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IMPRESSUM | CONTACT
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SHARAM JEY
SHARAM JEY talking about his new album IN MY BLOOD
HOUSESESSION: Your brand new artist album “In My Blood” has just been released. Apart from your new single “Army Of Men” which a lot of people will have heard already - what can people expect of “In My Blood”?
SHARAM JEY: After my last album I have toured quite constantly. And at first I had some difficulties getting back in those production routines, but I have found so many inspirations and got back into producing quicker than I thought. And it was really great to have that joy making music again. And I wanted to get on to the next level with the new album „In My Blood“. In the end I had about 30 tracks finished and had to cut them off to 13. I would describe those songs as energetic but emotionally with each having a story to tell. The style is a mixture of dance, electronic, rock and indie elements. I think I tend to get inspired by all those old synthi-sounds I always loved since I can remember hearing music. And I wanted to give the album a coherent sound. And I have to say that I am really happy and amazed with the result. And that’s a huge thing to say when you are producer.
HS: This is your second artist album following your debut “4 Da Loverz”, which was much more of a club styled album - are you happier with the new one?
SHARAM: As I mentioned before I wanted to follow up on my last album. And for me after 15 years in the business it was always important that when I would start releasing artists albums they should definitely sound like artists albums and not like mix-compilations. I wanted this album to sound danceable of course but yet also more song-oriented. This was kind of the central theme of the album. And I am really happy with the result and that is the best one can say of his work.
HS:The new album brings in the vocal element - which one artist would you love to get in the studio and make a tune with?
SHARAM: If I would have the chance to do something more pop-oriented I would love to work with Gwen Stefani or more hip-hop-wise it would be Q-Tip. But of course I am really happy with all the guest vocalists on "In My Blood": Nik Valentino from Australian indieband Lost Valentinos who has such a great voice and who I am going to work with more in the future. Or Tommie Sunshine who amazed me as a singer quite surprisingly. And the notorious Princess Superstar as well as sweet Cornelia or Andreas Hogby from Swedish rockers Torpedo. So I can't complain about insufficient collabos.
HS: Which one do you enjoy the most, Djing or producing?
SHARAM: I like both. If I’m in a club as a DJ I like getting in touch with the audience and the people. So I can try new stuff and get an immediate reaction. The studio work is basically to take your time to take this vibe of the club and put it into new ideas and create new material.
HS: What do you see as your main strengths as a producer?
SHARAM: Well, that’s difficult to answer. Maybe one strength would be my imagination. I always try to fully realise ideas that come up to my mind. Fortunately my imagination has not disappointed me yet.
HS: Do you sample, use old records, listen to them, or how does your producing process go?
SHARAM: I used to work with lots of samples especially when I worked on hip hop / funky house projects some time ago. But at some point I noticed that it just doesn’t work for me. All the time you waste to clear the sample and the money you need to spend to use it. It’s just not worth it. I like to create my own music and play all parts originally.
HS: What's more important. The mix or the next tune?
SHARAM: Well, of course both. One implies the other. If you have a good tune, in the end you will have a good mix. You should react and give the crowd what it needs.
HS: What is the most interesting comment you have heard about your music?
SHARAM: Some people came up to me and told me that they weren’t that much into dance music before. But then they had been on one of my gigs or heard one of my songs and they suddenly got into hat kind of music. Some of them are djs today and have their own careers. That is really a great compliment.
HS: What inspires you?
SHARAM: Basically everything. A discussion, a journey, a song I am playing and the reaction I get, just a moment. So actually everything can be inspiring to me.
HS: Times are hard out there in many entertainment areas - must be difficult running your own label, is it now about the music - and not the money?
SHARAM: Absolutely. The Business changed a lot. People used to spend their money for music. They wanted to expand the collection of records. Now music lost its meaning. The kids are happy with low-quality mp3 files and to hear that on their mobiles or just burn it on cd.
Music is nowadays more like a set card with which you present yourself: that's me and that is my music. You need to earn money with other things like of course djing. Another thing is that one of my main ambitions was to give new talents a chance. But without making money you can no longer afford that.
HS: You'll soon be off to tour the worldwide clubs once again - what can people expect from your live show?
SHARAM: As I started my carrier in a live band, I made my first live experiences as a singer on a stage. And I have an idea in my mind for a real long time now. I would love to present my songs live with a band. The new album is very song oriented and produced with a lot of proper instruments. So it would be great to have the opportunity to play it live.
I also try to create a kind of a live mood on my dj-sets.
HS: You have travelled the world twice over DJing - what have been the most memorable clubs you have enjoyed?
SHARAM: Oh, there are so many. Every venue had something unique or at least strange about it. I just think it is great to get to all those places and see so much of the world. On the other hand it is of course quite stressful travelling that much. But when you get to the club and you see all those people waiting for you to start, that is really something special. And that’s what I enjoy the most.
HS: Best festival you have ever played at?
SHARAM: Again difficult as there were so many. But the Hultsfred-festival in Sweden was awesome. I was kind of the only dj playing there among all those rockbands like the Strokes or the Babyshambles. But also Tomorrowland in Belgium and We Love Sounds in Australia were really great to play.
HS: Best ever DJ you have played alongside?
SHARAM: Mhm, there are quite a lot playing all kinds of styles I like. Difficult to choose from. But I think Sven Väth needs to be honored for his work. .Hhe is doing this for such a long time now. Even if his music is not 100 % my type.
HS: Best label in the world?
SHARAM: What else should I say than of course King Kong Records. :-) Because especially the last year the whole King Kong Crew did such a great job. This is our first big international release we will be working on our own. We used to do just vinyl yet, just music from djs for djs. Now with this album we had to think much bigger. And of course to get a good package in whole you need a qualified and motivated team.
HS: So, what is coming out next from the Jey studio?
SHARAM: Of course the highlight will be the album and the singles from it. I will be busy promoting that the whole year including a worldtour. I also did some remixes for other artists like Arthur Baker, Malente or Cassette Kids. Plus I am working on two projects which I cannot really talk of yet cause they are still in progress.
HS: And finally - where do you see yourself in 10 years?
SHARAM: I don’t know. At the moment I am just looking forward to the next two years. Lots of touring to promote the „In My Blood"-Album. And in the long term I will focus more on producing, as I love working with different kinds of people.
IN MY BLOOD out now on King Kong Records
Sharam Jey - In My Blood (Official Album Trailer)
Album Trailer
Sharam Jey ft. Cornelia – Army Of Men (Video)
Army of Men Video |
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SEAMUS HAJI
How long have you been in the business for?
Seamus: Well over 20 years now, I started off when I was 16 DJing at illegal warehouse parties and house parties. I’ve been making a living from being a DJ over the last 10 years, and in the last 5 years I’ve been more professional in the studio. You can only do so much as a DJ and I’ve always produced on and off, then it got to the point where I became more serious about it.
You’ve always done very well as a DJ. You managed to get your profile around and played at some of the key places across the UK and Internationally. Even before ‘Last Night A DJ Saved My Life.’
Seamus: I was lucky enough to play at clubs like Back to Basics and Hard Times, back in the days when you actually had super clubs; I’m going back 12-14 years ago. The club scene in the UK was really strong back then. A few years after that I ended up working at Slip and Slide and then working at Defected which really helped raise my profile.
Did you play out as a Defected DJ at that time?
Seamus: When I started at Defected there was only four of us in the office, and that included the receptionist! I remember when I did the first ever Defected tour back in 1999, basically I had to put it together, it was me and Simon Dunmore and a few guest DJ’s that were on the label playing up and down the country, lugging the banners around with us. It was a really small operation back then, that’s how it all started.
What was the reason for you getting in to the business? How did you fall in love with house music?
Seamus: It was completely accidental. For me it was about the art of mixing records, I didn’t think ‘oh I want to stand in front of loads of people and play music’. I was just fascinated by the art of mixing. In the early 1980’s it was all about hip hop, soul, electro funk, and what was called dance music back then. I was very inspired by the some of the sound-systems in London like Mastermind, Rapattack, Derek B, the stuff that was going on with Kiss FM and the American guys like Tony Humphries and Grandmaster Flash. I went from being a bit of a train spotter, buying and collecting records and spending time mixing in my bedroom. A series of opportunities came up, none of them were planned I never thought I want to make a career out of DJing and producing and having a record label. I went from DJing to working in record shops then being asked to be the A&R label manager at Slip and Slide. I was then headhunted by Simon Dunmore who took me over to Defected. I put the work in, I’d say a lot of the time I’ve been really lucky, some people say you create your own luck so it was probably a combination of the two.
Who are they guys that you are paying attention to at the moment?
Seamus: I get sent music through from the obvious guys like Axwell, as well as Dirty South and TV Rock. The Australian boys are really coming through at the moment. There are some other names that are coming up through like Jaris Voorn from Holland, I’ve used his remix of ‘Dark Flower’ that’s on the compilation. There’s also EDX who’s doing really good stuff.
When you look for records do you still go through Beatport or do you just make decisions from recommendations and from the charts?
Seamus: If someone like Axwell sends me something, I’ll give that priority but I still go through Beatport, I go through the top 100 and I’ll buy 10 – 20 tracks per week. When I’m on there I discover all these new names, there are a lot of young kids coming up from a slightly progressive background, who are doing some interesting things with music, they are mixing up the styles. There are obvious names like Dead Mau5 whose made a big name for himself. There’s a mixing of genres, slightly techy, slightly progressive, some of its slightly trancey which is why Dead Mau5 has a broad appeal there’s a lot of influence from him and Eric Prydz under his Pryda monica.
What is the philosophy behind Big Love and you’re A&Ring?
Seamus: When we started the label it was literally something to release my own productions. I was making a lot of records under different monicas. Probably like Dave Lee with his Z Records which is kind of an imprint to all of his productions. We got off to a flying start with a few records on the label which was great. Then it got to a point where I couldn’t make all the records, and I started doing remixes for other labels, we built up good reputation and people wanted to sign tracks to us. The thought was to put music out there that we love. We wouldn’t just jump on the latest bandwagon, if minimal techno’s the new thing we’re not going to just release that and stop releasing house records with vocals on them. We just wanted to release stuff that we like and people can interpret it the way they want to interpret it.
Would you say it’s strictly underground or are you looking for a couple of crossover tracks now and again?
Seamus: It’s just underground, we’ve been fortunate for certain tracks to have more mass appeal and become really good sellers like Haji and Emanuel ‘Take me Away’ then obviously ‘Last Night A DJ Saved My Life’ which went on to be a top record, we didn’t plan it - it just happened. There’s a slight commercial idea there but it wasn’t like we did it to be commercial, people just picked up on it.
What advice would you give to kids who want to be DJ/Producers and want to set up their own labels?
Seamus: Keep your overheads low, don’t get too ambitious! Have an idea of what you want to do, have an identity, have the right artwork, have a musical direction and don’t waiver from that. For us as a record label it’s not like we’re just a label and we just live off of that. I make records, I remix and I DJ, it’s all in the same pot. It’s not a get rich quick philosophy, it’s more like a labour of love.
With the state of the music business, are downloads helping you out?
Seamus: We’ve always been a label that the punters really love. We would release a record and we’d sell quite a lot. When it comes to vinyl we’ve done really well but the decline in vinyl sales have not been good.
Have downloads picked up the slack?
Seamus: Kind of but it’s not the same kind of margin, I think if you are releasing music geared specifically to Beatport then you’re probably going to be ok because that’s what your aiming at. We’ve always released music that we like, for people to go out and buy, the stuff we release hasn’t just been knocked up on somebody’s laptop. It cost money to make it, to produce it, there’s vocals involved, we invest in records, we get the right kind of remixes, we put a lot of effort in to it, we’re always thinking of the mixes we would put out on a piece of vinyl and we’ve always done well with compilations. Now when we release a record we know that we need 1 or 2 mixes that appeal to the Beatport generation, there’s no getting away from that.
Is this the first compilation that you’ve done that really celebrates the label?
Seamus: Yes, this is the first Big Love compilation.
Do you think this will be the first in a series?
Seamus: We’ve got a lot of music coming in on the label and this encompasses a lot of material on the label that’s forth coming. We’ve always intended on doing Big Love compilation, we wanted to be in the position where we had our own repertoire now the profile is there, so we intend to do more of these in the future.
On the compilation what are the outstanding tracks to you and what are the exclusives on there that nobody else can get?
Seamus: The big one is the new Haji and Emanuel single ‘The Pressure’ which features Beverley Knight and Bryan Chambers it’s a remake of the Sound of Blackness classic which we really love. We’ve always thought about doing a cover of it and we think it’s a really good time with what’s going on in the world at the moment. I’ve been playing it in the clubs and its working really well, its been fantastic, its been a breath of fresh air for people. A lot of the time they’re not really hearing a big vocal record, like a proper song peak time in a club and it really works. It’s quite a diverse compilation there’s big vocal records there’s slightly deeper techy stuff and there’s a new single we’ve signed by Ran Shani who’s a new name to watch. And there’s Freakx Brothers track called ‘Ghettoblaster,’ there’s also remixes I’ve done which you wont normally find on a compilation we did a Haji and Emanuel remix of the Ting Tings latest single ‘Shut Up And Let Me Go.’ I did a remix of Moby ‘I Love To Move In Here’ and I’ve also done a remix of Shakedown ‘At Night’ which I’ve played out in clubs exclusively.
What’s the difference between the two mixes?
Seamus: I did the remix live, I didn’t do it on Abelton at home. I planned what I was going to do, I just wanted to mix it live as it has a more of an energy about it and it feels a bit more natural. It begins like how I would start off in a club then it builds, the main side is mostly vocal, it has a bit of a sexual vibe when it starts off with the lyrics and then it gets more in to a party vibe then it gets a little bit tougher. The second CD is more Latin and tribal to begin with, less vocal with more of a summer feel, like how I’ve been playing in Ibiza. It gets a bit more techy towards the end, like the MTV mix of ‘Chime.’ It’s a good mixture, for me, it’s everything that I like about house music.
The artwork is crazy, what is the inspiration from it?
Seamus: It started off with the big comps brands using girls on the cover. It worked for many of them but it started getting copied alot. We didn’t want to do that because that’s what everyone else does. There are a lot of clubs that I play around the world, Big Love’s philosophy is to embrace everything, all cultures, all creeds, all sexes, all races. Black, white, straight or gay, it’s all encompassing. So that’s what we tried to emulate in the artwork. We took the inspiration from all the parties that I’ve played at.
You’re passionate about clothes, what’s your style at the moment?
Seamus: I’m getting older and older in my taste as I get older and older. You go though certain things when you’re growing up and I got to a point now where I’m receding back to the things that I liked in the past from the late 70’s early 80’s. I was always on rude boy/mod tip when it came to clothes and 60’s inspired stuff. Living in Brighton we’ve got some good stores down there that have really good stuff, I’ve really gone in that direction with tailored suits and Harrington jackets, vintage Levis and really slim fit clothes.
What’s your next big project?
Seamus: I have just completed, with Paul Emanuel, a cover of the Sounds of Blackness classic “The Pressure”. Both the Original and Frankie Knuckles mixes are so revered that it could be pure folly, but that said, with Beverley Knight and Bryan Chambers giving cracking vocals plus the edge we’ve given to the production, it’s feeling really good. It’s definitely got the goosebump factor! Paul and I are also working on a new soundtrack for UEFA. This is a completely different way of working for us but a great discipline and very satisfying when the music is all married up to the visuals for broadcast around the world. I keep getting asked to produce new girl bands, and production for artists is definitely the next step for me, but it has to be the right project!
07.10.2008 |
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DIRTY SOUTH Interview
DIRTY SOUTH talking about his new compilation on TOOLROOM RECORDS, the house music scene and the tracks of the moment:
What was your overall approach to constructing a Toolroom mix?
DS: The tracks for this compilation were selected on the basis of tracks I was into and what I was playing at the time of selection. It also features some Toolroom releases and of course some of my productions. I keyed all the tracks and mixed both discs with Ableton Live.
Do you feel that you’ve achieved what you set out to with the mix?
DS: I am really happy with this mix. I would say it is my favourite compilation to date. I think I achieved exactly what I intended with it.
How would you describe the sound of mix?
DS: The sound of the mix varies throughout both discs. Disc 1 is little deeper, weirder and sexier, where the second disc is more big room sounding.
How did you go about selecting tracks for the mix?
DS: It was a mixture of tracks that I have been playing out, tracks that I really liked, some Toolroom releases and my productions.
Would you say your musical policies as a DJ are accurately reflected?
DS: Disc 1 sounds like something that I would play if I was to warm up for myself, and the second disc reflects more what I would actually play like in a dj set.
You’ve been commissioned remix work for some big names in recent years, had a dance music award nomination, and a heap of singles released. Has there been a definitive career highlight for you so far?
DS: i think being nominated for a Grammy would be up there for me along with many other happy moments in my life.
Can we expect an artist album to be released in the coming years?
DS: It is possible, but for now I will concentrate on singles and also starting my own label very soon.
What do you feel about the house scene at the moment in terms of the quality of musical output?
DS: There is a lot of music out there and it can be hard to find the secret weapons and new/fresh tracks because everyone with a laptop can make beats and sometimes that’s not a good thing for the quality of music being released, but its every DJs job to be on the hunt and lookout for the best tracks they can find
On the back of the Album release, how packed is your DJ schedule looking?
DS: The schedule is looking full on, with a European tour finally finishing end of September after being 4 months long. After that is the USA tour which will be followed by Australian tour. So its non –stop.
Are there any upcoming shows that you’re particularly looking forward to?
DS: I’m really enjoying my residency at Pacha, Ibiza with Subliminal nights and I have two more so I cannot wait for that. Also doing one of my favourite clubs in September, Ministry of Sound London for Steve Angelo’s Size party.
Preferred method of mixing: Vinyl or CDs?
DS: CD’s
All-time Favourite Club to perform in?
DS: Ministry of Sound London and Pacha (New York and Ibiza)
Favourite Producer of the moment?
DS: I like what the Swedish House Mafia are releasing, Tiger Stripes and Funkagenda at the moment.
Secret weapon in your record box?
DS: I always make new edits and bootlegs, plus I just finished a new track with Axwell called ‘Open Your Heart’.
What’s your worst experience behind the decks?
DS: I never have weird or uncomfortable moments behind decks, but the main thing that sucks for me when I’m playing is when the crowd is not there for the music.
Toolroom Knights mixed by Dirty South is released on 15th September 2008 |
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PAUL OAKENFOILD
Bevor PAUL OAKENFOLD mit MADONNA auf Tour gehen wird hat er ein paar Fragen zum Thema Ibiza und seiner bevorstehenden Show im PACHA beatnwortet:
Do you have any special memories of Pacha from over the years?
Paul: The Perfecto residency, which was a big success, and started the trend of big DJs having their own nights at Pacha.
When did you first visit the Pure Pacha?
Paul: Many many years ago!
Do you find yourself playing in any way different when you are @ Pacha?
Paul: Not really. Every show is important. Educate but also entertain.
How do you see the scene in Ibiza 2008?
Paul: From a musical point of view, I think the spectrum is getting wider and wider. We are seeing rock plus hip hop have a strong presence on the island, but of course dance music is still at the forefront of the scene.
Do you have an all-time favourite Ibiza record?
Paul: I have many, but the record that stands out was when Perfecto had its residency at Pacha. I was given a record by Danny Whittle (Pacha’s brand manager) which was Rui Da Silva's record 'Touch Me' six months before it came out. I played it every week.
What is your perception of the Pacha crowd?
Paul: Good looking, well dressed, and how they love to dance!
How do you think Pacha is still going strong after 30 years in the business?
Paul: A great management team, visionaries, and a total understanding of how a great club should work.
What can people expect from your gig?
Paul: First and foremost, a fantastic night! New music, some Ibiza classics and a great, great vibe. I'm really looking forward to it!
How is the rest of the year looking for you
Paul: I am currently in Los Angeles scoring a new movie called Humboldt Park, then I go to Ibiza to do some shows… then I go on tour supporting Madonna on her world tour, and then I start work on the next film, a British gangster movie called The Heavy.
Can you give us a big track for the summer?
Paul: Robert Vadney: "Away From You".
Quickfire questions:
Dancefloor or VIP - dancefloor
Dress up or dress down – dress up
Beer or wine – both
House or techno – techno
Sunrise or sunset – sunset
Vinyl or CD – CD
Sea or sand – sea
Now or then – now
Home or abroad – home
Heads down or hands in the air – hands in the air
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SWEDISH HOUSE MAFIA
De La Soul once declared that three was the magic number – and in the case of Steve Angello, Sebastian Ingrosso and DJ/producer Axwell, that couldn’t be closer to the truth. Collectively known as the Swedish House Mafia, the trio are that rare breed: friends who act like brothers who work together, play together and genuinely love each other to bits. “We all go and do our own thing, but without each other we wouldn’t be the same,” says Seb sweetly.
Have you always been friends?
Axwell: “No. I only moved to Stockholm six years ago – I got my studio and didn’t know many people but before I knew it, Sebastian had forced his way into my life! I met him out drinking one night. He’s a very social person. I met Steve via Seb and it’s been fun ever since. Together, I think we’ve really ended up accomplishing something.”
2007 was a pretty momentous year for the Mafia, wasn’t it?
Sebastian: “Yes, but it was also an 'on the road' year. It wasn’t so inspiring for me because the Berlin minimal thing came in really big – techy and cool is fine but it just wasn’t my cup of tea. Now Eric Prydz is back making music and Axwell is as well so good music is coming again. But it was definitely the best year of my life. We got all the feedback from the crowd and a lot of fanmail and I still get touched by every fan I see. I can’t get enough of it!”
Steve: “We can only build and build. Doing the Essential Mix was amazing, Ibiza was amazing, my American and Brazilian tours were amazing and Australia was phenomenal. As long as you work as hard as we do, it’s fine. I always have a goal so we’re always looking to take the next step.”
A lot of people have fond memories of that Essential Mix gig you did in Ibiza.
Sebastian: “We had the main stage and we the perfect warm-up for Sasha, a hero for us since we were kids. We played everything from ‘I Found You’ to ‘Umbrella’ and there was a perfect sync between all of us. I didn’t sleep for three days and I don’t do drugs! I went to P.Diddy’s villa for an after-party and then directly to Malta. I was really happy.”
Steve: “We just had an amazing party. I partied for four days before then and went on to play one of the best gigs of my life. And to play with Sasha was such an honour. He’s like an airline – he takes you on a journey.”
Axwell: “It’s just been a big leap forward. The Radio 1 Week with that gig at Amnesia felt like we were there! But did I think ‘I Found You’ would be big? Definitely not - it just proves that you can never really know.”
Steve: “The gigs were too good so we had a party for the whole year. But this year is different - there will be a lot more music. I probably have 20 records coming out. I did a new one yesterday!”
What is the secret of your success?
Sebastian: “We all have our spots – and every weekend we represent on our own which is good for our own egos. But at the end of the day, it’s all about SHM. We’ve had our little bits of ‘discussions’ but without each other we wouldn’t the same. Three heads is better than one.”
Steve: “You just put three really good DJs in a room and let them do their thing. It’s a bit like mixing Italian, Japanese and steak and it might just be the best meal you’ve ever had. It’s a good recipe. Some fans are more fans of Axwell than us and vice versa. We bring a really good show.”
Who would be your ultimate collaboration?
Axwell: “I just wrote a track for Cyndy Lauper’s album - she’s a bit of a legend! But the ultimate is still Pharrell.”
Sebastian: “Quincy Jones.”
Steve: “That’s a really hard question. I would love to work with Daft Punk. The kings of dance.”
I understand you are all playing at Pure Pacha this season, but you have your own Swedish House Mafia night this week – are you looking forward to it?
Sebastian - It’s all about the Swedish house mafia!! Wait and see. We’ve been in the studio a lot preparing for Pure Pacha!”
If you’re in Ibiza make sure you catch the Swedish House Mafia at Pure Pacha on 18th July 2008
22nd August – Sebastien Ingrosso
5th September – Axwell
12th September – Steve Angello & Sebastien Ingrosso
26th September – Axwell |
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MARK KNIGHT
Housesession: How do you approach making a mix album?
Mark Firstly, I set out to make something that wasn’t just a collection of records. I wanted (with out sounding clichéd) to paint a picture, to tell a story of what I am about musically. I also wanted to include as many of my own productions, remixes and edits, along with as upfront and unreleased tracks as possible so it satisfied the heads but with out trying to being too anal.
There are exclusive tracks on there from my friends Nic Fanculli and Funkagenda which can only be found on the album. When licensing the tracks for the album I asked for the parts as well in certain cases so that I could intersperse them throughout the mix so you were, say teased with the vocals before hearing the track later on. It helped being label boss so I had my hands on our entire upfront repertoire, which certainly helped to make it sound as fresh as possible.
Housesession: Does it take many attempts to get it spot-on?
Mark: It takes a long time to get the flow right, which to me was all important. What I tended to do was keep bouncing the mix down and listening to it on my iPod, in the gym and in the car so you listen to it as a piece of music and not an arrangement - going back and tweaking each day. I find it harder to do a mix comp than write a new track!!
Housesession: Could you tell us a bit about how the mix sounds?
Mark: Cd 1 is almost progressive in its approach. It starts with a reprise of Dennis Ferrer and starts off soulful then moving through deep house into techno. I wanted it to suck you in when you put it on. It’s a condensed version of the extended 5-6 hours sets you can catch me playing at Ministry. Cd 2 is a bit more to the point; it’s more like a 2 hours peak time set. Although again it builds gradually not just bam!! From track one.
Housesession: The first disc features a fair number of US house producers. Do you think this is a sound that is undergoing something of a revival?
Mark: Maybe… I think Dennis Ferrer is certainly leading the way with his fusion of soul and tech.
Housesession: Being a British label would you give preference to releasing tracks from British producers, bearing in mind the massive amount of music that seems to come out of Germany these days?
MarkOur business is global so there is no preference geographically from where we sign music. Good music is good music regardless of its origin. We have artists signed from Hungary to Canada. And as the scene world wide grows I am sure it won’t be long before we release our first record from a Chinese producer.
Housesession: From your position as a label manager how would you assess the dance scene in 2008?
Mark: I feel the industry is as strong as it’s been since I have been working within it... Toolroom sells between 5,000 – 10,000 digitally per release, which is back to the heady days of vinyl! We as a company have never been in such a good position. I think if you know what you are doing you can be successful within dance, but you have to work within today’s new model and brand means all, so it is important to maintain that as your focus, although the platforms of Beatport and other digital sites are fantastic to give an emerging artist an opportunity to release music… Unless you have an identity its very easy to get lost with in the myriad of labels on there. People will always come back to a recognised source if you maintain the quality.
Housesession: And thinking now from the point of view as a DJ, how would you assess the scene from a musical standpoint?
Mark: With the use of the internet people have access to music instantly. You have to work very hard to stay a head, as things are so available. I think this is a good thing as it pushes you. Big djs for too long had it too easy, because if you were not sent a testpressing or promo of a record that was it, you didn’t have it. Now it’s available to all. I’m also excited by the growth of the music on a worldwide scale. It keeps it fresh.
Housesession: How would you describe what you try to achieve as a DJ?
Mark: My greatest buzz when djing is breaking new music. My set changes literally every time I play. There is no way I could play the same records over and over. I also feel in this day and age you need to put on a show. It’s moved on more than just turning up playing other peoples records - so I try to make the majority of my set my own music or the sound of Toolroom so it’s a true representation of me musically. I also like to spend a lot of time incorporating tools and effects that help to create a sonic soundscape not just a string of records. This is what I have tried to convey in my mix. I have also now begun to incorporate visuals (dvjing) into what I am doing so I the show becomes one of audio and visual. With all the technology to hand it would seem madness not use it.
Housesession: What’s up-coming on Toolroom this year?
Mark: The release schedule looks FAT!! We have some amazing records to come… New music from myself, Funkagenda, Martijn ten Velden , Dave Spoon, Fedde le Grand, Tiger Stripes, Steve Angelo and Sebastien Ingrosso. With Toolroom Knights the compilation next up series see the turn of Dave Spoon next followed by Dirty South and Benny Benassi.
Housesession:And how’s your DJ schedule looking?
Mrak: Ridiculous!! Over July and August I have 36 gigs with only 3 in the UK so a world of travelling for me! Check my myspace for more details www.myspace.com/djmarkknight. I am most excited about my new residency Toolroom Knights on the Terrace at Amnesia. We have teamed up with Armin van Burren and Armada who are hosting the main room for a weekly party through out the season.. It’s going to be amazing the terrace has had a brand new refurb and looks awesome.
We are also hosting our own arena at Dance Valley this year which should be great fun, and you can catch us at this years Love Parade, where we have our own float. |
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RENE VAITL ueber PACHA
Das Pacha auf Ibiza ist nicht nur einfach ein Nachtclub, sondern eine
Buehne der Eitelkeiten, auf der jede Nacht eine Inszenierung ist. Angesteckt
vom hedonistischen Flair tummeln sich hier nicht nur alle Partysuechtigen,
sondern auch die VIPs und die Schoenen + Reichen lassen
sich von den legendaeren Performance-Shows in ihren Bann ziehen.
Dass dieser einzigartige Spirit seine Faszination auch in Deutschland
entfalten kann, beweisen die Macher des Pacha Muenchen seit Ende
2000 eindrucksvoll. Mit ihrem Muenchener Club und den deutschlandweiten
Events haben sie dieses ganz spezielle Pacha-Feeling erfolgreich
nach Deutschland importiert. Außerdem haelt Pacha-Resident und
Mitinhaber René Vaitl regelmäßig „The World’s Most Famous Club
Sound’’ mit seinen DJ-Sets auf zwei fetten CDs fest. Nach dem großen
Erfolg der „Pacha Summer 2007’’-Kopplung – die Online-Version
eroberte sogar Platz 1 der iTunes-Album-Charts – liefert René Vaitl
auch diesen Sommer mit der „Pacha Summer 2008’’-Compilation wieder
den Soundtrack für dieses besondere Lebensgefuehl in Form der
feinsten Club-Tunes und kommenden Sommer-Floorburner. Mit am
Start sind Tracks von Dubfire, Fragma, Freemasons, Funkerman, Michael
Gray, Hard-Fi (im Axwell Remix), Mark Knight + Funkagenda, Kris
Menace starring Felix Da Housecat, Roisin Murphy, Syke’n’Sugarstarr,
Eddie Thoneick und vielen mehr.
Zusammen mit der Pacha-Partycrew und der Doppel-CD im Gepaeck begibt
sich René Vaitl außerdem auf große CD-Release-Tour und exportiert
das Paha-Partykonzept in Top-Clubs deutschlandweit sowie nach
Österreich. Rechtzeitig vor dem offiziellen Tourstart am 07.06.08 im
Pacha München haben wir René Vaitl zum Interview gebeten.
HS: Nach welchen Kriterien suchst Du
die Tracks aus und gibt es welche
auf der neuen Compilation, die
Dir besonders am Herz liegen?
Rene: Meine Lieblingstracks sind Vincenzos
„The Resident“ und „Shaded“
von Cari Lekebusch. Die Stimme
hoert sich an wie Sting, ich spiel den
Song immer ziemlich am Schluss.
Alle Tracks sind mehr oder weniger
top Tunes der Pacha-Partys in
Berlin oder Dresden bzw. aus dem
Pacha in München.
HS: Inwieweit unterscheiden sich die beiden CDs der Compilation voneinander?
Rene: CD1 ist Peaktime Partyhouse mit relativ vielen Vocals wie Roisin Murphys
(Moloko) „You know me better”. Auf CD 2 sind vorwiegend Instrumentals
enthalten, CD 2 ist somit für die Party morgens zu Hause nach dem Club
bestens geeignet...
HS: Das musikalische Spektrum der Compilation und auch des Sounds im
Münchner Club ist breit angelegt und eben nicht nur einfach House
und/oder Elektro. Wie wichtig ist Dir diese Vielfalt?
Rene: Unsere musikalische Vielfalt im elektronischen Bereich hält den Club einfach in Schwung. Jedes Wochenende ist somit irgendwie spannend. Es
ist echt beeindruckend, wie unsere Gäste da mitziehen. Egal ob happy
Vocal-House-DJ oder Minimal-Electro-DJ, die Leute machen immer mit, egal
ob am Freitag oder Samstag. Vorausgesetzt natürlich, der Junge oder das
Mädchen hinter den Reglern hat eine vernünftige Titelauswahl und ein gutes Timing.
HS: Erzaehl uns etwas über die Produktion der Compilation. Wie lange hat
es zum Beispiel gedauert, bis die Scheiben im „Kasten“ waren?
Rene: Es ist alles immer „Last Minute“ und furchtbar stressig. Michael Gray zum Beispiel hat uns seine Nummer „Just can´t see“ direkt vom Mastern geschickt, um 5 Uhr morgens! Und um 9 Uhr war Abgabe bei Kontor Records
in Hamburg.
HS: London, New York, Barcelona oder gar Sharm El Sheik – das Pacha ist
neben der „Mutter“ auf Ibiza in vielen Metropolen und Laendern der
Welt vertreten. Inwieweit denkst Du, unterscheidet sich der Sound
des Muenchner Pacha von seinen restlichen Homebases?
Rene: Leider war ich noch nicht in allen Pachas dieser Welt. Jeder einzelne Pacha Club versucht natuerlich einen gewissen Ibiza-Spirit mit den Bedürfnissen der jeweiligen Metropolen zu verbinden. Sei es im musikalischen wie im architektonischen Bereich. Eines kann ich mit Sicherheit sagen, das Pacha Muenchen ist mit das clubbigste von allen, mit dem besten Sound-System.
HS: Die letzte, auch von Dir gemixte, Pacha-Compilation war im vergangenen Jahr einige Zeit Nummer 1 bei den Albumdownloads im weltweit groeßßten Internet-Musicstore iTunes. Wie wichtig ist in Deinen Augen der elektronische Vertriebsweg für Musik geworden?
Rene: Nummer 1 bei iTunes in den Albumcharts zu sein, vor Kuenstlern wie Red Hot Chilli Peppers und das über zwei Wochen war natürlich sehr cool fuer uns und eine Bestätigung für das gesamte Produkt. Die 2007er Compilation ist, glaube ich, immer noch in den Top 50 – und das nach einem
Jahr! Natuerlich freut mich das auch für das Record-Label Kontor, das somit
den rapide gesunkenen CD-Abverkauf ein bisschen auffangen konnte. Der
gesamte CD-Markt bricht jedes Jahr um 20 % ein. Die „Pacha Summer
2008“ geht aber mit einer wesentlich höheren Auflage als im Vorjahr in
den Handel. Das ist ziemlich unüblich und natürlich auch eine Bestätigung
für das Ganze.
HS: Gab es einen Produzenten oder Künstler, der Dich in den vergangenen
Monaten mit seinem Output besonders positiv überrascht hat?
Rene: Manuel Tur aus Essen und „Motorcitysoul“ aus Frankfurt haben mich die letzten 12 Monate nie enttaeuscht. Und natuerlich Dubfire von „Deep Dish“. Jeder Track ein Kracher.
HS: Welche Nummern haben Deiner Meinung nach das Potential zu einem
Sommerhit in diesem Jahr?
Rene: „Speed up“ von Funkerman wird wohl ein so genannter Sommerhit. In Clubs wie Cocoon oder DC 10 wahrscheinlich jede Nummer von Dubfire. |
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ROGER SANCHEZ
Wo liegt der Unterschied zwischen den Vorgängern zur aktuellen RELEASE YOURSELF Vol. 7-Compilation?
Roger: Dieses Mal ist der Mix etwas deeper ausgefallen, ein bisschen elektronischer und emotionaler. Party vom Anfang bis zum Ende!
Welches sind die Highlights auf dieser Compilation?
Roger: Tom Stephan + Laidback Luke – Show, meiner eigener Re-Edit von MLS, der Nick Coline-Track und der Gabi Newman-Remix von Greece 2000.
Gibt es einige Tracks welche in Zukunft auf Deinem Label STEALTH veroeffentlicht werden?
Ich denke, dass Tom Stephan + Laidback Luke – Show definitiv der Track schlechthin ist, auf den man achten sollte….
In Deinem Forum gibt es immer wieder Stimmen, dass Volume 1 die beste Compilation der ganzen Serie ist und diese darauf warten, dass diese uebertroffen wird. Hast Du diesen Fans etwas zu sagen?
Roger: Ich hoere die erste Compilation immer noch gerne aber die Dance Musik hat sich veraendert und weiterentwickelt und ich versuche auf jeder Compilation das Beste daraus zu praesentieren.
Neues Jahr, neues Glueck: wie war die RELEASE YOURSELF Kick-Off-Party in Miami?
Roger: Unglaublich, viel besser und groesser als im vergangenen Jahr.
Was werden wir in dieser Ibiza-Saison von Dir erwarten koennen?
Roger: Ich werde mit neuer Energie in die Saison starten und hoffe, dass meine Crowd bereit dafuer ist.
Welche Gast-DJs werden dieses Jahr im Pacha spielen?
Roger: Laidback Luke, Tom Stephan, Muzzaik, DJ Oliver
Wird es dieses Jahr mehr RELEASE YOURSELF-Parties neben denen im Pacha geben?
Roger: Das bleibt vorerst mein Geheimnis…. |
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ROGER SANCHEZ
Housesession: You are setting the standards again with Release Yourself Vol 7 with a blend of various styles in house. What’s different about Vol. 7, in
comparison to previous issues?
Roger: This year’s pre-party is definitely deeper & a bit more electronic and emotional. The party is peak hour from the first track to the last.
Housesession: Which tracks do we need to look out for on the comp?
Roger: Tom Stephan & Laidback Luke – Show, My Re-Edit of MLA, Nick Corline’s Track , and the Gabi Newman remix of “Greece 2000”
Housesession: Are there some future hits on this release which we’ll see on Stealth Records?
Roger: I think “Show” by Tom Stephan & Laidback Luke Is definitely the one to watch out for.
Housesession: Some people on the Roger Sanchez forum are saying that Vol 1 is still the best around and they expect that the best volume is still to come. Do you have something to say to your loyal fans about Vol 7?
Roger: I still enjoy Volume 1 but dance music has changed and evolved and I try to present the best part of that evolution with each volume.
Housesession: What is the reason choosing water as a central theme this year?
Roger: Water is fluid that is always changing and life-giving like Release Yourself and my music.
Housesession: Another year and another season: how was the Release Yourself kick- off for WMC in Mansion Miami in March this year?
Roger: Amazing, even Bigger than last year
Housesession: You are playing Pacha Ibiza again every monday starting June 16th. What can we expect?
Roger: I’m bringing a new kind of energy this year and hope my crowd is ready for it.
Housesession: Who will be your guest DJ’s this year?
Roger: Laidback Luke, Tom Stephan, Muzzaik, DJ Oliver
Housesession: Are you going to do more Release Yourself events this year besides Pacha?
Roger: I’ll save that one as a surprise.
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ROGER SANCHEZ + LAIDBACK LUKE
ROGER SANCHEZ and LAIDBACK LUKE talking about the forthcoming STEALTH-compilation AFTERDARK VOL. 3:
Housesession: It’s already the 3rd volume of Afterdark and it’s known for cool combinations. How did you guys team up? (just make up a story.. ;-))
Roger: Well Afterdark as you know gives me the opportunity to explore the darker side of house and so the people Luke is a rising star in the electronic scene and having played with him several times, I thought he would make a great match 2 team up 4 the Afterdark Up
Luke: I’m really a big fan of Roger’s deejaying, I’m so glad to be part of the Stealth family. Thanks to Roger also, my career got an international turbo-boost this year. I guess my time has come to have a great opportunity in mixing Afterdark with main man Roger!
Housesession: Afterdark is known for it’s more twisted and underground feel, could you tell us what the stand out tracks are ?
Luke: For my sets I play a lot of own material nowadays and special bootlegs and edits I make for the floor. You can expect a twisted version of Nightcrawlers by me aswell as a special rework I did on Dutch classic Jaydee – Plastic Dreams. Can’t forget putting on some of the super tracks by my Swedish House Maffia brothers!
Housesession: Do you feel if there is still room for you to play underground sets?
Roger: Absolutely! I play darker and more underground in my longer and later sets such as when I play Pacha Ibiza, Space in Miami and in Montreal. Musically it is great to be able to explore so many different directions and my sets already allow me to do that, the sound of the Release Yourself CDs is so established it is great that with Afterdark we can do CDs with this different sound as well.
Luke: Allthough I consider myself a mainstream DJ, especially in Holland,
There is still even room in mainstream sets to pull off some underground stuff. As long as it rocks and you can keep the crowd enthousiastic it works!
Housesession: Roger is a very established artist with the longlasting hit series Release Yourself , Luke is the new kid on the block (compilationwise) did you guys talk about how it should sound?
Roger: I really left Luke's mix up 2 him - I know his sound and I know it will complement mine perfectly. I chose the DJs for Afterdark based on his their sound and the synergy comes from 2 different perspectives by 2 different artists on the same sound.
Luke: Yes, I did get an extensive breefing on what the compilation is all about. Even the way I mix it, I have to focus on what the Afterdark listeners are used to. This is a whole other league I’m mixing here so anything I can learn off this, is next level stuff for me!
Housesession: Both of you are producing a lot of tracks per year: where do you get the inspiration from?
Roger: Wherever I am I find inspiration be it on the road, living in Ibiza and New York from the places I play like Pacha, the island itself and so on. Also I listen 2 other producers, guys that I am really loving at the moment are Jesse Garcia Kurd Maverick, DeadMau5, Needle & Ink, Laidback Luke ofcourse and loads of others.
Luke: Inspiration for me is everywhere. I can be triggered by the slightest things and translate it into music, or even make tracks in my head. I’m all about music, I’m like a neverending walking jukebox ha ha.
Housesession: Afterdark is a platform for upfront dj’s & cool combinations. Any new developments in this area?
Roger: Well Stealth is very much about the hottest talent both new and established producers and Afterdark fits into that exactly. I am constantly looking out for new talent, for the label the compilations and for the events. and I am loving the fresh guys that are out there at the moment like Rene Amesz, Javi Munoz and so on
Luke: Definately! In Holland and I guess in the world even you see a lot of DJs making their own bootlegs now. Because it’s so easy to get music nowadays it’s getting more important to spin the most exclusive stuff you can get your hands on. Or just simply make the most exclusive stuff yourself, in my case, making bootlegs is a nice hobby for me now and the instant pleasure I get from spinning them out is crazy!
Housesession: When can we expect new singles from you?
Roger: Well of course we are working on Not Enough/Again at the very moment, but I am working with a slew of producers and it is something new for me to be working with so many different people which makes for some really interesting new approaches. Right now I'm doing collaborations with producers like Tom Stephan, Martijn ten Velden, Kurd Maverick and Dean Coleman to name a few, so soon there will be new stuff.
Luke: I got tons lined up for the coming season. The biggest one is a 2007 remake of my Dutch classic called Rocking With The Best. We shot a video in LA and it’s going to look insane! We got remixes from Rene Amesz and Don Diablo in the package so it’s looking to be pretty good!
Housesession: From time to time you play alongside to eachother. Which is the most memorable one?
Roger: I really enjoyed Luke's set at the Stealth party during WMC this year and he rocked it at Pacha for Release Yourself!
Luke: For me it’s a gig I was doing in Holland in 2000 called Lowlands, playing in a tent that holds 10.000 people, I had to spin between Roger and Dave Clarke. We were shooting the first video for Rocking With The Best at the same time, so I brought the MC with me to join me in my set.
We had been promoing the track so Roger had it allready. And when the MC started to say the words: ‘Oh yes, you are now rocking with the best’ Roger turned around and said: ‘Wow, it’s him, it’s him!’ The MC felt a bit like a star for a few seconds there ha ha.
Housesession: Where did the name Laidback Luke come from?
Luke: I was searching for a cool US sounding name to combine it with my real name Luke. I wanted a double name to make it sound like Carl Cox or Todd Terry. ‘Lucky’ was allready taken ha ha, so I needed some other L-word to join it with. I heard Gin And Juice from Snoop Dogg pass by and was instantly hooked when he rapped: ‘Laaaaidback…’ |
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