Audiation TOUGH LOVE talk 'Pony', music culture and what makes a great DJ.
A shocking alternative ending for Dorothy inside.
Audiation
Eclectic magazine for the expression of music and the creative arts. For the love of music.. we interpret this passion through variations including fashion, art, lifestyle and words from the heart of the industry. Audiation Magazine is an international publication featuring music content to varied tastes. We are a proud voice for the creative sector and support Independent talent. Audiation Magazine Ltd is a registered company in the UK with writers from across the globe. Each member of the team has their own passions and projects bringing unique ideas to the magazine. The term Audiation means the imagination of sound. www.AudiationMagazine.com
"Music is the voice of the soul. It is much more than sound. Music can be a comforter, party maker, career path or a way of life." Ruby, Editor & Company Director "Music joins people together from all around the world, without music life would be pretty boring." Rokuro, Associate Editor
"The birth of one's child is the only feeling that comes close to getting lost in music." Cessle, Staff Writer "Music is a form of art that reveals a truth in a world full of mystery." Sarah, Staff Writer
"No matter what's happening in life, it's usually great music will keep you going.." Malachi, Staff Writer "Music is life. It's a universal language that has no barriers. It unifies people around the world. It brings people joy. " Andy, Staff Writer "Music & love are the same things really. If kids grew up with music in their lives, then their lives would always be filled with love." David, Staff Writer
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CONTENTS Fashion 7 Charli XCX for Boohoo 8 Radio Listings Independent Music 10 RM's Trapped In mixtape 11 TS7 remixes I'm A Miracle 12 Rhea Dean interview 16 La Plage du Glazart 17 Retrospekt & Platkovsky's Hammerhead 18 Laibert interview 21 Mon Frere's True Horizons 22 Behind The Scenes with MaHA Rocks On Screen 24 Yellow Brick Road 26 Music in Advertising 28 #SixtyMinutes 29 Straight Outta Compton 30 Tough Love interview Music Encore 37 Strike A Pose with Karina Nistal 38 INDYA & Sunny Andre's Goddess 40 Summer Thoughts 42 Read us on Issuu 43 Terranation, KP and N-A-I-V-E-S 44 Holi Festival Winners 45 Festival guide 4
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Editor's note Hello, Bonjour, Ola, Ciao! I hope you're well wherever you are, welcome to our crazy creative world. September already? I have even noticed a few Christmas ads! Have you had a good summer? I'm feeling really positive and seeing so many people achieving their dreams. Our Sarah has landed herself a promotions job at a Chicago radio station, she's having a great start and always gives such enthusiasm to everything. Moving onto Cessle who is well experienced in the House & Techno scene, enough so that he has launched his own artist management brand! Another mention I'd like to give is to UKG Active, who along with Make-A-Wish CFM, is releasing special UKG maps which Audiation Magazine will be donating to for the charity. Inside AM017: British artist Rhea Dean gets a grilling from Malachi discussing her new music which takes influences from life experiences. I get chatting to Laibert on his new Onefold release and Italian background. We also give you 7 juicy pages of Tough Love as Cessle gets the inside scoop on everything music, including the journey of new hit 'Pony'. Sarah catches us up on her thoughts with her own journey and summer favs - did someone mention 1D? And, last but not least, David twists the idea of music taking inspiration from a song to create an alternative ending to The Wizard of Oz. We've also got your global festival guide, new music and a touch of music in advertising. Ruby x Connect with us: Facebook /AudiationMagazine Twitter @AudiationMag 6
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with the launch of a new style collection. The line will sport trends from the 90s as well as grunge-pop designs. The fashion brand released the following statement: “We are thrilled to be collaborating with Charli XCX and to be the first fashion brand to work with her in this way. Our customers love her music and her style… she is a perfect fit for the brand. The synergy between music and fashion grows stronger daily and at boohoo.com, we are "I had so much fun designing excited to be able to help pieces for boohoo.com’s further bridge this gap and holiday collection. I can’t wait bring some amazing fashion to get it out there and to wear to our customers at very it myself. It’s a fun, bold and affordable prices.” electrifying collection and I hope everyone loves it.” Keep an eye on Boohoo.com Charli XCX announced the project via Instagram. For fans this news is bitter-sweet as she also announced the cancellation of the Charli and Jack Do America Tour due to her desire to be creative.
for the first 20-piece line set to be released 26 October. Stay up to date with Charli XCX on the socials. instagram.com/charli_xcx twitter.com/charli_xcx
The popular artist is set to collaborate with Boohoo.com 7
RADIO
UK Time
MONDAY 6pm Southstar Radio | Holly Says - House
TUESDAY 2pm Select UK Radio | Danny Blaze National Anthems - Club Classics
WEDNESDAY 8am Empire London | Pintsize & D'Elle's Big Breakfast 8pm Empire London | DJ X-Ray – House & UK Garage 10pm Southstar Radio | Queen E - HipHop & RnB
THURSDAY 2am WLUW | Dave Gee The G Spot 8pm Southstar Radio | Brazah - New UK Garage 9pm KISS FM | Majestic – UK Garage
FRIDAY 12pm WLUW | Sarah Becker - Variety 2pm Rinse FM | Sam Supplier - House, UK Garage & Bass 4pm Vision Radio UK | DJ Pyro - House & UK Garage 4pm Southstar Radio | Captain Rosko - House & UK Garage 6pm The Underground Sessions | Emma Champion - House & UK Garage 8pm Voice FM | Artful 60Hz Sessions - UK Garage & Bass 8pm BN Radio | DJ Mary Jane Global Sensation - Dance 10pm Empire LDN | Heartbreak – UK Garage
SATURDAY 12am KISS FRESH | Tough Love - UK Garage & Bass 3pm Southstar Radio | DJ Obscene - House & UK Garage 9pm KISS FRESH |Mike Delinquent – UK Garage & Bass
SUNDAY 8pm Vision Radio UK | EssnVee Sunday Rehab – House & UK Garage 2pm Silk City | WisK - House, Garage & Bass 8
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RM aka RMONEY - Trapped In mixtape This young UK rapper has been cutting through the underground music scene with a continuous workflow, which in the wake of his latest mixtape release, ‘Trapped In’ is going from strength to strength. With a continuous release of music videos (close to 50 videos can be found online), a number of self released mixtapes and a live performance resume, which includes opening act for LOX UK show at London Indigo-02, among a number of others, this rising star has a bright future ahead. Contrary to the title of his latest release ‘Trapped In’, which was released via the UK’s leading mixtape site Hoodtape.co.uk, RM seems to have the wind beneath his wings. Many would say that this young talent has been overlooked, but in the streets, on the ground, this is what the people are listening to. His style is one that sits on the borderline merging both Trap Rap with motivational music. He uses a vocal style, which is aggressively convincing while keeping most of his lyrics true to his life experiences. Unlike many other rappers in the UK this young wordsmith always finds a way to enlighten us about his day-to-day experiences keeping most things straight to the point but with an enormous sense of finesse, which can’t be missed. His lyrics seem to engage with his core audience with easy and he is definitely one to include his female audience. ‘Trapped In’ features a number of artists including Lil Torment, SAS, Pose, KP, Jae Boogz and regular collaborators Young Krumbs & Fire Blaze as well as others. Check out one of his latest video shot by AMG Films which can be found on Link Up TV. www.hoodtapes.co.uk/rm-trapped-in | www.twitter.com/OFFICIAL_RM1 10
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I AM ft Allegra – I’m A Miracle (TS7 Remix) Playful use of sounds with sweet vocal cuts against the fresh attitude of bass. TS7 really energises this track with the new garage style. The brand spanking new video works great with this edit. With a city in the sunshine setting, and use of creative cuts and effects to match the urban sweetness of the track. 11
We caught up with Rhea Dean to find out more about how things are going and what to expect from her EP. Hey Hun, hope you’re well, thanks so much for joining us … We’ve Rhea Dean, a young singer/ seen you’ve been really busy songwriter from south London, has recording the EP which we can’t been pleasing fans on the live music wait to here. You recently scene in and around London released two amazing songs that continuously over the past 2 years. we absolutely love. Could you tell She has blessed us with some us a little more about how these amazingly timeless music via both tracks came about? her Soundcloud page and Vevo/ Youtube channel. Thank you. Well both tracks are produced by StarClef and Released 24th July, her single, 'Reflections' was co-written with ‘Secret lies’ is set to fast track her Emmanuel Orelaja. Both have come into Soul music lovers playlists from past experiences and this is throughout the final quarter. This how I always write. I wouldn't ever R&B track is laced with an amazingly write something that doesn't come touching melody with a future from my heart as I wouldn't be able bounce added to the mix by way of to convey honest emotions in them, moving synths and beat that just whether I'm singing them on the begs to be blasted at maximum recording or in live performance. volume. The song itself, which is a seriously touching song speaking of My first single 'Secret Lies' is about a the pain of a lost love, is executed past relationship. The guy I was in the most soulful way. seeing had stopped trying and was so closed up with what was going on Continuing with live shows inwith him. This song is about trying to between releases, Rhea Dean took get him to wake up and make an to Bristol with her incredible voice effort in trying to get our s*** back to serenade the crowd at I Luv Live. together. The 'secret' is the answer This was a few weeks ahead of the that lies inside of him to saving the release of yet another remarkable relationship. track 'Reflections' released August 28th and is also the title track from her forthcoming EP which is set for release later this year. 12
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'Reflections' I wrote while I was doing my dissertation. I was writing about the over-sexualisation of women in pop music and it really stirred emotions in me about what's expected from women, whether it be the way we act and/or look. This song is a F u to anyone's preempted expectations or projections on me. I'm my own person and don't have to live up to any of them.
So over the past few months you’ve been really busy… for people who don’t know you and what you’ve been up to, give us an update and let us know how things have been going.
second single 'Reflections' on August 28th. I spent a lot of time trying to develop the particular alternative electronic soul sound the EP has. Artists that have influenced me are Little Dragon, SBTRKT and Banks. I've released videos for both of the tracks which you can catch on Vevo. Both videos are directed by Junior Roberts and Wayne Louis who I've really enjoyed working with as they were able to see and translate both concepts I had in mind to film. A strong team is such an important aspect to have with whoever you work with so that your vision comes to life. I also collaborated with choreographer Irene Wernli on the 'Reflections' video and have introduced dancing into this video which is something new to me. I was really exited to be able to explore and add another art form to the video. Tell us a little about how you work, how do you come up with song ideas and lyrics?
They can come from anywhere. From a single word someone has said or a I've been working really hard on performance I’ve watched which has finishing my EP. It's a 6 track EP also stirred some kind of emotion in me. called 'Reflections' because its a My iPhone if full of notes and voice look into my life and has come from notes with words or phrases that I’ve personal experience. Most of the jotted down (I swear like half of my songs are produced by StarClef with phone memory). I’ll then one of them produced by Jay Jay Musika. I released the first track 'Secret Lies' on July 24th and the 13
develop an idea later on at home in the studio or with other musicians. They also come in handy when I need a bit of inspiration. So walk me through a typical day with you. A day in the studio will always start with a vocal warm up. This is so important to protect your voice. It's just like you would stretch before exercise, even your voice needs a good stretch. I find it also gives me physical energy and gets me going. If I haven't pre-written a track, in studio with a producer or musician i'll discuss ideas then build a track from scratch, whether it be programmed or a jam with live instruments. Once there's a basic track down I'll start working on lyrics and melody. Lyrics are really important to me as when I perform a track live I really want to be able to tell a story and connect with the audience. Performance is one of my favourite parts of my job and it feels so good to relay a message to an audience and inspire or stir some kind of emotion in them. I like to spend quite a while laying vocals down on a track. I love to add lots of vocal layers, harmonies and dynamics. I often come back to songs after the initial sessions as theres always things I want to add. Sometimes the most difficult thing is stepping away from a track and letting it go because I'm a bit of a perfectionist. 14
I work in a similar way to when recording … I love that…. So, at the moment what are you listening to? Favourites on repeat at the moment are Sia, Banks, FKA twigs, Hiatus Kaiyote, Jill Scott, Liane La Havas, Mø, The Weeknd, Etta Bond, Kwabs, The Internet, Disclosure, Years and Years, Major Lazer, SBTRKT to name but a few. Wow… you do know good music.. You are now well known on the live music scene in and around Greater London after performing a staggering number of shows throughout the years.. Tell us how you’ve found your live shows over the past few months. I love performing live and am so exited and happy to be able to show audiences a piece of me through music, which I'm lucky to have been shown so much love for so far. So for the EP who are you currently working with? On the EP I've worked with Star Clef and Jay Jay Musika. It was such a pleasure to work with both of them and we’ve created something that is so personal and illustrates many different parts of me through music. You can expect a lot of soul with
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electronic beats and also a drum & bass/dance element to some of my tracks, as well as a cheeky bit of pop produced by these talented two. Amazing, can wait to get the chance to hear the EP in one sitting. We love what you’re doing at the moment so keep up the good work. Want to thank you for joining us for a chat. Can we expect anything soon? Yes my second single 'Reflections' is out now and the EP also titled 'Reflections' a little later this year on iTunes. I'll also be performing next at I Luv Live on Sept 7th.
RheaDean on the socials
Reflections OUT NOW!
by Malachi
rheadean.com
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Retrospekt & Platkovsky - Hammerhead The Welsh & Polish production duo have gone from strength to strength since the release of sophomore effort ‘We Tight’, with features on Eton Messy and EDM.com as well as national airplay on Kiss FM, 1Xtra, 6Music and Capital Xtra. The single was also selected by Beatport as a staff favourite and included in their ‘Save Your Set’ feature as an essential track. Fully on board the hype train, the boys have also been building their reputation as DJs, playing around the UK to packed-out crowds with their energising blend of tough house beats and killer basslines. ‘Hammerhead’ delivers that trademark R&P crunch, with rolling beats and thunderous bass, building momentum with dramatic intent. The ominous vocal sample welcomes in the driving percussion before returning to usher in a massive drop that will have ravers everywhere losing their minds. On the digital flip, fast-rising house and techno duo, Brodanse mutate the track into a percussive monster with echoing vocals and dissonant bleeps for a narcotic take on the original.
The piece embodies a sense of thrill with varying accompaniments for interest.
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A rhymic beat and grounded piano chords. The dark vocal sounds against little playful notes work well alongside the main focus, being the sublime voice. These with the sweetest tones and sexy depth. The overall atmosphere is just the right balance of lightness and vibrancy for the late-summer period.
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The upcoming release comes from rising Sicilian star Laibert. ‘Paradise’ sees the upcoming producer enlist the incredible vocal talents of Siren Gene, to create this world class, vocal-lead house production. Laibert hooks us instantly with a chilled, steady beat and warped, echoing vocals, the first glimpses of Gene’s flawless top note flickering through. However, it’s undoubtedly when the release unfolds that the young producer’s mixing prowess really shines, seamlessly weaving between climatic, main room build ups and paired back, spine-tingling vocals.
music library, you can find only just a couple of Italian songs of hundreds of songs! With a love of the arts at a young age you performed in theatre, is this something you'd like to do more along with music? Or are there any other ventures you'd like to explore? I always loved that period of my life, a little Laibert who was an actor in a local theater company! I loved acting! Then I discovered that I was able to create music, and it was love at first sight. A new venture to explore? I'd like to sing, the result is not amazing, but who knows, follow me and you will see.
On the remixes, Onefold’s Tempo Elektrik’s edit places the track firmly in main-room territory, pulling the beat into focus with a heavier, pounding bassline; while Alex Ross teases with a drawn out, tantalizing intro, his relaxed take on the original allowing the vocals and melodies to take centre stage.
What are the ideas and inspirations behind "paradise"? This is the most interesting question! I love to travel and the inspiration behind 'Paradise' comes from one of my trips to London; Hyde Park, in October 2013, gloomy skies and brisk air. Initially it was something slower, but when Siren From an Italian background, how wrote the lyrics for 'Paradise', I did you come to enjoying and being wanted to be sure that the song did involved in European music styles? get out the right energy! The race to Ever since I was little I always the most important person in his listened to music and enjoyed the life, as in the song, or running dance music! I started listening to towards a dream, as in my life, 90's music that my brother listened needed the energy required to to in his room and I always loved afford the race of our life. And that's the sound of the greatest where this song comes with style international artists. Listening to any influences of house and garage kind, the important thing is that in music. English (I love how English's voice sounds). No coincidence that, in my 19
"For me, music is a reason for living, it seems a clichĂŠ, but I really think it. Music is telling a feeling, it's experiencing unique moments of pleasure in a day where everything went wrong, it's feeling the breeze on your skin. I think it's the only drug we need in our lives."
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2015 Mercury Music Prize entrants release new single;
TRUE HORIZONS Brighton’s newest EDM act, Mon Frere, launched their new single, True Horizons featuring Kate Wild, on August 25th. There is so much excitement about this new project who have already been winners in the International Songwriting Competition (2013 & 2014) with their debut album entered into the Album of the Year of the Mercury Music Prize 2015. Mon Frere are a Brighton based EDM act made up of brothers Paul and Matt Lennox. Mon Frere have been featured in Audiation Magazine and have had previous singles played on many radio stations including the BBC. The talented Brighton brothers are a favourite of ours with diverse dance sounds and a true love for music. This new release featuring the fabulous Kate Wild is a perfect addition to your music collection, with melodic tones leading up to a lively passionfuelled main section.
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- Behind The Scenes -
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ON SCREEN
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Yellow Brick Road by David Fantasy films are usually scripted with a typical story ending; an ending with a lesson to be learned. But that’s why they are so well-known and commercially successful. We want to be taken away on a magical journey where every road leads to home, even if it’s just for hundred minutes’ of running time, and then back to reality. Sigh. How wonderful would it be if our lives could end just perfectly at the moment of the highest bliss? And how disastrous would a movie be if the writers were to depict the uncertain world we live in? The twist to this story was inspired by a song titled "Blown Away" by the American recording artist Carrie Underwood.
Dark clouds gather as lightning strikes across the gloomy skies. A twister approaches. It is the perfect cover up in her plot for revenge. Hatred builds inside Dorothy as she continues living in a home of negativity and abuse. In all her years of dissatisfaction and inadequacy, Dorothy tries turning in prayer to her dead Mother. But her cries are not heard. Too many times has she been cursed by her family, too many times has she been victimized by them. She wonders if revenge is as sweet as they say. She waits for a chance to escape depravity. Dorothy sits in the corner of her room, sobbing silently as she reminisces about the love and good times with her deceased mother. All of a sudden, blasts of wind cracks the windows open. It snaps her out of despair. From the corner of her eye, she spots the storm cellar through the stained window and decides to shelter in it. As she closes the cellar doors behind her, her pet dog, Toto, scurries in to join her for cover.
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TheThe sirens scream loud. A rays tornado approaches. Dorothy hides in cracks the furthest skies clearout out. Thin of sunlight beam through the of corner the cellar muffles her earssleepy-eyed, with the palmstoofthe hersound sweating the of cellar door.and Dorothy awakens, of hands. Someone bangs on the She best shut friend her eyes, forcefully in and out. birds chirping anddoors. her furry pouncing onbreathing her. The banging on the door persisted; it became louder and faster. She rocks back froman her dreary out, sheslows squints bright beat and andEmerging forth, humming eerie tune.hide The banging downatinthe a hopeless sun and gazes appreciatively lovely bulbous white thenmorning it completely disappears. Dorothy grins inatvictory. clouds hovering below it. Everything and everyone was gone.
The skies clear out. Thin rays of sunlight beam through the cracks of the cellar They wereawakens, all blown away by the all washed away by door. Dorothy sleepy-eyed, to storm, the sound of birds chirping andthe her furry rain. best friend pouncing on her. She strolls down the yellow road with herbright pup, surrounded by Emerging from her dreary hide out,brick she squints at the morning sun and a sunshine-illuminated The sweet scent of morning dew fills gazes appreciatively at lovelyfield. bulbous white clouds hovering below it. Everything nostrils. takes notice of the overwhelming thataway andher everyone wasShe gone. Theyno were all blown away by the storm,debris all washed fillsrain. the land. As Dorothy passes by her now fallen home, her joyful by the
pace slows down to a solemn walk. Her hands tighten to a fist. She herdown eyesthe onyellow an imaginary the distance and by continues Shefixes strolls brick roadspot withinher pup, surrounded a sunshinewalking straight ahead of her. She trudges through the wreckage illuminated field. The sweet scent of morning dew fills her nostrils. She takes no that litters her path, occasionally tripping and kicking broken notice of the overwhelming debris that fills the land. As Dorothy passes by her furniture and wood. But she continues treading through stubbornly. now fallen home, her joyful pace slows down to a solemn walk. Her hands tighten Soon enough, she trips over something heavy. Dorothy frustratingly to a fist. She fixes her eyes on an imaginary spot in the distance and continues picks herself up, dusts herself off and looks behind. Her eyes widen walking straight ahead in horror…a leg. of her. She trudges through the wreckage that litters
her path, occasionally tripping and kicking broken furniture and wood. But she continues treading through enough, A she trips over something Dorothy flinches awaystubbornly. in disgustSoon and horror. chill runs down her heavy. Dorothy frustratingly picks herself up, dusts herself off and looks behind. spine. Seconds later, her entire body bristles as if called to Herattention. eyes widen in horror…a leg. Dorothy flinches away in disgust and horror. A chill runs down her spine. Seconds later, her entire body bristles as if called to attention.
Whose is it?
She slowly turns her head back to get a better look, hands halfWhose is it? covering her eyes for the final reveal.
She slowly turns her head back to get a better look, hands half-covering her eyes for the final reveal. She hesitated. Did I do that?
Did I do that?
Does it matter?
She hesitated. Does it matter? 25
Music In Advertising Advertising on public TV is a dying breed disgruntling viewers wanting to continue watching their favourite shows. The world is ever-growing into people demanding instancy without hassle. Much like music-streaming services, there are now developments with the abililty to skip commercials or premium ad-free services. However, a lot of channels gain most funding for business continuation through advertisements. On the other hand, some viewers do look forward to commercials, for example the Christmas specials from John Lewis and that Coca Cola truck! Music is always an important factor when creating a striking advertisement, here are a few which have grabbed my attention.
Coca Cola: Choose Coca-Cola Track: We Have Band - Honeytrap For the first time, the brand have highlighted their four variants in one campaign. The fun retro style track suits the brand's nostalgic imagery, portraying coca cola as a timeless product. The fast rhythm is emulated in the visual effects well with fun animation.
Peugeot 108: Tech For City Living Track: Caro Emerald - Tangled Up This commercial I've chosen mainly because the track was one I rather liked. The visuals are a simple play on the strong features of the Peugeot 108 being mimicked through the lady's motions through the city. The track is a pretty piece which portrays a stylish image of the brand well.
People Just Do Nothing: Guide To Success Track: Sinead Harnett - Notice Me (DJ Q Remix) A great UK Garage track as you can expect no less from DJ Q's touch. Kurupt FM's wise words as always, "set your goals low, so that you might be able to achieve them"! The show plays on the public idea of what the underground scene is like, but in a light-hearted humorous nature. 26
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Film 4: Summer 2015 Track: Bonobo - Ten Tigers Film4 undoubtedly creates great visual pieces, this showing off their eclectic summer selection. The thing that I love is the how the music is fitted so well with the visual clips. The track itself is beautifully crafted with a sleek feel and twinkly touches. The harmony and timing between film clip and track is perfected as shown with the blink of Audrey Hepburn's eye and Sadie Frost's scream.
Giffgaff: Hey You Track: Little Comets - Dancing Song The still fairly new kids on the block, mobile network Giffgaff is one of my favourite brands. They take quirky personality in business to a whole new level. This is reflected in their new campaign which is pretty much out of this world when it comes to advertising. What's even more respectable is the fact that they've ditched advertising agencies who had limitations when it came to creativity, and they're now doing things themselves. This commercial has direct speech to the viewer, well thought out and ruddy well created graphic effects, humour and overall is just an entertaining watch. The music pairs well having a fun attitude, and upbeat catchy sound. They've got the perfect balance between grabbing the attention of the current youth as well as appealing to anyone with a personality!
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Okay, I'm sure you're all tired of seeing 'Straight Outta' images which the internet of course went crazy over and turned on it's head. Have you seen the movie yet? When it comes to biographical films based on people very much in the spotlight, we do have to be wary that they won't really show anything that could harm their image too much although they have stated the truth is portrayed. Should the abuse scene have been left in? Yes and no. Yes, if you want to share a factual film about everything notable that has happened, then this is a big part for those involved. No, the horrendous event in question has already been publicised enough and in a respectful manner shouldn't even have been in the script at all. For all womankind, we firmly support each other, so my answer is the latter. This aside, the reviews have been varied. Some state that it should have taken more risks and that it was just all a bit too long. However, the majority agree that the film brought back the nostalgia and depicted the N.W.A background well. 29
TOUGH LOVE The rising British duo are taking the House scene by storm. They have gained chart success with 'So Freakin' Tight' and, most recenty, 'Pony'. Cessle caught up with Stefan (one half of Tough Love) to chat music.
it's cool or they seem to think it's a whole new movement. It's all house music at the end of the day.
Let's just call it Derp House - we both agree that it's not actually Deep House. If you had to put it into House and Techno music, that's the a bracket, would you think it's more kind of bracket that you come going into bassline? from.. How do you feel to this? Some of it is more angled towards We come from a mulititude of genres, Bassline, I think that's where the originaly grew up making house & garage problem is. It's the sounds that are being music. Me and Alex joined forces in end used, some are a lot more musical than of 2011, just before the whole deep the other records. We as Tough Love house scene kicked off. Found a new have some bassy material and some love for the sound, I think a lot of people soulful material. So, it's very hard to say that went through the House scene this is the sound that you are, this is the realised that it was dying, it wasn't that sound that you play. much fun, wasn't that great to be a part of and all of a sudden this whole The new track is a quality track, I surgence of what everyone called 'Deep appreciate quality. House' just came outta nowhere and found a new love for it. And you just At the end of the day, music is music. It went back in, started making some might not be to everyone's tastes, at the House again, just playing it and pushing same time the tracks do what they do. A it. lot of people don't realise that 'Pony', 'So Freakin Tight' and a few of the other Derrick Carter said it's not actually records, they've been on the circuit for 2 Deep House, his word is Derp years way before they came out on House. radio, before people have highlighted it. They've gone from an underground level The thing is it's frustrating for us as a lot to now crossover 2 years later, but of people try to categorise House music. people seem to think they've just come Let's all be honest, it's just House music. out now, but they haven't - it's been a Whether or not it's got a different synth long journey to where they've got to. of a different sound, it all falls under a Anyone that knows and followed us from dance umbrella, it's House music. People early, they know our sets always vary. It want to take pockets and they want to depends segregate it because they seem to think 30
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what crowd your playing too, it depends where you're playing. We'll play Sankeys in Ibiza and just go completely different where you might not expect half the stuff that we play. And you'll think wow, I didn't know they could take it deep or dark in a big event. At a uni/freshers event it's a completely different market.
I've got to the point that all these kids are younger than me but at the same time, it's that love of music you still find yourself being here. Being an artist, you realise everyone you're playing to are your mates.
I've been DJ'ing 20 years, so I've gone through the Garage scene and House As a DJ, I see you've got the same scene. I've gone through a lot of genres love for the underground music. of music and seen everything go full There's a lot of people on the circle. At the same time, you have to outset, just because the tunes been adapt and change your music style and released or they might hear you make a career out of it. There's been play on radio, they will give you this occasions before Tough Love where perception. Do you find it we've had to play RnB/Hip Hop sets just frustrating when you go to play to make money and make a living out of something, that people expect that DJ'ing. If you love music, you'll do way? whatever it takes to make it as your career, you're not going to go and do a It's a fine balance between underground 9-to-5, for some people that's not for and crossover. If you're making music them. I think with the House scene, the and people that are involved in music, way things are going, you've got to stay they need to understand the fact that relevant with the underground and the the hard work has been done in the commercial world. I find a lot of guys underground. If you want to take your that've made their big record, which is brand to another level, you have to try fair enough, they've gone completely full and make music for a completely circle and the people that have come to different generation because the see them for what they know them for, generation that you're playing music to they don't play that record. in the underground are 22/23/24, they'll do two or three more years of raving I find that it's a bit of a shame, for and then they're done. There'll come a instance we had an interview with point when you'll stop raving, you'll still Breach for Audiation Magazine and appreciate music but a whole new genre he said he got tossed into a world of music will come through with new that had no interest to him. He ravers. They'll be 18/19/20 year olds. prefers dark and underground, it's about finding that balance. As an I've been on the scene for 10+ artist you can't help the fact that years, my uncle is MC Det. I literally you have the ability to make said I don't want anything to do something that'll appeal to a lot of with the scene! But I was naturally people. When you go to play, you drawn to music and raving, where can only play what you love playing I've been on the scene for so long, 31
I think a lot of people do forget the fact that none of these records were made for the intention to go to the charts. They were made solely for the club, they were club records that became so popular from the underground and the guys that actually listen to underground music and then they've crossed over. Breach, there was no way that anybody thought that the record was going to do what it's done. But it did, you can't help it some of the time. When people hear it first and foremost in the industry, they're not going to turn round and say that record is going to set the charts. It's a bass-heavy, underground club music. But you hear it so much over the radio then all of a sudden it's big. You can't predict certain things and popular music, whether it's from the underground or not, will always do that journey. That's what records have done over the test of time. How long do you see this phase carrying on? I don't know, I think it's got legs. It's a whole new scene, the EDM world has had it's moment and that big synthy sound, maybe people get bored of it. Maybe it's just done what it's done as a whole new resurgence of House music coming through. You can't predict it, I think it will last long. I've put a prediction of 2/3 years, the commercial side will disappear. We'll still naturaly find, for instance with UK Garage DJ EZ is still credible. You'll still find a few of those who are able to continue to push that sound. In general I think that it will phase off and the 32
mainstream will find a new popular sound. Anything that hits the charts now is pop music. Pop music is any form of music that becomes popular. Underground music is always underground, whereas when you see the German & European sound, it's going back to that natural groove sound. I believe that those people who are actually there for the House and Techno music, naturally end up falling back to that compared to those that are just there because it's popular music. A lot of people you'd find raving at Ministry, you wouldn't find them raving at Warehouse in East London. Popular music does open up to a different market and I think that the crowds in the last few years have changed. House is the popular sound at the minute, it is getting slightly saturated because everybody is trying to do it. But what you do find is the quality tracks that are out, they do stay around. It's a shame as you said with Ministry, sometimes you get half the crowd know what they're there for, the other half not so much - they're there because it's a popular sound. But that's how every scene starts, I don't always understand when people call certain music underground because underground to me is the very start of a new scene. In terms of underground, I've said to people if you want to go to an underground party in London, you have to go to a party where not much people know about it or it's literally full of foreigners. The reason why I say that is because www.AudiationMagazine.com
those parties aren't generally promoted for the right reason with people into House music, they don't know about it or they're turned off by the style of music or crowd that it attracts. The reason I support underground parties is because if you go there you naturally get that same sort of feeling. You stand more of a chance of playing to the crowd than putting on a long track that doesn't drop for two minutes and get a sit down. Even some of the popular tracks that you hear would filter through but, at the same time, the underground you
just get that natural feel. For instance I went to DGTL festival, it is an amazing experience, I looked around and everybody there were educated ravers. You either are a music person or you're not, you're open to new music and you can appreciate new music. So when you go out, you don't want to hear the same record over and over again. It's fair enough, but there are some times when people will call an underground party, an underground party, but there's a 100,000 people there, it's not underground music.
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Then again, underground is something that is supposed to be niche. Just because it's got 100,000 people there from across the world, they are all chasing that same niche market. If it was in London, you would probably only see 200 people considering the amount of people in London who never actually go to this underground party. These guys are making a lot of money, and the DJs are not small profile DJs. There's been a regurgitation of music and the sound has adapted, people are trying to push an acid sound and tech sounds. All these sounds have already been there, they're 30/40 years old. People get too deep into it, too technical saying it's got to be this way. It doesn't, if it's good music and it makes you feel good then that's what it's there for, that's the whole point of music. You can't nitpick in certain scenes and say that's too EDM or that's too popular. At the end of the day, people like music, you can't change their mindset. If they want to go to a party to see Tough Love or Route 94, they're going to go to that party to see them. If you think you're too cool to come to those parties then go to something you enjoy. A DJ's job is to do what he wants to do and at the same time play to the crowd. It's being selfish and understand what the crowd wants. A great DJ doesn't play music, a great DJ plays with music. He creates his own sound using the same records. It'll sound like a totally different set, whether he's played with loops or whatever, every great DJ has the ability to 34
make the sound their own. We've always said you can give 100 DJ's 20 tracks. Each DJ will play their own music way, no one will play it the same. Some DJ's will get a better response just because of the way they've judged their records and laid them out. The best thing is judging a crowd, a lot of DJ's nowadays don't know how to judge a crowd, they pick the best 10 records that they see on Beatport and they just play it rather than actually seeing what people are moving to. You can run some bits and pieces in and if they're responding then you know what they like and can go on your own journey. The art of real DJ'ing is lost. There is an element of it, but then there are DJ's that are a lot more creative now. There are some guys that are using software and creating remixes & producing on the fly. If you talk about things like Traktor, I've got no problem with it, as long as you're not sitting there playing 2 channels saying you're using Traktor. What would you say actually makes a real DJ? Well, nowadays you can't really talk about technical ability because people use software and sync to mix. I think what makes a good DJ is judging a crowd, giving them new music and making them appreciate that music, at the same time judging what the crowd like, looking out in front of you and seeing what the're responding to. The most important thing for a DJ is not about themselves, it's about people in www.AudiationMagazine.com
front of you and giving them a good time because they paid money to come and see you, they've come out to enjoy themselves just as much as you're there to enjoy yourself. The most important thing from a DJ is to make people enjoy themselves. What is the best set that you've ever heard?
feeling that makes you think I really like this. I do think the drug culture helps, they're in their own world. I like to find what I like, I enjoy the music because I have nothing else to take me to another level. I'll always go with the more groovy stuff with a bit more of a bounce, that beat movement just makes you think wow that's clever.
The thing is, when you're a DJ, you're very critical of other DJ's. If you hear something in a club, you will always know it's that, it's part of your job. The best DJ I've ever seen is EZ. Technically unbelievable, no one can touch him and the excitement and energy is unbelievable. There's guys I know that have a great following but, as you said, when it's just 3/4 minutes of a track just rolling, as a DJ myself I don't find that appealing. I like to see people being creative, there's times when I've seen people doing live stuff and I appreciate it but doesn't necessarily mean I like it. How did the collaboration with Ginuwine come about? You've given me an insight into the music that you like. If you went to a The two records that we've released party and heard Techno you'd were two years prior to coming out. probably much rather listen to They were records that were responsive something more upbeat. In London in our set, there were edits that we especially, you find a lot of people made and we constantly progressed and from Bassline/Garage, they don't became popular because of the sets we have the same love for Techno. were playing. We wanted to go with You'll find others who weren't 'Pony' first but couldn't clear it. When really around to get to Garage that 'So Freakin Tight' came out, we were much, like DnB ravers, they can't looking at Shazam charts and 'Pony', get House & Techno because they'll which we randomly put out as a bootleg say where's the drop. was in the top 100. So that tells you that the public liked it, so Alex put a post There always has to be that little groove, up on Twitter to say "I can't believe that even if it's prolonged and doesn't really 'Pony' is up on the Shazam charts as drop, there still has to be that nice well". Ginuwine messaged back 35
saying that's dope, congrats. Through Twitter it was like maybe we should have a chat, he got back to us, spoke to our manager and two weeks later he had the RnB King's tour in Hammersmith Apollo. So we thought let's get in the studio and work on it. He flew over, rerecorded the vocal and we got all the permissions we needed to run with the second single. We've got a handful of original material that we've wanted out, but at the same time, we got Ginuwine who we've looked up to since we were children and thought it has to be done. We know you've got your label and parties in Ibiza, what are the next steps for you guys?
you're trying to achieve. My personal choice, I would like to take our sound and manipulate it with someone like Bruno Mars because no one would ever expect that. I'm a fan of him because I've seen him perform and I don't think there's many artists out there that are anywhere near his level - just perfomance based and vocally he's unbelievable. There's not many artists I can say have the full package, before that I would've said Micheal Jackson, but unfortunatly not around. Last question, one sentence that describes House & Techno?
It's a sound that will never go away, it will always be here in one shape or Luckily enough, we've just partnered up another, House & Techno will always be with Sony/Columbia record label, so now a part of music culture. Get Twisted is a subsidiary of Sony and Columbia. Parties, we're going to do a _________________________________ touring brand up and down the country, acts that are on the label and will be a Tough Love's new single, Pony part of the label. We're focussing on (Jump On It) ft Ginuwine is out original material, third single is finalised, now! we're looking at an album as well hopefully early next year. Plenty of stuff going on as well as touring and working www.twitter.com/toughlovemusic away. www.gettwistedrecords.com What's your dream collaboration? The thing is, we're a part of two different worlds. We're quite technical in the way we think, there always has to be a reason for what you're doing. People would be surprised, Timbaland is a guy I've always looked up to and he's always been inventive. Vocally, we've really loved John Legend, as you can tell our RnB influence is quite strong. It depends on a record and the market 36
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Hear Tough Love on KISS FM Friday’s 12am-1am and on KISS FRESH Sunday’s from 9pm-10pm. www.AudiationMagazine.com
- Strike A Pose -
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Entitled 'Goddess', this upcoming Bollywood Pop record is co-written by Natalie INDYA West & The Next Room with artist Sunny Andre. Keep up with the goddesses themselves on Twitter: @Indya_UKMusic | @MrsSunnyAndrea 38
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Natalie Indya west is a songwriter & musician based in Surrey, UK. Having studied performing arts at the Brit school, she fronts her own Rock band named Indya. Some credits of Natalie's include music featured in Playstation's Far Cry 4 video game which is also a Bollywood style track. "This is my first huge record with a major artist. The song we are making for Sunny is a Hip-Hop/Pop track with Indian vibes and Rock fusion. It's going to be sick!! We hope to top the charts this Autumn!"
Sunny Andrea (Andre) comes from an Indian family and is now part of the Peter Andre family. The artist is married to Daniel Andre and they have recently celebrated their first year wedding.
This is such an exciting opportunity, keep your ears open for 'Goddess' which is set for release in September!
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How is everyone doing?!? Hope you're all well. Another month down, getting closer to the end of 2015! This Sarah's Thoughts serves as a recap of this summer and my favorite releases. Here we go! Where to start? First, let me very happily announce that I have been hired by a radio station in Chicago called B96 as a Promotions Coordinator! B96 (WBBM-FM) is under the umbrella of CBS Radio stations. Words really cannot explain how excited I am to start this journey, as this has been my dream job for a long time. In this position, I will be representing the station all around the Chicagoland area, help with artist performances, attending concerts/events and following-up with contest winners. www.b96.cbslocal.com What does this mean for my time at WLUW? My show "The Early Morning Sarahnades" has concluded for the year, but that doesn't mean it isn't coming back! Stay tuned on more info on that in 2016. I'll still be helping as much as I can at the station, as it has opened my awareness for my passion in music and broadcast media. Definitely will stay involved in my two years at Loyola University Chicago, as it is their college station. However, this summer I was able to host my show, and I was introduced to LOADS of new music that was perfect for summer nights!
Shamir - On the Regular. This song is created by Shamir Bailey, and he originally wanted to be a Country singer, but his friend convinced him otherwise. What I love about this song is that no matter how weird, it makes you smile and dance. 40
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Icona Pop - Emergency. These ladies know how to get a party started. I recently found this single, released on May 26. Just give it a listen if you want to dance. X Ambassadors - VHS. This album, including songs like 'Renegades' and (my favorite) 'Gorgeous' has a very powerful, we-can-do-anything feel for the summer. Released June 30, it has been all over my personal playlists and background music. Cody Simpson - Free. If anyone doesn't know who this guy is, he is an Australian singer that got his start making music catered towards preteens. I honestly feel bad for his reputation now, because this independent album he released on July 10 isn't getting enough recognition as it should. The entirety of the album possesses beach vibes, smooth guitar solos and a raw, rock voice. I highly recommend giving this a listen, especially when you're feeling nostalgic of the beach this winter. One Direction - Drag Me Down. Okay people my disguise has been unfolded, I am a massive boy band fan. I'm not a crazy fangirl. but after growing up listening to Backstreet Boys, I have developed a weakness for these bands. In fact, my high school superlative was "Most likely to manage a boy band." So, when One Direction unexpectedly released this single, I thought it was the perfect way to wrap up the summer. Especially after losing Zayn, it shows they are still going strong. Another summer trend I picked up on is working out! I used to in the past when I played basketball and golf, but I started attending classes and really focusing on toning my body. Look good, feel good, am I right?!
Sarah's Thoughts 41
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Issuu is the fastest growing digital publishing platform in the world, with over 82 million users.
The new single from TerraNation is set to be a fierce contender in the clubbing scene. 'Light' has a powerful, hard style for the Trance purist. The transition offers classical emotion which captivates the audience. This project began with TerraNation wanting to bring back the feeling of real melodic Trance, although with a modern twist of a stronger and harder style.
Raw passionate vocals take the main focus accompanied by a light funky beat. KP's vocal style is heavily influenced by his Jamaican heritage, although he also talks of his love for RnB, Grime, Rap, Disco and Deep House music. Incredibly unique sounds, a meld of futuristic pop and colourful pizzazz. Marc, a talented player of many instruments and former singer of a French band met Lapo, an italian-London based producer and bass player, in 2012. They established the core of tribal-tropicalindie-dance outfit N-A-I-V-E-S in EastLondon. Josh Gimber joined the band in 2014 as a session drummer, and finally permanent drummer Benji joined the band in 2015. N-A-I-V-E-S mix hook laden synths with big beat drums, to create charming electro pop bites, as fresh as they are unique. 43
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FESTIVALS Jerusalem Sacred Music Festival 30 August - 4 September Jerusalem, Israel Electrosanne 1 - 6 September Lausanne, Switzerland Outlook Festival 2 - 7 September Pula, Croatia Home Festival 3 - 6 September Treviso, Italy Electric Zoo 4 - 6 September New York, USA One Love Festival 4 - 6 September Popham, United Kingdom Lief Festival 5 September Utrecht, Netherlands
10 - 13 September Isle Of Wight, United Kingdom
Relms Cathedral, France
Oasis Festival 11 - 13 September Marrakech, Morocco
TomorrowWorld 25 - 27 September Chattahoochee Hills, United States
Lollapalooza Berlin 12 - 13 September Berlin, Germany
Marsatac 25 - 26 September Marseille, France
OnBlackheath 12 - 13 September London, United Kingdom
Waves Vienna 30 September - 4 October Vienna, Austria
Holi Fusion Rocking The Daisies Maastricht 1 October 12 September Darling, South Africa Maastrict, Netherlands The Warehouse DCODE Festival Project: Weekend 1 12 September 2 - 3 October Madrid, Spain Manchester, United Kingdom The Social Festival 12 September N.A.M.E Festival Maidstone, United 2 - 3 October Kingdom Lomme, France
Blaue Lagune Open Air Reworks 6 September 17 - 20 September Wachtendonk, Thessaloniki, Greece Germany Elektricity XIII Bestival 24 - 27 September
Waves Bratislava 2 - 4 October Bratislava, Slovakia
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roBOt Festival 7 - 11 October Bologna, Italy
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Nuits Sonores Tanger 8 - 11 October Tangier, Morocco
The Warehouse Project: Weekend 3 16 - 17 October Manchester, United Kingdom
The Warehouse Project: Weekend 2 9 - 10 October Manchester, United Kingdom ADE: Amsterdam Dance Event 14 - 18 October Amsterdam, Netherlands ADE: Awakenings Presents Drumcode 15 October Amsterdam, Netherlands ADE: Awakenings Presents Carl Cox & Friends 16 October Amsterdam, Netherlands Imagination Festival 16 October Praha, Czech Republic ADE: Amsterdam Music Festival 16 - 17 October 46
ADE: Awakenings Presents Joris Voorn & Friends 17 October Amsterdam, Netherlands ADE: PRJCT Music Festival 17 October Amsterdam, Netherlands ADE: Awakenings Presents Electric Deluxe 18 October Amsterdam, Netherlands The Warehouse Project: Weekend 4 23 - 24 October Manchester, United Kingdom Pitchfork Music Festival 29 - 31 October Paris, France
The Warehouse Project: Weekend 5 30 - 31 October Manchester, United Kingdom Bloody Sexy Halloween VII 31 October Prague, Czech Republic Movement Torino 31 October Turin, Italy MIRA Festival 30 October - 7 November Barcelona, Spain Club to Club Torino 4 - 8 November Turin, Italy The Warehouse Project: Weekend 6 6 - 7 November Manchester, United Kingdom The Warehouse Project: Weekend 7 13 - 14 November Manchester, United Kingdom Le Guess Who? 19 - 22 November Utrecht, Netherlands www.AudiationMagazine.com
The Warehouse Project: Weekend 8 21 - 22 November Manchester, United Kingdom It's The Ship 20 - 23 November 61 Marina Coastal Drive, Singapore Transmission 21 - 22 November Prague, Czech Republic The Warehouse Project: Weekend 9 26 - 28 November Manchester, United Kingdom Apokalypsa Judgement Night 27 - 28 November Brno, Czech Republic
The highly anticipated event which was to be held at Hop Farm, Kent has been cancelled. The reason for the cancellation involved issues with failure to provide the paperwork for licensing in time. Hop Farm released a statement saying, "we understand that this has caused disappointment amongst fans, ticket holders and of course ourselves, but unfortunately The Hop Farm was left in a position where its event licence was in serious jeopardy."
DANCE THE NIGHT This was to be the 5thW birthday A AY for HD Festival with acts including Labrinth, Katy B, Hot Since 82, Fedde Le Grande, Mark Knight and more. The festival stated the following: "The organisors of HD do not accept 'The Hop Farm' had valid reasons for cancelling the festival and the matter is now in the hands of solicitors. Further announcements about refunds will be made as soon as possible." 47
Issue AM017 On The Cover: Tough Love
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With love Ruby, Rokuro, Cessle, Sarah, Malachi, Andy & David xx
Audiation AM017 Copyright 2015 Š Audiation Magazine Ltd