing personality trait you have and how does it benefit you in your day-to-day and professional life?

FH: I am very stubborn and I work hard to reach my targets.

I think this benefits my day to day as a musician because this is a long distance run, it doesn't matter too much what good things you did years ago, there are many people showing good skills who have a great connection with the public and amazing music so it's a must to give your best to the people.

And finally, tell us something most people do not know about you.

FH: I started to work at 11 years old in my mum's grocery.

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"I AM VERY STUBBORN AND

I WORK HARD TO REACH MY TARGETS. I THINK THIS BENEFITS MY DAY TO DAY AS A MUSICIAN BECAUSE THIS IS A LONG DISTANCE RUN, IT DOESN'T MATTER TOO MUCH WHAT GOOD THINGS YOU DID YEARS AGO, THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE SHOWING GOOD SKILLS WHO HAVE A GREAT CONNECTION WITH THE PUBLIC AND AMAZING MUSIC SO IT'S A MUST TO YOUR BEST TO THE PEOPLE." —FATIMA HAJJI !"$* Beatselector Magazine | July/August 2019 | 97

[MUSIC REVIEWS] Masterpiece  Excellent  Good  Fair  Poor 

CASSIUS

DREEMS

Universal Music Group

 Cassius is the French musical duo made up of producers Philippe Cerboneschi and Hubert Blanc-Francard, better known as Zdar and Boombass (or sometimes Philippe Zdar and Hubert Boombass). Their contributions to music began 30 years ago working with French hip-hop star MC Solaar and over their career, they've released eight albums under their iconic moniker, several of which recieved critical acclaim from critics, colleagues and fans alike. Tragically, the music community as a whole was, without a doubt, shocked and stunned upon the news of Blanc-Francard's accidental death, and what makes it all the

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[REVIEWS: ALBUMS] more heartbreaking for fans, is his passing occured two days before the official release of their new LP titled "Dreems." As you read through this review, you'll notice that it does not contain a whole lot of the typical prose delving into techincal, production, styles, so on and so forth. It's written about how the music will make one feel, simple enough? I think so.

The opening track, "Summer," serves as an epic introduction with powerful piano chords behind layers of electronic waves and a steady beat that fades into "Nothing About You" featuring the vocals of John Gourley. This track is red hot with a deep groove and a highly infectious chorus that wil set you on fire. If you are not dancing around to this, then there is something wrong with you.

"Verda" and "Fame" follows and keeps the groove going, leading the way to the first official single "Don't Let Me Be" featuring Owelle. Shining with pop sensibilities, this song has the hooks, voice and sexiness worthy of a breakout cross-genre radio friendly smash.

Easily one the highlights among the 12 original songs.

"Chuffed" comes in with a slightly different feel, muffled piano melodies, dance beats and one of the filthiest bass lines I've heard in a long time.

Up next are the tracks "Rock Non Stop" and "Cause oui!." Both lean toward the hip-hop side of the spectrum and both rock. Beastie Boys' Mike D. appears on "Cause oui!" belting out the lyrics and giving one a desire to eat some Skittles and Gum Drops (a main ingredient of the song).

The harmonic vocals by Owelle, Luke Jenner and Joe Rogers brings in "Dreams," which is beautifully accompanied by lush strings, sirens and percussion and represents another cross-over hit with global mass appeal.

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Track number ten, "Calliope" and it's thumping beat steps away from the poppish feels heard up to this point on the album. More eclectic and focused on bouncy house styled beats and rhythms that takes you in to an entirely different direction.

Closing up "Dreems" with "W18" is yet another gem with wonderful soulful vocals

by Vula Malinga. The song brings memories of the early nineties soul music. Powerful in it's message, along with the blending of the music, it's down right inspirational.

Owelle comes back to close out the album on "Walking On Sunshine" Slower in pace, it's the perfect ending to an album that is otherwise red hot. It allows you to wind down and cool down from the sweat that is generated from the LP's music.

As an added bonus, "Dreems" has a 50 minute 14 second continuous mix of the songs enclosed in the package that seamlessly goes track to track, giving you a club enviroment listening experience.

Since the official release of "Dreems" this collection of songs has been on constant replay and personnally, its my go to album of the summer. I think this will be the case for millions across the globe as well. The album is overflowing with guaranteed hits and the more you listen, the more you hear the amazing musicianship these two shared in the studio.

Easily a true contender for "Album of the Year," "Dreems" is an instant classic that you will revisit continually, I have and it has only been out for a few weeks.

So, jump in and enjoy this, and as fan of Cassius, I extend a heartfelt thanks and congratulations to Philippe and Hubert for putting out the "great feeling" album of the year. —JOSEPH WENSELL

[REVIEWS: ALBUMS]

ALEX MINE & D-DECK IPSUM THE ALBUM COMADE MUSIC

 Alex Mine emerged from the Italian underground gaining the attention of some of today's biggest Techno producers and DJs including the likes Carl Cox, Adam Beyer and Ritchie Hawtin. D-Deck also has a stellar reputation as one of Italy's top Techno artists sharing the praise of Cox, Beyer, and Hawtin as well. Just imagine what could be if these two joined forces.

Well, indeed they did join forces. In 2018, Alex Mine and D-Deck went in to the studio with the sole mission of creating an album that brings to life their visions of techno music employing the various processes utilizing a multitude of hardware and software.

Ranging from the cerebral to soul bearing inspiration, the two crafted an amazing set

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consisting of ten songs.

Taking roughly five months to produce and set forth onto the world of techno, “IPSUM” brings all the goods: darkness, hard beats, expert construction, wild mood swings, soulfulness and melodic genius.

The album is ripe and full of club-land tracks showcasing the amazing artistic visions shared between them.

“IPSUM” was released on June 21 through Comade Music and features songs blending Techno with melodic house elements.

Right from the start, the instantaneous theme of space emerges brilliantly. Sci-fi and futuristic sounds dominate with each track taking their ideas and themes further outside the traditional techno standards. Thumping beats, high hat driven tempos, and expertise electronic prowess are exquisitely produced, no matter the track that is being played.

"IPSUM" is the result of several months in the making, showcasing the collective creativeness and attention to detail that is displayed on each and very track. A “meeting of the minds” like this is seldom seen, or for that matter heard, which is what makes “IPSUM” so intriguing.

Most tracks clock in between 7 and 8 minutes long, allowing the listener to really get deep in to the music flowing through their ears, body and soul. Not many techno records do that, and speaking for myself, it’s a welcome concept.

Techno purists need to hear this album, and the bottom-line is that it will leave a long lasting impression.

—LEO WEAVER

[REVIEWS: ALBUMS]

ALLE FARBEN STICKERS ON MY SUITCASE SONY MUSIC/ULTRA RECORDS

 Franz Zimmer, better known as Alle Farben latest full length album "Stickers On My Suitcase" can be described as a testament to the life of a touring musician. Alle Farben translated in the English language is defined as "all colors" and Zimmer's musical repretoire is a reflection of the phrase.

You see, Zimmer makes Pop and dance music with traditional instruments, including acoustic and electric guitars, all kinds of percussion instruments and lots of horns (primarily trumpets and trombones), weaving and crafting songs that are as memorable as they are organic. Zimmer has a history of releasing contagious pop/dance songs that have strong melodies and songs such as "Please Tell Rosie"- a collosal hit from his 2016

full length album "Music Is My Best Friend,"one of that year's best, is a prime example. Now with the release of "Stickers On My Suitcase," Zimmer follows that same song writing and instrumentation formula that has afforded him multiple Gold and Platinum awards.

The new album includes four previously released singles: "Little Hollywood" featuring Janieck; "H.O.L.Y." featuring Rhodes; "Only Thing We Know" with Kelvin Jones and frequent collaborator Younotus and "Fading."

Add in 14 additional tracks, bringing the total count to a whopping 18, and throw in appearances by James Blunt and Sam Gray and you have a goldmine to dig through.

"Stickers On My Suitcase" tells the story through his music and lyrics of life experiences while being constantly on the road, all the while keeping it relatable to the listener as well.

From the opening to close, the album remains upbeat, despite the emotive lyrics within. Fans of Alle Farben will instantly recognize his signature sounds, beats, and rhythms that is assured. Tropical feels, deep bass, bright brass and superb vocalists.

Three years in the making since his fabulous "Music Is My Best Friend" LP, Alle Farben picks up where he left off. Pop laced dance cuts that crosses barriers and showcases the German producer and songwriter is right up there with the world's top hit makers. If you have the chance, catch him live and be sure to pick up this new album. You'll be glad you did. And personally, I hope I don't have to wait another three years for a follow up.

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[REVIEWS: ALBUMS]

SNBRN SOLÉ ULTRA MUSIC

 Kevin Chapman, under the alias SNBRN, has honed his skills to perfection producing catchy house music as evidenced through the years with his tracks “Raindrops,” “Beat The Sunrise” and his gargantuan remixes for Icona Pop and Bebe Rexha dating back to in 2013.

Very recently, SNBRN has unveiled his debut LP —“Solé” and it’s fantastic for all to hear. The anticipation amongst fans and critics alike was high and now, upon the release, it will meet and exceed your expectations.

“Solé” is made up of ten diverse tracks incorporating classic progressive styles, fantastic and totally unique electronic sound effects and samples and epic builds and drops.

Through out the ethereal slant sneaks in to balance and contrast the filthy dirty deep grooves. For instance compare the opener

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“Prelude” to the lead single “Tits On A Bicycle”.

One is spiritual while the other is XXX rated.

Way to mix it up Kevin!

“Solé”’s highlights include the opener, “Prelude,” which’s starts the album in a dramatic and spiritual way that easily engages and instantly gratifies. Brimming with ethereal layers and classic piano chords, beats and rhythms, “Prelude” gives the sense of something spectacular is to follow. And yes, that happens. “Feel My Love” with its soulful voicing, percussion and frenzied drumbeats, “I Can’t Remember” with its classic progressive house leanings, and the humorous and wildness that rules the tracks “Free Ya” and “Tits on A Bicycle,” showcase a truly unique music maker.

Granted, these are the stand out tracks in my opinion, however, each individual listener will find something to their liking among the ten tracks enclosed on the LP. Chapman exclaims “I’m so humbled to share Solé with the people who made it what it is! My friends, family and fans are all behind this, and it’s been an amazing year preparing everything to share with everyone.”

That statement is indeed humble, but let it be known the creative imagination put forth is entirely his own. Sole is statement, made in all caps with a triple exclamation point to drive home the impression. It is a true contender as one this year’s best electronic music albums, let alone the critical praise from the international press pool, charts, and awards.

Now that “Solé” is available for all to hear, it’s likely that those who partake will have an amazing listening experience and most will feel that it was well worth the wait. Crank it up, replay and absorb “Solé.”

—JOSEPH ARTHUR

[REVIEWS: ALBUMS]

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[REVIEWS: EPs & SINGLES]

ADRIATIQUE X SIAMESE RECORDINGS

AMIR ALEXANDER WE ARE THE UNIVERSE KWENCH RECORDS

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Adriatique, the Swiss duo made up of Adrian Schweizer and Adrian Shala, have been making kick ass Techno, House and Electronica music for ten years now. Riding high on their anniversary comes the 3-track EP aptly titled “X” which is out now on their imprint Siamese Recordings. Last year, Schweizer and Shala released “Nude”- a fulllength LP that brought them widespread attention and fan adoration taking them to a new level of international fame and popularity. With “X,” listeners will be wowed on what is inside the package.

Throughout, you’ll be treated to bumpin’ basslines, epic synthesizer mastery, break-beats, and euphoric feels, all displaying a versatile and diverse writing style ensuring a great listening experience. These two producers are hitting their creative stride with this new release, and as such, have set the bar high for those following in their footsteps. All three tracks represent stellar quality, imagination and electronic music expertise that make the EP a must have.

Amir Alexander is a man who never gave up on his dreams to become a producer and DJ. Early life struggles turned in to studying Jazz Improvisation, Theory, Music Education and Contrabass on a full scholarship by the way, setting him on the path to new experiences, knowledge and expression through the music he would make in the future.

With Amir‘s upcoming EP “Realest For The Real” on Kwench Records, to be released on July 26, 2019, takes the deep house genre to a place that is seldom heard. Jazzy, groovy, and even spiritual are descriptions that immediately come to mind.

Featuring three tracks spanning over 30 minutes, Alexander keeps the listener amazed throughout with his vocals ranging from trap and rap to the distorted variety. “Realest Of The Real” will leave a lasting impression on you. All you have to do is hit the play button.

—JOSEPH ARTHUR

—JOSEPH ARTHUR

106 | Beatselector Magazine | July/August 2019

[REVIEWS: EPs & SINGLES]

ANNA LUNOE RIGHT PARTY MAD DECENT

CARI LEKEBUSCH & ORION MYRSKY ABSENCE OF FACTS

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Anna Lunoe is well known for producing killer and dance music, highly anticipated DJ sets and a deep understanding on how compile play lists that guarantee packed and energetic dance floors.

Anna’s latest 4-track EP, “Right Party,” on Diplo’s label Mad Decent, features two previously released singles - “303” and “What You Need” featuring Wuki and two new songs -“Right Party” and “Creep.” The new tracks: “Right Party” and “Creep” sees Anna providing the vocals that feature prominently on a canvas on music that ranges from high energy with groovy and bumping bass lines to darker and deeper textures and rhythms. “Right Party “ follows Anna’s “303” remix package and features funked up remixes from Flava D, Ninajirachi, Jay Robinson and Odd Mob. You should also check out that package out as well. As the summer festival season swings in peak mode, the release of the new EP could not come at better time.

—CATHERINE STRICKLAND

For many years, producer Cari Lekebusch has experimented and dabbled in Techno, Hip-hop, and electro, taking dance music into weird realms of sound design. Always evolving and one not afraid of stepping outside the norms, Lekebusch offers up his latest release, a three track EP titled “Myrsky,” dropping on July 29th via Absence of Facts. The music represents a re-visitation to the Techno sounds of the 90s, but with a current-day and modern twist. Orion, a regular collaborator, joins Lekebusch on the date giving listeners a tasty, analog heavy soundtrack to behold. To those that have followed Lekebusch over the years you will easily identify the mastery and technical skills employed on the new EP. The tracks: “Myrsky,” “Minor” and “Borderlands” follow a basic and minimal theme that blends and transitions seamlessly, keeping the listener well engaged and interested. Danceability? For sure and it is certainly ideal for dark club rooms and late night raving.

—LEO WEAVER Beatselector Magazine | July/August 2019 | 107

[REVIEWS: EPs & SINGLES]

MANUEL RODRIGUEZ NEEDLE & THREAD MYR

ALY & FILA SANDS OF TIME FSOE

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As the summer season gets in to full swing, Manuel Rodriguez delivers some sweltering funk and jazz infused house music on a new three-song release for Germany’s dance label MYR. “Needle And Thread” hits major digital outlets on August 2nd and represents an artist creating blazing and energetic dance music primed for the dance floor.

The EP is full of big percussion sounds, low-end grooves, lots of warmth and layered sound texturesall giving way to Manuel’s soul, jazz and funk influence to shine through. “Faded” opens the EP with a brief peaceful interlude leading to track two, “The Preface.” Brimming with a dirty bass groove, bright keys, subtle electronics and beats that just don’t quit. Closing “Needle And Thread” is the title track, a bit darker in tone, features a dope bass line, escalating snyths, sax riffs, booming drums and percussion. As the label says, “Needle and Thread” is perfect for any summertime get down.

There are only a few artists that have the illustrious honor of having played at the Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. Joining the likes of Sting, and Kylie Minogue, Aly & Fila can include themselves on that list as one the very few electronic music acts to perform at the legendary landmark. As one of the most innovative duos in EDM, they’re back with a glorious new single “Sands Of Time” out now on FSOE. Following the success of their previous releases “Come Home,” “Gravity” and It’s All About The Melody,” “Sands Of Time” is formulated to take the anthem generating duo and their loyal fans to new exhilarating heights. Overflowing with euphoria and drawing on rave influences from years gone by, the track appeals with exquisite production value featuring thumping deep beats, bright synthesizers, swells and quiet interludes and the perfectly placed one line lyric “De-activate and enter the Sands Of Time.”

—JOSEPH ARTHUR

—CATHERINE STRICKLAND

108 | Beatselector Magazine | July/August 2019

[REVIEWS: EPs & SINGLES]

DIMITRI VANGELIS & WYMAN THE KING MUSICAL FREEDOM

SCENE WRITERS FAVORITE STRANGER GUESSTIMATE

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Dimitri Vangelis and Wyman are two very popular progressive house music makers that have accumulated over 60 million Spotify streams. You’ve probably heard their songs featured on the ID2 OST and on the hit TV shows Empire and Legacy. Dzeko is known for his colossal hit “Jackie Chan” featuring Tiësto, Post Malone and Preme and his follow up “Halfway There” and ranks in the top 100 among the most streamed artists on Spotify. All three artists came together earlier this year to work on a new massive track titled “The King.“ Gigantic in sound, big swells, lots of energy, “The King” is primed for whipping up crowds with banging beats, dramatic tempo changes wrapped up in an epic cinematic styled flair. Fans of Dimitri Vangelis, Wyman, Dzeko and all you progressive house music lovers, take note; “The King” is a track to behold and rejoice in, it delivers the goods and gives all a reason to turn it up!

Scene Writers, René Miller and Luca Schreiner have cranked out what should be one of this summer’s biggest anthems. The collaboration came to be when all three parties were producing in the same studios. When Luca first the track, which was in it’s final production, an instant falling in love with the song occurred. After meeting, discussing and exchanging ideas, “Favorite Stranger” evolved to its present form. “Favorite Stranger” tells the story of “…meeting a stranger when wandering around what may be a familiar city but with an uplifting un-expectation of what is around the corner, no one knows; might you meet your favorite stranger?”

Musically, the track featuring bouncy beats, tropical feels and Miller’s vocals, presents a song that instantly gets stuck in your head. We should be thankful of this chance meeting of these very talented musicians and for releasing music that is uplifting and positive to the world.

—CATHERINE STRICKLAND

—JOSEPH WENSELL Beatselector Magazine | July/August 2019 | 109

[REVIEWS: EPs & SINGLES]

MATTIA CUPELLI MONO NO AWARE MC RECORDS

YVES V WE GOT THAT COOL SPINNIN' RECORDS

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Mattia Cupelli is a master composer of complex ambient electronic music often likened to Tangerine Dream’s Tim Hecker. Influenced by Nicolas Jaar, Nils Frahm and Ryuichi Sakamoto fills his latest piece of music titled “Mono No Aware” out on July 20th via MC Records. The song title represents a term used in Japanese culture with a literal meaning of “the pathos of things.” Featuring the traditional Japanese Flute (Shakuhachi) against a minimal backdrop of airy and deep tones and a thumping low-end beat, the track invokes peaceful feelings teetering on the edge of mystical Japanese nostalgia. Guaranteed to make you feel calm and tranquil, “Mono No Aware” serves as the perfect marriage of merging Japan’s traditional ethnic music with modern electronics and as such, Cupelli solidifies his high stature as one of ambient music’s elite producers on the scene today. Highly impressive and deserving of high praise. Period.

“We Got That Cool,“ Yves V latest single for Spinnin’ Records featuring Afrojack and Icona has lots of bounce, swagger and attitude. It’s really that simple. With Yves V upcoming date a Tomorrowland, the new track is a hands up in the air, summer anthem. The house groove is tight, poppy, and has a killer organ melody to compliment the bright vocals. Will it be a popular track heard at many of this summer’s festivals? There’s a good chance. One thing is relatively certain, Yves V will be featuring the new track in his sets, and maybe, just maybe onstage guest appearances from Afrojack and Icona Pop?. It’s pretty easy to get hooked on the track, Icona Pop’s vocals sparkles, and the combination of Yves and Afrojack’s electronic prowess, you don(t get much better that that. The title aptly fits the collab too. Who’s got that cool? Yves V, Afrojack and Icona Pop!

—JOSEPH ARTHUR

—CATHERINE STRICKLAND

110 | Beatselector Magazine | July/August 2019

Beatselector Magazine | May/June 2019 | 101

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