RAVER MAGAZINE 017 (Special Edition)

AL V I T FES

IC S U EM E B CHO LYDE E E C K 3 O NNIE X TI O T 5 B TTI GRI NY ND O I E P N P EE 9 DEN T MIX D L E O H 11 G ORKOU S OFF T K T 13 W ADBEA IC WEE S E 14 D IAMI MU ANCIS R 15 M PHIE F O N 19 S BVISIO ER A U V 21 D AH CUL AROLIN C E 24 L EATHE NK R U 27 B ASTIK F L 29 P DATO O 30 L RA RS E U K K C 31 SJA EIN S A 33 B NTE KL E A P 35 D NDSCA IDUALS V V 36 L CK INDI I LZ 37 S SSY U H A SC 39 V ARKUS CLE L A V I T R M CI ES 41 F R E C I S NN 45 I TRA MU L 47 U OKAS O 53 L

OUR STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Michael Beas PUBLISHER Wid Bastian Genius Media Inc. CREATIVE DIRECTOR Stephanie Piedrahita PHOTOGRAPHERS Mike Pfeiffer Brandon Artiga Drue Pines SENIOR WRITERS Kimberly Phan Miguel Tost Hannah Carlson Jessica Tessense Kylie Parham

ROM F R E T LET THE

E DIT OR

I was told over and over again to NOT use the word RAVE or RAVER for the magazine Festival Season has They told me that officially begun. people would assume this magazine was For those that don’t something bad. In all know, Raver Mag honesty, I thought about officially opened its doors it and it took 5 seconds at Ultra Music Festival to decide that it was and Miami Music Week the right name for the three years ago. At the magazine. I decided that time there was no press it doesn’t matter what pass, there wasn’t any people think, or how yacht trips or backstage they judge us. Truth of photos with DJs and the matter is, they don’t Producers, there wasn’t a know us. If they did, they memorable media check would know that we in that gave you access to are a community of love the wildest emotions of and passion. We are a moments past. Back then community that bonds there was only a dream through music and one and a vision to bring a that is always looking to magazine that you, the help one another. We are Raver would enjoy. a community that accepts people for who they are It was then that I felt the and is one that doesn’t energy of the crowd; I judge others. They just listened to the sounds don’t get why festival and whispers of the season is so important to night as they came all of us. alive like some unforbidden dream that We all get hyped up few would know about. because we know that I wanted more. I needed we are going to once to connect with the again come together with community more and so our friends and family I did. from all over the world.

Together we create an It’s such a cliché that unforgettable experience people on the outside that will fill our writing look at Raving or the journals with wristbands word Rave itself as and endless pages of something bad. They content that will never make assumptions that be forgotten. As the beat the word “Rave” is all drops I feel your energy; about drugs and out of I hear the roar of the control parting. That’s crowd when the producer offensive to me. In fact, takes the stage. I see the before I trademarked the sparkle in the eyes of name “Raver Magazine” those that you love and

cherish from years past. I have witnessed the flags of unity from all over the world and have seen how it doesn’t matter what part of the world you are from, that it we are there for one common affinity, the love of music.

Frankly, if the outside world would take a step back and see how much love and unity and peace there is inside our home, then our world would be a better place. Inside our home there is no hate or violence, there is in fact a greater love for who we are as a people on Earth.

That is what makes us the rave family that we are.

I am and will always be a Raver.

Through Raver Mag, we will get you the story that is not just about news, or gossip, but rather the voice that makes us one. PLUR vibes party people, keep your heads up always and let’s make the 2017 Festival Season better than any we have experienced in the past.

Raver Mag was proud to be part of the Ultra Experience and we were honored that Miami Music Week had us as an affiliate in 2017. We also thank Okeechobee Music Festival for all the love and support they showed us in 2017 Our hearts go out to all of you and them for creating the right vibe that helped us create so many memories that all of us will never forget.

Keep on Raving!

Michael Beas CEO of Raver Magazine

PHOTOS BY STEPHANIE PIEDRAHITA

Nestled in the forests of Central Florida is a place where an entire community of dancers and artists come together to celebrate the beginning of a new season of events. OMF has unsurprisingly sold out within the first two years of it’s existance, a testament to how truly wonderful this festival is.

BONNIE X CLYDE

have stolen our hearts and our ears.

From radio airplay to record deals and international bookings, this dynamic duo is a force to be reckoned with.

You mentioned on a Facebook post that Bass Jam was inspired by high school memories, can you elaborate to our readers on what you meant by that?

BONNIE: Basically we met and went to high school together. Most of our memories involved throwing parties in unfinished basements, and hanging out with our friends at parties. We wanted to put that into a song so it could bring us back.

We obviously were inspired by our high school memories, but it also includes college.

that Ultra Music Festival and stuff like that really pulls that crowd to Miami when it comes tothe fans. So a lot of those people see Miami as an influencer.

CLYDE: I think it had more of any influence in the past because of the smaller saturation of electronic music sets around the country. Now you can go into Austin or any city as a matter of fact where there is an EDM show. All those other parties are influencing EDM rather than Winter Music Conference that goes down in Miami.

I would say that it still is in a way, but the impact isn’t as much as it once was. When you go to Miami, you turn the corner and you see a DJ set going on. It’s just the way it is. We are actually not going to Ultra this year, but we are just going to be

“WE REALLY HOPE TO TAKE THIS EVERYWHERE WE CAN BECAUSE WHEN PEOPLE REALLY LIKE OUR MUSIC, IT MEANS EVERYTHING TO US.” CLYDE: Late nights with your friends. The bottle isn’t done, but you have no where to go. That’s basically it. I still relate to it because we are still trying to figure out where we are. Even though once you’re there, you’re never really there.

Being originally from Miami, how do you feel that the Miami music scene has shaped the current view of the Electronic Dance Music scene and the music industry?

CLYDE: I feel like Miami in general...actually I’m gonna say Florida. Numerous artists have come out of Florida, such as DallasK, Henry Fong or Milo & Otis. There was a time period where those guys came out and that was the Florida Crew. I feel that since then there hasn’t been as many people that I would know off the top of my head type of thing.

BONNIE: If they came from Florida, they didn’t necessarily represent it. A lot of people don’t advertise it. We started this project in Miami, so we have been trying represent that. I also think

hanging out all week, attending different parties, and just playing some of the pool parties.

BONNIE: I mean we love Ultra, but definitely that week, we have things planned for every day of MMW. How does it feel to have had the backing of some big names like Skrillex and being signed

by Insomniac Records?

BONNIE: How does it feel? Amazing! It’s a blessing receiving support from them. Especially Insomniac, they’re practically our family at this point. We really appreciate everything they have done us.

CLYDE: It just feels like I’m one step closer to my goal. To play everywhere. Every stage that there is to play. I’d like to play every festival I can.

BONNIE: We really want to go international.

We really hope to take this everywhere we can because when people really like our music, it means everything to me.

BONNIE X CLYDE DURING ONE OF THE NU MANAGEMENT TAKEOVER PARTIES DURING MIAMI MUSIC

Since you started performing at large music festivals, which one is your favorite so far?

CLYDE: There’s no favorite. I like different parties for different reasons. Like an Insomniac event, the quality of those events is so high. Audio sounds great, everything is always on point. However, with a Life in Color event, the age limit is 16. So those kids are literally going to their first raves. So far we’ve been playing not early, but early enough where kids have been catching us as their very first set. Constantly we have fans telling us that we were first set. That we were the first DJ they ever saw. It’s that lasting impression.

BONNIE: And the kids there are so hyped.

CLYDE: The energy is more. And the intimate thing, we love that too. To sit there and pour shots for

people. Just getting the party going. We are all just sitting there partying, less like a rigid DJ set kind of thing.

BONNIE: I will say that I actually prefer live stages since I’m a singer. I enjoy being able to go sing out front. However, we’re DJs too. Sometimes we are secluded to these booths, but I love it when people come see us on a live stage where we have the DJ booth and the front stage as well. It’s another whole experience.

Can your fans expect anything new from you in the upcoming future, such as any collaborations we should know about?

CLYDE: There are some really talented producers making remixes for Bass Jam and some of the other songs off the Wanted EP.

What artist would you consider a dream collaboration for each of you? What artists inspired you to getting into producing?

CLYDE: It was definitely Diplo and Skrillex who inspired me. Someone at my college actually told me that Skrillex used Abelton. So I went out and bought Ableton, and stared going basically. For my dream collaboration DJ wise, sometimes I say Diplo, but now that I think about it. Who would cool? Drake, that would be awesome or something like that. More realistic would be Adventure Club would be really pretty cool. I think that would be a pretty awesome collaboration.

BONNIE: Honestly, Clyde was the main person that inspired me. To start producing and even DJing because throughout high school he was throwing all of our parties. He was that DJ where we would all meet up and go his party. He really inspired my whole DJing and producing career because I was a singer beforehand.

Singing wise, I really look up to Ky. I love Ky as a singer and I really look up to Alison Wonderland just because she sings on her own tracks and she DJs and does everything. Her performances are

awesome and her energy is great.

Since making your breakthrough in 2015, what advice would you give anyone producing that is trying to be discovered?

BONNIE: Keep doing it, I think is super important.

The more you work at it, the more you’ll keep building your craft and your sound will form. Staying true to your self is important as well because some people always get caught up in whatever everyone else is doing.

CLYDE: The biggest thing is the only reason people fail is because they stop. So if you don’t stop, it’s gonna happen in some way or form. If you propel your life in that direction, you just have to set yourself up. You don’t want to be like the person who sees that guy on the stage and wants be that guy on stage. I love the process that it takes to be that guy on stage.

CLYDE: I take things away from the hip hop artists, various aspects of their performance. Pick all of the best pieces, and kind of bring them together in one way.

(FROM RIGHT TO LEFT) OOKAY B2B KAYZO B2B BONNIE AT SHOTS MIAMI

Can your fans expect anything new from you in the upcoming future?

Yeah, a lot of new music. I have three records in the pipeline right now. They will be coming out at end of this month, April, and May. Expect collaborations with Holly, Jupe and I also have a couple of singles by myself...but yes there is a lot of new music coming out and I’m really excited What’s this that I hear about Above & Beyond?

Aside from Nitti Gritti, I work under Ricky Mears

and I won a remix competition for them maybe three months ago. So I will be going to the studio with them in April in Las Vegas. So that’s going to be really fun.

Since you were discovered and played some big name festivals, do you prefer small, intimate venues or large music festivals?

I like the way Bon Jovi puts it. I love intimate shows, but if I can sell out the desert, I would do it. The more people that can enjoy it, the more fun it is.

ABOVE & BEYOND WITH RICKY MEARS (NITTI GRITTI) IN THEIR STUDIO

Intimate shows tend to be more of a live music thing. For DJing, the biggest crowd possible would be the most fun to me in my opinion.

You released Snappin and Trapping with internet sensation J Harvey (aka Chef Henny) and Part Native. How did this kind of collaboration happen?

Also, how do you feel about Hennesy?

I hate saying it because I know I work with J Harvey a lot and that he’s going to kill me, but I really don’t even like Hennessy.

I’m more of a beer kind of guy.

I like IPA’s, those kinda beers.

However, I can drink Hennessy, but I’m not a huge fan.

Harvey is definitely a character.

I knew him for maybe a year or two before he went into the Chef Henny thing, pouring Hennessy on the chicken and stuff like that. He’s already a crazy guy as far as he’s in the character all the time. A lot of people can talk shit, but he really is like that all the time.. He’s a crazy dude who likes to have fun.

It’s always a good time.

What advice would you give anyone producing that is trying to be discovered?

You can’t do it by yourself, number one. And you probably have another whole year of hard work ahead of you. So don’t get ahead of yourself. It’s all about the team. Team managers, tour managers, agents, and other producers. A lot of people think that just because you have a good track, that you’re all that, there’s no point. It takes so many people, you are as valuable as your manager, your fans, it’s a push and pull.

Don’t get ahead of yourself, that’s what I would say. Aside from just creating music everyday. That’s what a lot of people forget about is the team work and the people behind the artist.

With support from artists such as NGHTMRE, Slander and so many more, where do you draw your inspiration for your music?

Honestly I grew up on hard rock and alternative music. Brand

New, Taking Back Sunday, I love Slipknot. I love Linkin Park anstuff like that. I also love hip hop. Lupe Fiasco. Obviously, Jay-Z and Eminem and things like that. I was raised in Haiti, so there’s a lot of house music.

Caribbean music mixes with house very well so that kind of introduced me. Also listening to metal, all those people went into Skrillex and dubstep, then that turned into trap. It just was a long process of different types of music. It was really exciting to wind through all the types of music.

With your recent debut in October at Wynnwood Fear Factory, how does it feel to be in the limelight in the Florida Music Scene?

It’s good. I feel like Nitti Gritti was born in Miami, Florida. I call that his hometown, so I really just want to hold that down and become one of those Miami trap artists. Aside from just trap music and dubstep, there’s a lot of different genres within electronic music that I want to touch on this year. It’s just good to be in sunny Florida. I love it.s

With your recent release of “Lost in Illusion,” are there any new collaborations you are currently working on?

We have some awesome collaborations in the works. We did one with this interesting band call “The Uplink” from Germany that we literally just met over the internet. We just made a song with them with vocals and thats super exciting. There are numerous labels that are really interested in it. We are doing a lot of stuff for different female and male guest singers and we are trying to do an original release at least once a month. We have another one coming out on March 17.

With the numerous genres of electronic music, where do you draw your inspiration?

We come from a singer/songwriter background. I think what we are trying to do is make cool sonic textures using what you do with electronic, you know with synthesizers and computers and how you can just make a sound and reverse it. To me, that’s really fascinating that you can do all of that and make something that sounds different than anything else. Also bringing it back to a classic rock or pop songwriting thing. You know like Verse/ Chorus/Verse. Nice lyrics and melodies.

What advice would you give to those who are just starting to produce?

It’s a lot of work. I’d say putting in a lot of time, you know some people get lucky and have a big break quickly, but otherwise there’s so much stuff on the internet. Now you can just pump out music and put it up. To cut through is a little more difficult, but if you just put in the time and some good beats, it will definitely work out.

On your Facebook, I see many photos of the two of you at Burning Man. What advice would you give to people who are experiencing their first burn at the Playa?

Drink lots of water, wear a condom if you’re planning to partake in an orgy or something like that. I would also say getting a ticket is very difficult these days. Participation is always good thing, like at any festival, whether it’s Burning Man or another festival, adding something to the festival is always important. For instance, giving 20 people some lollipops or something. That’s really what Burning Man is about, and if you do that anywhere, it’s a nice thing to do.

Do you prefer playing small, warehouse, intimate venues or large music festivals?

I think we like variety. We like to order one of each.

We once played a show with 50 people in a room where you could only be in your underwear. Just people on other peoples shoulders going nuts, but then we’ve played giant festivals too. I think having both of those is really special because you can play different music at both. It’s really about fan engagement and having fun.

Timothy, with your partial ownership of BangOn! NYC! and being part of The Golden Pony, how do you find the time for both? would you consider bringing the BangOn! brand here to Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival in the future?

It’s definitely a lot because neither of them are a regular job where you can just work for a few hours and then stop. Even with The Golden Pony, when you have a release, it’s constant PR and so much stuff. Same thing with BangOn! So it’s just tough, I definitely try wakeup early and stay up late. Also a lot of it is working, talking to people and also having fun.

We definitely would. We are doing one in Pennsylvania, which is a big deal for us. Our first camping festival. We definitely need to do a little bit before we are settled and it’s a lot of work.

Once you have something that’s outside of New York City, instead of having to go down the street to the Brooklyn Department of Buildings to get a permit now we have to drive three hours to get a permit. It’s a big process, I don’t have a rich uncle, but maybe if there’s like someone who sells Twitter and offers some money to help us, we would gladly travel.

Where do you see the future of electronic music heading? Do you think that it is slowly dying and going back underground, or do you feel big things are about to come to light?

I think big things are coming into light, because obviously there is a little bit of an EDM thing where it was huge and then that kinda died a little bit. Now you see electronic music infusing with every other genre thats ever been and breathing fresh light into it. You know even things like reggae. You have a classic reggae beat, but if you can mix electronic stuff into it, you can do new things with reggae.

Whether it’s rock or something else, to me it’s just really about making cool music, but with new sounds. I don’t think it’s going anywhere.

Kristine Blond - Love Shy (Sam Divine & Cassimm Remix) Tommy Vee & Mr V - In My House (Luca Guerrieri Remix) Weiss - You Better Run (Original Mix) Stella Mwangi - Work (Extended Mix) Martin EZ & Brian Boncher - Here We Go Again (Original Mix) The Cube Guys, Broggio & Castaman - All In My Head Croatia Squad - Prepare For The Night (Club Mix) Mati.r - Cute Dance Claptone ft George Kranz - The Drums (Din Daa Daa Ă? Extended) Dan Aslow & Absolut Groovers - Mood Lover (Absolut Groovers Mix) Jain - Makeba (Federico Scavo Remix) Franky Rizardo - Same Man Sugar Hill - Sinnerman Oliver Heldens ft Ida Corr - Good Life (Kryder Remix) Alok & Bruno Martini - Hear Me Now (EDX & Nora En Pure Remix)

WRITTEN BY MIGUEL TOST PHOTOS BY DRUE PINES & BRANDON ARTIGA The Deadbeats Goes Off the Deep End show was a collaborative concert brought together by Toronto duo Zeds Dead with their recently formed label Deadbeats alongside L.A. based producer/DJ Jauz who brought his pull of musical friends for one of MMW’s best nights. Aside from headliners Zeds Dead and Jauz, the night was loaded with a massive assortment of talented musical guests such as opening acts Sober Rob and Nebbra who played separate sets that created a chill ambiance before the party kicked off. Next was a surprise back-to-back-toback set from Ghastly, Mija, and NGHTMRE where the latter DJ was one of many surprise appearances. Their set contained a wild arsenal of trap, dubstep, and moombahton that grabbed the audience and threw them into sensational head-banging and all-out dancing.

The next act was headliner Jauz who played fan favorites like “Feel the Volume” and “Rock the Party” while bringing up collaborator and drum and bass king Netsky while playing their track “Higher.” After his slot, Zeds Dead took the stage and performed one a special set that included many tracks from their debut record Northern Lights. Following their set, Jauz and Zeds Dead teamed up for an hour set going back-to-back into the early hours of the morning. It was evident in this set that three were playing songs they don’t normally get to play while still having great fun with one another.

Closing out the event was another back-to-back-to-back from Herobust, Troyboi, and special surprise guest Grandtheft. This trio kept the ridiculous energy going until 5 in the morning with groovy tracks of future bass to the vicious sounds of dubstep and trap. Although the crowd was not a full force by the end of the show, the remaining fans remained until the final song played with smiles on their faces on a night well spent.

MIAMI MUSIC WEEK PHOTOS BY MICHAEL BEAS

#1

BY MICHAEL BEAS

ALESSO @ STORY

This event was so popular that it was over booked.

Security was turning people away, probably fans who waited too long to snag their ticket, as we approached the lines. At first, I had to admit that I didn’t have any idea of what to think of the seemingly low-key entrance. On the inside, Story is a beautiful venue with towering levels, large chandeliers, and vibe that spells Miami. Alesso had just begun when we arrived at our table around midnight but his performance literally went on past 6am. He never took a break...he just played and played and played. Traditional, uplifting, house influenced, techno inspired, big room presence, and odes to Avicii and Sebastian Ingrosso, even some reggae and rap beats were all part of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

NO SUGAR ADDED (DAY 2)

#2

There was No Sugar Needed at No Sugar Added.

Champagne bottles were popping as Oliver Heldens performed an outrageous set. His performance was simply unbelievable with an endless arsenal of future house tracks that had everyone bouncing from the front of the stage to outside in the parking lot. Autograf, Slushii, Baggi and more mixed things up, bringing different levels of sound and bass that only added to the progression of the night. It amazes me to see how many artists jumped off the stage after their set to greet their fans down below.

If you weren’t fortunate to get your Ultra ticket this year, No Sugar Added was a solid choice and is highly recommended as an essential part of your MMW plans.

#3

MIXMASH @ NIKKI BEACH

The best of the best came out to play at the Mixmash event in beautiful Nikki Beach. Laidback Luke spun on stateof-the-art Denon DJ mixers like the pro that he is. Dyro, Florian Picasso and Cash Cash rocked it with big room beats that got the bikini and swim trunk clad audience jumping all night. What made the Mixmash stand out among other events we swung through was the feeling of home. Everyone in attendance came together as one and Mixmash Records really emphasized that sense of unity this year. They live for that energy, they work for one vibe together to form a collective sound that all of us can enjoy year after year.

DEADBEATS / OFF THE DEEP END

#4

What can we say about Deadbeats other than WOW… This party was insane. The visuals were on point and the thumping of the speakers blaring over the hardcore bass that rained down upon the fans was more than we could’ve possibly imagined. It was the kind of event you think would get shut down due to noise complaints but there was no stopping the sounds of Zeds Dead and Jauz. Ghastly, Herobust, Jauz, Mija, TroyBoi and so many more also came to turn up with a warehouse full of headbangers in the heart of Wynwood. The vibe was a hot sweaty mess of raging energy and we really wouldn’t want it any other way if we’re being completely honest. It lasted until the wee bits of the AM and rang in our heads well after our heads hit our pillows back home.

#5

COLDHARBOUR RECORDINGS NIGHT @ SPACE

I love trance. It’s in my blood and nothing gets my heart pumping faster than it’s purest form coming from the godfather himself, Markus Schulz. Accompanying Markus on this trance journey were producers Dave Nevan, Fiserman, Nifra and so many more who brought excitement and new music that will for sure be making it’s rounds this festival season. Coldharbour Recordings has some of the best upcoming artists on their roster and experiencing raw talent, both old and new, right before your eyes is the true essence of Miami Music Week. The energy, the vibe and the overall feel of the music made Space feel as if you really were on the moon dancing with all the other after hours aliens.

Is this your first time playing Ultra?

Yes it is. I’m so extremely excited! I’m playing on the Worldwide stage.

Let’s go back to when you first started getting involved with music. You were a piano player first?

Yes, I started playing piano when I was very small.

bigger and bigger. After that I met my manager who has me playing these really amazing clubs and festivals.

The whole thing kind of exploded and now I am here.

I’m trying to combine as many styles as possible in my own style. I think of how something feels more than style. If something feels good, happy and energetic than I like it.

For most people it takes many years to get this far and you’ve done it so quickly, are you afraid someone may tap you on your shoulder and wake you up?

After Ultra you fly back out to the Netherlands?

Yes, to go back to school!

I step out of the airplane and have to go straight to school. It’s not going to be

“THEY CAN GIVE THEM THE MOST AMAZING FEELINGS IN THE WORLD AND I THOUGHT; I WANT TO MAKE PEOPLE THIS HAPPY. “ I don’t even remember what age I was.

What got you into dance music?

It was a school project where I had to do something with music and people. I did some research and found out DJs have an incredible connection with people. They can give them the most amazing feelings in the world and I thought; I want to make people this happy.

I started trying out DJing and found out I love it so much more than I thought I would. Then I started playing at a local pub and from there someone picked me up to play a bigger pub.

Suddenly I was getting on festivals that became

Sure, I seriously don’t believe anything that is happening to me. It’s so crazy! I’ll play somewhere and three weeks later I’ll still be like did I really just do that?

Does it get scary being so young and traveling in this scene?

I wouldn’t say scary, but I do get healthy nerves.

Now that you are part of the EDM scene what artists do you admire?

I think who influenced me from the very beginning and still do is Showtek. They play so many styles that I admire.

Are you trying to play a lot of different styles?

fun! The coming months is just studying and finishing school. I only have 54 days left. After school I’m going to do everything, play big festivals and clubs.

You have quite a presence on YouTube…

Yes, because of my blogs.

I started DJing first and decided I wanted to show people the world. I like meeting people and hearing their stories. I think other people want to see that so I tried it and it has really taken off.

What is the next project you are working on?

I have a really cool track coming up on Spinnin records so definitely check it out when its live.

Dutch brothers Steve and Victor are DubVision

an innovative electronic dance duo that played one of the best sets I saw at Miami Music Week at Chuckie Presents on Nikki Beach. They mix hard energetic dance with some lighter tracks that punch at your face while rubbing your shoulders. Before their set they spent some time with me on their history and what makes them mix together so well.

Is this your final day in Miami?

challenge because we peaked early and then we have to maintain that for the rest of the week. You know you tend to crash and burn slowly through the week.

STEVE: We leave tomorrow, but today is our final show. I am kind of happy because it was a really intense but good week. We get to VICTOR: We had some great go home to Amsterdam tomorrow nights. for a full week of recharging and work in the studio. Then we’re back How often do you play in on the road again. the US? How many shows did you Steve: About once every 2 months. play?

STEVE: We played 8 and the best one is this one coming up! We liked the first party, because we played with our friends, Firebeatz. It was a nice start to the week. But it was a

Victor: We just went to Sacramento and San Francisco before this so we’re going to be back for New York in a few months.

STEVE: But first we go to China and Japan.

I was watching your video for “Heart” with all the balloons and people. It’s such a joyous video…

VICTOR: It’s an amazing track.

We were playing a big show in Istanbul and we wanted to shoot something there. So we came up with the idea to hand out balloons in the street in the shape of a heart. It worked out so great. Whenever you give somebody something they are so happy.

I notice you do a lot of collaborations…

who was this group was making these tracks. We like to spend time making a track in the studio then see how people react when we play it in a club.

STEVE: Yes, we did a lot.

Actually, now we’re focusing in on just us. We also did a lot of remixes. The last remixes we

Your story is interesting in that you are brothers with quite an age spread between you two…

totally empty. It was so good.

VICTOR: We come from a background of techno and techhouse, if you look very hard on our website you can find it. So we can play a long set. At the end of that set my hand was cramped so I could only use one hand.

STEVE: We had to switch sides.

“WE GET TO GO HOME TO AMSTERDAM FOR A FULL WEEK OF RECHARGING AND WORK IN THE STUDIO. THEN WE’RE BACK ON THE ROAD AGAIN.” did were for Martin Garrix and Chainsmokers. We have more remixes of big artists coming up this year.

How much time do you spend in the studio?

VICTOR: Basically all our free time is spent in the studio.

STEVE: We know if we weren’t making music then we would not be doing this. We started doing our music then got recognized

by Swedish House Mafia back in 2004-2005. We didn’t to play out until people started asking

VICTOR: We have a brother in What is the next project you the middle that also makes music, are working on? more like techno.

STEVE: It’s a secret. But, if you search STEVE: Musical brothers. I for it you may find it. It was played thought we were one of the few, last night at Ultra. There’s some hype but there are quite a few musical about it already on the internet. family groups in EDM. Shotek, Nervo and more, Krewella?

VICTOR: Yes, we can’t say, but we have something interesting in the What’s the longest set you works. In the meanwhile we have have played? a lot of remix work coming out.

STEVE: The longest set was 4 hours in Croatia. We started at 4am when the place was full and we ended when the place was

LEAH CULVER INTERVIEW BY STEPHANIE PIEDRAHITA

Let’s start off by talking about new music you have coming out!

Yeah! I actually am sitting on a lot of new music and I’m trying to decide which one is coming out next and how I wanna release it.

I’m working on something with Yoltron. He’s really an incredible producer and so is his vocal engineer Randy. It was actually really cool, we went to Paramount Studios and I had a really good time. It was this gorgeous-- I’ve been in so many studios for so many years but this studio was like massive and beautiful -- but Paramount Studios, so much energy in there. All my favorite bands have recorded there.

That was probably a very humbling experience to be in that studio. Always. Be Humble.

You’re obviously a very beautiful woman and an incredible artist. Have you face any hardships as a woman or do you feel you’ve been given an equal opportunity here?

I think I’ve been given equal opportunity, even more so than the boys sometimes. I might piss some people off by saying that but from where I came from, it didn’t feel like I was not given a chance by being a girl. I definitely, in the beginning, had some pretty outrageous events...like the titles -- for all girl lineups, they do event titles that kill my soul. ‘Blue Balls’ was one, I’m not kidding. You know, I respect every promoter I’ve ever worked with and am grateful for them but it’s little things like that. I myself think of myself as a DJ, not a female DJ, I’m also a songwriter, I sing…I’ll let you know when my ovaries start DJing for me but until then, this is what they’ve got.

What essentials do you carry with you on tour?

I don’t bring too much usually unless I’m gone for a while. I guess my rider; I need a microphone but I carry all my gear myself.

If I could bring anything with me, it would be my hairless cat Rue. They get such a bad rep but they’re so sweet! We got her as a kitten and she’s still so tiny and soooo sweet.

Is there anyone you’d like to work with that you haven’t had the chance to yet?

As a vocalist, I’d really like to work with someone that I’d consider my kind of icon. Hayley Williams from Paramore or Brendon Urie from Panic! At The Disco. Definitely Brendon. He’s incredible, he has an 5 octave range. I have a 4.2, which is a lot but he has like a 5. It’s like Beyonce level. Yeah, now I’m not gonna stop until that happens.

Any advice specifically on how to get your name out there?

The way I did it, I wasn’t even putting out music at the time...I started in 2011 with really heavy dubstep. I looked like the girl next door at the time, I didn’t have any tattoos, my hair was not blonde.

I came from metal music, I liked scream-o so the quickest thing I related to was heavy, heavy dubstep. So I would go on there and I would slam it then everyone would be like “Who IS this girl?”.

Just do you cause I was told to be a lot of different ways these past few years and there will be lots of people in your eye. But just do you, be consistent unless it’s something you don’t want to do and the most important thing is to brand yourself.

It goes a long way to market and brand yourself. Things like a logo, merchandise, stickers, just having quality products. Just put in the work and make it happen.

INTERVIEW BY KIMBERLY PHAN Miami Music is the official kick-off for new music and festival season. Are there any shows you’re going to be headlining?

DAVID: We just announced Paradiso today and we announced Dancefestopia yesterday. We have a lot of festivals coming up especially in Asia at the end of April. It’s a cool new market for us to play.

Have you ever been to Asia before?

DAVID: Yeah. We’ve gone to Asia about every month since September so about ten times. It’s a really good market for us.

For the rest of the festivals, we can’t talk about them just yet!

You recently released “Up All Night” and said it brought back old school vibes. Can you explicate?

DAVID: We grew up listening to Blink 182 and pop punk bands like that! So we always had that influence and we used to make a lot of music like that back in the day. So when we started writing this song we decided to do a pop punky vibe to see if it worked and it ended up working and it was sick.

We took it back to our roots and what got us into music was bands like that, New Found Glory, Blink 182, all those bands…

Just taking it back to the roots a bit.

Saw on your show on March 8th that you stated there was a black Kia Rio being towed. Why the hilarious announcement?

TOM: I was actually on the mic and it looked like I was turning the music down in the picture and made it look like we were making announcement about someone’s car.

DAVID: It’s one of those things where we’ll just post about the first thing we think about. It’s like “yo someone fell over eating nachos.” We’ll post the first thing and just let it go.

TOM: It has to be that way because if you sit there and think too long about your content, it’s not actually you. You’re just thinking about the cool thing to say.

DAVID: So it’s anything funny and you have to post things that are funny.

How do you think your audience perceives you?

Dash Berlin has got his Dashers, Bassnectar has his BNF. What do you think keeps your audience attracted?

DAVID: We just try to release the best music that we can and be funny guys and it just clicks.

TOM: Our main thing is that we are always us and we never try.

DAVID: We’re super talkative and we always respond to our fans so I want them to view us as cool guys.

Cool laid back guys that just happen to make badass music. Exactly. I feel as though DJ Duos always soar in their careers. Firebeatz, Bassjackers, Dubvision, Axwell^Ingrosso… now Breathe Carolina.

What would you say makes you two work together so well together?

DAVID: We have the same vision and we have the same goals. What happens sometimes is when they start having separate ideas or want to do separate things, that’s when it goes awry because how can you focus on one thing? We’re always on the same page with music or with shows or how we want to look.

Is there anything you guys know about each other that your fans may not?

TOM: He’s f*cking awesome at cookng.

DAVID: I do love cooking. I have a huge passion for cooking.

DAVID: He could not be more Jewish.

Very nice! So, no matter what religion you are, I always like to see what artists would say embodies their spirit. What would you say your spirit animal is?

DAVID: I’ve honestly never thought about that.

TOM: I mean you’d be a baby lion or a tiger because you’re obsessed with them or maybe a bengal cat. You’re a bengal cat.

DAVID: He’d be an angry eagle or something.

TOM: Oh yeah like a super pissed eagle overlooking everything that’s super mad.

Really? You never struck me as an angry person.

Are you Jewish?

TOM: I’m not an angry person. I’m extremely passionate and efficient so I’m always stressed out but it works in my favor sometimes. But sometimes I’ll have panic attacks in the middle of the night for no reason whatsoever. I’ll be hanging out with my girlfriend and will be like “I can’t see!” and she’ll be like “what?” and I’ll tell her “I can’t see right now. I’m blind from stress!”

TOM: Extremely.

God bless her.

TOM: I can turn my feet all around my head and I rode professional BMX for 2.5 years.

DAVID: He also speaks fluent Hebrew and was born in Israel.

Europe, The USA, The World, Miami where is it that you like to play most and why?

For me personally it is great to stay in one place for like 5 to 6 days at a time. It usually doesn’t happen that way. Last week, I was on tour in a different place almost every single day. Miami is always special because there is always something going on for more then one day. I went to the beach in the morning, and then did some interviews in the afternoon, and then I performed. I didn’t have to rush on the tour bus to make it in time to get to another city. So Miami for me in general this is a great time and place that I like to be. It is also good to meet up with a lot of my DJ friends that are really my best friends so its like I am home….

What’s next for you for this year and beyond? Give us the scoop!

Last year we signed with Armada Music and that is great because now we can release our music. We just created 4 new tracks. We basically locked ourselves in the studio from like January to February. For the past 6 – 7 weeks we have been testing the new tracks and the response has been really positive. I also did a few collaborations that I am excited to get released here soon.

House Music vs. EDM...what’s the future?

Honestly I think that people are a bit lost with what direction music is taking. I think that everything gets back to the clubs. I am booked for like 45 festivals this summer but ultimately things will go back the clubs. I also think the confusion is not that good because the community as a whole does loose its following. People leave and go to hiphop or other types of music. The EDM vibe is really not a thing any more. House music is going to stay and so is dance music as a whole but the shift is really going hurt things right now for all of us. In the end things will change.

INT E RVIEW BY STE PHAN IE P IE D R AHITA Walk us through your creative process.

Well, I wake up. I open up an app on my phone and order a very large coffee. The biggest one you ever did see and I get the spark plugs going, hit the studio and that’s basically my routine. From home to Starbucks then back to the studio, listen to some new records.

Question for the people, what is your Starbucks order?

Iced Venti Vanilla Latte.

Aside from coffee, what other essentials do you need to have with you on tour?

Just my computer. That’s it.

Really? Yeah, that’s basically it.

Now with technology, I can be anywhere at any given moment and turn on the computer and start something or fix something or whatever...which amazes me because we didn’t have those tools prior to this generation you know?

So it’s pretty cool.

It’s interesting you say that because a lot of producers are classically trained or they’ve done some kind of formal coursework, do you think it’s mandatory for anyone that wants to breakthrough this industry?

F*ck that. No. No? No. Because I was the kid

that had no musical experience and I am a YouTube learner. That’s how I learned how to do this and I constantly sat there, staring at my screen for years before I got to this

point. That’s what it takes.

Do you think some people in this industry take advantage of that?

Where they do go online, they learn, get a handle on it and then their ego blows up. What advice would you give to someone to avoid that?

You know what? Screw that ego stuff. Guess what, we’re all just human beings. You’re just making a feeling for someone, which is a huge responsibility and is an unselfish thing to do. You need to remember what you’re doing for others. I mean I’m grateful if I can change your mood or make you feel a certain type of way. You just broke up with somebody and you want to cry your eyes out? There’s music for that. It’s an emotional thing. I don’t see where an ego can even fit into the category of that.

Speaking of emotions, as a DJ you read the reactions of a crowd at gigs. Do you feel more comfortable in intimate settings or massive events?

It really doesn’t matter. I feel like you make a connection, make eye contact with one person...it doesn’t matter if there’s 500 or 5000, you’ve connected ad changed how that one person feels. You know what they say, you can change the world one person at a time. I’m a firm believer in that. I started off with that motto and I’m going to continue doing that, one person at a time.

What has been your favorite memory while performing??

I gotta say my most recent gig which was Inception At Sea with Joseph Deveen playing the electinc guitar. That was definitely a different feelings because I’ve been DJing for 15 years and it was a totally different experience having to share the stage with him on a guitar. Also, just playing your favorite record at the time, either one that I downloaded or I made it, and seeing the crowd’s reaction is great every single time.

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In 2014, you received the award for Best Portuguese DJ in Radio Nova Era’s annual awards and DJ Mag ranked you as 42nd Best DJ in the world. In 2015, DJ Mag ranked you as 61st in the world. Obviously your successes didn’t come overnight. It’s come with hard work. You’ve released some amazing tracks like “Odyssey,” “Undefeatable,” “Devious Behavior,” and “Sabotage.” Tell me, how does it feel knowing you’ve accomplished so much in such a short amount of time?

In terms of Portugal, I’ve been DJing for a long time and the work there was more extensive.

People already knew me from back then. Only when I started to release on bigger labels was when the market outside got to know me as a DJ and a producer. When I released my collaboration with Hardwell, it hit #1 on Beatport and was one of the top selling tracks so that’s when I presented myself more to the larger audience. In terms of Portugal, the people have been supporting me for

a long time so it’s different!

You’ve had your first solo Beatport No.1 and have toured the Far East, Europe the United States, and have played at the biggest festivals in the world. From Tomorrowland to Ultra Europe, what’s the next destination you hope to play at? What are some places you haven’t hit yet and want to explore?

For now I want to make different kinds of music.

I want to test out songs that I haven’t done. I’ve only done dance songs. The problem is that dance songs on Beatport have a short lifespan. It’ll last two to three weeks and then it’s gone. I don’t want to create that kind of music. I want to create music that lasts longer and music that people can connect. I’m gonna release a new track on Spinnin Records the 7th of April which is called, “Paper Roses.” It’s a poppy song that can attract the common person.

For someone who hasn’t listened to your music, say the common person, how would you describe your sound?

songs on Beatport, it’s not possible… Of course you don’t create music for money but it has to be sustainable.

I would say my main tracks that are more carefree to me, have jungle and tribal elements to it.

You get to do what you love BUT it’s a bonus that you get paid for it.

Would you say its bippity boppity jungle house?

Exactly. We also have people that work with us that have to get paid too. It’s not a one-man show.

To be relevant, I have to interact with my audience as well like on social. I just cannot solely post about music. For the common person, they won’t know all about Beatport and all that. They want to go out and party! For example, let’s imagine a 30-yearold woman who has a kid that wants to go out for once… She may not know what Beatport is or have Spotify. It’s normal! We think how could that be possible but that’s the reality so we have to be mindful and think. I always try to think 360 in that area.

Haha you could say that. Where I come from, the music is very Latin. I’m Portuguese so we embrace the Latin culture.

Having Latin friends, I’ve always noticed that whenever there’s music playing, there’s nonstop dancing… It’s the kind of music that just makes you feel good and keeps you grooving.

Exactly. It’s true! On the contrary to the States where there’s a lot of rap and hip hop, we have reggaeton. I take bits and pieces of reggaeton with African roots and put it in my songs. The structure is a little more complex.

You were saying that a lot of music appears on Beatport then disappears. If you’re a consumer and don’t check Beatport regularly, you won’t be aware since it’s getting filtered day in and day out. With the music industry being so saturated and cut throat, what do you think an artist has to do to stay relevant?

The thing is, to be relevant; you have to be the whole package. The music is important but you also have to be interesting in all areas if you want your audience to follow you and attend your shows. Of course, you make music so people can listen to it but you want to make them come to your show.

So beyond the music, you want to create a relationship with your audience.

Yes… To get them to relate to you, they have to be able to feel your performance. When I create music, it’s not just to sell on iTunes or Beatport, but it’s to get my audience to relate to my shows. You cannot create a business or a relationship by selling

It’s admirable that you try to create a personal relationship with your audience. With any successful artist, you have to be one with your audience. Beyonce always comes to mind when I think of musicians who connect with their followers.

It’s funny you bring that up because I try to establish some type of comparison between her and Rihanna. Rihanna has had so much more hits than Beyonce but people embody Beyonce like a goddess.

So, for those who have never listened to your music, what do you hope they take from it?

I want them to connect; I want them to feel something. Whether they’re at my show or listening to my music at home. I want my music to mean something. For the new music I’m releasing, there are breakdowns that’ll release your emotional side. I rarely make happy songs the melodies evoke emotion. With the proper songs, I’m very careful with the vocals.

You guys have become a household name in the music industry. How do you stay inspired?

MARLON: We’ve been doing this for awhile but it doesn’t feel like it. Everyday feels brand new and fresh. I think as long as you enjoy what you’re doing, it’ll keep you inspired because you’ll want to keep doing it. There are new goals and new challenges and there will be bigger and better stages, new crowds, you know?

RALPH: It’s so much fun and that’s what makes it worthwhile everyday. This is our profession, our job, and I love it.

Personally, I think you guys have one of the better jobs in the world!

MARLON: As soon as you think that it’s not, that’s when it’ll slap you in the face.

RALPH: Yeah, like wake up man! I must admit, from time to time, touring is really hard because you’re so many days away from home. For me in the studio, whenever you don’t know it, the pressure is still on. It can be a bit of a wait but then again you look in the mirror and think “man, first world problems.”

Are you guys based in the same city?

Marlon: Yeah. Our studio is where we went to college. We live in the south of Holland in Tilburg.

That’s where our studio is based. I moved a little bit but it’s still close to it. We’ll probably never leave!

In the last couple of years, the popularity of electronic dance music and other genres of electronic music has exploded. Can you tell me a little bit about how you think that’s affected the scene and the music being produced?

RALPH: Actually, the level of producing has really gone up. There are so many people that want to produce and are eager to learn. Because there are so many people stepping in, there are new approaches. People now see music in a different

way and it’s continuously changing the game again.

It’s a cycle that goes so hard.

MARLON: Access is so easy now. When we started, it wasn’t that easy. You had to purchase a bunch of equipment but now you can just use your computer, watch a bunch of YouTube videos and tutorials. All these young kids hop on it and learn so fast. There’s so much new talent now.

RALPH: It keeps you sharp as well because the competition is on. That’s also a drive and it continues to inspire you. You hear new artists creating music and you’re like “Oh wow. How does he do that?” You can then try to search and mimic and make it your own. It’s a cool process. Look at the charts right now. You can see how many EDM tracks there are!

MARLON: Look at our track, “Joyride,” for example with Brooks. Brooks is super young but talented kid. When he steps into the studio, we learn too.

We learn from him and he learns from us.

With all of this new music being churned out, what do you think artists have to do to stay relevant?

MARLON: Try to make your own sound and be your own person. We have a sound that is high energy but we try to keep the Bassjackers stick on it. I think that when people hear a Bassjackers track

sounded so cool but I didn’t think it would work for a crowd. Maybe if changed some sounds or sing some melodies, which is really weird, but he knew what I meant, and we tweaked it and it worked! So when I was playing at the same festival as Martin Garrix and I played the track back to back, Martin was like “WHAT IS THIS?” And I said it was something that Ralph just made in the studio. It was insane. That same song was the main song played at Tomorrowland. It was played 4 to 5 times. It’s so funny how it goes. He works on all these sounds and I just barge in the studio.

INTERVIEW BY KIMBERLY PHAN they can already tell it’s us. I think it’s important for artists to be able to define their own sound and to have their audience identify their sound as well.

RALPH: The most important part is doing what you like, envision it, and be the artist that you want to be. If the public comes, they come, if they don’t, they don’t. It’s your thing and keep it genuine. It must be so hard to try to be someone else the whole time. I couldn’t wear a mask so I’m glad that we can be our goofy selves. This is a tough question because we don’t ever get this one.

What would you say makes you two work so well together?

MARLON: Ralph is a producer and I’m a DJ. How I look at music from a DJ’s perspective is by feeling out the crowd. I know how a song will go when I see and hear the crowd so I’ll suggest how to tweak it here and there. It goes vice versa. We try to meet in the middle and together it’s Bassjackers.

RALPH: At some points it’s like, wow this really works. We’ll look at each other like we never expected it.

MARLON: We have this one track, it’s called, “Like That,” and when we were in the studio the sound

I think that you (Marlon) being a DJ and you (Ralph) being a producer is what sets you guys apart from most artists in the industry. You’ve identified your strengths within one another and have truly embraced it to make your music so synonymous.

MARLON: Ralph doesn’t like to DJ or be on stage, he wants to be in the studio. I don’t want to be in the studio 8 hours a day. I’d rather go on stage and play around the world. We do what we love most.

How did you guys find…

MARLON: Each other?

RALPH: Tinder. *HA* No! How did you guys find this systematic balance?

MARLON: It was very natural because he was one of my best friends and I was a local DJ and he was a producer. I asked if he could make some tracks and we decided to send them out and got great feedback.

We didn’t have a name so we threw Bassjackers on it and had our first show.

How’d you guys come up with the name Bassjackers?

MARLON: There was a brainstorm session on MSN Messenger actually.

RALPH: We were checking some sounds too and found that we were jacking some bass so let’s call ourselves Bassjackers! It sounds bad ass.

You just recently played your first show in LA. How was that?

That was so cool. I played at Avalon. When I first started DJing, I heard all these stories about Avalon and how it’s one of the most iconic clubs in Hollywood so it was real cool being able to play my first LA show there. I loved the venue, was very nice and the music sounded great.

Two months ago you released “Harder,” which featured Hailz. How do you go about your creative process and how do you select vocalists on your tracks?

I know Hailz through my manager. My manager has a house in LA with a studio and sometimes I go there to write. I had a session with her and two other people.

We actually wrote “Harder” on the front porch, I got the acapella and wrote the track around it.

Will you be releasing more tracks with her?

Yeah, she wrote a bunch of stuff. There’s one track coming out with a different vocalist but she wrote it.

How do you want your audience to perceive you?

As an artist, not a DJ. I want to be recognized for my production.

When it comes to the production process, how do you start ideating? Do you listen to old music, music that you think will be trending, EDM, rap?

It all depends on the moment. For example, after I came back from a festival I was full of ideas from all different genres. Usually, I’ll go on Spotify to New Music Fridays and listen to what’s out. Yesterday on my flight here I listened to the whole playlist as well as Frank Ocean’s new song and it really got me inspired. There’s not one thing that inspires my production process.

How would you describe the sound of your music? NO genres included.

Fresh, unique and a word that I just came up with, singalongable. My music will just make you sing along.

INTERVIEW BY KIMBERLY PHAN

“Is This Love” is the perfect cross between feel-good dance music that just makes you want to get up and groove but still keeps the roots of the song. Tell me, what’s your thought process when it comes to selecting music to remix?

It was actually an accident remixing “Is It Love.” I was sitting in the studio with Bolier and we both love Bob Marley so we wanted to do a remix just for us to play in the club. We did it in two days and sent it to Spinnin and they contacted the Marley family to see if we could do an official remix and they replied that we could. So, it was an unofficial remix for the both of us to official.

How’d it feel knowing that the Marley family gave you the right of way to officially remix it? Getting exclusive rights from family is difficult to do!

The songs of Bob Marley had listened to the track and loved it!

So when it comes to selecting other music to remix, how do you select your songs?

Honestly, it’s whatever comes to mind.

I gravitate to tropical house but I’m into all types of music. From Michael Jackson, George Michael to electronic dance music.

So, if I were to go on your phone, what would be the first five tracks on your Spotify or iTunes?

Well, I’m a huge fan of EDX so it’d probably be all EDX tracks.

Just recently you produced “Need To Feel Loved” with Sander Van Doorn.

The track is so hypnotic with such alluring lyrics. What was the method

behind the madness to producing the track?

The creation was from a whole team. I did a remix for Sander then we decided to do a collab together.

We wanted to mix what we both liked from back in the day and today. Sander and I wanted to do a collab together! It’s a track that anyone can groove to.

It’s not so EDM but very housey. It’s very easy to listen to and has a nice beat with percussion elements.

Your SEASONS tour has hit Carouge, Zurich, Lugano, Neuchatel and Bern thus far. What has been the most satisfying part of your tour?

Just being able to go out and play the music I love.

Why’d you choose your stage name to be LVNDSCAPE?

It’s not a big story actually.

I was with a friend of mine and he called me and asked me “Why not LVNDSCAPE?” What was your original name?

Nick Bass! I decided to go with LVNDSCAPE because it was earthier.

I like LVNDSCAPE. It sounds so earthy and there are so many elements to it… You could be tundra, a desert, a forest or grassland.

Yes! Just like that. We also decided to make the A a V since it resembled my logo so why not? Now, I’m LVNDSCAPE.

INTERVIEW BY KIMBERLY PHAN PHOTOS BY MICHAEL BEAS You just played in Houston for your ALIVE tour. How was that?

JIM: It was great! We’ve played around that area in Texas but never in Houston. We played at Legendary Stereo Live and it was a great show.

We did our own visual show and we invested in it last year. Everything synced and we had a big LED screen behind the stage.

RAY: On stage, Jim is DJing and I’m controlling the visuals so it’s kind of new.

So what direction are you guys gearing towards?

RAY: We’re slightly moving towards

a different direction but we’re not sure what it is just yet. In the beginning, everything was new, the scene was new.

JIM: Now, we’re in our own place.

We know our records, we have our label that’s behind us, so no we have more time to think about what we want to do next. We want to do more song writing and we just had our visual show so that’s why we created “This is Sick.”

RAY: There’s just so much that you can do with audio now.

Your released tracks, Made For This, Lost & Found, Drive to Into the Light and Helix have always

been a huge hit. Would you consider creating an album anytime soon?

JIM: We’ve thought about it and we want to create one but not now.

The whole singing and songwriting is new for us so we have to find the right parties to work with again.

For the club stuff, we know to work with REVEALED and we’ve worked with Spinnin and Armada before. For right now, working with singles is smarter for us.

RAY: So right now we’re talking to a lot of people and it goes on and on but right now we’re focused on singles that we really want to release.

When it comes to remixing, How do you go about selecting songs to remix?

RAY: Daft Punk will always be #1 but besides that Axwell. We remixed a track of his but he’s such an inspiring guy.

JIM: It can go a couple of JIM: We’ve done two songs with different ways. Sometimes when we hear a song and we like it, we’ll DBSTF and we’re dying to do another one with them because reach out to see if we can remix it’s just so much fun in the studio. it. We’ll only remix it if we think we can do a good job. Most of the time they reach out to us and Any people outside of house music? we’ll remix it by trying to make it

We’re releasing a new track next week on REVEALED that’s called Focus and I think it’s typical Sick Individual’s track with good mixing and drums.

How do you guys think you complement one another?

JIM: We’ve just always worked well together.

“WE LIKE TO HAVE A NICE BREAKS, A DROP WITHIN THE BREAK, AND MORE… WE LIKE TO TELL A STORY. “ different. Some tracks are just not remixable.

Have you ever listened to a track of yours that someone remixed and you didn’t like it?

JIM: Yeah of course, many times.

That’s why we like to pick the artists ourselves.

So, for this new era you two are entering, are there any artists you really want to collaborate with?

JIM: Drake or London Grammar.

She sings so beautifully so it’d be nice working with her. Definitely more singers!

What would you say makes your music different and what keeps your audience attracted?

RAY: We always incorporate all of flavors that we like! It’s not just one flavor. We like to have a nice breaks, a drop within the break, and more… We like to tell a story.

RAY: Jim is the beatmeister. He creates all the high-hats and beats.

JIM: That’s funny he thinks that because he makes the perfect progression. I’ll have something in mind and he’ll always have something different in mind but it works! If I did this myself, the sound would be completely different, it wouldn’t be Sick Individuals.

Award-winning, multi-platinum artist, songwriter, producer and 3X #1 Billboard charting vocalist VASSY gave Raver Mag an opportunity to go behind the scenes with her during Miami Music Week. For those that don’t know, VASSY was discovered by Australian Radio Station Triple J after where she won song of the year. Her single “We Are Young” reached No. 1 on the US Billboard dance chart making her the first Australian Artist to go No. 1 with her solo single debut release. She is a certified RIAA Platinum and Gold recording artist.

In 2014, VASSY collaborated with David Guetta and Showtek on their song “Bad” which became 7 times double platinum and established her in the electronic dance music scene. In 2015, she collaborated with Tiesto and KSHMR on their track “Secrets” which reigned atop the Billboard Club chart and Beatport charts and went straight to number No. 1 in 20 countries. In 2016, she released her single “Nothing to Lose” through Musical Freedom Records co-produced by Tiesto.

VASSY’s music incorporates dance, reggae and soul in her style of music. Her music has received an array of accolades, including ARIA awards and IDMA awards.

INTERVIEW BY KYLIE PARHAM

When you were a kid, what profession did you want to be when you were grown up?

I always knew I was going to be a musician. Mu so important to me, even when I was young. sic was always What was your biggest fear as a kid?

Not reaching the goals that I set for myself. I to do the best I could, especially with music. always wanted Who was your hero as a child?

Definitely my father. He always worked so hard and I remember thinking, ‘I want to be just like to succeed him’.

What type of music did your parents list

en to?

So much Greek music! All the time.

What made you seriously get into music?

I realized there was no other future for me than that point I knew I had to make it a priority in music. So at that everything seemed to fall into place and my life. After here we are!

What is the most extreme weather gig you’ve ever done?

I played live with Tiesto at Tomorrowland and

it poured on us!

What is your favorite part of Miami Mu

sic Week?

I love being surrounded by all my peers and ama zing music for an entire week. There’s nothing like it!

Markus Schulz has for more than 10 years pioneered and forged the worlds of Progressive, Trance and House music into an array of sonic perfection. His drive to create profound music resonates out of the speakers and deep into our dance culture. As a creative artist, Markus’ passion for songwriting is once again about to be unveiled to the world. His new album, which is soon to be released, has 17 tracks, of which 14 are filled with prolific lyrics and masterful songwriting that will take us all on a very special musical journey. Headlining DJ sets across the globe, working on Coldharbour label releases and chairing the weekly Global DJ Broadcast radio show are just part of daily life for Markus. Nothing fazes him and those with creativity are always welcome at his table.

Let’s dive right in and talk about your new track “Mota Mota.” I’m from Detroit and I hear a lot of great dark techno in that track.

I listen mostly to your instrumental tracks but I notice you’ve been diving more music with vocals….

“Mota Mota” is part of a bigger picture.It’s part of a show I’m doing called the Nine Skies. The beginning of the show is more militant with lots of techno and then it builds up. The Nine Skies show is about the nine steps to enlightenment. So it starts off real dark and sinister with a militant beat.

“Mota Mota” comes from when soldiers are march and they have cadences. “Mota Mota” is a cadence for motivation so I took the name from that.

The “Watch the World” album was something where I wanted to explore more songwriting. I use to do it when I first started programming music.

With this album I wanted to write more about the world around me. “Destiny” was the first track and after the success of that track it gave me confidence to do more. I am writing about stuff we can all relate to as a trance community. It’s not just empty music about love songs. I try not to make “love song trance.”

The original track was really mellow and deep and was inspired by old Danny Tenaglia. But I needed to put this into the Nine Steps show so I was thinking about whose tracks I really like playing and I’ve known Koen (Groeneveld) for a long time so I asked him. He took what I had and completely tore it up. It’s amazing, he’s such a brilliant performer. It was the perfect collaboration.

I listen to your podcast, and you seem to be everywhere all the time. How do you find time to work on tracks.

I’ll tell you what, I’m addicted I guess. For me, I create the most and find myself the most productive when I am in my hotel room by myself with my headphones. I’ll get up, eat breakfast then I’ll sit there for 3- 4 hours and work on tracks, then I’ll go to my show.

When do you sleep?

Sleep, what’s that? I’ve never heard of that concept! I’ll sleep on the plane, that’s the best way to do it.

What do you think about Detroit and its influence on the world?

I love Detroit and how they support the art community. Artists by their nature are kind of lost souls and Detroit embraces them and wants the artist to live there.

There are not too many DJs that can carry an open to close set like you. What does it take?

Patience is the most important thing. I always say you have this big track you want to play but you have to wait! Hold off, hold off, it’s almost like an orgasm right? You want to hold off as long as possible then when you finally drop that track it just feels so good. That’s the whole concept of open and close sets. Another important thing is to have the crowd’s trust. The crowd trusts where you are going. Once you have that, fun things can really start to happen.

Describe your fan base in 5 words.

Loyal, passionate, unicorn slaying crazy!

“I’LL TELL YOU WHAT... I’M ADDICTED I GUESS.”

JOSÉ WOLDRING THE MEDIA NANNY INTERVIEW BY MICHAEL BEAS José Woldring is an international rock star in the world of dance music public relations. The playing field for new talent is swarming with millions of people trying to make it big. Everyone wants to tour the world on a private jet and play to the masses while the buckets of money come flowing in like a rushing waterfall. Everyone wants to become famous. This is usually a fairytale that rarely happens but when José is involved...it could become a reality.

Over the years José Woldring and her company, The Media Nanny has literally become a powerhouse Public Relations for the top DJs and Producers from all over the world. Her roster of clients at The Media Nanny include the likes of Martin Garrix, Showtek, Hardwell, Firebeatz, Oliver Heldens, David Guetta and so many more.

I was able to catch up with José after a photoshoot with David Guetta in New York. Between the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we had a few minutes to explore the essence of what make José, well… José. This is what she shared up with us.

In 2009 while you were still in college, you started your company as a school project. 7 years later you have become one of the best publicists in the industry. At what point, between then and now, did you think to yourself, “Wow, I’ve made it to the top”?

There is really not one moment that I thought I have made it.

People develop over time and this is a journey in my life. In school I had to come up project that would enjoy. I knew a lot of DJ’s back then and all needed help with branding and pr. So I thought why not make a business out of it. PR is something that I enjoyed doing, something that I thought was challenging but also fun and enjoyable. Everything worked out for the best and just took off from there.

Artists from all stages in their own carries are biting at the bits to try to get you and your team to work with them.

With such a demand for The Media Nanny, how do you streamline the clients that you choose to work with?

What are some of the things that are important to you when selecting a new artist to bring onto your roster?

We get over 50 requests on average a month. It is hard to pick the artists you want to work with and which ones you have to say no to. Generally speaking, we don’t look for a one time promotion. For example, a one-time album promotion or one time PR campaign. I look for a long-term commitment with an artist. I feel

that in order to help an artist build their brand you need to work for them for more than a year. The best way to do that is by really understanding the direction they want to take and help them grow from there.

That being said, I usually follow my gut instinct when choosing who we are going to work with next. If I feel that the person is genuine and I feel is talented, then I make the decision to take them on as a client.

In critical situations where things don’t go right in the press, how do work around negative publicity?

You can never really control what the media writes inside a publication. Obviously people are free to write and post their honest thoughts. Unfortunately, you sometimes have to work on damage control to make sure people understand the nature of what is truly going on. I can’t control what an artist does or the decisions they choose to make. All we can do is our best to help them move beyond something negative that happened. In the end, everything has a way of working itself out.

Being at the helm of a large media firm, how do you manage to travel as much as you do everyday and keep things on point back in the office?

We have a great team and staff that help me everyday, and a staff that I trust to get the job done time and time over.

When I am on the road with an

Artist my brother, Rik Woldring, Managing Director is in charge and he is amazing at keeping things running in the right direction for us.

Having Martin Garrix alone on your roaster is a 24-hour, 365 day never ending job to manage and support. If you toss in mix artists such as Hardwell, David Guetta, BlasterJaxx and others who are also on to your roster, the management of everything can be quite challenging.

How do you overcome those challenges and more so, what advice can you offer others who look up to you as a predominant leader in the world of music?

You have to take things one-step at a time. You can’t take on more than you can handle. When we sign up a new client, I want to make sure that we service them as best as we can; that we can always add in that personal touch that they count on from us. It is challenging at times, but we overcome that by having a great team and a great roster of clients.

When you are not in the office or traveling what do you enjoy doing for fun and on you’re off time?

I don’t really have too much free time these days, but I do enjoy riding horses when I am able.

While I am on the road with an artist it is non-stop work around the clock, but I enjoy what I do. I am fortunate to be able to travel and see the world and so many places. I was in South Africa not to long ago and we helped a local charity. Traveling is definitely something I enjoy too.

I had a chance to stop in and check out the new Ultra Passport office during day two of Ultra Music Festival in Miami. Like with all loyalty programs festivalgoers can redeem points for attending the different events throughout the year. I for one found the staff to be more the friendly and helpful. They helped me download the app and they gave me a quick 2-minute tutorial on the benefits of being part of the full on Ultra experience. The sleek office made me feel as if I was in some high-class lounge royalty program at the Hilton. The welcomed AC was also an amazing break from the blazing sun and humid rain drenched air that was scorching outside. In short, I met some amazing people, both on the staff and fellow ravers attending the event. The cool break was worth it to me and the application is something that will surly keep me up to date while adding points to what I consider to be one the greatest festivals in the world. 10 Thumbs up and we highly recommend it to all!

The Ultra Passport is the loyalty program for Ultra Worldwide events.

Basically the points are earned by attending events (not by merely purchasing tickets). You will redeem points using our special Ultra Passport technology, debuting at Ultra Music Festival 2017 in Miami.

Unlike some traditional loyalty programs, points are not exchanged for anything. Points are used to progress to a passport level and benefits are based on your passport level only. Exact offerings per passport level are coming soon, but you can expect the following: Exclusive access to early bird tickets (before those that have never been to one...

THE BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE & VIBE

BES ES OF ULTRA MUSIC FESTIVAL

INTERVIEW BY STEPHANIE PIEDRAHITA How’s Miami been treating you? How does it feel to have been a part of Ultra Music Festival?

Miami was awesome!! I played at 2PM set at the Worldwide Stage and it was incredible. I did not expect that many people to show up, I think we had about 3,000 show up and camp it out after doors opened at 12. I’m still buzzing from it for sure.

No doubt man, there were a lot of people who couldn’t wait to hear you play. We actually went through your Twitter and saw all the support you get from your fans. What kind of advice would you give up and coming DJs who want a fanbase like yours?

My advice would be to make the music you love to make, don’t worry about everything else. The fans will come. If you gain fans, always show them love, always show them admiration and thank them you

know? Be responsive to them, keep tabs on them because they love you just as much you love what you’re doing.

Absolutely, humility is key. Exactly...and stay

humble!

How do you feel the dubstep, trap and bass scene has changed in the past few years?

I think it’s had it’s ups and downs. It really took off about two years ago for sure. Trap music blew up EVERYWHERE, I remember I was at Ultra and I saw Carnage play at mainstage where he dropped his first festival trap remix for Hardwell’s ‘Spaceman’. I was in the crowd and it was the biggest thing I’ve ever heard. The bass scene has now really been growing and it has a very strong fan base. I think it’ll continue to grow and that the genre will change completely but it’ll still have a hardcore following.

PHOTOS BY BRANDON ARTIGA // PROXY MATTER

Your tracks always get a massive amount of support; I’ve heard your music within Jauz and Borgore sets at different festivals and they have now found a home in various podcasts with ‘Nightowl Radio’ by Pasqualle Rotella being the most prominent. You also highlighted the newest remix of ‘Can’t Get Enough’ by Jupe, someone talented but doesn’t have your level of exposure yet. How do you find a balance between working with bigger names and new talent?

I’m always on Soundcloud. I’m always listening to new things and people, younger kids that are...like me when I was first making music. ‘Cause there’s so much talent that hasn’t been heard, so it’s really cool to find those up and coming artists that are making incredible music. Jupe, for example, is a homie of mine. He’s a 16 year old kid from Miami!

He’s real young but I think he’s going to be huge in the next years or so. I think bigger artists don’t take

as much time to listen to these underrated artists when they should. They could make the next hit and you wouldn’t even know it.

Through all these collaborations, you’ve developed friendships with a variety of other artist. Who can you say has been your favorite to work with?

Krewella and their whole team is awesome. Jahan and Yasmine* are fantastic girls, we actually have a single coming out hopefully next month that we all worked on. It’s an amazing record, the one thing I can say is that it will be massive. We’re really excited for everyone to hear it! They’re probably one of the few people I’ve had fun with while in the studio. Creating “Game Over” with Crankdat was super dope too. We actually met on the internet and not much later we released it and the reaction was crazy!

What would you say is the hardest part when it comes to your job?

Sleep. Finding sleep, getting the right amount and catching the plane the next morning. Man, that’s definitely the hardest part. Everything else is smooth sailing.

Speaking of flights, I heard your biggest pet peeve involves airplanes!

Hell yeah, you know when you’re in the window or the aisle seat and the person sitting in the middle takes over both arms rests? Like...did you just claim that or is that mine!? If you’re in the

face first onto the ground and it completely stopped the CDJ. Right at the first kick of the drop. Everybody was screaming and going crazy then the music just cut. Silence. Everyone was looking around going “Whaaaaaaaaaaat” .

A literal drop! Yeah!! With no sound, the first of it’s kind I think.

If your fans missed you at Ultra, where could they see you next?

We’re planning a Fall tour I think, I have this EP coming out so I’m really excited for that. A lot of whole new music that will go in a different direction, I think my fans will be open to it and

MY ADVICE WOULD BE TO MAKE THE MUSIC YOU LOVE TO MAKE, DON’T WORRY ABOUT EVERYTHING ELSE. THE FANS WILL COME.

middle, you bought the cheap seat and shouldn’t expect to have dibs on those arm rests…

Aside from fighting for the arm rests, what’s the craziest thing that’s happened to you while on tour or at a gig?

Oh there’s been so many things! One time I was playing in Chicago and I was on the Borgeous tour two or three years ago, my first song...my intro...I stood up on the table and right as I said “1,2,3 JUMP” I launched myself into the air and landed

that they’ll love it. I love it so much so I hope they’ll feel that too when they listen to it.

Ultimately, we’re hoping for a world tour which would be amazing so look out for that. My live set is getting posted onto Soundcloud too, that way everyone could listen to it.

INTERVIEW BY HANNAH CARLSON

How is Miami Music Week treating you so far?

I came in and immediately started doing a surprise guest set, also played with Armin Van Buuren and of course I am looking forward to playing my set at Ultra. There is no time to chill, it’s all interviews and working until Sunday then I start the ‘Moments’ tour in Vegas.

Are you excited to perform at Ultra?

Ultra is always exciting! I’ll be premiering a lot of new music this year from the ‘Moment’s album.

I also have a couple of collaborations with some trance vocal artists that I am excited about. I truly hope that everyone is ready as much as me to finally get this album out!

So the scoop is fans have the option of preordering the ‘Moments’ album?

Yes, if you decide to pre-order now you get some

instant gratifications; fans get a chance to get a signed copy! The first 100 people will get a signed copy of the CD. Having that physical copy, for a true fan, is really important to me. Obviously there are versions on Itunes, and I obviously can’t sign your computer ha, ha. But, in all seriousness I feel it’s very important for my fans and they have been asking for it. It’s not a financial saver but you have to invest your fans if you want them to invest in you.

Do you have a lot of fans come up to you?

Oh yeah, tons! Walking from the Miami hotel lobby to do this interview I took like twenty pictures with fans! It’s not really annoying, I take time after shows to take pictures and say hi to fans. But there are also venues that do not allow you to stay after a certain time. There was one club event that I ended early so I could take pictures with my fans afterwards and it got past closing time and the security guard was very upset with me for

staying so late and keeping a crowd in the venue.

The security guard was fighting with me for taking pictures for too long. The promoter was in the middle of us trying to break it up and yeah it was bad ha.

I am done with a track and need reviews I send them to my brother, he is an artist manager in Eastern Europe. He was really involved in the music industry and I saw his passion so I love to encourage him.

You’re 24 years old, how do you maintain your character through all these years of performing?

How do you keep up your diet on tour?

If you are an inspirational artist thriving in the music industry, then you need to be humble and have a great heart! I have to admit it is probably because of my family and friends. My parents always allowed me to do anything and my mom knew that every time you don’t allow your child to do something they will want to do it. ‘don’t eat chocolate, you want to eat chocolate’, I realized I didn’t have tension to not do anything so I did what I wanted with the support I needed from the most amazing people in my life.

Would say that your family are your number one supporters?

Yes my mother has always supported me, I am from Moldova; Eastern Europe, a very poor country so we didn’t have a lot when I was growing up but I really wanted to get into music. My mom borrowed money from her boss and she bought me my first piano and basic computer so I could do this. I am really thankful for my family. When

I have a very sensitive stomach, I have a strict diet because of allergies but I am a fighter. In the last two weeks I have removed two wisdom teeth.

Doesn’t matter though this is my work and I love it. There is no time to take off or to lie out and remove my wisdom teeth. I am on a go, go, go schedule. Three days after I took the first tooth out I was in Tel Aviv and I told the lighting guys to turn off the lights in the DJ booth so no one could see my swollen face ha.

What are your plans after the ‘Moments’ tour?

Well people send me music and I’m talking with Armada Music to try to open my own label under Armada Music. It would make sense to sign all those tracks under my name and label. That’s the next step after this tour. We have worked so long and hard on this tour. I had a hand in every part of this album, even the artwork for the album cover.

I am always nervous about releases but we had some people listen to it and had good feedback from it so it should be a great tour starting in US,

MY MOM BORROWED MONEY FROM HER BOSS AND SHE BOUGHT ME MY FIRST PIANO AND BASIC COMPUTER SO I COULD DO THIS. I AM REALLY THANKFUL FOR MY FAMILY.