SPECIAL ISSUE: YEAR 2019 IN REVIEW-FAVORITE LPs, NEWS, AOTY & LOTY
JAMES DEXTER
Peaking Through London’s Deep House Underground
TRIPPIN’ DOWN MEMORY LANE Revisiting Our First 20 COVER ARTISTS & Their Most Memorable Quotes!
A Devilishly Good Interview
ØRJAN
NILSEN
talks new album,The Devil Is In The Detail, life and 2020
FAITH In The Product LOYALTY To The Client LOVE For The Consumer
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TW BS teamweasal.com Beatselector Magazine | November/December 2019 | 53
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B EATSELECTOR Moving Electronic Music Forward
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020
PUBLISHER
JOSEPH WENSELL CONTRIBUTORS Caitlin Cline Catherine Strickland Chloe Aiello Cody Miller Cory Royster Erik L. Richardson Holly Roscoe James Arena Joseph Arthur Karin Haslinger Leo Weaver Payton Gerencir Stephanie Hernandez Tim Stark Vladimir Jean-Philippe Zach Miller
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inside JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020
COVER FEATURE
ØRJAN
NILSEN
Ørjan Nilsen’s latest long-player “The Devil Is In The Detail” (available now) follows the same successful production formula as his previous releases showcasing the prolific producer’s journey of producing mammoth sized tunes overflowing with big, bold and beautiful sounds. When we were approached by Ørjan’s team pitching us on doing an interview with the Norwegian star revolving around his new release, we could not pass up the opportunity to pick his brain and find out what makes this enigmatic individual so unique, why he does what he does, and what’s in store for the future.
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inside JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020
Features
22 TRIPPIN’ DOWN MEMORY LANE: OUR FIRST 20 ISSUES
We revisit our first 20 issues and the personalities that graced our Covers along with some of their most epic quotes!
44 THE YEAR THAT WAS TWENTY-NINETEEN
Extraordinary news announcements, our Top 5 favorite albums (with review excerpts) and Artist and Record Label of Year picks. We have some intriguing choices for you to read and to checkout.
82 JAMES DEXTER
Since 2012, James Dexter has released music for a myriad of labels including Nervous, Om Recordings, and most recently-Damian Lazarus’s Crosstown Rebels. James also holds a degree in Music Production, which naturally plays an integral part to the music he produces. In this interview, James shares when he decided be a music maker, his earliest influences, his defining songs and who put on the best concert in 2019-in his opinion!
[OPENING NOTES] For our January/February 2020 issue, we decided to turn out a “Special Issue” celebrating a milestone of our own-”Our First 20 Issues” of Beatselector Magazine. We revisIt and bring back to you the early beginnings of the magazine, the artists we had the privledge to interview and spotlight some incredible quotations from our conversations. Our 2019 Year In Review feature is simply a brief look back at some of the most significant news, releases as well as our favorite albums and Artist and Label of The Year picks.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY
2020
Welcome to the the new “Roaring Twenties!’ What will next decade bring? Lots of excitement, innudeno, what ifs, and lifetime memories for millions of EDM fans worldwide for sure. Needless to say, we share the excitement of what will come in the coming years, let alone what will shine through in the new year. But let’s not neglect what happened in 2019. There were many significant milestones in our industry. Many organizations celebrated big birthdays, record-setting attendances, massive sales and tragic untimely deaths.
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And if that is not enough content for you, Catherine Strickland provides a fantastic interview with Norway’s star Ørjan Nislen discussing his fabulous new album, “The Devil Is In The Detail,” home-life, touring and more. Joseph Arthur closes the Special Issue with an interview with London’s latest rising star, James Dexter. In the interview, James shares when he decided to be a music maker, his earliest influences, his career defining songs, who put on the best concert in 2019-in his opinion and his latest release on Damian Lazarus’ Crosstown Rebels. On behalf of Beatselector Magazine’s writers, editors, and the rest of our team, we send out a grateful thank you to all the artists we had the privedge to interview, to all the global PR firms we work with, our distribution platforms and most especially- to all of our worldwide readers. —Joseph Wensell, Publisher & E-I-C
TRIPPIN’
MEMOR
OUR FIRST 20 COVER ARTIST’S
SUNSQUABI MAYA JANE COLES LOUIE VEGA HARRISON YVES V. DISCWOMAN DANIEL WANROOY RUF DUG ASTR MAOR LEVI
November/December 20202019 22 | Beatselector Magazine | January/February 52
’ DOWN
RY LANE
S MOST MEMORABLE QUOTES
SOLARSTONE RAINER C. REGATSCHNIG FAITMA HAJJI MARKUS SCHULZ THE CRYSTAL METHOD KRYDER KUNGS LOST FREQUENCIES KÖLSCH
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MEMORABLE
I’ve always been melodic and even when I go towards Bass music, I try to blend the ‘Maor Levi’ emotion in it, and another message which is ‘fuck genres.’ I’ve always been sticking to that life motto of mine and I love to make everything...so just shut up and enjoy the music. —MAOR LEVI, 2015
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MEMORABLE
The most memorable [gig] though has to be at the Hype Room in Pontiac, Michigan. There were only 3 people there, and most of them were disabled. I was, like, grinding up on this lady’s wheelchair. —ZOË, 2015
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MEMORABLE
I saw a naked woman covered in cream being carried across the dancefloor and put down on a table where a bunch of women proceeded to tuck in. —RUF DUG, 2015
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MEMORABLE
...I love to cook. I cook every night. I consider myself creative for sure, talented, I wouldn’t date to say. I haven’t had any complaints or deaths so far though! —DANIEL WANROOY, 2016
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MEMORABLE
Women are trending right now,...it is a wave and even though change is happening, the way that that change is depicted could keep us from evolving more. —HANNAH DALY, 2016
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MEMORABLE
I saw people standing on other people in front of me, falling down into the crowd and I never saw them again. So, I don’t know what happened with them… There are people with a flag saying “Please marry me”, “Have a child with me”. There are all kinds of things you can see in the crowd. —YVES V., 2016
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MEMORABLE
“Early on, I stood outside of a night club for a whole year to meet every DJ that came through the door and I begged them for a collaboration. For a year man, and nobody gave a shit.” —HARRISON, 2016
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MEMORABLE
This body of work [Louie Vega Starring...XXVIII] is a masterpiece that will be part of my legacy. I see it up there on the same high shelf with albums like Nuyorican Soul, Elements of Life, and Masters at Work. The album came together naturally, it was a growing process. It was like planting a tree, each branch represented an artist, a sound, a groove. —LOUIE VEGA, 2016
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MEMORABLE
I wake up the same everyday, have a coffee, smoke a bowl and play my guitar. —KEVIN DONOHUE, SUNSQUABI, 2016
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MEMORABLE
Take Flight offers an eclectic selection of immersive tracks that are certain to excite old and new fans alike, all over the world. —MAYA JANE COLES 2017
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MEMORABLE
Playing an ode to the most beautiful city [at the top of Paris’ Eiffel Tower] in the world was such an honor and I’m very happy we could make it happen. Defining it as the pinnacle of my career though, would indicate that I’ve achieved what I wanted to. It was an amazing experience, and one that I will never forget, but I’ve got so much more that i want to contribute to the world. —KÖLSCH, 2017
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MEMORABLE
I think the digital developments are very good for DJs. It offers a lot more selection, choice and variety for sets when carrying around a lot of Vinyl would be a task. —LOST FREQUENCIES, 2018
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MEMORABLE
Who wants to be stuck in one sound? I think the future of music is very exciting and I want to hear as much of that music as I can and just keep creating! —KUNGS, 2018
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MEMORABLE
I’ve always loved being involved in the scene. I’ve met so many great people and talented artists at parties and I think that has had a massive impact on my career. To be able to forge these relationships through a common connection has really helped my career and gave me opportunities I don’t think I would have had if I hadn’t put myself in those situations. —KRYDER, 2018
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MEMORABLE
Ha! Well, there are so many [memorable moments] but I as I close my eyes and think about that question, I’d have to say over time I made or played music with my best friend Ken Jordan to so many enthusiastic fans all over the world… and winning the High Times award for best electronic album, which is a working bong. —SCOTT KIRKLAND, 2018
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MEMORABLE
On one hand, success derived from a gimmicky persona, a kitsch social media presence, and emotionless music could be read as a bad sign for EDM. On the other, one can only hope that Marshmello serves as an introduction to EDM for those unfamiliar to the genre and that they quickly outgrow him as they discover DJs/ producers with real artistic talent. —ZACH & CODY MILLER, 2019 OPINION EDITORIAL
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MEMORABLE
You mention the word “energy” - I think that is a key to highlight; because in the past year, I feel that there is a new generation of fans that has spawned even beyond the initial EDM explosion at the beginning of this decade. —MARKUS SCHULZ, 2019
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MEMORABLE
I am very stubborn and I work hard to reach my targets. I think this benefits my day to day as a musician because this is a long distance run, it doesn’t matter too much what good things you did years ago, there are many people showing good skills who have a great connection with the public and amazing music so it’s a must to give your best to the people. —FATIMA HAJJI, 2019
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MEMORABLE
The first time I met Falco, he was going to the elevator, and I was coming into the office. He had just signed to the label. I said hello to him and he asked me what I was using in my hair because we had similar hair styles. We were like two girls! [Rainer laughs.] He was a great guy, and I loved him a lot. —RAINER C. REGATSCHNIG, 2019
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MEMORABLE
“As a teenager I was into the Pet Shop Boys, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, New Order, Art of Noise – anything on ZTT and anything which recruited Peter Saville for the design. My Mum’s record collection was full of ELO, Yes, Mike Oldfield, Genesis – all artists with great attention to detail in the packaging, and I realized early on what an important part the aesthetics played in the whole picture.” —SOLARSTONE, 2019
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THE YEAR THAT WAS
TWENTY-NINE What a year! Over the last twelve months we recieved 11,000 press releases, hundreds of Singles, EPs and LPs review requests, feaure interview pitches and pretty much anything that was relevent to the Electronic Dance Music industry. There was so much great music released and played (in our offices) leading to daily instances of commentary,-most commonly “hey what are you listening to? “ Time and again the replys were “fire!” So, yes, from where we sit, it was great year.
Inside the following pages, you’ll find some extraordinary news announcements we feel are worthwhile revisiting, our Top 5 favorite full-length albums (with review excerpts), and our Artist and Record Label of Year picks. We have some intriguing choices for you to read and to checkout. —E.D.
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ETEEN
Beatselector Magazine | January/February 2020 | 45
❺
THE YEAR THAT WAS
TWENTY-NINETEEN
NEWS FLASHBACKS
DIANA ROSS MAKES HISTORY, AGAIN! [MAY 2019]
Diana Ross has once again made music magic! Considered one of the most influential recording artists and iconic entertainers of all time, Ms. Ross rewrote history once again. It took only 7 weeks for the new remix of “The Boss 2019” to hit No.1 on Billboard’s Dance Club Songs Top 50 Chart.
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“The Boss 2019”is Ms. Ross’ fourth remix in a row to go No. 1, and it reaches the top during the 40th anniversary of the original version hitting No. 1 on the same chart. The success of “The Boss 2019” continues to illustrate the unprecedented star-power of Ms. Ross as a trailblazer and legend in the music industry. In 2018, she made history when the new remix mashup of “I’m Coming Out / Upside Down 2018” hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Dance Club Songs in just 8 weeks. The original versions were both ranked No. 1 on the same chart during the same week in 1980. “Upside Down” was also a No. 1 Pop and R&B hit in
1980. That magnificent achievement marked the first time any artist had back-to-back No. 1 Dance Club Chart hits with songs that were originally No. 1. In January 2018, the remix of Ms. Ross’ exquisite global anthem “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” (from Diamond Diana: The Legacy Collection) hit No 1. The original version of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” was a No. 1 Pop and R&B hit in 1970. To date, Ms. Ross has had 7 No. 1 hits on Billboard’s Dance chart. Beatselector Magazine | January/February 2020 | 47
❹
THE YEAR THAT WAS
TWENTY-NINETEEN
NEWS FLASHBACKS
TIMMY TRUMPET GOES TO SPACE [MARCH 2019]
In March 2019 , Timmy Trumpet , the Sydney born trumpeter, DJ and producer made history by becoming the first live instrumentalist to DJ from space! To celebrate this momentous occasion, Timmy released a brand-new track, “High.” The enthusiastic effort is a collaboration with Aussie hip hop legends Bliss n Eso and US soul singer
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Lee Fields. Since bursting onto the scene, Australian hip hop project Bliss N Eso have racked up millions of Spotify streams for an array of pop and urban infused hits with integral messages of positivity.
Mike, and Steve Aoki. On March 25,2019 Timmy lifted off from France, undertaking 16 parabolic flights each lasting 22 seconds as the vessel bounces off our atmosphere.
Their informal and sincere approach to hip hop has translated into multiple ARIA number one albums and gold and platinum records.
“Getting the opportunity to play my music up there is an honour and something that I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid. I’ve loved Bliss n Eso’s work for years and when we started working together I knew this track was something special. I feel like I’m taking a part of Australian music culture on an unforgettable journey, sharing what we have created with the rest of the world.” – TIMMY TRUMPET
The track premiered at the World Club Dome ‘Zero Gravity’ event and was made possible by Big City Beats and the European Space Agency. As the part of the project Timmy joined fellow dance music pioneers Armin Van Buuren, Dimitri Vegas and Like
Beatselector Magazine | January/February 2020 | 49
❸
THE YEAR THAT WAS
TWENTY-NINETEEN
NEWS FLASHBACKS
BIG GROWTH FOR FUTURE STREAMING REVENUES [NOVEMBER 2019]
Online Music Streaming market worldwide is projected to grow by US$56.7 Billion, driven by a compounded growth of 33.6%. Online Music Streaming, one of the segments analyzed and sized in this study, displays the potential to grow at over 33.6%. Poised to reach over US$65.4 Billion by the year 2025,
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Online Music Streaming will bring in healthy gains adding significant momentum to global growth. Representing the developed world, the United States will maintain a 30.8% growth momentum. Within Europe, which continues to remain an important element in the world economy, Germany will add over US$2.3 Billion to the region’s size and clout in the next 5 to 6 years. Over US$2 Billion worth of projected demand in the region will come from Rest of Europe markets. In Japan, Online Music Streaming will
reach a market size of US$3.3 Billion by the close of the analysis period. As the world’s second largest economy and the new game changer in global markets, China exhibits the potential to grow at 40.1% over the next couple of years and add approximately US$13.9 Billion in terms of addressable opportunity for the picking by aspiring businesses and their astute leaders. Several macroeconomic factors and internal market forces will shape growth and development of demand patterns in emerging countries in AsiaPacific, Latin America and the Middle East. Beatselector Magazine | January/February 2020 | 51
❷
THE YEAR THAT WAS
TWENTY-NINETEEN
NEWS FLASHBACKS
MARTIN GARRIX COMPOSES FOR UEFA EURO 2020
[NOVEMBER 2019]
As Martin Garrix’s blinding set and dazzling lighting show thrilled the sold-out gig at Amsterdam RAI, he provided an unexpected encore by walking out with the famous Henri Delaunay Cup – the trophy that the winner of UEFA EURO 2020 will receive – as the giant screens behind him confirmed he would be the Official
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Music Artist of next year’s tournament. The song will be revealed in spring 2020 – and so too a collaboration with a singer. The song will be performed in full for the first time at the UEFA EURO 2020 opening ceremony at the Olimpico in Rome on June 12, 2020. Alongside the official song, Martin will also produce the official walkout music, as well as music for use in all official broadcasts. “It’s an incredible honour to be asked to create the official song for UEFA EURO 2020 and I am so excited to let everyone hear it,” said Garrix. “Next summer’s tournament will take the fans closer to the action than ever before, and I really hope that my song will make everyone in Europe feel like they are part of it.”
Guy-Laurent Epstein, director of marketing at UEFA, said: “UEFA EURO 2020 will be a month of celebration across Europe, and there’s no better person to get the party started than Martin Garrix. Both music and football bring people together, and with the tournament being played in 12 different countries across the continent for the first time, there will be an overriding theme of unity throughout UEFA EURO 2020.” Martin Garrix added: “It’s crazy to think that UEFA EURO 2020 will be held across 12 different cities but it’s the perfect way to celebrate 60 years of this incredible competition. Music is my passion but I’m also a huge football fan, so it’s extra special for me to create the official song for what will be the biggest EURO in history.”
Beatselector Magazine | January/February 2020 | 53
❶
THE YEAR THAT WAS
TWENTY-NINETEEN
NEWS FLASHBACKS
PAUL OAKENFOLD OPENS THE SPECIAL 2019 OLYMPICS [MARCH 2019]
There is seemingly no challenge big enough for Paul Oakenfold who has taken the craft of DJing to the world’s biggest heights (Mount Everest Base Camp) and its most sacred sites (he is the first artist to ever perform Stonehenge). Paul’s latest endeavour took him to the sands of Abu Dhabi where on Wednesday, March 10, 2019
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he performed a DJ set surrounded by more than 7,500 athletes and 3,000 coaches, representing 200 nations at the opening ceremonies of the Special Olympics World Games 2019 at Zayed Sports City. Paul was among several internationally renowned music artists to appear at the Opening Ceremonies. Avril Lavigne (whose song ‘Fly’ was the official anthem for the 2015 World Games), Luis Fonsi (singer of global smash-hit single ‘Despacito’), Emirati singer and Good Will Ambassador at Large, HE Hussain Al Jassmi, Syrian superstar Assala Nasri, and star of Egypt and the Arab world, Tamer Hosny came together for a performance of the official
World Games anthem ‘Right Where I’m Supposed To Be’ for the very first time. The song was created by Greg Wells (a producer and Grammy Awardwinner for ‘The Greatest Showman’ soundtrack), Ryan Tedder (lead singer of chart-topping act OneRepublic), and Quincy Jones (Honorary Executive Producer and 28-time Grammy Awardwinner). Paul holds philanthropy and humanitarian causes close to his heart. For his work, he’s received the Humanitarian Cultural Award from British Ambassador in Washington, DC and is Soccer Aid for UNICEF Advisor. Beatselector Magazine | January/February 2020 | 55
THE YEAR THAT WAS
TWENTY-NINETEEN
R TY RECORDS OF THE YEAR
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Over the course of 2019, literally hundreds of singles, EPs, LPs, and remixes were delivered to us. All styles and genres ranging from minimal techno to Jungle Bass and everything in between would be heard, read about and evaluated for a review to be published within the pages of Beatselector Magazine. Some made the cut, while others did not. That’s simply the nature of the magazine biz. For the one’s that did make the cut, we revisted and reflected on last year’s reviews and have chosen five albums (with review excerpts) that we deemed as our favorites of the year.
Beatselector Magazine | January/February 2020 | 57
THE YEAR THAT WAS
TWENTY-NINETEEN
R TY RECORDS OF THE YEAR
❺
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WHAT WE SAID
››STREAM After listening to the first few tracks, you’ll come to recognize the album follows a defined melancholic theme. Artlier mixes and alternates featured instruments- guitar, piano, keys and soft vocals ranging from falsetto styling’s to the conversational. As you get to the halfway point of the album, it’s possible that you will be in a state of chill and enveloped in the beauty, sound and message. “Varsam Court” and its ten songs represent an undeniably unique album release within the electronic music space. It’s a gorgeous and hauntingly introspective debut, where the music and lyrics tell their story as a flowing narrative, with subject matter that many listeners will relate to-loss and love. —JOSEPH ARTHUR Beatselector Magazine | January/February 2020 | 59
THE YEAR THAT WAS
TWENTY-NINETEEN
R TY RECORDS OF THE YEAR
❹
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WHAT WE SAID
››STREAM Throughout this collection of songs, Francesca Lombardo expertly utilizes live musicianship and performance, vocal deliveries that evoke varying degrees of emotions conveyed through personal story-telling and melodies that are haunting yet beautiful, along with electronic beats and rhythms that compliment, not outshining the live musicianship represented on each individual track. Live performance of piano, strings, various percussion instruments, dreamy vocals and tastefully chosen electronics dazzle and create many different moods. Some songs have a more melancholic slant, while others bring thoughts of The Cocteau Twins, Book of Love and Julee Cruise ambience creations. —JOSEPH WENSELL Beatselector Magazine | January/February 2020 | 61
THE YEAR THAT WAS
TWENTY-NINETEEN
R TY RECORDS OF THE YEAR
❸
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WHAT WE SAID
››STREAM From start to finish, S.P.Y’s “Dubplate Style” offers up a cornucopia of beats, tempos, and feels. S.P.Y and Hospital Records is pushing the tracks “After The Rain” as a stripped backed stealthy banger featuring the grizzly vocal tones of MC GQ, the heavy bass and reggae themed “Runaway Dub,” the new-school hardcore hybrid track titled “Whole In The Speaker” and the summertime inspired “See Your Face Again” featuring uplifting vocals and rave styled piano. All winners! “Dubplate Style” represents Carlos Lima’s way of reintroducing original jungle culture into a fresh and modern environment. Put together and recorded in two different studios using vintage synthesizers and sequencers, the recreation of authentic jungle feel is undeniable and irresistible. —LEO WEAVER
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THE YEAR THAT WAS
TWENTY-NINETEEN
R TY RECORDS OF THE YEAR
❷
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WHAT WE SAID
››STREAM Is “No Geography” The Chemical Brothers’ best album to date? No. But they have restoked the fires with this album and where there’s smoke there’s fire. Make no mistake about it, there is fire on the latest collection on new songs. I think fans of The Chemical Brothers will find “No Geography” appealing, satisfying and interesting with its futuristic thematic direction. One must listen with an open mind to appreciate the precision construction and technologic expertise displayed throughout. Favorites include “No Geography,” “Got To Keep On,” “ We’ve Got To Try” and “MAH.” —JOSEPH ARTHUR Beatselector Magazine | January/February 2020 | 65
THE YEAR THAT WAS
TWENTY-NINETEEN
R TY RECORDS OF THE YEAR
❶
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WHAT WE SAID
››STREAM Since the official release of Cassius’ “Dreems” this collection of songs has been on constant replay and personnally, its my go to album of the summer. I think this will be the case for millions across the globe as well. The album is overflowing with guaranteed hits and the more you listen, the more you hear the amazing musicianship these two shared in the studio. Easily a true contender for “Album of the Year,”“Dreems” is an instant classic that you will revisit continually, I have and it has only been out for a few weeks. So, jump in and enjoy this, and as fan of Cassius, I extend a heartfelt thanks and congratulations to Philippe and Hubert for putting out the “great feeling” album of the year. —JOSEPH WENSELL
Beatselector Magazine | January/February 2020 | 67
THE YEAR THAT WAS
TWENTY-NINETEEN
LOTY LABEL OF THE YEAR
SENSO SOUNDS Many labels including all the new launches to the long established brands celebrating milestone birthdays, releases and events, enjoyed a very successful year with their own impressive releases and successful campaigns and were certainly considered in the decision process for our 2019 Label Of The Year nod. Throughout the past year, there was one label that consistantly caught our attention. That label is Oliver Huntemann’s Senso-Sounds. In making the case for our choice, the reasons go beyond just what you hear. Senso Sounds is very well known for releasing some of the finest underground dance music and techno on the airwaves today. Great music aside, we must acknowledge the stunning artwork, motion graphics and social media campaigns that were rolled out for each Senso Sounds release. The visuals are as equally intrigiung as the music enclosed inside the packaging. In 2019, Senso Sounds released new music from Huntemann, as well as, releases from Carlo Ruetz, Maksim Dark, Hidden Empire, DJ Boris, DJ Kon’, Lily Palmer, Teenage Mutants, and Joran van Pol. Instantly engaging and enticing for intriging minds and ears, the search for new and exciting music is out there, and in 2019, Senso Sounds delivered!
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››STREAM
! " * | senso-sounds.net Beatselector Magazine | January/February 2020 | 69
THE YEAR THAT WAS
TWENTY-NINETEEN
AOTY ARTIST OF THE YEAR
CHARLOTTE DE WITTE
››STREAM
››STREAM
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››STREAM
Charlotte De Witte’s 2019 was without a doubt, a non-stop tour-de-force. Booked for every month of 2019, with very few ‘free days’ in-between, proves De Witte, is without a doubt one of the most sought after Techno DJs on the planet. Just a short couple of years ago, Beatselector Magazine wrote a brief Artist Profile piece on Charlotte, we have been following her ever since, just like all other EDM and mainstream media outlets. Also in 2019, De Witte somehow found the time to launch her own label KNTXT with three impressive EPs, “Slow Liquid” with Chris Liebing, “Pressure” and “Selected.” Jumping to current times and events, 2020 kicked off with a bang as well for the Belgian based rising star. She’s already lined up a bunch of dates essentially now through August taking her to events including Igloofest #9, CRSSD Festival Spring ‘20, Tomorrowland Winter, Resistance at We Are FSTVL 2020, Awakenings 2020 and Sónar 2020. Prediction--If this year is anything like last year in regards to touring and releasing excellent music projects, including a March 2020 slated new EP titled “Vision” on Len Faki’s Figure imprint, Charlotte’s popularity and demand will only continue to rise. It will be fun to watch.
! " * | charlottedewittmusic.com
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ØRJAN Ørjan Nilsen is a Norwegian producer and DJ. His debut studio album “In My Opinion “ was released in 2011, followed by “No Saint Out of Me” in 2013 and “Prism” in 2018. But did you know that Ørjan’s first break came in the form of the single “Redwoods” under the moniker of DJ Governor way back in 2006? Wikipedia is wonderful! Fourteen years later, Ørjan has seen his popularity skyrocket mostly due to his hard work, dedication and sheer talent as a producer and as a global mainstage entertainer.
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NILSEN Nilsen’s latest long-player “The Devil Is In The Detail” (available now) follows the same successful production formula as his previous releases continuing his journey of producing mammoth sized tunes overflowing with big, bold and beautiful sounds. When we were approached by Ørjan’s team pitching us on doing an interview with the Norwegian star revolving around his new release, we could not pass up the opportunity to pick his brain and find out what makes this enigmatic individual unique, why he does what he does and what’s in store for the future
WRITTEN & INTERVIEWED BY CATHERINE STRICKLAND
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Catherine Strickland: In a “nutshell,” what is the message of “The Devil Is In The Detail?” Ørjan Nilsen: This is an album where I wanted to showcase my versatility. Essentially it’s all about hearing those little details in each track that really show you that this is actually me. Regardless of the style or genre, I always leave a trace in every track I do. So you will always know – ‘’Yes, this is an Orjan Nilsen track!’’ CS: There were a number of singles that were released prior to the full album release. Was there a “buzz building” strategy behind the singles leading up to the album’s street date? ØN: In today’s day and age it’s very difficult to give all tracks the attention they need if you drop them all at once. This is why we decided to create a campaign that builds up towards the album, releasing some of the singles prior. You always have 2-3 tracks that take the spotlight in an album and the rest just lay in the shadow of those, this is what we tried to avoid. The album was too versatile to risk that! CS: You recently asked your fans on social media which track on “The Devil Is In The Detail” was their favorite. What did you learn? ØN: It seems like ‘’Reminiscence’’ and my collaboration with Fingerling ‘’1 Like You’’ took the lead! Both very different from one another. Up & Up was getting a lot of recognition too, and surprisingly ‘’Phantom Heart’’ which was definitely the most out-of-the-box track. CS: Since your beginnings back in 2006, would you say that you are now living your dream life? And if so, is it what you expected? ØN: Well, I would say I am living my dream life in many ways. Of course nothing is ever what you expect! There is a lot more work, there’s a lot more stuff in the industry I didn’t think of back in the day, but there’s positives and negatives in every field. The positives are much more though! I have to admit, being away from my family so much is always tough, but other than that I love my job. I can’t imagine doing anything else, not even being a surgeon, which was my dream back in the day! CS: Positive energy, without a doubt, runs through you and it definitely shows. How does this positivity play in to the music you make and the live performances you give? ØN: I already know that a lot of my energy – both positive and negative certainly go into my music. My emotional spectrum goes in every part of every track I ever made. When it comes to live performances – it’s sort of like a give and take situation. I can give so much energy to the crowd, but honestly, they give me so much more back. I can’t give all the credit to myself. It’s energy we feed off each other. That’s how it should be I think, a symbiosis between a performer and audience. I think you can often hear what kind of a mood I was in when making a certain track!
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WHEN IT COMES TO LIVE PERFORMANCES – IT’S SORT OF LIKE A GIVE AND TAKE SITUATION. I CAN GIVE SO MUCH ENERGY TO THE CROWD, BUT HONESTLY, THEY GIVE ME SO MUCH MORE BACK. I CAN’T GIVE ALL THE CREDIT TO MYSELF. IT’S ENERGY WE FEED OFF EACH OTHER. THAT’S HOW IT SHOULD BE I THINK, A SYMBIOSIS BETWEEN A PERFORMER AND AUDIENCE.
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I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO RELEASING A LOT MORE MUSIC, TRAVEL EVEN MORE, CAN’T WAIT FOR THE SUMMER FESTIVALS, HOPEFULLY MORE SHOWS IN MY OWN COUNTRY. THE IRONY IS THAT I HAVE SEEN MORE OF THE WORLD THAN I HAVE OF MY OWN COUNTRY TO BE HONEST!
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CS: We’ve heard you’ve been teaching a Master Production class on the side. Tell us about it. ØN: I love producing music and I love learning new stuff as well. I know a lot of people out there wonder how it all works and how they can learn about production. I had no idea if I would ever be a good teacher but it was very intriguing to have someone pick your brain a bit. I am happy the response on my classes is so good, because I discovered that I actually love teaching and seeing people improve their craft. When they send me a track and I give them some tips that they put into their work, it makes the track 10 times better – it’s sort of a gratification thing! I see somebody flourish. Masterclasses are definitely not something I will stop doing soon. CS: When you are not touring or making music, what do you do in your spare time? Hobbies? ØN: My management can for sure say that when I am home – I am really home. I am barely reachable for anything – I just love chilling with my daughter, eating pizza, watch Liverpool, watching some WWE, play some FIFA or spending endless hours with my friends around my kitchen island just having a drink and talking about normal things! CS: What are you looking forward to the most in 2020? ØN: I am looking forward to releasing a lot more music, travel even more, can’t wait for the summer festivals, hopefully more shows in my own country. The irony is that I have seen more of the world than I have of my own country to be honest! Other than that, I am just looking forward to what 2020 will bring, hopefully its better than 2019! CS: What can you fans expect from you in the coming new year? ØN: Lots of new music (no more albums though!), more collaborations and basically to continue exploring how far I can go versatility-wise! CS: Any New Year’s resolutions and/or predictions you’d like to share or make? ØN: I do not have New Year’s resolutions and I will never have one. It’s not a rule I like to put on myself, because I am a very going-with-theflow kind of guy. Let’s see what happens this year!
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THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAIL STRAIGHT FROM ØRJAN
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THIS IS AN ALBUM WHERE I WANTED TO SHOWCASE MY VERSATILITY. ESSENTIALLY IT’S ALL ABOUT HEARING THOSE LITTLE DETAILS IN EACH TRACK THAT REALLY SHOW YOU THAT THIS IS ACTUALLY ME. REGARDLESS OF THE STYLE OR GENRE, I ALWAYS LEAVE A TRACE IN EVERY TRACK I DO. SO YOU WILL ALWAYS KNOW – ‘YES, THIS IS AN ØRJAN NILSEN TRACK! ! " * | orjannilsen.com
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Beatselector Magazine | November/December 2019 | 53
JAMES DEXTER PEAKING THROUGH LONDON’S DEEP HOUSE UNDERGROUND Since 2012, James Dexter has released music for a myriad of labels including Nervous, Static Audio, Beef Records, Om Recordings, Solid Ground Recordings, Lost My Dog, Large Music and most recently-Damian Lazarus’s Crosstown Rebels. Additionally, he runs and releases on his own label Inermu Recordings. James also holds a degree in Music Production, which naturally plays an integral part to the music he produces. In this interview, James shares when he decided he wanted to be a music maker, earliest influences, defining songs and who put on the best concert in 2019-in his opinion! WRITTEN & INTERVIEWED BY JOSEPH ARTHUR
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Joseph Arthur: Tell us about yourself, your musical upbringing, and how you came to be a DJ/ producer. James Dexter: I am DJ/Producer from London, I first got into DJ’ing when I was around 15 years old. I had started to buy records and got my first set of turntables. My production journey started when I was around 16/17 and i went to college to study music production, I then went onto University where I also studied music production. JA: Who are your are earliest influences and who inspires you today? JD: I was really into Garage music when i first started to DJ, so a lot of the UK guys from EZ, to the Dream Team all had an early influence on me. Today, I’m inspired by many different artists and a varied mix of different music styles, also anyone that puts themselves out there, doing what they love passionately can inspire and encourage me. JA: What three tracks of yours defines you as a music producer and why? JD: That’s actually a very tough one for me to answer....but if i had to pick i would say these 3 from 2019. Arkady Antsyrev - “For Us” (James Dexter) [Inermu] James Dexter - “Back Then” [Inermu] and ANOTR - “Hypnosis” (James Dexter) [No Art]. Beatselector Magazine | January/February 2020 | 85
JA: What does to mean to you to be included on Damian Lazarus’ Crosstown Rebels latest Spirits (III) compilation? JD: It means a lot, i’ve followed Damian and Crosstown Rebels for many years and it’s always been a goal of mine to release on Crosstown. JA: What were your top highlights for 2019? JD: 2019 was the year i started to push and organize showcase events for my label “Inermu”. I held several parties at some of my favorite clubs including Fabric (London), Frieda Buxe (Zurich) and 93 Feet East (London), these were definitely up there as highlights of 2019. JA: What was your favorite Album of 2019 (no matter the genre). JD: Swimming by Mac Miller, this album came out in 2018, but was still my favorite album for last year. JA: What was the best show/concert/festival you attended in 2019? Why? JD: Unfortunately, i didn’t attend any festivals this year, i had tickets to Houghton Festival but sadly that was cancelled, but the best concert I attended was at The Roundhouse in Camden, to see Jordan Rakei, the guy is a serious talent and for anyone that hasn’t heard his music, please take a moment to check him out, JA: If you weren’t a DJ/Producer, what would you be doing professionally? JD: Something in events I reckon. I enjoy organizing and planning and feel that’s a route I could have gone down.
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“Today, I’m inspi mix of differe themselves out th inspir
ired by many different artists and a varied rent music styles, also anyone that puts here, doing what they love passionately can re and encourage me.� —James Dexter
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