Audiation
"Music means everything to me, it's my substance, relief, my inspiration, and utter existence." Karina Nistal
Audiation
Music magazine giving exposure to the freshest music sounds and talent, as well as discussing industry related topics. We aim to showcase the amazing unheard talent in the International & Underground music scene. For the love of music you will most definitely be able to find something you enjoy in our eclectic selection. Whether your groove is house, garage, dance or soul; we will cater to your desires.
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An imagination.. not with visuals, but with sound.
"Music is the voice of the soul. It is much more than sound. Music can be a comforter, party maker, career path or a way of life. " Mizz Ruby, Co-Founder. "Music is passion & adrenaline rolled into a pattern of music notes that create a permanent etching of a moment in my mind." The Sassy Yank, Co-Founder. "Music joins people together from all around the world, without music life would be pretty boring." Rokuro, Feature Writer.
"The birth of one's child is the only feeling that comes close to getting lost in music." Cessle Innit, Feature Writer.
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Monday 6pm South Star Radio DJ Junior UK Monday Madness - UK Garage & Bass Monday 9pm Ministry Of Sound Essential Garage Tuesday 2pm Select Radio UK Danny Blaze National Anthems Show - Club Classics Thursday 3pm Select Radio UK Lizzie Curious – Funky / Tech / Uplifting / Groove
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Saturday 8pm Empire London DJ X-Ray – House & UK Garage Thursday 9pm Kiss FM DJ EZ – UK Garage Thursday 10pm JazzySoul Radio DJ Soul Crush - Jazz & Soul Thursday 10pm Freek FM The Push & Pull Show – UK Garage Friday 6pm DJ Pyro House & UK Garage Friday 7pm Ministry Of Sound Sister Bliss - International Dance Friday 10pm Empire LDN Heartbreak – UK Garage Friday 10pm Vision Radio UK DJ Emma Champion – House & UK Garage Saturday 8pm Shine EssnVee – House & UK Garage Saturday 9pm Kiss Fresh Mike Delinquent – UK Garage & Bass 4
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AudiationTV Auditor - Overdrive (Head Freq Remix) “The initial melody is great and has me hooked straight away. Along with extra little tunes, beats and sounds for interest!” Mizz Ruby Branching between Garage and Trance, Head Freq’s remix of Glasshouse’s track Overdrive melds the two genres in an atmospheric trip through a morphing sonic landscape. It’s a bit of a change of pace from the usual, groovy Bassline House Head Freq is becoming known for, but he is nothing if not versatile. “Edit The Sad Parts” will be the first release from Tampa Bay, FL based trance producer Auditor. The EP will be available, exclusive to Beatport, on August 16th, 2014 on Del Sol Ltd. After that, the EP will be available worldwide through all other digital distributors on August 30th via iTunes, Google Play, Amazon, and more. Auditor’s music is a combination of progressive styled trance fused with deep techno vibes. The EP is set to feature four new originals in “Overdrive,” “You’re The One,” “Souvenir,” and “Hollowgram.” The lead single “Overdrive” is to be assisted by remixes from St. Petersburg, FL’s resident deep and future house phenom Head Freq as well as fellow St. Petersburg psytrance virtuoso Felix Nemat.
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London soul songstress, Ella Eyre’s rapid rise continues. Since proving herself to be one of the UK’s most enthralling and captivating debut female singers, Ella has been wowing the crowds throughout the UK having sold out a headline tour as well as performing prolific slots at this summer’s festivals. Now the BRIT award winner announces new single ‘Comeback’ a thrilling, hornled smash produced in Sweden by OZGO, Ilya and Jarrad Rogers. The song is based on a break-up when Ella was 17, but written from the point of view of speaking to a troubled best friend. ‘We've all been played, we've all been hurt, just take the pain, let that motherfucker burn… you will find in time, that they always come back.’ Fierce, bold and brash, it’s a euphoric feel good song about empowerment, independence and strength. Ella says of the track, if ‘If I Go’ was about whether or not I should leave a relationship, then ‘Comeback’ is the aftermath. There’s no more vulnerability, it’s a very defiant ‘fuck you.” Remixes from: Mike Delinquent, SPY, Fred Falke, Ruff Loaderz, Waze & Odyssey, and Alex Adair
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HEALTHY ADDICTION Hello Group, my name is Cessle and I am an addict. Familiar words usually heard uttered out from between the lips of a person trying to combat a problem. Not on this occasion. As this is my 1st article for Audiation Magazine I am taking this opportunity to encourage you to follow suit and embrace your addiction to electronic music, House & Techno being my metaphorical drug of choice. Like many of you, I long diminished any chance there was of building up a valuable stamp collection, by instead choosing to spunk the money on beat driven experiences. Spending many a night lost in dark spaces filled with the sounds of big drops and heavy basslines. Growing up I listened to various different genre’s of music, from Rare Grooves to Celine Dion at Stone Love, Spice Girls to Brockie & Det on Kool FM. It’s all just seems reminiscent of and similar to the dating game, spending your time flirting away until you find your match,. If we decide to compare the love of a genre with the love between 2 people, House & Techno lovers would be deemed whores. Still it’d be unfair to tarnish us with such a label as its not our fault that Hip Hop or Country & western doesn’t break down into so many sub genres or that we’re spoilt for choice with music. Claude Von Stroke once said to me something that will stick with me forever and explains it the reason why i’m addicted. “House Music is different to any other, all you need is that groove.” Other than seeing the birth of my own daughter, it’s hard to think of any other feeling that comes close to ‘getting lost in the music’. We’ve all experienced it on some level. It’s that moment when you become completely oblivious to everybody and everything around you, with no control over or recollection of your actions. It’s just you, the lights and the DJ. It’s the high we all crave & chase and with the availability of sites such as Be-at.tv and Soundcloud, its so much easier to get your fix. It was only in February that DJ EZ performed a 3 and a half hour set live on Boiler Room, captivating thousands from the comfort of their own homes, allowing so many to relive their youth on a Tuesday evening. I for one was taken back and left in awe. There’s just something about watching a technically good DJ with quick in hand’s in the mix, playing pied piper with the soundtracks to your youth. Getting lost in the music, thus feeding the addiction, healthily. It was the love of 2 step house, hearing that groove and music being played at 140bpm that paved the way for many ears to open up to all that falls under the House & Techno umbrella. The beauty of being spoilt for choice is that the search for music is never ending. So many tracks for a DJ to choose from allowing them each to take to the stage and tell their story. Therefore giving a DJ no excuse for beating the same track that was played an hour before. I could begin to go into that boring old debate about Traktor, CDJ’s and vinyl buts that not important when the listener wants to be taken on a journey and have their mind wander. Track selection is the real key. 88
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A great DJ doesn’t play music, a great DJ plays with music. The ability to infuse a selection of familiar and unfamiliar tracks, keeping that constant bumping groove is a gift held by a select few. You know when you’ve heard a special set because your left hanging on to every rise and fall, with your hairs on end. Like how I was left feeling after Heidi’s set at Village Underground for the Mixmag parties. Such feelings are the reason we chase it. The reason we don’t think twice about paying highly inflated prices for festival tickets of greedy ticket touts. Regardless of ones opinion on the money 'wasted' (or in my case, money well spent) everybody has their vice which keeps them happy. Some people like to stand in queues from 3am waiting for the release of the latest console game. Others like to spend the same money in casino’s or on collections of shoes they’ll wear just once. My vice is electronic music. It’s a healthy addiction. They say music is good for the soul, as too is happiness and if ones passion is to chase something that breeds happiness, it has to be said that one is on the right track.
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Tell us about yourself and how your music career began. I began when I was 15 with messing around with sequencers. I gave my parents a lot of headaches during that time! In 2001 I had my first release, in 2007 I got picked up by Tiësto when I was a duo as “Progression”, and he asked us to do an album and a warmup tour for his In Search Of Sunrise compilation. Tiesto took you under his wing, what is it like to work with such a big name and be in the eyes of a vast worldwide fanbase? That was absolutely amazing, he is a very friendly guy and I can’t thank him enough for what he did for me. 2007 was very different from now without much social media, besides Myspace, so the interaction was a lot less, but the gigs were amazing! It was always sold out, of course they come for Tiësto, but I always had amazing response on the gigs I did during the tour. You are first a producer and then a DJ, what would you say are the key skills to getting the right balance? Yes I learned to produce first, after my releases came out I got requests to play in clubs and on events, so that was the next step. Learn to DJ. It was not so hard to be honest, since you understand the music from producing and you know how to count the beats etc. I am glad I learned to play with vinyls in the beginning, that was a whole other level than nowadays. I think if your music is good, people come to the party to see you and hear your music, so they would like to hear the tracks you produced in combination with other good tracks. A DJ always has to adapt to the audience, to give them a great night. Your new track "Paradise" with Ad Brown & Ghost Wars is a summer banger.. How did you come up with the ideas for this track and tell us about the process of creation. I know Ad already for years since we both released a lot on Black Hole recordings. He asked me to do a collab for his recent album in the first place, so we started a song and finished it later. We kept on improving it and in the meantime his album already got released. After that we finished the track we asked Chris from Ghost Wars to sing on it. 10
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What are your favourite tracks? Too many to mention :) Who are your musical influences? I basically learned everything myself, how to play the keyboard and chords etc. Later I took piano lessons for 1,5 years, to find out more about the theory, how to read notes and learn the chord progression, but to be honest I forgot most of the theory. I am not much of a theory guy, I rather find it out myself. What does music mean to you? A lot, I think about it day and night. My head is always filled with melodies and music... sometimes so much it keeps me awake. I decided to live with it. What advice do you have for anyone looking to get into the music industry? It changed a lot last 5 years or so. Don’t expect just to become the next new top10 DJ, but it’s a long and hard way to get some knowledge at all. Just start as a hobby and see where it goes, finish your school and don’t quit your job. I do it fulltime now, but I did it all slowly. First I worked 5 days a week, then 4, after a few years I started a new job for 3 days a week, Monday and Friday were for travelling and producing. After that went well, I started to do it fulltime and I never regret that decision. What does the future hold for you? I hope a lot more music. Nowadays I also produce all different kinds of music, also pop things for singers and I did some things for commercials etc. Really nice to do and expand your boundaries, it’s also helpful to open up your mind for other influences. Any last words? Thanks a lot for the interview and I hope to see you all at one of my next gigs. www.danielwanrooy.com Interview by Mizz Ruby
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"Summery atmospheric melodies layered upon an upbeat track. Then comes the edgy drop, with a light undertone. This all blended together nicely with soft male vocals. A great dance number with memorable sounds to keep the summer atmosphere alive even when the sunshine is not around - but I sure do want to be on the beach with this!" Mizz Ruby Two immensely respected and fast rising house producers come together to create this quick awesome Vocal House track. Ad Brown (Anjuna Beats, Blackhole, Toolroom) and Daniel Wanrooy (Blackhole, Dancepush) really have made something special with this track. Featuring vocals from Ghost Wars, plus two remixes from Just Fine and Vous's new starlet Mazare, Paradise really is a spectacular song. www.vousrecords.com
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Unbeknown to many outside of UK Grime scene, Musical D learnt his trade coming through the Dirtee Stank collective, producing Dizzee Rascal’s official song for the London olympic games ‘Scream’ and is set to release his 1st single entitled ‘Radar’ co-produced with his Cousin Shemzy. In a world where people are fabricating the number of views on their Soundcloud playlist, it’s hard not to take notice of a track that manages to gross 39.000+ ‘ORGANIC’ plays in 6 months. The crisp original vocals laid down by Shemzy adds body to Musical D’s formula of simple patterns and grooves, creating a powerful track. Although the track features Shemzy’s vocals throughout, the track still has enough of a breakdown making it easy to party to, and giving it the capability to appeal to a more mainstream audience as well as an underground audience. Radar is an easy listen with cleverly put together arrangement of strong vocals. It's easy to have the soundtrack stuck in your head and find yourself singing the the catchy lyrics. Review by Cessle Innit
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K-Warren ft Sarah Etheridge Count On Me BFR014 "Beginning with an upbeat track, vocal snippets and a nice melodic undertone.. and then the sunshine melody kicks in to get you moving. The track is a bit of a mix, half full of fun energy, half more sexy and deep. A modern twist of choppy sounds and edits give the track attitude and creative flair. This is all tied together with gorgeous vocals." Mizz Ruby
Statik Motion ft Kadeem Tyrell Memories PT 1
Red Room Music
"Kicking off with a bumpy bassy beat, and then come in sweet versatile vocals. This is such a good track with the rhythm, the lyrics, the overall atmosphere. It's a creative piece with lots of interest, especially showing off the depths and various tones of the vocals. Love it, one of those you'll keep in your playlist through the year!" Mizz Ruby Memories' is the first single release from East-London music producer Statik Motion. The refreshingly contagious track features South-West London's rising singer Kadeem Tyrell; who's soulful vocals adds a level of energy, spirit and finesse to the track. 'Memories' is taken from Statik Motion's forthcoming debut EP 14
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Scales - All That She Wants www.scalesofficial.com "An experimental use of sound and edits, with a dark intro then notching up the tempo and atmosphere with a deep bassy melody and a fun flavour. I really love the texture and dynamics in sound throughout the piece." Mizz Ruby Out of a London studio armed with analogue synthesisers, drum machines and a broad range of musical instruments, comes new talent Scales, who shows off an undeniably high level of production on his first track ‘All That She Wants’. Combining the core influences of house music with a broad and eclectic range of musical influences, Scales creates a new sonic force. ‘All That She Wants’ takes cues from Basecamp’s version of the classic track of the same name, mixing in crisp UKG percussion and modern deep house synths. Jump on the Scales hype early; it won’t be long before he’s the hot new producer everyone’s talking about.
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Karina Nistal www.karinanistal.com "Fiesty yet feminine. The KaRAGEous Album is really a mix of tones. A blend of raw emotion, fragmented clashing sounds, full of attitude and energy. These contrasted against sweeter tones and rhythmix melodies. Karina's vocals are so versatile being soft yet strong, punchy yet sultry. Karina Nistal, the independent woman with soul and sassiness." Mizz Ruby
Singer/songwriter Karina Nistal is known to align herself with diverse and solid collaborations to showcase her extensive range. Her work consists of emotive jazz vocals on downtempo tracks, rapping in Spanish for the worldly sounds of reggaeton, or fusing soulful Latin vocals with lively dance music. Most significantly, it is a vibrant charisma that carries over her poetic musings in either English or Spanish, or her self-assured flirtatious rhymes. There's a very fine line between poetry and rap, but it's one that only Karina interconnects with finesse. Music captivated the native Houstonian at an early age. Karina indulged in old school hip hop, rhythm & blues, soul and jazz. It was Karina's mixed Latin heritage (Mexican and Cuban) that spotlighted traditional to modern styles. After several years of featuring on numerous Dance and Hip Hop releases, Karina made her first full-length bilingual debut album, Nistyle (Starlightbeats) which introduced the term "Reggaetron" (Electro-Reggaeton). Nistyle gives a fresh face to the growing "hurban" dance scene and earned Karina various accomplishments including an Armed Forces tour in the Middle East to provide support and morale for our troops.
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"Music means everything to me, it's my substance, relief, my inspiration, and utter existence." Karina Nistal
The following year, the video for her single “Viviendo” premiered internationally on MUN² bilingual video network. Meanwhile The Karina Nistal Band performed festivals all over the southern region including the SXSW Music Festival and made a major television appearance for the Mayor’s Tree-lighting Celebration on KHOU Houston. Karina is also a Houston Press Award winner for “Local Hip Hop” & “Latin Contemporary”. Her sophomore album, Nistalgia (L.O.V.E. Records) was released October 2010. Nistalgia carries her Latin Fusion sound with a mixture of Soul, Hip Hop and a few hot Dance remixes. After relocating to Los Angeles that spring, Karina began working on her project #KaRAGEous. She became an ambassador for inspirational FB network #Besomebody. Karina turned to her fans to launch a successful Kickstarter campaign to fund her project and was able to raise over $8,000 for album costs. “KaRAGEous is a fun, sassy, and well-rounded [album] that plays everything from downtempo, drum & bass, to dubstep,” Karina describes her new project. “You guys really need to check it out!” Karina continues performing regularly with her band “The Live Project”, recording singles, making videos, collaborating with various artists, hosting reputable events, and working on voice-overs for commercials. Karina has also appeared on several Spanish TV reality segments. Her latest single “All That I Want” has been named “Summer Jam of the Year” by Dutch Guy On Air’s music blog and receiving international reviews while playing in several different countries. 19
September Releases I'm Really loving the new Blonde track "I Loved You“. Lovely piano house chorus on this, plus an outstanding quality R&B style female vocal. This is set for big things when released on FFRR Records, although I can’t find an actual release date for it yet. A track that I've been playing in my recent sets that's going down a storm, is the Lucas & Steve remake of the old classic Ruffneck track, "Everybody wants to be somebody”. Definitely one of the most groovy tracks around at the moment, track it down on Beatport now. Another track by Lucus & Steve coming out on the 1 Sept is “Craving”. A slamming groove with old school influenced vocals are the name of the game for Lucas & Steve's first record out on Zulu. This is seriously one uplifting track and is on target to destroy dance floors worldwide. Brighton, UK based Zulu Records are definitely one to watch out for in the future. Another awesome remake out now on Spinnin records is Oliver Helden's version of Greg Salto’s "Cant stop playing", this seriously rocks any dancefloor, Tons of remixes of Zhu "Faded" knocking around but I think my fav has to be the funky deep house remix by Rainer & Grim. Gorgeous new track from Estonian born Henry Krinkle. Nearly two years ago we were treated to the sonic delights of “Stay” featuring the sample from Alicia Keys' "Unthinkable", and now we see it get an official release with some great remixes, including versions from Kolsch &Three Bar. I'm personally loving the bass heavy twist version from Dirtybird's Justin Martin, awesome track. On a more progressive tip. but still could be played in a Deep House set at the right time, is the wonderfully melodic “Reverse Nation” by that man Adam K. Really nice build to this, great sonic textures, kind of reminds me of early Deadmau5. Top tune which is out as part of a 4 track EP, out now on hotbox digital.
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I'm really digging the new tracks by Croatia Squad. All these guys' tracks go down a storm on the dance floor with their funky take on the Deep house/ Nu Disco vibe. Their remix of “Something” by Me And My Toothbrush is really hitting the mark as one of the best tracks around this month, out now. Another awesome track to look out for by these guys Croatia Squad is their remix of Stan Kolev’s "Troubled". Great guitar breakdowns and seriously Funky Nu Disco Style baseline. Also another one to definitely track down from these guys is there recent Work It EP, I'm loving the Mark Lower remix of "Get You Off". See you next month, ROKURO 21
Adam Cotier Interview by The Sassy Yank
When is the first time you recall music as something you wanted to do in a serious way? Although DJin from an early age, things kind of fell into place for me in Miami back in 2010 at the WMC (Winter Music Convention). For the first time in my life I got to see and hear all the biggest names in electronic music play. From pool parties to rooftops, Space Miami to the giant festival in Bayfont Park I got a real insight into how they do things and what could be achieved. From here on in I had the total ambition to succeed as a DJ. I quit my job on return to the UK and have never looked back!
How would you describe Music's impact on your life? From the moment I wake through to trying to sleep my mind is on music. For me music is a total addiction so to describe it's impact I would use the term; positively consuming!
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What are your hopes for your music career for the few years? I've just launched my own label, Kurvature so hope to express my musical philosophy of no boundaries through it. I have a strong team of producers and DJs who will be working with me to achieve this. I also have a solid amount of future releases scheduled on other labels so hope to be playing more festival and international gigs come 2015/2016. So readers can get a more personal look into you, what are some if your favourite things to do with your spare time? The only two things that can take me away from music are my daughter and good food. I love finding new places to eat whether it be a restaurant or market stall serving street food. I also like to listen to classical music. 5. If you had the opportunity to play anywhere in the world where would you choose? Berghain/Panorama Bar, Berlin or Burning Man Festival What would you say has helped your career the most so far? As much as I trust and believe in my talent my quick understanding of social media as it began to emerge as a strong marketing tool for new DJs/artists to showcase themselves defiantly helped my move up the ladder a lot quicker than via the older, conventional marketing methods. In such a short space of time you have really shot yourself into the limelight and have had a pretty illustrious career. what have been the highlights and whats the story behind how it all happened? So much has happened for me in such a short space of time, I'm lucky to have experienced such highs early on in my career, playing with some of the worlds greatest DJs at WMC Miami 2014 and Djin at the Secret Garden Party Festival would definitely stand out for me as well as having 11 releases under my belt already. Early projects like Made in Shoreditch and Cant Stop Wont Stop definitely propelled me into the spotlight. From there I used social media and networking to build my career.
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What was it like meeting Seth Troxler? If I am honest it was amazing, for me one of the greatest and most intriguing minds in music today! Any advice for other aspiring artists? You need to try hard to understand where you and your music sits and how to get yourself heard in the right places. Never give up trying, if your true aspirations are to be successful in music, stick with it through thick and thin. Also try to find your angle. For me too many people sit around expecting things to happen because of talent alone. This is not the case, you need to network, have structured objectives and work out how to attain them. What projects/things do you have in the pipeline for our readers to look out for ? I'll be making my debut at ADE this year and have some strong releases scheduled. I'm pretty much booked up until April next year with gigs all around the UK and abroad so things are looking positive for the near future musically. You produced the track what is love with SKT, what did it feel like to have it the track in the spotlight. It gained a lot of play on mainstream radio with support from BBC1 Radio, BBC 1xtra, Kiss FM and Capital Xtra. It was great for me to work with SKT and Gemma, two people I have a lot of respect for musically and both achieving great things in their careers respectively. Who are your TOP 3 DJ's? Appolonia (Shonky, Dan Ghenacia & Dyed Soundorum) Seth Troxler Riaz Dhanani www.Soundcloud.com/AdamCotier wwww.Facebook.com/AdamCotier www.Twitter.comAdamCotier
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With a dual degree in Electronic Production & Design/Songwriting from Berklee College of Music, Casey Chen aka "KC" has displayed well his undying ambitious flame. Rather than yesterday's mundane, mechanical "track factorization", KC prefers to create music in its most authentic, organic form. He chooses to mold strong relationships with his artists through side-by-side collaboration. He designs and crafts a specific sound for each artist's unique personality as well as to correspond with his/her vision. KC believes that risktaking and rule breaking are the bare essentials to the creative process and as a result has already landed success pitching his music to recognized publishers Imagem and Nettwerk. He currently works for Sanctum Sound, Serenity West Recordings, and freelances.
BELIEVE KC (FEAT. DAVORA)
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The Digital Age How do you think the modern day technology and social networking has changed the music industry and marketing strategies? Nowadays It's much more easier for music producers and artists to expose their work through social networking websites. The Internet has made life easier for both music fans, listeners and artists. Both parties interact and fans can keep up-to-date with latest releases from their favourite artists. From the point of view of a music producer, social networking websites help to discover new talent. With the digital era life has become more easier for underground music producers to get their work exposed but of course there are some ups and downs as well. For exposure and discovery the Internet is indeed very useful, but of course digital music is not going to make as much money compared to physical sales and events right? How can producers and labels handle this and not be at a loss financially? It's true digital has taken over physical but, we have no choice as only real music lovers will prefer to buy physical CDs or vinyl of their favourite artists. For instance, EDM fans don't even bother about physical releases. All is about downloads. In one way, it kills real artists. But we have no choice but to cope with the trend. It's sad but true, we are in a digital age. You say about people discovering new talent, but again this is about how many followers/likes you have to even get noticed. How can we work with that and still stay real, when people can just click and download top 10 charts and ignore anything else. Unless they are music enthusiasts, how can we reach the general public? Well here's my opinion. Just keep it simple, but make good & interesting tracks that listeners will be blown away and try making something different, as EDM nowadays sounds too similar. There's no creativity at all and hence there's loss of art here. So, making good music, sharing with good contacts, getting your music played by DJs and radio, make sure you have a good web presence these might help to boost your career. But of course all is in hard work.
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Iindeed sometimes it seems in this day and age the only way to have an effective result anymore is to create a viral project, get a trending hashtag or have a celebrity endorsement! EDM has certainly taken over and yes there is such lack of passion. What do you think the industry will be like in say 5 or 10 years? EDM has taken dance music up to another level than it was back in the days. Nowadays dance music is a boom industry but its definitely in the wrong direction though. Near future Dance Music can get even better but if we stop losing focus, as I know lots of good producers who were making amazing tunes but due to lack of interest some are losing hope, and others are turning in EDM trend. Just to resume in 1 word, the new generation aka EDM is too cheesy. I know many too who have lost faith and it is awful. There's only so many times you can really say to think positive, there needs to be a change for the better. by DJ Wad & Mizz Ruby
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Shystie ft Jalissa Stop STOP! ..and check out this new BANGER from the triple threat emcee/actress/model; SHYSTIE! Produced by Deanyboy and featuring Jalissa on arguably THE catchiest hook of 2014, the piano riff and the big-bass-filled drum beat draws on influences reminiscent of 90’s dance classics, with a nod toward DnB, topped with a refreshing slice of 2014 freshness. ‘Stop’ is the first track to be taken from her forthcoming E.P, ‘Exhalation’, due for release in November 2014 As one of the most popular, entertaining and original female rappers in the UK, Shystie remains untouchable, in-fact; Shystie remains untouchable across all of the industries she has pursued a career in. From touring with 50 Cent, Basement Jaxx and The Streets. Taking the lead role in the ground-breaking Channel 4 show ‘Dubplate Drama’, as well as the UK feature film ‘Adulthood’. Shystie has also featured in theepitome of all fashion magazines, ‘VOGUE’ and walked the catwalk at both London and New York fashion weeks.
If there’s anyone going to make you STOP and pay attention to a track, it’s SHYSTIE! Release: November 2014
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Wildlife 693-0 "Dark, bassy, gritty! This is an intriguing set of tracks, which have been experimented on and given a fierce attitude." Mizz Ruby Holland’s Remco Geerts came out of the shadows sometime in 2012 and with great prowess, he has released great music on multiple labels. Remco’s style brushes on anything from trance to techno, making him an up and comer with a hell of a lot of potential. Remco has played on different events and on numerous radioshows. His debut EP on Wildlife features two superb tracks that hold a mix between tech house and deep house and is perfect for the lovers of real house music.
"A nice deep sound, bassy tones and beats - the break is most certainly futuristic!" Mizz Ruby With his new release on the Wildlife imprint Grooveat serves us a delightful mellow house track with a slightly futuristic sound to it. ‘Stomp’ is a definite must-have for your warm summer evenings. Grooveact is the alias of Jaimy, mostly known from DJ duo Jaimy & Kenny D, on which he releases his house productions. Back in 1990 Jaimy was one of the first Dutch producers who succeeded in earning a living with house music, signing his first record deal at the age of 19. In 1998 he met his musical partner Kenny D with whom he has released and still releases some major dance floor smashers and remixes of classics such as Tiësto’s ‘Flight 643’. A few years later the guys set up their own label Fatal Tracks and later Jaimy started his solo labels Fatal Music and Drum Mode. A mastering service company followed suit. Jaimy, thus in this case Grooveact, loves to combine all spectrums of the house genre; soulful, vocal, funk, disco, dark, deep and dirty and his sets are always uplifting, pumping and sexy. He’s an artist who lives to make people dance.
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Avanti 528-0 "This is a real mix of ideas, beginning with a pulsing edgy beat. The tempo is upped, and then comes a drop which really makes you think "woah". This is full of experimental sounds and melodies, it just pulls at interest and is a great trippy track!" Mizz Ruby For his second release on Avanti, CiRRO brings us something special with ‘Tamriel’. The track is named after a fictive continent on the planet Nirn, that is featured in The Elder Scrolls roleplaying games. Even without knowing where the title hails from, you can hear some gaming and computer elements in this progressive houser, giving it an eccentric edge. CiRRO has been producing music for several years, exploring many facets of the music industry like creating soundtracks for IOS app games and as a producer/ sound designer. His big-room productions have received support of Judge Jules, Marcus Schossow, George Acosta and many more. Now living in San Francisco he is destroying the dancefloors with his tunes. You will definitely hear a lot more from CiRRO in the times to come.
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Move Your Mind "What I love about every release from Slime Records is the fact that it is all so unique and intriguing. This new LP follows this idea with a blend of beautiful sounds. Deep, dark, chilled dubstep tones with an air of creative flair and soft touches. As you graduate through the tracks, you get more rhythmic sounds with so much flavour." Mizz Ruby Slime is proud to present a special compilation of collaborations across the extended label family, with eight compositions from sixteen artists produced exclusively for this release. ‘Move Your Mind’ bridges countries and genres to bring together a stunning series of explorations into the sounds synonymous with the imprint.
SLM117 | www.slimerecordings.co.uk
Akin & Sker debut their new collaborative project Opeik for the release, opening proceedings with ‘After The Rain’. The Australian and Welsh producers combine for this spectral composition which wraps bucolic melodies around a fragile half-step with captivating results. Australian producer Aaron Static combines forces with Spanish duo Clima for their effort, ‘Synthetic Climate’. Drifting in across melancholy chords and vocal echoes, the beat slowly unfolds into a narcotic haze before driving forward into an autonomic groove. Hoffman & Materia come together for the sublime ‘For You I Did’. Cinematic atmosphere is drenched liberally over a seductive dubstep rhythm before gorgeous female vocals elevate this into the realms of a masterpiece.
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Hoffman & Materia come together for the sublime ‘For You I Did’. Cinematic atmosphere is drenched liberally over a seductive dubstep rhythm before gorgeous female vocals elevate this into the realms of a masterpiece. Russian producer Colorhythm joins up with Spanish duo BSN Posse for ‘Music To Move Minds’. Rave chords hustle around skittering breakbeats for a warehouse thriller replete with diva vocals and thundering bass. Threnody & Mad EP team up for the unique ‘Harare Riddim’. Utilising sounds and vocals recorded in Zimbabwe for a youth project, the track is a collaboration of African style with London attitude. Grime textures rub up against scattershot polyrhythms for an intoxicating head brew. Italian producer Bodwan & Macau-based artist Burnie collaborate on ‘Petra’s Groove’. Jazz-infused house beats roll across an off-kilter guitar and piano ensemble, creating something refreshingly different. Retrospekt & Platkovsky enlist the vocal talents of Athena Efstathiou for ‘Rain’, which pitches the singer’s sensual tones against the duo’s slinky deep house stylings. Replete with a bassline designed to drive it’s insistent groove all the way into the core of your brain, this is one track aimed purely at those hazy twilight moments in the club. Estonian & Australian producers Nightjar & DYP complete the release with ‘Roads’, a no-nonsense, head-down club stomper which is deceiving in its simplicity – one vocal hook, one bassline, one beat – but before you know it your booty is swinging to the groove – straight on to the dancefloor.
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Home of International Electronic Dance Music Talents & Artists
www.awjrecordings.com
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A Nu-Disco label heavily influenced by the decade of BIG HAIR! Mullet Records welcomes you to the home of the Casio Social Club and friends. Mullet Records was founded in 2008 by dj/producer Justin Winks, aka the Casio Social Club. "Shake your Mullet to the Beat!" www.mulletrecords.com
"A psychedelic electro pop blend of sounds, with groovy beats and soft sweet vocals. This is a fun compilation with a retro feel, fuelled by love." Mizz Ruby London based Muddyloop deliver their stunning debut EP, consisting of five slamming nostalgic jams... tune in or drop out ya'll!
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Steve Hott - Here For You "Now I'm not one to rave about rock music, but this is nuts!! It takes me back to the oldschool, with great catchy melodies, really cool vocals, it's just simply good music. The album is a mix of both hard edgy tracks, along with more mellow emotionfilled pieces. Rock out!" Mizz Ruby www.stevehott.com
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ELSIE iNTERVIEW BY tHE sASSY YANK
What are your early memories about music? And how would you say that has helped shape you into the artist you are today? My clearest early memories of music would be racing upstairs on a Sunday evening to listen to the top 40 on the radio whilst hovering my finger over the pause button on my cassette player ready to release for anything I liked the sound of. I liked collecting songs that I liked and listening to them over the week until the next Sunday. And then, sometimes if I really liked a song, I'd tape it again and again every week. Looking back I suppose I was making a weekly playlist just like we do today on our itunes but there was a lot more work that went into it then! I think this helped me appreciate all kinds of pop music as everything I recorded was so different, I'd tape anything from Inner Circle to Freddie Mercury. I loved it all. I think my mum liked it too cause she'd come up to my room after asking what i'd taped! I guess I was the resident DJ in our house but I never invoiced. What are your hopes for your music career for the few years? I hope that I can release an EP that people enjoy and be able to write music for years to come and still love it and maybe to throw the Ice Bucket over Kanye West. Not much to ask hey! I'm currently working with Brey Baptista who cowrote my favourite Jessie Ware tune "Running". His tracks are really creative and push me to write things I wouldn't find on my own in front of my keyboard. I really enjoy writing for others too. I've written for a couple of X Factor artists and I'm currently working with a country act called Ward Thomas who are currently flying the flag for Country music in the UK. So readers can get a more personal look into you, what are some if your favorite t hings to do with your spare time? Truth is I don't have a lot of spare time. In between walking my beloved dog Brando and making music there's just enough time to sit, eat dinner with a good TV show (currently The Good Wife) and chill until I fall asleep. What i'd like to be doing is more Yoga, more holidays and more time with my gorgeous niece who was born last year but when you're in music, it kind of takes over. It's addictive. Although today I'll be joining my 3 best girl friends in London for posh tea and a good ole gossip. I love spending time with my friends.s. If you had the opportunity to sing anywhere in the world where would you choose? And why? 42
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I'd like to go back in time to New York and sing in one of those smokey bars in the fifties where the guys all look like Don Draper in their hats and macs and the barman's called Joe and he know's everyones favourite tipple. I'd be wearing a long crystallised ball gown and I'd have super thick hair pulled to one side singing old classics from Etta James and Patsy Cline with my mate Glyn on the Piano. But that's just how I feel today, tomorrow I might wanna rock out with my full band on top of a building Beatles style like we used to at The 100 Club and go a bit crazy. I've been lucky enough to have gigged all over the world and sang to so many people that really now I'm just happy to sing and even just have one person listen contently. What would you has been the most rewarding experience you have had in your music career so far? I've had a couple. Going home to gig in Ellesmere Port where I'm from is definitely up there. I'd been playing so many shows over the years and had never gone back home to play to my friends and family and when I did it was the best gig of my life. I didn't want to come off stage, it was electric, there was so much love in the room. I'll never forget it. I'm sooooooo glad we did that gig. It takes up a big page in my happy moments memory bank. Maybe another would be touring the World with Sir Tom Jones. I learnt a lot from that man. Any new and exciting projects on the horizon? I'm hoping to have my first Elsie EP out in October. I have some songs waiting in the wings desperate to be heard and I'm collaborating on others with Brey for the EP. I've been writing with D&B legends Dexcell and we're releasing our tune Darkheart next month. I can't wait for people to hear that. I'm also dabbling in the house world, I got pulled in by an amazing producer called Rokuro and we ended up writing a summer tune that has already been signed up for next year. My latest tune "Take Your Time In Love" is a tale of caution for those who dare to fall in love. It's written from years of experience and I don't usually give advice out in songs but I'm hoping this will make people think twice when they do find that special one.
ELSIEMUSIC.COM
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Seamus Haji Hi Seamus, great to talk to you. So just a bit about your background, when did you first get into Dj-ing and making records, and is it true you used to be A&R for Defected records some years ago? I started DJ'ing in bedroom, playing to mates when I was around 14. Mixing & scratching hip hop & soul in the early to mid eighties so before house music had hit the UK. I got a lucky break & starting DJ with a South London sound system (this was the era of Soul II Soul who epitomised the scene) playing soul, hip hop, funk, disco in the mix. I left school, worked in specialist record shops, started writing for magazines and also started to produce & remix. After 10 years in 1998 I landed the job of A&R at Slip'N'Slide who were my favourite independent UK label so it was like a dream come true and then by mid '99 I was headhunted by Simon Dunmore who had recently left AM:PM (my favourite UK major label) and set up Defected Records. They'd only been running 6 months and it was a small team with me doing A&R & promotions, Simon (head of A&R), Janet Bell (head of promotions & marketing) and Chantal (the receptionist and much more). I remember having to help organise the UK cub tour for our first compilation Defcom1 and myself & Simon taking the Defected production around with us, setting up, DJ'ing and then taking it all down and the end of the night....the early days! By 2002 Janet Bell & myself had become an item and we left Defected and set up our Big Love label. What have you been up to this year, did you make it out and play any gigs at the Miami Music Festival and Ibiza this summer? I've been busy as ever in the studio this year. Recently remixed Joel Compass (now supported on BBC R1 Dance Anthems), Chris Cab, Jakwob, Therese and many more. I've been touring in Bali, Australia, Ibiza and still playing in the UK. Played at some amazing festivals such Brighton Pride & Shakedown (also in Brighton) recently & I was out in Miami too. I was asked to take part in a couple of panels for the Winter Music Conference. One was called State Of The DJ with myself, Cevin Fisher, Todd Terry, Roger Sanchez, Oscar G and another called The Remix I was hosting along with Tony Moran, Bimbo Jones, Joey Suki. It was nice to be able to share our experience with the audience. I also played at a couple of parties too but I was mostly there to see what's going on and as it's America it's pretty much EDM at the moment. I even attended the IDMA (International Dance Music Awards) I've not been since the late 90's and again it's all about EDM right now. I was also involved in the first ever Brighton Music Conference 2014 back in April (readers may have worked out I live in Brighton!)
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You are very well known for the countless great remixes you have done for major Pop and Electronic artists over the years, is there one remix or production of your own that you are particularly proud of to date, and what's new for you production wise coming up in 2014? My own single "Last Night A DJ Saved My Life" hitting the UK Top National Charts was proud moment of course and my remix for Bootyluv "Boogie 2Nite" which was the lead mix and peaked at number 2 in the UK National Charts. I recently did a label deal for my Big Love label with NewState and I started a new alias for slightly deeper productions. Can't say too much right now but stuff is en route!
Where do you find you inspirations for your production and remixes these days? I like the big room stuff that Eric Prydz and his Pryda & Friends label release, Grum, Fehrplay etc. It's melodic and very synth based so it kinda reminds me of the first dance music I got into in the very early 80's which electro funk that was coming out of New York. I'm also into the main room house sound that Mark Knight, My Digital Enemy and Prok & Fitch are releasing..quite groove based and I also like the deeper stuff that's going around. It's weird because the stuff that MK is doing now is being called "deep hose" sounds the same as US House I was playing over 20 years ago! I like to take different influences and try and make my own sound from them. Is there Any new artists or singers you have been collaborating with Recently that we should be on the look out for in the future? Under my new alias for the deeper stuff I've done a track with a UK singer/songwriter called Penny F. (she recently sang on a track for Rui De Silva) and she has a very raw, emotive voice. There's another singer from Sweden (who I can't mention at the moment) who has sung & written on another track for me which is bubbling at the moment. I've also produced a track with old time friend D.Ramirez under the new moniker. Sheldon (MOS Resident DJ) and myself recently released "Inception" as a collab on Armada offshoot Trice and we're working on a follow up at the moment. We've also been working on a number of remixes together which are big room sounding tracks, very synth based and quite tracky. I'm doing these mixes more like dubs so only using a small amount of any vocal and keeping it more melodic and groove based. I wanted to create a difference between Haji & Sheldon material and Seamus Haji as people always expect a full vocal mix from me that will work in the clubs and on radio. 45
Because you have been in the music business many years, and you are still going strong, what Advice would you give aspiring young artists? Fully immerse yourself in the industry. If you have the passion & ambition just go for it. If you want to DJ & produce take a course in production. Learn your craft as a DJ and watch/listen to your idols. If you need to get a job to support yourself try & work in the industry somehow. Not everyone will make it as a superstar DJ or producer so you may find that you DJ & produce and only get to a certain level but many people use this experience to grow in others areas. So, you're doing your thing whilst being an intern at a record company or events & management company you may find that you've got what it takes to work in the industry nurturing other people's talents. If you love dance music and want to be involved then you have to think on a broader scale. If you can forge a career dong what you love then that's the best job in the Word! Do you think dance music has become over saturated over the last few years. Do you think it has lost any quality now anyone can start up there own labels and release there tracks on Beatport And iTunes etc. And also what do you predict for the future of electronic and dance music? In a word YES! Before the digital era you had to either sign your track to a record label who have to be very selective before committing to release your record which cost money pressing vinyl etc and now it's much easier. I can't see it changing unfortunately. I wish I had a crystal ball to tell me where dance music is head! ;) I think that major US urban artists will soon be singing over "deep house". We've seen it already with Mary J Blige working with Disclosure. Finally, are you currently doing any radio shows that are readers can tune into around the world? I do a weekly 2 hour Big Love radio show. 1st hour is me and 2nd hour I have a guest mix. It kicks off on Brighton's Juice 107.2 Saturday nights 10-12, then Gaydio, Jemm On, 6 Towns and more in the UK and then it's broadcast on over 30 stations around the World. You can also download the 1 hour podcast on itunes or go to my website www.seamushaji.co.uk Interview by ROKURO
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New Label Ultra Bass Records has come out swinging with their debut release. This EP from Rare Candy has several brilliant remixes which makes it hard to choose a favourite. Released by: Ultra Bass Records Release/catalogue number: UBR001 Release date: 9 September 2014
Step Rockets Kisser Dart Party Remix
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Underground Dubs Vol 1 Sub London Records Release Date: TBA
Syn Cole Bight Lights Sam Feldt Remix
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Heavey Pins & Stage Rockers feat Lost Cause Don't Know Why + Remixes Kiez Beats Release Date: 29 Aug 14
Zhou Mix 001 Mixed By Rokuro Stay Tuned For Information on Zhou Parties Next Club Night
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The next issue will be available 01.10.14. Please subscribe, and thank you for the continuous support. This is not only our magazine, it is yours too! There are far too many amazing musical minds that we aim to share to the world! Send us feedback & a star rating (out of 5)!
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with love
The Sassy Yank, Mizz Ruby, Rokuro & Cessle xx
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