Up and coming San Francisco-based producer Ken Loi recently released his debut ‘Play Me EP‘ on Big Beat Records and he took the time to answer a few question for EO’s readers about his musical process and production. Along with being a talented DJ and producer, Ken is a certified EMT so no fears, if the beats ever stop (music or cardio wise) you’ll be in good hands! Come April 7 Ken will be making a stop in NYC for the Electric Beach party at Santos Party House, so if you haven’t seen him yet, make it a point to come down. Look for more exciting features about this party in the near future!
Be sure to download your own copy of the EP on Beatport!
By MichelleKUPP (@MichelleKUPP)
on February 24th 2012
Thomas Gold has the right to be amped. Tonight he will be opening for Axwell during the evening’s edition of Cosmic Opera, the much hyped ultra-sensory experience that promises to weave elements of operatic tradition with electronic music. EO will be there to cover, but to put everyone even more on the edge of their seats about what to expect, Thomas sat down to discuss a bit about the event and what is going on in his world in general.
The Berlin-based producer just recently released his much lauded track with Dirty South & Kate Elsworth ‘Eyes Wide Open‘ following the great success of ‘Alive.’ The two started out being pals but found their synergy in the studio to work well and they will be playing together in Miami – definitely expect new, cool tracks to come out of that collaboration. ‘Sing 2 Me,’ one of EO’s Most Anticipated Tracks for 2012, might even be a part of that roster. Don’t hesitate – hear what Thomas has to say below!
First off, you’re here in NYC for Cosmic Opera, are you excited?
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What has been your favorite gigs in NYC?
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Do you see a difference in the electronic music scene in the US versus Europe?
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Given that the scene is growing in the US, would you consider making it your home base?
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Americans know Germany as a hotbed of techno, did this genre inspire you?
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Tell us a little bit about your relationship with Dirty South, with whom you’ve now produced ‘Alive’ and ‘Eyes Wide Open’
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By MichelleKUPP (@MichelleKUPP)
on February 24th 2012
In what will heretofore be known as the President’s Day Massacre for all intents and purposes, Mutants Records founder and all around musical Renaissance man John Dahlbäck kept the crowd enthralled well into the wee hours during his set at Pacha last Friday. There is no other way to describe the absolutely murderous set that Dahlbäck wove together, which crossed genres and incorporated private edits and track IDs from across the electronic music spectrum.
2012 is thus far going swimmingly for Dahlbäck, who was recently honored by tastemaker Pete Tong at the beginning of the month when he named ‘Life‘ an Essential New Tune. His compilation on Toolroom Records also came out at the start of February, which features almost 40 musical goodies.
Sippingly sparingly on a bottle of water prior to his set, you would never know from his demeanor that Dahlbäck is a world famous DJ with more critically acclaimed tracks than you can shake a stick at. What is clear is that he loves crafting and playing music, detailing a necessary activity of his – studio producing and then testing new tracks live on his fans. Dahlbäck’s passion was palpable throughout his set, during which he displayed a Dalai Lama-esque concentration for two hours straight.
John Dahlbäck – Life w/ The Dream – Walkin’ On The Moon (Acapella)
You have a musical background from your family, would you say that influenced your production career?
Yes – for them it was really important that I learned instruments. So I played piano, drums and guitar and they were listening to jazz and old soul and R&B and that’s how their style influenced me, because I wanted to do the same kind of melodic as jazz. So I guess they influenced me the most.
Tell us about how you came to found your own record label.
I wanted to have it as a home for my more experiential tracks and also the ability to sign new talents and release the music that I love, so it’s a really powerful thing.
How do you decide what you want to release on Mutants?
I get a lot of demos – a lot of the stuff is just not quite there, and that’s me being nice. Music from friends of friends is often the way to go.
More videos and Dahlbäck insights after the jump!! (more…)
By MichelleKUPP (@MichelleKUPP)
on February 23rd 2012
In honor of Swanky Tunes’s triumphant return to NYC following the much lauded Avicii led New Year’s Eve Pier 94 event in which they participated, EO is presenting its readers with a video interview conducted just prior to the largest NYE event of 2012. The Russian production trio’s year got off to a bang as they made their NYC sophomore appearance, following an intimate set at Provocateur during their inagural trip to the city in October. Since then they have embarked on a US tour, which brings them back to Provocateur tonight for what promises to be a deeply engaging experience.
The guys are certainly living up to their reputation as EO’s #2 Most Anticipated Artists for 2012, already releasing a massive progressive track with fellow Russians Matisse & Sadko, ‘The Legend.’ Evidence suggests that Swanky Tunes will also be releasing a remix of the long awaited Laidback Luke, Norman Doray & Arno Cost – Trilogy. In the meantime, hear what the guys have to say about the NYE show, their production style and electronic music in the US!
Sjoerd and Wouter Janssen are two brothers behind the rising Dutch hardstyle act, Showtek. Having been producing techno since 2001 they eventually transitioned into hardstyle around 2003. Their album ‘Today Is Tomorrow’ released in 2007 through Dutch Master Works; the first of their genre to do this. Wouter also produces hard trance tracks under the name “Walt” and Sjoerd produces solo hardstyle tracks under the name ‘Duro’.
By MichelleKUPP (@MichelleKUPP)
on January 31st 2012
For brothers Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike beats are a family business. Both are experienced DJs and production partners who have been involved in the music scene since their teens. Their draw to EDM music isn’t shocking – the pair grew up just minutes from Tomorrowland in Belgium and later contributed local flavor to the festival’s yearly anthem in both 2010 and 2011. .
Dimitri starting DJing before he was able to go to clubs (even in Europe!) and Mike came from a hip-hop background. The brothers began producing together during a summer in Ibiza where Dimitri was working as a resident DJ at a hotel club, and Mike took on a promotions gig. But as they both agreed, Ibiza can change you and that summer sent them in a different direction.
The brothers are talented, have business acumen and understand what EDM fans want – huge arena anthems that literally crush the crowd to smithereens. They know that their production inclinations are complimentary: Dimitri looks at tracks with a lofty musical perspective and Mike has the ear to recognize what will work as a big room hit.
In addition to their on-stage and production room personas, the brothers are now running a successful label under the auspices of Dutch powerhouse Spinnin’ Records, Smash the House, which recently had two massive releases in Wolfpack – Rising Moon and yesterday’s Pedro Henriques Feat. Guisepe Viola – Spread The Love. The two tracks show the breadth of Dimitri & Mike’s musical tastes, and we are excited to see what other young blood the brothers promote on their label.
Caught between the blizzards of Boston and an impending stop on the Groove Cruise (hello Bahamas!), the brothers had a chance to chat with us during a quick layover in NYC. Listen below to what they have to say about how they got their breaks, what’s the deal with their Tomorrowland anthem and advice they have for young producers hoping to make it. If you are lucky enough to live on the West Coast it is an imperative that you check out Dimitri & Mike as they support Steve Aoki on his Deadmeat tour March 9 -14, check HERE for the full schedule.
Nicole Moudaber, the new techno sensation originally hailing from the UK, was once an NYC club promoter known for setting up some of the most memorable parties the Big Apple had ever seen. She has since flown across the world, starting out by re-defining the EDM nightlife scene in Beirut and then straying away from the promoting scene to embark upon a production career. She began to produce her own personal style of music, which we now know and love: a booming, bass filled sexy version of techno. She caught the attention of legend Carl Cox and he became a mentor for her quickly progressing production career. Nicole played alongside Cox in Ibiza all summer, in addition to throwing her own killer parties at Ushuaia Ibiza with Danny Tenaglia.
She has guest mixed for some of the greats such as John Digweed, Carl Cox and Adam Beyer. Her brand new Feline EP has infected the Beatport top 10 Techno charts with its infectious sounds. Nicole took some time out of her hectic schedule to answer some questions we’ve been dying to know answers to, such as: what sort of advice Carl Cox gave her before her big debut at Space, Ibiza; her trajectory as a promoter moving to Beruit; her up and coming record label ‘MOOD Records,’ a pretty crazy story about her Beyer guestmix and many more!
Nicole will be performing at Cielo on February 9th 2012 for Dance.Here.Now’s Thursday night festivities. Be sure to get Tickets HERE or put yourself on the Guest-list HERE for open bar for an hour before entry at 11 pm.
Click ‘READ MORE’ to check out the exclusive interview with the Techno Queen, Nicole Moudaber.
Nicole Moudaber – Feline (Original Mix)
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Midnight Conspiracy, the Chicago based electro-dub step-house rockers are quickly becoming a name among electronic music fans. Having toured all over the country making stops at Ultra Music Festival, Lalapalozza, and Hard Festival, Louis and Mikul made it back to Webster Hall for the second time this year. With their recent releases ‘The Eye’ and ‘Discord’ along with their energetic live sets it is no wonder they are making a name for themselves among packed crowds across the country. We got a chance to sit down with them to ask them a few questions.
Check out our interview and a recap video from the night after the jump! And if you missed our review of the night make sure to check it out here!
By MichelleKUPP (@MichelleKUPP)
on December 20th 2011
Dada Life is currently killing it, consistently perching at the pinnacle of the Beatport Top 10 Tracks list with Kick Out The Epic Motherf**ker. In addition they are embarking on more USA shows in the new year, including a much anticipated stop in NYC at Webster Hall Jan. 27. We had the chance to ask Olle and Stefan a few quick questions about what the future holds for them and where the f**k do they come up with their crazy promo videos?!
We love your sausage fattener plug-in, the greasier the better! Any new tools in the works?
Yes! But we can’t tell you when…It’s going to be really different from other plugins out there!
When is your next Guerilla Fart edit going to be released? We at EO still listen to the “Pjanoo” edit all the time.
We drop them now and then. When you least expect it! Haha!
We know that you have been releasing epic preview videos before each release; do you have any new singles in the works , should we expect a similar video?
We have a lot of music just resting on our hard drive. We will release so many tunes this spring that people will need to hide.
Where do you get ideas for the videos? Who has the honor of filming them?
We just get them. Or the director gets them.
“Kick Out The Epic Motherfucker” is a response to what you describe as soft music? What do you classify as soft music? Like Yanni?
It’s not that simple. It’s just a response to whatever question. Like if you’re tired and just want to sleep…then it’s time to…
What’s next in the pipeline? Another album perhaps? A full length feature version of White Noise/Red Meat?
Lots of stuff!
When will you come back for a show in NYC?!? We want to get dirty with you!
By MichelleKUPP (@MichelleKUPP)
on December 6th 2011
Earlier this fall, Russian DJ trio Swanky Tunes finally graced NYC with their presence. The guys have been making music together since 1998 and are now gaining recognition stateside with popular tracks such as Kaskade’s “Eyes” (Swanky Tunes Remix). I had the chance to sit down with 2/3 of Swanky Tunes, Vadim Shpak and Stas Zaytsev, prior to their NYC debut and discuss a few things, such as where their favorite venue to play is, just what exactly Kazantip is, and how they like NYC, amongst other topics.
It’s your first time in NY, how did this gig come to be?
Vadim: We are really happy, because it’s our first time in NY, and we are playing at Provocateur, the most highly, expensive club in NY and in the USA and it’s crazy. It’s so small and only some people can get in.
Do you think you’re here in NYC now because your music has become increasingly popular?
(UPDATE: Swanky Tunes is returning to NYC on NYE to join Avicii’s Pier 94 baller lineup. Can’t wait!)
Vadim: The manager said that when you release remixes, the wave of opportunity is delayed.
Stas: First you have popularity with DJs, after that with the fans and audience, and only after that from the promoters. That’s why we need to wait a bit.
Vadim: We already have many things in Russia and Europe and the USA. For example, tonight our third member is playing in Russia and his set is all original.
Stas: It looks like the Swanky Tunes is making money!
Fedde Le Grand is not only a technical wizard behind the decks, but also a man whose music spans multiple dance music genres and manages to top charts in each of those genres. He is arguably the best festival DJ out there, and possesses the rare trait of being able to captivate audiences across every continent. The man is honestly a legend, and if “Put Your Hands Up For Detroit” is the only track on your iTunes by Fedde, well I honestly feel bad for you. He has had 4 Beatport, #1′s this year (‘Metrum‘ being my personal favorite), and has recently launched his Sirius XM “Dark Light” show which airs every Friday at 9 PM starting this Friday. I was able to ask the original Dutch phenomenon some questions about putting together a full album, his favorite gigs this year, and his relationship with Mark Knight. Also, don’t forget to catch Fedde December 9 at Pacha NYC!
J-Brown: Which do you prefer; clubs, festivals, or even stadiums like a Sensation venue?
Fedde Le Grand: I think you get something different from playing in a club to playing at a festival. Clubs are way more intimate, you’re right there in the middle of the crowd, it’s hot and dark and the lights are going and you feel like you’re a very real part of the night’s process. When you’re playing at a festival you’re a lot more removed from the crowd but I tell you what, when you drop a bomb and you see this whole sea of thousands and thousands of people going off, as far as you can see, it’s just a ridiculous buzz, it’s magic. As for events like Sensation, those are just experiences in their own right, it’s like DJing on another planet, if you ever get the chance to go to a Sensation take it because if you love dance music, you should get to go to at least one Sensation. It would be wrong not to.
Thursday night, Alexander Björklund of CAZZETTE took center stage for his first NYC gig at Cielo. His mixture of progressive and electro house bangers had the roof completely blown off the club. Thanks to Dance.Here.Now and Cielo NYC, I had the privilege to rock out with CAZZETTE in the flesh. It was an incredible experience, nothing but Electro-house swagger in the booth of Cielo from 1-3 am. Click ‘Read More’ below for the review including an IN-DEPTH INTERVIEW and videos
CAZZETTE dropping their Beatport gem, ‘Sweet Dreams (CAZZETTE meet AT NIGHT Mix)’ into ‘Lick it’ by Kaskade & Skrillex.
