BEATSELECTOR Magazine Issue N°10

JOEY NEGRO'S BRILLIANT NEW LP PRODUCED WITH LOVE LEADS THE PACK OF NEW MUSIC REVIEWS

maya jane COLES THE ENIGMA SPREADS HER WINGS AND TAKES FLIGHT!

JAMES ARENA

AN EXCLUSIVE Q&A SESSION WITH THE MAN, PUBLISHED AUTHOR, AND INTERVIEWER OF TODAY'S BIGGEST AND BRIGHTEST STARS IN DANCE MUSIC.

NICKY ROMERO'S

PROTOCOL RECORDINGS CELEBRATES ITS 5TH YEAR

PREVIEW

PARIS 2017 EDITION MUSIC PRODUCER CONVENTION

DETAILS ON THE PREMIERE 2 DAY GATHERING CREATED AND PROGRAMMED TO EDUCATE, NETWORK , COMPETE AND MORE.

MUSIC PRODUCTION 101

+

MERT BUTUNER

ALEX MINE CAY TAYLAN ENRICO SANGIULIANO MOTHICA YELLOW SHOOTS

B EATSELECTOR Moving Electronic Music Forward

2017 / Issue N° 10

PUBLISHER

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

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inside ISSUE NUMBER 10 AUGUST 2017

Features

54 EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW

MUSIC PRODUCER CONVENTION 2017 PARIS EDITION On the weekend of October 14 and 15, Music Producer Convention 2017 Paris Edition, alongside Abbey Road Institute as the presenting Official Partner, are hosting a two day gathering of industry professionals, DJs, beat-makers and Urban and Electronic music producers spanning multiple countries representing the world’s most influential scenes. Get all the details and info on how to register.

56 JAMES ARENA: DISCO'S CHRONOLEGER

James Arena is New York based published author, freelance writer, host and commentator who has been featured on MSNBC, FOX, SiriusXM, Clear Channel, Sky News (London) and other major communications networks. Arena is the creator of the books STARS OF 21st CENTURY DANCE POP AND EDM (McFarland, 2017), STARS OF 90s DANCE POP (McFarland, 2016), EUROPE'S STARS OF '80S DANCE POP (McFarland, 2017), LEGENDS OF DISCO (McFarland, 2016) and FIRST LADIES OF DISCO (McFarland, 2013). In these books of original interviews, Mr. Arena has interviewed over 165 singers, songwriters, producers, DJs and industry professionals from around the world.

Departments 08 ICYMI: RECENT NEWS FROM AROUND THE WEB

22 NEW MUSIC RELEASES: LCD SOUNDSYSTEM, ORCHESTRAL MANOEUVRES IN THE DARK, JOHN FRUSCIANTE'S TRICKFINGER II, HOSPITALITY IN THE PARK, TRICKY, THE/DAS, CONRO

36 ON TOUR: KREWELLA NEW WORLD TOUR 38 MUSIC PRODUCTION 101: MERT BUTUNER 42 BUZZWORTHY/ARTIST PROFILES: ALEX MINE, CAY TAYLAN, ENRICO SANGIULIANO, MOTHICA, YELLOW SHOOTS 52 LABEL WATCH: NICKY ROMERO'S PROTOCOL RECORDINGS CELEBRATES 5 YEARS! 72 CD/EP/12" MUSIC REVIEWS: JOEY NEGRO'S BRILLIANT NEW DISCO ALBUM PRODUCED WITH LOVE ON ZRECORDS

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COVER FEATURE

In a short few years, Maya Jane Coles has become a major voice in the world of electronic dance music. Over the years, accolades and acclaim have come from DJ Mag (2011 Producer of the Year), Mixmag, Resident Advisor, FACT Magazine (2011 Female Artist of the Year), Beatport, Miami Winter Music Conference and Rolling Stone Magazine among others opening doors to the stages of the biggest and most revered music festivals worldwide. Â Now the prolific producer has a new EP, a new full length LP and is touring the globe.

Cover Photographer courtesy of Maya Jane Coles Table of Contents Photography by Dave Sips

[OPENING NOTES] Written by Joseph Wensell

ISSUE 10 For our 10th issue of Beatselector Magazine, our Cover Artist, Maya Jane Coles is seemingly everywhere. Featured on popular major music blogs and publications from around the world, all buzzing around the prolific producer and dj’s most recent music activity, a new EP followed by a 24 track full length LP, and on top of that, she’s touring the world. Catherine Strickland digs in with a nice piece detailing Maya’s latest activity.

Also featured is music industry executive turned freelance journalist and author, James Arena.

Working out of New York City, James has churned out over 165 interviews published in 5 books. In this exclusive Q&A, James shares his experiences talking with some of the greatest stars. Plus we review his latest book Stars of 21st Century Dance Pop and EDM. October 14 & 15, 2017 Music Producer Convention Paris in partnership with Abbey Road Institute are presenting a two day event full of programming that includes workshops and master-classes, lectures, networking opportunities and prize driven competitions. As an official media sponsor, we supply you with all the up-to-the-minute details.

In recent news, we alert you to Steve Aoki’s ambassadorship to cuvée brand Luc Belaire, Paul Oakenfold has a graphic novel coming, Psycho

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Circus takes over San Bernandino, and more ICYMI. Plus we preview some new releases from LCD Soundsystem, Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark, John Frusiciante/Trickfinger, Tricky, The/Das, and Conro. “Buzzworthy” coverage includes shorts on Alex Mine, Cay Taylan, Enrico Sangiuliano, Mothica and Yellow Shoots. For our “Label Watch” column, we write about Nicky Romero’s Protocol Recordings and their 5th year of releasing continuous trend setting music. Leading off a slew of recent release reviews is an instant classic titled “Produced With Love” by life long disco lover, Joey Negro. Plus we give you Krewella tour dates and a Music Production Q&A with Manchester’s Mert Butuner.

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

Premium French Wine Brand Luc Belaire Launches New Cuvée and Welcomes International Superstar DJ Steve Aoki to its Ambassador Network Luc Belaire, the world's fastest-growing brand of premium French sparkling wine, is proud to present LUC BELAIRE GOLD, a blend of handpicked Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes crafted in the heart of Burgundy, France. With unique elements like an organic sugarcane dosage, a style popularized in 1920s France, and a crystalclear glass bottle with intricate embossed foil labels, the new cuvée is positioned to be the flagship of the Luc Belaire line. As the celebrity drink of choice, Belaire is also thrilled to announce global superstar DJ Steve Aoki as Belaire Gold's first official brand ambassador. Brett Berish, CEO of Sovereign Brands, owners of Luc Belaire, states, "We are incredibly excited to introduce Belaire Gold to the world. We have an unrivalled ambassador network of Belaire fans and are pleased to welcome Steve, whose awe-inspiring creativity and celebratory spirit make him the perfect ambassador for our 'liquid gold.' We will be integrating the Aoki experience with Luc Belaire, both online and in Steve's performances, to create fun, engaging content for our friends and followers."

Aoki joins more than 200 global ambassadors for Belaire, including music industry titans like Rick Ross and DJ Khaled as well as championship-winning athletes from several different sports.

Of his new role, Aoki states, "I'm a longtime fan of Belaire and have already worked with the brand on a series of music videos last year. Since then, I've become even more excited about the brand, the team and everything they stand for. When I heard about the opportunity to be a part of it all with Belaire Gold, I had to do it!"

Belaire Gold's perfect balance of fresh Chardonnay fruit with hints of peach, pear and brioche rolled out to select retailers, restaurants and nightclubs around the world in July.

For more information and to stay updated on upcoming events, fans are encouraged to visit LucBelaire.com and join the #BelaireGold conversation by following @OfficialBelaire on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

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

Be Svendsen Signs Global Deal with Kenneth Bager's Music For Dreams & Announces New Single, Album Music For Dreams has announced that it has signed a global recording contract with musician, DJ & producer extraordinaire, Be Svendsen, with the first fruit of the tie up being the release of Woomoon fave ‘Andromeda’ single at the end of September.

Label founder & head honcho Kenneth Bager said, "I am very delighted to announce we have signed the global phenomenon, uniquely talented and highly original Be Svendsen to The Music for Dreams label. I am very much look forward to releasing the first highly anticipated single "Andromeda"- a bouncy crowd fave and the highlight of Be Svendsen's many live appearances around the world. Be Svendsen is working on an album for Music For Dreams that will be a showcase of his openness to merge electronic music with special and original sounds - all I can say from first few listening sessions we are in for a treat. And a final thanks to Be for trusting in MFD and me."

On signing to Music For Dreams Be Svendsen said: “I’ve long desired to share some of the more experimental material I write - tracks that can be hard to place on the club labels, but nonetheless tracks that hold a very big part of me. To team up and release my first album on Music For Dreams feels like the perfect match and the right time exactly for that. Very happy to join the dreamers! The music should ultimately connect you to a bigger picture. The goal is to express

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and convey a feeling, and to behold the moment - the essence of oscillating between a smile and a tear. I like to bring tragedy and humour together, and invite them up for a dance.”

2014 was the year that electronica’s cognoscenti fell for Be Svendsen. Following the success of live performances at Fusion and BOOM, the Danish musician has become a treat on the global festival scene and proponent of a uniquely organic, genrebending sound that could best be described as "Tarantino Techno."

Rather like Tarantino, Svendsen’s art has the distinction of being rooted in the familiar and the obscure, the playful and the ironic. His is an alluring fusion of syncopated beats, rendered vocals, world music, atypical sampling and live instrumentals, synthesised by the meditative qualities of repetition.

His music mobilises everything from tribal-tech, field-teased vibes, woozy Arabic melodies, via the rusty spaghetti-western soundtrack. It is through these playful interchanges of style that Be Svendsen expresses a profound and ever selfinterrogating talent for innovation and alchemy.

This talent takes him out of the tired end of techno, away from any easy neat and tidy genre classifications and firmly into the avant-garde.

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

Z2 Comics Team Up with Paul Oakenfold for Release of New Graphic Novel & OST "The Wonderful World of Perfecto: With Paul Oakenfold and Friends" 2017 marks the 30 year anniversary of Paul Oakenfold’s famed trip to the white island of Ibiza, sparked the creation of club culture as it is known today as well as his legendary DJ’ing career.

Z2 Comics and publisher Josh Frankel have announced THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF PERFECTO: WITH PAUL OAKENFOLD AND FRIENDS, a new graphic novel that follows – more or less – the life of DJ pioneer Paul Oakenfold.

The creative team includes a story by Oakenfold and artists Tyler Boss (4 Kids Walk Into a Bank), Chris Hunt (Carver), Ian McGinty (Welcome to Showside) and Koren Shadmi (The Abaddon) and the book drops November 21 with an original soundtrack that only comes with the graphic novel.

THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF PERFECTO: WITH PAUL OAKENFOLD AND FRIENDS is part of a new initiative by Z2 Comics to publish graphic novels about music, with each book accompanied by an original soundtrack.

THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF PERFECTO: WITH PAUL OAKENFOLD AND FRIENDS charts his historic career rise to fame, fortune and musical

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nirvana and each of the artists collaborating with Oakenfold will illustrate a different time period in the DJ’s life, from his residency at Cream to drinking absinthe with Hunter S. Thompson and touring with U2.

Speaking about the graphic novel, Oakenfold says: “I am honored and excited to be a part of the first electronic music graphic novel,” said Paul Oakenfold.

“Being a fan of comic books for many years, I enjoyed telling my story in this context which shows things in a different light."

"We think bringing together music and graphic novels can be the secret sauce of Z2 Comics,” said Z2 Comics Co-Publisher Josh Frankel. “Our goal is to work closely with musicians and graphic novel creators to create a unique experience, where the music informs the narrative of the graphic novel and vice versa.

When you think of DJs and electronic music, you immediately think of Paul Oakenfold,” said Z2 Comics Co-Publisher Sridhar Reddy. “It’s an honor to publish his first book.”

THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF PERFECTO: WITH PAUL OAKENFOLD AND FRIENDS releases on November 21 with an original soundtrack that only comes with the graphic novel.

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

Cr2 Records Announce The Debut Double CD Captured From The Most Exciting Clubbing Concept In The World Right Now-ELROW elrow is the innovative clubbing concept that has captured the imagination of clubbers around the globe. Their debut CD, released through respected UK label Cr2, giving a true representation of the soundtrack that fuels their outrageously fun parties delivered by their world class residents.

Music is front and center of the elrow experience and as such, keeping the fun element whilst presenting fresh upfront sounds. Now they are proud to present their debut 2 x cd and digital download mix that reflects the true vibe of the now legendary event, featuring core residents at the heart of the musical experience. This is the beginning of a landmark series with elrow Vol 1 CD1 presented by residents Toni Varga and De La Swing and CD2 by Marc Maya and George Privatti.

Listen out for inclusions from diverse and esteemed artists MelĂŠ, Bontan, Route 94, Max Chapman, Dennis Cruz, Waze & Odyssey and special exclusive tracks from George Privatti & Eddy M, Versus, Reelow, Di Chiara Brothers, Cal Johnstone and Cloonee.

following the progression and rise of elrow since their first parties in Barcelona and Ibiza as a fan, DJ and label owner. elrow is one of the few brands that has remained true to their original concepts, creating the ultimate clubbing experience and providing forward thinking electronic music along with sensational production. I am excited to be releasing the first ever official elrow album, bringing together two family run independent businesses that are both full of passion for underground dance music."

Victor de la Serna from the elrow family says, "We are very excited to start this new venture with Cr2 for our first ever elrow official compilation, it's been a great experience working the whole Cr2 team and we are looking forward to bringing many more compilations to life!"

London Events: elrow Town London at The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on Sat 19th and Sun 20th August. elrow's residency at Amnesia in Ibiza takes place every Saturday until the 30th September.

More info: http://www.elrowtownlondon.com

Cr2 Founder Mark Brown says: "I have been

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

Insomniac Announces Official Lineup for 7th Annual Halloween Festival, Escape: Psycho Circus Returning to the NOS Events Center in San Bernardino, CA on Friday, October 27 and Saturday, October 28, thousands of costumed fans will gather for two nights of terrifying frights. Those that dare to enter the menacing Psycho Circus will be immersed in an otherworldly dimension featuring over 75 monstrous performances, creepy creatures of the night, and the bone-chilling interactive Asylum maze.

Headliners will witness epic sets by acts like Alan Walker, DJ Snake, Eric Prydz, Flosstradamus, Jamie Jones, Marshmello, Rezz, TiĂŤsto, Zedd and more. Influential artists Luca Lush and Detlef will make their Insomniac festival debuts while three of the four devilishly designed stages will host an Insomniac fan-favorite brand. Following last year's massive turnout, the Ghouls' Graveyard stage will expand with a larger footprint and lineup to present a Bassrush Massive takeover.

Special b2b sets will include Ray Volpe b2b Tisoki and Original Sin b2b Tax Man. Iconic brands Basscon and Audiotistic will host The Chopping Block each night, featuring unprecedented performances from Angerfist b2b Miss K8, and Boys Noise (Live). Factory 93 will curate the Cannibals' Tea Party stage

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with highly anticipated collaborations from Jamie Jones' Paradise and Nicole Moudaber's MoodZONE with performances from Joseph Capriati, Green Velvet, Paco Osuna, Nathan Barato, Carlo Lio and more. Last year, Escape hosted its largest event in history with over 110,000 costumed fans reveling to the spinetingling sounds of dance music's biggest acts. The Psycho Circus returns this year, delivering a nightmarish experience with endless performances and activities like fortune telling, burlesque shows, tarot card reading, contortionists and tightrope walkers.

The haunted Asylum will invite guests back to its sinister 3,200 square-foot maze with 30 distinct rooms and 120 costumed characters creeping around every corner. Blood-curdling screams will be heard far outside the Asylum's towering gates, where fans will strap into straightjackets and masks upon entry.

Tickets for the event are selling fast. Tier four two-day general admission tickets start at $189 plus fees, while tier two VIP passes start at $328 plus fees. Layaway plans will be available for all ticket types in four payment plans.

Tickets are available here.

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

HÏ Ibiza & Glitterbox DJs Set to Auction Off The Ultimate Record Collection Benefitting the Ibiza Preservation Fund Ibiza's newest super-club Hï Ibiza has joined forces with Friday night residency Glitterbox, to curate the ultimate record collection which will be auctioned for charity at the end of the season. All the proceeds from the auction will go to the Ibiza Preservation Fund, which supports and partners with local, grass-roots and international organisations to preserve Ibiza and Formentera's land, sea and unique cultural and environmental heritage.

The records have been chosen as either hugely influential tracks by the DJs performing at Glitterbox, or are some of the biggest tunes made by the headliners from years gone by which will be signed by each DJ. The collection includes seminal tracks such as "Where Love Lives" by Alison Limerick (David Morales) "The Word is Love" by Voices of Life (Luke Solomun) "Another Chance" By Roger Sanchez (Roger Sanchez) "Can You Feel It" by The Jacksons (Aeroplane) "Groovin You" by Harvey Mason (Simon Dunmore) & many more.

The collection will be auctioned to the highest bidder once Ibiza's 2017 season closes, with all money going to charity. Hï Ibiza unites the highest standards of music and entertainment, bringing world-class music experiences to a club designed with the dancer in mind.

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This state of the art club showcases the most exciting names in electronic music from the biggest stars in the scene to the leading lights of the underground, continuing the island's legacy as the party capital of the world.

Glitterbox transforms Hï Ibiza with state-of-theart production, their biggest line-ups to date, and the now infamous Glitterbox dance crews out in force. These weekly extravaganzas feature an expertly crafted blend of contemporary, obscure and sought-after disco and house collectables, alongside anthems and classics.

The Ibiza Preservation Fund works to protect Ibiza and Formentera's environment and natural beauty. From campaigns to save water and stop oil drilling in the Mediterranean Sea, to projects that protect our Posidonia meadows, save our seahorses and preserve our almond trees.

By raising money from people who care about the islands' future, the fund supports and partners with local, grass-roots and international organisations to preserve our land and sea and unique cultural and environmental heritage.

For more information please visit: http;//www. hiibiza.com/en/ultimate-record-collection.

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

Hot Creations Reaches 100th Release Milestone with a New Mammoth EP from Label Co-founder Jamie Jones Influencing the electronic landscape since 2010, Hot Creations has gained notoriety through pioneering a new and undique sound. Also recognized for tirelessly pushing boundaries of house, techno and disco across it's ever growing and innovative catalogue.

One hundred releases later, the label is stronger than ever, celebrating wiith a new mammoth 4 track EP from co-founder Jamie Jones.

foot." Co-founded with Lee Foss, Hot Creations was the start of an empire, which went on to include sister labels HOT TRAX and Emerald City.

The Kooky Music EP features an ultimate summer jam with elevating synth lines 'Sound of Music' is a cover version, originally released

by Nookie and features chart topping artist Katy B on vocals. 'Kooky Chords' is a dance floor bomb, with melodic breakdowns sure to set any dance floor on fire. 'Positive Pressure' features label favorite Kevin Knapp, deep and gritty, the bassline swings with spacey layers. 'Parallel Universe' is a deeply infectious chugger with vocal cuts.

Remaining at the forefront of the dance world, Hot Creations continues to break new talent and paly host to well established producers.

Speaking about the new EP, Jones says: "I'm so honoured to be releasing the 100th record on Hot Creations. It's been an incredible journey to reach this point and I can't wait for the next 100.

As I opened up with the first release on the label, I thought why not start the next 100 on the same

Reaching this impressive milestone, it seems only right that Jamie Jones is the one to deliver the 100th release.

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Jamie also runs Paradise DC10 in Ibiza, standing today as one of the most popular nights on the island, it enjoys a close connection to the label.

The label has released quality records have from artists such as Patrick Topping, Richy Ahmed, Route 94, wAFF, Roisin Murphy and pop band Hot Natured, amongst many others. Critically acclaimed albums by Miguel Campbell, Digitaria, Popof and Phil Kieran have all been highlights on the label.

Visit Hot Creations and check out the catalogue of releases, news, artists and more.

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[NEW MUSIC] revealed that the band was reuniting after a near-five-year disbandment and acts as the band's first album in seven years, following This Is Happening (2010).

Leading up to the album's release, LCD Soundsystem has also been performing at large music festivals as well as smaller shows to promote their reunion.

On February 8, 2011, LCD Soundsystem announced on its website that it would be playing its last show ever on April 2 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

One show of note was earlier this year at Brooklyn Steel where the band unveiled four new songs titled "Tonight", "Call Police", "American Dream" and 'Emotional Haircut."

In early May 2010, leader James Murphy and company released what at the time was rumored to be their last album, " This Is Happening" a release Murphy promised that would be "definitely better than the other two."

On May 5, the band released "Call the Police" and "American Dream" together as a digital double A-side single. The band performed the two songs during the May 6 episode of Saturday Night Live's 42nd season.

American Dream is the upcoming fourth studio album by American rock band LCD Soundsystem. It is set for release on September 1, 2017 through Columbia Records and DFA Records.

On June 19, the band revealed that the title of their fourth studio album is American Dream and that it will be released on September 1 through Columbia Records and DFA Records.

Buy it here.

The new album was first announced on January 5, 2016, the day after it was

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[NEW MUSIC] you by some suggestion that came from a marketing man or a PR job that's been done on you."

Produced by OMD, it will be released on 1 September 1, 2017 by White Noise Records. Paul Humphreys said of the album's musical direction: "We're

OMD has had an influence on many artists in diverse genres, such as contemporaries Depeche Mode and Pet Shop Buys to Death Cab For Cutie, Nine Inch Nails, The Killers, La Roux and Crystal Castles, among countless others.

The Punishment of Luxury is the thirteenth studio album by English synth-pop group Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD), and the third since their 2006 reformation.

Sharing its name with a 1891 painting

by Italian artist Giovanni Segantini, OMD frontman Andy McCluskey expounded: "We've taken that idea and extrapolated it into sort of... a metaphor for modern life, really. First world problems. All of the shit we have to deal with is only a problem that's created for

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still trying to maintain our connection with our roots, but we've tried to go a bit more, even more stripped-down than English Electric." McCluskey added: "There's a little bit more sort of crunchy industrial sound in a few things, a bit glitchy-er. But you know, the bottom line is that we have a sense of melody that we just can't throw off."

The track "La Mitrailleuse" was released on 15 May 2017; it ia a Henning M. Lederer-directed video is based on the 1915 painting by Christopher R. W. Nevinson after which the song is named.

The album's first official single, "Isotype", was premiered on May 29, 2017 and made available for digital download and streaming the day after.

Buy it here.

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[NEW MUSIC]

After his departure from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, John Frusciante became more serious about his longtime dream to make electronic music. As he explained on his blog, "I started to learn how to program all the instruments we associate with Acid House music and some other hardware. [...] Then I started recording, playing 10 or so synced machines through a small mixer into a CD burner. This was all experimental Acid House, my skills at making rock music playing no part in it whatsoever. I had lost interest in traditional songwriting and I was excited about finding new methods for creating music."

The Trickfinger project, spearheaded

by Frusciante, was recorded 10 years ago with no intention of being released at the time, made purely for

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discovery and learning experience.

Frusciante reflects back with “In my opinion, making music with no intention of releasing it is the best thing a musician can do for his own development in this day and age. The Trickfinger LP was made in that mindset, and it was the beginning of a new musical life for me. When I hear it, it sounds like I am opening up doorways to new worlds, and I never have had that feeling listening to music I made for the purpose of releasing it and selling it.”

All the music was recorded live onto a CD burner, through a cheap mixer.

John would sit on a chair, in his living room, surrounded by five to 15 machines, and just keep programming and jamming until the track was ready to be recorded. There were no overdubs – recorded all live.Acid Test unearthed these recordings and John agreed to a release.

Trickfinger II is the second part to the recordings made during the winter of 2007. Trickfinger II will be released September 8th, 2017 LP/CD/Digital on Acid Test, distributed worldwide by Wordandsound.

Buy it here.

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[NEW MUSIC] (who provided the LP mini-mix) S.P.Y, Breakage, Ownglow, Emperor, Roni Size, Gridlok, Black Sun Empire, Urbandawn, and many more, there is no other compilation LP that provides such an extensive and eclectic range of D+B! This huge 70 track mash-up spans across a full 360’ perspective

This years' Hospitality in the Park at Finsbury Park once again proved successful and presented bigger stage takeovers and a myriad of artist weaponry, this time around and to cap it all off, Hospital Records present an equally bursting drum & bass double disc LP. To celebrate the second coming of the UK's only outdoor D+B festival, we've joined forces with a number of artists, Hospital and beyond, to deliver one of the greatest compilations known to music kind. Featuring 70+ epic tracks with over a third being brand spanking new exclusives, this release is one of the highlights of the 2017 D+B calendar! Complete with 12" picture disk, digital download and double disc CD, this release boasts tracks from artists such as Nu:Tone,

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of the genre; representing the established, up and coming, soulful, obscure, liquid, innovative, dark, techy, neuro, jungle style and everything in between.

Also included in the package are this year’s surefire summer weapons from Fred V & Grafix, The Prototypes, 1991, High Contrast, The Upbeats, Breakage in the mix. With this year’s Incubator stage pulling artists that are rising through the ranks, up and comers’ Whiney, Unglued, GLXY and Kyrist bring exciting new offerings to the compilation. Equally, this compilation gives an international perspective covering all corners of the globe from Japan’s Mountain, the USA’s Flite and Ownglow, the Netherlands Black Sun Empire and New Zealand's Shapeshifter.

Buy it here.

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[NEW MUSIC] month before the pair's daughter was born. They haven't collaborated on one another's output in almost fifteen years. Highlighting Tricky's typical genre-expansive sound, ununiform features a string of collaborators old and new. These include some of Russia's most famous rappers such as

Tricky returns with his 13th album, ununiform, available on September 22, 2017. It's a delicate, storming, intricate album that sees Tricky take perhaps his most radical step yet – a journey into happiness and contentment. It's a record that shows the legendary British producer confront his legacy, history, family – even death itself. And in all of this, he finds the strangest, least familiar thing – peace. Ununiform was conceived in Moscow and completed in Berlin, where Tricky has been living for the past three years Testament to Tricky's dynamism, ununiform sees him further work with new, up and coming singers as well as collaborators of the past. 'When We Die', features Martina Topley-Bird, who first made an appearance on Tricky's debut 1995 album, Maxinquaye – released a

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Scriptonite, who features on 'Blood Of My Blood' & 'Same As It Ever Was', plus Vasily Vakulenko (Basta) who helped produce single standout 'The Only Way', and Smokey Mo also makes an appearance on 'Bang Boogie.' Ununiform also sees Tricky rekindle working relationships with the likes of Francesca Belmonte and Asia Argento, and flip expectations further with a cover of Hole's 1994 single 'Doll Parts' performed by another bright emerging talent, Avalon Lurks, along with an album highlight 'Running Wild' featuring vocals from Mina Rose.

Interestingly, the effect of his newfound outlook, freedom and lifestyle has led to Tricky turning back to his classic sound – perhaps the final frontier for such an inveterate experimentalist.

Buy it here.

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[NEW MUSIC]

Berlin duo The/Das are to release their sophomore album, Exit Strategies, on Life And Death in September 2017, with a first EP from it, 'Drug Dilling', released in July. The absorbing 12-tracker is the result of a period of searching that finds the new line-up of Fabian Fenk and Philipp Koller combine multiple ideas, layers, fragments and sounds and refine their distinct idea of techno tenderness.

It makes for a soothing and escapist 60 minute listen that works as well at home, on headphones, as it does loud in the club. The new album is a perfect blend of the pair's Berlin techno roots with a devotion to organic sounds and cinematic details that makes it a real trip for the head, heart and heel from start to finish. More house influenced than their previous works on labels like Sinnbus, Krakatau and DJ Tennis's Life And Death, their artistic vision ties it all together as the duo continues to push each other, bounce ideas back and

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forth and eventually distill them into something fresh and new. All this plays out from the start. Most important to the process was making the whole album feel like one continuous piece with nuances that take you up and down and really move the listener from start to finish. There is a distinction between electronic songwriting, tracks for the dance floor, bridging tunes and hybrids of all of the above. Importantly, when these are all stitched together the seams are invisible, the overall narrative shines through and the poise of their succulent grooves, the mindfulness of their atmospheres and the richness of their sonic palette really resonates.

As a complete musical structure Exit Strategies is ready at any one point to unfold into a multitude of sonic, rhythmic, textural and contextual layers. In a time when artists are in limbo; constantly oscillating between the now and then, between an actual position and the most distant location, The/Das share their reflections on the pivotal issue of exit strategies. Are we departing or arriving? Are we on the lookout for a better alternative or are we embracing the moments of ambivalence?

Exit Strategies will release worldwide on September 8, 2017. Visit The/Das website for more info and details.

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[NEW MUSIC] music, as he wrote and recorded two self-released folk albums, his first project under the Conor Patton name.

His intense musical background soon morphed into the sound he’s become most well known for, one that demonstrates aneclectic range of influences. Conro’s style of electro house includes subtle creative nods towards his older work, and blends in aspects of rock, garage, and disco.

Canadian producer Conor Patton, better known as Conro, was always destined to make a name for himself as a musician. Born into a musical family, Conro started playing violin at the tender age of seven, and later went on to play in the Saskatoon Youth Symphony orchestra for a total of three years. A burning desire to spread his talents soon took over, as he took up piano, guitar, and the drums, passions that continue to glow bright to this day. Yet the world of dance music was still some distance away from the young Conro, who initially cut his teeth playing in local rock n’ roll and alternative bands, gaining respect and a following in his local community.

His first foray into self-production was also fairly far removed from electronic

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After “Close” and “Lay Low” made major waves for the artist and the his label Monstercat over the summer, Conro alas puts a zenith on his summer with the latest Monstercat release of his EP, "Connecting The Dots."

Featuring five tracks, Conro navigates his musical dexterity with chilled out records like “Lay Low” and “Circus” as well as more high energy and vibrant singles in “Love Divine” and “Close.”

With tour dates in China and sets at Tomorrowland and EDC all notched in his belt this summer, Conro is certainly well on his way up.

Buy Connecting The Dots here.

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[ON TOUR]

Krewella's New World Tour

presented by SiriusXM and BPM kicks off in Dallas, Texas on September 21 and crisscrosses the US hitting Theatres and Clubs, supporting their newly released EP New World out now on Mixed Kids Records.

Buy tickets here.

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9.21.2017 The Bomb Factory, Dallax ,TX

10.03.2017 Senator Theatre, Chico, CA

9.22.2017 Emo's, Austin, TX

10.05.2017 Showbox Sodo, Seattle, WA

9.23.2017 Stereo Live Houston, Houston, TX

10.07.2017 Crystal Ballroom, Portland, OR

9.26.2107 EL Rey Theatre, Albuquerque, NM

10.10.2017 Ogden Theatre, Denver, CO

9.28.2107 The Van Buren, Phoenix, AZ

10.13.2017 The Truman, Kansas City, MO

9.29.2017 The Palladium, Los Angeles, CA

10.14.2017 The Pageant, St. Louis, MO

9.30.2017 Warfield Theatre, San Francisco, CA

10.16.2017 Marathon Music Works, Nashville, TN

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10.19.2016 The Tabernacle, Atlanta, GA

10.31.2016 Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel, Providence, RI

10.20.2016 The Fillmore, Miami, FL

11.02.2017 Toad's Place, New Haven, CT

10.21.2017 Venue 578, Orlando, FL

11.03.2017 Terminal 5, New York, NY

10.24.2017 The Fillmore Charlotte, Charlotte, NC

11.05.2017 House of Blues, Boston, MA

10.26.2017 The Odeon, Cleveland, OH

11.08.2017 Phoenix Concert Theatre, Toronto, ON

10.27.2017 Echostage, Washington, D.C.

11.10.2017 Aragon Ballroom, Chicago, IL

10.28.2017 The Fillmore Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA

11.11.2017 Royal Oak Music Theatre, Detroit, MI Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 10 | 37

[MUSIC PRODUCTION 101] IN PARTNER SHI P W I T H MAT T C A L DW E L L PR

MERT BUTUNER

2016 was the year Manchester based DJ/Producer Mert Butuner started to launch his career. This year, Mert kickstarted the year with his big room house banger ‘Follow the Bass’ where once again showed his ability as a producer to create energetic bass fuelled anthems.

He describes his sound as ‘hard hitting’ and ‘electro influenced’ but also at the same time being ‘uplifting and emotional’. Because of his passion for orchestral music and his love for dance music, he manages to create an original and beautiful hybrid of electronic dance music which makes his tracks stand out in any nightclub.

Now, on to the interview in which he describes his production style and his life as a producer.

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Hi Mert, thanks for taking time out to have a chat with us about music production.

Let’s start with what got you into producing music?

Mert Butuner: I have always been interested in making my own music, being classically trained in Piano at an early age, I used to write simple music. The main thing that got me involved in production was when I started DJing.

Did you teach yourself how to use software or did you go on courses?

MB: Well, mainly thought myself. Although I did attend to music production/mixing and mastering schools to improve my existing skills and technical knowledge.

What’s your preferred software you use?

MB: Logic Pro X. What about plug-ins and VSTs? MB: In terms of synths, I use Sylenth1 a lot, also Spire, Massive and sometimes Serum.

I often use plugins from Fabfilter, iZotope and Waves.

MB: So, continuing from the previous question, once I am happy with the melody, I often tweak the lead

How do you get the ball rolling when starting to make a track?

MB: Most of the time, I start out with the drop.

I find some drum samples I like and load up a simple lead on Sylenth 1 or Nexus and just record some drop melody ideas.

sound slightly and add some more drums, percussion sounds before I switch to the breakdown section. Then I try to come up with a melody for the breakdown that fits the drop. After I finish this first ‘creative’ part, I complete the arrangement and the structure of the track. Then I work on layering, adding new sounds and all the other thing that transform the track from the

What’s the typical process you go through when making a tune?

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draft to the real thing. Finally, comes the mixdown and master.

Do you mix and master your own stuff?

have found out that this is what works best for me.

MB: As much as I would like to mix and master my own stuff, currently I don’t, because I do not have the proper set-up.

What specifically stands out about your production style?

How long does it usually take to finish a track?

MB: It depends really. Some tracks just take couple of days if the idea flows, some take a couple of months. But I usually try to complete the track as soon as possible to keep it flowing and relevant. I

MB: I always try to layer real instruments like piano and strings on almost all my productions.

Finally, what’s next for Mert Butuner?

MB: Working on a lot of new stuff, and currently in the building my new studio.

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[BUZZ WORTHY] ALEX MINE

Written by LEO WEAVER

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A

lex Mine emerged from Italy's underground clubbing scene to become one of the hottest artists in the international techno scene that early on caught the attention of some of the genres biggest stars including Richie Hawtin, Adam Beyer, Carl Cox, Dubfire, and Paco Osuna. From an early age, Alex trained as a pianist and percussionist leading him on the path to electronic music in the 2011. Blending tech house, techno and minimal with energy and rhythm drum patterns, Alex creates productions that are a perfect combination of powerful basses and rhythms and dark atmosphere grooves and heavily rooted in “the feel.”

Get a taste of his latest SCI+TEC offering titled SCI+TEC MIX 2017.

Alex, along with Alex Costa and D­Deck, runs Comade Music, an outlet through which he has released a number of quality hits which have gone on to garner high praise and support from a slew of international techno DJs. In addition to his Comade Music productions, his musical output on Carl Cox's Intec and Dubfire's SCI+TEC, both of whom are avid supporters and fans, provides a wider platform to showcase the young producer’s creativity portraying him as a new and exciting talent.

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[BUZZ WORTHY] CAY TAYLAN

Written by JOSEPH ARTHUR

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V

ienna Austria’s electronic music scene is as vital now as it has ever been and deep rooted and solidly positioned in the art form with trend setting contributions from pioneers and innovators like Kruder & Dorfmeister, dZihan & Kamien, Camo & Krooked, and Gudrun Von Laxenburg, to name just a few. 25 years ago, Cay Taylan began his a career as a DJ spinning records in his uncle’s nightclub.

This is where he first discovered House music and set himself on a mission to begin building his musical library including works by Todd Terry, Armand van Helden, and Masters at Work to Klaus Schulze, The Wu Tang Clan and Timbaland to Motown and beyond, broadening his musical influences that would go on to define his own productions in the years to come. Listening to and drawing inspiration from Stevie Wonder to Carl Craig, Michael Jackson to Pir Sultan Abdal and Zülfü Livaneli among others in his access to a richly diversified music library, define the artist and loom large in the music he produces. His earliest productions for Couch Records still stand up tall today, especially his 2004 debut LP ‘SU.’ The acclaim that followed created performance opportunities taking him to capital cities all over the world and opened a door to steady work producing and remixing for several labels including major hubs Universal and EMI. For the last ten years, Cay has been an arts and music education champion and mentor teaching young children within the Viennese primary school system. Splitting time with his teaching duties, he continued to DJ and in recent years, has been signed to BlankTON Records with steady remix projects for Mikka Blank and a brand new EP titled Froschgroove released in June 2017. Born right out of the classroom setting, Froschgroove documents four days of student participation with different kinds of instruments, the processes of music production including vocals and other sounds, as well as, determining the song and EP title and creating the choreography that was performed and filmed for the project. All proceeds from the EP’s sales will go towards providing additional instruments and items for leisure and break times for Cay’s students, a noteworthy and noble cause.

You can catch Cay regularly spinning at “Vienna’s First 90ies Club” events held at various venues throughout the city of music.

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[BUZZ WORTHY] ENRICO SANGIUILIANO

Written by CATHERINE STRICKLAND

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nrico Sangiuliano is an Italian Producer, performer and sound designer that has evolved from beating on pots and pans and anything else to appease his curiosity for sound to playing hot techno all over his home country and beyond, and taking over the Beatport Charts at weeks at a time with numerous techno productions for reputable labels that include, Truesoul, Herzblut, Gem Records, Octopus Recordings, Rhythm Converted and Drumcode.

In 2015, he broke through with an international smash remix of DJ Boris’s “Can You Hear Me” on Alleanza, which spent 14 weeks in the #1 position and would go on to be the year’s top selling track for the platform and earn an IDMA Awards nomination for Best Techno/Tech House Track of 2015.

2016 brought more fame and recognition with the releases “X Pollination”( Unrilis), “Start Of Madness” and “Moon Rocks” (Drumcode) all of which ranked in Beatport’s top 10 Techno charts and closing out the year with his remix of Moby’s “Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad. Naturally, with the numerous charting hits Enrico has produced, comes the spoils via industry support with play set list inclusion from today’s hottest technosits Sven Väth, Adam Beyer, Joseph Capriati, Karotte, Gregor Tresher, Alan Fitzpatrick Pan Pot, Stephan Bodzin Sam Paganini, and Secret Cinema.

Currently, Enrico released Astral Projection EP-Drumcode on July 17th. The title track is a captivating, big room techno masterpiece featuring deep reverberations punching alongside a sinisterly crisp percussive drive, launching into a groove laden synth modulation of low end textures, that breaks down into an ethereal amalgamation of pads and synths before the vocal launches, taking this track to another level. The 2nd track 'Blooming Era' has destructive dance-floor intent. There is no holding back with the low end synth modulation which Enrico has mastered to perfection. A tightly woven percussive flare moulds flawlessly with the rolling oscillations of the beast of this track. With this new release and booking more tour dates than ever, including dates in South Africa, Australia, USA and South America, Enrico’s global popularity and recognition is firmly set on an upward trajectory.

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[BUZZ WORTHY] MOTHICA

Written by CATHERINE STRICKLAND

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he Wikipedia definition of Dark pop, dark-pop, or darkpop is a music genre consisting of melodic pop vocals mixed with dark wave instrumentals. Dark pop usually features heavy use of the synthesizer reminiscent of industrial and gothic rock. In addition to industrial and alternative rock-influenced instrumentation, dark pop compositions often feature hip-hop or techno drums with a sub bass sound. Bands and musicians that fit into this genre range from New Order, Peter Murphy and Duran Duran to The Smashing Pumpkins, Radiohead, Screaming Trees and Charli XCX, among dozens of others. Is Mothica primed and positioned to join the elite ranks within Dark pop, its sub-genres, and beyond?

McKenzie Ellis, aka Mothica, career began in 2014 marking the entrance of a new star in the making. The Oklahoma native has accumulated over 60 million streams with just two EPs 2015’s ‘Mythic’ and the recently released ‘Heavy Heart.’

The singer songwriter, living now in Brooklyn, New York, adds the key ingredients that reaches the depths of your soul: somberness, emotional turmoil, forbidden relationships and inner despair with her heavy under-toned electronic pop-ballad creations.

Achieving the proverbial phrase “as an emerging artist to keep an eye on” came through an active presence in the underground circuit performing gigs with Elénne, Icarus, Moth, Diversa, Gladiator, Pusher to name a few across the country, and let’s not to forget all the “buzz” coming from media like The FADER, Earmilk, MILK and other reputable outlets.

So, to address the question posed in the beginning of this article, "Is Mothica primed and positioned to join the elite ranks within Dark pop, its sub-genres, and beyond?" From where it sit, the answer is a deservedly and most certainly yes.

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[BUZZ WORTHY] YELLOW SHOOTS

Written by LEO WEAVER

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inger, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Greg Matthews, aka Yellow Shoots is a Philadelphia, PA native and Brooklyn, NY resident. The electro-soul slanted producer started out playing guitar for GoGo Morrow and Ryan Toby of City High taking him to big stage events including Jay-Z’s Budweiser: “Made In America.”

Other career highlights include collaborations with Skyzoo and learning under the tutelage of super producer !IIIMind and touring with John Legend.

2014 marked the release of his debut solo production “Pieces” a work that highlights infectious melodies combined with electronics, RnB and ambient rock influences. Matthews’ next project would be the release of the highly acclaimed EP “Stormy Weather” earlier this year, followed by a new single “Make It To The Summer” described as “slow, silky and smooth with a touch of electronic” by Earmilk. The new single sets Matthews in the light of Yes and Prince inspired psychedelic rock featuring distorted guitars, drums, tambourines and surreal vocals that whet your appetite for more of what is to come in full-length album scheduled for release late in 2017.

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[LABEL WATCH] On May 8th, Nick Rotteveel aka Nicky Romero and the Protocol Recordings team entered its 5th year as one of the premier independent record labels on the planet. The Netherland based label has had numerous #1 hits on Beatport’s Top 100 chart and their artist roster includes top draws Calvin Harris, NERVO, Nile Rodgers, Hardwell, David Guetta, and dozens more that are currently at the top of their game. Rotteveel entered the global consciousness of the electronic dance music scene in DJ Magazine’s 2012 Top 100 DJs at #17, one of the highest entries in the poll’s history, continues to rank (#29) among the elites as a top performer and producer. 2012 was also the year Nick launched Protocol Recordings debuting with a modest 4 releases, followed by significant, year over year increases of releases and collaborations resulting in an impressive catalog of songs, now in the hundreds. At the time of publishing this article, the label has released 19 projects featuring developing artists Stefano Pain, Raiden and SWACQ along with releases from Sunstar, SWACQ, Maximals, Bout & Sovth, Florian Picasso, NERVO, Blinders and an EP “5 Years of Protocol” featuring choice catalog cuts with NERVO, Stadiumx & Taylr Renee, Volt & State, and Navarra. Earlier this year, brand extension Protocol Radio also reached a milestone with their 25Oth episode. As their 5th year continues, expect more releases and an upcoming party and celebration with special guests on October 18 and 19 at this years’ Amsterdam Dance Event.

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Photography by Marte Visser

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F E AT U R E D A D V E R TO R I A L

On the weekend of October 14 and 15, Music Producer Convention 2017 Paris Edition, alongside Abbey Road Institute as the presenting Official Partner, are hosting a two day gathering of industry professionals, DJs, beat-makers and Urban and Electronic music producers spanning multiple countries representing the world’s most influential scenes.

Attendees are encouraged to participate in a program that features no less than 11 lectures, workshops, master-classes, meet & greets, and prize driven contests and gives you a rare experience to learn first hand knowledge, tips and tricks, and advice allowing participants to engage music industry professionals in a variety of educational settings.

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Hosted at Abbey Road Institute in Paris, which has historically been the state-of-the-art facility responsible for recording, mixing and mastering the releases of some of the world’s biggest artists such as Alicia Keys, Jay-Z, Céline Dion, Sting, Florent Pagny, Lady Gaga, Kanye West, Johnny Hallyday, Lenny Kravitz, Phil Collins, Rihanna, Jenifer Lopez, RedOne, Enrique Iglesias, Mylene Farmer and Tokio Hotel among many others. Visit www.musicproducerconvention.com to

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subscribe and receive program updates, participating artists and panelists and more. Limited tickets available.

DAYS O F

LECTURES WORKSHOPS MASTERCLASSES NETWORKING COMPETITIONS PRIZES LIMITED SEATS

VITAL INFORMATION WHEN: SAT., OCTOBER 14 & SUN., OCTOBER 15, 2017 WHERE: ABBEY ROAD INSTITUTE, PARIS, FRANCE FACEBOOK: @musicproducerconvention TWITTER: @MPconvention INSTAGRAM: @musicproducerconvention WEBSITE: http://www.musicproducerconvention.com #MPC2017 #ABBEYROADINSTITUTEFRANCE

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JAMES ARENA

Writing at the discoteque James Arena is New York based published author, freelance writer, host and commentator who has been featured on MSNBC, FOX, SiriusXM, Clear Channel, Sky News (London) and other major communications networks. Arena is the creator of the books STARS OF 21st CENTURY DANCE POP AND EDM (McFarland, 2017), STARS OF 90s DANCE POP (McFarland, 2016), EUROPE'S STARS OF '80S DANCE POP (McFarland, 2017), LEGENDS OF DISCO (McFarland, 2016) and FIRST LADIES OF DISCO (McFarland, 2013). In these books of original interviews, Mr. Arena has interviewed over 165 singers, songwriters, producers, DJs and industry professionals from around the world. He is a G.E.M.A. Foundation and City of Philadelphia honoree for preserving dance music history. Mr. Arena is a former executive with Bertelsmann Direct North America.

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Photography by Mike Ruiz

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There haven't been any published books specifically about the dance music stars before yours that I am aware of. Why did you decide to write this series? What did you want to accomplish?

James Arena: The lack of books on the subject is, in part, indicative of the limited level of respect pop culture historians and commentators have given to dance music, going back to disco. I think it possibly goes back to the public being familiar with the songs that became hits in the genre, but not always recognizing the names of the artists, musicians and producers behind them. There have been exceptions like Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor, Nile Rodgers and Quincy Jones, but overall I’d say dance music artists haven’t been afforded the recognition they deserve for their artistry. This continued through the 80s and 90s to the present day. I’ve been a fan of dance music since I was 17 years old. My initial goal a few years ago was to create a book about specifically some of the women who pioneered disco in its early years— which became the book FIRST LADIES OF DISCO. I felt it was important to continue to try to document the stories of as many other artists possible who had success over the years, as there were no books out there focused on the subject. That led to my creation of LEGENDS OF DISCO, EUROPE’S STARS OF 80s DANCE POP, STARS OF 90s DANCE POP and my latest book, STARS OF 21st CENTURY DANCE POP & EDM. I think there’s also a major decline in the number of people reading books as a source of entertainment.

It gets progressively more difficult for book dealing with a niche market, in this case dance music, to find its audience and become profitable for a publisher.

You mentioned respect. It’s probably true overall that dance music hasn't been taken as seriously by the media and perhaps even by the public as other forms of music like rock and country. Why

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is that?

JA: From what I’ve experienced and gleened from the artists I’ve spoken with, I think it may stem from several factors. I think, in general, music that is fun, uplifting and associated with our youth— just as dancing and clubbing were for many of us in our younger days—isn’t something we often take too seriously. In the process, I think some of the musicianship and beauty of this music was overlooked and forgotten. Focusing on the days of disco, outrageous fashions and the nightlife culture perhaps left a deeper impression than the music itself. I think the backlash disco experienced in 1979-80 — though I’ve never believed the masses went out burning disco records — lingered in the air long after. And disco and dance music’s reputation as a legitimate art form was harmed; on some level that backlash still exists. I have even spoken with what you might instinctually call “disco artists” that still are reluctant to be branded as such. To me it’s unfortunate that it still feels problematic to be associated with this music form. You never hear of an artist wanting to distance themselves from, say, country or rock.

You let artists speak for themselves in these books. What surprised you the most about what they had to say?

JA: I think I was taken aback by how hard some of their lives were, some of the challenges they encountered. It’s a familiar story of how many of these artists from the past were treated unfairly by record labels or management or weren’t themselves savvy to how their business affairs were being conducted. But what I also can say is, across every decade, these artists were dedicated to their fans and raising people’s spirits through their music.

They wanted to be singers, songwriters, composers,

"

My initial goal a few years ago was to create a book about specifically some of the women who pioneered disco in its early years— which became the book FIRST LADIES OF DISCO. I felt it was important to continue to try to document the stories of as many other artists possible who had success over the years, as there were no books out there focused on the subject.

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musicians, DJs in their very core. The burden of having to watch your back financially was a challenge. I have to say I was also surprised by how kindly these artists treated me during and after the process of writing these books. I think most of these artists were thrilled and maybe even honored to some degree that they were being remembered for their work in a book series. I have stayed in communication with many of them. That made me feel particularly inspired to get these books published and out there for fans to read.

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What did you end up admiring most about these people?

JA: That they were remarkably determined human beings, rarely overtly bitter about the pitfalls of life — at least in our discussions. I admit that I am a fan, first and foremost. So I looked at these artists as “superhuman” in many ways, prior to these interviews. I was really a bit in awe of the music they had created. I learned that while they did create these amazing sounds, they had the same struggles in life

that I and everyone else have — paying the bills, struggling to get and hang onto success, dealing with family and personal issues, etc. They became very human to me — not just the name I recognized on a record or CD label, and I was touched that they shared so many personal thoughts with me. This free exchange led, I hope, to highly informative, insightful chapter interviews in the books — more than what you might expect.

in dance music change over the decades, as you observed by your interviews in this book series?

JA: One thing is that today’s artists, compared to those of, say, the 70s, don’t have any hesitation about being called dance artists. Dance music, EDM, etc. —that’s the pop music of today, no question. So there’s not as much of that “I’d like to try something else” coming from the younger generation, in my

How do the personalities of artists specializing

observation. The music itself is constantly evolving

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now at rapid fire pace. The style and sub-genres evolve and change far quicker now than they did in past decades. I think the younger generation simply has to adapt faster and more readily to rapidly changing tastes than artists of past generations.

Obviously today’s artists have a closer, more personal connection with their fans because of social media.

Artists from the past had to play catch up with that, and some chose not to at all.

Tell me some of the great things that have happened as a result of these books, for you personally and for the artists involved.

First Ladies of Disco Show, featuring Martha Wash, Evelyn Champagne King and Linda Clifford (women who pioneered classsic dance music), produced and organized by James Washington. The show and group, which has been touring many major US cities, was inspired into creation based on my first book of the same name, and resulted in a Top 10 dance single (“Show Some Love”) for the ladies on the Billboard club chart. I have been lucky enough to host some of these shows. I can’t even express the satisfaction and joy I feel that the book was the catalyst for this.

What do you think is the future of dance music?

JA: The opportunity I had to speak with these artists — true legends like Martha Wash, Amii Stewart, Gloria Gaynor, Sister Sledge, Canada’s Denis Lepage of Lime, the late Pete Burns of Dead or Alive, brilliant producers like Romano Mussumarra and John Davis, over 165 artists to date, has been incredible for me. “Incredible” just doesn’t really do it justice. I recognize what these people did in their lives, and I feel honored to have been given the green light to share some of their experiences in my books. Another phenomenal highlight has been the creation of the

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JA: As long as we’re inspired to move to express ourselves, dance music will be with us. I think dance music, like pop music in general, is facing huge challenges with monetization, and frankly I do worry that if an artist doesn’t get paid properly, whether a producer, DJ or vocalist, they will not be able to afford to create the music we love. Not every artist can book and fill a stadium or be a DJ. And smaller clubs are on the decline, as far as live performance opportunities go. I also wish our memories of heritage

SIDEBAR REVIEW

stars of 21st century dance pop and edm Danny Harrison of Moto Blanco fame begins by telling an encapsulated story describing his musical education as an industry journeyman, who has been involved with dance music in one shape or another, for over 30 years.

Simply put and summing up what makes the genre so special Harrison says: “Dance music can be very underground, forbidden and a very dangerous experience. That’s what I loved about it! It wasn’t something your mum and dad would be listening to—it was your shit, for sure, and you can together with other like minded souls, like a tribe on a dance-floor, who knew how special, how unique this music was.”

artists, especially in the U.S., weren’t so short.

These artists from the past are pros and have great contributions to make, given the opportunity. They are amazing entertainers. I hope these books help preserve some of dance music’s wonderful history and that in a small way I can bring some additional attention to these great artists from the 70s, 80s and 90s. The book industry itself has its own struggles today, but I’m very happy these books are published and out there.

Where can we find these books and where can dance music fans find you?

JA: The five-book series is available worldwide in softbound and digital e-book formats from McFarland Publishers on Amazon, Google Play, iBooks, Kobo, bookdepository.com, eurospanbookstore.com and wherever you get books online. It’s probably easiest to look for my name on these sites, and you’ll find all the books at once. I have a personal Facebook page, and pages for some of the books, and I’m on Twitter and Instagram.

This common attitude and dedication towards the importance of Dance music and its creators is displayed throughout the pages of Stars of 21st Century Dance Pop and EDM in a Q&A format of conversations that include humor, life struggles, industry business practices and many other interesting topics giving the reader an inside look at the personalities, not only as leading and rising entertainers, but also as human beings.

In this collection of interviews, James Arena expertly quizzes and goes deeply, one on one, with veteran producers Dave Audé, Ferry Corsten, Darude, and Paul Oakenfold, as well as Xenia Ghali, Harrison, Bart & Baker and Suzanne Palmer among others. The back and forth is entertaining, revealing, sometimes eye brow raising and brings in to perspective, the music world and life in general, through the experiences of the artist.

As an added treat, Arena recruited the one and only Martha Wash to write an Afterword for the book, talking successes, the past, the future and gives some timeless advice in these words—“Just get on your feet and dance!”

21st Century Stars of Dance Pop and EDM, along with Jame’s previous releases are published through McFarland Publishing and available in Softback and digital formats.

Buy it here.

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"Maya Jane Coles continues to forge her own path as an independent artist, producer, engineer, and label boss."

The Huffington Post "British-Japanese house producer Maya Jane Coles is full of surprises."

FADER

THE ENIGMA spreads he

MAYA JAN Written by Catherine Strickland

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Complex

"It's been a while since we heard new material from Maya Jane Coles but, boy, are we glad she's back."

Mixmag

"On the cusp of her triumphant return."

Wonderland

er wings &TAKE(S)FLIGHT

NE COLES Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 10 | 65

Photography courtesy of Maya Jane Coles

"This year promises some pretty big things for dance music auteur Maya Jane Coles."

I

n a short few years, Maya Jane Coles has become a major voice in the world of electronic dance music. Over the years, accolades and acclaim have come from DJ Mag (2011 Producer of the Year), Mixmag, Resident Advisor, FACT Magazine (2011 Female Artist of the Year), Beatport, Miami Winter Music Conference and Rolling Stone Magazine among others opening doors to the stages of the biggest and most revered music festivals worldwide.

Further demonstrating her worldwide popularity, she has graced the covers of international magazines and has received regular coverage in mainstream publications that include Vogue, Nylon, Rolling Stone, Wall Street Journal and GQ. The U.K. based award winning music producer, audio engineer and DJ is primarily known for her stellar house music productions, however she is also known to dabble in deep dub step with her alternate persona Nocturnal Sunshine and also for her electronic dub with Lena Cullen as a member of the duo She is Danger. From an early age and self taught, her very first productions were hip-hop and trip hop inspired tracks and remix projects for acts including Massive Attack and Gorillaz would set her on the fast track towards wider exposure and recognition drawing label interest and future projects with Dogmatic Records, Hypercolour, Mobilee, !K7, and Real Tone Records.

These days, Maya releases her music through her own imprint, I/AM/ ME. Impressively, Maya’s discography of releases spans across broad genres from alternative rock to jazz, showcased in official remixes as a solo artist, Noctutnal Sunshine and with She is Danger for iconic artists that include Amy Winehouse, Todd Terry, Maceo Plex, Tricky, Florence and the Machine, and Ella Fitzgerald, among others.

In 2012, !K7’s DJ Kicks mix series released Maya’s edition, the album would gone on to rank high on international charts and winning several awards, establishing her as an internationally top billing DJ and producer. She has also produced mixes for Fabric 75, XLR8R, Boiler Room, Resident Advisor and Mixmag, all to critical praise and acclaim.

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Photography courtesy of Maya Jane Coles

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 10 | 67

Just a couple of years ago, Maya released her break through smash hit "What They Say" and crossed over to the mainstream thanks in part to a slowed down loop sample used in Nicki Minaj’s Grammy nominated, platinum certified song "Truffle Butter" with Lil Wayne and Drake. "What They Say" would also go on to reach wider audiences from cover versions by T.I and Ludacris, giving the song a further push across the hip-hop community.

Other milestone productions include two EPs for Hypercolour— "Don’t Put Me Your Box" and "Hummingbird," plus "Focus Now" on 20:20 Vision, "Beat Faster" on Mobilee, the 2014’s massive single "Getting Freaky," and finally, all leading up to her 2013 debut LP, "Comfort."

Released through I/AM/ME and Kobalt Label Services, the album is a 12 song beauty featuring guest appearances from Kim Ann Foxman, Tricky, Miss Kitten, Nadine Shah and others. These projects and collaborations represent Coles continual rise in stature and influence as a producer, songwriter, musician, and as innovator of creative modern sounds, effects, and rhythms.

On August 11, Maya dropped two heady remixes of 'Weak/Werk EP" courtesy of Tiger Stripes and M.F.S: Observatory followed by an exclusive spin of 'Trails' on Pete Tong's BBC Radio One show, one day ahead of the street date release of her much anticipated second album, "Take Flight."

Released on August 25, 2017, Maya’s second full length LP, “Take Flight” hit the masses as a Double CD, Heavy Weight 3X Vinyl Box Set, Digital Download, and as a Deluxe Hardback Book CD format.

This self-penned and produced, 24-track album, featuring guest appearances from guest vocalists Chelou, Wendy Rae Fowler and Rachel Butt and claims to be "her most substantial body of work to date."

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Among the 24 songs to behold are not limited to just a few. Rather to the contrary, there are many. Highlights include: "Weak," the lead single featuring sublime soundscapes; the trip-hop, psychedelic title track "Take Flight;" "Darkside" with Chelou; "Misty Morning" with Wendy Rae Fowler and "Keep Me Warm" with Rachel Butt. This new album, "Take Flight" offers an eclectic selection of immersive tracks that are certain to excite old and new fans alike, all over the world, receive critical acclaim and tons of press that will, without a doubt, further push Maya Jane Coles further up the chain of today’s leading and cutting-edge producers of electronic music. As a touring artist, Maya continues to perform on the main stages of the world’s greatest and biggest events and venues. You can catch her on her current tour at South West Four (Aug 26, Clapham, UK), Ushuaia (Sept 2 and Sept 30, Ibiza, Spain), Bolivar Beach Club (Sept 9, Athens, Greece) and Rock In Rio (Sept 22, Rio De Janerio, Brazil).

Visit mayajanecoles.com for updates and ticket information.

CM

Photography courtesy of Maya Jane Coles

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 10 | 69

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

JOEY NEGRO Produced With Love Z Records

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Within the pages of our previous issue, we featured and previewed Joey Negro and his brand new double CD set of 20 original songs featuring the likes of iconic singers including the late Diane Charlemagne, Linda Clifford, Angela Johnson, Gwen Guthrie and appearances of several other major players such as Sacha Williamson, Fatback Band, and Horse Meat Disco. 20 years in the making, "Produced With Love," is a very fitting title and it fully communicates Joey Negro’s meticulous attention to placing modern touches on the classic disco sound, which is by the way, second to none. For almost 2 hours, you get music that is magical, taking the listener on a glorious and nostalgic ride back in time while infusing modern techniques in a flawless production showing off his 30 year dedication to the genre he undoubtedly loves. The set up opens up with "Prove That You’re Feeling Me" featuring Chic’s Diane Charlemagne in epic fashion and it is undeniably a dance floor filler. Charlemagne also tears it up on the funked up, electronic heavy groover, "Overnight Sensation."

Throughout you get a diverse and varied styles besides disco, there’s some deep house thrown too. Favorites in addition to the opening track, "Prove That You’re Feeling Me," include: "Must Be The Music." "Distorting Space Time," Horse Meat Disco’s "Dancing Into The Stars," "Stomp Your Feet" and the doubly dope Joey Negro remix of "Spanish Hustle." I may be biased, but these are choice prime disco tracks that are clearly made for dancing. While I could continue writing about each individual track with precise clarity, all you need to know is the throwback nods to the music from decades ago modernized by Joey Negro is masterful and proves that disco is still relevant in today’s dance music industry. The entire 2 hours is full of everything you expect, acoustic and electronic instrumentations, shuffling drum beats stellar vocals and exquisite groovy rhythms, plus multiple guitar, bass and piano improvisational solos show they expertise of the musicianship involved in the project. I will go on to predict that "Produced With Love" will end up on several prestigious year end award lists. Listen and I think you’ll agree.

—JOSEPH ARTHUR Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 10 | 73

[REVIEWS:ALBUMS]

DMX Krew Strange Directions HYPERCOLOUR

 Over the last year and a half, Edward Upton aka DMX Krew, has released 3 LPs, numerous EPs and singles for Ekster, Abstract Form, Central Processing Unit, Shipwrec, Revoke and more. The producer has a discography spanning 20 years releasing 21 LPs and dozens of EPs and singles, each project progressing in style and sound. You can find several of Upton’s back catalogue releases on Rephlex, Aphex Twin’s label, as well as his own outlet Breakin’ Records.

Marking the 21st LP for Upton, "Strange Directions" available through Hypercolour, the 14 track album, includes stand out tracks "Snowy Blue," "Odd Chill," title track "Strange Directions," "Thin Hype," "Zero Sum," "Hip Hopeless" and ‘"Axial Mode Beat."

These songs feature hypnotizing bass, spacey textures, funk infused techno, distorted sound effects, whack melodies and groovy beats.

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The experimentation of integrating unusual sounds with rhythms gets wilder and more abstract the deeper you get in. You’ll be treated to a deep bass groove and a delightful melody in "Home Made Drum Machine" and be ready to be transported to the future via "Nice Portal," straight out of the "Dr. Who" cannon. Electronic wizardry with precise gadget usage, blips, dark and bright synthesizers create a mystical space in "Stride Downe" which you see Upton expand and continue his wild choice of effects wrapped around pleasant of synthesizer generated layers and shuffling industrial styled drums. Techno rules on "Thin Hype" overflowing with quick paced electronics and sweeping muted notes accentuates and places the emphasis on the dance rhythms.

The final four tracks, "Grimsthorpe," "Zero Sum," "Axial Mode Beat" and "Strange Direction" jumps between groove oriented dance to full out techno to a mellow darkly orchestrated sounds to tripped out cerebral altering mind f***.

For music lovers of experimental electronics, 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 eye brow 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 and album title choice 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 music expression through composition, technology, and imagination.

If you desire to take an adventurous ride, "Strange Directions’" will take you there, guaranteed.

—JOSEPH ARTHUR

[REVIEWS:ALBUMS]

REY & KJAVIK RKADASH Kattermukke

 Experiences from travelling abroad to exotic locales such as Istanbul, mega cities New York and San Francisco to the Ukraine and Germany loom large in “Rkadash” the 2nd LP from Frankfurt, Germany based Rey & Kjavik. Drawing on those diverse experiences, comes forth the sounds heard while abroad, most prominently— Arabic and Indian are featured throughout the album’s tapestry of sounds instilling middle-eastern mysticism expressed through the usage of the music’s traditional means in a modern technical environment.

The bass-lines are hard, the pace of the songs range from down-tempo to tech house with the gorgeous electronics spanning the realms of house, progressive and tech take the listener on a spiritual journey through the power of music. Throughout, you hear how emotive this new musical direction is for the producer. Looping harmonic chants begin the heady ‘Intro’ putting the mind into an open space

of audio delight; "Ulima" features a bouncy low end bass-line and rapid and thumping percussion beats amid muted vocals. "Saraswati’s" darker rhythms accented by male Arabic vocals and middleeastern influenced electronics, string instruments and driven by a danceable beat. "Baba City’s" fast rhythmic styling’s inspire dance movement.

"Vimalaa" showcases a Minimal/Deep Tech slant with a very catchy and an infectious dance groove, interspersed with great electronic sound effects, a real highlight of the album. The title track "Rkadash" delves in to a deep house state rolling along with steady synths and a cascading melody with chants dropped in the background and building tempos.

"Escape" is a progressive house fuelled by electro and robotic style vocals. "Playa Sunset" is another highlight track. Formulated as a Tech House cut, the bouncy and sweeping electronics are layered in organized chaos form. ‘Akya’ returns you back to trance inducing vocals with big bouncy bass and deep house beats primed for big rooms. Closing the album is "Hare Sharanam" wraps up with slower beats, tranquil vocals, acoustic and electronic instruments showing off a wonderful mixture of magical soundwaves.

This album really surprises. Initially, my expectations were a collection of songs for meditation, with middle-eastern over-tones and influence. Well, I was partially correct, when you get right down to it, the spiritual elements fused with modern dance rhythms and technology have blended together these ten songs, resulting in inner reflection, happiness, peace, and in most instances, the urge to dance. Arabic, Indian, and the region’s historical traditional music in general, as has played a big role in the realization of the album. Rey & Kjavick displays the creative expression shaping these music forms with today’s modern technologies and dance sensibilities as something unique and rarely heard.

—LEO WEAVER Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 10 | 75

[REVIEWS:ALBUMS]

NU:LOGIC SOMEWHERE BETWEEN THE LIGHT HOSPITAL RECORDS

 It’s undeniable that Hospital Records reigns supreme with its impressive roster of artists and consistently solid catalog of releases. Nu:Logic , (the duo Nu:Tone and Logistics) second full length album for the label, "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.

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. Ethereal, soulful and introspective vocals highlight the sublime backdrops of rollercoaster moods, paced by d’n’b beats and rhythms. 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

76 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 10

industrial psychotic experiment in sound and then you’re taken back to brighter sounds and quicker rhythms on "Red Velvet."

Deeper in comes "Nova," "Sanctuary," and "Dreamweaver," all showing off their songwriting and compositions skills featuring acoustic piano intros and solo riffs, strings, hip hop flavors, disco and house ingredients.

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 transforms itself from a melancholic, vocal emotion-centric ballad to a dance oriented burner.

Picking up pace and bringing sophisticated sound design, Brenden Reilly shines on "Change Or Die." "Sepia" featuring LSB, is a song powered by low piano chords, jazzy bass, percussion, vocals with futuristic sound effects and a trance-like driving beat. Finishing up the 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.

"Somewhere Between The Light" is a solid effort by two guys that are setting new standards and showing all what can be added to the DnB equation.

The combination of soulful, groovy and improvisational compositions with their expertise technical skills results in the creation of these massive orchestrations. All told, for drum and bass enthusiasts and fans of Hospital Records and Nu:Logic, the music will not disappoint. Throughout, you’ll be well treated in the tradition of Drum and Bass, while opening yourself to being exposed to futuristic sounds and effects. So, the formation of Nu:Logic and this release of this new album represents a bold new direction.

—CATHERINE STRICKLAND

[REVIEWS:ALBUMS]

TROELS HAMMER THE/HUMAN/TREE MUSIC FOR DREAMS

 Troels Hammer and Music for Dreams is a match none other than Kenneth Bager can conjure up. Troels Hammer’s musical diversity ranges from the ambient to electronica, lounge to dance and fits well within the realm of MFD’s impressive and respected catalogue of releases. "The/Human/Tree" Hammers’ second full-length release is a tapestry of beautifully layered sounds, bathing the listener in peace and tranquillity.

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."

The bottom half of the album is delightfully intriguing showcasing Hammer’s diverse song writing, staying in the ambient vein, but also branching out with experimental melodies, moods, and pace. Of these, "Grindadráp" featuring the vocal talents of Faroe islander Liv Næs, African infused "Fishing In Sahara," the tropical rhythms and synth derived melodies in "Waves of Cape Town" with Kenneth Bager and Thomas Schulz, followed by the track "Mozambique" of which you’ll instantly recognize to be a stand-out selection. Featuring the world famous singer Deva Premel, the song highlights integration of her soothing and mystical vocals above the constructed music brings to mind a kind of blending of Deep Forest meets Enigma, and the constant percussive rhythms and the interspersed guitar throughout, adds an underlying tranquil quality. Closing out with the final two tracks, "Gold Coast" which is of hypnotic new age lineage calms the mind and leads you to a peaceful, meditative and introspective piano interlude titled "View of Wisdom."

In a capsule, "The/Human/Tree" showcases Troels Hammer’s ambient songs fused with hints of world music elements and influence as prolific asnd 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. Furthermore, this is an album that produces a sense of peace and contentment that can be enjoyed any time, whether it be late-night shutdowns, early evening sunsets, and even at the beginning of the day, you can’t lose.

—JOSEPH WENSELL Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 10 | 77

[REVIEWS:ALBUMS]

VARIOUS ARTISTS ROCKET LEAGUE X MONSTERCAT VOL.1 MONSTERCAT

 After a massive global publicity push, creating excitement surrounding the announcement from the Rocket League Championship Broadcast, a string of releases teasing the launch, Monstercat and Rocket League have alas unveiled their compilation album.

This collection of 18 choice Monstercat recordings from the label’s established and rising stars such as Vicetone,, Conro, Slushii, Grant and Notaker delivers on all cylinders compiling essential high energy music aimed to satisfy the Rocket League Championship Broadcast gaming community. Among the songs, heavy hitters such as Vicetone’s "Apex," Grant’s "Weapon," Aero Chord’s "Drop It" are hyped.

Tokyo Machine starts it all off with "Rock It," a fitting intro to the vision of the soundtrack followed

by Rogue’s "Fury" which is brilliant hands in the air attitude. Shlushii’s contribution "Luv U Need

78 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 10

U" is fun, upbeat that inspires happiness followed

by Tristam’s "Bone Dry" nice slice of electro pop showcasing the compilers forethought of strong song selection. Feint’s "Outbreak" featuring MYLK, gives the collection a chaotic driven dance gem with bright upper register vocals and highlights some pretty cool keyboard and effect work. Getting in to experimental sounds and slower bouncy beats is Droeloe’s "Collisions" breaking to "Call Me" Sutract’s song that fluctuates between the dnb sub genres effortlessly. Pulsating piano, electronics and big beats dominates Trivecta’s track "Break Me." The heart felt vocals of Karra on the track provides the element of surprise. WRLD’s "Drift Away" is a glorious throwback to 80s synth pop backed by prominent modern dnb rhythms and futuristic vocal treatments. The next two tracks, Notaker’s "Wake Up, You’re Dreaming" and Conro’s "All Me" represent that these two artists are at the top of their creative game with their usage of new and exciting electronic sounds forming infectious dance cuts.

Keeping the pace moving forward comes Ephixa’s pure electro and blissful "Skyforth." Coming to the last few tracks, Rameses B "Play To Win" featuring vocalist Holly Drummond, Eminence’s "0202" and Zero Hero’s "Twiligh"’ all follow and toe the line in high quality production value, and the mastery in melodic hooks, and beat heavy dance grooves that demands active participation.

The partnership between Monstercat and Rocket League show the two organizations to be innovators and leaders in compiling music that perfectly compliments the gaming industry, and as such, has set the bar high for those will that follow in their footsteps. These picked selections for the premiere Vol. 1 release is a further indication of the dedication team Monstercat has to developing new opportunities by which to further the careers of the artists and provide mass reach delivery systems.

Makes sense to me. Watch out for Vol.2.

—JOSEPH ARTHUR

[REVIEWS:ALBUMS]

VARIOUS ARTISTS JOCKEY CLUB/KENNETH BAGER SUNSET SESSIONS VOL.4 MUSIC FOR DREAMS

 In mid-July, Kenneth Bager and the Music For Dreams team released a joint project with Ibiza beach club institution, Jockey Club with the 4th volume of The Sunset Sessions series. Jockey Club played host to several parties this summer featuring Bager and company. The concept of the compilation is pretty simple, as I see it, to create multi-hour background soundtracks that ushers in the islands breath-taking sunsets. MFD is no stranger to this concept. The proof is in the 4th volume consisting of 28 songs featuring Balearic’s leading musicians and producers including DJ Pippi, Bjarno, Prins Emanuel, Ruf Dug, Troels Hammer and José Manuel, among many others.

There are many great moments within this 28 track compilation and aming them, these few selections shine the brightest. "The Swan and the Lake" opens the album in traditional Balearic form,

flighty and breezy guitars, soothing and mellow layers of sounds sets the bar as to the quality of songs to look forward to. Hong Kong Syndicate featuring Frankie track "Too Much," mixed by HP Hoeger and M.Lackmaye, showcases a darker trip hop feel that resembles the likes of MC 900FT Jesus.

Master compiler, Kenneth Bager and his project, The Kenneth Bager Experience, graces this collection with the a redo of the classic "Fat Bottom Pelicans." Groovy basslines, futuristic electronics, masterful layers of sound and the infectious melody get shaken in to a chilled frosty cocktail.

Sonic Friends of the Galaxy "Adamo & Eve" (Leo Mas, Fabrice and DJ Rocca Paradiso Mix) brings out the bright and happy feels with a delightful dance cut featuring muted trumpets, syncopated drums, and synthesizers.

Prins Emanuel’s "Land of Joy" is pure disco flamed fire. Dig the walking funky bassline with the dance grooves laid down by syncopated synthesized rhythms and shuffling drums. Groooovy!

In a snapshot, the music included in this 4th Volume you get classic Balearic cuts with "Nubian Sun," "Tiden Der Forstâr" and "Eyes." Tracks "Sju Minute," "Kvar," "Sur Plus," "Plastic Dreams," "Oba Oba" and "Alle Vita" feature various incarnations of house, jungle, world, trip hop and disco, all featuring great vocals, usage of native and ethnic instruments and the undeniable chill-paced dance groove.

Ambient tracks by Bjarno’s "You Make My Heart Ache," 27.55 Cancri’s "Rayakt," Kenneth Bager Instrumental remake of Ruf Dug’s "Dominica," and Troels Hammer’s "Trans/For/Mation" all brilliantly present peaceful interludes of island field sounds, experimental electronics that satisfy wholly.

As the music goes track to track, it’s easy to recognize the one underlying common factor—"a good mood, peace inducing" enhancer for chilling out and catching the sunset, no matter where you may be.

—JOSEPH ARTHUR Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 10 | 79

[REVIEWS:EPs]

BLINDERS TWO SIDES PROTOCOL RECORDINGS

COYU & BASTIAN BUX SERENDIB SUARA MUSIC

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Historically, Blinders has produced music that is on both sides of the musical spectrum. With his recent 2 track EP "Two Sides" for Protocol, the young producer follows the same formula giving the listener two distinctly different musical styles by which to associate with hot summer days and night.

The 1st track, "Molly" is a bright poolside lounging must have. Musically, it just feels good with a perfect melody, intricate bass and dance oriented electronic drum rhythms and features an sunny vocal performance from Indie-pop duo Cardiknox.

The 2nd track, "Broken" is definitely propped up for a nighttime scenario. Slightly darker, heavy with distorted hip hop beats and gritty and futuristic sounds best describes this track. This EP marks the continuation of Blinders’ creative prowess, delivering two scorching tracks that, no matter where you are, poolside or a sweaty dancefloor, satisfy all aural senses gloriously.

This studio session resulted in the coming together of minds and talents, with fellow Spaniards Coyu and Bastian Bux producing one of the year’s best Techno EPs with "Serendib." This collaborative project represents a fresh and sophisticated writing and musical style that is adventurous, diverse, and relentless, staying true to the new direction Suara Music is now taking. Listen closely. The first song, "Satara," has a middle-eastern flare melodically and vocally and drives you forward in a quick pace.

The sounds these two produce on this track is mysterious, forward thinking and innovative. The 2nd song, "Umbral" is a deep techno track featuring a repetitive bright minimalistic melody underscored by darker underlying layers of bass and drums laying down a driving rhythm that is appealing to purists.

These two tracks show Coyu and Bastian as leading new creative’s that are taking Techno music to new and exciting places.

—LEO WEAVER

—JOSEPH WENSELL

80 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 10

[REVIEWS:EPs]

DARLYN VLYS STRANGER SINCOPAT

DODI PALESE SLIGHTLY WHAT EVER NOT

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When it comes to Sincopat and its short history, there is an artist that has been instrumental in establishing the fledgling label as a first rate outlet for colorful expressionism. That artist’s name is Sylvain Soulier, known as Darlyn Vlys and he has a fantastic new remix project for his single "Stranger."

Joining in on the remix project are producers, Kid Bucle, Fairmont, Jobe and David Granha, all lending their skilled expertise in the creation of remixes for two songs that each individually kick ass. Fairmont turns in "Stranger" to a monstrous indie-dance/nu disco banger accentuating sci-fi bass and drums and a "move your body melody." The 2nd take on the song is David Granha’s Tech House slanted remix. Deeper and darker, driving bass-line and drums, wild chords and spacey effects, provide a completely different feel and groove. Aces. "Lights Out," a co-production with Kid Bucle and remixed by Jobe, is classic tech house with bold rhythms, highenergy dance beats and breathy and computerized vocal treatments.

—JOSEPH ARTHUR

Not one to favor one particular genre over another, Dodi Palese keeps you on your toes with his latest 3-track EP "Slightly." The third EP release for What Ever Not, a label he co-owns with Dan Mela, keeps true to Palese’s diversity in creating the music that is represented on this new release.

Opening the EP is "Child Goes Funky" and features a dirty and gritty bassline complimented by electro layers, loops, whack vocal samples, shakers, and driving rhythms. African influence comes into play on the 2nd track "Birdsong"— is full of traditional African percussion that intricately sets the pace with and features multiple electronic sound layers and melodies. Closing out the EP is the title track "Slightly." Hypnotic inducing beats leading to soft underlying tones, pulsing bass and kick drums provide a 6-minute long trance-inducing gem.

These 3 tracks showcase Palese as a highly skilled creator, blending multi genres and incorporating dance rhythms, both creatively and masterfully.

—CATHERINE STRICKLAND Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 10 | 81

[REVIEWS:EPs]

EPROM PINEAPPLE EPROM MUSIC

GETTOBLASTER JELLO BOOTY PSYCHO DISCO

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Portland home based DJ/Producer EPROM’s admirers include Flume, Aphex Twin, Bassnectar, Rezz and more, has recorded for Warp, Rwina, Surefire, Cloak x Dagger and most recently adding to his growing discography of 2 LPs and several EPs and single, is a brand new EP titled "Pineapple" and features an official remix of the title track by frequent collaborator G Jones. True to form, EPROM continues to push beyond the boundaries when it comes to experimental sound design. In the 5-track EP, EPROM shows off his talents with bass and trap foundations using industrial sounds and hip-hop rhythms and a myriad of newly manufactured and familiar sound effects. Each track keeps you on the edge of what’s next, it fully satisfies the cravings for fans of experimental electronic music. As an added treat, the remix of the title track "Pineapple" by G Jones takes on a life of its own with his signature usage of samples, a touch of dub and the hardening of the original melody.

—LEO WEAVER

Deeply rooted in Chicago and Detroit , the duo Gettoblaster has a bombastic new EP in "Jello Booty."

As the title suggests, this 2 track EP is a rump shaker.

The title tracks begins with deep thumping bass and drums, weird electronics, and vocal duality back and forth conversing "damn that girl is thick," followed by "that booty bounce like jello, bounce like jello”… paints the picture. The beats and rhythms are phat in tone, climatic, and get deep down in the groove.

The 2nd cut "Bubble" starts off with a booming and pulsating low-end bass, the most minimalist melody ever, and like the title track "Jello Booty," it has hilarious vocals to savor. Just below the vocals is a rolling drum rhythm building to the epic drop that you just have to hear to believe. So, if you’re in to dancing butts, big beats and deep groovy basslines in the Chicago and Detroit styling’s, this EP is for you.

82 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 10

—LEO WEAVER

[REVIEWS:EPs]

HARDWELL HARDWELL & FRIENDS VOL.1 REVEALED RECORDINGS

MADDY O'NEAL PARALLELS SUPER BEST RECORDS

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On July 24th, Revealed Recordings dropped the first of five singles; "We Are Legends" with Kaaze and featuring singer songwriter Jonathan Mendelsohn, from the superstar’s recently released Hardwell & Friends Vol.1. Also making appearances on the Vol.1 include: Maddix on "Smash This Beat;" Atmozfears and M.BRONX on "All That We Are Living For;" Kura and Anthony B. on "Police (You Ain’t Ready)" and Alexander Tidebrink on "We Are One." Throughout, the music is magnificent and delivers all the epic sounds and fist pumping effects one would expect from a Hardwell production. An embracing of hard-style progressive song writing mixing up the melodies with dramatic beats and choice artist collaborations leaves no doubt that forward thinking and innovative sounds are expertly designed to pack dance floors and whip festival crowds into movement. Fans of Hardwell will undoubtedly love this package and now we wait for Vol.2 in awe of what’s next.

—JOSEPH WENSELL

Blazing out of Colorado is a producer, Maddy O’Neal that deserves to be on everyone’s radar everywhere. Recently released, "Parallels," is a groundbreaking 5-track opus, period. Flirting with various genres such as hip-hop, rock, jazz and blues, she mixes it all together, giving you a very unique cornucopia of various dance styles and rhythms to savor. Opening up "Parallels" is a dreamy electro fueled instrumental titled "Wanna Know" featuring jazzy guitar licks, shuffling drum beats and shiny electronics rule the day on this track.

Following is "One and the Same" featuring Why Awake provides a nice sax bit, shuffling drumming and flowing vocals. "Going Down," gets down and dirty with an incredibly simple melody, some very interesting usage of electronics alongside some tasty blues laden guitar laying just beneath the surface. Rounding out the EP is "Everyday" and "Follow the Sound" featuring Emily Clark, both of which, feature effect generated vocals, punchy and gritty synthesizers, horns, keys and drums, odd time signatures and pure psychedelics.

—JOSEPH WENSELL Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 10 | 83

[REVIEWS:EPs]

MATRIX & FUTUREBOUND LIGHT US UP FFRR RECORDS

ZOMBIES IN MIAMI ODISSEY SUARA MUSIC

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Following the successful release of "Light Us Up" featuring Callum Scott earlier this summer comes a remix package featuring the re-imaginations of the original by Nick Talos, PBH & Jack Shizzle and Dossa & Locuzzed. The original version is euphoric and mesmerizing, having staying power and legs to stand on its own, propelling it to millions of streams since its releaseNick Talos, known for remixing hits

by Elie Golding, Years and Years and James Bay takes the reigns for the first remix, turning it into a pop dance track that surely entices one to create activity on the dancefloor It’s well known that UK’s PBH & Jack Shizzle has a knack for creating tracks that enjoy longevity and support. What they do with song is to turn the song towards a house driven rhythm and feel and quite frankly it turned out to anthemic. Austrians Dossa & Locuzzed give the original a hyped up and fire inspired drum and bass feel that has cross appeal qualities.

Spain’s Suara Music continues to find and release innovative techno creators and Zombies in Miami, one of Mexico’s finest electronic music exports, is the one of more recent talents to join the label with their 3-track release "Odissey." This label debut has everything you have come to known from previous Suara releases. "Odissey" is overflowing with synths, electronics, sweeping sounds, and the psychedelic usage of voice beautifully lay out a futuristic feel. There are two remixes on the project.

Frankey & Sandrino adds a brighter sound, its rhythms are choice for dance, however, there is a side of this remix that is slightly more chill. Massimiliano Pagliara’s remix is a bit more trippy, and also puts down a dance oriented groove with sounds of balearic influences interspersed throughout.

Zombies in Mexico "Odissey" and its two remixes represents another shining moment that is quickly becoming the standard to what is becoming known as "adult techno music."

—JOSEPH ARTHUR

—CATHERINE STRICKLAND

84 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 10

[REVIEWS:SINGLES

FRICTION MAD IN THE JUNGLE ELEVATE RECORDS

JERRY ROPERO FEAT. KRAYZEE STAYIN' ALIVE PRISON ENTERTAINMENT

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Friction is back with a burning jungle track, "Mad In The Jungle" on the famed Elevate Records label. Billing the song as a "summer festival killer," this track has radio support from Annie Mac, Zane Lowe, Danny Howard, Mistajam and more, helping to position it for wide reaching exposure with the intent of anthem stature for the outdoor season.

The DnB producer grew up listening to jungle music and attending raves such as AWOL and Telepathy.

Friction wrote the track to pay homage to his jungle music idols. Featuring Doctor who delivers powerful vocals to the song’s heavy drums, dubbed out horns and electronics, musically it exemplifies the right way to create a jungle infused DnB track while keeping true to both genres. As you would expect, the rhythms are hot and lightning fast, the melody is bouncy and ragga flavored, and the lyrics prophetic.

Jerry Ropero has a long successful history putting out numerous worldwide hits. Kenneth Daryl Lewis, known as Krayzee has been contributing to the the hip hop remix scene for over twenty years working with CC Catch, Eric XL Singleton and Touché. The Bee Gee’s "Staylin’ Alive" gets a slight facelift with Ropero and Krayzee turning the disco era swan song into a fast paced beauty. Opening up the track is a cool sampling of the Brothers Gibb vocal harmonics and the classic bass and guitar rhythms, pulsating drum beats leading to Krayzee’s smoothly polished and prominent rap vocals in an epic entrance that seamlessly transitions to a sample of the original chorus bringing back Krayzee’s dance party driven vocals. This is a must hear track and in this listener’s opinion, and as a lover of disco and old school hip hop, this remix is a great modern dance take on the classic.

—CATHERINE STRICKLAND

—JOSEPH WENSELL

86| Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 10

[REVIEWS:SINGLES]

JOSH TAYLOR & JUSTIN JAY PUSSY POP EMERALD CITY

JULIAN LAMADRID UNDERSTAND EGO MUSIC

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Josh Taylor is a ukulele player and songwriter known for his laid back attitude and a unique style of writing and composing. Justin Jay is an acclaimed producer, runs his own label Fantastic Voyage and has releases that have had support from Claude VonStroke, Disclosure and Pete Tong among others The former college roommates, joined by Jamie Jones for a remix, reunite for this single release through Emerald City. "Lick, Pussy Pop and Mr Owl, how many licks does it take to get to the center of a Pussy Pop?” Do you now have visions of the Tootsie Pop commercials from the 70s? I do. Electronic kick drums and various percussion sounds mingled with a deep groove bassline underline the goal of the track. Hypnotic Dance. For the remix, Jamie Jones adds a deeper house feel to the track with just a touch of psychedelic and brings the vocal samples more in to prominence giving it a more club oriented burner, and it’s trippy.

Born in Mexico, raised in the United Arab Emirates and now living in New York City, Julian Lamadrid makes Pop music that is sonic, invigorating and uniquely his own. Since the early July release of his latest single, "Understand" on Italy’s EGO Music, the track has hit Spotify’s Viral chart in 15 countries peaking at #3 Global. Working with Lamadrid is Flatdisk, 2 talented Italian DJs who’s list of heavyweight supporters include Martin Garrix, Tiësto, and David Guetta. Now, are you ready for your dose of happiness? "Understand" is a slice of polished Pop music built with piano chords, chirping bird samples, electronics and subtle keyboard soundscapes, various percussion instrumentation and a steel pan sound inspired melody giving the song just a touch of an tropical feel. The message, lyrically, can apply to many life situations, such as relationship challenges and determination of moving ahead and not looking back, all wrapped in positivity. Good stuff.

—CATHERINE STRICKLAND

—LEO WEAVER

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 10 | 87

[REVIEWS:SINGLES

LUCA DEBONAIRE & YUGA JUST WON'T DO KAISEN RECORDS

NEON TIGER NEON ROSE NEON TIGER

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Luca Debonaire and Yuga, two of House music’s hottest names, continue on their journeys with a massive new collaboration "Just Won’t Do" for Kaisen Records. This track, over six minutes long, sets the groove right from the start. Shuffling drum beats, a pulsating low end bassline and various percussion usage introduces the house styled vocal treatment, expertly escalating the rise of a bottom dropping pause, then taking you back to the rhythmic theme set out in the beginning. The song definitely has staying power and one would expect to hear it at festivals anywhere on the planet, that is a given.

However, I can see this track being spun within a nightclub setting, filling the dance floor and fuelling frenzy movement among house music fans. It’s no wonder that the rising popularity of Luca and Yuga as producers is becoming more relevant. "Just Won’t Do" further illustrates it.

Neon Tiger is no stranger to the music scene.

His previous projects go back to his productions under the moniker Maarcos and as a member of Those Usual Suspects. The Los Angeles based producer’s latest incarnation, Neon Tiger, shows a new direction for the artist leaning more towards experimental sounds and utilizing his skill set and talents as a songwriter, programmer and instrumentalist and even contributing vocals to his recent and future creations. The first indication of this new direction is the single "Neon Rose" featuring Coyle Girelli. a track that is heavy on the dance groove tip (think Daft Punk’s "Random Access Memories"). Fresh and modern, this 80s inspired dance music is, impressively, overflowing with beautiful and intricate guitar work, a dirty bassline, drums, keys and a brilliant marriage of Coyle Girelli’s vocals, natural and "robotized," all gel together into a perfectly gorgeous song ripe for the dance floor!

—JOSEPH ARTHUR

—JOSEPH WENSELL

88 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 10

[REVIEWS:SINGLES]

NINE INCH NAILS LESS THAN NULL CORPORATION

NOAH NEIMAN FEAT. LACY KAY HOLD ON TO LOVE ENHANCED

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Nine Inch Nails "Less Than" single entered Billboard’s Alternative charts at #35 pushing them in to the number 3 spot for the longest span of appearances on the charts since 1989. The Industrial dance trailblazers lead single off the new EP Add Violence finds Trent and his band mates cull their creative powers to write songs that appeal to both loyal fans and mainstream and rock audiences.

Sound familiar? It’s like "Pretty Hate Machine" all over again, in regards to massive cross over appeal.

"Less Than" features lots of distorted guitars and bright keyboards against apocalyptic electronic synth layers, teeth grinding sound effects and driving drums set the pace and environment for Reznor’z razor edged vocals. The track brings to mind Reznor’s earliest albums dating back almost 30 years, but it’s a new direction, not a rehash of something old, but something familiar, new and exciting.

Noah Neiman’s formula for crafting stunning songs with vocalist Laci Kay is proving to being a very fruitful partnership. "Hold On To Love" is the second project the two have worked on together and follows their first hit, "Long Way Home" also on Enhanced. Neiman has been cranking out an impressive collection of songs highlighting an eccentric, harmonic style. For his latest creation "Hold On To Love," the trap heavy track blazes through with multi-tempos, melancholic piano chords, quickening drum patterns, and booming bass that rise to deep sonic drops. Laci’s performance equals the brilliance of the song’s composition showcasing her naturally sunny and seemingly effortless phrasing, all with feeling that inspires and empowers, perfectly matching the energy and complexity of the song. These two have a special kind of magic and the proof is in the releases of these aforementioned consecutive collaborations, with the latest "Hold On To Love" continuing the blooming process of these two talented up comers.

—CATHERINE STRICKLAND

—LEO WEAVER Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 10 | 89

[REVIEWS:SINGLES]

SAVOY & GRABBITZ CONTEMPLATE MONSTERCAT

STEFANO PAIN FUGITIVE PROTOCOL RECORDINGS

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Savoy and Grabbitz are individually known for making cerebral electronic music with precision and intricate complex melodies. The pairing up of these two creative minds channeling the influential synthesizer and electronic sounds found in 80s pop and progressive rock songs comes in a new single, "Contemplate." Playing on the 80s sound, but in a modern forward thinking manner, this track brims with all kinds of brightly sounding electro sounds, driving synth generated rhythms and great singing, all of which loom large. However it is important to also highlight the implementation of rhythm guitar and slick solo about half way through, plus multiple dance oriented drum rhythms that propel the song forward. "Contemplate" is a nice sunny summertime track that will grow on you upon multiple listens.

Electro fans and those of Savoy and Grabbitz will certainly love this delightful, feel good song. Be amazed, sing-along and dance, but that would mean you’d have to listen. You should. recognition.

Jump in and check it out for youself.

Stefano Pain’s music has been spun and played

by Swedish House Mafia, Pete Tong, Nicky Romero and Laidback Luke. His collaborative projects include remixes for Bob Sinclair and Robbie Rivera. He has had massive hits with tracks "My House" and "Hands Up Everybody" released on his Bootylicious Records and has also released recordings for Revealed, Armada, and Cr2 Records. Pain’s latest single "Fugitive" comes via Protocol Recordings, which is not a surprise given label head Nicky Romero has been a supporter of Stefano’s previous releases, further represents Protocol’s vision of forward thinking and innovative music. What you get with the track "Fugitive" is Pain’s well-known velvety smooth vocals above driving beats and pulsing synths that build up to monster drop that settles to a high energy dance rhythm with soaring sound effects. "Fugitive" demonstrates Pain’s continuation of producing top-notch killer cuts that appeal to worldwide fans of progressive house and electro.

—CATHERINE STRICKLAND

—LEO WEAVER

90 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 10

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102| Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 10