BEATSELECTOR Magazine Issue N°8

SPECIAL YEAR IN REVIEW ISSUE: FAVORITE ALBUMS, VIDEOS & STORIES

DJ EZ FELIX KRÖECHER LEE VAN DOWSKI PIEK SEJO TERI MIKO EGO MUSIC KIM ANN FOXMAN BRIAN ENO

COSMIC GATE FERRY CORSTEN THIEVERY CORP. JOEY NEGRO deadmau5 MARTIN GARRIX THE CHAINSMOKERS SUARA MUSIC

LOUIE VEGA

ARTIST OF THE

YEAR

20 N E W R E L E A S E S R E V I E W E D

B EATSELECTOR Moving Electronic Music Forward

2017 / Issue N° 8

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

YEAR IN REVIEW56

ISSUE NUMBER 8 JANUARY 2017

20

sixte e n

We revisit our favorite albums, videos and feel good stories of 2016

Departments 08 ICYMI RECENT NEWS & MORE FROM AROUND THE WEB. 22 NEW MUSIC RELEASES KIM ANN FOXMAN, COSMIC GATE, BRIAN ENO, FERRY CORSTEN, THIEVERY CORPORATION, JOEY NEGRO. 34 ON TOUR THE WEEKND 36 ARTIST PROFILES DJ EZ, FELIX KRÖECHER, LEE VAN DOWSKI, PIEK, SEJO, TERI MIKO. 48 LABEL WATCH ITALY'S EGO MUSIC. 102 CD/EP/12" MUSIC REVIEWS THE KENNETH BAGER EXPERIENCE 'FOLLOW THE BEAT' ON MUSIC FOR DREAMS KICKS IT OFF.

Our ARTIST of the YEAR

LOUIE VEGA

50

Cover Photography © Louie Vega TOC Photography © Steven "Lucky" Benson

vOPENING NOTES Written by Joseph Wensell

The End of 2016 & The Beginning of 2017 Issue Number 8 is a Special Year in Review edition. We look back to 2016 and revisit some of the biggest news stories of the year including: the downfall of SFX Entertainment and its resurrection as LifeStyle; SoundCloud’s future and will they be around in 2017-18?; the wild successes of Martin Garrix and The Chainsmokers; Spain's Suara Music and their rise to DJ Awards "Label of the Year " and their long time dream of opening a retail shop realized and the brand's mission to advocate for cats; Fabric’s closure and reopening and the #Om Telolet Om phenomenon.

Plus in our Year in Review, we list our favorite ten albums and excerpt what we said in our reviews, ten of our favorite videos of 2016, which you can watch, and the best of year end compilations that you should add to your music play lists.

As 2017 kicks off, we fill you in on news you may have missed on deadmau5 and his MasterClass partnership, ULTRA Music Festival 2017, The 2017 Brighton Music Conference, Hakkasan Group's newest "Gaming for Millenials" property Level Up, Sminoff's continued dedciation to diversity in the EDM community and the resurgence of the Analog Synthesizer.

For our Label Watch, the discovery of Italy’s EGO Music was a pleasant surprise. The 20+ yearold label is releasing some sparkling pop, dance and club music that you need to know about.

Drum roll please! Our Artist of the Year for 2016 is…Louie Vega. The famed producer of more than 35 years has a 2017 Grammy Best Dance/Electronic Album nomination for his 2016 release “Louie Vega Starring…XXVIII” and recently performed in front of a whopping 400,000 fans in South Africa. We tell a story of how we came to our decision.

And to start of 2017 we keep with our tradition of reviewing 20 new music releases leading off with “Follow The Beat” by The Kenneth Bager Experience.

Enjoy and read on!

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vICYMI

News from around the web

MasterClass Introduces Electronic Music Production with deadmau5 Joel Zimmerman can add a new title to his esteemed resume. Professor. Late in 2016, MasterClass, the online education platform announced deadmau5 will be offering instruction, along with do's and don'ts, tips and tricks of the trade for people embarking on an electronic music production career path.

In his 5 hour plus MasterClass, Zimmerman will bring students into his home studio via the web with 23 video lessons on how he approaches music production, sharing his expertise on melody development, as well as mixing and mastering. It will be a "soup to nuts" course that will teach students how to make their own sounds that they would otherwise never find.

The prolific producer explains "Kids, DJs... anyone can compose music with just a computer. My MasterClass is a no bullshit look into what it takes to make great music, and it's not just buying millions of dollars worth of gear. I'm going to show my students how to play with sounds and mix melodies they can share with the world.

I've never done something at this depth before."

Enrollment began in November 2016 and the cost for the MasterClass is $90.00.

Watch the trailer and register here.

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Photography by Jess Baumung

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vICYMI

News from around the web

Smirnoff and Mixmag Fosters Diversity within the Electronic Music Community Since its birth in 2014, the Smirnoff Sound Collective, the SMIRNOFF™ brand's international music platform, has inspired a more inclusive world through electronic music and is taking a stand against exclusivity and the lack of diversity within electronic music through the launch of a new artist mentorship program that will lead its push for electronic music industry leaders to be more inclusive of under represented communities and individuals.

The Smirnoff Sound Collective's new artist mentorship program, in partnership with Mixmag, will give more artists an opportunity for success while inspiring other industry leaders to use their platforms to make a positive impact toward change and will continue to share the diverse stories of artists around the world through its short-form documentary series "Tribes" and use it as a catalyst to push forth change in the electronic music community.

"Tribes" episodes to-date include "Tribes: DISCWOMAN," "Tribes: NAAFI" and "Tribes: DIRTYBIRD." A new documentary as part of the "Tribes" series will be released in March.

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Photography © Smirnoff

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vICYMI

News from around the web

ULTRA Music Festival '17 Announces Phase One Lineup with The Prodigy, Major Lazer, and Justice...

ULTRA MUSIC FESTIVAL, which takes place this March 24, 25, and 26, at the end of Miami Music Week 2017, has lifted the lid on Phase One of its lineup.

ULTRA's inimitable LIVE offering receives special attention for 2017, as it prepares to welcome some of the biggest names in Electronica, Hip-Hop and Pop to Downtown Miami. Headlining The World's #1 Festival (DJ Mag) in March are a slew of chart-topping A-listers, including Ice Cube, Major Lazer, The Prodigy, Underworld, Above & Beyond, Afrojack, Alesso, Armin van Buuren, Axwell^Ingrosso, Dash Berlin, David Guetta, Hardwell, Martin Garrix, DJ Snake, Steve Aoki, Tiësto and Justice, the latter of whom will be unveiling their brand new live show for the very first time in the U.S. RESISTANCE will take over two stages at Bayfront Park in 2017 with headliners Carl Cox, Dubfire, Jamie Jones, Joseph Capriati, Maceo Plex, Marco Carola, Sasha & John Digweed and Tale of Us. For more information on all RESISTANCE events, visit resistancemusic.com.

With every genre across the electronic music space represented by the biggest and freshest acts on the planet, Ultra Music Festival 2017 is not to be missed so act now and get your tickets, on sale at ultramusicfestival.com.

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Photography Š Major Lazer

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vICYMI

News from around the web

Hakkasan Group Opens Level Up, a High Tech Game Room in Las Vegas LEVEL UP, Hakkasan Group's latest creation, is a new and exciting 'place to play' concept that opened it's doors to the public on December 29, 2016. It's purpose is to change the way Las Vegas views lounge entertainment, bringing in a new era in interactive, skill-based fun.

Located between Hakkasan Nightclub and the MGM Grand Race and Sports Book, the tech savvy, adult playground features pay-to-play offerings in a social atmosphere, designed to not only attract the next generation of players, but existing players seeking innovation.

LEVEL UP offers an extensive selection of traditional activities including pool, foosball and ping pong, among others, all while putting an inventive twist on the latest in peer-to-peer experiences.

The 12,000-square-foot venue welcomes a contemporary wave of gaming with a number of unique installations including QuadAir Hockey, Bubble Hockey, Sigma Derby, Giant Pac-Man and Connect Four, an arm wrestling table, and much more.

Level Up is located at 3799 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, Nevada and is open from 11 a.m to 4 a.m daily.

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Photography Š Level Up

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vICYMI

News from around the web

Analog Synthesizer Products Gain Big Sales Uptick Over 6 Year Span Following three decades of digital interfaces and sampler dominance, a new generation of musicians desiring a return to warm, pure sounds are fuelling a resurgence in analog synthesizer retail sales.

In the past five years alone, Moog Inc., Korg USA Inc., WMD and other brands have helped drive the analog synthesizer market to a 19.9% growth in total retail sales.

The data, provided by 2016 NAMM Global Report, underscores a re-emergence of players captivated by the tactile playing experience of analog control surfaces as musicians favor working knobs, faders and other features in lieu of digital displays and computer interfaces.

On the whole, electronic music products were one of the strongest performing music product segments in 2015, posting near double-digit retail growth in 2015 at 9.9%.

The electronic music products category, touted a retail value of $238.3 million in 2015, and for year 2016, the category has already reached more than $155 million through Q3.

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Photography © Korg

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vICYMI

News from around the web

BMC 2017 Returns with Stellar Programming on April 27 & 28 for EDM Business Conference The UK’s leading electronic music industry event, Brighton Music Conference will take place at Brighton Dome and various venues on April 27 & 28, 2017. BMC’s fourth year will feature brands, companies, and organizations including AFEM (Association For Electronic Music), Beatport, Toolroom, Hospital Records, CM Sound, Source Distribution, DJ Mag, Decoded, Roland, Korg and dozens more.

BMC focuses on innovation, education and the key issues facing the electronic and dance music sector and is attended by thousands of experienced music industry professionals and the next generation of DJs/producers, enabling attendees to form new business partnerships, showcase products and expand existing networks.

The event spotlights Industry-leading delegates and speakers at over 50 talks, seminars and workshops discussing the future sustainable growth of the Electronic Music Industry.

Tickets will give access to the two-day conference’s showcases, panels and interviews, service providers and to BMC Club nights hosting world-class artists and DJs at the city’s finest venues.

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Photography © BMC

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vICYMI

News from around the web

SoundCloud Go Launches in Germany Offering Premium Music SoundCloud and co-founder Alexander Ljung (pictured) has had a rollercoaster type of year. Acquisition talks with Spotify. Withdrawn. Rumors abound of initial talks with Google about buying the popular streaming platform, and a $52 Million loss in its revenue stream since 2015. But there is a bright spot in the struggling company’s future that may prove to be very beneficial.

SoundCloud has launched its monthly subscription service, SoundCloud Go, in Germany, adding to their list of territories that includes the U.S. the U.K., France, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. SoundCloud pitches the service as "giving music fans access to the largest music catalogue in the world" – blending, as it does, premium music releases with amateur uploads. In total, more than 135 million tracks are available to play on the platform. It has one big price differential on its competition: Pro Unlimited creator subscribers of SoundCloud – who pay for extra features when uploading tracks– benefit from a discounted rate of €1,99 when subscribing to SoundCloud Go. Subscribers get a 30-day free trial, after which a $/£/€9.99 monthly subscription fee will apply. Get it here.

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Photography © SoundCloud

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vNEW MUSIC

Brooklyn resident Kim Ann Foxman kicks off 2017 with a fresh release on her own Firehouse Recordings imprint. "Energy EP," released on January 20, 2017, comprises four new tracks heavy with Foxman’s recognizable sound, centered around her own unique vocals and the nostalgia of early house and techno records.

As a producer, Foxman delivers catchy hooks and haunting melodies, and is also celebrated for beguiling and original vocals. Her Firehouse Recordings imprint (inspired by the old firehouse in Brooklyn that is her studio and a creative hub for the like-minded) is responsible for a steady stream of mind-bending releases.

An effortless trendsetter, Foxman is wellknown for her inimitable style and ability

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to move seamlessly between the music and fashion worlds. She has built solid relationships with brands like Gucci, Dior Homme, Prada, and Adidas. Through a deep dedication to music and an infectious positive outlook, Kim Ann Foxman's output is a reflection of her genuine approach, which is felt by all wherever she plays.

Following on from a series of highly acclaimed solo productions on Firehouse, Foxman once again creates music to intoxicate. “Energy EP dives into my rave roots,’ she explains, 'It includes

Photography by C-de-Castro

a selection of tracks to be enjoyed at different times of the night.”

"U R Magnetic" sets the tone with a feverish vocal hooked on haunting undertones, while "E4 Energy" steps up the tempo with arhythm that exudes Foxman's own fire and intensity, whilst also capturing the spirit of rave.

Foxman’s vocals are center stage in "U & Me Electricity," a track reminiscent of the UK rave scene and concluding in true mind-bending style is "2 The Source."

Foxman created Firehouse Recordings two years ago and has developed it into a label for music heads that centers around quality underground music for the dancefloor.

2016 saw her become the resident at The Good Rooms in Brooklyn, a Panorama Bar regular and she concluded the year by playing for the Mixmag Lab. Stream the new release "Energy EP" at https://soundcloud.com/kimannfoxman Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 8 | 23

vNEW MUSIC

Germany’s most successful and enduring electronic music duo, Cosmic Gate released on January 20, 2017 Chapter.One of 'Materia’s two part arc, with the second primed for a later release in 2017.

Speaking about the new album, Nic Chagal says "We didn’t set out to create the most definitive Cosmic Gate releases ever. It is how it turned out though. With each week that passed, Bossi picks up and each track we finished over its 12-month timeline, we became evermore aware of how fundamentally 'Cosmic Gate' the developing album sounded. Who knows? maybe these’ll be the ones that, over time, people will hold up and say hey, this is what Cosmic Gate are all about."

Buy it here.

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Photography Š Cosmic Gate

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vNEW MUSIC

Brian Eno returns to the "Ambient" arena with his new album "REFLECTION," released through Warp Records on New Years Day 2017.

Available from 1 January 1, 2017 on Apple TV and iOS, the premium versions of "Reflection" reflect Eno's decades long work in music, visual and generative arts. Created with longtime collaborator Peter Chilvers, the pieces feature generative sonics and imagery, an extension of landmark Eno software projects such as "77 Million Paintings" and "The Ship."

Speaking to the album, Eno writes “REFLECTION is the most recent of my Ambient experiments and represents the most sophisticated of them so far.

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My original intention with Ambient music was to make endless music, music that would be there as long as you wanted it to be. I wanted also that this music would unfold differently all the time - ‘like sitting by a river’: it’s always the same river, but it’s always changing. But recordings —whether vinyl, cassette or CD— are limited in length, and replay identically each time you listen to them. So in the past I was limited to making the systems which make the music, but then recording 30 minutes or an hour and releasing that.

Photography © Brian Eno

REFLECTION in its album form—on vinyl or CD—is like this. But the app by which REFLECTION is produced is not restricted: it creates an endless and endlessly changing version of the piece of music. The creation of a piece of music like this falls into three stages: the first is the selection of sonic materials and a musical mode —a constellation of musical relationships.

them, resulting in a constantly morphing stream (or river) of music. The third stage is listening. Once I have the system up and running I spend a long time - many days and weeks in fact - seeing what it does and fine-tuning the materials and sets of rules that run the algorithms. It’s a lot like gardening: you plant the seeds and then you keep tending to them until you get a garden you like."

These are then patterned and explored by a system of algorithms which vary and permutate the initial elements I feed into

Pricing for the premium editions is as follows: iOS & Apple TV - £29.99 / $39.99 / €39.99.

Buy it here.

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 8 | 27

vNEW MUSIC

Dance music legend Ferry Corsten unveiled his latest offering under his Gouryella moniker—a full-length album dubbed "From The Heavens," a 12-track collection released on December 9, 2016 in CD and digital formats. The anthemic and ethereal record features a plethora of tracks, highlighted by 2016 versions of Gouryella classics including "Gouryella," "Ligaya," "Walhalla" and "Tenshi," among others. The record also features Ferry Corsten's brand new single "Drum's A Weapon" and the melodic, celestial tune "Dopamina" from emerging trance star, Dimension. Earlier in 2016, Corsten embarked on the first ever run of Gouryella live performances across the globe while releasing the follow up single "Neba."

Buy it at iTunes or Fine Night.

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Photography © Ferry Corsten

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vNEW MUSIC

"The innovation, spirit and power of Jamaican music is a constant source of creative manna for us," explains Eric Hilton of DC-based electronic band Thievery Corporation about their new album "The Temple of I & I," slated for a February 10, 2017 release on Eighteenth Street Music.

"On the musical map, Jamaica is an entire continent. Frankly, we could have spent a year there, soaking up the vibes in the air and the strength and resilience resonating from the people. And for us, the only way to connect with this rich source of inspiration was to work in that environment - to feel the pulse of the place."

Infused with the culture and rhythm of Jamaica, "The Temple of I & I" is an extension

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of the dub ethos and aesthetic that they've harbored since their debut EP Sounds from Thievery Hi-Fi, except this time, they dove head first into the rich and warm musical environs of Port Antonio, Jamaica and surrounded themselves with the island's magic.

"People couldn't believe Robbie Myers, our guitarist, wasn't Jamaican," laughs Hilton. "I think they're used to people coming down from London or LA to record rock and pop records,

Photography Š Thievery Corporation

and they were thrilled that we had such a handle on their sound. It felt like the respect was mutual. It was beyond gratifying. High Grade ganja and bottles of Appleton rum started to show up on the reg."

Rife with inspired sounds of the island, "The Temple of I & I" kicks off with "Thief Rockers," easing the listener into a reverb-heavy tropical sway that introduces Kingstonnewcomer, vocalist Racquel Jones. "I met her on my first trip to Port Antonio and she played some demos at Geejam. She had actually used

Thievery Corporation as her demo backing track, and it was a perfect match when I heard it. We've been waiting years to find a conscious, brilliant, female Jamaican singer and MC. As a model and former Miss Jamaica contestant, you'd never expect the pure lyrical fire and tough delivery could come out of her. It's impressive," explains Hilton. Jones is also featured on the first single of the album 'Letter to the Editor' and on the track 'Road Block.'

Pre-order "The Temple of I & I" here.

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 8 | 31

vNEW MUSIC

More than 10 years after its original release, "The Soul of Disco Vol.1" finally sees a gatefold double vinyl release featuring 10 of the best tracks from Vol.1 of the series.

Disco-nut producer Joey Negro and fellow crafty crate-digger Sean P came to the rescue in 2005 with the first of their great value "Soul of Disco" albums that was rammed to the rafters with classic, rare hard to find gems from the era that brought us fantastic music and sparkly platforms. This collection spans the years 1976-'82, with an R&B slant and more song-based material and is intended to show that there were a few more sides to one of the last century's biggest musical phenomena.

The "Soul of Disco Vol.1" was released on December 20, 2016. Buy it here.

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Photography © Joey Negro

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vON TOUR

The WEEKND

Starboy: Legend of the Fall Tour The Starboy: Legend of the Fall Tour is the upcoming sixth concert tour by Canadian singer and songwriter The Weeknd, to support his album Starboy (2016).

The tour is scheduled to begin on February 17, 2017, at the Ericsson Globe in Stockholm. "Phase 1" of the tour will conclude at the U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati on June 9, 2017.

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FEBRUARY 17 STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN ERICSSON GLOBE FEBRUARY 19 OSLO, NORWAY OSLO SPEKTRUM FEBRUARY 20 COPENHAGEN, DENMARK ROYAL ARENA FEBRUARY 24 AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS ZIGGO DOME FEBRUARY 26 ZÜRICH, SWITZERLAND HALLENSTADION FEBRUARY 28 PARIS, FRANCE ACCOR HOTELS ARENA MARCH 2 COLOGNE, GERMANY LANXESS ARENA MARCH 3 ANTWERP, BELGIUM SPORTPALEIS MARCH 5 MANCHESTER, ENGLAND MANCHESTER ARENA MARCH 7 & 8 LONDON, ENGLAND THE O2 ARENA MARCH 10 GLASGOW, SCOTLAND THE SSE HYDRO MARCH 11 NEWCASTLE, ENGLAND METRO RADIO ARENA MARCH 13 BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND BARCLAYCARD ARENA VISIT THEWEEKND.COM FOR MORE DATES & TICKETS Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 8 | 35

vARTIST PROFILE

Written by Catherine Strickland

DJ EZ

DJ EZ (pronounced DJ EEE ZED) had a pretty remarkable career, especially the year of 2016. Back in February, he performed a 24-hour, non-stop live set via his website all to raise awareness and money to the tune of £60,000 for Cancer Research UK. The event would catch the attention of DJ Mag and award him with not only front page editorial, but would also acknowledge him as the recipient of the Best DJ title for the magazine’s coveted Best of British Awards 2016.

From an early age while growing up in Tottenham, DJ EZ dreamed of pursuing a career in music, computing and electronics as a professional DJ. Like many others out there, it all pretty much began in his bedroom with a radio/tape recorder, an amplifier and tape deck allowing him to experiment and develop his mixing skills. He would move on to using and modifying his parents Hi-Fi after school, without his parent’s permission, utilizing his electronic abilities and begin to hone in on perfecting his mixing skills. His first break came at the age of 14 with an offering from Dance 93FM’s Reggie Reg. to spin on a regular Sunday morning program for the station and would set him on the fast track to achieving his childhood dream.

His achievements are many and go way beyond the extraordinary. In addition to 2016's high praise, invitations to the world's greatest music spectaculars continues, mix recordings and compliations on Warner Music, Fabriclive, Ministry of Sound and Z Records are out ther for your listening enjoyment and with his philanthopy passions, all of these prove that he knows how to connect and appeal to his audience.

While this short profile is just a snapshot of DJ EZ’s great and long journey, his is a story that you, the reader, should explore a bit deeper, you’ll be glad you did.

Follow djez.com C/djezofficial M/@djezofficial 36 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 8

Photography © DJ EZ

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vARTIST PROFILE

Written by Joseph Wensell

FELIX KRÖECHER Felix Kröecher and German Techno go hand in hand. Residing in Frankfurt, the 30 something year old has been shaping, influencing and exporting high quality techno music out of the German scene for over 15 years. His list of performances is impressive with multiple appearances at Germany’s Time Warp, Nature One, and May Day to bigger international events that include The Wire Festival in Japan, Nocturnal, Awakenings, and Amsterdam Dance Event, among countless others.

Kröecher’s musical output begins in 2007 with "The Live Collection" followed by 2008’s full-length debut album "Connected." In just the last 12 months, he has released three EPs—"Ammunition" on Riot Records, "Provident" on Terminal M, and "Distressed" on Selected Records, plus four singles for Toolroom, Riot, and Vision Agile and has remixed tracks for Frankyeffe, Spektre, and Ant Brooks.

In addition to spending a lot a time in the studio recording and remixing, Kröecher can be heard presenting his own high quality Techno music and serving as a tastemaker as well, spotlighting his newest musical faves to 30 plus markets worldwide via his radio show, Sunshine Live—Germany’s most important channel for everything electronic.

Felix Kröecher is well on his way to greater international popularity and has firmly cemented his position in the German electronic scene.

Follow felixkroecher.com C/felixkroecherofficial M/@felixkroecher 38 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 8

Photography © Felix Kröecher

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vARTIST PROFILE

Written by Joseph Arthur

LEE VAN DOWSKI

Lee Van Dowski's biographical opening is one of the best I've read. It goes like this. "Lee Van Dowski: The very name exudes style and intrigue—a country lord, perhaps, who at night throws open the manor gates to host allnight bacchanals legendary for their wine and song.” Intriguing to say the least.

Born Renaud Lewandowski in France, Lee Van Dowski, now based out of Geneva, Switzerland grew up in a household influenced by his stepfather’s eclectic musical tastes spanning classical, jazz, funk, rock, musique concrete and academic electronic music, all of which have played a role in the music creations he produces to this day.

Lee was first exposed to the EDM scene in 1993 at a rave in the south region of France. He reflects upon that experience with the statement: "That was the shock of my life and that was what I was looking for, without really knowing it—thousands of people dancing and sweating in the open air. Since that day, I've devoted my life entirely to being a part of this."

Since that day long ago in 1993, the former Lausanne music shop gear head has been involved with the infamous "Dragon Bal" raves, worked with Quenum, Luciano and Sven Väth among other techno gods and has upwards of 100 releases on dozens of reputable labels such as: Cadenza, Suara Music, Rebellion, Mobilee, and most recently Nicole Moudaber’s MOOD.

Follow leevandowski.com C/leevandowski M/@LeeVanDowski 40| Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 8

Photography Š Oliver Malicdem

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vARTIST PROFILE

Wriiten by Leo Weaver

PIEK

Perhaps you’ve heard Piek’s music. It's been used in global advertising campaigns for beauty/cosmetic/lifestyle mega brands Wella Professionals and SelectNY, affording a long-standing gig that the producer from Spain has maintained for years now.

As a versatile and relentless producer, his music is representative of a man with a high level of imagination for creating songs that defies any single genre or category. On any given release you’ll hear a wide range of sounds and influences, whether it’s experimental, house or techno, one thing is certain, his music is appealing and undeniably his vision. In 2010 he released his first project and has since been recognized and nominated for his efforts by Deejaymag and Vicious Awards, as well as being included on compilations put out by Farbic and Balance.

His discography lists labels such as Sincopat, Einmuiska, Diynamic, Flakun and Cecille and feature collaborations with Lee Foss, Uner, Butch, Alexkid, Mihai Popoviciu, Ian Pooley and Pablo Bolivar.

In July of 2013, that staff at SoundCloud chose Piek as a "Recommended Artist," an acknowledgement that helped push him into the international spotlight and instantly increasing his number of followers on the popular streaming platform.

Most recently, Piek teamed up Chilean vocalist Jim Hast and Tony Philips, one of the Advertising Industry hottest writers working providing the lyrics for the EP "That’s Me (Trippin')," a prelude to the forthcoming fulllength album "Despertar" scheduled for a February 20, 2017 release on Sincopat. The track has 5 different takes and features remixes by Berlin based-duo Kyodai and Pablo Bolivar.

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Photography © Piek

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vARTIST PROFILE

Written by Joseph Wensell

SEJO

Valentina Ottoboni is the total package. From the age of 5 she has studied dance in classical, jazz, hip-hop and fusion forms then receiving an education in voice and acting.

In December 2016 she introduced herself to the world as Sejo, a name taken from the Norwegian word Sjø meaning sea, and with her debut single "Too Young" on Italy’s EGO Music.

Valentina has a remarkably exquisite ability of displaying her voice and songwriting talent through her cited influences of sounds reminiscent of dark pop, R&B, Electro, and Soul music in which she presents front and center. Will this be of direction she has chosen for herself and her musical aspirations? One can hope so, simply because it fits so well.

On the debut track "Too Young," you will hear and feel the good vibes she puts forth in the sensible pop song, especially with its infectious and catchy chorus, delivering a very strong debut that is radio friendly and sure to be pushed out to the masses.

Equally impressive is the fact that she has embraced her desire to pursue a livelihood within the dance music scene instead of choosing a career in dance, or acting for that matter, both of which would have been successful choices for the young ingénue.

Additionally, she has the 'look' and coupled with the years of dance training in its various forms, one can assume that those skills will also be an important ingredient to the future that lies ahead her. So, pay attention because Sejo is a name that you’ll be hearing about as she embarks on her exciting journey.

Follow C/sejoofficial M/@SejoOfficial 44 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 8

Photography © Sejo

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vARTIST PROFILE

Written by Leo Weaver

TERI MIKO

Megastar Dyro knows talent when he sees and hears it. His latest discovery is Teri Miko. Coming out of the Trap scene in India, she is raising eyebrows and impressing some of the biggest names in the genre with her latest massive bone shaking track "Fukuyo." She first debuted the track while supporting Dyro in a club setting in India and word has it that it took only one listen for Dyro to decide to sign the rising star to his label WOLV Records, recognizing what will be a force within the genre.

Getting attention from Dyro is par for the course for Teri, notably because of her live sets that have warranted invitations to showcase at ADE for Wall Recordings sharing the event with fellow Wall Records recording artists Afrojack and Mr. Probz and opening slots for bass legends Slander and Marshmello. Not bad for someone just breaking on to global scene.

Don’t let her lovely features fool you. They are not represented at all in the music she is producing. It’s hard hitting and full of ass-kickery and as the self described bully and nerd concedes, she is no girlie girl. She's well versed as a skilled turntablist, very knowledgeable in hip-hop and old school and a top prize receipient of the Vestax scratch competition, at which time she was still searching for her signature sound. It was the discovery of Trap and Bass music that turned out to be the final piece to the evolution of her now super-sonic productions.

When she's not behind the decks or in the studio, she spends her time keeping in top physical shape and advocating and caring for homeless animals, a nice soft personality trait that is contrary to her music persona.

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Photography Š Teri Miko

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vLABEL WATCH

Written by Joseph Wensell

EGO MUSIC Over the last 20 years, EGO Music, Italy’s dance music’s market leader, has grown into one of the world’s most respected and successful record labels. EGO Music was established in 2004 by Ilario Drago (an experienced A&R professional at V2 Music Italy and Virgin Italy).

Today, the label is a division of the Vae Victus Srl group headquartered in Verbania, Italy. Under the EGO umbrella are sub-labels E2 and Hysterical, both of which serve up Dance, Pop, and Club music, Una Sasa— the Publishing arm of the label, as well as a self serving Management and Booking agency.

Over the years, EGO artists and releases have been on charts including: F.I.MI., iTunes Singles, Beatport Top 100, Billboard Hot Dance Charts among others and first achieved Multi-Platinum sales certification from Nielsen with the 2011 single release

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"Mr. Saxobeat" by Alexandra Stan.

Currently, the label is the home of some the best artists on the international scene: Alexandra Stan, Serebro, Wankelmut, Emma Louise, Ben Pearce, Duke Dumont, Chris Malinchak, Laidback Luke, Nadia Ali, Dino Lenny, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, DKS, Flanders, House Republic aka Richard Grey, Mephisto, Starchaser and Stereo Palma.

EGO has a large global footprint reaching listeners and fans in Australia, Poland, Israel, Mexico, Turkey, Russia, Brazil, Scandinavia, Hungary, South Africa, Greece, Czech Republic, South Korea and India working with and through major Dance labels: Ultra Music, 3 Beat, Hed Kandi, Futurepl@y, Robbins, Happy Music, Jeff Records, Scorpio Music, Universal Music, Blanco Y Negro, Roster Music, Kontor Records, Ministry Of Sound, N.E.W.S., Spinnin’ Records, Sony Music.

ON THE WEB Website: egomusic.net Facebook: EgoItaly Twitter: @ego_italy Soundcloud: Ego-Italy Spotify: ego-italy Youtube: egomusicnet

LATEST RELEASES A-TRAK

FEAT. PHANTOGRAM

PARALLEL LINES

(Drunken Masters Remix)

REL. DATE: 01.20.2017 STREAM: SPOTIFY

FLYBOY

FEAT. GAVRIELLE

ICELAND REL. DATE: 01.13.2017 STREAM: SPOTIFY

DKS

KLINGANDE

GET UP AND BRING IT

SOMEWHERE NEW

FEAT. ASHLEY SLATER

REL. DATE: 01.16.2017 STREAM: BEATPORT

FEAT. M-22

(Remixes Vol.2)

REL. DATE: 01.13.2017 STREAM: SPOTIFY

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 8 | 49

2016 ARTIST O

LOUIE

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OF THE YEAR

VEGA

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WHY we chose Louie Vega as our 2016 Artist of the Year has long story behind it.

So, I’ll start at the beginning. In 1997 I was working at America’s JazzTimes Magazine as an advertising sales and marketing rep. Typically on any given week, we would receive literally hundreds of promos from all kinds of labels and musicians with the hopes of getting a write up within the pages of the esteemed and globally respected publication. Some would make the cut and others would not, ending up in mail bins at the end of the month, at which time, it was a free for all grab-up of promo CDs. One day, as I was flipping through the promos, I came across a CD with enticing cover art and an interesting title.

That release was Nuyorcian Soul. So, as I began my 20-minute commute home that day, I slid the CD into the player and was amazed at the glorious music coming from the speakers. That was my first introduction to Louie Vega and

I’ve been a big fan ever since. For almost 4 decades, Vega has been putting his fingerprints on music incorporating Jazz, Soul, Salsa, Hip-hop and other genres into his productions and sets in clubs and festival dates all over the world. He’s been a part of the famed remixers Masters of Work and has released several projects with legendary producers Kenny “Dope” Gonzalez and Todd Terry.

Over the years he has lent his remix skills to the biggest superstars in the world include works for Michael Jackson, Luther Vandross, Madonna, Jamiroquai, Tito Puente, India, Janet Jackson, Tania Maria, George Benson, Black Eyed Peas, Jocelyn Brown, Bebe Winans, and Earth Wind & Fire just to name a few.

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Photography © Louie Vega

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IN HIS OWN WORDS

about Louie Vega Starring...XXVIII

This body of work 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. The entire process happened within a few years. It started with a few songs and then this past year, I was in a creative state and the music happened back to back. As I traveled and toured, I met artists on the road and would record with them a few weeks later. The experience with the artists on the album was magical; they are all so talented and very unique and have their own special quality.

My inspirations came from various visits around the world and experiences in life. As far as the album's sounds, I revisited lots of R&B, soul, gospel, nu jazz, even some disco, all within the backdrop of house music, took it back to the artist and song tailoring.

Photography Š Louie Vega

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Jumping forward to March of 2016, almost 20 years later, I received a Press Release from Vega’s Public Relations team announcing a new release titled "Louie Vega Starring…XXVIII." This was exciting news as it was marking the very first album release under the "Louie Vega" name as a Solo artist. Naturally, we wanted to support the release and decided to have it as "Lead CD Review" in our 2016 Spring issue, giving it a five out of five star rating. Offered in a 2 CD set, digital download, and limited vinyl at select retailers, features over 25 artists on 28 cuts including Funkadelic & the Iconic George Clinton, The 3 Winans Brothers and The Clark Sisters, Jocelyn Brown, Nick Monaco & Soul Clap, N'Dea Davenport, Lisa Fischer, Cindy Mizelle, Anane Vega, Monique Bingham, Caron Wheeler, Josh Milan, Bucie, Tony Momrelle, Kaylow, Vikter Duplaix, Cassio Ware, Adeva, Leroy Burgess & Covertion , Kenny Bobien, Zara McFarlane, Luis Salinas, Roberto Roena, Diviniti, and Byron Stingily. While, the 2016 release of "Louie Vega Starring…XXVIII," which, by the way, we anticipated and stated in our album review, that it would be on many Year End Best of Lists, is the foundation of our decision to name Vega as our Artist of the Year, we cannot exclude other monumental achievements he has enjoyed this year: Numerous huge gigs across the world including a set in front of 400,000 people in South Africa, a 2017 Grammy nomination for Best Dance/Electronic Album and countless press and media acknowledgements and write ups, big and small, from all over the world. But, it’s one thing to give music of this magnitude to the world and inspiring and influencing countless djs and producers coming up through the ranks, but it's another thing to do something in the philanthropic arena through music. For years, Vega has donated his free time, which is sparse, to charitable events that are important to him. One such notable charity is the Cristian Rivera Foundation, benefiting research and awareness of Pontine Glioma, a deadly disease generally affecting children aged 1-9 years old.

So, there you have it. Listing just a few reasons why we chose Louie Vega as our 2016 Artist of the Year, an acknowledgement to him and his remarkable 35 year journey.

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sixt

year in feel good news stories top 10 albums

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0

teen

review top 10 videos best of compilations

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feel good news stories

the ascension of

martin garrix

At 20 years old, Martijn Gerard Garritsen, globally known as Martin Garrix triumphantly burst on to scene in 2013 with his smash hit debut "Animals," and since then, has become a topdrawer marquee artist. In 2016, Garrix launched his own label STMPD Records and signed a licensing deal with Sony Music International giving him an enormous opportunity to firmly establish himself as a major player in the dance music industry. His first single for the major, "in the Name of Love" featuring Bebe Rexha reached the #1 position on Billboard’s U.S. Dance Club Songs and has charted in over 30 countries worldwide. The track, which shows "the softer side" of his musical personality, has been streamed hundreds of millions of times since its July 2016 release and has over 236 million views on Youtube and most recently, RIAA certified Platinum surpassing one million units sold in the U.S. Riding the wave of gigantic success of the single, on October,14, 2016, Garritsen announced on social media that he was releasing "Seven Songs for Seven Days." Several of the released songs were premiered during his performance at Ultra Music Festival 2016. The songs were uploaded onto his YouTube channel as music videos with seven visual artists who live-painted their interpretations of each song. October 2016 was stellar month for Martin. Three days after announcing his 'Seven Songs for Seven Days' project, he was named the world’s top DJ at DJ Mag’s Annual Top 100 awards ceremony. He holds the coveted title as the "youngest ever" recipient of the prestigious acknowledgement voted on by fans and peers alike.

There are two events that need to be spotlighted here. The first is an event that Martijn headlined in Los Angeles in May of 2016, supporting the charity "Fuck Cancer" and donating all the proceeds to the non-profit organization. The other happened in November when he kicked off his tour India with a special charity show in Mumbai in front of 40,000 fans. All the proceeds from that event benefited Magic Bus, an educational organization supporting 10,000 children across India. The closing months of 2016 saw Garritsen grant interviews to global mainstream magazine titles including People and landing the cover on Vogue, perform on The Tonight Show in Los Angeles, and pick up numerous awards from MTV/U.K, MTV Millennial Awards, MTV Europe Music Awards and NRJ Awards, respectively.

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Photography Š Martin Garrix

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feel good news stories

Year of the Cat

2016 saw Spain's Suara Music release 50 projects in various formats: LPs, EPs, and Singles. The label is the home to some of Techno and House music's best producers including Ramerio Lopez, Uner, Jeremy Olander, Bastian Bux, Dosen, AFFKT, and dozens others. The impact of so many stellar releases by the label warranted a nod from DJ Awards 2016 as its "Label of the Year."

But Suara is not just a record label. Led by Coyu, they have expanded its brand with "Suara Nights," an on-going series of local and international events and parties to further promote and push out their artists and releases. They've partnered with some of the biggest brands in the industry such as Winter Music Conference Miami, BPM Festival, Sonar by Night, ADE, Ministry of Sound, Bijou, and Verboten among others.

In late November 2016, Coyu realized a long time dream and opened a Suara retail "brick and morter" shop in the heart of Barcelona, next to the historical Mercat de Born. The store displays Suara branded apparel and music packages in vinyl and CD formats.

Additionally, the store will serve as a meeting point for the Suara Foundation providing informative talks with educational aims. The top floor, independent to the rest of the space, will be the corporate headquarters of the Suara Foundation where visitors will be able to spend time with and adopt rehabilitated cats. The foundation will possess two rooms, one of which will be for the adaptation of newcomer cats and another zone for those who could be adopted. The interior design of this floor is a faithful reflection of a house where the cats are comfortable. The whole process of withdrawal, care and adjustment will be followed very closely by veterinary experts who will guard over the ideal care of the cats.

The foundation has an aim to gather and rescue cats off the street that need doctors in order to be rehabilitated and to look for an adoptive family who could grant better living conditions to the felines. The foundation also will have an educational task in the cat’s world presenting talks and workshops regularly with experts within the veterinary sector.

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Photography © Sandra Blanquez

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feel good news stories

Power of the People

Since 2008, London has seen a drastic closure percentage of 50% of popular venues throughout the capital city causing great concern to retaining its status a world-class nightlife hub.

On September 7, 2016 London’s iconic club Fabric had a major problem on its hands. City officials yanked the infamous nightclub’s license forcing an immediate, and at the time, permanent closure.

The reason being, two separate drug-related deaths inside the nightclub.

What happened next has to be one the best "feel good stories" of 2016. Support from all walks of life, DJs, fans, musicians, radio personalities and politicians including London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan, all supported the importance of keeping the venue alive and operating and took action.

People are powerful! Beginning with the wildly successful #savefabric and #saveourculture social media campaigns, people of all age groups took part, put on their own events, such as a dancing for 24 hours viral video to raise awareness and money, led the way to a £200,000 fund raising effort to help the club’s owners fight legal battles with the Islington Council. With overwhelming support of the community, local and global, playing a major role, ultimately resulting in an out of court settlement favoring the iconic music venue.

On November 21, 2016, it became official that Fabric agreed to an offer from the Islington Council, with the backing from the Mayor Sadiq Khan, to reopen the club. Of course there were conditions and stipulations attached such as installing and implementing a new ID system, a covert surveillance system, lifetime bans for people found to be dealing or in possession of illegal drugs and an age restriction requiring that no one under the age of 19 be admitted between Friday 8PM to Monday 8AM. The grand re-opening took place on Friday, January 6, 2017 with ravers greeted by imagery on the walls depicting #yousavedfabric and were treated to an night of music from Chase and Status, DJ Sir Spyro, Dillinja, Ed Rush, and Sam Binga.

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Photography Š Fabric

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feel good news stories

STILL red hot and oN fire!

Drew Taggart and Alex Pall, known as the America’s DJ duo, The Chainsmokers have had a remarkable 2016. But this should not be a surprise to anyone as they have had a momentum building for a couple of years now. With just two EPs— 2015’s "Bouquet" and 2016’s "Collage"on their resume, both of which were top 5 charters, with the later catapulting them to the international spotlight. "Closer" featuring songstress Halsey, off the "Collage" EP, topped the charts internationally and reached RIAA multi-platinum status. The video(s) of the smash hit recently surpassed 1 billion views to add to the spectacular success of the sophomore release.

Now, let’s not forget about their "what has been called" the worst performance at the 2016 MTV VMA’s by publications New York Times, Rolling Stone an Us Weekly, in which Taggert acknowledges in a Billboard Magazine interview as “It sounded like shit.” As a result of their international fame, the bible of electronic music, DJ Mag, through their annual fan participation polling of ranking the world’s best DJs, has them currently positioned at #18, jumping 79 spots since their list debut in 2015.

Also of note, Forbes Magazine's "30 Under 30" lists Taggert as one of the most influential people in entertainment under the age of 30. The duo have also been racking up the awards including: American Music Awards: "Favorite Electronic/Dance Music Artist" and France’s NRJ Music Awards: "Best New DJ." Nominations include Grammy nods for "Best New Artist," "Best Dance Recording" for 'Don’t Let Me Down' and "Best Pop Duo/Group Performance" for their smash hit 'Closer' collab with Halsey, as well as nominations by People’s Choice Awards for "Best New Group" and "Favorite Breakout Artist."

In recognition of their demand in the biggest venues globally, they’ve also recently signed a 3-year Residency agreement with Las Vegas' iconic Wynn Nightlife.

Staying on their “red hot” trajectory of super-stardom, the duo released their latest single 'Paris' on January 12, 2017, which has been viewed millions of times keeping them true to the term “On Fire!”

So, stay tuned to The Chainsmokers for what will most likely be a continuation of 2016.

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Photography Š The Chainsmokers

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SFX Ent. Rebrands as livestyle

feel good news stories

On December 7, 2016, LiveStyle Incorporated announced the takeover and rebranding of SFX Entertainment. Back in November 2016, SFX entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection amid of severe financial woes. With the acquisition by LiveStyle, Inc., President and CEO Randy Phillips (pictured) will position its newly acquired electronic music properties and lifestyle assets as the global leader.

Phillips, the former CEO of AEG Live, with his team of managers beside him, has high ambitions of building on its assets and is determined to make its portfolio of world renowned festivals bigger and better, especially since they enjoy no debt and a re-capitalized financial structure.

Worldwide, LiveStyle will produce and promote single and multiday electronic music festivals across North America, Europe, South America, Australia and Asia. North American key operating entities including MADE Events, React, Disco Donnie Presents, Life in Color, and MMG, along with festivals and brands such as Electric Zoo, Spring Awakening, Mysteryland, Tomorrowland, TomorrowWorld, Sensation, Corona Sunsets, and Life in Color.

In Europe, the company has an established track record with highly popular brands that average an operating history of 10-plus years with key operating entities such as Monumental, B2S, ID&T, i-Motion, and Q-Dance, and festivals and brands including Q-Dance, Decibel, Tomorrowland, Mysteryland, Awakenings, Back-To-School, Air, Qlimax, and Sensation to name a few. LiveStyle also owns PlusNetwork in Brazil, which produced the enormously successful Tomorrowland Brasil and produces tours by internationally acclaimed DJs and artists.

The Tomorrowland brand is one of the largest and most popular EDM festival brands in the world, voted Best Music Event globally at the International Dance Music Awards every year since 2012 and selling out nearly instantaneously annually.

Also owned by LiveStyle and reporting to the company’s board, while operating independently, are Paylogic and Beatport.

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Photography © LiveStyle, Inc.

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feel good news stories

The day om telolet om took the world and EDM by storm

Who remembers the Om Telolet Om (also known as #OmTeloletOm) spam onslaught of December 20, 2016? I’m certain that ZEDD does!

At around noon on that day, Om Telolet Om, a social media phenomenon depicting Indonesian kids/teenagers' happiness when a bus driver honks a modified horn in a rhythmic manner as they pass by hit ZEDD’s official Twitter page. Incidently, the meaning of the phrase is "Uncle, Honk, Uncle."

Then it took off. Taking the “Twittersphere” by storm, no one knew what was going on or what the phrase meant. Probably the funniest aspect of the story goes like this. ZEDD, one of the first famous DJs to be spammed, replied to Billboard Magazine for comment and his reply was a classic…”huh?” That some funny sh*t.

As the day continued on, the meme began to gain traction as Indonesian kids spammed the accounts of several DJs including Marshmello, Firebeatz, Dillon Francis, Cash Cash, DJ Snake, and dozens more with the hashtag #OmTeloletOm. The phrase began to gain popularity, and by the end of December 2016 had become the trending topic internationally with tens of thousands shares.

Most people look at spam as a pain in the a**, but you can not deny that this particular effort worked to great effect and was embraced and loved, so much so, that international DJs started creating music arrangements using modified bus honking, kids screaming "Om Telolet Om", and their laughter, as well as playing their arrangements at their concerts.

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our favorite

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e 10 albums ...and "what we said" in our reviews

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our favorite 10 albums

10

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DINKY Valor Crosstown Rebels

"WHAT WE SAID"

Buy it

Uniquely beautiful, layered, exciting, moving and captivating are what best describes the 56 minutes throughout. The first song to highlight is the album's opener "Casa." It builds with funky bass lines into a real groove in front of soft keyboard sounds and melodies behind sweeping chords way back in the background with the harmonized vocals delivered deep in mysticism. It instantly grabs the attention of the listener. On "Shooting Bodies (Acid)," the fifth track, get ready to be put into a eight-minute trance like state. The layering of voice(s) against deep bass, claps, imaginative keyboard effects along with tambourine and other shaker sounds and thumping beats get you there. A Saxophone sample, some subtle percussion and clap rhythms, a simple piano melody backed by chords, deep bass and abstract synthesizer effects and the gorgeous voice are what makes "Slowly" stand out as one of most imaginative and unique tracks on the record. And finally, I have to mention "Wakame," a real testament to dance oriented groove with electric piano, disco rhythms infused with house beat electronics all blended to perfection.

All in all "Valor" is 56 minutes of pure music heaven that hooks you in and makes you want more.

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our favorite 10 albums

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MISANTHROP Misanthrop Neosignal Records

"WHAT WE SAID"

Buy it

For ten years, Misanthrop has been behind the scenes producing kick ass Drum and Bass music with long time Neosignal label partner Phace. One can ask, why has it taken so long for the prolific German producer to release a project of his own? Well, the wait is over, Misanthrop dropped a self-titled 14 track LP on September 30, 2016.

For those that are familiar with Misanthrop and his past productions, and those that aren't, but love hard-core Drum and Bass music, you’ll love this collection of adrenaline inducing and body shaking music. There is not one single track that disappoints. It’s aggressive, with drops so gigantic it’s sick and right on point in regards to what he envisioned to put forth.

And, aptly, his choice of song titles fits perfectly with the music represented in them. Titles like "Antimachine," "Minimalinski," "Trashriot" and "Malfunction" are just four of the fourteen massive tracks that describe a wide array of exciting Drum and Bass sounds from the highly talented imagination of this artist.

Take note and beware while you listen, be ready to be shaken to the core, some will startle you, but ultimately it will definitely amaze you. Let's all hope and pray that it won't be another ten years for the follow up of this awesome album.

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our favorite 10 albums

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KRAKOTA Strange System Hospital Records

"WHAT WE SAID"

Buy it

This album is awash with lively color and titillating bass lines. The production here is exquisite in that it isn’t overly obtrusive as it is an accompaniment to the talents of Krakota.

"Colour Of The Past" brings a melodic and tugging delicacy of vocals by English songwriter Karina Ramage. Ironically, Krakota usually doesn’t dabble much in collaborations. But he made an exception with 'Ramage,' and showed out. The combination of the enchanting vocals, coupled with the steady strum of the underlying drumlines. This is a release you should definitely check out. Coming in at a solid 14 tracks, there is a lot to digest as far as the precision of the production. Krakota really uses the space well throughout.

Being a supreme fan of more sublime and downtempo sounds, "Strange System" isn’t a downtempo record, it is the clear cut opposite. But, the way the songs are blended together as a cohesive album is very impressive. The pacing and the rush of hyperactive drum patterns gives the long play, listening satisfaction.

It does have a very animated Anime/Manga like flow from song to song. But it is still, at its core, a Drum & Bass album.

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our favorite 10 albums

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JACKMASTER DJ Kicks DJ Kicks/!K7 Records

"WHAT WE SAID"

Buy it

Scottish DJ Jackmaster, or Jack Revill, clings unapologetically to his DJ identity. He is not a producer, nor does he claim to be, but mixes genres and eras with a dexterous precision.

For his episode of DJ Kicks, the acclaimed mix series from !K7 Records, he made a masterful tribute to his formative influences, the music of Berlin, Chicago, Deroit and Glasgow. The record takes LNRDCROY and builds for a full eight minutes before launching into "MSNJ," an exclusive from fellow Glasgow-native Denis Sulta. He slides through Sulta’s sultry vocal track into "Centre Of The World," a tribal beat by New York-based Phil Moffa.

Throughout the next hour, he transitions from the obscure to the famous, from one side of the globe to another. He features two additional, current exclusives "Ode To Frankfurt,"

by Alcatraz Harry, and "Yeah that Lush" by Tessera. He ignores the linear rules of time and travels back to when it all began—to the '90s in Detroit and Chicago. More even than an ode to the masters of electronic, Jackmaster DJ Kicks album is a testament to Revill’s talent and craftsmanship. Revill lost his initial track picks for DJ Kicks and said he remade the mix four or five times before he was satisfied. While his picks certainly were unique, he pulled off transitions seamlessly, making for a diverse and surprising aural feast.

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our favorite 10 albums

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ÓLAFUR ARNALDS Late Night Tales

"WHAT WE SAID"

Buy it

I love this. So much. Did I say that I love this yet? Because I do. Now I can already tell Olafur Arnalds’s 'Late Night Tales' may not be everyone’s top choice. It’s exquisite—at times exquisitely beautiful and at others exquisitely strange (Say My Name, what?)—but I loved every damn moment of it. Ólafur Arnalds goes where other producers are too afraid, or maybe not invested enough, to go. It’s honestly difficult to put "Late Night Tales" into words. Each song is its own genre-defying creation. I suppose the name "Late Night Tales" really is the best description. The songs are always mellow, but sometimes melancholic and sometimes euphoric. I could float into a blissful sleep to 'Forever,' featuring Julianna Barwick—on a completely different note, listening with your eyes closed is like feeling the sunshine warm your skin. Arnald combines classical music with pop, folk, techno, glitch and poetry. Góða Tungl, featuring Icelandic electronic group, Samaris, sounds, to way overgeneralize, like a Bjork song. Four Tet’s "Lion," a Jamie xx remix, mixes dark techno with bright and classical melodies.

New producer Koreless’s "Last Remants" shares likeness to virtuosic producer Shigeto and one of the tracks is an Anam Sufi poem, read by David Tennant. Once through, you can tell, Arnalds put all of himself and his friends into this album. If his history in music says anything, he’s got plenty of incredibly talented contributors to choose from. The album seems to speak to his soul. If you’re thinking about taking a listen—stop. Don’t think, feel.

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our favorite 10 albums

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DJ PIPPI Bocadillos Variados Music For Dreams

"WHAT WE SAID"

Buy it

Now this is what I call a listening escape, lush with breezy light acoustic guitars, strings laid on top of soft atmospheric chord changes, you simply melt into the sound of Giuseppe Nuzzo, aka Dj Pippi. There is a great cross-cultural synthesis residing within its confines that are tucked away from the super clubs and the scantily clad rave scene. "Bocadillos Variados" is definitely a snack (translated from Spanish) of simple pleasures deftly displayed on a silver platter served up by DJ Pippi. Feeling like a Smooth Jazz album, "Bocadillos Variados" is truly an intercontinental listen. The album is 12 tracks of Pippi’s simmering cauldron of high quality global house music and deep soulful Balearic grooves. It includes the track "La Serenata" with Kenneth Bager, and "So Beautiful" featuring Barbara Tucker and also features contributions from producers and musicians Tuccinelli, J.L., Victor Martin (Eurythmics), Cesar De Melero, Paul Powell & Tracy.

The album is somewhat of a journey, a long walk, with little to care for anything other than leisure. Just think about the breeze and the sun glistening across your skin. Listening to "Bocadillos Variados" is like kissing your eardrums with the many flavors of the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Southern Europe cultures. Who wouldn’t want to experience that?

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our favorite 10 albums

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ST. GERMAIN St. Germain Nonesuch Records

"WHAT WE SAID"

Buy it

"St. Germain" is the self-titled release from Nonesuch Records, bringing to listeners a mix of his familiar style with a twist that both long-time and new fans will enjoy. This time, he blends that signature ‘French Touch’ style with some African influences that, from the very first track, hits you with a wave of nostalgia that reminds you of what made St. Germain’s sound so popular. The chilled downtempo sounds coupled with blues guitar are similar to “Sure Thing” from his 2000 hit worldwide release Tourist—featured in pharmaceutical ads in the early 2000s—making it instantly identifiable as one of Navarre’s tracks.

"St. Germain" also exhibits plucked drums and djembe shaker rhythms that are characteristic of Malian music. Interesting compositions emerge from this inclusion of Afrobeat rhythms combined with Navarre’s tendency to mix in soulful, vocal R&B and slowed-down breakbeat samples.

"St. Germain" is a wonderful marriage of all of Navarre’s influences. His ability to recapture that wonderful crossover success that he was able to achieve in earlier releases and add yet another element with the Afrobeat sounds makes this latest effort almost worth the 15 year wait. The album does not break new ground but it does contain some interesting moments that has you looking forward to his next album. One only hopes that fans will not have to wait another 15 years for the next.

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our favorite 10 albums

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ALLE FARBEN Music Is My Best Friend ULTRA Records/Sony Music Ent.

"WHAT WE SAID"

Buy it

Alle Farben means "All Colors" in the Germanic langauge. Frans Zimmer is a man who encapsulates the phrase brilliantly. The Berlin based DJ and Producer's latest full-length album "Music Is My Best Friend" and its 14 tracks are colorfully splendid as it is infectious. It is 45 minutes of music that takes the listener on an aural journey through many genres, but not exclusive to just one. The album opens up with the one minute, fifty-six second "Intro" and it is supertrippy. Then comes the album’s first officially released single in "Please Tell Rosie."

There’s a reason why this track ('Please Tell Rosie') has been nominated for the "Best Single of the Year" by 1Live, it has over 21 million YouTube views, reaching #3 on the German charts and achieving certified Gold status in Austria. And that reason is because it’s a piece of 24 Carat Pop gold. The track features fellow Berlin DJs Younotus, a truly unique vocal delivery, strumming acoustic guitars, deep and low-end strings, electric piano chords, sweeping sound effects and a catchy chorus that will have you singing along with before the end of the song, guaranteed. "Music Is My Life," for me personally, has been on replay for weeks. Zimmer has chosen perfect collaborators in Younotus,Topic, Michael Schulte, Perttu, Tommy Reilly and Mogli to make such a unique album that is bright, colorful, and full of great songs to behold and celebrate.

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our favorite 10 albums

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JOEY NEGRO Remixed With Love by Joey Negro Vol.2 Z Records

"WHAT WE SAID"

Buy it

Way back in the late 70s and early 80s, my summer days were spent hanging out at the public pool in the small town I lived in. Those days you'd hear all kinds of music filling the air coming from the cool kids that had their “boom boxes” blaring. It was a glorious time.

"Remixed With Love by Joey Negro Vol. 2" picks up where the first installment of the series left off. Dave Lee, known as Joey Negro, has painstakingly and masterfully worked all kinds of magic remixing the original multi-track tapes of 20 hand picked classic disco, soul, funk and pop songs that formed his musical taste and shaped his future as a DJ decades ago. These artists include: The O’Jays; Patti LaBelle; The Trammps; George Benson; Grace Jones; Robert Palmer; Nicolette Larson; Cheryl Lynn; Thelma Houston; Jean Carn; Christopher Cross and Norman Connors are a few of the big names that make up the double album. True music fans that love and appreciate great music, no matter the genre, will have many of the original tracks represented on "Remixed With Love by Joey Negro Vol.2" already in their collections.

And perhaps some will also have a few bootleg remixes, re-edits and extended plays from some of the artists. But the thing is, this 20 song collection offering, with Joey Negro’s knack to present these famous classic disco cuts with a fresh approach fused with lots of strings and various percussion instruments, is what will be appealing to all listeners.

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our favorite 10 albums

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LOUIE VEGA Louie Vega Starring...XXVIII Vega Records

"WHAT WE SAID"

Buy it

Thank you Louie Vega! On February 26, 2016, the superstar producer/DJ released "Louie Vega Starring ...XXVIII, " arguably a candidate for many year-end award lists. It's hard to believe, and to understand for that matter, that Starring XXVIII is Vega's very first full-length album. At the same time, what better way to debut than offering a collection to his fans with 28 deep cuts featuring over 25 performances from George Clinton & Funkadelic, 3 Winans Brothers, Lisa Fischer, N’Dea Davenport, Caron Wheeler, Jocelyn Brown, Cindy Mizelle, among other recognizable stars.

The 2 CD Set opens with ‘"Ain’t That Funkin’ Kinda Hard On You?" with the baddest funksters on the planet, Funkadelic. The following 13 tracks deliver some very crafty compositions, nimble keyboard work that is often improvised, and driving percussion of many kinds offering the listener everything from funk, acid jazz, nu soul, bossa nova, island, deep house and a combination of all the above. On the 2nd disc's opening tracks, featuring Jocelyn Brown and Kenny Bobien, you'll hear touches of gospel, Smooth Jazz piano licks, walking bass lines, scatting and great harmonies. Vocalist Lisa Fischer, features on 4 tracks and gets the House sound going with Cindy Mizelle and Anané Vega. The songs are complete with String arrangements and "Wocka Wocka" guitar rhythms in the disco and funk tradition that will get your butt moving. Starring XXVIII is worthy of the "Best of..." in a number of categories and media lists. A must have for your music library. Get it.

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 8 | 91

our favorite 10 videos of2016

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Justice-fire (official video)

1

nicky romero & nile rodgers-future funk (official video)

2

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astr-bleeding love (official video)

3

paul mccartney, wings, timo maas, james teej nineteen hundred and eighty five [Official Video]

5

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Throttle - Money Maker (feat Lunchmoney Lewis & Aston Merrygold) [Official Video]

4

bro safari-reality feat. sarah hudson (official lyric video)

6

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hardwell feat. harrison-sally (official video)

7

krewella-team (official video)

9

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Blink-182 - Bored To Death (Steve Aoki Remix) [Official Video]

8

moby-these systems are failing (official video)

10

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essential With over one hundred releases spanning nearly 10 years of music, AVA Recordings has become a staple within the Trance scene and has long been at the forefront of releasing top quality music.

Keeping with that tradition and celebrating 2016 with a bang, AVA Recordings presents 20 tracks selected from a wealth of great releases from artists such as Andy Moor, Somna, Eximinds, Davey Asprey, Yang, Michele C, A.R.D.I., Arctic Moon, Mike SaintJules and more!

Stream it & Buy it

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Coldharbour Recordings stands among the top tier of trance and progressive labels and is the home of 20 world class producers run by Markus Schultz. The label presents its special end of year reflection 25 track package, comprising of the label’s biggest fan favorite compositions of the previous 12 months.

The collection features in addition to Schultz, standout tracks by Fisherman & Hawkins, Nifra, Mr. Pit, Novaspace, Anske, Dan Thompson, Solis & Sean Truby.

Stream it & Buy it

2016 was a big year for trance and for Flashover Recordings. To close out the 2016 year, the label compiled its Best of 2016.

The bundle highlights 15 of the biggest releases from the label featuring music from DIM3NSION, Solis & Sean Truby, Stoneface & Terminal, Thomas Ulstrup, Pierre Pienaar, Venaccio, PARITY, Dan Dobson, Allen & Envy, Seven Lions, Cosmic Gate, Gouyella, Mark W, Michele C, and off course head honcho Ferry Corsten!

Stream it & Buy it

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te en

best of's

Monstercat’s year end collection contains a whopping 40 cuts from some of the biggest internationally known producers and djs on the scene today. The compliation features tasty tracks by Marshmello, Pegboard Nerds, Dirty Audio, NGHTMRE, Vicetone, Conro, Haywrye and dozens more.

Additionally, the label has compiled "Best of's" for House, Dubstep, Electronic, Future Bass, Trap, and DnB & Drumstep. So, no matter what your tastes are, Monstercat’s "Best Of’s”' has something for everyone.

Stream it & Buy it

After another unparalleled year that has seen Shogun Audio hitting right across the world from Glastonbury to Billboard magazine, the label presents its annual round up of their best 34 tracks from the past 12 months.

Featuring an all star line up including Friction, Alix Perez, Icicle, Rockwell, Technimatic, Spectrasoul, Ivy Lab, Break, Phace, Joe Ford and Fourward alongside new signings Ed:it, Prolix, Was A Be and many more.

Stream it & Buy it

Spinnin' Records looks back at an amazing year with their "Best Of 2016 Year Mix." The legendary label has put together another stellar collection of 49 tracks, covering almost 2 hours of music that includes a rework of Bob Marley's 'Is This Love.' Other highlights of this massive collection are Throttle’s 'Money Maker,' Oliver Heldens' 'Flamingo,' and R3hab & Quintino's 'Freak.'

Also making the list are KSHMR, Blasterjaxx, DBSTF, and Sander van Doorn, among dozens of others.

Stream it Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 8 | 99

NEWS ARTIST PROFILES FEATURE ARTICLES AND INTERVIEWS NEW MUSIC FEATURE ARTICLES AND INTERVIEWS NEW MUSIC PREVIEWS MUSIC REVIEW INTERVIEWS NEW MUSIC PREVIEWS MUSIC REVIEWS EXCLUSIVE CONTENT PREVIEWS MUSIC REVIEWS EXCLUSIVE CONTENT NEWS ARTIST PROFILES F EXCLUSIVE CONTENT NEWS ARTIST PROFILES FEATURE ARTICLES AND INTER ARTIST PROFILES FEATURE ARTICLES AND INTERVIEWS NEW MUSIC PREVIEW ARTICLES AND INTERVIEWS NEW MUSIC PREVIEWS MUSIC REVIEWS EXCLUS NEW MUSIC PREVIEWS MUSIC REVIEWS EXCLUSIVE CONTENT NEWS ART MUSIC REVIEWS EXCLUSIVE CONTENT NEWS ARTIST PROFILES FEATURE ART CONTENT NEWS ARTIST PROFILES FEATURE ARTICLES AND INTERVIEWS NE PROFILES FEATURE ARTICLES AND INTERVIEWS NEW MUSIC PREVIEWS MUSIC AND INTERVIEWS NEW MUSIC PREVIEWS MUSIC REVIEWS EXCLUSIVE CON MUSIC PREVIEWS MUSIC REVIEWS EXCLUSIVE CONTENT NEWS ARTIST PRO REVIEWS EXCLUSIVE CONTENT NEWS ARTIST PROFILES FEATURE ARTICL CONTENT NEWS ARTIST PROFILES FEATURE ARTICLES AND INTERVIEWS NE PROFILES FEATURE ARTICLES AND INTERVIEWS NEW MUSIC PREVIEWS MUSIC AND INTERVIEWS NEW MUSIC PREVIEWS MUSIC REVIEWS EXCLUSIVE CONTEN PREVIEWS MUSIC REVIEWS EXCLUSIVE CONTENT NEWS ARTIST PROFILES F EXCLUSIVE CONTENT NEWS ARTIST PROFILES FEATURE ARTICLES AND INTER ARTIST PROFILES FEATURE ARTICLES AND INTERVIEWS NEW MUSIC PREVIEW ARTICLES AND INTERVIEWS NEW MUSIC PREVIEWS MUSIC REVIEWS EXCLUS NEW MUSIC PREVIEWS MUSIC REVIEWS EXCLUSIVE CONTENT NEWS ART MUSIC REVIEWS EXCLUSIVE CONTENT NEWS ARTIST PROFILES FEATURE ART CONTENT NEWS ARTIST PROFILES FEATURE ARTICLES AND INTERVIEWS NE PROFILES FEATURE ARTICLES AND INTERVIEWS NEW MUSIC PREVIEWS MUSIC AND INTERVIEWS NEW MUSIC PREVIEWS MUSIC REVIEWS EXCLUSIVE CON MUSIC PREVIEWS MUSIC REVIEWS EXCLUSIVE CONTENT NEWS ARTIST PRO REVIEWS EXCLUSIVE CONTENT NEWS ARTIST PROFILES FEATURE ARTICL CONTENT NEWS ARTIST PROFILES FEATURE ARTICLES AND INTERVIEWS N PROFILES FEATURE ARTICLES AND INTERVIEWS NEW MUSIC PREVIEWS MUSIC AND INTERVIEWS NEW MUSIC PREVIEWS MUSIC REVIEWS EXCLUSIVE CON MUSIC PREVIEWS MUSIC REVIEWS EXCLUSIVE CONTENT NEWS ARTIST PRO REVIEWS EXCLUSIVE CONTENT NEWS ARTIST PROFILES FEATURE ARTICLES AN

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vCD/EP/12" REVIEWS Masterpiece  Excellent  Good  Fair  Poor 

The Kenneth Bager Experience Follow The Beat (LP) Music For Dreams  Back in June of 2016, Kennth Bager released his first full-length album of new music in six years with the brilliant "Premiere Classé." To close out the 2016 year, he dropped a surprise album, "Follow The Beat," showcasing his talents in ten new songs two days before Christmas. On the album he brings back vocalist Damon C. Scott who featured prominently on "Premiere Classé."

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Photography © Kenneth Bager

This time around, Scott appears on 5 out the 10 tracks and gives an impressive performance of voice. Other top shelf guest appearances include Peter Visti, Lukas Visti, DJ Pippi and Hannah Schneider.

"Follow the Beat" opens of with the track "Amazing" and the song stirs up emotional, reflective and positive lyrical prose delivered by Damon C. Scott, along with a catchy chorus line sung by a children’s choir, all behind a backdrop of deep groove and a beautifully penned melody. It’s a great opener and sets the tone for the entire album.

Next up is the title track "Follow the Beat"— a Tribal flavored track featuring Scott on vocals, a screaming soprano sax alternating with an improvised tenor sax line, claps, a nice selection of percussion rhythms, pulsating low-end synths, sweeping effects and a African chorus.

"Mexican Wings" kicks off with a very deep bass groove and soft vocals, once again by Scott. Add in some Latin percussion and nice cymbal work which transitions into a subtle guitar part, harmonicas, and a slew of tripped out sound effects and you get a song that is hypnotic yet groovy.

"Madness" features Peter and Lukas Visti and brings back visions of 80s new wave synthesizers, guitar rhythms and heavy drumming. This is a cut unlike the previous 3 and shows the diversity of Bager’s imagination as a songwriter. Marking the half way point of the album is the track "Stuck in a Lie." It’s a slice of Pop featuring once again Damon C. Scott and a infectious whistle melody that gets stuck in your head and a nice soprano sax interspersed throughout and multi-person chorus.

Then comes "Beautiful Day" with a positive message reinforcing that you can find beauty no matter what life throws at you. Musically, it has tidbits of reggae infused guitar, shuffling drums and sweeping electronics.

Feeling like a bit of Adult Contemporary or Smooth Jazz, "Never Stop Dreaming" featuring DJ Pippi features some wonderful acoustic guitar playing, underlying and subtle electric bass, drums, and wistful synthesizers combining to give a driving rhythm of a feeling of a tropical island peaceful bliss.

Bass Groove is the order of the day with "Birds of Paradise." Plus staccato drum beats, lots of echo effects, and electric guitar also feature on the track delivering a Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 8 | 103

track steeped in mysticism. Hannah Schneider comes to the session with a melancholic performance for which she is known. "The Never Ending Happening" is mixture of slow piano, electronic drums, mellow walking bass, beautiful sweeping strings and just a touch of accordion giving this song a special feel unlike any other on the album.

Just like the opening of the album, the closer, "I Love the Dub Life" is just as impressive. Bager channels a deep disco cut from 1978 with his modern take on Alicia Bridges hit 'I Love the Nightlife.' Way out front is the classic fat bass line, guitar, sampled audience whistles, claps and other jovial noise, a dope soprano sax solo, disco inflected electronic chords, and an accordion flavored take on the famous melody line.

Then comes the deep vocal line "I like to boogie" from Damon C. Scott. Fan-freakingtastic!

The reason why I love this album so much is because Bager has incorporated live instrumentation and blended it with his skills as an electronic wizard giving us an album that is a sonic boom of beats and rhythms, and as the title states—"Follow the Beat."

—Joseph Wensell

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

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

If you are looking for a slightly quicker and more upbeat song, look no further than "Bambro Koyo Ganda" featuring the vocals of Moroccan band Innov Gnawa. The song is a more dance oriented without losing the overall feel and musical theme of the album.

"Migration," as described by the label, is lush, manic, beautiful melancholy, joyful, and packed with emotion and technical skill. It most certainly is.

—Catherine Strickland

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Gidge LNLNN (LP) Atomnation 

Matthew Dear DJ Kicks (LP) DJ Kicks 

Gidge is a duo consisting of Jonatan Nilsson and Ludvig Stolterman from Umeå, a small city in the north of Sweden. With the release of their first LP together "Autumn" the duo took the top spot as "Best New Artist" on XLR8R’s 2014 Reader’s Poll and the album ending up on numerous Best of 2014 lists. On January 13, 2017, they’ve come back with a new release, "LNLNN," featuring seven tracks of electronic music derived of organic elements and samples from their 2nd album "Lulin." The album is heavy, dark, and experimental and well suited for nighttime listening in a low-light setting. While the album takes you on interesting aural journey, it requires the listener to pay close attention to the myriad of different soundscapes and vocal treatments the album displays. Highly recommended for headphone usage and lots of candles on a dark, rainy night. Stand out tracks include the mysterious opener "Eyes Open," "Lit" and the closer "Hope."

Matthew Dear, a visionary of the underground, is revered for his hard-hitting techno under the moniker Jabberjaw and his dark avant pop tunes under his own name and his most recent alias, Audion. His discography goes back fifteen years with five albums and twenty EPs. The famed and respected DJ Kicks series, presented by !K7, has released a 25 track album selected by Dear. The tracks are a reflection of his desire to present a package that could be listened anywhere, in a car, in a club, or at home with friends. Adding to his picks, he drops in four cuts of his own, one under his name Matthew Dear with the track "Wrong With Us," and three under his alias Audion, "Live Breakdown," "Starfucker," and "Brines." Tracks of note include Nils Frahm "Ode," Vin Sol's "Instinct" (Matrixxman Remix), and Simian Mobile Disco "Staring At All This Handle."

For those that collect the DJ Kicks series, this collection will not disappoint.

—Catherine Strickland

—Leo Weaver Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 8 | 105

xx I See You (LP) Warner Music  Leading up to the release of "I See You," The xx's third full length studio album, the British trio made up of Romy Madley Croft, Oliver Sim and Jamie Smith released the album's lead single "On Hold," made an appearance as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live, performing "On Hold" and "I Dare You." On January 2, 2017, the band released the album's second single "Say Something Loving.'" "I See You," containing 10 tracks over 39 minutes, was officially released worldwide on January 13, 2017 through Young Turks Recordings/Warner Music. Opening up the album is "Dangerous," presenting a shuffling beat and horn inflected electronics and deep bass that dominate the 4 minute 10 second track. The album’s second official single "Say Something Loving" features Oliver and Romy rotating the vocals duties holding a lyrical love inflected conversation in front of rhytmic guitar, synths, drums and thumping bass. It’s a lovely track. Standout tracks include "Replica," in which you can

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definitely hear the influence of The Cure, think of "Disintegration" days with reverb guitar, synth chords and heavy bass. "Hold On" of course is one to behold as well and demonstrates why the trio decided to release it as the album’s lead single. Much quicker in pace with drum sequencing precision, a catchy chorus, a down and dirty bass line and dreamy guitar. "I Dare You" will also get attention. It is radio friendly and poppy, with electronics and drums featured prominently not forgetting claps and a sweet guitar lick closing the track. I get a feeling that it will be the 3rd single off the album. "I See You" is a track by track "Love Story" of sorts with the vocalists Oliver and Romy telling tales of longing, wishful thinking and emotion. It is a solid release that will certainly be embraced by fans and critics alike.

—Joseph Arthur

Various Artists Copenhagen 2017 Vol. 1 (LP) Music For Dreams  "Music For Dreams Copenhagen Vol.1"

compiled by label boss Kenneth Bager is set for a worldwide digital release on February 24, 2017 and the timing is perfect.

We all need sunny, warm, and bright music during the Winter season and with this compilation and the 19 tracks within gives listeners the remedy. It must be a painstaking endeavor to pick and choose which tracks to include on a compilation package and what musical characteristic drives Bager’s decision-making process.

All I can tell you, is, how it makes me feel and how it will make you, the listener feel. As a fan of pretty much everything that is released through Music for Dreams, this collection doesn’t disappoint. You get a mixture of chill, downtempo, house, African inspired songs, and Balearic from the leading proponents of the genres such as Silent Riders' "I See You," Prins Emanuel's "Aquarius," Bjarno's "Muskrat," and Ruf Dug's "Le Rayon Vert" featuring Nev Cottee.

The album also includes exclusive tracks and mixes including Nick Mackrory & Harry Collier "Invisible People," Bongo Entp.

"Foto Feita Do Avia~O (Selvagem Remix)," Borneland "Eyes" (feat. Line Gøttsche) [Turbotito Remix], and Peter Visti & Lukas Visti "Passion."

A Music For Dreams compilation album is never complete without including label veteran DJ Pippi. His track, "Elvissa Saxomatica" is simply put, exhilarating. The producer melds smooth jazz sensibilities with electronica-inflected sounds, a sultry and sexy saxophone melody, and spoken word, and he does it to perfection and unlike anyone else in the business.

Another track to highlight is Bager’s own "Amazing" track off his latest "Feel The Beat" album, featuring vocalist Damon C. Scott. I love this song, the music and lyrics conjures feelings of positivity, sunshine,

and the chorus of children is a wonderful element to the track. If you are not singing along to this song, something is wrong.

As an added treat, you’ll also hear deep African inspired rhythmic goodness in Bongo Entp.’s "Foto Do Aviao" and Visti & Meyland’s "Tabah."

If you want to get your groove on, "Sweetest Fantasy" by Oscar Banderson will supply you with the disco/house music to get you moving as will Ambala’s acoustic and electric piano heavy ‘High Line.’ Both tracks are stellar productions.

When it comes to chill and downtempo, Bjarno is a master. His track "Muskrat" is full of imaginative sounds, whether it’s guitar, drums, or electronics, gadgets, etc… it’s one of the most interesting songs on the album.

This collection of very fine songs will inspire, move, and provide you with "Sunshiney" feelings for sure, however, it will also make one reflect not only on the cold grey days winter throws at us, but also of the warm and better days ahead.

—Joseph Wensell

Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 8 | 107

Dannic & DBSTF Noise (Single) Maxximize Records 

DAZEPARK Rift (Single) Fonk Recordings 

Over the last several months there has been a buzz building in the scene regarding Dannic's new music plans for 2017. Using a very savvy marketing scheme on social media and receiving preview listens and write-ups in various press outlets, most certainly helped to create excitement and anticipation in Dannic fans worldwide.

On January 16, 2017, Dannic and DBSTF, in a power-house collaboration, have dropped a massive banger with "Noise."

Right from the start, the pace is frantic, the sound is loud, and bold, and it immediately builds and builds into a crescendo and then the gigantic drop hits you like a ton of bricks and with the vocals exclaiming "Make Some Noise" this song will have long legs and sustainability throughout the year guaranteed to filling dance floors in big clubs and rousing large crowds at festivals. In a word, awesome!

Hailing from Göppingen in the southern region of Germany is Electronic duo Dazepark, (Merlin Büchner and Moritz Traub).

Having just a handful of releases and remixes on OTW/Mixmash and SESA Recordings, they are starting off 2017 with a new single titled "Rift" on Fonk Recordings.

The track is heavy on the danceabilty tip with a fast moving melody made up with a multitude of high caliber synthesizer sounds, sirens, and other electronic effects with a thumping combination of bass and drum sequences. 30 seconds into the song drops dramatically to the mainframe of the track where the primary melody using keys takes over and builds again into a climatic frenzy. IMO "Rift" is a big room dance floor cut of epic proportion.

For those that follow Dazepark, you’ll get it. For those that are not familiar with the duo, one listen, and you too will get it.

—Joseph Arthur

—Leo Weaver

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Diplo & Autoerotique Waist Time (Single) Mad Decent Records 

Dirty Audio & Max Styler Roller Coaster (Single) Monstercat Recordings 

Mad Decent head, Diplo, along with new signee Autoerotique have released the first Bass track of the year that demands attention and praise. With a recipe of Diplo’s well known aural assault production skills, Autoerotique’s vocal prowess, bone breaking bass lines, plus a dash of dancehall and house to keep it interesting and special, warrants multiple listens and discoteque spins.

"Waist Time" is a burning hot song, and guaranteed to fill dance floors especially with Autoerotique delivering his message of "work you waist line to bass line" in the way that only he can. It is a song that kicks hard, takes you right to the edge of chaos and then drops the bottom out to magnificent effect.

Complimenting the music is a must see visual treatment with the offical video release with hot gals, huluhoops, tripped out lighting and special effects.

Monstercat Recordings is setting the standard when it comes to bass music.

With a stroke of good luck and timing, these two talented producers crossed paths not in California, but at Tommorwland in Belgium. As their friendship developed they quickly learned they share a lot of common traits when it comes to producing music and decided to work together. The end result is this great new song titled "Roller Coaster."

It’s a pretty safe bet that you’ve never been on "Roller Coaster" ride like this smashing bass track put forth by fellow Californians Dirty Audio and Max Styler.

It begins with dreamy soundscapes and a building bass line followed by escalating drums into a funked up tune with a great middle section of different time signatures and rhythms. So, strap in and listen up, "Roller Coaster" will take you on a great ride.

—Catherine Weaver

—Joseph Arthur Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 8 | 109

Don Diablo Switch (Single) Hexagon Records 

Mark Barrott Message For Presence (EP) International Feel Recordings 

Don Diablo closed out 2016 with a bang crossing North America, performing as a headliner, in San Francisco, Vancouver, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York and Washington D.C. Wasting no time, he’s released a brand new single through his label Hexagon titled "Switch." The Dutch dj mainstay is not averse to trying different things when it comes to producing his music. With "Switch," he is redefining his vision of the future house genre and what it could be.

"Switch" begins with a repetitive bass rhythm and spacey sound effects leading to rapidly paced drums bringing you to the drop and mid section of sonic boom of epic proportions. Its high-energy groove allows for body movement and frenzied dancing.

Now, some will say that this track sounds like his old stuff. But pay attention, the subtleties that are represented in the track show there is a distinct progression of a new sound.

—Catherine Strickland

On March 3, 2017, International Feel’s recording artist Mark Barrott will release a 4 track EP titled "Music For Presence."

Barrott’s previous releases for the label have always astonished me. The music is always beautifully penned and has exquisite production values.

"Music For Presence" follows in the same vein. Opening up the new EP is the track "Schopenhauer S Garden." Featuring a very nice electric piano melody, soft and lush electronics and rhythms within a mellow time signature gives feelings of soothing peacefulness. Track two, "Emilé," takes you on a journey that runs deep in mysticism, with it’s underlying sax lines, bass and soft percussion instrumentation. It’s not hard to get lost in this track, it is rather simple, just let go and let the music take you away.

"Mokushō" takes the ambience to a new level. Slightly quicker in pace, the sounds paint a lovely canvas of color with sythesizer generated melody in front of sweeping low

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end sounds and accompanied by the usage of electronic drums and bass. 5 minutes of glorious music.

Wrapping up the EP is "Lysander." Another beauty with a lot of activity of sounds on each channel. Simple Bass and Piano chords dominate.

With the new EP, Barrott continues to explore Balearic’s sound and broadly expands his interpretation of the genre beautifully.

—Joseph Arthur

way point of the EP and the Nerds switch up the feel giving you a song that is more of a progressive house inspired track with groovy bass, claps, and sweeping synths.

The fourth track, "Go Berserk" rules this EP with its high octane beats, massive drops, raucous vocal delivery, and crazy as f**k sound effects, making it the standout track.

Closing up the release are two the cuts "BAMF" and "Black Out." "BAMF" is very aggressive musically with elements of sci-fi electronic sounds, great drum parts and has "Parental Advisory" lyrical content. Use your imagination. "Black Out" is what I would call controlled chaos. The track is heavy on synths, bass, and drums giving you a real banger to close up the release.

—Catherine Strickland

Pegboard Nerds Nerds By Nature (EP) Monstercat Recordings  Starting out the 2017 year with a bang, Monstercat Recordings duo Pegboard Nerds unleashed a new 6 track EP titled "Nerds By Nature."

The opening track "Speed of Light" gets things going in spectacular fashion. Up next comes "Talk About It" featuring vocalist Desiréé Dawn. Emphasis is placed on the Future Bass tip the song takes, along with high energy that evolves into a really fun and inspired song. "Melodymania" marks the half

Plastik Funk feat. Katt Rose Sunrise (Single) Armada Deep  Rafael Ximenez-Carrillo and Mikio Gruschinske of Plastik Funk have released multiple projects for the great Armada label.

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Their latest single "Sunrise" featuring Katt Rose on the Armada Deep label sees them returning in prime form. The duo are known for their electrifying sets filling dance floors in some of the best known clubs around the world and getting massive crowds at festivals dancing to their music.

"Sunrise" follows suit in high fashion and has many anthemic traits that will make the song very popular. Inviting vocalist Katt Rose to sing on the track, bringing a blissful performance to the song, compliments the music behind it. Full of sunny elements, tremendous groove and a tandem of disco infused strings and trumpet, give the track an identity that is truly their own.

I’d say this song is the first official "Dance Club Anthem" of 2017 and would expect it to be a huge hit on radio and in the clubs.

—Catherine Strickland

established in his home country. Now, he is poised to breakout into the international community of DJs and producers with his newly formed friendship with Nicky Romero and Protocol Recordings.

Recruiting the phenomenal and Grammy nominated artist Bright Lights to handle vocal duties on his brand track "Heart of Steel' helps solidify his breakthrough. With this debut on Protocol Recordings this "Future Bass" track will bring thoughts of Odesza’s chilled out and groove based beats. However, Raiden’s musical talents stand tall with his own style and production. You will hear a mellow piano melody, and synthesizer effects, driving bass and guitars that accompany the powerful and stunning vocals telling a story of love. "Heart of Steel" is a very impressive beginning for the newly signed Protocol Recordings artist and the talented Raiden is deserving of releasing more recordings in the near future.

—Leo Weaver

Raiden featuring Bright Lights Heart of Steel (Single) Protocol Recordings  Raiden hails from Korea and is well

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SE7EN Kalani (Single) Ensis Records 

Big Room has a new hit ready for the decks. "Kalani," the new single from the Portuguese producer SE7EN is picking up steam and support in the short time that it has been out. The Ensis Records artist has the honor of having this monster of a track premiered by Hardwell.

Right from the start the song displays gigantic beats, kicking drums prominent synths, and dope bass drops that demonstrate SE7EN’s talents as hit maker. It’s a hot song for cold winter nights that sweaty club kids will go crazy for. After all, if Hardwell likes it, how could you not.

—Joseph Arthur

Barcelona, Antwerp, Berlin and Dublin, as well as hosting their annual Malta parties and being return artists at Bloc Weekend.

The duo have a new 4 track EP under the new name The Deleter. "Deleter" begins with "Number Phantom," almost six minutes of unrelenting Techno shining with thumping bass drum and pulsating low end notes, rapid high-hat cymbal rhythms and lots of distortion. "Lemcrunk" provides an interesting dance oriented sound, most notably a deep bass inspired groove, excellent drum programming and an awesome usage of a counter-melodic sound effects. "Empty Heart" hits you with a multitude of bass and drum patterns alongside tripped out synthesizer generated layers of weirdness, and distorted buzz sounds. The final track, "Hate You Too" features a nightmare inducing sampled vocal bit and rolling bass and industrial drum beats that drive the pace for seven and a half minutes. This EP is really good and those that are inclined to try out new directions of what Techno can be, look no further than "Deleter."

—Catherine Strickland

The Deleter (aka Posthuman) Deleter (EP) Balkan Vinyl  The Deleter (aka Posthuman) is made up of Rich Beven and Josh Doherty. Both are leaders in the U.K. Acid House revival and hold down the house at I Love Acid. They are staples in the ‘Party’ scene accumulating over 100 events held in London, Edinburgh,

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Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 8 | 113

inflected synthesizer sounds to give us a slice of gorgeous pop. Additionally, there are sweeping effects and claps that really give the song a radio friendly sensibility. It also has a catchy and highly infectious sing along chorus. The vocal performance by Bright Parks, whether singularly or in harmonizing parts, is very good with a positive message.

With this song, it makes one to want to hear more from Bright Parks, and speaking to Tiësto, will this be a new direction for you too?

—Catherine Strickland

TIËSTO Featuring Bright Sparks On My Way (Single) Musical Freedom Label  Tiësto makes a triumphant return with red hot new single "On My Way" featuring the up and coming singer/songwriter duo Bright Sparks.

Everyone knows who Tiësto is and what he means to the dance music community.

So, let’s learn a little bit about Bright Parks, made up of Ash Hickland and Kimmy Sawford. They’ve achieved 11 Number One Singles coming out England and have been working together crafting their poppy, folky and trip-hoppy flavored songs for five years.

They’ve performed on streets, at open mic’s, at big stadiums and clubs and now they’re beginning to really breakthrough the clutter.

Now, on to the "On My Way" single. As the Cover Art depicts, this new song by Tiësto is on fire. One the newest trends in dance music these days is the prominent usage of guitar in the composition. Tiësto has embraced this, as well as using bass guitar, a selection of various percussion instruments and brass

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Tom Tyger & Melsen I Need U (Single) Protocol Recordings  Tom Tyger and Melsen are no strangers to the Protocol Recordings label. Both have released projects and have had chart topping songs as producers in their own right. Teaming up and releasing "I Need U" in mid December is a testament to their collective talents as songwriters. This track breaths with a refreshing upswing of heavy

duty disco tinged rhythms that swings in a jazzy fashion. Add in an incredibly funky mid-section featuring 70s and 80s funk keyboard styling and Latin percussion instrumentation, shuffling drum beats, an equally incredible bass line and you end up with a high energy track that is guaranteed for movement and dance. This is killer track designed for the dance floor and disco freaks everywhere.

—Joseph Arthur

Ulterior Motive The Real EP (EP) Shogun Audio  Ulterior Motive returns to Shogun Audio with their first solo release for the famed DnB label titled "The Real EP." For the 4 track recording, UM brings in Pendulum’s Verse and James Sunderland on the date to deliver the vocal parts on "The Real" and "I Remember." So, let’s dig in.

The EP begins with the title track "The Real." Get ready and hold on because this

track will take you on ride with some pretty amazing drum and bass sound design. The track also features Pendulum’s Verse vocals that are spectacular with precision timing and smooth as silk phrasing.

Up next is "Jungle Jam." Inserting piano interludes and synth layers that include sounds that you would hear from the movie "The Matrix" to the DnB formula works really well. There is also an added treat of whacked out guitar licks giving the track a wild flavor plus male and female vocals are dispersed over 6 minutes of goodness.

James Sunderland makes his appearance on "I Remember." Beginning with a slower piano infused part, it picks up speed and then come James, out front and center, with a great vocal performance. It is a nice change up in direction from the previous two tracks with layered soundscapes that compliment the vocals with traditional DnB elements driving the track forward.

Wrapping up the EP is "Tech2." Drums and cymbal work are more prominent in this cut with soft and dreamy electric piano in the background, followed by a rolling bass line that transitions into heavy distorted sounds. This song is gritty, tooth grinding exquisiteness that has a purpose of some form of deep experimentation and mysticism.

This EP represents some bold musical ideas conceived over the last 12 months, keeping one foot in the past and one firmly planted in the now.

—Joseph Arthur Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 8 | 115

vUPCOMING RELEASES Release dates subject to change.

The Knocks Testify February 3, 2017

Allie X CollXtion II RD: TBA

Depeche Mode Spirit RD: TBA

Gorillaz Title: TBA RD: TBA

Pitbull Title: TBA RD: TBA

Uppermost Uppwind February 10, 2017

Bebe Rexha All Your Fault RD: TBA

Eric Prydz Title TBA RD: TBA

LCD Soundsystem Title: TBA RD: TBA

Pretty Lights Title: TBA RD: TBA

Dua Lipa Dua Lipa June 2, 2017

deadmau5 Title TBA RD: TBA

Goldfrapp Title TBA RD: TBA

MNEK Title: TBA RD: TBA

Tove Lo Title: TBA RD: TBA

The Knocks

Photography © Tatiana Turin

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