BPM MAG - May/June'13 by BPM Magazine

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ISSUE 67

Black Coffee DAFT PUNK HAEZER PROVERB YOUSEF BASSHUNTER MAJOR 7

URBAN MUSIC CULTURE

Africa is Rising

bpm BEATS

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PEOPLE

CONTENTS

MAY/JUN 2013 EDITION 67

• MUSIC

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INTERVIEW: GIOM LIVE IN CAPE TOWN Deep house DJ and professional drummer Giom has been making waves in the deep house scene with his sought after remixes...

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RICHIE HAWTIN SOUTH AFRICA: FINAL EDITS “I was VERY nervous before I played... we had such an incredible experience with Bridges for Music in Langa that I...” ROGER SANCHEZ: SPACE IBIZA SA TOUR Roger Sanchez to play in South Africa on the Space Ibiza World Tour! Now there's a headline that will get many a house...

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EDITORS NOTE & CONTRIBUTORS THE WALL MUSIC NEWS THE LITTLE MISFIT BLACK COFFEE: RAISING AFRICA HAEZER YOUSEF & CLUB TRUTH BASSHUNTER MAJOR 7 PROVERB IAN CREDIBLE THE DEEP END WITH LUO 5 MINUTES WITH DJ SABBY MONCOLES & SLEZZ ALBUM REVIEWS ALBUM REVIEWS ALBUM REVIEWS DJ TOP TEN CHARTS PARTY INFO & EVENTS ASTROBABBLE - TAURUS & GEMINI

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WE ARE ONE … OR FIVE COLOURS! The ‘We Are One’ festival rolled into Johannesburg after painting (or rather powdering) Cape Town red, blue, green... MUTHA FM: BROADCAST LICENSE PETITION Have you heard? Following the success of ‘Talented Muthas’ talent search, Mutha FM is gunning for an FM frequency...

SPACE IBIZA SA: CAMILO FRANCO Camilo Franco is one of the top international DJs playing at the first ever Space Ibiza SA Tour to take place in both...

EDITOR’S NOTE DANCING UNITES. ’m feeling a little gushy right now so forgive me if I indulge my whims. When I first discovered electronic dance music - raves as they were called in the 90’s [and still are in some parts of the world, believe it or not] - the thing that struck me the most about these events was the diversity of the people on the dancefloor. My oldskool experiences of growing up and of nightclubs in general, was always one of seeing a lot of pretentious behaviour and posers standing around looking as cool as they can. Of course in those days it was frowned upon if one danced on one’s own too. You had to ask a girl to dance, or risk the inevitable looks of pity mixed with scorn. Back then the DJs basically played the hit songs only. Then came the rave scene and everything changed. Suddenly people lost their inhibitions and voluntary [sometimes involuntary too] displays of enjoyment [plus lots of hugging and tiger balm], hours of losing oneself on the dancefloor and genuine self expression became the norm. The thing about dancing and music is this; you are never too old to dance. Dancing is therapy. Dancing is exercise. Dancing is what makes us feel alive. Dancing has more unifying abilities than any ANC or DA rally will ever do for you. If you want to feel closer to your brethren, get on that dancefloor and feel the beat, lose yourself in the rhythm and transcend. In recent times, and perhaps because of the job I do, I’ve become more and more aware of the moaning and general criticism that goes on about EDM culture, especially since it has become the commercial norm now, as covered in my Ed note last month. Yes there are challenges, and yes dance music may never have that same underground stature it once did, but it still evokes the same feeling of freedom, togetherness and well being it always has. Just find the right music that does it for you! House, Techno, Deep House, Kwaito, Dubstep, bass music, Psytrance... it really doesn’t matter; when the DJ has got that floor in the groove, we are all pulsating to the same beat and that’s where the magic is. So here’s my challenge. Get all those feelings about dance music out of your head and back into your feet where they belong. We need less intellectualising about the merits [or lack thereof] of EDM culture and more celebrating on the dancefloor. There’s a revolution going on and we’re all part of it. Count yourself lucky!

Find me here: dave@bpmmag.co.za | Twitter: davemac77 | Facebook: dave.mac.mckinley BPM Magazine: Facebook: facebook.com/bpmmag Twitter: twitter.com/bpmmag DAVE MAC Editor-in-Chief

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS: FEATURE WRITERS AND COLUMNISTS Mary Honeychild - Mary is a fusion queen, her love for music is defined by her roots of drums, saxophone and deep bass. She discovers the break and combination in genres and takes us on journeys into the origin and amalgamation of scenes such as Jazz, Hip Hop and EDM. The Little Misfit - The Little Misfit is an anonymous observer who has been around the electronic music scene for more years than most. She’s seen it all, done it all and has the tales to tell. Not much surprises her any more although she is still wholly excited by music, dancing and socialising within this scene. It’s with this passion and experience that she casts a slightly jaundiced, feminine eye on the many components that add spice to Cape Town EDM Culture. Tendai Luwo - Recovering blueberry muffin addict, dj, remixer and voice over artist, Luo first firmly sank his teeth into music while working for Rhodes Music Radio (RMR 89.7fm) in 2009 and has never looked back since. Now a loyal disciple of all things deep and soulful, He can be found roaming the streets and alleyways searching for his next dose of good 'ol house music. Nathan Kabingesi – Nathan is a selfconfessed house junkie; you can usually spot him in a corner of the dance floor getting high off the DJ's supply. Appreciating the finely spun mix, he's not shy about calling out the occasional slip of the needle. Expect incisive and considered opinions on everything from the latest album releases to trend developments in the world of EDM. Jonathan G Shaw – Production Tips – Jon is a professional record producer who has worked with a multitude of artists and record labels in a freelance capacity. Outside this, he lectures music business at the University of the Witwatersrand and provides business consultation to the music industry. jshaw@smstudios.co.za Dave Skinz - DJ, Music Manufacturer, Wordsmith, Record Store owner, Promoter, and gamer par excellence are some of the multi-faceted roles that Skinz has played in his 15 year love affair with dance music. When not indulging himself in MMA footage and band practice, he spends his time waiting for Arsenal to take the treble. Www.daveskinz.com Donovan Leon - Donovan Leon is a Producer/ Engineer for DCL Studios and has had the opportunity to work and collaborate with many top artists & producers such as: Crighton Goodwill, Robin C Khol, L’loyd Cele, Jamali, CH2, Denim, Thembi Seete (Boom Shaka), Kwesta, Zubz, Sasha P (Nigeria), Jae, Ziyon (Liquid Deep), Verona, 37MPH and many, many more.

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6 INTERACT

THE WALL GOT SOMETHING TO SAY? YULE DARQ DLAMINI Thanks for the education advice by David Maclean, it's 1 of my favourite parts of the magazine. Gave my girlfriend issues of BPM Mag to read them. And going to show her the online ones. Thanks David Maclean and BPM Mag. OLEFA YALO BIG UP FOR THE BIBLES OF EDM... like our page Dubfix

PHILLIP MOTEANE MISTERIOUS The Jungle Fever Vol 1 by Wishingsoul will be in stores soon. Brought to u by DeepForestSA. More info: www.deepforestsa.com GIFT BORNSTUNNA MCOCO Its 2 months now i have not received my mag BPM Mag The last magazine came out in December (JANFEB '13 edition) - the new one - Mar/Apr '13 has been posted. Expect it in the next few days. MAC BLAK MACOLANATION Where can I buy BPM mag BPM Mag It's FREE. What area are you in, we'll tell you where to pick up a copy. C.9INE Get yourself a copy of BPM Mag and read about the Class Of 2013 #A_Million_Sprockets !!!

ROGER SANCHEZ I sat down with BPM Mag for a quick interview to talk about being part of Space Ibiza on tour South Africa, my take on today's dance music, and more! Check it out below!

XOLANI DLAMINI Representing South Africa Alpha and Olmega Amasiko - on Top 10 Traxsource Albums www.traxsource.com/title/208770/Amasiko Support NHLANHLA NDABA Sound 4 hire / rent. We do 21st birthday, weddings, birthday parties & evnt org. 4 bookngs call 0736746-222, 074-382-6621or drop me an email @ ndabanhlanhla@ymail.com we also do promotion 4 new clubz or pub's need a resident dj

PAPZEN MPOLOKENG ya magazines are addictive n always awesome dave RYAN SULLIVAN BPM Mag has a few words with Richie Hawtin (official page) after his South African tour. Includes free set download recorded at one of the events. DEAN FUEL Great story & Interview with Richie Hawtin (official page) here in South Africa cc BPM Mag Bridges for Music Cape Town Electronic Music Festival (CTEMF) Truth http://bpmmag.co.za/featured/richie-hawtin-southafrica-final-edits/ MPENDULO ARCHIE KHESWA how does one become a distributor of your gr8 mag? Im in the KZN South Coast

ALISHA LISHCO SMITH If you don't have a copy of South Africa's No 1 Urban Mag BPM Mag MARCH/APRIL 2013 Edition showcasing Soul Candi Records Exclusive Interview with Muzart_music> Rorisang Thandekiso Trudy Mackay Nkanyiso Khanyile Sol Soulman Mosetle Muzart Vic Tshegofatso Tazzy Lehutso Read all about it here > http://bpmmag.co.za/featured/theclass-of-2013/ LUNGA BAAINAR NOMBEWU News: nkokhi's second single nkokhi ft Botshelo Huma - Something New has been remixed by international legend Josh Milan of Blaze and Elements of Life fame. Read more about Josh here:http://www.traxsource.com/artist/35544/joshmilan WILHELM VENTER Go have a listen to my latest remix: @NickyRomero and @Avicii - I Could Be The One !!! Sum chilld dub for ya!!! http://soundcloud.com/el-phonix/nickyromero-avicii-i-could-be

THABO HOOTERBARS I learn sumthing new evrytime i open a page of BPM Mag. Thanx a lot guys.. MEEK LEE just entered for the SCIM competition! BULELANI BUJA MAYILA Im soo inlove with the front cover of the latest eddition of Bpmmag, bofore iread it itake 5mins to look at the cover 1st ASHLEE SMITH Could you guys maybe do a Article on music production like Albeton live and maybe what midi controllers like the midi fighter are available here? Could be interesting. MR. CUBE new track almost over, and this time was tiring already'm not seeing anything and I'm already saturated with the ears but the effort pays off with your good energy. my editor also already almost in the air Control room records . stay tuned. NYTXPRESS MOLEFE Bpm mag I alway have it where eva I go,I love can't stop reading it 7year now NYTXPRESS MOLEFE Bpm mag is part of me now and eva best mag eva NEO SEHLABANE Life is quiet since the post office went on strike and haven't been receiving our BPM Mags eish! #BPMMagFan CHRIS B MAREDI Music is not all about competition... It is means of communicating with the souls that need healing! #ElementsOfMusic http://elementsofmusic.podomatic.com/entry/201304-02T07_32_07-07_00 DROP US A MESSAGE on our Facebook page wall or email us at hello@bpmlife.co.za. We want to know what you’re loving, what you’re hating, and most importantly... What you’re listening to! Let us know what you’d like to see in the next BPM Mag and we could publish your letters here! JOIN OUR FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/bpmmag FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: www.twitter.com/bpmmag

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DAFT PUNK’S HIGHLY ANTICIPATED NEW ALBUM RANDOM ACCESS MEMORIES

ometimes in music you need to go back to move forward.’ Watching the collaborator series of YouTube videos on randomaccessmemories.com - Daft Punk’s website dedicated to their new album of the same name - this message resonates throughout all five clips whilst the first single from the album - Get Lucky - loops in the background. The five videos - aptly titled the Collaborator Series - are well worth watching whether you’re a Daft Punk fan or if you just wish to pick up some tips on how to successfully seed information on a new release into the market ahead of its anticipated release date. Of course having a veritable who’s who of carefully chosen collaborators helps and this series includes the legendary Giorgio Moroder, perhaps most famous for his work with Donna Summer in the late 70’s and early 80’s; Nile Rodgers of Chic [legendary 70’s disco band] fame, a guitarist who literally invented the disco wah wah rhythm guitar style; singer/rapper Pharrel Williams who cuts an impressive image as he talks passionately about his work with Daft Punk and then two slightly more diverse artists suggesting that the ‘robots’ are indeed up to speed with modern

‘

alternative in the form of experimental electronica artist, Panda Bear (Animal Collective) and American House producer, Todd Edwards both of whom appear suitably smitten and wide eyed about their experience, having worked with Daft Punk. The album has been made in almost complete secrecy and the recent release of information was executed with military like precision. At Coachella this year a teaser video for their first single, Get Lucky, was shown without warning on the big screens. The video includes ‘the robots,’ Pharrel Williams and Nile Rodgers, all decked out in sequined suits [did someone say disco fever?] and the song is a definite ode to the 70’s disco era evoking memories of the days of Studio 54 (iconic NY club). Reportedly the French dance duo - Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de HomemChristo - were standing on the edge of the VIP section watching gleefully as concert goers began to dance and film the screens on their phones. There seems to be a strong sense from the collaborators that this new album is going to breathe a breath of fresh air into an EDM scene that has become robotic and lacking in the human element. The very genre they inspired and influenced so much is ‘in its comfort zone and it’s not moving one inch,’ as revealed by Thomas on

rollingstone.com. Daft Punk’s trademark fusion of funky disco grooves, futuristic sounds and vocoded voices seem to still be the order of the day judging by the first single, Get Lucky. The ‘robots’ know, ultimately, that well crafted songs still beat electronic gimmickry hands down so all indications suggest we can expect an accomplished piece of work from the French duo. The worldwide release date of Random Access Memories is anticipated to be around 20 May. Could the second wave of disco be back? If Daft Punk have their way - and it’s very likely they will - there is a good chance we’ll all be dancing to Donna Summer influenced disco come the end of 2013. Its boogie time baby!

MUSIC NEWS

A NEW PSY KID ON THE BLOCK: MULTIVERZ PRODUCTIONS There’s a new psy kid on the block called Multiverz - “it’s the name given by earthlings to the chasm of cosmic ocean their planet floats around in, traditionally known as the Universe’, explains founding partner, Craig Hudson. “Multiverz, our company, was forged from our love for what we do. While we are launching the company by hosting a slamming series of winter indoor psy-progressive techno events, Multiverz is more than just an events company. It will augment into an artist management agency and record label. We are currently compiling a V/A compilation due for release later in 2013 which will see the launch of Multiverz Records.” Craig [The Skragg, Rabdom L, Twisted System] is a founding member of Timecode Records and has deejayed for over 15 years in the psy-scene as well as releasing numerous tracks. Craig’s partner, Johan aka Brez, has decades of event and production experience having once even managed Prime Circle. Multiverz are hosting 4 indoor events at Trinity in Cape Town this winter starting with SACRED TECHNOLOGY on Saturday 1st June.

They have decided to launch the company now, during winter to establish the brand. Says Craig, “We are going indoors for now because it’s getting cold and being outdoors is a bit risky from a weather perspective. We certainly have big plans to go outdoors and look forward to the forthcoming summer.” At the core of Multiverz is music - “everything is frequency! We aren’t here to re-invent the wheel. South Africa has some incredible event organisers that have already set a very high standard. We want to hear the best musicians on the planet in the best possible circumstances as well as contribute towards the greater body of knowledge through our work as an artist agency and record label. One aspect the Multiverz will be focusing on is the business relationship between local artists and promoters. We will be setting an example in that respect in the hope that other promoters recognise the viability of such a model. This is all about the music and our artist’s need to get what they deserve.” Find them here: facebook.com/Multiverz

INTRODUCING S I R I U S D-NOX

The creator of LOVE & LIGHT and PACHA Ibiza Cape Town, introduces a new Winter party project called ‘S I R I U S’. Named after the brightest Star in the Galaxy, you can be sure that S I R I U S will guide you on an Intergalactic Journey this Winter.

www.facebook.com/SiriusCapeTown

! Day into Night Event (2pm to 2am) ! Two Dance Floors, Mind blowing Visuals, Outside Gardens & Bars

! A NEW Exciting an Exclusive INDOOR/OUTDOOR venue with a 270 degree view of Cape Town, less than 20km from the Mother City

Interactive Noise

So grab your calendars and remember these Public Holiday party dates:

LISH

15 JUNE: (YOUTH DAY Event) PHAXE (Live) LISH (Live & DJ) Along with TOP SA Dj’s (Day/Night Party) 2pm to 2am 9 AUGUST (WOMEN’s DAY Event)

Phaxe

INTERACTIVE NOISE (Live) D-NOX (3hr DJ set) Along with TOP SA Dj’s (Day/Night Party) | 2pm to 2am

PHAXE

Check our album reviews for both Phaxe & Interactive Noise on Pg. 46.

ZINHLE LAUNCHES WATCH BRAND DJ Zinhle has entered the world of merchandising with the launch of her watch brand - Era with the slogan "It's our time". After seeing much success in the year 2012 with the smash hit My name is, DJ Zinhle has ventured into the retail business. The name ERA was influenced by her personal journey and growth. An Era is a date or an event forming the beginning of any distinctive period. According to DJ Zinhle, ERA is not just a watch but a message of encouragement to every woman about the endless possibilities that exist for them in our times.

ERA is a reminder that there is no better time than now to achieve everything you have always dreamed about.

ERA has launched into the market with 3 designs, the Dare, Explore and Dream Edition. Each edition has different colours to accommodate the different consumer preferences and tastes. Each watch edition carries a different message from the deejay to the consumer. The watches are mainly for ladies, with the exception of the Dare range which has 4 colours that are unisex, namely, Blue, White, Green and Black. For more info hop on over to Zinhle’s website: www.djzinhle.com

CAPE TOWN’S TERRENCE PEARCE RELEASES HALCYON EP ON FUTUREBOOGIE Cape Town’s Terrence Pearce is the latest recruit to the Futureboogie camp proving the A&R arm of the label is now reaching across the globe. The next digital only package will be the Halcyon EP a 4-tracker demonstrating the producer’s multi-textured style that fuses bass tinged house with more classic sounds and snippets of soul. Kicking off the release with an infectious little number, Halcyon delivers soaring strings, rumbling bass and a touch of Laurent Garnier’s jazz-tech leanings with lively trumpets recalling a certain classic record. Next up Kings N Queens favours a deep and dirty groove, with fervent synth stabs over the cheeky melodic bassline and chopped up male vox samples building up to a booming bass drop. Poise is another eloquent fusion of modern bass heavy riffs and soul samples all expertly weaved into a bumping groove with classic uplifting chords and some playful electronics. Closing the package, Up N Down is driven by the warm fuzzy synth melody that rises above the low-slung groove and gradually distorts into a tripped out melt down of bleeps and FX. Terrence Pearce is a producer/DJ from Durban who now resides in South Africa’s electronic hub Cape Town. His breakthrough release came with Magic on Shur-i-kan and

TRUTH TURNS UP THE HEAT REWIND In 1999 Midrand’s old snake park was transformed into Truth - it’s sprawling indoor areas and lush terrace complete with palm trees and a pool provided space for three massive dance floors. Johannesburg’s playground of sound soon became a firm favourite for those craving the ultimate clubbing adventure. Truth has, in many ways, been a crucial pillar of Johannesburg’s underground electronic music scene - many of the scene’s top names began their careers at the club and still call it home. Over the last fourteen years it’s become an

Milton Jackson’s Dark Energy Recordings in 2012, which was picked up by the Wolf Music boys who went on to license the track and subsequently brought Terrence to the attention of Futureboogie. The Halcyon EP is Terrence’s first full EP and showcases a dexterous talent with a cross spectrum of sounds at his fingertips. Soundcloud.com/terrencepearce

INTRODUCING JE T’AIME BY GAY THING Gay Thing has just released their debut album, JE T’AIME, which has been praised by the likes of Shortstraw’s Gad de Combes, SAMA winner Andre Scheepers and Koldproduk’s DJ Soosh. Gay Thing is Ms Louise and Mr Snyman. Ms Louise has released previous work under electro acts Bride Reunion and Devil’s Cartel and Mr Snyman has released albums under pseudonyms Black Pimp ’n Jesus and Battle Cock. Gay Thing formed in Johannesburg in 2012 and sounds like Peaches’ and Prince’s lovechild and ABBA on Spanish fly. Ms Louise contributes vocals, synth and engineering, whilst Mr Snyman supplies vocals, beats and production. They have performed at Grietfest 2012

institution - continuously shape-shifting as Johannesburg’s scene and tastes have evolved. The club has played host to some of the world’s most cutting-edge electronic acts including Stimming, Lee Burridge, Silicone Soul, Pete Heller, Warp Brothers, Anne Savage, Sister Bliss, Ferry Corsten, Style of Eye, Ian Carey, Paul van Dyk, Marc Romboy, Hot Since 82, Konrad Black, Animal Trainer, Wildkats, Barem, Federico Molinari and Mark Knight to name just a few.

2013 With names like Richie Hawtin, Edu Imbernon, iefschwarz, Charles Webster, Sammy Dee, Chopstick, Johnjon and Daniel Bortz, Audiojack, Super Flu, Djuma Soundsystem and Matt Masters all playing in the first 6 months - plus the legendary Yousef , Pleasurekraft and Romanian hot shots NTFO confirmed for June alone - the club’s ultimate goal of earning a permanent spot on the international clubbing circuit might not be too far away.

and their first single, Party Party Party, has already enjoyed radio play on SAFM. Download JE T’AIME for free with an option to donate from Gay Thing’s SoundCloud.

MUTHA FM: BROADCAST LICENSE PETITION Cape Town based internet radio station, Mutha FM, recently launched a petition to gain an FM licence. The station has been around for a good 10 years and is a strong advocator of local DJ talent with both up and coming and established DJs sharing the radio waves on various shows. The radio station focuses mainly on dance music and you can get to hear an uninterrupted flow of almost every conceivable style and genre by tuning in to www.muthafm.com. But they want to get onto the FM bandwidth and expand their listenership. Usually as clubbers we get to vote with our feet by dancing. This time, however, they need you to vote with your fingers so hop on over to the petition page to add your name to the cause. Simply go to their website and follow the prompts. It’ll take less than a minute.

“Unearthing the Underground” Please support Mutha in getting an FM broadcast Licence

Cape Town’s Electronic & Alturnative Radio Station PLEASE SIGN & SHARE THIS PETITION “Truth was the best gig for me in 2012. I rarely get so many positive reactions during my live set - ever!” - Stimming “When I arrived at the venue for the first time I thought, “Where the hell am I?!” A former reptile park is now a techno club? However my doubts disappeared very quickly. I played on the terrace and the crowd went bananas! One of my greatest shows in 2012, no question...” - Marc Romboy “Easily in my top 5 clubs in the world... There is something very magical about playing outside as the sun rises in South Africa.” - Mark Knight "I’ve only visited South Africa once but I loved it from the very first second... party was craziest, as I expected. Loved the crowd at Truth." - Wally Lopez “Truth, Johannesburg... probably my favourite place ever.” - Edu Imbernon

10 OPINION

By The Little Misfit

The Little Misfit

REVOLUTION IN THE CITY OF GOLD “OUT OF ALL THE PSY SCENES I'VE EXPERIENCED, JOBURG NOW HAS THE MOST FULL POWER PSYCHEDELIC SCENE....” here’s no sense denying it, winter’s coming; and with it, so are the indoor psy parties. Cape Town’s calendar is jampacked and it makes me wonder what’s happening up country in The City of Gold. The people of Johannesburg are known party animals. Why then historically, does its psy scene seem to struggle along? There was a mini revolution in the late nineties with parties like Mushroom Mafia and Lunartech warping the traditional club offering, but the last ten years have seen a host of promoters jumping on the trance music bandwagon - only to fall right off, with tattered reputations and plenty of debt. It’s not all grim though, there’s a core group of dedicated promoters who are working to not only improve the scene, but to establish it as something to be reckoned with. Local DJ, Chris Dowding (Chuffs), says: “It gets really big one season, then smaller the next, only to grow again, and so on.” He attributes this to the fact that Joburg itself is ‘a moving city with influx of people that come and go’. In comparison to Cape Town, the scene in Joburg comes off as fragmented, and scattered. “There is a core,” says Chris. “But Joburg including Pretoria is a big place; and the promoters divide up the different areas. Obviously though with the bigger parties we all get together.” Chris thinks that the scene has improved, but only recently. “Out of all the psy scenes I’ve experienced, Joburg now has the most full power psychedelic scene. People come for the experience; the crowd is older than in Cape Town, and the music is more psychedelic. It’s got a ‘family’ psy vibe, because it’s stayed so small for so long.” To really boost the psy culture Chris thinks we need to show the local DJs more support. “We have some amazing artists; especially our night-time acts. Plus he says the current mix of organisers, such as Roman Sergey, Benny Koorts, and Nick Grater (and more), are raising the bar. “These guys are really trying hard to deliver a good holistic production.”

Speaking of Nick Grater, promoter and DJ for Teknotribe and Twilight thinks that some of the promoters get a bad name because they don’t approach the events like a business. “A lot of the promoters aren’t really committed. It’s these fly-by-night promoters that damage Joburg’s reputation; when people go to a party with poor production.” However, Nick says these days the promoters are more united. Thanks in part to their annual New Year’s Eve festival, Revolution. “We sat down three years ago and decided to work together,” he says about the aptly named festival; a collaboration between Joburg’s most influential promoters. “Our indoors are right up there with Cape Town, most events pull in around 500 to 800 people.” Both Teknotribe and Twilight are mixed genre musical festivals; incorporating drum and bass, techno and psy trance. “We’ve always been crossover; and these kinds of events help people who would normally be in a club, get the outdoor bug.” Then why don’t they dance during the day? “Well, I’ve been working on that!” You need to have the right acts playing during

the day. Joburg is a party city; people work hard and play hard.” He goes on to say that the upcountry crew approach these outdoor events as they would a nightclub, give it horns at night and by the time sunrise peeks rudely over the horizon, they’re spent. “We need to make the daytime lineup so ridiculously good to tempt them to stay.” The future for psy in Joburg? “We’ve already come so far in improving the offering. We just need to keep continued communication between the promoters as well as to keep booking decent acts. What’s really important is that we need to stick to certain dates, build them year-after-year, solidifying the events in the minds of the party-goers.” Community, communication, and respect for dates - seems like this revolution is on the right track.

12 COVER FEATURE

By Tendai Luwo

BLACK COFFEE RAISING AFRICA “ONE OF THE REASONS WE CALLED IT AFRICA RISING IS THAT WE WANT TO UPLIFT OUR OWN COMMUNITY, ARTISTS AND MUSIC.”

lack Coffee’s Africa Rising made its grand debut on a starry night in Durban back in 2011. It was nothing short of amazing and by all measures Black Coffee had officially arrived and was here to stay. The monumental concert was then followed by a live DVD and CD that flew off the shelves in record breaking quantities. But Coffee wasn’t done there. The year is 2013 and almost out of the blue the DJ announces on his Twitter account that there’ll be a second Africa Rising and this time it’s in Johannesburg! The response was incredible. His Twitter account and Facebook wall was immediately flooded with ‘I’ll be there’ and the like. The city couldn’t wait!

Raising Africa I sat down with the legend just 3 days before the big event. It wasn’t easy pinning him down because as he explained, there were far more variables to this concert than the first one that were keeping him incredibly busy. “We’re doing this one on our own”, he tells me. The first Africa Rising was in partnership with Vodacom so from an organizing perspective that put a little less pressure on Coffee. The new set of challenges though does little to deter him and he elaborates on how even though they’re facing the usual issues an event promoter would face, everything is going according to plan. Africa Rising is for the people and there is sincerity in his voice when he speaks about his community. It is evident that Black Coffee envisions far greater things than making people dance and he genuinely has the people at heart. With the resources and reputation he has amassed throughout his career, he could have taken Africa Rising overseas at the snap of a finger but home is where his heart, or rather the beat is. “One of the reasons we called it Africa Rising is that we want to uplift our own community, artists and music. So doing it at the Walter Sisulu Square is more meaningful than doing it anywhere else.” As we chat more about Africa Rising he explains how not only does he want to make it a yearly event but turn it into at least a two day festival where the first day is dedicated to youth empowerment through workshops and seminars and the second day can be the musical showcase.

House Is A Home It’s no secret that Black Coffee is the current torch bearer for South African house. His music and influence has stretched as far as the Real Madrid changing rooms and the shores of Greece, but come what may he is always looking to do the biggest things back home. I’m curious to find out what his honest opinion of the local industry is and he wastes no time in sharing his thoughts. “The scene here is very big but we need more people believing in the local industry. We have an industry that can take someone with absolutely nothing like me and make them something huge but we’re not doing enough. We need to start thinking outside of the box and stop doubting ourselves.” His sentiments echo back to a previous interview he gave where he was speaking on the challenges he has faced with his charity organization, The Black Coffee Foundation. Simply put he felt people, and the corporate world in particular, are yet to fully understand what it is exactly he is trying to achieve within the music industry and on a larger scale. In his hauntingly truthful words, “We have a long way to go”.

Coffee. No Sugar Much like his stage name, Black Coffee is strong willed. He is as blatantly blunt about his opinions as he is humble about his stature and through talking to him and seeing him beyond the music, it is clear to see that everything he has done thus far was thought out at great lengths before implementation and the fruits of that process are clear for all to see. Borrowing from where this all started, the music, Black Coffee truly has become South African house music’s ‘Superman’.

More Money, More Problems It’s not all a bed of roses though for Black Coffee. With his level of success it is easy to think the path has started to run smoother but sadly that’s not the case. One of his most recent problems came in the form of a highly publicized dispute between him and a popular commercial radio station. Besides a handful of radio interviews, few people got to hear Black Coffee’s side to the story so I was compelled to press him on the matter. “Initially I didn’t want to talk about it but then I realized I’m doing more harm by keeping quiet. Basically we went to the particular radio station to negotiate media sponsorship for Africa Rising. After discussing with the team that handles this aspect of the station we reached an initial agreement that we both liked. Days later we received an email from the CEO of the station saying he wants me to perform at one of their own shows, ‘Live and Rewired’, which I

didn’t think was a bad idea and I then asked for a contract. The contract though was not a good agreement and had clauses like life-long licensing rights. I responded to the email asking for a Word document version of the contract so I could amend it to work for the both of us but we then received a reply stating that unless we agreed to the terms of the initial contract, the sponsorship deal was off.” Of course Black Coffee quickly declined the deal and stamped his authority by severing all ties with the station including having all of Soulistic’s music removed from the station’s playlist. There is a hint of disappointment in his voice when he speaks about this incident. Not just because he was being screwed over in broad daylight but because he was well aware that there are other artists that had agreed to the ludicrous contract without clear knowledge of its long term implications. He adds with a hint of sadness in his voice, “this is why so many artists die broke.”

Want to know how the Africa Rising event at Walter Sisulu Square was? Simply scan this TAG or go to BPMMAG.CO.ZA to read Tendai’s review of the event.

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16 FEATURE

By jezebel

HE'S SIGNED; HE'S INDEPENDENT. HE'S DANCE; HE'S AN ORCHESTRA.

HE AIN'T NOTHING BUT TROUBLE.

HAEZER

THE AFRICAN GOD OF BASS MUSIC he last time I was under the influence of Haezer, I came away quite stunned. The selfprofessed ‘bass music’ man has always had a way with beats, building them, breaking them, and giving them teeth that a great white would cry for. He’s always taken his fans on an insane journey that is as much organic as it is electric. He’s the producer who celebrates others’ input, the artist who dreams of collaborating with Tom Waits and the DJ who converts critics and cynics with nothing more than a full house and their own sweaty capitulation. But, like the technology he uses, his work is evolving exponentially, making much else on the dance floor redundant. His journey is taking him, now, it seems, as the self-made maestro of machines has

recently opened out into the dialogue that separates the rock from the star: Haezer is, at his core and completion, a composer, and I think Dvorák would approve. The nod is not a given, though; everybody is not a Haezer fan. Yet the man has seen people slowly converting from cynic to fanatic after being exposed to his work. “This is one of my favourite things to witness. I love that solid rockers who totally hate on dance music - come to me after many shows saying, ‘well bro, I hate dance music, but that was epic; I’m a fan now.’ ” If you think this might’ve gone to his head, you’ll want to think again. A growing fan base means more work for the man, rather than less, as the bar is raised even as it is always open. Ever the effort-maker, he spends days online in his mobile studio, v

researching, sourcing, sampling, mixing and making the sounds that his imagination (and his home studio) vibrates to. While he’s the nicest guy to have a good time with, he’s his own greatest critic. Cornered about what he might like to do in time to come, it’s clear that, for Haezer, the future is now, and it’s not good enough …yet. “I would love to design music and soundscapes for games! But I don't think I'm even ready for that. My main focus now is to make each song better than the previous one and tour as much as I can.” Touring takes him all over the world, recently all over Australia, soon to Germany including Hurricane fest alongside Smashing Pumpkins, Modeselektor, Sigur Ros, Netsky, The Editors and more. He’s a homebody at

Images: © Adriaan Louw | www. louwpanther.tumblr.com

HE'S CHILL; HE'S COMPLETELY MANIC.

17 heart who embraces time away with the same attitude that keeps him afloat in a largely unregulated industry: Haezer is a DIY guy. I suggest chefs on tour; Haezer keeps it real. “I'm happy to make my own food as a novice. That's another quirk of touring in Europe. The supermarkets there are amazing! So much choice!” And it’s choice that sets any artist apart, often from a comfortable lifestyle, but while he isn’t bling about it all, he isn’t in the red, either. Far from leaning on his family’s laurels to set himself up, he followed a calling while also paying the bills as a film and video editor. “I wasn't going to go into music blindly. I never planned to make music my career. I was working at Priest in post-production and it was only when I couldn't take any more time off from work to do more tours as HAEZER that I had to make the choice of editing or music. I love editing, but music has always been my biggest passion.” ‘Biggest’ means more gigs but shorter songs lately. His latest single, Shango, is swifter than much of his known material. “It's more of a 'piece' than a usual banger. It’s the first time I’ve used so many simulated ‘real instruments’ in a track. I have a saz, violin, trombone, double bass

WARNING: NOT SAFE FOR LAPTOPS. and cello running in the build ups. The song was initially longer, but then I just felt it dragged.” Deft and expansive but to the point, it's a cinematic offering engaging the idea of analogue, reaching right across to Asian and sounding so fresh. “I've always loved the eastern influence in trip hop and lately I've been playing around with real instruments and testing the waters, so to say, with more organic sounds in my tracks. This track just kind of wrote itself. It sounds helluva cheesy, but most of the time, at least when I write a good song (in my opinion), the song writes itself; I just follow the direction it's going until it's done.” And when it’s done, there’s silence? Does he hear glitches and beats in silence? “I hear melodies. I've started a library of whistles and hummed melodies on my iPhone so that I don't forget them.” When I asked him about noise, in the middle of a tune, on the stage, in a room of pelting, pulsing bodies, and whether he hears silence in that, he replies, “I find peace in the mayhem, but never silence. The

amount of adrenalin and energy makes that impossible. That’s why I love Djing.” Tricky term, “DJ”. In popular culture and the music industry alike, it’s loaded, and not with bullets of insight. Are you seeing visions of a guy or gal stuttered by a strobe, armed with a laptop, animatedly waving arms around to finally... click on the next song? Taken to a techie level, layman understanding of the profession allows little more in its definition. The discussion around whether electro and other nonanalogue sound is not (really) music, because it's easy to control, (posited often by the same people who can't quite control their own compositions or egos) is simple for Haezer. Ever the editor, he cuts through it to its core with a single sentence. ”When you're cutting and pasting samples that you know the general public will eat up and you put no creativity into it, that's not music.” Here’s to the composer who puts life into zeros and ones. www.soundcloud.com/haezer v

P.S. still not sure Dvorák would give him the nod? Ask Haezer to show you his homage to the man...

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20 EXCLUSIVE FEATURE

By Heather Mennell

IN THE MIX WITH CIRCUS FOUNDER,

YOUSEF “PEOPLE THINK THAT THE FURTHER UP THE SO-CALLED ‘LADDER’ YOU GET THAT IT BECOMES EASIER - BUT IT’S THE TOTAL OPPOSITE. THE FURTHER UP THE LADDER YOU GET THE HARDER IT BECOMES...”

or the last ten years the Circus club and record label has built a gleaming reputation for quality underground music. What started off as a simple ‘house party’ in one small room has become a globally recognised club night of immense stature, reaching a decade of brilliant parties which inspire its audience and

DJs alike. The man behind it all? Yousef. Heather Mennell stole some of his time to chat about his roots, future and “the tapestry of effort” that has created one of the best-loved clubs in the UK. Yousef is busy. On top of his ‘usual’ dayjob of rocking dancefloors in every continent on the planet he is far more than someone who simply plays other people’s records. I call

him an hour earlier than scheduled, but he is warm and friendly “I’m juggling about five thousand different things,” he laughs “there’s Circus in Liverpool and London, Circus the record label, Circus in Ibiza now - which is going to be a full 17 week season. With the label I am nurturing all these artists and this is on top of the DJing which has been going on for 15 years and that takes me all over the world every weekend. Then there’s the music I’m producing for all the other labels. I also do a weekly radio show and I’m studying psychology.” He laughs again, “I’m incredibly busy all the time.” Having been at the helm of Liverpool’s now legendary Circus club for over 10 years he reveals, “It’s bananas! I think ‘tipping point’ may be an overused phrase but like I say, I’ve been doing it for a long time and I really believe in the party and the record label - and in everyone who plays for me. It’s reached a second generation now and we still stick to the original ethos from day one. Circus is about serious music and being made to feel welcome. At the club, at the record label even me! Everything that is part of Circus. Quality but positive.” Yousef ’s own DJ career was launched through winning a DJ competition hosted by Muzik magazine called the ‘Bedroom Bedlam’ competition back in 1998 which secured him gigs in Ibiza and at Ministry of sound. “I was only 20 so it was amazing to go from a regular nine to five job, Monday to Friday and then fly off to Ibiza on the weekend.” he says. “The competition really opened a lot of doors and I got me [sic] quite a lot of visibility. I got on Radio One and after that I got my residency at Cream and then I set up Circus. Since starting Circus I have been producing music as well so it’s a whole tapestry of effort. But it all started from wanting to be a DJ and then my break by winning the competition. Since then it’s been an unbelievable amount of graft,” he pauses thoughtfully, “it really has!”

Of course there are many misconceptions about what ‘making it’ in the music industry means - which Yousef knows all too well. “People think that the further up the so-called ‘ladder’ you get that it becomes easier - but it’s the total opposite. The further up the ladder you get the harder it becomes, the more difficult it is to fulfil new ambitions and ideas and move forward. It’s a huge commitment but it’s a lot of fun.” Our talk swings to the digital ‘revolution’ and how it’s changed the game - “I’m an example of a modern DJ and what I mean by that is I have been DJing a long time and I put a lot of effort into my sets - but you’ve got to have other attributes. You’ve got to have a label, you’ve got to do events, you’ve got to make music, you’ve got to do a radio show or a combination of the lot. It’s really important to contribute to the scene as much as possible.” Of course he’s felt a negative side to the

digital revolution too -“What’s happened a lot is that the kids are coming through - they’ve made a tune on Ableton they’re DJing on a controller - and that’s their thing. But they’re not rocking the crowd. They haven’t got that experience, ability or understanding of not having a pre-prepared set. They don’t know how to feel an audience and read what they want - how to turn up the gears at the right time - which comes from experience. It has been a problem in the past couple of the years - but I’m not having it anymore. First and foremost you have to be a really accomplished DJ. You need to be able to rock the crowd - to me that’s the most important thing in the business.” Yousef is known for spotting talent early. He was the first promoter to book Loco Dice in the UK. Jamie Jones and Seth Troxler played at Circus way before they became the global sensations they are now. What does he looks for in the artists and DJs he chooses to work with? “Authenticity. Because of the music we

support - which is, in my opinion, more quality electronic music: underground house and techno. It tends to be more authentic anyway.” He continues, “When these guys start they don’t have managers or agents or PR people. They’re just doing it - and that’s how we pick up on them quite early because they would’ve sent me music and in one way or another we would’ve crossed paths.” Talk turns to the “EDM explosion” and Yousef reflects - “I’ve seen peaks and troughs. Really high peaks like the early 90’s in the UK which was crazy. Now it’s a global explosion. For me it’s only a good thing. Although I’m not into the huge EDM sound. It’s far from anything good but at the same time kids are enjoying it - people are listening to electronic music 9 to 5. And that’s cool because obviously the good stuff is in the middle. So if they start getting into it eventually they’ll find their way to people like me.” His latest release, Circus X celebrates ten years of Circus parties and to mark this auspicious occasion Yousef asked some of his friends to each create a brand new track which he has mixed into a compilation. “I approached guys [who’ve] been playing at Circus since the beginning, or the beginning of their careers. People like Derrick Carter and Carl Cox - so I asked them to make a brand new track which I have put together into a mix. I wanted to cement our friendship and everything that we’ve done at Circus.” “I thought I’d battle to scrape ten tracks together - but I’ve got twenty! Twenty tracks from some of the greatest names in dance music now and historically speaking,” he says excitedly. The compilation sparkles with gems from Green Velvet, Guti, Nic Fanciulli, DJ Sneak and Tim Green. One place his journey hasn’t taken him is South Africa; “A lot of industry people and DJs who have come to South Africa only had good things to say about the hospitality, scenery and the clubs. But I think the RA feature really brought it home for me - the passion and how real the scene is. I’ve been asking my agent to get me there for ten years and now I’m finally coming - so I’m really, really excited.”

Yousef plays at Truth Nightclub in Johannesburg on 1 June, along with Manuel Tur from Freerange UK. Also playing Truth JHB this winter... 4 May - Tony Lionni (Freerange UK) 11 May - James What (UK), Mike Peters (Swi) & Kinetik Label Night in the Basement 8 June – Ben Gold (UK) 28 June – Pleasurekraft (Sweden/USA) 29 June – NTFO (Romania) www.truthjhb.com

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24 FEATURE

By Sergio Pereira

Photo: Leonard Gren Photography

BASSHUNTER HUNTING FOR B E AT S “I WANTED THIS RELEASE TO BE MORE ABOUT WHERE I WANT TO GO AS AN ARTIST...” The four year gap between albums has been a long one and many fans have been wondering why."There are many reasons. I was on Big Brother UK, then Big Brother Sweden, plus with touring, that took up a lot of time [and] I wanted this new release to move on from the last,” Jonas says. “[For] this album, I made more than thirty tracks/demos, but cut it down to the final fifteen tracks. There are lots of reasons why [certain] tracks did not make it, but I wanted this release to be more about where I want to go as an artist.”

THE EVOLUTION OF BASSHUNTER

nless you’ve been cryogenically frozen for the past couple of years, or don’t pick up radio reception in your Batmobile, you should know who Basshunter is. Born Jonas Altberg, Basshunter is a Swedish Euro-dance sensation who has been storming the local charts and selling CDs as if they all came with a free Streetwise 2.

JOHANNESBURG 1 – 0 CAPE TOWN Earlier this year, he visited South Africa for stellar performances in Cape Town and Johannesburg, respectively. When we touch base Jonas says he had a good time, and “enjoyed Jo’burg the best” - much to the dismay of Capetonians, I’m sure. “Fans were great, and it is great to have finally been able to come there to perform for them.” He adds, “I hope very soon [to be back in S.A.]. Once the album is released, and hopefully does as well as the previous releases, I hope to

come back and tour. I had a great time in South Africa.” Now that he has experienced a taste of Africa, we decide to pick Jonas’ brain about the global dance phenomenon, and ask if he has noticed any other African countries embracing the dance movement. “To be honest, this is the first time I have been [to the continent], so not yet - but you would think you guys would be the first to lead,” he smiles.

THE NEW ALBUM Four years after Bass Generation, Jonas has promised a new full-length in 2013. “The album is called Calling Time,” he exclusively reveals. Judging by the two promotional singles (Northern Light and Dream on the Dancefloor) released, it’ll be a juxtaposed album featuring archetypal Basshunter, as well as a new sonic approach. Jonas confirms, “On this album, I have tried to grow as an artist with an album that has classic Basshunter sounds, but also music that I have not released before. I am very happy with the final result.”

Jonas mentions where he wants to go as an artist; does this mean there is still something that he hasn’t done, which he’d like to attempt? “Well, I am always looking to develop as an artist and on this album, more than any before, I have guest vocalists and other producers. So, for me, I would like to work with different artists from different countries; [that] is always fun,” he states. One thing that will probably never change is his enjoyment of making the music videos. He laughs, “Yeah, they are fun, most of the time. Well, the love story videos, up to Northern Light, have just moved forward from the ones before, but going forward we are trying new things. I speak to my management team about video ideas and see what we all think will work best.”

GAMING + MUSIC = WIN It has been seven years since Basshunter’s computer game-inspired smash-hit, DotA, delighted fans of the popular online multiplayer game. He’s still an avid gamer, as he was back then, and reveals his favourite game at the moment, “I now play League of Legends (LoL), but tons of other games also. I’m still a huge gamer. I always take two laptops [on tour]; one to produce music and one for gaming. You never know when an idea will come, so it’s great to have a mobile studio, where I can record ideas, and then come back to them when I’m back in the studio.” For more information on Basshunter, please visit www.basshunter.se.

26 ARTIST Q ‘n A

By Dave Mac

” SOUTH AFRICA REALLY REMINDS US OF ISRAEL; YOUNG, ENERGIZED AND CHEERING …”

THERE'S NOTHING MINOR ABOUT

MAJOR 7 he times they’re a changing! Three years ago it was an anomaly for a progressive psytrance artist to get booked in South Africa. Nowadays it’s become the norm and happily so. The balanced mix of progressive, night time, high tech and morning full-on is what makes for an excellent overall journey at an outdoor event. The creators of full on psy project, XnoiZe, Barak Argaman and Bonen Murasaki have embraced this new trend for powerful progressive psy by creating a second project specifically for this sound and they call themselves Major 7. They’ve already experienced the power of an SA dancefloor [Rezonance 2013] and can’t wait to get back to rock SA indoors this winter. Dave Mac cyber-chatted to the duo…

Israeli producers have moved from full-on to this new hybrid Israeli ‘psy-tech’ which Major 7 does so well. What made you put the X-noiZe project aside to focus on progressive? Well the music style has changed and we think it’s great so we have embraced it. We’re still doing X-noiZe tracks, but full on music was on the way out so we found ourselves playing old music in DJ sets with no new tracks from other artists that we liked. Hence we decided to create Major7 as a progressive trance project. But to create a new project and sound it took us a few tracks to shape our sound. It actually also changed the way we do things in X-noiZe now, so when we do an X-noiZe track it has prog elements in it too.

How long does it take to finish a track? It can be between a week and 3 weeks, depends on how it flows in the studio and if we have time to work because a lot of the time we’re traveling to and from gigs. Sometimes you finish writing the track in 3 - 4 days, but then it takes a week or more to fix the sound and re edit it; playing a new track at a party teaches you a lot too. We never release a track before we test it a few times at parties. Is 145 [bpm] dead? 145 is not dead exactly but there is no problem delivering your ideas at lower bpms. No one will pay attention to how fast it is, what counts is what is inside the track and how it has been edited. We personally think (and we all know it) that you can do a fatter track (more bass) - with a lower bpm. The great thing about the slower psy-prog is that it works so well indoors too. Have you found that with Major 7 you are able to get a broader variety of bookings than, say with XnoiZe? Exactly! Major7 has certainly got us to more places, since psy-prog is a more moderate tempo, it works well in clubs. We’ve been to new places we never got to as X-noiZe; new clubs in Brazil, Mexico, Israel, Europe. Some new territories too such as: Argentina, Canada, as well as South Africa - a place we never visited as XnoiZe. But we do still get bookings for X-noiZe as well [laughs].

Speaking of South Africa. How did you enjoy our dancefloor? It rocked, the scene and the crowd in South Africa really reminds us of Israel; young , energized and cheering … We have a video we edited from the Rezonance festival and we show it proudly all over the world to promoters that have doubts on "how our music works in a party." [laughs] Will there be more X-noiZe in the future? You actually caught us in the middle of mastering the new X-noiZe EP called On Demand. We are shaping the new sound, giving the project a new image. That’s why we chose Nutek as the label to release on, as the music is tougher and influenced a lot by our Major7 style. We love the result but we guess in a month’s time ...you can judge for yourself. Any new Major 7 tunes due for release? Yes! Major7 & Capital monkey - UnNatural on Iboga. 2 new tracks with D-Addiction: Drugs Remix and From the Speakers, a Liquid Soul remix of Revelation Dawned, another collab with Capital Monkey and a few more tracks we’re busy with in the studio right now. Do you think we will ever see a psy-prog artist at Tomorrowland or Ultra Music festival? Not on main floor, no... not "commercial" enough to be on main dancefloor. Let’s try keep it this way. Catch Major 7 and X-noiZe live at Sacred Technology - Sat 1st June @ Trinity.

28 FEATURE

By Levi Letsoko

BPM MAGAZINE READS THROUGH PROVERB'S FOURTH WRITE

e called himself Pro to the Verb. With a verse like he had on that beat (Attention) he was sure to shake the rap game up. And he did! From as early as the days of Rap Activity Jam on regional radio station YFM, to hosting the local installment of one of the biggest talent search franchises called Idols; Proverb’s journey has been one filled with twists and turns - and a fair share of celebrations. Born Tebogo Thekisho, in Kimberley, Proverb broke into the rap music scene after being signed to Outrageous Records - an independent record label that was dedicated to giving undiscovered and socially conscious artists a platform to explore their crafts. “When I first came to Gauteng I was more into Hip Hop as a lifestyle culture than I was into rapping. I was intrigued by how passionately most of the guys in Johannesburg were dedicated to the rap scene.” He adds: “I was fascinated more by how they were writing and rapping about their own experiences. That’s when I started exploring the writing aspect of the culture. I got into battles with other rappers; at rap

“I REMEMBER SA RAP MUSIC WAS STILL ATTEMPTING TO TAKE SHAPE AT THE TIME, AND AMU RELEASED A HIT SINGLE CALLED ATTENTION FEATURING MR. SELWYN AND ANOTHER RAPPER WHO WAS NEW ON SCENE BUT HAD A DELIVERY THAT SET HIM APART AND MADE HIM A PERFECT FIT FOR THE TRACK.” competitions, on radio shows and even on television.” Proverb has since matured! From his early days as a battle mc, to being part of the biggest talent show on television; Pro’s star keeps rising. After hopping from one label to the next, Proverb has embraced his journey’s tribulations and has now finally found a home at Universal Music for his latest brain-child Fourth Write. “I have a licensing deal with Universal which essentially means that they will print, market and distribute my [new] album for the duration of the contract. The deal was finalized and signed last year (2012) after

some negotiations with the executives. All was finally agreed upon and the album was released last quarter of 2012.” Tebogo’s previous projects have established him as one of the most consistent rappers in the SA Hip Hop scene. The Book of Proverb, which was his debut under Outrageous Records did very well for a project released by an indie and it positioned Proverb right up there with his peers who were affiliated with major stables. He followed up his first release with The Manuscript and Write of Passage and these projects marked the important transition that the rapper had experienced as an artist. His latest album Fourth Write seems to be continuing the trend that Proverb set with his previous projects. Mixed and mastered at the popular Jazzworx studios, it embodies the culmination of Proverb as a Broadcast personality - as well as an articulate artist with a very high sense of respect for his craft. “I love to collaborate and on this album I've had more collaborations than on my previous work. I have worked with Lungelo on the hit single Only The Beginning. I have another heavy banger called Higher Than That featuring established Nigerian artist Naeto C. Another amazing collaboration that I managed to put together was with The Soil.” When Proverb releases a body of work he undoubtedly manages to stay visible. His latest single featuring Kabomo called My Day Will Come, has currently been enlisted at the title sequence for the hit drama series Tempy Pushas which airs on SABC 1 on Fridays at 20h30. “I am pleased with the reception of Fourth Write. I remember at one point I was reluctant to release an album - and I was strongly considering releasing singles only.” He adds: “Releasing Fouth Write is proving to be the best choice I made. I have received a South African Music Award nomination for my effort so am pleased and content.” But the Fourth Write is not only about his growth as a rapper, but also as a producer. Proverb produced most of the major hits on the album including Writer’s Club featuring Tebogo as well as Blessed And Highly Favoured with ground-breaking group The Soil. facebook.com/ProVerbFam

30 FEATURE

By Tendai Luwo

utting a face to a producer is always an interesting experience because it’s human nature to build your perception of what the producer will look and be like, based on their music. So as I make myself comfortable in this humble home studio, I’m intrigued by this young producer named Cuebur. The man is refreshingly hilarious and if you tilt your head this way, he looks just a little like Lupe Fiasco. Born Nicholas Mboweni and hailing from the small town of Middleburg in Mpumalanga, Cuebur is surprisingly young for the list of accolades under his belt but there’s one thing about him that bothers me. Before the interview starts, he takes me though his catalogue of hits and time and time again I let out a shocked, “Wait! You made that?” till I’m led to ask myself, why isn’t he as big as he should be?

History Lesson Before he became the Cuebur we know today, Nicholas was an IT guru and before that he was even a hip hop head! It’s a wonder he got into house but no one is complaining. One of his early milestones came in the form of a simple “See you next week” from one of SA’s biggest DJs, Euphonik, after they shared the decks at a gig. The nod of approval from the big-shot DJ saw Cuebur accompanying Euphonik and serving as the opening act for his News Café tour back in 2009. But that moment was only one of the first chapters in the remarkable story that is Cuebur’s music career.

Pepe One of the biggest songs on the house circuit in 2010 was Pepe. To the masses, me included, we associated the song with DJ Zinhle. But in the midst of going through his history of productions, Cuebur casually plays the track and I stop him right there. I wasn’t totally oblivious to the fact that Cuebur played some sort of role in the production of the massive hit, but the extent of his effort is what caught me off guard. Cuebur laughs as he explains that Pepe was well on its way to the trash can. While compiling his demo, he was asked by his manager to send through some tracks to be punted to various record labels and DJs working on their compilations. Not wanting to give all his best tracks away at one go, Cuebur decided to add the tracks that were at the bottom of the pile and that included Pepe. As the story goes, everyone who heard it loved it and soon enough Cueber was getting a call from Zinhle’s management. Within no time the song arguably became the track that defined Zinhle’s career but somewhere along the line Cuebur’s name was lost and almost forgotten. The young man holds no hard feelings

CUEBUR

OUR BEST KEPT SECRET

about it though and explains that for him, those that matter knew his role in the scheme of things and that’s all that he really cares about.

The Time is Now Pepe was in no way Cuebur’s last hit and every year you can find at least one Cuebur production hovering somewhere near the top of a music chart. His current list of mega productions include the remix of Children of The Ghetto by Mmelashon, a collaboration with DJ Shimza on a mix of 340ml’s I’ll Be Back and most recently, a stellar remix of UPZ’s Happy Days with Stephanie Cook, all of which have landed no lower than top 10 on various music charts. But the best is yet to come, or rather is already here. Despite two great but poorly

marketed albums, Cuebur has returned with a brand new project titled For Heads Only. With a star line-up of fresh talent and gems like Lost For Words with Thandi Draai and the infectious Don’t Let Him Get Away featuring Charlene Lai, there is no doubt it will provide him with a much deserved big break. As my time with Cuebur draws to a close, my initial question as to why he isn’t as big as he should be is answered. Simply put, he doesn’t want to be; at least that’s not the essence of his motivation. Cuebur epitomizes the saying ‘Do it for the love’. Whatever his driving force may be though, there is no denying the talent that is Nicholas ‘Cuebur’ Mboweni and sooner or later, you’ll definitely hear it for yourself. facebook.com/cueburmusic

32 Q ‘n A

By Dave Mac

THE INCREDIBLE...

IAN CREDIBLE!!!

J Ian Credible is living the dream. Having recently won the Steve Aoki "Be the DJ" Competition, beating out a host of international contenders, Credible will be a Mix Mag resident this summer in Ibiza. Just that alone would probably satisfy the whims of many an aspirant DJ dreaming longingly of hot summer sessions on the party island. But chatting to Ian it’s clear this is just one more cog in the wheel of aspiration for this ambitious DJ and producer.

I guess the best place to start is with your most recent achievement: Winning the Steve Aoki "Be the DJ" Competition... Picture the amazing setting of Amsterdam where so many respected EDM Producers come from. I had the privilege of spending time with my idol Steve Aoki and also some great company and now new friends. The level of competition was fierce, to put it plainly, with the likes of Deader than Disco, Elphonix, Sour n’ Sweet and all the others willing to lay it all down on the line. Gaining from this opportunity will create the platform I’ve been working for my entire life to showcase my music and stage performance to a global audience. I’m sure you’ve been asked this plenty times; what’s Steve Aoki really like? Yes, this question is quite common but I answer it gladly; Steve Aoki is an absolute gentleman, completely down to earth, extremely intelligent and of course exceedingly talented. I have the hugest amount of respect for the empire he has created and was blown away by the amazing person he is off stage. You’ve entered a few competitions; I see you won the J&B Producer competition too. Some would say DJing is not a sport and competitions are pointless. What’s your take? I would agree to the general perception behind DJing not being a sport, but with the fast growing DJ community you need to be on top of your game. One must remember that DJing is also a business and it’s a long road to success. Getting noticed for your skills in any profession is very important when climbing the ladder. If entering and winning a reputable competition spring boards your

career, I believe it’s a great opportunity and should definitely be considered. There are a lot of self taught producers out there. Having studied at The Academy of Sound Engineering would you say this has been critical to honing your producer skills? Absolutely! When teaching yourself production you generally find out a thousand ways of how not to do something before finding out how to do it right, whereas being taught the right way the first time saves a heap of time and aggravation. Which is why, I guess, you launched DJ4Life... Yes, the idea was born from a desire to share the knowledge and experience I have gained from our amazing industry and to create a community where like- minded music enthusiasts can come together, learn the craft of the DJ/ producer and share their amazing talents with each other while in turn growing themselves to be the best they can be before they go out and perform their passion to the world. The up-coming workshop [see our news page for details] is for new and experienced DJs/music producers. The presentation on how clubbing has changed the world as we (used) to know it will expand the knowledge of all dance music lovers and the synthesis intensive training will give clarity to how synthesis is at the basis of all digital music production. Speaking digital, as an ambitious DJ in this online age one can easily get one’s music out to a global audience [Soundcloud, Mixcloud,YouTube etc, etc].Yet DJing and performing is still the single best way to make an impression. How much does producing your own music vs. DJ skills count in going global? I believe that both are absolutely vital; making your own music sets you apart from your peers and gives you your unique identity, being a skilled DJ not only ensures the crowd of an original experience but also gives you

”... MAKING YOUR OWN MUSIC SETS YOU APART FROM YOUR PEERS AND GIVES YOU YOUR UNIQUE IDENTITY...” the ability to improvise. I find that production knowledge and DJ skills constantly lend to one another and having both helps me continuously improve as an artist. Right now Ian Credible is loving life and loving SA EDM Culture. He says he can’t think there’s much he’d change locally and he cannot wait for his ‘cross continent debut’ in Ibiza come September. Find Ian here: iancredible.co.za

34 COLUMNIST By Tendai Luwo

THE DEEP END WITH LUO

THE OPEN

LETTER TENDAI ASKS PROMOTERS: WHY ARE NON-HEADLINE DJS TREATED LIKE DISPOSABLE GOODS? y journey within the entertainment industry didn’t start with being a music journalist. In fact I’ve always dreamt of rocking crowds in Ibiza and pushing bass bins to their max to the delight of the masses. But somewhere along the line I found myself writing about my love for music and all the experiences, both good and bad, that I’ve encountered on this journey towards fulfilling my dreams. Throughout this voyage though there were several challenges I noted that a young DJ experiences but none was as difficult to overcome as the event promoter. The thing is, as much as I’ve had great experiences as a growing DJ, I’ve also been to hell and back when it comes to my experiences with event promoters and that is why I decided to pen this open letter. Before I get into it though I’d like to note that every DJ, me included, is forever grateful whenever they are granted the opportunity to play at a club, house party or festival. Entertaining people runs in our blood and this is probably the reason why we persevere through the hogwash we encounter on a regular basis. We simply love what we do. But that aside, the conditions we work under can’t continue like this. My issue with event promoters is how you view non headline DJs as disposable

goods. There are a lot of us out there, but there are a lot of soldiers in an army and nurses in a hospital, this doesn’t make the work they do any less valuable. It’s no secret that good music maketh the party. I’m sure had CDJs been around in biblical times, this would be a proverb somewhere. So then for the love of a VIP guestlist, I can’t fathom why event promoters would undermine the worth of a DJ. This is not to say that DJs are now demanding five star treatments but a little respect would be nice. The unwarranted changing of set times at the drop of a dime or not honouring agreed upon payments seems to be the order of the day within event circles. Many a time I’ve seen a DJ being told to vacate the DJ booth just as he is about to start his set - a set he’s usually waited several hungry hours to play - just because the promoter’s close friend decided the dancefloor looked full enough for him to get his shine. The first DJ now has to pack up his stuff, explain to his friends that “there was a mix up”, and hope the promoter still gives him a chance to play later on in the night. Now to you as a promoter this may not seem as a big deal. I mean, we’re just DJs, it’s not like what we do is THAT important right? This then is the point where I should be advocating for DJs to band together to stand up to this evil force. I should stand at

the top of the mountain and scream for change, uprising, maybe even a DJ union, but you and I both know that’s not going to happen. DJs don’t get down like that, and that’s fine. But what I will say is that promoters are quick to forget that the unknown DJ of today is the star of tomorrow and this industry is all about relationships. I know every single promoter who has every screwed me over and if the stars ever align and make me the next Black Coffee, I know just which clubs I’m avoiding no matter what the fee. Furthermore, people talk. It’s no secret which promoters are dodgy and if a DJ can help it, they’ll avoid working with that individual. All in all though, a lot of us DJs will remain underground for whatever reason. Maybe we just don’t want to be famous and that’s fine. But coming from a city like Johannesburg where the event scene is surprisingly small, it’s only a matter of time before you shady promoters start being avoided like the plague. So before that happens, let’s try a little tenderness Mr. Promoter. You’ll be surprised just how well a good working relationship will get you in the future. Till that day though, a ‘staff drink’ wouldn’t hurt either. Signed The Unknown DJ

FUN STUFF

5 MINS WITH...

DJ SABBY

WE GRAB 5 MINUTES WITH SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE DJ'S & ARTISTS AND ASK THEM... WELL... JUST ABOUT ANYTHING WE FEEL LIKE!!!

ecently promoted from the midnight -3 slot on weekends on YFM to the weekend breakfast show, DJ Sabby is on

the move in 2013 and couldn’t be happier. The radio/TV personality is no slouch as a club DJ either... and according to him it’s all about the music.

1. An authentically South African sound is... Kwaito and Maskandi music; those genres for me, I think they speak volumes about our country and its diversity.

digital creative director. 13. The South African music industry needs more... Originality (people love originality) and a unique sound. If we can keep delivering more of that I see no reason why CD sales would suffer people just want to buy music that is fresh and is of international quality. Artists like Zahara and Micasa have proven that people still buy music.

2. Kwaito music ignites... My childhood / teenage years... memories. 3. What does an alter ego offer an artist other than a feisty stage name? The thing about having an alter ego is that it gives you the power / ability to do things that you wouldn't do just nje. For some of us having a stage name or an alter ego it gives you more confidence to go out there and rock.

14. Luck is something normally associated with... Being at the right place at the right time. 15. What makes a woman attractive? A hardworking and grounded woman who knows what she is about.

4. DJing is an art best left to... Those who love music and play for the people and not for themselves.

16. Moving from midnight to weekend breakfast timeslot on YFM means... That my craft and talent is ready to entertain a bigger crowd and all my hard work has finally been noticed by management at Yfm. Time to go in harder than I did in graveyard!

5. What is the one thing you know how to do really well in less than five minutes? The best scrambled eggs. [Laughs] 6. What one item will you always find in your fridge? Eggs 7. What do you like to do when no one's watching? Dancing in front of the mirror and I sometimes find myself talking to myself when I bath. 8. Our preferences keep changing as we evolve. What is your biggest love and loathe at the moment? My biggest love at the moment has got to be sneakers and watches. Me and gym are not buddies but we have a good working relationship. So I would say waking up in the morning and gym are the things I dislike at the moment. 9. The worst piece of advice someone’s ever tried to convince you of is... "Having a belly is an indication of wealth

Who can argue with that? We grabbed Sabby for a 5 minute chat...

and success." 10. If my old school friends think of me they’ll remember me as.... That fat dude who was always an RCL rep in every grade (some, not all) and some will remember me as the shy guy. [Laughs] 11. What is the one promise you keep making to yourself that you always break? I will drink more water - but I always find myself drinking Sprite. 12. If you weren't spending your days pursuing your love of the music industry, how else would you be raking in those Rands? Honestly I have no idea but the more I think of it, maybe I could have become a

17. By facilitating monthly radio and TV workshops I am.... assisting a young person who has aspirations of being on TV/Radio but has no idea on how to make this dream a reality. Sometimes all you need are the basics, the rest becomes easy and that is what I am offering. 18. Do radio DJs make good club Djs? Tricky question, but I would say to some degree yes. The benefits of being a radio DJ who is also a club DJ is the fact that you’re in tune with all the tunes your market loves. That makes it easier for you to prep your sets and select your music. There is only a handful of club DJ's that have become proper radio jocks as radio needs you to talk and be entertaining. Some people cannot do that with their speech but can only do it with music.

THE PRODUCER’S SERIES

By Tendai Luwo

MONOCLES & SLEZZ IN THE FIRST INSTALLMENT OF OUR NEW PRODUCER SERIES, TENDAI CHATS TO WELKOM LOCALS, MONOCLES & SLEZZ… Records], on a project that was released a while ago on Afrodesiamp3.com. The project made waves and people started demanding more of our music. What are some of the challenges you’ve experienced as new artists in the industry? Since we come from a place that has never been believed to have good house music producers, it has been hard to convince a lot of artists to work with us on projects. Before our music evolved to another level, we would get a lot of critics from our township and people never believed in us. But despite that, we kept on pushing and we believe we are getting there. What are your current and future plans for your career as a group? We have a debut album that we are working on and it will be released this year under Muffin Music. Later on in the year we will also be featured on a project by Nick Holder (DNH Records) in a 5 disc album that includes Da Capo, Soul Cool, and Gmbos. We also have a record label called Skalla Records which we call “our baby”.

he South African house scene continues to grow at a steady and pleasing pace. As always, we did well at Miami Winter Music Conference and showcased our local talent to the best of our ability. But it’s not only the veterans who wave our flag high, but also the young talent that’s bearing its creative muscle. The Producer Series aims to recognize this emerging talent and give them their own much deserved moment to shine. In our first series we have the hardworking duo, Monocles & Slezz. With an arsenal of quality releases and envy worthy releases under their belt, these two friends and musicians are fast climbing the musical ladder and Tendai had the chance to find out how they are doing it.

Who is Monocles & Slezz We are a duo from Thabong, Welkom in the Free State province. Our group is made up of Tshidiso “Monocles” Moeng and Tebogo “Slezz” Leshotho.

How did you guys meet and form this musical relationship? After working with different producers, and since we lived close by, we would visit each other and listen to each other’s tracks. Eventually we felt that our music shared a mutual meaning and in 2008 we decided to form a single entity and continue with what we love.

You’ve worked with the legendary Andy Compton, how did that collaboration come about and what was the experience like for you guys? Very exciting! I couldn’t believe Andy agreed to work with us. We had a beat which we weren’t sure about how it would end up. We then contacted Andy and we sent him the beat. I guess he felt it was powerful because he replied and said he’ll work with us on it. We even featured a vocal duo called Tantra Zawadi and Dana Byrd from the USA on the project and it was released by Foliage Records and now we have our very own “vinyl” from that EP.

Who brings what to the group in-terms of skill, energy and personality? Monocles is always out there as he is also a radio personality. He is the go-getter and always has fresh beats to bring in our mixes, the ‘Drum and Percussion Master’. On the other hand, Slezz is rather a quiet guy who puts focus on the final product and delivery of every mix we make. He is focused more on the soulful part of the music.

Are there any other big collaborations you guys are working on? Yes, yes, yes!! We are working with Vinny DaVinci, Rancido and DJ Zinhle on some of our tracks that are going to be out on our debut album called Good Deeds.

What did you guys do that ensured you moved from being bedroom producers to growing into recognized entities in the industry? We were helped by two gentlemen, Tiisetso Rafutho and Linda Msiza [Afro Central

Find the duo on Facebook: www.facebook.com/monoclesslezz Follow them on Twitter: Twitter: @djslezz | @MonoclesSA Listen to their music: www.soundcloud.com/monoclesslezz

40 ALBUM REVIEWS

1. Muzart - Muzart - Soul Candi Records

<House, R n B / Soul> Muzart epitomize the line “Age ain’t nothing but a number!” The members of the youthful soul band are well beyond their years with the sheer quality of music they put out. Pulling from every possible source of inspiration they can, one can hear a little Marvin Gaye, a touch of Elements of Life, a hint of Earth Wind and Fire and lots of South African spirit in their music. As a matter of fact when the album eases into Yeah, Rorisang’s vocals remind me of Michael Jackson circa The Jackson 5 era. Of course the long-player is incomplete without the song that first brought them to the public’s attention, Jukebox. Without a doubt the young stars in the making hit the nail on the head - or rather chord - with that jazzy number and I see it casually waltzing into the realm of house classic. Not in Tha Mood is an infectious broken beat / nu-jazz number that’ll certainly have you abusing the repeat button. All in all there is something for everyone on this album if you care to listen. For a debut it’s nothing short of amazing and if there’s any justice in the world, it’ll see their careers ascending to dizzying heights. Reviewed by Tendai Luwo

2. C.9ine - A Million Sprockets - Soul Candi Records 3.

<Urban House> The intricate thought process that goes on in the minds of the duo that is C.9ine will forever elude me. Perhaps that is why their latest long player is titled A Million Sprockets - their music is beautifully complex and yet it works. The opening track, Cogs & Sprockets is an eclectic melting pot of sounds that immediately make it clear that this is not just a house album. In all sense C.9ine is preparing you to indulge in a work of musical art. Although the first disc has 12 brilliant songs, Donia stands out from the rest. P’Oliveria’s strong tribal vocals are reminiscent of a young Salif Keita and they rest comfortably on the pulsating detuned organs and haunting Rhodes. Fan favourites like 2gether and the sprit calming Take It Over featuring Ziyon from Liquideep also make their presence felt on the album. A Million Sprockets is a two disc offering. Disc two carries mostly remixes by the super-duo but the likes of Atjazz and his much loved remix of Chasing, as well as UPZ’s version of Sonz of Soul can be found on the equally good disc. Simply put, this is what house music should be about. Superb album from C.9ine. Reviewed by Tendai Luwo

3. La Dolce Vita Volume 4 - Harael Salkow Soul Candi Records <House> La Dolce Vita 4 is a three CD offering compiled by the legendary Harael Salkow. Off the bat you can tell ‘Big Daddy H’ isn’t worried about trends and simply wants to put together a smooth, enjoyable selection of tracks. Disc one even features the timeless, but admittedly old, Tessio by Luomo. However he makes a smooth transition back to present day with the much-loved Lovesong 28 by Jullian Gomes. Disc two picks the tempo up and is filled with certified dancefloor fillers. I mean who could go wrong with Million Voice by Otto Knows? Cosmic Gate and fellow label mate J-Something from Mi Casa also make an appearance on the playlist with their runaway hit Over The Rainbow thus giving the disc a welcomed extra kick. The

third disc continues with the EDM theme. A personal favourite on the last CD is Duderstadt’s Yanooa but the rest of the disc isn’t bad either. Essentially I believe disc one and two will be the most loved of the package although this also boils down to personal preference. However I’m curious if the compilation could have done without the inclusion of some of the older tracks. Otherwise La Dolce Vita Volume 4 doesn’t disappoint. Reviewed by Tendai Luwo

4. LCNVL - Faster Longer Mixtape - Just Music <Electro Dance Pop> At the time of writing this, Locnville... or LCNVL as the acronym goes have just been announced as support act to Justin Bieber. This bit of news completely puts their new album - Faster Longer Mixtape into perspective. As the title suggests, it is a collection of tracks as chosen by the Chaplin twins (that’s right they are twins) mixed seamlessly with 8 new cuts from the duo. Their ‘new sound’ is showcased amidst 15 international tracks to include chart toppers from Example, Chris Lake, Dizzie Rascal and more. Faster Longer Mixtape is a party disc with the dancefloor as its main focus and if you’re a ’betweenager’ (11 to 13) and love the current radio oriented EDM sound that is around, this album ticks all the boxes. It’s also an exceptionally clever way of seeding LCNVL’s new clubbier sound with the likes of some big dance-pop bangers, as it clearly illustrates the international standard these guys have achieved. Whereas LCNVL could be termed an electro-rap outfit before, they are now an electro-dance-pop duo and have clearly embraced this massive new EDM trend that indeed, the ‘Biebster’ himself has also latched onto, now proclaiming he wants to be a DJ, if reports are to be believed. So if you’re a fan of commercial dance music, LCNVL have hopped onto this trend and whilst it may be a new sound for them, it’s a tried and tested formula that should keep the youngest of the young teens swooning for more. Reviewed by Damon Albetto

5. Pascal & Pearce - Ministry of Sound Headliners - MOS <Commercial Dance> There is such a fine line between out and out club electro and radio designed pop electro the sound that seems to be the preferred style that every pop singer is now jumping onto. Pascal & Pearce tread this fine line precariously on this double disc aptly titled Headliners, cramming in no less than 38 big room bangers. Most tracks are no more than between 2 and 3 minutes on average - perfect pop song length. Several P&P remixes also adorn the album and they fit in quite splendidly with the rest, notable favourites being the Joyenergiser/Paper Skies (Mash-Up Mix) by Sander Van Doorn and Pascal & Pearce, Viva Party featuring Toya Delazy and Zebra Giraffe’s My Best which gets a serious working over by the headlining lads. While disc one is a barrage of breakdowns, build-ups and electro bass drops coupled with vocal choruses and glitch FX, disc two sounds more like the Pascal & Pearce most of us have come to know and love. It’s a deeper sound with techier undertones, as it flirts with pop but doesn’t quite give in to it, adeptly sustaining the big room mood one associates with a large club night. Reviewed by Damon Albetto

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44 ALBUM REVIEWS

6. Robert DeLong - Just Movement - Just Music 6.

<Dance> The problem with press releases is they sometimes sum up an album or artist better than I can as is the case for this electronic producer from Bothell, Washington, Robert DeLong. So here goes; “...Just Movement, a dazzling collection of dance beats, pop hooks and thought-provoking musings that could very well be the soundtrack for 2013.” Indeed. Just Movement is a heady mix of indie style vocals and lyrics underpinned by a proper club groove of house, electro and, of course, the ubiquitous Dubstep hook thrown in here and there for good measure. It would be easy to discount DeLong as just another capable producer jumping on the EDM Pop bandwagon, since he has clear pop sensibilities in his songwriting and the music itself is nothing new in terms of EDM. But combine the two and you get an original and quite refreshing take on both indie and dance that feels and sounds natural and that’s really all I ask of an artist. DeLong occasionally wears his influences firmly on his sleeve, sometimes sounding like Gotye and other times he would not be out of place on an early MGMT release. But take nothing away from the boy; he is a young man with something to say and he using dance music to say it. I hear a new genre being tagged: EMO House... Reviewed by Damon Albetto

7. Abe Duque - Rules for the modern DJ Abe Duque Records

10.

<Techno> Filed under techno according to the press release, Rules for the Modern DJ, is an intriguing release but perhaps not for all the right reasons. Duque has been at the techno game for 3 decades now and has been producing for 20 years. What intrigues me is that whilst this 11 tracker is not bad, it is also rather unremarkable. Whilst on one hand I wish to laud the producer for ‘keeping it real’ in an oldskool kind of way, I do believe that if you are not going to pander to the electronic gimmickry that is at one’s fingertips in any decent Digital Audio Workstation (that’s the computer software used for sequencing tracks) then you need to put that focus into creating layers of sounds that segue effortlessly into each other. This is not what I get from Rules for the Modern DJ. What I’m hearing are decent tunes and nice ideas with a few interesting parts but with not enough emphasis on the final presentation of each track. Nice but a near miss is the best summary for Mr. Duque’s latest offering. Reviewed by Seeka

8. Tricky - False Idols <Trip Hop> Opener Somebody’s Sins will leave you in no doubt that you’re back in Tricky land with this broody, ethereal slice of downtempo electronica. Nothing Matters picks up the pace nicely with some trip hop grooves and features excellent vocals from Francesca Belmonte. If there is going to be a single gleaned from the album this would be my choice. The album also includes Parenthesis, a reworking of the Antlers’ Parentheses with the band’s Peter Silberman on vocals. Easily the most rock oriented track on the album. Tricky has gone on record to say that he thinks

his last few releases have been shite and that he has now broken the shackles of his 90’s success by learning to embrace it, thus alluding to this new offering as being the ‘Tricky of old.’ Sales talk or for real, either way, False Idols is far more consistent and cohesive than recent offerings with these compositions firmly entrenched in a world Tricky knows well; trip hop. Thoroughly enjoyable. Reviewed by Seeka

8. Minilogue - Blomma - Cocoon Recordings <Progressive House & Techno> Production duo, Sebastian Mullaert and Marcus Henriksson took a bold step some years back to discard their tech-trance moniker as Son Kite and focus on Minilogue, which at the time was very much a side project. Not many progressive trance artists have successfully made the transition into clubland, but such has always been the pedigree of these two that it’s no surprise the success they’ve made of their house project. Blomma is a double disc but it only contains 8 tracks in total. The reason is that this is not just a collection of dance tracks slapped onto disc but a deep and profound journey. Opener, Everything Is All You Got, clocks in at 21 minutes, Atoms with curiosity that looks at itself and wonder why is 18 minutes. Opener on disc 2, E de nan hemma? ... 39 minutes long. The shortest offering is 8:52 mins! Blomma is for the most part an ambient album with sporadic moments of techno creeping through on selected tracks. I use the word creeping because to listen to Blomma you need two things: time and patience. Time to absorb each lengthy composition [the total album weighs in at more than 2 hours] and patience because each track unfolds slowly and methodically with an organic vibrancy and depth that cannot be experienced by anybody looking for instant gratification. This is an accomplished piece of work. Reviewed by Damon Albetto

9.Vuurwerk - Me+One - Dandelion Lotus Records <Electronica> Vuurwerk is a group of Brussels based producers who are also part of the ‘mystery crew’ called Run Tell Secrecy and they produce eclectic, tripped out electronica. They’re certainly doing a good job with the secrecy bit with not much info online at all on the outfit other than to say they’re an eclectic bunch with a strong ‘DIY IDM aesthetic.’ Me + One is an interesting collection of ambient, glitched out electronica which remains interesting throughout. It’s the kind of music I’d have playing as I stare out the window from an 18th story high rise in the middle of a cold winter somewhere in Europe. Dissonant, sometimes desolate soundscapes accompany the interesting array of vocal samples and uplifting melodies which make for an occasionally schizophrenic experience. Me + One is an enjoyable listen from start to finish; deep, sometimes dark, emotive and challenging in a comfortable sort of way. Good stuff. Personal faves include Bad Habits, Silicon Hope and the housey Too Much. Reviewed by Seeka

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46 ALBUM REVIEWS

11.Various Artists - Android Wave (Timecode) 11.

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<Psytrance> Timecode doesn’t release as many albums as they used to so when a new one comes along I am always eager to get my hands on it. Android Wave is the first compilation by Tickets (Josef-Ashton Summs) and the 30th by the label. Open Water by Hujaboy and Tickets is only 140 bpm but moves along nicely and has a wacky distorted bit. The Power of 6 by Distant Touch picks up the pace to 145 bpm and delivers a punchy tune. The Doctor by Audialize has that darker Timecode sound and a fast beat that is going to set the dance floor on fire. April 2nd 1968 by Android Spirit feat Dillan M is an awesome tune with strange vox. The hypnotic use of synth in Unexpected by Lemurians made my head spin; DJs are going to have fun with this one. Plastik is a great tune by Earworm and Tickets but their names are repeated in the track, which I find a bit strange. Another banging track is Kiffen by Abomination vs. Android Spirit and Constructor. Some creepy vox introduces Drop of Water the manic track by Menog. The bonus track Randomize by RAZ takes no prisoners and is a mean fast paced tune. Enjoyable. Reviewed by Riqardo

12. Phaxe - Calm Under Pressure - Iboga Records <Progressive> Every few years an album comes along that just stands out among the rest. This rising star producer from Denmark known as Phaxe has grown in leaps and bounds with a portfolio of memorable tracks, released selectively on compilations. The debut full length album, Calm Under Pressure out on Iboga has been one of the most anticipated releases in this style for some time and is every inch as exciting as it is hyped up to be. Simply put this is high tech melodic trance with such an edge and a sense of maturity and restraint about it with a unique groove signature. Phaxe pours such a wealth of energy into his music and the time taken over this album’s production has really paid off. Brilliantly orchestrated rhythms and each aspect of the music is executed with style that it puts the listener at complete ease to explore this awesome soundscape that has been created. Earth shattering breaks and sounds that seem to materialize and come from the heavens can be heard throughout this deftly composed record. Phaxe is a sensation sure to bring the magic wherever he travels and especially should he grace South African shores. Reviewed by Stefan Wyeth

13. Interactive Noise - Memories - Spin Twist Records <Progressive> The latest offering from Spin Twist is a thunderous collection of remixes from an artist who really does the art form justice, Interactive Noise. These carefully selected winners from some of the world’s top Progressive Psy producers are sure to give you a dose of pure euphoric recall. Each track has been adapted to the explosive style synonymous with this prolific artist. Climbing from zero to light speed in no time, Interactive Noise has mastered sculpting rising walls of hyped sound in a mechanical and yet strangely animated fashion. Interactive

Noise has built a reputation for high intensity production over the past few years, as well as an uncompromising edge for taking festival dance floors to new heights. The Memories album is filled with past favourites from the likes of Ace Ventura, Liquid Soul, Krama, and even has that famous Neelix track remixed and you will be sure to hear each end to end stunner as soon as this drops because it will fly from the shelves to the DJ folders faster than you can say Spin Twist. This disc is an explosion of futuristic fun ready to shake the foundations and stir up the clouds. Reviewed by Stefan Wyeth

14. Loopstep - Coded Patterns (Iono Music) <Progressive> Loopstep are George Kopelakis and Agamemnon Aspirtakis, from Greece, and are close friends that joined their forces around the year 2000. These guys really know how to create proper progressive trance. The album starts with the beautiful and melodic Life Moments, a track that put a smile on my face. This is what progressive psytrance should sound like in my opinion; stunningly polished and flowing. Cloud and Fields has angelic voices, trippy echoes, spacey synths and a rounded bass. I love the Loopstep remix of the serious sounding Ultimate Trip by Progenitor. The chilled Aquatica has cool ‘water’ like sounds and a sweet melody. I am not sure what Spreading Envelops refers to, but it is a really cool track. There are a few LSD references in Liquid Control a super tune with nice build ups and harmonious synth. LFO Memory is an epic tune with a throbbing bass line and subtle chanting. Authorized Access is wonderfully chilled without being too laid back. The final track, Looking Glass is another classy well-polished one with cool drums, echoes and a beautiful melody. I can’t wait for their next album and while I wait I will continue to enjoy this one. Recommended. Reviewed by Riqardo

15.Various Artists - DJ Banel 25th Anniversary <Progressive Trance> One of the original founders and current label head at Iboga Records, Denmark, Michael Banel has been deeply involved in the creation, performance and promotion of progressive psychedelic music since the very beginning. Always seeking to uphold the level of quality no matter the avenue he chooses to exploit and judging by the prestige that is associated with the label and its artists one could say the achievements speak for themselves. This 32 track compilation is packed with all time classics, collaborations, remixes and re-masters of tracks that have become some of the highlights of Banel’s sets over the years. The sound is characteristically outdoor, intense and mood inspiring psychedelic festival music straight from one of the purest purveyors of the genre. The overall result is an extremely complete product with the tracks flowing smoothly into each other regardless of being old, new or from different artists and that just shows that as a DJ, experience counts for almost everything and Banel has proven time and time again to be an absolute master of track selection. With tracks from Frogacult, Reefer Decree, Orion, Ticon, Behind Blue Eyes and Phony Orphants this album is a feast for any hungry fan. Reviewed by Stefan Wyeth

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52 DJ CHARTS

NOV/DEC12

DJ CHARTS MAJOR 7 (Iboga Trance / ISR / Progressive Trance) 1. MAJOR7 & Capital Monkey - UnNatural (Iboga Rec - Unreleased) • 2. MAJOR7 & S-Range - Shake (Unreleased) • 3. MAJOR7 & D-Addiction - From The Speakers (Unreleased) • 4. X-noiZe & Domestic - NonHuman - Azax Rmx - Nutek (Unreleased) • 5. MAJOR7 vs. D-Addiction - Drugs -The Remix (Unreleased) • 6. Astrix & Loud Genetic Lottery (Hommega Rec) • 7. Arctic - Keep It Minimal - IONO (Unreleased) • 8. MAJOR7 Revelation Dawned - Liquid Soul Remix (Iboga Unreleased) • 9. D-Addiction - WTF - Coming Soon Remix (Unreleased) • 10. X-noiZe Transparent - Kin & Battousai Remix - Nutek (Unreleased)

YOUSEF (Circus Recordings / UK / Deep/House & Tech House) 1. Yousef & Alexander East - Think Twice (Defected) • 2. Johnny D - Requiem Of A Dream (8Bit) • 3. Green Velvet - Bigger Than Prince (Circus Recordings) • 4. Burnski - Lost In The Zoo (The Martinez Brothers' Bronx Zoo Mix) (Saved Rec) • 5. Steve Nash - Simple Sign (Waldliebe Familien) • 6. Kate Simko - Go On Then (Franck Roger Rmx) (Leftroom Rec) • 7. Dema - All Around (Yousef Circus Mix) (Agile Encodings) • 8. 2020Soundsystem - Sliding Away (Johnny D Dub Mix) (2020Vision) • 9. Yousef - My Explanation (Saved Rec) • 10. Ramon Tapia - Pili Pili (Mathias Kaden "Pili Tripi" Rmx) (Suara)

HEADROOM (Nano Records / CPT / Psytrance)

DJ MALIBU (Soulcandi / CT / House)

1. Headroom & Avalon - Mind F**k (Unreleased/ Nano Rec.) • 2. Headroom & Freedom Fighters Tribalistic (Unreleased/HOMmega Recs) • 3. Space Cat & Pixel - The Experiment (Unreleased/Iboga) • 4. Waio - Stellar Travel on Ozorian Galaxy (Unreleased/Solar Tech Rec.) • 5. LOUD - Dr Who (Headroom RMX) (Unreleased/Iboga) • 6. Mindfold - Lightmare (Twenty4Seven Records) • 7. LOUD - 303 Tool (TIP Records) • 8. Headroom Headbanger Boogie (Broken Toy RMX) (Unreleased/Nano Rec.) • 9. Perfect Stranger Timewarp (Broken Toy RMX) (Unreleased/Iboga) • 10. Freedom Fighters & Pixel - Trick & Treat (GMS RMX) (Unreleased)

1. Dj Zinhle - My Name Is (DJ Malibu Rmx) (Soulcandi) • 2. Black Motion - Lazy Song (Spirit Motion) •3. Shimza & Cuebur ft Bk-Orujo (Soulcandi) • 4. DJ Choice - Hit the Road Jack (Soulcandi) • 5. Phonic ft Louie Austen - Endless Love (Stiff Rec) • 6. Swedish House Mafia - Don't You Worry Child (Virgin) • 7. Pisce DJ - Roar Pleasure (Roar Entertainment) • 8. Black Motion Bring me down (Spirit Motion) • 9. Nick Holder Pretty Disaster (DJ Malibu Rmx) (Soulcandi) • 10. Nasty Nev - Joy (Vocal Mix) (House Afrika)

TERRENCE PEARCE (Futureboogie|Wolf Music| Dark Energy / CPT / House and Disco) 1. Brah Jackman - Just To Keep (Futureboogie) Out Soon • 2. Squarehead - Be Without (Wolf Music) • 3. Christophe - Come Back (Casino Times Remix) (Futureboogie) • 4. Doc Daneeka - Sunset To Death (2020 Vision) • 5. Ben La Desh - 27 Degrees (Dirt Crew Recordings) • 6. Alex Blaxx - Evening New (Raw House Mix) (Buzzin Fly) • 7. Tornado Wallace - Swimmin' (Delusions of Grandeur) • 8. James Welsh - Horse Fight (Futureboogie) • 9. Sahin Meyer - Spread Love (Scucci Manucci) • 10. Terrence Pearce - Halcyon (Futureboogie) Out in May

NKOKHI (Baainar Records / JHB / House) 1. Nkokhi ft Botshelo Huma - Something New (Josh Milan Honeycomb Remix) • 2. Rocco ft Kafele - Its Over • 3. Eltonnick - Kazet • 4. Shea - Where Did You Go (Atjazz remix) • 5. La Shad ft NaakMusiQ Brown Eyes • 6. Audiowhores ft Zeke Manyika Time Will Tell • 7. The Steals - Burning Flames(La Shad & Nkokhi Remix) • 8. Fred Everything, Giom A Better World • 9. Joey Negro, The Sunburst Band - In The Thick Of It • 10. nkokhi ft Sphelele Travelling Man (Gordheaven and Juliano Remix)

IAN CREDIBLE (DJ4LIFE / JHB / Progressive Electro) 1. Alesso & OneRepublic - If I Lose Myself (Alesso vs. OneRepublic Extended Rmx) (Mosley Music / Interscope Rec) • 2. Nicky Romero - Symphonica (Protocol Recordings) • 3. Ummet Ozcan - Here & Now (Spinnin Rec) • 4. Disfunktion & Helena Detox (Onelove) • 5. Hard Rock Sofa - Rasputin (Axtone Rec) • 6. Tiesto & Dada Life - So Young So High (Tiesto Rmx) (So Much Dada) • 7. Tiesto, Quintino & R3hab - Chasing Summers (R3hab & Quintino Rmx) (Musical Freedom) • 8. Showtek Slow Down (Dim Mak Rec) • 9. Moguai, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike - Mammoth (Spinnin Rec) • 10. Sidney Samson & Martin Garrix - Torrent (Musical Freedom)

THE INFAMOUSE RABBIT (Koeksister Chronicles / CPT / Mimimal/Deep & Tech House) 1. Acid Pauli - Requiem for a loop (Clown & Sunset) • 2. David Kemoun - Last Touch (Bpitch Control) • 3. [a]Pendics Shuffle & Mr.C - Something Strange (Jordan Lieb Rmx ) (Adjunct Audio) • 4. Isolee Wobbel (Pampa Recordings) • 5. Magda - One Way (Items & Things) • 6. Miro Pajic - Love Chamber (Items & Things) • 7. Sable Sheep - Hell is Empty (Moon Harbour Recordings) • 8. Silicone Soul - Midnite Man ( Tim Paris Rmx ) (Darkroom Dubs) • 9. Acid Pauli & Laura Weider - Oregano (Crosstown Rebels) • 10. Guy Gerber - The Golden sun & the Silver moon ( GG & Clarian Edit ) (Supplement Facts)

54 | BPM

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Sat 1 Jun | Truth pres.Yousef (Circus) [UK] & Manuel Tur (Freerange) [UK] | www.webtickets.co.za | www.truthjhb.com

Sat 15 Jun (Public Holiday Weekend)|The Creator of LOVE & LIGHT introduces ‘S I R I U S’ a new Winter party project | R150 (Limited Tickets (WebTickets) Day into Night 12hr Party (2pm to 2am) Two Dance Floors, Mind blowing Visuals, Outside Gardens & Bars | A NEW Exciting Exclusive INDOOR/OUTDOOR venue with a 270 degree view of CT, less than 20km from the Mother City | Dj’s & Live: PHAXE & LISH, and top local dj’s | www.facebook.com/SiriusCapeTown Sat 22 Jun | SA's Top DJs | www.webtickets.co.za | www.truthjhb.com Fri 28 Jun | Truth pres. Pleasurekraft (USA) | www.webtickets.co.za | www.truthjhb.com Sat 29 June | Truth pres .NTFO (Rom) & Special Guests | www.webtickets.co.za | www.truthjhb.com Fri 28 Jun | Perfect Stranger Live |Trinity, 15 Bennet st, Green Point CT | Presented by Multiverz | A Psy Progressive Techno Adventure featuring Perfect Stranger from Israel + top local acts | R150 Limited Tickets by Computicket

56 ASTROBABBLE

By Lois Siddhu

TAURUS 20 APRIL - 20 MAY ARIES | 21 Mar - 20 Apr | FIRE You have to find the practical and physical way of presenting your wishes on a three dimensional level. Having a structured form and time to meditate will assist you in many ways and your thoughts and desires will become clearer. TAURUS | 21 Apr - 20 May | EARTH On whatever level you have to make an effort you can be sure that the external reality is reflecting your inner reality. Relationships are the testing grounds and you will be attracted to in others whatever is over or under emphasized in your own personality. GEMINI | 21 May - 21 Jun | AIR What you find irresistible will push you to your limits, in either your emotional or material life.The dark side of your nature is where the gold lies and you will go through difficulties to knock off the soppy, wobbly aspects that inhibit the discovery of this gold. CANCER | 20 Jun | 22 Jul | WATER The most essential test of all is that of relating and establishing right relations between yourself and anything outside of yourself. Order and authority is best expressed through the qualities of balance and justice.

GEMINI 21 MAY - 20 JUNE ARIES | 21 Mar - 20 Apr | FIRE Structuring and bringing into the tangible world the subliminal and hidden aspects of yourself is required in order to express your creativity. There will only come stress if you resist the process and refuse the growth. TAURUS | 21 Apr - 20 May | EARTH You stand to lose your resources but by learning and getting informed you can expand your resources. Don't just go for the first and easiest option but take advice and look around and focus on what needs to be done. GEMINI | 21 May - 21 Jun | AIR You must not give away your power by believing that you are not capable of doing different things... It is a learning time and you are able to learn how to do things and how to cope with the material world. CANCER | 20 Jun | 22 Jul | WATER Energy follows where you put your attention. If you start focusing on doing this you will see that once you have made up your mind then you find the answers to make things real and manifested.

MAY 2013 A PARTIAL LUNAR ECLIPSE ON THE 25TH OF APRIL AND A SOLAR ECLIPSE ON THE 10TH OF MAY. LEO | 23 Jul - 22 Aug | FIRE You can become a paragon of human grace and social skills if you aim for balance in all things. It is the softer aspects in your make-up that enables you to seek for the illusive feminine in your own psyche.

SAGITTARIUS | 22 Nov - 21 Dec | FIRE There is the difficulty that you confuse your own desires with those of others and in particular a partner. This may mean that you are seeking approval of a kind that has nothing to do with your own values.

VIRGO | 23 Aug - 22 Sept | EARTH If there is not some serious direction or intention given to your mental acrobatics there is a danger of your mind becoming confused in a sort of conceptual traffic jam. You require absorbing and on-going interests.

CAPRICORN | 22 Dec - 19 Jan | EARTH Your personal affairs could run into complications in some instances unless you take steps to sort them out. These are the real issues you have to deal with unconsciously every day to be in harmony with others.

LIBRA | 23 Sept - 22 Oct | AIR Until you are able to adjust your needs and values to your desires you are liable to be controlled by whoever you are involved with or want to be involved with.You are learning the most important lesson in life and that is of balance.

AQUARIUS | 20 Jan - 18 Feb | AIR You have to be aware of your own moral convictions and have the courage to express them but this also may mean that your own wishes and opinions don't get put across at all for fear of social ridicule or rejection.

SCORPIO | 23 Oct - 21 Nov | WATER Saturn in Scorpio means that your focus point of balance has to be found but your own unknown and unrecognized fears can weigh heavily on you. This point of balance is between your own personal needs and urges and the demands and conditions of life and society.

PISCES | 19 Feb - 20 Mar | WATER You feel you have to live up to some role that is being created by your peers when in truth this is not necessarily your style. Anger and resentment mounts up as a result of this which necessitates you to see both sides of the coin.

JUNE 2013 ANOTHER LUNAR ECLIPSE ON THE 25TH OF MAY. LEO | 23 Jul - 22 Aug | FIRE The planetary configurations and tensions are within you and the psyche seeks vehicles through people and events that enable you to deal with these emotional events. People are vehicles that trigger of the emotions in order for you to deal with these.

SAGITTARIUS | 22 Nov - 21 Dec | FIRE Your pragmatism can be strongly coloured with your own delusions or belief systems. It is a good precaution to have your ideas and issues around material possessions as clear cut as possible or you may create enemies due to misunderstandings.

VIRGO | 23 Aug - 22 Sept | EARTH In the province of the mind, what you believe to be true either is true or becomes true. By changing the inner attitudes of your mind, you can change the outer aspects of your life.You are what you believe.

CAPRICORN | 22 Dec - 19 Jan | EARTH What you believe will depend very much on your attitude. If your attitude is to persistently focus on the negative aspects of life you will find your beliefs support this negativity. Who you become is far more important than what you get.

LIBRA | 23 Sept - 22 Oct | AIR Truth has got many different facets and it is not only the way you see things. As questing for truth is a strong propelling force in life, you'll find you have to be openminded and prepared to look at all the variety of ways that truth is expressed. SCORPIO | 23 Oct - 21 Nov | WATER Avoid getting drawn into verbal confrontations and listen carefully how things are said or you will be inclined to jump to conclusions and hear what you think you want to hear and maybe not what was actually said.

AQUARIUS | 20 Jan - 18 Feb | AIR It is not always easy for you to accept the restrictions that are placed on you but in the long run this is what you are also learning about. You may be feeling passionate and emotional now but you also have the capacity to be mentally clear and determined to do your best. PISCES | 19 Feb - 20 Mar | WATER It is time to embrace some inspiring changes that come to you in your dreams. As you learn to live with what you need as opposed to what you desire and demand you find that life can be much simpler without too many 'things'.

Lois Siddhu lives in a circle of mountains in the Baviaanskloof. For professional Astrological Counseling CALL 049 839-1178 or Email: masonwaspstudio@telkomsa.net | Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/AstroReadings

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