BEATSELECTOR Magazine Issue N°12

50 PAGES RECAPPING THE BEST OF 2017 STARTS ON PAGE 100

INTERVIEWS MAHMUT ORHAN FDVM LOVELY LAURA & BEN SANTIAGO MARCUS KNIGHT BORDERLESS

CAT DEALERS

+

OUTLAW RECORDS

HARRISON SPILLS THE BEANS ON THE NEW LABEL: Q&A

"OUR" 2017 ARTIST OF THE YEAR

GALERA LUCA TESTA LUIS FERNANDO MARIANA BO DATSIK ICYMI NEWS NEW MUSIC PREVIEWS REVIEWS

B EATSELECTOR Moving Electronic Music Forward

2018 / Issue N° 12

PUBLISHER

JOSEPH WENSELL CONTRIBUTORS Caitlin Cline Catherine Strickland Chloe Aiello Cory Royster Erik L. Richardson Fred Lee James Arena Joseph Arthur Karin Haslinger Leo Weaver Payton Gerencir Stephanie Hernandez Tyler Quick

EDITORIAL REQUESTS

editor@beatselectormagazine.com

ADVERTISING & MARKETING ads@beatselectormagazine.com

GENERAL INQUIRIES

info@beatselectormagazine.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Magzter.com/beatselectormagazine

f@ beatselectormagazine t@ beatselector

beatselectormagazine.com

inside

ISSUE NUMBER 12 JANUARY 2018

BEST OF

2017 We revisit 2017 with fond memories and share with you our favorite albums, videos and some underlooked/under-read news stories of 2017. Plus we unveil our favorite label and our Artist of the Year, hint, pan right. It all starts on page 100.

Cover and Table of Contents Photography courtesy of Felix De Laet

114

A first time entry at #26 in 2017 DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs Poll, the highest new entry of any artist that year, is just one major accomplishment in Felix De Laet’s (aka Lost Frequencies) young career (so far). He’s also the recipient of ECHO Awards (Germany’s GRAMMY equivalent) in the categories of “Dance International” and “Hit of the Year,” and he netted a “Best New Talent” nomination at the 2017 WDM (World Dance Music) Radio Awards. From show-stopping live appearances, to career-making studio hits, the building blocks aren’t just in place for Felix. He’s clearly on meteoric journey that happens to make him an easy choice for our 2017

ARTIST OF THE YEAR.

inside ISSUE NUMBER 12 JANUARY 2018

Features 68 MAHMUT ORHAN Q&A

He's had "all kinds" of accolades and praise, high chart positions on iTunes in multiple countries and is part of the "100+ million streams" club, thanks to his 2016 Ultra Music global smash hit "Feel" featuring Sena Sener. Catherine Strickland gives all the details.

74 FDVM Q&A

FDVM's music is described as happy and groovy, with acoustic and authentic touches added to the deep house formula. In this Q&A session with Joseph Arthur, the two discuss their song writing processes, how they met, the keys to breaking in to the U.S. market and who their dream dinner invites would be. Dig in.

80 LOVELY LAURA & BEN SANTIAGO Q&A

Internet sensation Lovely Laura and prolific Ibiza DJ Ben Santiago have quickly risen to be one of dance music’s most revered and dynamic duos in the industry.

88 MARCUS KNIGHT Q&A

Our partners over at Matt Caldwell PR caught up with Marcus Knight to learn a bit more about the maverick producer and find out some great stuff about his music past, present and future.

92 BORDERLESS Q&A

In celebration of his new moniker BORDERLESS and a new album, we present this question and answer session with Daniel Wanrooy and he shares with us and you, the reasoning behind the new alias, how the project came to fruition, and what he wants his fans to feel when listening to the album.

Departments 16 ICYMI

ROUND-UP OF RECENT NEWS FROM AROUND THE WEB.

34 NEW MUSIC PREVIEWS

MOONBOOTS, V/A "PUTTIN' ON THE RITZ," NICKY ROMERO, LUXAS, NILS FRAHM, SEVERAL DEFINITIONS, SCOTT GILMORE, V/A SICK MUSIC 2018 & MARKUS SCHULZ.

40 ON TOUR

DATSIK 'S 55+ DATE NINJA NATION 2018 TOUR.

42 BUZZ WORTHY/ARTIST PROFILES

CAT DEALERS, GALERA, LUCA TESTA, LUIS FERNANDO & MARIANA BO.

52 LABEL WATCH

OUTLAW RECORDS / Q&A WITH HARRISON.

110 BOOKS/CD/EP/SINGLES MUSIC REVIEWS

JAMES ARENA'S "EUROPE'S STARS OF 80'S DANCE POP;" ISLANDMAN 'S "REST IN SPACE " ON MUSIC FOR DREAMS. Table of Contents Photography courtesy of Ben and Laura Santiago

[OPENING NOTES] Written by Joseph Wensell

ISSUE 12 2017 for us here at BSM was a pretty good year. We established new relationships and friendships, participated as a media sponsor for Music Producer Convention 2017 Paris Edition, landed some more partnerships with globally reputable Public Relation Firms and strengthened the ones we've been working with from our beginnings.

We grew a 'little' on Facebook and Twitter and started implementing new marketing strategies utitlizing video. Over the last year, we were given the privedge of featuring major, multi-page arcticles and interviews with super-star DJs and producers including Darude, KÖLSCH and NULL+VOID, as well as one of the most innovative electro-funk live acts on the circuit today, SunSquabi. Proudly, we have given pages of editorial space to countless developing artists and producers (some of which are well known and some that are right on the cusp), festival presenters, club events and even educators. I think we did a pretty good job giving our readers good, relevant and entertaining content in 2017. So, here's to 2017!

For the "kicker," we feature a brief time capsule look at our Artist of the Year, Felix De Laet, also known as Lost Frequencies, as well as giving Monstercat a "shout out" as our favorite label of 2017. Now we are starting 2018 off with the publishing of this issue, our largest folio yet at 164 pages. Inside you'll find 5 articles featuring a bit of short story-telling and inquistive Q&A sessions with: Mahmut Orhan; FDVM; Lovely Laura & Ben Santiago; Marcus Knight and Daniel Wanrooy/BORDERLESS. Receiving the “Buzzworthy”/ Artist Profile treatment for this issue are: Cat Dealers; Galera; Luca Testa; Luis Fernando and Mariana Bo, all of whom represent a diverse group of talent on many different levels. There's also a slew of "choice" new releases out there aiming to grab your attention, ears and money! We make it a little easier for you by previewing some big releases from Moonboots, Nicky Romero, Nils Frahm, Markus Schulz and few more. For our Label Watch column, Harrison, our 7th issue Cover Artist, jumps in the Label Game with the launch of his appropriately named Outlaw Records. Harrison gives us a preview via Q&A of what to expect, who's on the team and when to expect new music. And finally, we review James Arena’s book Europe’s Stars of '80s Dance Pop and a few new music releases, leading off with the fantastic “Rest In Space” by Islandman on Music For Dreams. Read on and enjoy!

For our 12th issue, we look back and share 50 pages displaying what we feel represents the Best of 2017. We revisit some really cool, under-read news stories of the year, rank our favorite 10 albums with excerpts from our reviews and turn you on to our favorite videos.

14 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

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

Wynn Nightlife Augments Their 2018 Roster With Renowned Tech House DJs Continuing to break new ground in the Las Vegas nightlife scene, Wynn Nightlife is adding three world-renowned tech house DJs/producers to its roster of big name residents. Solomun, Jamie Jones and Black Coffee (pictured L to R) have signed exclusive agreements to perform at XS, Intrigue and Encore Beach Club through 2018. These additions will bring distinctive underground styles to the Wynn Nightlife venues.

"These first-ever tech house residencies on the Strip will showcase three of the biggest names in the genre," said Alex Cordova, Managing Partner of Wynn Nightlife.

"Tech house continues to rise in popularity in the United States and abroad and we look forward to bringing and expanding this music style into our programming."

Inspired by R&B, funk, soul, hip-hop, disco and 80s music, Solomun is a major player in redefining European house music. With productions, remixes and DJing, he takes the building blocks of house and deftly reconstructs them with a modern twist. His self-described "ultra-funky basslines, euphoric melodies and emotionally charged vocals" have proven to be a wildly successful recipe for the Ibiza fixture, creating a roller coaster of musical moods for massive audiences.

Widely regarded as the leader of the new sound of house, Jamie Jones is world-renowned for his pioneering music and Paradise event series in Ibiza. His unique, warm and melodic sound delves deeper than the confines of minimalist techno. Touring takes Jones to major festivals and top stages around the world.

South African DJ and producer, Black Coffee was awarded the "Best Deep House" trophy at the 2017 DJ Awards held in Ibiza. Performing at the world's largest music festivals, the mix master brings his African essence and soaring inventive rhythms that blend seamlessly with traditional house sounds. He has mastered the unique skill of DJ'ing using only one hand.

For tickets, table reservations and additional information, visit www.wynnnightlife.com.

16 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 17

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

Dubset And Merlin Agree To Partnership Giving Indie Labels & Musicians Control, Royalties And A Platform To Monetize Dubset Media, a company bringing transparency, control, and new catalog royalties to rights holders, today announced the company has reached an agreement on a partnership with Merlin, the global digital rights agency for the world's independent label sector. Under the agreement, Dubset will immediately begin identifying and registering Merlin member catalogs for use, allowing those labels and distributors to begin monitoring, managing and monetizing use of their recordings.

A growing number of major music services are now utilizing Dubset's MixBANK™ to ensure the mix and remix content they receive for distribution is properly cleared and administered.

"Adding Merlin's members to the extraordinary list of labels (and publishers) now managing their catalogs in MixBANK is an important advancement for independent music and artists everywhere," notes Bob Barbiere, Chief Strategy Officer and SVP Licensing of Dubset. "A large percentage of the content MixBANK is scanning each day comes from Merlin member labels. This partnership will have a pronounced impact on the amount of content Dubset will now clear and distribute to music services for consumers."

Dubset's MixBANK™ platform powers real-time copyright identification, multirights holder clearance, and DDEX compliant distribution to some of the highest paying on-demand music services in the world including Apple. The company inked a deal earlier this year with Sony Music Entertainment to manage and monetize its catalog within mix and remix content.

"Mix culture has always accounted for a significant portion of online consumption, and Merlin's membership represents a wide range of artists at the core of this culture," points out Charles Caldas, Merlin CEO. "Merlin's partnership with Dubset is important as it will unlock new revenues for our global membership, and ensure they can realize even greater value from their repertoire - wherever and however it is used online."

For more information visit www.dusbset.com.

18 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 19

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

Iceland’s Secret Solstice 2018 Announces Exclusive Performances Inside A Glacier And Lava Tunnel Named by The New York Times as one of "20 Places To Travel In Your 20s," there are many reasons that Iceland is a popular destination for tourists eager to experience the country’s otherworldly landscape of glaciers and volcanic deserts. Recently nominated

by The European Festival Awards, Secret Solstice, the carbon-neutral festival attracts visitors from across the globe keen to dance in the rays of the never setting midnight sun to a world-class and diverse musical lineup whilst experiencing many of the country’s extraordinary environmental attractions. Just outside Reykjavik, visitors can discover supernatural landscapes boasting beautiful waterfalls, icy glaciers, black sand beaches, and vast volcanic fields as well as world-famous sites like the Blue Lagoon and Game of Thrones filming locations.

Whilst stepping inside Europe’s second largest glacier Langjökull or journeying deep into a 5,200 year old Lava Tunnel, those lucky enough to snap up one of the highly prized tickets will be treated to intimate and exclusive performances from Icelandic and international artists. Limited tickets are available for Into The Glacier on Saturday, June 23 and The Lava Tunnel taking place on Saturday, June 23 and Sunday, June 24, but you have to act fast as these events are sure to sell out.

For more information and tickets visit http://secretsolstice.is.

20 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 21

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

MasterClass Announces Armin van Buuren's Dance Music Online Course MasterClass, the premier online education platform, announced today that legendary DJ Armin van Buuren is teaching his first ever online class. Enrollment in the class is $90, or $180 per year for unlimited access to all new and existing MasterClasses with the AllAccess Pass. van Buuren will share insights about what it takes to get established in the competitive and ever-changing business of dance music plus instruction on production, performance, and promotion.

"Nowadays, to be a successful artist and DJ, it's not enough to just know how to spin records.

If you want to stand out, you need to make your own records, write music, and make remixes and mashups for your DJ sets. I'm truly excited to share my passion for producing music and DJing in my MasterClass," said Armin van Buuren, MasterClass instructor. "It's the first time I get to show you my secrets and tips, and everything I've learned in my twenty years in this business."

"Armin is an international icon of dance music. There really is an art and science to making people dance —it has to do with sculpting sound, mixing, and arranging songs for maximum impact —that's Armin's mastery, and he's certainly one of the best to ever do it," said David Rogier, CEO and Co-Founder of MasterClass.

The class is now open for enrollment at www.masterclass.com/avb.

22 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 23

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

The Association For Electronic Music (AFEM) & Health Assured LTD Team Up To Launch Confidential Sexual Harassment Support Service Victims of sexual harassment within society and specifically within the entertainment industry need trained support. The Association For Electronic Music (AFEM) is launching a confidential support service, delivered by Health Assured, to provide advice and guidance to those affected.

AFEM, the global trade body for the genre, represents the interests of record labels, managers, promoters, publishers, clubs and other companies whose business is electronic music. Members include Live Nation, CAA, Three Six Zero, Red Light Management and Defected.

The organization and its members are determined to drive positive change in the industry and to ensure openness, inclusion and diversity in all aspects of electronic music. A code of conduct will be launched early in 2018 to allow AFEM members to reach the highest standards of behaviour within their organizations.

Speaking about the initiative, Mark Lawrence AFEM CEO states "Since its formation, AFEM has championed equality and inclusion as vital foundations of our industry and we unequivocally condemn sexual abuse and harassment of any kind. To step forward as a victim of abuse or harassment takes immense courage and we will support all who need help and guidance. We are working with our 150 plus members on how to unite as an industry against all forms of abuse and AFEM directs anyone who has been affected by abuse or harassment to an industry specific and confidential service operated by Health Assured, where trained experts will listen and support. This is a pivotal moment for society, industry and inclusivity and we must ensure that every opportunity is taken to support all victims. It is time to build a safe and supportive environment for everyone whatever their gender, ethnicity, sexual preference and age."

Health Assured Ltd is a provider of innovative health and wellbeing solutions.

Support service telephone number 0800 030 5182 Outside the UK: +44 800 030 5182

24 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 25

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

Electronic Seikilos Cause to Benefit Greek Schools, Charities & Children Electronic Seikilos will be the seed that will redifine the future of Electronic Music by providing children exposure to the electronic sound and inspire them to get involved. The first compilation is comprised by 12 tracks, by 12 Greek artists: Mikael Delta; And.ID; Mr. Statik; Thodoris Triantafillou; Kreon (pictured), Kindimmer; Nick Devon; GummiHz; Alex Dimou; Echonomist; Lee Burton and Stathis Lazarides.

The goal is to offer the earnings from the sales of the compilation for the purchase of synthesizers, drum machines and other electronic music equipment, which will be gifted to Schools & non-profit charitable organizations all over Greece in an attempt to bring young children closer to the electronic sound and improvisation. This project intends to promote Greek artists and feature the contemporary Greek electronic scene. USM aspires to highlight the research for electronic music, in an attempt to study and present sounds and melodies, composed by known and unknown artists. Simultaneously, this action will function as a stimulus for younger artists who want to come in touch with electronic music.

The first compilation will be accompanied by audiovisual material, documentary, workshops, as well as interviews by the artists. Available via the Bandcamp platform in digital format and then on limited digipack & vinyl formats, the cost of purchase will be determined by the potential buyer, who will set the price they want to offer in order to obtain the compilation. Click here to support.

26 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 27

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

DGTL Announces Full Line Up Of Over 65 Acts For Amsterdam Edition

DGTL will return for another festival at the NDSM Docklands during Easter. On March 30, 31 and April 1, 2018 over 65 artists will take their spot behind the decks and treat the crowd on all they have to offer. Amongst the expansive billing are Âme II Âme, Floating Points b2b Hunee, Jeff Mills, Laurent Garnier, Maceo Plex, Modeselektor [dj], Schwarzmann [live] and Tale Of Us. Additionally, DGTL will also present unique art installations and revolutionary sustainability projects.

The mixed line up also holds heavyweight names Amelie Lens, Blawan, DVS1, Gerd Janson, Hot Since 82, Ida Engberg, Jackmaster, Job Jobse, Mano le Tough, Maya Jane Coles, Oliver Koletzki, Red Axes [live], Recondite [live] and Speedy J. While there are some recurring names, there is also a whole lot of room for fresh faces.

DGTL will be giving a podium to ingenious techno artists such as Aleksi Perälä [live], Dax J, Call Super, live band performances by Romare and Dollkraut. The festival also embraces the lo-fi left-field with acts such as Palmbomen II & Betonkust, Giegling's DJ Dustin, Nightmares on Wax and Honey Dijon.

Valuing young talent just as much as the more established names, by including upcoming musicians Nous'Klaers Oceanic and Oberman.

Visit the DGTL website for tickets and the full day-by-day line up.

28 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 29

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

Carl Cox Returns As First Headline Act For Creamfields UK After A 10 Year Hiatus Creamfields, one of the world’s biggest electronic music festivals has revealed its first headline act for 2018. After a decade away Carl Cox returns to host and curate his own Intec stage on Friday night and there is no stage better suited for the big man himself than the Steel Yard!

Undoubtedly one of the best known, best loved and most recognised DJ’s on the planet, he has been at the forefront of his field for over 30 years. As the pioneering champion of the techno scene there are few who can match this man’s staying power, his carefully curated Ibiza residency broke records and boundaries with its forward thinking line ups and state of the art production all of which he will be bringing for what has to be one of the most long awaited returns in Creamfields history.

Having celebrated 20 years in 2017, Creamfields has undoubtedly raised the bar for music festivals around the world, what began as a 25,000 capacity one day show has turned into the four day ‘go to’ festival for electronic music fans, attracting sell-out crowds of 70,000 each year to their flagship UK show and 2017 seeing them stage ten festivals around the globe.

The line-up for Creamfields UK 2018 is expected to be announced in February but as is always the case with Creamfields, it will be big!

Tickets on sale now at www.creamfields.com / #Creamfields2018.

30 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 31

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

International Music Summit's 11 Edition Returns To Ibiza With A Wellness Agenda For 2018 Gathering International Music Summit (IMS), the premier global platform for business, culture and education within the electronic music industry, returns to the dance music capital of the world for its annual three-day educational, inspirational and motivational thought-leadership forum.

Aimed squarely at industry leaders and artists from the international electronic music sector, it throws a spotlight onto the complex challenges and emerging opportunities that really matter in today's ever evolving industry.

Following the success of the 10th Anniversary event earlier in the year, today IMS announce the key themes for its 11th summit on May 23-25th 2018. The platform, previously described as "the TED of music conferences," has been responsible for leading initiatives that have resulted in positive change within the electronic music industry and it continues to set the agenda for the genre across the world in Europe, North America and Asia.

New for 2018 is a three-day Wellness retreat, taking place before the main IMS summit at a soon-to-be-revealed location. The electronic music industry is a fast-paced environment, with busy days and late nights. As many industry players will recognise this demanding lifestyle can take its toll on the body and mind over time, and the Wellness event has been designed to address this prevalent issue. Tailored for the dance music community, the pre-summit event will help industry veterans and newcomers alike to disconnect from everyday stress and clear the mind, setting the foundation for meaningful work and providing tools to stay focused, relaxed and rejuvenated.

Education partners include POINT BLANK MUSIC SCHOOL, BERKLEE SCHOOL OF MUSIC, TOOLROOM ACADEMY, BURN and founding partner PIONEER DJ. Visit www.internationalmusicsummit.com for more info, programming details, registration and pricing.

32 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 33

[NEW MUSIC: PREVIEWS] surprising selection of underground acts on the fringes of what might be termed Balearic music.

Much of the selection has aimed to include tracks that have never seen vinyl release, whether only issued on CD or digital. For instance, the track that gives the compilation its title is a crisp and loungey Paul Hardcastle production from 2005.

Other selections only released before on CD are new age epic "Cello Blueby David Darling from 2001, filled with field recordings of birds and water, while Denmark’s own new age maestro Rishi contributes with the track ‘Simple Trust’ from his 1993 album ‘Notes From The Inner Stream’.

"Moments In Time" compiled by Moonboots is the follow up album to the highly revered "Tropical Drums Of Deutschland" release, by Jan Schulte, in the new Special Collectors’ Series on Music For Dreams.

"Moments In Time" was released on Vinyl LP on December 15, 2017, followed by a CD, digital and stream release date of Friday, January 19, 2018. It has already been named Piccadilly Records No. 1 Compilation Album of the Year 2017.

Music For Dreams asked longtime friend of the label, Moonboots, to pick out a selection of littleknown gems from his vast collection of chilled music that powerfully encapsulate moods of calm and moments of contemplation.

Moonboots has been a fixture of the Manchester scene since the Acid house and Balearic boom in the late 80s. He runs the prolific vinyl label Aficionado Recordings together with fellow DJ Jason Boardman. Starting out as a Sunday club evening, the pair have dished out a consistent flow of quality 12" releases since 2012, with an ever-

34 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

The exception to the rule of vinyl premieres is the sample-heavy ‘Gissningsleken’ by Ben Morris, previously released on a limited run 7” from 2012, as well as dreamy July Skies track ’The Softest Kisses’ of which the 7” version has never been issued elsewhere.

New Moonboots faves German duo Blank and Jones are included with the summery ‘My Island’, alongside new Danish artist The Swan And The Lake with the exclusive ‘Moments Of Lost Swans’ (Remix) featuring Jonas Krag on pedal steel guitar.

All in all, Moonboots has put together a dense collection of songs with a timeless feel that equally echo the cozy solace of chilled winter days and reflect the blissful, searing heat of the summer sun.

They will also doubtless sound as good in the pub as they might at home on a Sunday or in a cabin in the woods.

To top things off, the sleeve design comes from Aficionado’s graphic designer Topsy Von Salkeld.

Visit MoonbootsMusic.com for more information.

CM

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 35

[NEW MUSIC: PREVIEWS]

In celebration of Fred Astaire Franchised Dance Studios’ 70th Anniversary, Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Vienna, Austria comes a production of an international music project in honor of the legendary dancer and his Austrian roots. It all started when singer Taco (pictured) was invited to make a short appearance at the Grand Opening of Fred Astaire Dance Studios Vienna in December 2016.

The world-famous star, (known for his global hit, a synth-pop version of the Fred Astaire classic "Puttin’ on the Ritz" in the 80s), along with Rainer C. Regatschnig (Owner, Fred Astaire Dance Studio, Vienna), signed up other international talent for the opening night of the new dance studio: a Fred & Ginger themed show from dance world champion Garbuzov/ Menzinger, a burlesque show in a champagne glass by Wendy Night, and the legendary Electro Swing Revolution DJ team from Berlin.

It culminated in a perfectly staged 1920s, 30s and 40s experience for both young and evergreen dancers

36 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

in the ballroom of the Parkhotel Schönbrunn. It was while preparing for the event with Taco and the Berlin DJs in the spring of 2016 that the idea arose for a new electro swing version of "Puttin’ on the Ritz" which premiered on December 30th, 2016 at the gala party for "Puttin’ On The Ritz – A Tribute to Fred Astaire" at the Parkhotel Schönbrunn, in front of guests from the U.S., Israel, Italy and Vienna. The electro swing remake of the global hit was released to kickoff Fred Astaire Dance Studio’s 70th anniversary year and saw success at the top of the international download charts in spring 2017 (Top 10 in Russia, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Germany and Top 40 in the UK, the US and Australia).

To mark the monumental occasion of FADS’ 70th anniversary, the successful music project was extended and the album "Puttin’ on The Ritz – A Tribute To Fred Astaire," featuring additional well-known songs from the dance and film legend’s era, all re-recorded in electro swing style, was released in November 2017. More than a dozen Fred Astaire era classics have been re-made and re-recorded for this production. Stars like Right Said Fred (#1 in the US with I’m Too Sexy), Freakpower (#1 in the UK with Turn On, Tune In, Cop Out from the Levi’s advert), Kitten and The Hip (band from the London scene), Alexander Rybak (Winner of the Eurovision Song Contest 2009) among other surprise guests contributed to the project.

Buy it here.

C

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 37

[NEW MUSIC: PREVIEWS] Protocol Recordings has become synonymous with forward-thinking, dynamic electronic music since its creation in 2012 by Nicky Romero and has seen immense success with both established and emerging artists.

Last year Protocol celebrated its fifth birthday with a series of new music and celebrations that culminated in their massive annual showcase at the Amsterdam Dance Event.

Nicky Romero proves yet again why he's earned a reputation as one of the most influential DJs and producers of his time with his newest track, aptly titled "PRTCL" in honor of his imprint Protocol Recordings' 100th release.

"PRTCL" finds Nicky returning to the high-energy groove sound that made him a household name early in his career on tracks like "SOTU" and "Camorra." Mr. Romero teamed up with Spyder - known from "Waterman" and "Like Dis" with Olav Basoski - for the track, which was premiered as an ID during 2017's final episode of Protocol Radio.

With its cinematic melodies and bouncing basslines "PRTCL" feels iconic and timeless, a salute to electronic music's heyday as well as a nod to its promising future.

Both, Protocol Recordings and Nicky Romero have helped to shape the landscape of electronic dance music as we know it with their cutting-edge approach to sound and their focus on cultivating a diverse talent pool.

38 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

Their first five years have been starred with now-classic tracks, such as Calvin Harris & Nicky Romero's "Iron," NERVO & Nicky Romero's "Like Home," Stadiumx "Howl At The Moon" and Tommy Trash's "HEX," forever solidifying Protocol as one of the most renowned electronic labels in the world.

Protocol's focus on developing upand-coming artists has garnered them a roster of incredible talent, from veterans like Tom Tyger, Raiden and Florian Picasso to new discoveries like Maximals, Sam Void and more.

Between their ever-evolving imprint, captivating stage presence, and consistently incredible, cutting-edge new music, it's safe to say that Protocol has more than earned their spot at the top. If their 100th release "PRTCL" is any indication, this is only the beginning of the Protocol Recordings legacy, and to a very exciting 2018!

Buy it here.

CM

Photography by Marte Visser

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 39

[NEW MUSIC: PREVIEWS]

"Kun" marks the return of Lowtemp's synthesizers guru Luxas to what he does best.

Relying on close to 15 years of professional experience in sound engineering, the music Lukas Stepancic has been releasing during this time, and especially in recent years, sounds mesmerizing and eternal. After a string of progressive house releases on various labels he took a different direction and became known for creating otherworldly sonic landscapes. He found himself working in theater, while also creating music for films and commercials. All of this led to his debut album on Lowtemp titled "The Bridge" (released in 2014) which received high praises from THUMP. Bridging the gap between retro and futuristic sound, it's possible to hear a soundtrack of a space exploration epic at one moment, then find yourself half a century back at the birth of electronic music in the next.

Following a 2015 collaboration with Gramatik on original music for a short film The Condor, Luxas returned to his hometown in Slovenia to focus on his

40 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

work. The new 5-track EP is actually the first part of a bigger project that he has been working on for the past year or so. Sounding more like a soundtrack for a Denis Villeneuve or Nicolas Winding Refn film than anything from the current EDM spectre, there are hardly any solid rhythmical elements or even beats present here. In contrast to the second part of the project where he intends to introduce more traditional song structures, this is an atmospheric exploration of what can be achieved with sound manipulation, and an invitation to submerge oneself into his world.

Luxas' tracks are for the most part focused on central themes that are constantly evolving, created by a mixture of analog synthesizers and personal field recordings. This is certainly the case with both the title track that opens the EP and the following "Rooftops," "Bronx" (which is more of an interlude than a full track) and "Old Man of the Mountain." But even when taking all the experimental and exploratory nature of this release into account, it's hard to be prepared for the closing track "Kali." In what has to be one of the more daring electronic tracks in recent memory, distortion beyond all levels of reason ascends and descends in and out of focus, creating a feeling that this is as close as one could get to an aural representation of hanging on the edge of chaos. A timely metaphor, really.

Buy it here.

CM

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 41

[NEW MUSIC: PREVIEWS]

For the past two years, Nils Frahm has been building a brand new studio in Berlin to make his 7th studio album titled "All Melody," released on January 26th, 2018 via Erased Tapes, before Nils embarks on his first world tour since 2015, with stops all along North America. Since the day Nils first encountered the impressive studio of a family friend, he had envisioned to create one of his own at such a large scale.

Fast forward to the present day and Nils is now the proud host of Saal 3, part of the historical 1950s East German Funkhaus building beside the River Spree. It is here where he has spent most of his time deconstructing and reconstructing the entire space, from the cabling and electricity to the woodwork, before moving on to the finer elements; building a pipe organ and creating a mixing desk all from scratch with the help of his friends. This is somewhere music can be nurtured and not neglected, and where he can somewhat fulfill his pursuit of presenting music to the world as close to his imagination as possible.

His previous albums have often been accompanied with a story, such as "Felt" (2011) where he placed felt upon the hammers of the piano out

42 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

of courtesy to his neighbors when recording late at night in his old bedroom studio, and the following album "Screws" (2012) when injuring his thumb forced him to play with only nine fingers. His new album is born out of the freedom that his new environment provided, allowing Nils to explore without any restrictions and to keep it all about the melody.

Despite being confined within the majestic four walls of the Funkhaus, buried deep in its reverb chambers, or in an old dry well in Mallorca, "All Melody" is, in fact, proof that music is limitless, timeless, and reflects that of Nils' own capabilities. From a boy's dream to resetting the parameters of music itself.

"In the process of completion, any album not only reveals what it has become but, maybe more importantly, what it hasn't become. 'All Melody' was imagined to be so many things over time and it has been a whole lot, but never exactly what I planned it to be. I wanted to hear beautiful drums, drums I've never seen or heard before, accompanied by human voices, girls, and boys. They would sing a song from this very world and it would sound like it was from a different space. I heard a synthesiser which sounds like a harmonium playing the 'All Melody,' melting together with a line of a harmonium sounding like a synthesiser. My pipe organ would turn into a drum machine, while my drum machine would sound like an orchestra of breathy flutes. I would turn my piano into my very voice, and any voice into a ringing string. The music I hear inside me will never end up on a record, as it seems I can only play it for myself. This record includes what I think sticks out and describes my recent musical discoveries in the best possible way I could imagine."

Buy it here.

CM

Photography by Alexander Schneider

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 43

[NEW MUSIC: PREVIEWS] talent becomes a way to help alleviate some of the toughest problems faced by tens of thousands of humans around the world. It is only fitting that such a refreshingly progressive label should release a pearl of evocative, forward-thinking techno for it’s debut outing.

The moniker "Several Definitions" was created in 2014, after Jeremy Viera decided to continue with more Techno influences. According to him, loss, love and joy are the feelings that give him the greatest inspiration.

His productions are intense and full of various sounds, all built on a line of percussions. Warm atmospheres, captivating melodies and catchy beats, the mix is just perfect.

At the junction where the renowned meets the revolutionary, come and find Swiss producer Several Definitions joining up with new Parisian imprint Lost On You to bring out some emotional techno with a philanthropic feel.

Lost on You is the first electronic record label and benefit program to donate all money raised from album sales towards helping fight against malnutrition, hunger and sanitary problems in the poorest parts of Africa, with UNICEF as its partner.

The label is a platform for talent, where

44 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

This is where Several Definitions, steps in with his expertly produced EP for the label, "Sierra." It’s heavily atmospheric and brilliantly produced, marrying analogue sensibilities with contemporary techno sounds to stunning effect.

Sierra leaves you clinging onto the hope of a crescendo that always almost arrives. Smoke clouds the room. Kick drums stomp along in the dust of moving machines, forging a trail into the darkness.

This is very personal techno-minimal, spiritual and transcendental. Gorgeous analog bass rips fill the otherwise monochrome industrial atmosphere with flashes of vibrant dark. Hats shake against the obstinacy of the way of things: an atmosphere of darkness gives way to something more hopeful.

This is where the ethos of Lost on You comes together- Several Definition’s production offers a glimpse of the light at the end of the tunnel, and seems to speak for a world where things might get better.

Visit lostonyoumusic.com for more information.

CM

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 45

[NEW MUSIC: PREVIEWS] 2018 release. Following on from his "mini-masterpiece" last Summer, the Los Angeles based musician confidently delivers four new tracks.

The uplifting "Electric Gestures" is the first of the four dreamy soundscapes and sets the tone, drifting through with tight yet subtle percussion.

Mark Barrott's International Feel label will release the follow up 4-track package, "Another Day" from Los Angeles artist Scott Gilmore this February.

Gilmore's debut for Internation Feel, "Subtle Vertigo" is described as a "mixture of Gainsbourg pop, Library Music and yard-sale electronics with a quirky sense of melody and atmosphere."

Barrott says he was turned onto Gilmore's music by the people at Dublab, the LA-based radio station.

Sitting comfortably in Mark Barrott's International Feel, Gilmore studied the guitar for eighteen years and his compositions demonstrate a real master at work. Combining elements of 70's underground psychedelia, kosmische, library music, his music "has the distinct air of something you might find in a dusty corner of someone's garage" (Pitchfork).

Having recently completed a live tour across Europe, Scott Gilmore returns to International Feel with "Another Day," scheduled for a February 9,

46 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

A melancholic twist ensues with the melodic string number "Things Forgotten." Next up, "Lately" follows suit blending emotive keys with thoughtful strings, which lead onto the hopeful and hypnotic chords of "Another Day." Speaking of the new album, Gilmore comments "Before recording the songs for 'Another Day' I had never worked on music with the knowledge that it would be released. Both 'Volume 01' and 'Subtle Vertigo' were made in a state of aloneness, and there is a comfort in that state of mind because it is easier to work freely without any inhibitions.

Making music that I knew would be heard by others was a process of putting that out of my mind, and a process of remembering that the most important part of creating music is to explore."

In a June 2017 interview with Thump, Gilmore shares "When you make music, you can see past that, and the minute you hear something you take the genre thing with a grain of salt. I don't think of music like that. I just try and listen to it, and see how I feel about it. I tend to describe music more for its qualities."

Visit Scott-Gilmore.com for more info.

C

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 47

[NEW MUSIC: PREVIEWS] with pristine precision by everyone’s favorite prodigy Keeno. Keeping the vibe level at eleven, Hugh Hardie's delivered the gorgeous "Nightingale," both seductively simple and oozing with elegance.

"Just One Second" by London Elektricity gets its first re-work since the late Apex’s famous remix on the very first Sick Music. The beautiful track see’s a sterling contemporary edit and is a testament to Mitekiss’ talent.

After a six-year hiatus, everyone’s favorite Hospital Records compilation returns. Witness the sickness, this is drum & bass, this is "Sick Music 2018."

With 24 brand new tracks, the series that brought the world early stories of Netsky, Wilkinson, Sigma and Fred V & Grafix is back. The heritage of this series speaks volumes, and Sick Music 2018 takes the quality to a whole new level. Filled to the brim with dangerous dubplates this full spectrum injection is a must have for each and every D+B devotee.

Hospital's leading dancefloor duke Danny Byrd has taken things straight back to "99 with ‘Devil’s Drop."

Firing on all cylinders he's keeping it raw, rolling and funky. In a similarly devilish fashion, "Bootstrap Bill" finally unleashed by the enigmatic "Unglued." Unashamedly destructive and executed with precision, this track is more dangerous than Donald Trump drunk on Twitter.

In a perfect fusion of Hospital and Med School, we see Fred V & Grafix's "Hurricanes (Wild Love)" re-worked

48 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

This album also brings the first solo single from the biggest name in D+B right now, Kings Of The Rollers.

Fiercely pushing into new territory "Burnt Ends" has been causing carnage on the dancefloor, getting double wheel-ups from across the globe.

Joining this rich tapestry of exemplary D+B are both veteran composers and new blood alike including: Klute, Whiney, Urbandawn, Reso, Logistics, John B, and of course Hospital Records' commander-in-chief London Elektricity.

The release is available across all formats but its grandest form will take that off the highly limited box set. Featuring a CD, the 4x12” plates, some box set only stickers and an exclusive T-shirt. One for the collectors, this is not a release to be overlooked.

Buy it here.

CM

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 49

[NEW MUSIC: PREVIEWS] something I share with people that are close to me. We like to chat about the nature of things like dharma, prajna, true-self – all that stuff. It is how – over time – the "Skies" came into being.”

Markus has always seen Dakota not as an alias but as a persona – an identity even. “Sometimes I’m wearing Dakota’s head; other times it’s Markus Schulz’s” he says. “Through that division, I’ve found the artistic space to make darker, moodier, deeper music. More exploratory and experimental gear… if that’s where my current state of mind is taking me.”

“Not so straightforward, is it?” remarks Markus Schulz. Both generally and rhetorically, he’s passing comment on life. However, in the closing weeks of 2017 and the opening months of 2018, he could as easily be talking about the "how, what and why?" of Dakota’s stage show and its December-released 18-track LP companion, "The Nine Skies."

The tipping point for "The Nine Skies" project occured last year after of the attack on Florida’s Pulse nightclub.

"The final spur in the side," was how Markus saw it at the time. "All the shit that’s happened after that has really changed things, but somehow that all seemed to start with Pulse. It just devastated me. Shook me to my core. It woke me up to the idea that, in general, we’re not on the right path. I believe to get us back there, to turn things around, anyone who is able has to do their bit.

The Nine Skies is me trying to do mine in really the only way I know how.”

In respect of "The Nine Skies," Markus’ own awakening started predominantly through books. “I started reading, he says, like a lot! At home, in hotel lobbies, on flights, in the studio. I’ve always had a lingering interest in spirituality and the desire to make some sense of life. It’s

50 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

Atypically, the entire "The Nine Skies" project – concept, show, album, et al, was wrapped and complete before a word of it was breathed. “This, expands Markus, gave me an opportunity I’d not had before. It gave me a chance to shake up my usual release pattern. So in keeping with the progressive spirit of The Nine Skies/steps, rather than coming with dozens of shows and an album’s worth of new material frontend, I brought it one stage and single at a time. I felt it would give the audiences more time to digest and absorb what is undeniably a broader concept.”

The underlying theme of each of the 18 tracks on the album broadly falls into one of the Skies’ nine realms. “That, cautions Markus, is not something that’s going to be immediately apparent the first time you listen to it. Give it time though, and over subsequent spins I think, you’ll get an ever-greater feel for the transitional passage the album is taking. From Sky. One’s The Follower, transcending right the way over to the ninth Sky: Nirvana.”

Buy it here.

CM

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 51

[ON TOUR] Firepower Records is about to set the entire year of 2018 on fire with Datsik’s new EP, "Master of Shadows," which dropped January 12th, the same day as the first show of Datsik’s massive 55+ date Ninja Nation Tour.

"Master of Shadows" EP consists of 7 brand new productions from the LAbased producer with collaborations with Excision, Virtual Riot, Ganja White Night, JPhelpz, Dion Timmer among others.

Joining Datsik on select dates are Space Jesus, RIOT TEN, Wooli, Carbin and Swage. The Shogun and PK-Sound returns and will provide the stage production and visuals, both of which will surely be off the hook.

Check out the few dates we've listed and jump over to datsik.com to see the entire itinerary, cities, dates and ticket information.

CM

52 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

JANUARY 27 MIDLAND THEATRE KANSAS CITY, MO

FEBRUARY 14 ROSELAND THEATRE PORTLAND, OR

JANUARY 30 THE NATIONAL RICHMOND, VA

FEBRUARY 15 MCDONALD THEATRE EUGENE, OR

JANUARY 31 THE NORVA NORFOLK, VA

FEBRUARY 16 KNITTING FACTORY SPOKANE, WA

FEBRUARY 1 THE WEBSTER HARTFORD, CT

FEBRUARY 17 REVOLUTION CENTER GARDEN CITY, ID

FEBRUARY 2 ECHOSTAGE WASHINGTON, D.C.

FEBRUARY 19 CORNERSTONE BERKELEY, CA

FEBRUARY 3 PLAYSTATION THEATRE NEW YORK, NY

FEBRUARY 20 THE CATALYST SANTA CRUZ, CA

FEBRUARY 4 HIGHER GROUND SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT

FEBRUARY 21 THE GRADUATE SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA

FEBRUARY 7 WESTCOTT THEATRE SYRACUSE, NY

FEBRUARY 22 CARGO RENO, NV

FEBRUARY 8 HOUSE OF BLUES BOSTON, MA

FEBRUARY 23 EL REY THEATRE CHICO, CA

FEBRUARY 9 ELECTRIC FACTORY PHILADELPHIA, PA

FEBRUARY 24 SOMA SAN DIEGO, CA

FEBRUARY 10 STAGE AE PITTSBURGH, PA

FEBRUARY 27 ORPHEUM FLAGSTAFF, AZ

FEBRUARY 13 PUB STATION BILLINGS, MT

FEBRUARY 28 RIALTO TUCSON, AZ

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 53

[BUZZ WORTHY] CAT DEALERS

Written by CATHERINE STRICKLAND

C

at Dealers represent a new generation of Producers and DJs blazing a hot trail in Brazil’s electronic music scene with their modern and exciting tracks and energetic shows that have allowed the duo to grow a large international fan base across multiple digital and social media platforms.

It all began with their wildly popular track "Your Body." Released in March of 2016, "Your Body" has been streamed over 50 million times on Youtube and remained on the Top 20 charts of Shazam Turkey for several months. Check it out. Lugui and Pedro, the talent behind the Cat Dealers persona, had what could be considered a "breakthrough" year in 2017, which catapulted them as a new entry placement at #74 on DJ Mag’s 2017 Top 100 DJs list. Early last year, they dropped "Gravity," a wildly popular track in collaboration with Evokings and Magga. To date, this track has amassed over 12 million streams at Spotify alone, reaching #5 on the Top 50 Viral Brazil Chart, landing at #28 on Top 50 Viral of the World Chart and reached the #24 position on Pop Music’s list, indicating that "Gravity" was a mainstream hit. Riding on the success of "Gravity," a new single with a video, "Sober," dropped in August that showed the obvious signs of success—millions of streams and being picked up and exposed through mainstream media outlets in their home country by Multishow, MTV and Mix TV. Additional high profile projects include remixes of Kungs' hit "This Girl" and Zhu's "In The Morning."

Lugui and Pedro are well established within the Brazilian club scene, having played in virtually every major venue as headliners including Green Valley, Laroc, Anzuclub, Matahari, Maori, El Fortin, and Belvedere.

Recent Festival appearances and bookings also include the famed Rock In Rio, Ultra Brasil, Kaballah Festival, Só Track Boa, Rio Music Carnival, plus shows in Mexico, South Africa and China. The next market takeover is slated for the U.S.A with a confirmed slot at Lollapalooza 2018.

Pay attention to these cats, they have set themselves on the purrr-fect path for greater success.

CM 54 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 55

[BUZZ WORTHY] GALERA

Written by JOSEPH ARTHUR

M

ilton Castellar, known as Galera, is an artist well deserving of space within the pages of this magazine. The Barcelona resident is a master at composing analog electronic songs with guitars, saxophones, electric bass, acoustic drums, rhodes piano, and vintage rhythm boxes. His music is warm, timeless, and draws on many influential musicians such as Herbie Hancock and Ornette Coleman, Pink Floyd, Yes, King Crimson and contemporaries Holden, Four Tet, Caribou and Floating Points. Writing songs that are "artsy" and "progessive" is a strong quality that is demonstrated on the 7 tracks he’s officially released to date. "Panth," the first EP on the label Banned in Vegas, was a striking debut and introduced his skill to create music giving the appearance of a live band. Pretty impressive.

On his most recent release, "Havana" Galera pulls a lot of his inspiration from the recordings of Four Tet and it is a stunner as well. It ventures in to the avant-garde, but at the same time, the music is bright and melodic. The artist’s goal was to create a work of music that brings the jungle in to the city, hence the title. A year in to his solo career, and as mentioned above, Galera’s two EPs are recommended as the music presents a fresh new ingredient to an already exciting Spanish electronic music scene. Accomplishments so far include a Top 3 position in XLR8TR’s digital downloads program and spins on several state sponsored radio programs including Radio3, Lapsus and Paralelo3. Galera also was invited as a supportive "Live Set" act for Tycho's most recent tour in Spain, and captured the audience’s attention playing tracks from "Havana" and it was an opportunity for the ex M.A.D. band member to showcase and introduce his music to thousands of people. With 2017 behind him and 2018 ahead, it’s a safe bet that Galera will continue to impress us, as well as electronic music enthusiasts everywhere.

C 56 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 57

[BUZZ WORTHY] LUCA TESTA

Written by LEO WEAVER

L

uca Testa has a destiny. The young Producer/DJ from Italy was born in Turin and at an early age became a piano enthusiast that eventually led him on a path to stardom in his home country and then on to some of 2017’s biggest festival stages around the world. Sharing the spotlight

and stages alongside DVBBS, Nervo, R3hab, Tony Junior and W&W further cemented Testa as "the fastest rising Italian artist" as written

by DJ Mag Italia. EPs, Singles and remix recordings can be heard on Dim Mak, Panda Funk, Cr2, Revealed Recordings, Hysteria Records, Mad Decent, JUMMP Records, Starter Records and most recently, a return to EGO Music with his latest killer cut "Nothing Without You" featuring Mattway and ADN. Musically, Testa composes his music combining the elements of electronica and progressive house built for moving bodies on dance floors, at parties and festivals, which is on full display. It also shows an evolution of his sound design throughout his entire discography going back to his early recordings in 2012. All you have to do is listen and I’m certain you’ll be instantly hooked. Play and support for his records include heavyweights Hardwell, Afrojack, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Steve Aoki, Nervo, Zedd and Bingo Players. It’s also worth mentioning that his bootleg of Tiësto’s “Red Light” enjoyed spins on Danny Howard’s show via BBC Radio 1. Testa also holds two degrees in Sound Engineering by which he administers his HEAD STUDIOS providing professional services and the possibilities to work with a skilled team of musicians, sound engineers and industry experts. The studio focuses on EDM music and in particular: Electro House; Progressive House; Deep House; Tech House; Trap; Hardstyle and Techno. Additionally, HEAD STUDIOS offers pretty much everything from recording, mixing, mastering and ghost production to track placement, promotion, web design and even educational courses and consulting services.

CM 58| Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 59

[BUZZ WORTHY] LUIS FERNANDO

Written by CATHERINE STRICKLAND

C

oming out the Brazilian music scène, Luis Fernando, known as ^L_ is a personality worth learning more about. Early on as a teenager, Fernando started making music, drawing on the sounds from bands like My Bloody Valentine and Nine Inch Nails. The exposure to those two bands would prove to be the inspiration for his first Shoegazeleaning excursions in to the music world. Like most musically inclined people, the more music Fernando was exposed to, regardless of genre, the more eclectic his tastes and visions for his own compositions would evolve. Over the years, this has proven to be the case as Luis would go on to work in the digital music realm, scoring and producing soundtracks for films, as well as experimenting with the sounds of Techno, Acid, Noise and the abstract. His debut album “Love Is Hell” was released in 2014 on the German imprint Antime followed by many remix projects that would go on to compilation inclusion, most notably, “Hy Brasil Volume 7” chosen by one of Brazil’s most respected Electronic Music figures, Chico Dub. Since then, his discography has grown to include additional recordings for Antime, along with projects for Del Sol Music, MTDN Records, and Spice Vinyl Records. Luis is known to be an avid researcher and a master of the art of sampling, in which he has built a large archive to pull from. Additionally, he recognizes the importance of capturing field recordings and how those sounds can be applied to song composition. A very interesting trait about Fernando is the fact that he is not one to shy away from social injustices, religion or philosophy. Fernando simply transfers his "disdain" for these topics to the music he creates, which easily and effectively communicates his feelings. This bold approach to communicating controversial subjects through his music caught the attention of reputable global media outlets like Thump and Vice, among others, to do editorial and interview features and reviews of his music giving him wide spread exposure in major hubs for cutting-edge electronic music including Berlin and New York City. Here’s to broadening your minds, through your ears.

C 60| Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 61

[BUZZ WORTHY] MARIANA BO

Written by JOSEPH ARTHUR

M

ariana BO, is widely considered "the only" djane, Musician and Producer in Mexico, creating songs that combines electronic music and violin, both in studio and live settings. Musically, Mariana releases a wide range of dance music crossing

many different genres such as Electro House, Big Room, Minimal, Future House, Tech House, Progressive, and Deep House. Having the flexibility and musical skills of working across many genres has also created high profile opportunities to collaborate with top tier artists that include KSHMR, Tiësto, Martin Garrix, Above & Beyond, Hardwell, Steve Aoki, David Guetta, Paul Oakenfold, Sebastian Ingrosso, Nicky Romero, DVBBS, MAKJ, Dannic, Don Diablo, Steve Angello, Dmitri Vegas and Like Mike, W&W, Empire of the Sun, Vinai and more. That list of names indicates that the talent exhibited by Mariana makes her an in-demand, a-list collaborator and performer. Many of the DJs listed above have also shown love and support by including Mariana’s music, which can be heard on Armada, Insomniac, Sirup Music, and S2 Records, in their own sets all over the globe. Performance wise, she brings high energy to her shows and can get crowds whipped up in high fashion through her interaction, stage presence and dope songs that feature her mad skills as violinist. She has graced the stages of some the world’s biggest and best festival on multiple continents including EDC México 2015 and 2016, Belgium’s Daydream Festival, Germany’s Airbeat One Festival and Parooka Ville B2B with KSHMR, India’s Sunburn Festival, as well as Holi Festival, Mayan Madness, DJ Fest, Daydream, and Electric Planet all in Mexico. Currently, Mariana Bo ranks at number #84 in DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs elevating her status as a producer, dj and performer within the international electronic dance music global community. Catch her live and check out her music.

CM 62 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 63

[LABEL WATCH] We like Harrison Shaw. We like his music. We like his brutally honest way of communicating the foils of the music industry. So, upon seeing a recent Facebook video post from Harrison announcing his launch of Outlaw Records, we jumped on the opportunity to reach out and give him some editorial space to help push out the announcement and alert our readers on his new (ad)venture of what is to come in the near future. The first single, "Blinding My Vision" is what Harrison claims to be his best effort to date and drops in February. Ahead of the debut release for the new label, we asked the singer songwriter, producer, dj and now label head a few questions for our "Label Watch" Column and it doesn't disappoint.

Briefly explain how and why you came to the decision of establishing Outlaw Records.

I got so tired of waiting around for people who can't make their minds up on a release. One minute they love it, the next you have to wait for the major to approve. They worry about their own agenda and really don't care too much about the smaller guy, even if you've had millions and millions of plays in the past. It's just better this way to be in control of your own destiny and actually give the fans what they want rather than having your life in someone else's hands. It was ridiculous to loose a whole year of my life (2017) on some idiot A&Rs who probably can't play an instrument.

Tell us about your team and the roles they will play within the structure of the label.

I have a great team. The leader of my label is Steph Haughton. She was at a big major label previously and she makes the big calls with distribution and marketing. My head of media and videography is Toni Konrad. He tours a lot with me and is extremely talented, so my music videos will look dope. The artwork(s) will be created by Martin Naumann and he's an incredible graphic designer and amazing at creating great visuals. And finally Mick Shiner and Simon Eve, my managers, both of whom who keep it all together and make sure we get around the world and on tour again.

64 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

How will Outlaw Records position and separate itself against the established as an important new label in the dance music industry?

Our plan isn't the usual route. It's more about Spotify playlists and less about the Beatport charts. We want to release amazing videos to the public to bring in the subscribers and grow our own channel. Good videos and incredible music. By that, I mean not the usual boy meets girl and they kiss and she leaves him kind of videos. Lots of releases sound like whining records, which lots labels seem to mass produce on their channels.

Tell us about your first release, "Blinding My Vision" and what your expectations are for the debut.

I love this song. It has a real "wow" factor and I really hope it's the kind of record my fellow producer and dj's listen to. Maybe they'll think, damn, I really wish I made that. It's a real Harrison deep vocal and has a mega drop and it's in a trap/future bass vein. This new song is a new territory I'm just now entering, so I'm excited to start 2018 with this new direction.

What are the goals for Outlaw Records in year one?

A new song every 6 weeks rolling on and on and on.

C

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 65

68 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

THE JOURNEY

OF MAHMUT

ORHAN IS ALL ABOUT THE FEEL! Mahmut Orhan's music is a tasty mixture of soulful deep house, groovy indie dance and exotic sounds from his his homeland—Turkey. He's had "all kinds" of accolades and praise, high chart positions on iTunes in multiple countries and is part of the "100+ million streams" club, thanks to his 2016 Ultra Music global smash hit "Feel" featuring Sena Sener. Born in Bursa, Mahmut Orhan started out in the dance world by remixing tracks from the 80s and 90s, honing his skills and broadening his palate for dance music as the Music Director at one of the most popular nightclubs in Istanbul, Chilai, a position he still holds today. Gaining respect, admiration and the courting of several labels and presenters have all put Mahmut Orhan on a high trajectory path to wider exposure and recognition. In this Q&A, Catherine Strickland goes deep with Mahmut asking some questions and getting some insightful answers.

INTERVIEW BY CATHERINE STRICKLAND PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MAHMUT ORHAN

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 69

Turkish music has a long, rich, exotic and beautiful heritage. Has the music of your home country influenced your song writing?

Absolutely! I have a rich culture and heritage which directly affects my music. I try to mix my culture with other cultures when making music.

How old were you when you first discovered electronic dance music When I was 16, I worked in a voice technique company in Bursa. In those years, I explored my passion for music while exploring my skills, then I never broke away from the music!

In your early days, you began remixing songs from the 80s and 90s, which seems as good as any period of music to start experimenting with. What was it in regards to the music and the artists of that time period that attracted you?

When I worked on various remixes, I saw that there are quality names and songs from the past. It impressed me and led me to realize every person and every artist in the past has a very different and original soul.

Tell us about the electronic dance music scene happening today in Turkey?

There are a number of rising artists in Turkey. Musicians have started to produce projects that are integrated with electronic music and the audiences for electronic music is increasing rapidly. I think it will get more popular in the future.

How has working as a "Music Director" at one of the most popular nightclubs in Istanbul, Chilai, influenced your tastes in electronic dance music and has the experience given you an advantage or insights in regards to your own bookings for venues and festivals?

I learned lots of things from Chilai. I gained lots of experience and It gave me lots of opportunities. First of all, I met lots of good people that always supported my career and thanks to them I came to this place.

70 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 71

"

I always thought my music had poten not predict the success of ‘Feel.’ This i This success also makes me work har to produce something bet

72 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

ntial, but I could is amazing for me. rder and harder tter.

2016 was a tremendous success for you, especially with your track 'Feel.' Upon the release, did you feel that song would be embraced and supported in multiple markets? How did you feel having the song hit and climb to high positions on several charts (iTunes, Shazam, etc..)?

I always thought my music had potential, but I could not predict the success of 'Feel.' This is amazing for me. This success also makes me work harder and harder to produce something better.

What excites you most about the direction of your musical compositions and how do you write songs that stand out among the "tried and true" House Music formula?

I trust my musical knowledge and sense of rhythm when I’m making music. There are lots of ingredients in house music, but it is not enough to formulize it because I am using my instinct and creativity and I cannot explain it with a formula.

Up to this point in time, your discography includes many singles. Do you have future plans for bigger releases, such as an EP or a long player album anytime soon?

Sure, I always want to make something like that, but in order to do that, I need to be patient and wait till the correct time comes.

When the circumstances become okay, I will make it.

What does 2018 look like for you and do you have any big news to share?

I am working on a new track. It will be released in 2018. I cannot announce the date yet, but I believe that people will like this one!

CM Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 73

FDVM 74 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

♥

M

Florent Denecker and Victorien Mulliez, known as the French duo FDVM, have notched high profile performances while presenting their music to attendees at Coachella, Burning Man, Mysteryland, Woogie, Outside Land, Opex Festival, among others. They’ve stood side by side, sharing the decks alongside Carl Cox, Andhim, Claptone and Watermat, to name some big time acts. They’ve recorded for Ultra, disco:wax, Flamingo Recordings and Dirty Soul Music, accumulating upwards of 30 million Spotify plays of their musical output, including their recent singles "Love Again," "Make It Right" and "Brightest Light.” It’s all led to widespread recognition and support from some of today's leading dance music personalities, among them Lost Frequencies, Robin Schulz, Klingande and Bakermat. FDVM's music is described as happy and groovy, with acoustic and authentic touches added to the deep house formula and in this Q&A session, we get the two discussing their song writing processes, how they met, the keys to breaking in to the U.S. market and who their dream dinner invites would be.

♥ SPREADING THEIR MESSAGE OF LOVE AND JOY INTERVIEW BY JOSEPH ARTHUR

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF FDVM

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 75

"We deeply care about lyrics and the message that we want to share with the world. This is actually the reason we are making music. Our purpose is to share a message of love and joy through inspiring songwriting. So yes, it is a reflection of personal experiences and definitely driven by the purpose of our project."

76 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

♥

FDVM INTERVIEW

Tell us about how you met and what inspired you both to work together in producing music.

We met about 10 years ago in our hometown Lille (France). At that time we were both doing our own thing and started DJing. It felt quite natural as we became close friends that we wanted to do something together. And after a few discussions, FDVM was born. After a few years of organizing events in Lille and playing a few shows around France, we started to produce music which allowed us to grow much faster.

Take us through your songwriting and lyric writing processes. Would you say that both revolve around personal experiences, desires and daily life in general?

We deeply care about lyrics and the message that we want to share with the world. This is actually the reason we are making music. Our purpose is to share a message of love and joy through inspiring songwriting.

So yes, it is a reflection of personal experiences and definitely driven by the purpose of our project.

Describe your first concert (club venue or festival) experience as professional DJs? Good, Bad, Epic?

For our first show, we created our own event. It was a “Garden Party” in a small club and we got to completely fill the place. 300+ people showed up and it was a huge success. That was clearly a great way to start!

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 77

What would you say are your greatest career accomplishments so far, besides amassing close to 30 million streams on Spotify?

Our greatest accomplishment so far is to be able to live as artists. Of course, playing big shows like Coachella feels like a huge step but we are just so grateful to be able to share our gift to the world everyday. And for this, we are so thankful for our followers and fans.

What do you think was the key to breaking through and getting your music out to the masses considering that so much music is being produced and released globally?

Time and work. We’ve been around for a while and we believe that with time everything is possible. We have been patient and we are working a lot to make this project possible.

78 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

Historically, The United States has been the one market in which musicians aspire to break in to and it is a difficult goal to achieve.

What are you doing that other artists are not to present your music to the dance music community (media, radio, festival presenters, venue owners and consumers) in America?

♥

Living in the US really helped us. It helped us understand the market and to get our music out there. However, we already had a lot of listeners before we moved and it’s mostly our podcasts that allowed us to spread over there. Now, we have to build a community and a network that allow us to break into this market.

Having support from friends, family, business colleagues and big name DJs/producers is paramount to pursuing a career in music.

Who would you say is your biggest fan and have you ever had anyone say to you, "get a day job" or "you’re crazy to be working in the music industry?" How would you reply to statements like that?

Our biggest fans are definitely our families.

On both sides, they’ve been supporting us.

Sometimes doubting about the "risks" that we were taking but our parents and relatives have been so wonderful all the way and still are. We want to take this opportunity to truly thank them. We always believed in ourselves so we reply to such comments in a very honest and direct way.

What is one album of music in your collections that you cannot live without and why?

Daft Punk's "Discovery." It’s such a magical

album, really creative and inspiring. We love the Disco feel and the songwriting. It’s also a very important album in the music industry and it allowed a completely new genre to grow.

♥

If you were to throw a dinner party, who would your dream guests be, what would you serve and what music would be playing in the background?

Our dream guests would be our friends and family. We would serve simple, healthy and tasty food and we would play some nice downtempo music from all over the world :) Where do you see yourselves professionally and personally in 2018?

2018 seems like it’s going to be a huge year for us and we will go where it bring us. We are ready for the adventure!

CM Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 79

2

TO MAKE IT RIGHT:

LOVELY LAURA & ben santiago

Internet sensation Lovely Laura and prolific Ibiza DJ Ben Santiago have quickly risen to be one of dance music’s most revered and dynamic duos in the industry. With residencies at some of the biggest clubbing brands, and streams in the millions for their signature fusion of rich, energy driven grooves and addictive saxophone, the pair’s shared talents have proven to be a compelling combination. Laura holds a degree in Jazz from Leeds College of Music in the U.K. and has captured the world’s attention with her talents as a saxophonist/vocalist with over 50 million Facebook video views in tow. Ben, since moving to the White Isle 14 years ago, has held many prestigious residencies including Amnesia, Cream, Café Mambo, Café del Mar, Es Vive, Glitterbox, HΪ Ibiza, Ibiza Rocks, Ministry of Sound, Melon Bomb, Pacha, Pikes, Space and Ushuaia Beach Club Ibiza.

Outside of the clubbing world, Ben has worked as musical director for Berlin Fashion Week and alongside Laura they have performed personally and regularly with Dolce & Gabbana throughout Europe and Asia, as well as playing for a string of exclusive clients such as Tommy Hilfiger, MTV, Mercedes and Storm Models.

Combining Ben’s revered Balearic approach with Laura’s passion, which extends well beyond electronic music to Jazz and Soul, the pair’s contrasting tastes and styles are backed up further by an impressive array of achievements both on and off the stage. It’s providing them with a wealth of experience, touring the globe as they push towards new meteoric heights in 2018.

Written and Interviewed by Catherine Strickland Photography courtesy of Ben and Laura Santiago

80 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 81

Who discovered who? (Laura, did you discover Ben, or Ben did you discover Laura?) Were there outside influencers involved in bringing you to together?

Ben: It all happened very organically.

Long story short; we met in Ibiza, fell in love and then we eventually started to work together here and there.

Over time, this became more and more regular until in the end we just became a duo. If there were any outside influencers, I guess you would call it fate!

Laura: Now I’ll give you the girly answer!

I first met Ben during the summer of 2007 in Ibiza. He was playing at a bar in Ibiza port and myself and a few friends went in to have a drink. They all seemed to know him and I remember nudging them saying ‘introduce me!’ After that meeting we kept bumping into each other on the island until we finally went out for dinner together, and then I think we both knew this was something very special. I believe the island put us together, but then I’m a real romantic like that! [She laughs].

After meeting, how long did it take for you both to begin releasing music and touring?

LAURA: A long time! We primarily fell in love with each other first and the music came second. I think we recorded a little jam of us playing together within a year but in terms of officially releasing anything, that wasn’t until fairly recently.

Laura, with your achievements of higher education and in particular, a love for Jazz, who in the jazz genre has influenced your performance styles the most? Why? laura: Oooh… too many! I would actually say many styles have influenced

82 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 11

me over the years. I love the melodic tones of Paul Desmond, Stan Getz, Chet Baker and the incredible lines of Cannonball Adderley, Charlie Parker and Michael Brecker. However, I also love listening to Duke Ellington and Glenn Miller and I absolutely adore Ella Fitzgerald! And then you have Stevie Wonder, who simply moves me to tears every time I hear his voice - I managed to leave a concert of his two years ago with my eyes so swollen you would have thought I’d just done ten rounds in a boxing match!

Universally, improvisation is based on feeling and people “in the know” certainly recognize and embrace it as a creative form of communication. How does Improvisation play into your live sets and Laura, when you’re onstage, do you ever stretch out and just let the music flow? How does that work with Ben and the integration of the electronics?

LAURA: I LOVE improvisation! I love how you can play to the same track time and time again yet every performance can be completely different - not only in notes but also with feel. I play from my heart so if the track doesn’t move me, my heart won’t dance for me and then there is no soul. Ben and I normally go through every track before we decide whether or not to add it to our sets.

Very often there will be a main hook or melody which I will always play along with but when there is an opportunity to get creative and improvise then I’ll certainly take it!

It must be challenging to channel each other’s direction of what’s going on musically in a live setting. Who usually takes the lead?

LAURA: I would say Ben! He’s more in control as he’s the one pressing play on the tracks!! All joking aside though, he Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 11 | 83

he usually makes the decision about which track to play next. He’s very good at reading the crowd and knowing when to move in a different direction musically. He keeps me on my toes too as I never quite know what track is coming next! I guess this also helps to keep our sets sounding fresh which is a plus.

BEN: I honestly don't think either one of us takes the lead. When we play live we both mainly focus on our own role, but at the same time we also respect the other person's role and give them space whenever needed. The end result is that is usually just gels together, which I guess is the essence of good teamwork!

Ben, you’ve established yourself on the Ibiza scene playing in and at essentially every club and event over the last several years. How did you break in to the scene there?

BEN: To be honest I got lucky. I found myself at the right place at the right time on a number of occasions and if it wasn't for that, I wouldn't be having this chat with you right now! In my experience breaking into the scene and staying here has been a combination of luck and hard work. You definitely need luck in order for any opportunities to present themselves, but hard work will ensure you deliver and therefore get asked back.

You’ve worked with big brands like Dolce & Gabbana, Tommy Hilfiger, MTV, Mercedes-Benz, Storm Models and The Berlin Fashion Week over the years.

How have these relationships benefited your career?

BEN: Once you start on that path, the relationships amongst brands all support each other. The Dolce & Gabbana show all came from a gig we did in Ibiza where Mr. Dominico Dolce saw us perform.

84 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

Once we had that on our CV, we gained respect from some of the other fashion brands you have mentioned, and the whole thing starts to snowball a little.

Again, luck plays a huge part in all this, but once you're up and running it all seems to start falling into place.

Tell us about your “Highs and Lows” of 2017.

LAURA: My highs of 2017 would completely evolve around Ibiza! Firstly for having another wonderful summer here with my amazing husband. Every year I’m so aware that we are well and truly blessed to be living this life and getting booked and paid to play; doing the thing we love most, music.

My gig highs would be from playing the Amnesia terrace for Cream after Fatboy Slim, to our Mambo residency which always brings the best Ibiza crowds. Plus also popping out of a flamingo at Ocean Beach every week!

It was also amazing to join up with Klingande again at Ushuaia, we don't get to play together very much these days but when we do there is such a great energy. My lows…. hmmm, there weren’t many if I’m honest. I guess I was a bit disappointed that we didn’t manage to release much music.

We were so busy with touring that our studio efforts were pretty poor!

Hopefully this will change in 2018 :) BEN: No pun intended, but the high of 2017 for me was playing the Hï Ibiza opening party. For anybody that doesn't already know, Hï is the old Space Ibiza and the 2017 opening party was when the new club was revealed to the world for the first time. For that reason, there was a real sense of anticipation in the air which made for a really special night. The low point of 2017 was a gig in Ibiza where the entire crowd just stood there filming us on their phones and not really engaging or even moving. It was like Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 85

looking out at a bunch of zombies, and to be honest I find it quite sad that people are prepared to miss out on the moment in exchange for a few likes on their socials. It's too much and in my honest opinion there's no bigger buzzkill in clubland at the moment. It needs to stop. Put your phones away and enjoy yourselves people!

How will 2018 shape up for you both?

Do you have “Dream” gigs that you’d like to book for next year?

LAURA: We have some big changes planned for our Ibiza summer season, breaking the mould of previous summers and starting to spread our wings a little more. Can’t say too much about it yet but we’re feeling very excited!

What can your fans expect from you musically in the future and do you have plans for more releases?

LAURA: Definitely plans to release more music - this is a must! We’re also planning to get more inventive, experimental and interactive with our live sets, so plenty of work to be done if we want to achieve our goals.

BEN: Most definitely! We are working on a bunch of releases at the moment. We have to manage time as efficiently as possible and the plan is to get a load of tracks produced in January & February, which we will then release gradually throughout the year. In addition to this, we are also really hoping for our live performances to evolve, which again is just a case of us allocating time to sit down together and start trying and rehearsing different ideas with one another. You only get out what you put in and we need to put an awful lot in if we are to progress to the level we want to this year!

Lovely Laura

CM

Ben

CM

86 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

"...the entire crowd just stood there filming us on their phones and not really engaging or even moving. It was like looking out at a bunch of zombies, and to be honest I find it quite sad that people are prepared to miss out on the moment in exchange for a few likes on their socials. It's too much and in my honest opinion there's no bigger buzzkill in clubland at the moment. It needs to stop. Put your phones away and enjoy yourselves people!"

—ben santiago

"I LOVE improvisation! I love how you can play to the same track time and time again yet every performance can be completely different - not only in notes but also with feel. I play from my heart so if the track doesn’t move me, my heart won’t dance for me and then there is no soul."

—lovely laura Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 87

GETTING TO KNOW

MARCUS

KNIGHT The Melbourne, Australia musician Marcus Knight is ready to build on an incredibly successful 2017 with another busy twelve months. The dance music veteran has a plethora of experience in production and DJing, and is a must-see on the festival circuit. Knight’s official credits includes an impressive list from Carl Cox, Armand Van Helden, Marshall Jefferson, Mighty Dub Katz, Timberland, Missy Elliot, Lenny Fontana, DJ Pierre, Ron Carroll, Space Cowboys, Jessica Mauboy, Ginuwine, Mr V and many more. Our partners over at Matt Caldwell PR caught up with him to learn a bit more about the maverick producer and find out some great stuff about his music past, present and future.

88 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 89

Hi Marcus, how are you? And what’s going on in your world at the moment?

Where would you like to see yourself in the coming months?

I’m doing great thanks. There is so much happening at the moment, with some amazing shows coming up alongside Purple Disco Machine, The Supermen Lovers and more to be announced. I’m also placing final touches on some new records that I’m very excited about!

In many ways, 2018 is a brand new start for me artistically, which I’m keen to share with DJs all around the world. We are also now coming into summer in Australia, so loads of great events and shenanigans to come!

Where are you currently based?

Melbourne, Australia is where I call home.

How long have you been working in the Dance music scene? And how did it all start?

Over 10 years ago now. Discovering classic Strictly Rhythm records caught my attention initially. Watching people dancing to soul and disco, mixed with house grooves was fantastic, a form of emotional escapism that is actually quite remarkable.

What’s your ultimate career dream?

A sunset performance on a beach in Ibiza in front of thousands would feel very special. It would feel very raw and “in the moment,” similar to Fatboy Slim at Brighton Beach. I love that show!

Can you tell us about any upcoming releases and projects you’ve got lined up?

January 18th 2018 I have “Meridian,” a tech house record coming out on Vicious Black. I also have a collaboration with Roland Clark which is coming together nicely.

How would you describe your sound?

Who’s inspired you the most in 2017?

I have very much evolved over the years. I would say tech house and techno with a touch of progressive nature at times. Lots of drive, swing and melodic focal points would sum up my creative approach.

Claptone has made some great records this past year and puts on a great show!

Who were your influences growing up?

Anything funk, soul and disco orientated has played a major part in my music career. Miles Davis, James Brown, Sammy Davis Jr., George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic are certainly influences.

What are your resolutions for the New Year?

To be more spontaneous with food and holiday destinations.

Can you tell us something not many people know about Marcus Knight?

What have been your career highlights so far?

Prior to my music career beginning, I once worked as a builders laborer and security guard to help pay for my first studio.

Playing at Bora Bora in Ibiza was so raw and real!

To have dance music lovers from all over the world feeling and sharing house music was very memorable.

CM

90 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 91

A Q&A

BORDE

TAKING YOU ON "O

By Joseph Wensell Photograph

92 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

A with

ERLESS

ONE" TIMELESS TRIP

hy: Courtesy of Daniel Wanrooy Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 93

About two years ago, Daniel Wanrooy graced the cover of our 4th issue (check it out here). Since then, we've been fans and have followed and reviewed many of his productions within the pages of BEATSELECTOR Magazine, as well as posting articles on beatselectormagazine.com.

To say that Daniel is a friend of our magazine goes without saying, so, when production was completed for his new project, he recognized us an important media outlet to deliver the news to our readership. We thank you Daniel! Residing in the Netherlands, Daniel has been one of Trance Music's most respected acts since the early 2000s. He has remixed tracks for Armin van Buuren (pictured below with Daniel), TiĂŤsto, Deadmau5, W&W, Sander Kleinenberg, Super8 & Tab and Conjure One. He has also accumilated an impressive catalogue of releases including two internationally acclaimed albums that have taken him around the world for performances in front of crowds of over 15,000 dance music fanatics. Over the years, Daniel has worked under a

94 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

few different aliases. So, what better way to re-invent himself for 2018 than establishing a new persona by introducing BORDERLESS and his brand new 15 track album "One" on the Armada Music label. BORDERLESS: "One" is a slight departure from previous offerings. Per the official press release, the album is "brimming with fifteen songs that defy genres for breakfast, "One" is the next step in dance music evolution. An enchanting mixture of progressive, ambient and simply all-around sonic beauty, the album goes down a nonconformist path and could get even the most headstrong of haters to join the side of dance music." Pretty spot-on description of what's inside the album. In celebration of BORDERLESS and the new album, we present this question and answer session with Daniel and he shares with us and you, the reasoning behind the new alias, how the project came to fruition, what he wants his fans to feel when listening to the album and a few upcoming European performance dates. Dig in and enjoy.

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 95

"My favorite track is 'North To South.' I just can't get enough of the vocals and the whole atmosphere of the track. It's one of those tracks you listen to on a road trip, and you know right away it will be an awesome day."

96| Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

What is the significance and purpose of releasing your new album "One" under the alias "Borderless" rather than as Daniel Wanrooy?

As a producer I always like to do as many different things as I can. I could do a certain style and keep on doing the same style of tracks and go for the easy way, but I like to challenge myself in the studio to keep it interesting. I always make tracks for myself and for my sets in different deeper styles, and I showed a few to the A&R manager at Armada. He loved it right away and told me I had to do more in this style. That's how the first steps of the album were made.

"One" covers a wide range of styles and moods from Ambient to Progressive House. Where did the inspiration for the songs and their titles come from to produce an album such as this?

Yes, the idea was to make it a trip— a timeless album that you'll [still be able to] listen to in a few years. There is always inspiration somehow. The thing is, you have to get it out in a certain way. Of course one day is better than the other, but in general I mostly have productive studio days. I think because I keep on doing these different styles. Taking a break sometimes can do wonders though. I'm now just back from the USA and I am so full of inspiration. I set up ideas for a couple new tracks that I will work out during the next days/weeks. Traveling is always inspiring, especially for gigs, when you see how people appreciate your music.

That is a huge motivation. The names‌. I don't know haha, I just go with the flow with names, things I read, think about etc...

Tell us about the guest artists that appear on the new album, as well as the preceding Singles released under the name of Borderless. How did you discover them and have you worked with them before? What did each artist bring to the songs that they appear on?

Iossa is the most talented singer I have worked with.

Everything he does is amazing in my opinion. We met a few years ago and we have also worked on tracks before under my Daniel Wanrooy alias, and we became good friends.

He sang on "Serena" and "North To South" and I loved everything he did. Some singers need a lot of work, but he always deliver quality. I know he will surprise me! In a good way. Zerafina is a very talented singer from Canada. I hope she will do more tracks [with me] in the future. It was really nice to collaborate with her.

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 97

Among the 15 songs, do you have a favorite?

Why? My favorite track is "North To South." I just can't get enough of the vocals and the whole atmosphere of the track. I sent Iossa the music and he came back to me with this, wow! The message behind the track is quite cool too.

"North To South" is our collaboration between Holland (North) and Italy (South), where he is based. It's one of those tracks you listen to on a road trip, and you know right away it will be an awesome day.

mix in the Armada studios at Armada Invites.

How and when did the partnership with Armada Music to release the album come in to view? Did they come knocking on your door or did you reach out and pitch them on the concept?

What do you want listeners to experience while listening to "One?’"

Like I mentioned before, I showed them a few tracks I did for myself and for my sets. From there we started to idea to make a full album with all the certain styles. It took about 1 year to get all the tracks together. Some didn't go through the selection, others were adapted a bit during the year, and so on.

First of all, I just hope they will enjoy the album a lot. I hope they will still discover new things after a few weeks or even months. I have had a lot of amazing reactions from people on the album, and a huge achievement was my recent guest

Like many of your previous projects, productions and releases, the dance music community has embraced and supported your music. So far, how has the industry reacted to "One?"

98 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

It has been amazing. I have done a lot of interviews, I even had an article in one of the biggest Dutch newspapers and interviews with DJ Mag. People really seem to love it and appreciate the different styles. I think the music will be pretty timeless, so I am pretty sure reactions will keep coming in the next few months.

With the diverse selection of songs represented on the new album, how will the music translate to club and festival settings?

of bookings?

I will be playing in Finland, Norway and Cyprus the next few weeks. I do have some nice requests for tours on different parts of the world, so more nice trips will follow soon for sure.

What’s next for you and how do you foresee 2018 compared to previous years? Where and when can fans expect to catch some live shows showcasing the new album?

I don't know if it will be considered as a party or a club album. I think it's more an album you listen to at home or during a nice drive. Of course some tracks work in the club or during festivals. I also made a few nice edits for my sets, which will definitely work.

First stop is Helsinki in 3 weeks. I now have some time to work in the studio and work on new music and remixes. For the other dates I will say, keep an eye on my social media and I hope to see you all around the globe this year.

Speaking of Clubs and Festivals, how is the 2018 calendar year shaping up for you in terms

CM

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 99

BEST

LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE Y VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF TH THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALB OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LA ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR N LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE Y VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF TH THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALB OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LA ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR N LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE Y VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF TH THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALB OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LA ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR N LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE Y VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF TH THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALB OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LA ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR N LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE Y VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF TH THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALB OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LA ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR N LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE Y VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF TH THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALB OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LA ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR N LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE Y VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF TH THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALB OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LA ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR N LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEO

20 NEWS ARTIST LABEL ALBUMS VIDEOS

100 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

T OF

S ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS HE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF BUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL ST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR S ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS HE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF BUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL ST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR S ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS HE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF BUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL ST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR S ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS HE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF BUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL ST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR S ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS HE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF BUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL ST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR S ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS HE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF BUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL ST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR S ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS HE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF BUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL ST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR OS ARTIST OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR LABEL OF THE YEAR NEWS ALBUMS VIDEOS ARTIST OF THE YEAR

017

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 101

BEST OF

2017

FAVE NEWS

GOTAN PROJECT COMPILES A MASSIVE ARGENTINIAN MUSIC PLAYLIST FOR FAMED PARIS TRAVEL GUIDE Gotan Project‘s blending of Argentinian and Tango music with electronica is world famous and widely heard. In 2017, the Parisian trio gathered a selection of songs specifically for Paris’ The Guide Le Du Rotard, which, according to them, have stood the test of time and others which are meant to last. On January 27, 2017 they released their choices on Spotify that will open the gate of Argentina to you.

The Guide Du Rotard is a French tourist guide for low budget traveling following the example of the American back packers’ guides and the famous Hitch-hiker’s Guide to Europe. The guide sells well and the collection expands. In the 1980s the founders decide to create a new collection about different regions in France to expand the offer of travel guides for foreign countries. In the 1990s, the brand even launches fiction stories under the name “Le Polar du Rotard.”

The Guide Du Rotard also organizes scholarships for young people for humanitarian projects and publishes language conversation guides and have travel apps for iPhone and iPad. Stream the collection here.

—ED

102 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 103

BEST OF

2017

FAVE NEWS

THE FIRST LADIES OF DISCO: A RETROSPECTIVE SHOW OF HIGHENERGY SOUNDS FROM THE 70S THROUGH THE 21ST CENTURY The First Ladies of Disco Show, a big bright spot on the live performance circuit, is a touring retro-dance, pop and R&B experience anchored by the truly iconic queen of dance music, powerhouse vocalist Martha Wash ("It's Raining Men," "Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)").

The show built up some noticeable momentum in 2017, which is expected to continue in the new year. The production was inspired by the popular book First Ladies of Disco (the first of a unique six-volume series featuring dance music artist interviews

by James Arena and all published worldwide in book and e-book formats—we've been reviewing them here at Beatselector).The First Ladies of Disco Show provides a retrospective of high-energy sounds from the 70s through the twenty-first century. In addition to Ms. Wash, the production features a rotating line-up of polished heritage performers that, in 2017, included Evelyn "Champagne" King ("Love Come Down") and Linda Clifford ("If My Friends Could See Me Now"). The show played B.B. King's in NYC during the summer of '17 to a near sell-out crowd and later to the Las Vegas set.

The Vegas show featured a full orchestral back-up. In addition to stellar performances, the ladies often do meet-n-greets with the audience after their performances, signing books and memorabilia for long lines of unsurprisingly energized fans, who, by all reports, seem to be of all ages and backgrounds. With interest in this sophisticated production (which succeeds at being quite something more than a typical "oldies" show) growing steadily, you're likely to be hearing more and more about it.

Regardless of your preference for 70s, 80s, 90s or twenty-first century dance music, there's something for everyone with First Ladies of Disco—more to the name than meets the eye. The show is scheduled to hit Connecticut in February with former Chic vocalist Norma Jean Wright joining the ensemble, and more dates are coming.

Visit http://www. firstladiesofdiscoshow.com, goo.gl/PG9jZr for more information.

—ED

104 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 105

BEST OF

2017

FAVE NEWS

THE 22ND EDITION OF ADE PRESENTED HUGE NUMBERS OF BIG NAME PERFORMERS & INDUSTRY PROS FOR RECORD-SETTING VISITORS

The Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), the world’s largest club festival and the most important business conference for electronic music with booking that included Danny Tenaglia, Fatima Yamaha, Jeff Mills, Joris Voorn, Martin Garrix, Nicole Moudaber and Paul Oakenfold among many others.

Notably, ADE's initiative of Buma has also shown significant growth in recent years.

The Burma programming/event played host to over 2,200 artists and 550 speakers in a record-breaking 140 locations for 2017, As a result of the increase and growth of the extensive night program, the organization also focused on the further expansion of its 2017 daytime and early evening activities.

The 22nd edition of the Amsterdam Dance Event was visited by a record number of 395,000 visitors. With 7,200 representatives of the worldwide electronic music industry attending the conference and people from over 90 countries, As stated above, ADE has once again cemented its position as the worlds leading platform for electronic music.

ADE and AMF also serves as the event of record for DJ Mag's presentation of the heralded annual award of world's most popular DJ, in which for the second year in a row went to Martin Garrix.

Pre-register here to ADE 2018.

| Beatselector Magazine Magazine | Issue | Issue N°N° 9 12 106| Beatselector 68

—ED

Photography by Tom Doms Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 107

BEST OF

2017

FAVE NEWS

BROOKLYN TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL WINS VISIT FROM KASKADE AS A PART OF #CHEGGMUSIC101 SERIES In May 2017, Chegg, the Student Hub®, in partnership with Truth®, one of the largest and most successful national youth tobacco prevention campaigns, announced Brooklyn Technical High School as the winner of a once-in-a-lifetime visit from sixtime Grammy® nominated singer, songwriter and producer Kaskade.

Crowned by The New York Times as “the new face of electronic dance music” and praised by Rolling Stone as “representing an intensely positive side of dance music culture,” is just one more cornerstone in the foundation that sets him apart. For years, Kaskade has been bridging the gap between old school music purists and a new generation of music lovers.

During the visit, Kaskade hosted an exclusive Q&A with students and performed a few of his biggest hits. To celebrate the importance of arts in education, Chegg also awarded the winning school a $10,000 grant for their music department from Chegg’s David B. Goldberg Music Scholarship fund.

As the leading student-first connected learning platform, Chegg’s Student Hub® makes higher education more affordable and more accessible, all while improving student outcomes.

Truth® is one of the largest and most successful national youth tobacco prevention campaigns. The campaign exposes the tactics of the tobacco industry, the truth about addiction, and the health effects and social consequences of smoking. Truth gives teens facts to make their own informed choices about tobacco use and inspires them to use their social influence and creativity in the fight against tobacco.

For more information on Chegg, visit www.chegg.com.

108 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

—ED

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 109

BEST OF

2017

FAVE NEWS

FACEBOOK, UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP & SONY/ATV PUBLISHING STRIKE UP GLOBAL MULTI-YEAR AGREEMENTS In late December 2017, Facebook and Universal Music Group (UMG) announced an unprecedented global, multi-year agreement under which UMG becomes the first major music company to license its recorded music and publishing catalogs for video and other social experiences across Facebook, Instagram and Oculus.

The partnership will facilitate deeper engagement between artists and fans, empowering users to express themselves through music, share the songs they love and build communities around music-fueled culture.

Enabling a variety of features across Facebook’s platforms, the agreement is intended to serve as a foundation for a strategic partnership roadmap that will deliver new music-based experiences online.

Tamara Hrivnak, Head of Music Business Development and Partnerships, Facebook, said, “There is a magnetic relationship between music and community building. We are excited to bring that to life on Facebook, Instagram, Oculus and Messenger in partnership with UMG. Music lovers, artists and writers will all be right at home as we open up creativity, connection and innovation through music and video.”

Michael Nash, Executive Vice President of Digital Strategy, Universal Music Group, said, “Together, Facebook and UMG are creating a dynamic new model for collaboration between music companies and social platforms to advance the interests of recording artists and songwriters while enhancing the social experience of music for their fans. This partnership is an important first step demonstrating that innovation and fair compensation for music creators are mutually reinforcing – they thrive together. We look forward to Facebook becoming a significant contributor to a healthy ecosystem for music that will benefit artists, fans and all those who invest in bringing great music to the world.”

Sony firmed up their deal two weeks after Universal's agreement and Hrivnak states “We’re excited to work with the largest music publisher [Sony/ATV Publishing] in the world to bring amazing songs which deepen connections between friends and fans.Sony/ATV is a true leader and an absolute champion of writers in the digital space, and we’re thrilled to work with them as they grab new opportunities by the horns across all of our platforms.”

Sony/ATV Chairman and CEO Martin Bandier said: “We are thrilled that in signing this agreement Facebook recognizes the value that music brings to their service and that our songwriters will now benefit from the use of their music on Facebook. We are looking forward to a long and prosperous relationship.”

—ED

110 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 111

BEST OF

2017

FAVE NEWS

ANDHIM LENDS NAME TO NEW PIPEWORKS CRAFT BEER “ANDHIM’S DRAGON BREWSUPER KÖLSCH” Hailing from Cologne, Germany Andhim have captured the minds and hearts of clubbers across the globe with their upbeat blend of House and Techno. Continuing their 2017 in fine style, having announced their new label Superfriends which has seen an array of support from the industry’s leading figures and completed a tour of the USA dubbed the "West Side Story" Tour in a campervan.

In collaboration with Chicago based craft brewery Pipeworks, Andhim are set to produce their own limited edition beer titled "Andhim’s ‘Dragon Brew – Super Kölsch." The launch event took place on Sunday, October 22nd at Headquarters Beercade, with the beer unveiling at 1pm followed by an intimate set by Andhim.

Simon and Tobi (Andhim) are no strangers to dipping their toes into the world outside of Dance Music, as they team up with Chicago based craft brewery Pipeworks Brewing.

Founded in 2012 and widely known for their creative beers featuring bold artwork.

Andhim’s ‘Dragon Brew – Super Kölsch’ is no different.

“German beer is one of the most important things in our diet. When we heard about Pipeworks Brewing and the amazing unique beers they brew, we wanted to create our own beer. Something we always dreamed about. So, we brewed a Kölsch which is the beer from our hometown Cologne and coupled with the fact that Chicago is known for its love for beer, it was the perfect mix.”— ANDHIM —ED

112 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 113

2017 ARTIST O 114 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

OF THE YEAR Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 115

2017 ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Felix De Laet’s

rise to stardom began in 2014 with his multi-platinum

global smash hit “Are You With Me.” The track vaulted up the charts of 18 countries, acheiving #1 positions in the U.K. and on Belgium’s Ultratop survey. De Laet is also the first Belgian artist to notch his first five singles in multiple European charts, a remarkable accomplishment and a true testament to his skill at producing hit songs. Following up the phenomenally successful single “Are You With Me” were a string of platinum certified singles: 2015’s “Reality” and 2016’s remake of Haddaway’s “What Is Love.” 2017’s singles “All Or Nothing” with Netsky, “Here With You” and the latest single release, “Crazy,” all of which were international successes. When you add in hot remixes for Major Lazer, Justin Bieber & MØ’s “Cold Water” and Miley Cyrus’s “Malibu,” you get a catalogue of work that proves the young songwriter is a burgeoning tour-de-force. Quickly jumping back to 2016, his debut album, titled “Less Is More,” was released through Armada Music, and it garnered global praise that set the young artist on the fast track to high profile performance opportunities in 2017. An invitation to join The Chainsmokers on their North America Arena Tour (May and June) and his own headline trek across North America, including shows at EDC Las Vegas and Coachella (plus high profile dates at many of the world’s premier festivals, such as Tomorrowland Belgium and Brasil and Lollopalooza Berlin) are just a few of the year’s triumphs.

Felix has also played in essentially the world’s greatest and most famous clubs and venues, has hosted his namesake “Lost Frequencies and Friends” program at ADE (two years running - 2016 and 2017), as well as at Tomorrowland Belgium, which famously caused a mad rush to his stage - scary and exhilarating at the same time. The ultimate acknowledgement bestowed upon him to date is his debut entry at #26 in 2017 DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs Poll, the highest new entry of any artist that year. It marks the pinnacle of his young career (so far). He’s also the recipient of ECHO Awards (Germany’s GRAMMY equivalent) in the categories of “Dance International” and “Hit of the Year,” and he netted a “Best New Talent” nomination at the 2017 WDM (World Dance Music) Radio Awards. From show-stopping live appearances, to career-making studio hits, the building blocks aren’t just in place for Felix. He’s clearly on meteoric journey that happens to make him an easy choice for our 2017 Artist of the Year.

116 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 117

2017 ARTIST OF THE YEAR

2017 MILESTONES ★ HIGHEST NEW ENTRY (#26) ON DJ MAG'S 2017 TOP 100 DJs POLL

★ WDM (WORLD DANCE MUSIC) RADIO AWARDS 2017 "BEST NEW TALENT" NOMINEE

★ "ARE YOU WITH ME" REACHES 2X PLATINUM STATUS IN THE U.K.

★ TOURS ACROSS NORTH AMERICA AS A HEADLINER AND AS A SPECIAL GUEST ON THE CHAINSMOKERS' #MEMORIESTOUR

★ RELEASES DELUXE PACKAGE OF 2016'S DEBUT ALBUM "LESS IS MORE"

★ "CRAZY" FEATURING ZINDERLING ENTERS

BILLBOARD MAGAZINE'S DANCE/ELECTRONIC SONGS CHART AT #38

118 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

OVERHEARD IN THE PRESS "That was crazy! Insane! Like nothing I had ever imagined.

Again, I am very lucky and humbled... I've had an amazing year, my first solo arena show at the Lotto Arena in my home of Belgium, becoming the highest new entry in the DJ Mag Top 100 DJs poll, it's just been unreal and I can't wait for my next chapter."

Speaking with Digital Journal's Markos Papadatos December 11, 2017 about his DJ Mag debut entrance, #26 placement on the annual Top 100 DJs List.

"I met Zonderling last year and immediatly fell in love with the quality productions and vibes of this amazing duo. They first made a remix of my cover single, [of Haddaway's] 'What Is Love,' and we started working on a new original track together because I really wanted to merge our two sounds together. That's when we created 'Crazy,' a perfect combination of our two worlds!"

Speaking with Billboard's Gordon Murray on December 7, 2017 about the creation of his latest single 'Crazy.'

"I think the digital developments are very good for DJs. It offers a lot more selection, choice and variety for sets when carrying around a lot of Vinyl would be a task. Sometimes tracks are never put out physically but, like I did with my debut album 'Less Is More,' we offered a physical CD so fans could still purchase it and hold it in their hands – it was also a big moment for me personally."

Speaking with Rave Jungle's Marco Di on September 27, 2017 about differences of "Old School" DJing and "Modern Day" DJing techniques, Vinyl, CD & Digital.

—ED Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 119

BEST OF

2017 LABEL

Deciding and choosing our 2017 Label of the Year was not an easy task. There were many labels deserving of the recognition. Some well established and others that have just entered "Label" game. Many celebrated milestone years such as Nicky Romero’s Protocol Recordings (5 Year Anniversary), Nicole Mouldaber’s Mood Records (500th Release), Jamie Jone's Hot Creations (100th release) and not forgetting the big ones— Spinnin', ULTRA Music, Revealed Recordings, Dim Mak and the like, among so many others.

Our decision making process was basically a formulated punch-list based on release frequency and strength, star-power, packaging and music diversity, just for starters. Looking back at all the releases we received in 2017, many were previewed and reviewed by our contributors and highlighted on our website. Several of these releases came via our 2017 Label of the Year, Monstercat.

Over 80 artists have dished out some of the year's best music on Monstercat in 2017 including top drawer artists: Aero Chord; Bassnectar; Conro; Delta Heavy; Dirty Audio; Gareth Emery; Grabbitz; Infected Mushroom; Nervo; Pegboard Nerds; Seven Lions; Slander; Slushii; Snails; Timmy Trumpet; Vicetone and Wolfgang Gartner, among dozens more.

Monstercat is led by co-founders Michael Darlington (CEO) and Ari Paunonen (CSO), both of whom have built, over the last six years, a roster of artists and a catalogue of releases that rivals all the big majors. Life spanning achievements include: over 6 million YouTube subscribers, 4 billion streams and 4 million units sold. Monstercats' distribution and

120 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

visibility in major markets including the United States, the UK and Australia, has resulted in highly successful branches of merchandising, live event promotion and technological innovation.

In June 2017, Monstercat announced a strategic partnership with Psyonix to help promote the two-year anniversary of Rocket League with the release of Rocket League x Monstercat Vol. 1, an 18-song album from various artists who had previously signed songs to Monstercat including Slushii, Aero Chord and Vicetone. The album was released on July 5, 2017. Monstercat also launched their own TV channel in July, Monstercat TV, on the television platform Pluto TV. In July 2017, Monstercat won DJ Mag's "Best Breakthrough Label." A few months later, Monstercat received the label's first certified platinum record for the 2016 song "Alone" by Marshmello. In December 2017, Monstercat was named one of the five best independent dance labels of 2017 by Billboard.

During the first week of January 2018, Monstercat announced a split in branding into two distinct themes, "Uncaged" and "Instinct." The creation of these entities allows essentially two imprints under the Monstercat label to be a symbiotic ecosystem allowing the label's vast fan base to have their own unique Monstercat experience.

With Didrick and Owl City amongst a myriad of others releasing under the Monstercat: Instinct brand, and Gent & Jawns and Darren Styles joining the Monstercat: Uncaged ranks, 2018 will be incredibly bright as these two brands take flight. This change will also reflect a change of the tri-weekly release schedule to four times a week and a podcast episode in-between.

—ED

NOTABLE 2017 ACCOMPLISHMENTS Best Breakthrough Label (DJ Mag)

MONSTERCAT BEST OF 2017 Various Artists Released on December 18, 2017 Get it here.

Best Record Label (EDM Sauce) Best Independent Dance Label (1 of 5 Named) (Billboard Magazine) Monstercat TV Launches Monstercat and Psyonix Establish Partnership Awarded First RIAA Platinum Certified Single for "Alone" by Marshmello Pegboard Nerds "Nerds by Nature" EP Peaks at #12 on U.S. Dance Charts

Monstercat Team circa 2017 Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 121

BEST

20 ALBU

& WHAT in our r

122 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

T OF

017 UMS

WE SAID reviews

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 123

BEST OF

2017

ALBUMS

10

124 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

PIEK Despertar Sincopat

"WHAT WE SAID" On February 20, 2017, Sincopat released "Despertar," PIEK's epic 10 song album featuring guest appearances from Ria, Ryan Roush, Cheney, Kash, Hokhok, Zebulon, Jim Hast, and Fábel. This album is full of electronic wizardry, which is to be expected, however, recuiting the vocalists to lay down silky smooth rap lyrics on top of the music is simply brilliant and an delivers an unexpected pleasure. Check the tunes "The Son With The Father's Gun" and "F.R.E.E.." Hip-hop fans will rejoice! Are you a fan of the sounds of 90s band Mazzy Star? Well then, you'll love the track "I Saw You" featuring Hokhok. It's beautifully melancholic and shows PIEK as a very diversified songwriter and a polished composer. Another highlight track is the title "Despertar" featuring Fábel.

It begins with pleasant piano and electronics building to towering heights and brings an explosion of sound that leads you down a trippy road. It ends with a calm sense of easement that brings you back around to the lush introduction. This album is testament to his rise in popularity, demand and stature as a dj, producer and composer. What you get throughout is intimate and emotional cutting edge electronic music that takes you on a journey exploring life experiences with musical storytelling as the form of expression. So, as metioned in the beginning, the soulful, futuristic hip-hop and contemporary feel of "Despertar" does take the listener on a unique journey. And, with this journey, PIEK has set himself on the fast track to wider recognition and fandom.

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 125

BEST OF

2017

ALBUMS

09

126 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

DMX KREW Strange Directions Hypercolour

"WHAT WE SAID" Marking the 21st LP for Edward Upton, DMX Krew's "Strange Directions" available through Hypercolour, is a 14 track album, features the awesome tracks "Snowy Blue," "Odd Chill," title track "Strange Directions," "Thin Hype," "Zero Sum," "Hip Hopeless" and "Axial Mode Beat." These songs display hypnotizing bass, spacey textures, funk infused techno, distorted sound effects, whack melodies and groovy beats. The experimentation of integrating unusual sounds with rhythms gets wilder and more abstract the deeper you get in. For music lovers of experimental electronic music, this new album, "Strange Directions," further proves Upton to be a creative that operates beyond boundaries and norms. For the 55 minutes of listening, the music leaves an eyebrow raising impression, requires your deep attention and a real appreciation for the technical skills applied to each individual track that flows cohesively into a solid body of music. Interestingly, the title "Strange Directions" is a spot on descriptive for the album title and lays the expectation of what’s inside to be determined by the listener.

I for one can say, there are several moments of brilliant musical expression through composition, technology and imagination. If you desire to take an adventurous ride, "Strange Directions" will take you there, guaranteed.

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 127

BEST OF

2017

ALBUMS

08

128 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

PAUL OAKENFOLD Dreamstate Volume One Perfecto Recordings

"WHAT WE SAID" "Dreamstate" is a concept brought together by superstar dj and producer Paul Oakenfold and Insomniac to create this eponymous multi-faceted brand, through which they present one-of-a-kind live events, but also to use it as a launch pad to release music closely associated with the theme. On April 21, 2017, the first volume of 20 deep trance cuts, selected and curated by Oakenfold was released worldwide. Every single cut is of stadium anthem caliber and is a representation of Oakenfold’s tastes within the genre’s crème de la crème that include the acts Juno Reactor, Alex M.O.R.P.H., Stoneface & Terminal and Jordan Suckley just to name a few. Included on the compilation as well, are Oakenfold’s own "Dreamstate Theme," "Away," "Shanghai Baby" and his recent massive track with Jordan Suckley, "Amnesia." While all 20 tracks are of epic stature, Tommy Johnson’s "Tubular Bells" takes the horror theme into the trance realm with a dramatic and bold arrangement that screams "bangin’!"

Other outstanding tracks are "Conquistador I," by Juno Reactor, Radion6’s "Shockwave," Alex M.O.R.P.H.’s "Euforia Anthem" and "Keep Going" by Stoneface & Terminal. Vini Vici’s "Namaste," "Be Right" by Ritmo & Liquid Soul, and Astrix & Ritmo’s "Agate" also keep the transition of music and styles on an upward trajectory and peaking at the perfect moments with a variety of majestic, booming soundscapes that is as big as it is awesome.

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 129

BEST OF

2017

ALBUMS

07

130| Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

NU:LOGIC Somewhere Between The Light Hospital Records

"WHAT WE SAID" Nu:Logic's (the duo Nu:Tone and Logistics) second full length album for Hospital Records, "Somewhere Between The Light," is a 13 track collection of songs that showcase the duo as leading trend setters and innovators creating new directions and influencing the new sounds of today’s drum and bass scene. Kicking off the album in epic fashion are the first 3 tracks: "Somewhere Between The Light" featuring Child of Chief; "Side By Side" featuring Thomas Oliver; and "Driftwood" featuring Ed Thomas. The midway section has a slower pace, almost ambient but bouncy feel in "Sun Goes Down" followed by "Strut" featuring Other Echoes —a gritty and industrial psychotic experiment in sound and then you’re taken back to brighter sounds and quicker rhythms on "Red Velvet." Closing "Somewhere Between The Light" come guest appearances from BLAKE, Brenden Reilly, LSB and The Nextmen. "Pathways" featuring BLAKE is a gorgeous song with a lovely piano melody, lower register strings, soft underlying layers of tones that transforms itself from a melancholic, vocal emotion-centric ballad to a dance oriented burner. Finishing up the album is "Our Nights" featuring The Nextmen and highlights the vocal way up front along with an escalating rhythmic beat that turns in to a mid tempo burner that feels real good.

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 131

BEST OF

2017

ALBUMS

06

132 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

BONOBO Migration Ninja Tune

"WHAT WE SAID" "Migration" is the sixth album from Simon Green aka Bonobo. As the release info states via Ninja Tune, it’s a record that cements his place in the very highest echelons of electronic music and beyond. The "highs and lows of life" themed, 12 track album, features guest appearances by L.A. group Rhye, vocalist Nicole Miglis, Nick Murphy (Chet Faker), Innov Gnawa and vocal samples of Brandy and Folk legend Pete Seeger.

Upon listening to the first few tracks, it becomes apparent that this album projects deep and personal emotional feelings expressed through beautifully orchestrated songwriting. Green's expert usage of sequenced programming and the delicate placements of vocals provides the listener with a dreamy, yet melancholic mix of downtempo and chill. One of the most tantalizing cuts on the album is "Grains" with Pete Seeger’s vocal sample and the music. It is a brilliant marriage, thoughtful, emotional and mystical. I also have to point you to the track "Second Sun" featuring the vocalist of Hundred Waters fame, Nicole Miglis. She brings a soft and poignant touch to the song which is layered with guitars and various electronic produced percussion.

If you are looking for a slightly quicker and more upbeat song, look no further than "Bambro Koyo Ganda" featuring the vocals of Moroccan band Innov Gnawa. "Migration," as described by the label, is lush, manic, beautiful, melancholic, joyful and packed with emotion and technical skill. It most certainly is.

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 133

BEST OF

2017

ALBUMS

05

134 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

LONDON ELEKTRICITY BIG BAND Live In The Park Hospital Records

"WHAT WE SAID" The London Elektricity Big Band "Live In The Park" performance was recorded at Finsbury Park in London and featured Liane Carroll, Emers’, members of Riot Jazz Collective and Dynamite MC forming a 20 piece band delivering a great live recording of 10 tracks of Jazz infused Drum and Bass with big band brass.

The London Elektricity Big Band "Live In The Park" saw its official release on March 3, 2017 through Hospital Records. The recording captures the first ever "live" performance of the 20 member Big Band.

The fusion of jazz and Drum and Bass in a live big band format provides an impressive insight as to where the evolution of dance music, let alone Drum and Bass music, can go. The album is full of big and brassy sounds, equally big D’n’B rhythms and underlying gritty electronics. The groove-laden bass lines provided

by Tony Colman himself demonstrate his "jazz" chops as a seasoned player and leader. The live Horns also feature throughout the album, most notably, the soulful accompaniments to the trumpet solo on "Just One Second." Other highlights worth mentioning include the opening track "Remember The Future," "Elektricity Will Keep Me Warm," "Song In The Key Of Knife" and the closing track, Daft Punk’s "One More Time."

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 135

BEST OF

2017

ALBUMS

04

136 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

CHILDREN OF THE ATØM Ø Isn't O COTA

"WHAT WE SAID" Every once in a while an album comes out that blows away the listener. Deserving of wide spread attention, Children of the ATØM and their self-released "Ø Isn’t O" is one of those albums. From start to finish, it is full of amazing and tantalizing electronic textures and layers designed for the musically adventurous. The album's backstory goes as such: "Two Norwegian volunteers found their death in the Fukushima nuclear disaster.

Their souls were able to escape and travel to Girona where they got into the bodies of two young musicians.

It was a slow possession, a strong fight that lasted hours which ended with the fusion and victory of the two musicians, now known as Children Of The ATØM." "Ø Isn’t O," gives you 8 tracks spanning a range of styles from Ambient to Hard Techno and like I said in the beginning, it is fantastic. The music throughout is theatric, epic, bold and danceable with tight grooves and rhythms. Track by track you become a full participant with the music, simply by listening, and by doing so, it becomes easy to imagine what their live shows would be like. It has been said that, on stage, they’re decked out in nuclear protective suits and masks, transforming their live shows into "electronic" performance art through their music and visuals. If this is the case, it is a perfect fit to the musical narrative. If you are reading this review, You must check out the music for yourself. I have a feeling that once heard, becoming a fan will be a no-brainer.

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 137

BEST OF

2017

ALBUMS

03

138 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

TROELS HAMMER The/Human/Tree Music For Dreams

"WHAT WE SAID"

Buy it

Troels Hammer and Music for Dreams is a match none other than Kenneth Bager can conjure up. "The/ Human/Tree," Hammer’s second full-length release is a tapestry of beautifully layered sounds, bathing the listener in peace and tranquility. The opener, "Letters From Uhuru" featuring the soothing sax lines of Rodrigo Shah compliments the dark atmospheric synthesizers and piano chords setting the mood and the album’s overall tone. The next two tracks, "Botswana Girl" and "Mockingbird" expand on the ambient feeling with the addition of majestic tribal inspired vocals from Asne Valland Nordii and traditional African percussion instruments producing two distinct listening environments. Breezy and flighty flamenco style guitar, various Latin percussion, and soft sweeping electronic layers creates "Sunrise At Beira Beach" featuring Jacob Gurevitsch, giving us that classic Balearic sound to absolute perfection. Sublime piano, strings and upper register synthesizer sounds and chords orchestrate an absolute beauty in exquisite fashion, of which you’ll agree, on "Theme From Ngong Hills." In a capsule, "The/Human/Tree" showcases Troels Hammer’s ambient songs fused with hints of world music elements and influence as prolific and progressive, especially in the way he composes different moods, crossing different musical spectrums, as well as keeping it interesting, makes this collection of songs special.

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 139

BEST OF

2017

ALBUMS

02

140 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

ALEX CHRISTENSEN & THE BERLIN ORCHESTRA Classical 90s Dance Extended Edition Starwatch Entertainment

"WHAT WE SAID" Alex Christensen’s contribution to dance music includes the global smash hits, "Ritmo de la Noche"—his first Gold record and "Das Boot" with U96, a track that remained at the top spot on Germany’s charts for 13 weeks. It’s been said that Christensen is the sole individual responsible for moving techno and dance music in to the mainstream consciousness of his home country Germany, then Europe and beyond. Busting out in this spectacular fashion opened the doors to high profile production jobs with the likes of Udo Lindenberg, Helene Fischer, Söhne Mannheims, Tom Jones, Paul Anka, Sarah Brightman and Mark Wahlberg.

Now, with his "hand picked" 49 members that form the Berlin Orchestra, he’s completed the circle with "Classical 90s Dance Extended Edition" taking the biggest techno songs of the 90s into the modern age.

Now, let’s get to the music, track by track... Classical 90s Dance kicks off with the one defining track that set off the Euro-dance craze, "Rhythm Is A Dancer." The redo expresses the dedication and reverence Christensen has for this iconic track. It’s simply perfection. "Infinity" almost three decades since it infiltrated the airwaves, originally featured a hot saxophone solo that left a lasting impression on Alex. "What Is Love" was a defining moment for 90s dance music. Light and at the same time powerful, the song captivated the youth of that generation and now with Christensen’s flair for orchestra and voice, this version ushers in a new spin cycle for the iconic track. So, buy this album? The answer is an absolute yes. It's one of 2017's biggest surprises, and for those wanting to go back in time and hear modern takes on these classics, you'll not be disappointed.

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 141

BEST OF

2017

ALBUMS

01

142 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

THE KENNETH BAGER EXPERIENCE Follow The Beat Music For Dreams

"WHAT WE SAID"

Buy it

Back in June of 2016, Kennth Bager released his first full-length album of new music in six years with the brilliant "Premiere Classé." To close out the 2016 year, he dropped a surprise album, "Follow The Beat," showcasing his talents in ten new songs just two days before Christmas. On the album he brings back vocalist Damon C. Scott who featured prominently on "Premiere Classé." This time around, Scott appears on 5 out the 10 tracks and gives an impressive performance of voice. Other top shelf guest appearances include Peter Visti, Lukas Visti, DJ Pippi and Hannah Schneider. "Follow the Beat" opens up with the track "Amazing" and the song stirs up emotional, reflective and positive lyrical prose delivered by Scott, along with a catchy chorus line sung by a children’s choir, all behind a backdrop of deep groove and a beautifully penned melody. It’s a great opener and sets the tone for the entire album. Just like the opening of the album, the closer, "I Love the Dub Life" is just as impressive. Bager channels a deep disco cut from 1978 with his modern take on the Alicia Bridges hit "I Love the Nightlife." Way out front is the classic bass line, guitar, sampled audience whistles, claps and other jovial noise, a dope soprano sax solo, disco inflected electronic chords and an accordion flavored take on the famous melody line. Then comes the deep vocal line "I like to boogie" from Damon C. Scott. Fan-freaking-tastic! The reason why I love this album so much is because Bager has incorporated live instrumentation and blended it with his skills as an electronic wizard giving us an album that is a sonic boom of beats and rhythms. As the title states—"Follow the Beat."

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 143

BEST OF

2017

VIDEOS In 2017, there were many great music videos made with high value production levels with varying musical styles featuring memorable hooks and melodies.

While we are not saying that the following 10 videos are the very best of last year, we are saying that these are indeed our favorites, simply based off the high level imagery, star power and most importantly, how they made us feel.

We feel that these 10 videos will get you singing, dancing, re-watching and ultimately, feeling good, light and bright— just like us. We hope you enjoy our picks for 2017 as much as we did.

144 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 145

BEST OF

2017

FAVE VIDEOS

146 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

BEST OF

2017

FAVE VIDEOS

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 147

BEST OF

2017

FAVE VIDEOS

148 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

BEST OF

2017

FAVE VIDEOS

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 149

[BOOKS IN REVIEW]

So to all the good people who bought ‘The Hitler Rap’ single, I thank you and say, ‘How could you have been so far ahead of the curve? How could you you have known what a smart decision that would be? You are, indeed, the best of the bunch.”

Did you know that Mel Brooks had a charting single back in the 80s? I didn’t.

Then there’s this quote— “Being a human being is a fucking pain in the ass at times. I’d rather be a cat.” — Pete Burns’ (Dead or Alive) closing statement, and in my opinion, one of the funniest endings to an interview ever!

And here’s one last quote to get you interested.

“It’s mind-boggling to me how many people still look at the video for the song [Puttin’ on the Ritz] today on Youtube. Millions are still into it, and that’s very exciting. It was a great accomplishment for me. And hell, they still ask me to perform it on TV shows— things like ‘Where Are They Now?’ or Are They Still Alive?” —Taco Ockerse

From the Foreword by Mel Brooks: “I had no idea until recently that I had reached some top positions on a number of international charts in the ‘80s with ‘To Be or Not to Be (The Hitler Rap).’ I was right up there with many of the artists in this book. I must have been so busy doing other things that I didn’t pay attention.

Since I don’t recall knowing those statistics back then.

I can only tell you that, right now, it feels great. And I’m happy to be one of Europe’s Stars of ‘80s Dance Pop.

150 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

These are just three passages from three of 32 interviews featured in James Arena's Europe's Stars of 80s Dance Pop. For those of us that are now into our middle age years, and who, from time to time, enjoy jumping back to the dance-pop sounds of 30 years ago, this fascinating look back will make the music feel fresh and alive again. This book is written in an uncomplicated, easy-flowing manner designed to entertain and educate.

The introduction foreword provided by actress and songstress Audrey Landers is a reflection of a time that demanded so much of the talent/performer.

Jet-setting across continents, daily media requests, TV appearances, concerts, and on and on it goes.

Now in the case of Landers, working in Hollywood with roles in the iconic TV show Dallas and in the film A Chorus Line, made for a tricky time management balancing act. She not only managed her time but went on to have a simulataneous successful music career in Europe. Over the years she has collected numerous gold and platinum records and remains one Europe's most revered personailities, especially in Germany.

As you begin flipping through the pages, you'll find the interviewees going in to amazing detail describing their early beginnings, hardships and successes and more. Ah, the life of being a superstar personaility of that era.

Within the conversations, the artists open up freely to express their reflections, giving their unique points of view and a brief look at what they were going through at the height of their careers.

Some do so passionately, others "matter of factly," and some with more humorous undertones. The subtlties are well conveyed, even though English is not the primary language of some of these stars.

Arena not only converses with the performers, but also with people behind the scenes including: Phil Harding— who mixed many of the hits of

Dead or Alive, Kylie Minogue Banarama, and Rick Astley; Songwriter Jack Robinson— who wrote mega hits with Gloria Gaynor, Princess Stephanié, Grace Jones and more; Jo Bogart—the man behind Technotronic’s “Pump Up the Jam,” creating one of the most successful international songs of all time; and Manfred Esser—the photographer of choice of the European scene whose iconic shots grace some of the biggest records of all-time. Talking points include the importance of art direction and the roles of photography, album jackets, and more.

Plus the other conversations with Junior, Caroline Loeb, Fab Morvan of Milli Vanilli, Linda Jo Rizzo of The Flirts, all provide interesting stories.

And then there’s Arena’s comprehensive Appedix: The Record Shop portion of the book.

It’s an essential A-Z listing of hits from the period, including ABBA, Bill Withers and Frankie Goes To Hollywood to Samantha Fox, Pet Shop Boys, The Clash and dozens upon dozens more, spread out over six pages. Good read, and I bet streams and video views will see some action from readers of Europe’s Stars of ‘80s Dance Pop. You'll want to get in on this.

CM

James Arena is a New York based author, host and commentator who has been featured on MSNBC, Fox, SiriusXM and other networks. He is the author of the pop culture books Fright Night on Channel 9, First Ladies of Disco, Legends of Disco, Europe’s Stars of ‘80s Dance Pop, Stars of ‘90s Dance Pop, and Stars of 21st Century Dance Pop and EDM published through McFarland Publishing and a recipient of a G.E.M.A. Foundation/City of Philadelphia award for preserving dance music history.

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 151

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

ISLANDMAN

Rest In Space

Music For Dreams

 Istanbul-based Tolga Büyük started his solo Islandman project in 2010 and has already built a name for himself with a slew of self-released EPs & albums.

Already a part of Istanbul’s psychedelic scene as a member of live band Farfara, Islandman crafts his style from the rich history of Turkey’s psychedelic rock movement while taking it one step further into his own electronic direction. "Rest In Space," his first full length outing on Music For Dreams, features nine tracks, and opens with his previously released digital single "Agit"— a beautifully remixed version of the original by Berlin-based M.RUX

152 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 153

[REVIEWS: ALBUMS] who expertly tones down the heavy guitar dirge in

track once again shows a diversity of drawing on

favor of a more bouncier interpretation.

music from the past, but keeping it in a modern and

The title track, "Rest In Space," delivers a touch

progessive direction.

soul and jazz and features some very technical

Wrapping up the album are the tracks "Future

guitar licks, a deep bass rhythm, some world infused

Days" and "Following." "Future Days" features female

drumming using various percussion instruments,

vocals that is described as "a breezy full-on groover

and a sax, flute and horn arrangement. It's a track

that echoes of both Sheila Chandra and Tom Tom

that deserves multiple listens to appreciate all

Club." Yeah, I get that, however, at the same time it

the different sounds that make it an all out trippy

really showcases Islandman's exotic side of tropical

groove fest.

styled sound design giving it a completely unique

"Ikaru" leans slightlty towards lounge music.

feel. The closer, "Following," drops back a few

However, the jungle and ambient soundscapes

notches to chill and down-tempo time signatures.

that are an intricate part of the song take you into

There's lots of darkly toned electronics, backed by

the realm of chill-out bliss with its layers of dreamy

a pulsating beat and ocsillating synths. "Following'

synths, subtle voicings, some shuffling drum back-

also has a "retrospective' quality to it. It's easy,

beats and a funk oriented bassline to die for.

mellow, soothing, and pristinely recorded.

This is followed by "Night Wind," which paints

Music For Dreams label continues to be a

an aural picture of psychodelic and trance inducing

leading outlet for ambient, Balearic, chill, and space

landscapes featuring dramatic layers produced by

disco projects and recordings. "Rest In Space," the

synthesizers, shakers, claps, let alone the stunning

latest project MFD has unleashed, is an album for

guitar playing, trance and psychodelic effects and

those whose electronic musical tastes run a little on

sounds, takes the listener on a "heady" journey that

the fringe. Islandman and his band mates have made

is back dropped by exqusite exotic sounds.

a wild and beautiful, psychedelic and trippy, album

"The True Word of Wind" features some very

of music that is completely and totally unique when

fine string instrumentation in front of synthesizer

it comes to down-tempo, chill-out and Balearic

generated sounds that definitly reflects the wind.

styles of songs. It's has elements that ranges from

This is a track that is more experimental and

hazy Balearic pop to tropical new age while keeping

adventureous, than the previous songs and really

it interesting with

shows a diversity of composition and imagination.

overtones. Most likely, up to reading this review,

deep spiritual psychedelic

"Seikleos," as described in the album's

you’ve most likely not experienced electronic

press release, "develops into a chugging Balearic

music like this, I certainly had not. From beginning

house jam." The song features a flute melody,

to end it dazzles and amazes with a high level of

distant chanting, guitar, bass and multiple drum

sophisticated and impressive live musicianship in

instruments.

displaying the songs. “Rest In Space” is a must listen

"Tawid" will bring you memories of brightly colored synth-pop and new wave from yesteryear.

This song is full of surprises, darker guitar tones, quicker drum rhythms, samples of falling rain and cascading synthesizers. Different, yes. However, this

154 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

and I’m pretty sure that you’ll be just as impressed as I.

—JOSEPH ARTHUR

[REVIEWS: ALBUMS] out a diverse and powerful field. Deadly Toys cuts the kind of bold statement that Current Value has never shied away from, an exceptional LP from one of today's most forward-thinking producers.

Now, lets get on to the album. Kicking it all off is the title track "Deadly Toy’s." It’s a wild ride through high energy rhythms and vocal samples.

Next up is "Creating," a track that Current Value has featured in his recent live sets, is a gritty song with some distorted electronics, bleeps and layers of synths.

Following the distorted angle, "Greyscale" gets a little bit more fuzzy and the beats lean slightly on the industrial side.

"Periodicity" has more of an industrial feel that

CURRENT VALUE DEADLY TOYS INVISIBLE RECORDINGS

ventures in trance. "Sonar" gets a minimalist melodic



opinion. The use of seldom heard electronic sounds

Current Value is an artist who has continually been at the forefront of drum and bass with his unique and pioneering approach to the genre.

He’s one of the few producers in the genre whose appeal transcends the scene, having collaborated with Bjork and counting Aphex Twin, Chris Clark and Chris Cunningham amongst those who have supported his work and consider his music to be forging new paths and cutting a path of exemplary refined techniques.

With the release of his "Deadly Toy's" LP on Noisia's Invisible Recordings label, as well as his ongoing CVAV tour that's breaching Europe's biggest indoor festivals this Winter, Current Value is just getting into his stride.

His ongoing passion for exploring the sonic possibilities of a wide spread of d&b subgenres is entirely clear in the 13 tracks carefully built to peg

treatment, however, all the obscure electronics, and quick fire beats are there too.

"Infux" is the one track that stands out in my that borders on the far-end of the obscure, along with the drum and bass pushing it along nicely, makes it stellar.

"That Smile," which just happens to be Current Value’s favorite track on the album, pushes the boundaries with a myriad sounds to the wildest effect. "Scenario" is flowing with layers of synthesizers and oscillating tones, shuffles along with the slightly muffled dnb beats and rhythms.

"Into The Matter" gets a bit brighter in melody and more succinct in the beats in tracks beginning.

It transitions in to a completely different animal, and kudos to Current Value for mixing it up and keeping it interesting.

Wrapping up the album with "Lost In It," "Heli Agression" and "All Terrain," round out the LP continuing the wild ride that is “Deadly Toy’s.”

—LEO WEAVER Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 155

[REVIEWS: ALBUMS]

GABRIEL & DRESDEN THE ONLY ROAD AJUNABEATS

 Josh Gabriel and Dave Dresden are two of America’s most prolific DJs and producers, solo and as their duo act Gabriel & Dresden.

The two San Francisco residents have a long and storied history, long term working partnerships (from 2001 to 2008, then again from 2011 to the present) co-producing a number of hit songs and remixes, global tours, etc... Holders of the coveted Winter Music Conference IDMA award for "Best American DJ" twice (in 2007 and 2008, which incidentally was the same day that the group split up) had left an empty space of sorts in the world of trance. Thankfully, 3 years later the pair reunited and proceeded on a reunion tour, which began at Ruby Skye in San Francisco on March 4, 2011, playing at big events worldwide. Then came a new mix compilation for Armada, a re-launch of their radio show Gabriel & Dresden presents Organized Nature,

156 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

capped with single "Rise Up" that was picked up and played by the likes of Above & Beyond, Eric Prydz, Armin Van Buuren, and Markus Schulz.

"The Only Road" was released on December 15, 2017 through Ajunabeats. The LP features 12 songs of progressive house and trance that unfold its sheer beauty track after track. The gorgeous melodies, sonic orchestrations and technical skills leave lasting impressions and flashback to their epic beginnings. So strap in and enjoy the ride.

On the recording, singer Sub Teal (aka Britt O’Neal) joins in on the tracks: "Only Road;" "White Walls;" "This Love Kills Me;" and "I’m Not Like Everybody Else." These songs reflect a leaning to the early days of G&D’s epic bangers.

They also bring in Jan Burton for collaborative duties on "Underwater," "You" and "Waiting For Winter." Considering Jan Burton’s history working with the duo, experimenting with the down-tempo and trance combo and producing hits like 2015’s "Dangerous Power" followed by 2016’s "Enemy," the creative process and results between the three has evolved as heard on 3 tracks, all of which are highlights.

With this new album, which happens to be their second and over ten years since their debut, makes a solid statement announcing the creative processes are in line and they have a cohesive vision as to where to take their music. The 12 songs showcase an evolution of trance as seen/ heard from their perspective and they’ve pulled it off magnificently. I would expect that Gabriel & Dresden, and this album in particular, will go on to receive multiple spins and streams, lots of press write-ups and performance opportunities revolving around the release. "The Only Road" is the latest large scale production from two trance icons at the top of their creative game.

—CATHERINE STRICKLAND

[REVIEWS: ALBUMS] is expressed through eleven tracks of electronica, chill-out, house, and techno musical styles.

Cadge opens the album with "Intro," a tropical island laden beauty featuring some expertly utilized shaker and percussion. "Funkin’ Always" gets deep in the groove pocket right from the get go. It has a great beat and you’ll dig the trance like percussion that drives it. Groovy! "Me, Myself and Larry" delves deeper into the electronic styles with this track, but you’ll also notice the subtle voice and delicate melodies that are intertwined. "Weathered" comes in with a "breathy' vocal sample and a steady beat.

As the song progresses, it really gets moving with multiple rhythms and minimalistic sound effects, additional voice samples and a perfectly timed

LARRY CADGE ME, MYSELF AND LARRY SMILEY FINGERS

break. "Visionaaire" doesn’t stray too far off the path



fills the primo dance music definition. Retuning

from the previous track, although it has more of a techno edge. "Andiamo" is a quickly paced cut and with its upbeat house rhythms looming large, it is to the techno fold, "Restless" pumps along with

Hailing from London, Larry Cadge began

thumping beats and ethereal layers of cascading

his career as a DJ in 1989. Raised in a musically

sound. Disco, in an ultra-future sense rules on the

entrenched family and drawing on soul and jazz

track "Leave Behind." It has been touched with class,

icons such as Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, Miles

modernity, and still maintains that disco quality.

Davis, Herbie Hancock, and Manuel Göttsching for

Coming to the last three tracks, "Reflective,"

song writing inspiration, from which come his own

"Here I Am" and "Lost In Love," wrap up the eleven

edgy, funky and old school disco leaning songs.

song album. "Reflective" is indicative of it’s title,

Larry’s songs have been played and charted

mellow and smooth. "Here I Am" brings back the

by Tiesto, Roger Sanchez, Hot Since 82, Andrea

groove and the closer "Lost in Love," lays down a

Oliva, Claptone, Audiojack, Robert Dietz, Zoo Brazil,

peaceful ending to the album.

Supernova, Danny Serrano, Richie Hawtin, Luciano,

In all honesty, I wasn’t sure what to expect

and Dubfire just to drop some names. So, the

on Cadge’s album "Me, Myself and Larry." Track by

support is there.

track you end up hearing good songs across several

Stepping out from his usual producer/label

different genres and done in fine fashion.

head duties, Cadge decided late last year to release a new collection of songs, "Me, Myself and Larry" out now on his imprint Smiley Fingers. The overall theme

—JOSEPH ARTHUR

is based on self-reflection and introspection that Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 157

[REVIEWS: ALBUMS] Highlights include "Beneath" featuring Jono McCleery, beginning in a melodramatic fashion, the track picks up the pace and back and forth it goes.

Shout outs to Munya! Lending her voice to 5 tracks: "One Year Ago," "Nocturne" "How Far" "Bridge" and "Way I Used To." The breathy, upper-register vocals delivered

by Munya feature brilliantly against the backdrop of bright dance oriented sounds. It’s worth noting "Nocturne" is pure "Gold" and the track "Bridge" is as dreamy as a Julee Cruise Twin Peaks song.

"Wither" featuring Adelaide drips with acid over-tones, cinematic sound effects and Adelaine’s softly sung vocals, which adds a sense of the

STERLING GROVE PARALLEL LINES YOUTH RECORDS

 Montreal’s duo Marc Luciano and Stephen Robusto, under the stage name as Sterling Grove, is being touted as the latest Canadian based dance music export of note.

The duo’s debut album, “Parallel Lines” on Youth Records features several guest vocalists including Jono McCleery, Black Lotus, Adelaide, Ellyn Wood, Munya and Monsoonsiren, who featured on the title single released back in November.

Throughout "Parallel Lines" Sterling Grove showcases their musical wizardy of rhythm making by putting on exhibit very deep breakbeat, downtempo and chill-out feels while creating dreamy music, steeped in soul, high soaring and brightly colored textures, rip-roaring distorted drums, and a

mystical.

Closing up the album Munya returns for "Way I Used To." A big time head nod to the "Madchester" scene with this one. Shuffling drumbeats, bongos, a la Stone Roses “Fools Gold” to a killer mid-section, with Munya’s soaring voice sealing the deal.

With this album, Sterling Grove have given us a solid production offering up catchy melodies, danceable rhythms, and dreamscapes of magical sounds.

And as you listen track by track, the

feel becomes all the more infectious and groove oriented. It slowly hooks you in with a gentle ease.

To fully appreciate each song, listen then listen again, there is a lot of intricate and moving parts to the songs on this album, and each deserve multiple plays and demands your full attention. In terms of clubbland, there are songs on this album that would fill dance floors, one in particular, the aforementioned “Nocturne.”

All in all, I enjoyed this album, and the pleasant change of electronic music style represented in it.

multitude of different vocal treatments, from natural and elegant to the machine manipulated.

158 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

—LEO WEAVER

[REVIEWS: ALBUMS]

SHAREEF KEYES AND THE GROOVE COOKING SOMETHING CATAPULT

 Brooklyn raised singer, songwriter, and multiinstrumentalist, Shareef Keyes, unites a collective sound of funk, hip-hop, and alternative R&B with the help of a twelve-piece band of New York City’s finest young artists hailing from Juilliard, The New School, and Berklee College of Music, ultimately creating Shareef Keyes & The Groove. Inspired

by Parliament-Funkadelic, James Brown, and WuTang. The band has played memorable performances for crowds at Harlem Arts Festival, Pianos, Bowery Electric, Public Factory, Bronx Museum of the Arts, and Webster Hall. In February 2017, Shareef Keyes & The Groove opened for jazz-funk pioneer and musical legend Roy Ayers in front of a sold-out crowd at Brooklyn’s BRIC House.

On January 24, 2018, Keyes & The Groove released their new LP, Cooking Something. Over a

four year period, Keyes and his older brother, Glo' whipped up 11 tracks of 70s jazz-Funk and Hip-hop laced music. The LP features tracks, “Potato Salad," “Macaroni and Cheese," "Cornbread,” Spaghetti Fettuccine' featuring Ghostface Killah of Wu-Tang.

Digging deeper as a few of the songs deserve more attention, I’ll now wax poetic on a couple of my personal favorites.

“Cupcake,” a slow jam with sultry bass, piano, rhodes and modernized doo-wop sytled vocals, is a real highlight followed by “Cornbread,” a deep cut that rocks the hip hop tip with masterful vocal deliveries, whistles, cool beats and a sax bit.

What comes to mind with this collection of songs is the first time hearing Michael Franti and Spearhead’s debut album, which is in my opinion, a compliment. It was so unique and infectious.

Similairly, Keyes and company has a fresh new album that fits in that same category of impression.

“Cooking Something” brightly shines the spotlight, not only on songwriting and composition, but also on the high performance level of the live band members. So, kudos to all behind the making of "Cooking Something." Respectfully, very high marks need to be thrown out there acknowledging Keyes' high regard and reverence of nostalgic music. It appears and is evident in each track. You’ll hear soulful jazzy licks coming from a live swinging band consisting of guitar, a hot rhythm section (keys, bass and drums) and blazing horns, delivering funked up beats and R&B flavored hip-hop nuggets.

The flow of music and styles shows Keyes carefully chose sounds from the ‘70s to emulate. And his infusing of modern influences guarantees there’s definitely something here for all—jazz heads, hiphop enthusiasts, and R&B fans alike.

—CATHERINE STRICKLAND Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 159

[REVIEWS: EPs]

HOWWLER CHAPTER TWO MERIDIAN LINES

JOSEF K & WINTER SON TOGETHERNESS FIREHOUSE





First came "Chapter One." Deemed "Twisted and decadent." The follow up, yep, you guessed it, "Chapter Two," continues the theme of darkness set forward on the previous early December 2017 release. The opening track "The Vault" sets the tone for the EP, prominently displaying heavy percussion and bass lines, creating a prophetic, ominous feel leaving you on the edge of your seat all the way to the end. The second track, "One Mode," begins with an introduction that builds your anticipation with increasingly persistent beats, rising to the point of exploding into wild synthsesizers and drop dead bass lines. The song represents the type of acid house and techno influenced track of years past, reemerged to the present thanks to Howwler, albiet in his own whacked out vision. Howwler's identity is still kept under lock and key, and with cutting edge releases, including this latest installment to the “Chapter” series, it suits producers mystical qualities quite well.

Jozef K and Winter Son’s "Togetherness" EP on Kim Ann Foxman’s Firehouse brings the prolific producers back in to the spotlight with four new cuts of acid house, bass and tribal inflected music.

The first track, "Togetherness" features a killer piano line and hand raising beats. Track two, "I Need A Fix" takes you down a darker road with a heavy-duty bass line and powerful vocals that are designed to fill the dance floor. "House of 1000 Organs" keeps you in the darkness, but its underlying tribal drum rhythms present hypnotic and trance inducing qualities, really makes the song appealing. Closing the EP is "Rise." Heavily influenced by 90s styled House, the song’s brilliance is in the soaring and quickly paced string instrument arrangements showcased alongside sunny female vocals. "Togetherness" is a good feel, diverse package of music that proves the duo’s ability to create really good dance music integrating different styles that ultimately ends up appealing to all.

—LEO WEAVER

—CATHERINE STRICKLAND

160 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

[REVIEWS: EPs]

KIDNAP SKIN BIRDS THAT FLY

MIC MEIMAROGLOU TAUR WHISPER USM RECORDINGS





Londoner Matt Relton aka Kidnap Kid aka Kidnap, first gained recognition with his itunes Best Electronic Track in 2012 ,"Vehl." 2017 saw the official launch of Kidnap's label, Birds That Fly with “Moments” featuring Leo Stannard. The release would set Birds That Fly onward and upward to become one of the UK’s leading underground labels.

He’s also a recent nominee for Record Of The Year presented by the Electronic Music Awards. Through a year of self-reflection, Belton decided to make a change. No longer will he be known as Kidnap Kid. It’s now simply Kidnap. Musically, he’s taking a new direction as well. On his latest EP "Skin," Belton exposes a new side providing two tracks with piano and voice driven progressiveness. Both songs, "Skin" and "And In Me Too The Wave Rises," express melancholic melodies and emotive vocals that is painfully beautiful. New direction indeed.

Mic Meimaroglou is the singular voice of techno music coming out of Greece. The founder of USM (Urban Style Magazine) and USM Recordings, Meimaroglou is releasing the follow up to his 2015 LP "Golden Thread" on Aithale with an awesome new 4 track EP. Slated for a February 1 release date "Taur Whisper" is a mish mash of quickly paced beats, every kind synthesizer generated sound effects you can imagine, creating multiple states of emotion through the music. The set list of three originals: "Mino," "Laby" and "Taur" all represent the high level of skill it requires to produce these songs. Mic is a master of his craft and the music he’s created herein places a bright spotlight on his songwriting and mixing talents. As an added bonus, Meimarglou dishes up a kick ass re-envison of "Taur" via the talented duo AgainstMe & Icarus in Love, turning it into one helluva remix prepped and ready for clubland.

—JOSEPH ARTHUR

—CATHERINE STRICKLAND Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 161

[REVIEWS: SINGLES]

EPHWURD FUNCTION FEATURING ONEEVA EPH'D UP RECORDS

HIDDN x RIVERO SHADOW MUSICAL FREEDOM





Fresh off the launch of Eph’d Up Records, is a smoking bass cut titled "Function" featuring Oneeva and their vocalist Natalie Kyoko Waters. This is the third solid release for Datsik’s and Bais Haus’ fledgling new label. Bringing together producer Antonio Fioravanti and Oneeva’s vocalist Natalie Kyoko Waters in on the track shows that duo is spreading out creatively and expanding on their signature bass house reputation. Oneeva and Waters add a touch of Nero and Feed Me styling’s to the direction of the track delivering silky smooth vocals, against electro inspired synthesizers, a poppin’ melody, and a deep bass line. These two guys are collectively changing the game when it comes to bass music and it’s sub-genres. Pushing the envelope and being on the fringe is exactly what has been accomplished here, yet at the same time, they’ve continued to incorporate the "tried and true" ingredients of all things bass. And it works.

For years, HIDDN has been behind the scenes writing chart-topping music for several Top Tier artists. Recently, debuting his solo album "Out Of The Shadows" with Armada Music (released in January), and notable single releases such as the Juicy M collaboration “Polaroid,” plus major support from heavyweights such as Tiësto, it is time for HIDDN to break out. And Speaking of Tiësto, his imprint Musical Freedom Records is the launchpad for HIDDN’s latest single “Shadow.” This time he has teamed up with RIVERO, a rising force in his own right with recordings on Sony, Doorn and Revealed, delivering a bonafide banger. In short, the track’s audio prowess dominates with sirens, tribal percussion, rolling snare drums, and lots of reverb.

The high-energy beats leading you up to the drop, and a wicked change in the time signature to a halftime dubstep feel, turns the track into an gargantuan dance floor filler.

—LEO WEAVER

—LEO WEAVER

162| Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12

MAX STYLER ALL YOUR LOVE DIM MAK

 Max Styler’s 2017 was quite productive with some very good releases and many tour stops.

As an ever-evolving producer, he’s continued his development in song craft one track at a time, cranking out infectious songs with commercial appeal, all the while keeping true to the underground idiom. His early 2017 track "Roller Coaster" raced to number three on the Beatport charts during its first week, and he followed it a MAKJ collaboration "Knock Me Down," which was used in the 2017 Fall Promo campaign for STARZ network. And now Max Styler is back with a summer memory soaker "All Your Love" on Dim Mak. The track is full fledge future house with a touch of trap that is sure to conjure up sweaty dance floors in clubland. Styler has composed a song that is brimming with brightly orchestrated melodies and slammin’ electronic beats. "All Your Love" follows 2017’s successful singles "Secrets" featuring CXLO and "Heros" with Nevve and clearly shows the young producer is starting 2018 off with a bang. Hang on.

—JOSEPH WENSELL Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 12 | 163