EP FREE... Introducing WELLS!!

For the next instalment of the EP FREE series, we have the excellent Dutch DJ/Producer Wells, with his rework of the classic Salt N Pepa track - Shoop!

Enjoy!

Please introduce yourself:

My name is Wells (25), I’m from Amsterdam, Netherlands & I make House music.

How would you describe your production style?

I would describe it as quick & effective. I want to work fast on my projects, because if it takes too long I’ll eventually get bored of it. So I want to get the best result, the quickest way possible.

What works for me is that, because I’m not getting into the details (spending weeks just on automation, for example) of a track, I’ll get a more oldskool vibe. The ideas are simple, but hopefully work & funky as hell (haha).

And how does that compare to what you play when you DJ?

It’s probably kind of the same. I’m actually DJ’ing from when I was about 11 (under other names obviously), so I’ve learned to mix quickly through out the years. I’m leaning more towards a Hip-Hop style of DJ’ing than House, but I actually want to mix House the same way I mix Hip-Hop tunes. Does that makes any sense? Well, for me it does!

What your inspiration behind your remix of Salt N Pepa?

The Deadpool Movie released earlier this year. I was in the cinema when I heard that tune & I was really triggered by the drums. When I came home, I just made a quick edit on Ableton by increasing the BPM and it already sounded great. Afterwards, I spend a day or two by adding different drum samples, chopping up the vocal, create a baseline for it and voila!

What do you have coming up we should be looking out for?

I’ve got a track coming out on the 5th of September called ’Timpani’. This will be released on Gum Pop Records. I’ll probably release more on this label in the near future.

I’m also working on a Chemical Brothers remake with Donagrandi, which you will hear from soon.

In 2017 I’ll probably DJ as Wells on events hosted by Girls Love DJs (and for other organizations), but until then you got to do it with my upcoming releases.

Check out Wells on:

Soundcloud

Facebook

MUSICALITY... Interview & Podcast!

As further proof to our Brazilian love affair and the fact it is Christmas, we have a second podcast for the month and this time it is from the excellent MUSICALITY!

Expect a house extravaganza!!

Hi Rafael, you've started a new project recently under the alias Musicality. Can you tell us a bit about that and what’s coming up over the next few month?

Hello !! okay !! I would like to thank East Project for the opportunity of this interview.  The purpose I use the name Musicality was to change the principle of a common name for a stage name, and also because as electronic music here in Brazil is growing, I began to realize that many people who never had any connection with music, started coming to this branch and that a lot of bad music and many errors started to appear.  So I chose that name Musicality, which is the minimum that a musician or music producer can offer your audience.

When you meet somebody that does not know you are a dj for the first time, how do you introduce yourself?

Present myself as an ordinary person like all the others, but in the middle of the conversation, she says she likes electronic music, I say I like it a lot too and a I'm DJ and music producer.

If you had to pick one track you have made, what would be your favourite?

Another producer would be, Maceo Plex - Can not Leave You! One of mine would be, Musicality - I Do not Feel Nothing (Original Mix)!!

If you could collaborate with any producer, who would it be and why?

Here in Brazil all the producers would help a lot and collaborate with one another. I always collaborate on the musical part, so I understand more and if I have any questions, I ask for help too but that is quite rare. We all collaborate with one another because I know that one day I might need them too.

The music scene in Brazil, tell us how it is at present and any producers who are really making their mark on the scene?

As I said in the previous answer the scene of electronic music here in Brazil is growing, and with that comes lots of people trying to get into the business and also some very good music producers who really understand the subject and are making a name in the scene as: Loud Control, Grove Delight, pLASTC Robots, Flex B, Rafael Carvalho (Cuff), Alok Live, Live Vegas, Kash, Chemical Surf, Dashdot, Flow and Zeo, Gabriel Boni, HNQO, Gabe, Hot Bullet, Dakar Oak, Vintage Culture , The Duo, Wehbba, Gustavo Mota, Re Dupre, Rodolfo Zhor, Felipe Godoi, Max Duke, Dash Groove, Kriptus Gomes, Black Soulp, DJ Glen, Anderson Beher, Violent Marco, Lauro Viotti, Handersondj, Dake and many others that did not remember now...

But those who are being quoted throughout Brazil and abroad, making a name for themselves, making money and most importantly doing what you love, it is important to note that although the electronic music scene in Brazil is growing, the difficulties to be recognized here, it is still different to other countries.

To find out more about Musicality, click on the following links:

Musicality on Beatport

Musicality on Soundcloud

Musicality on Facebook

East Project Podcast Feat. Nine Lives... + interview

So for the 2nd podcast in the row, we have decided to go all disco/NuDisco and bring you the excellent talents of Nine Lives!

This Manchester resident has an amazing array of productions!! It is definitely worth checking out his Soundcloud page to understand why we invited him along to do a mix for us...

Enjoy!!

Tracklist:

1. Cassius/Outcast - Feeling for Rosa (Flight Facilities remix)

2. Nine Lives - Adagio

3. Kraak & Smaak - Back Again (Hot Toddy Mix)

4. L.O.O.P - Criticize (original mix)

5. Jam Xpress vs Navaho - Bicep

6. Mylo - Drop the pressure (Drop Out Orchesta mix)

7. Purple Disco Machine - Musique (original mix)

8. Oriano - Pony feat. Ray Horton (original mix)

9. Session Victim - Never Forget

10. Mark E - RnB Drunkie

11. Marvin Gaye - Sexual healing (Nine Lives rework)

Tell us where the name Nine Lives comes from?

At first I came up with the name "cat funk", so you can see a pattern forming! Yes I am a cat fan which is the obvious part, but I also like the myth behind "Nine Lives" and the idea that if you fall, you can still land on your feet.

What is the music scene at the moment like in Manchester?

The scene in Manchester has been and continues to be huge for electronic music, from warehouse parties to small dark basements we've had from Tiger & Woods and Finnebassen to Late Nite Tuff Guy, all in recent months so the vibes are till strong!

Disco is making a big comeback, any guys who are bringing it at the moment?

As far as artists who I admire in the nu-disco scene, I would say there is too many to name, some people make one track you love, I often find that's the case, but it's exciting the choice of artists we have to listen to at the moment.

We are big fans of your bootleg tracks - at East Project we love Sexual Healing!  What is your favourite one to date?

Thanks for your support on my marvin gaye rework, for some reason the response to that track was off the scale which was nice to see! I really enjoyed working with that vocal, maybe it's hard not to love a marvin gaye edit? Along with "so into u" and "adagio" those would probably be my favourite productions to date.

Tell us a bit about Vendition and how you got involved?

It's actually my good friend, Matt Lees who runs Vendition records. In 2011 I sent him a track I had made just for fun and he said we should release it and he would be my manager! I said sure let’s do it and didn't think much more from it, next thing you know he's set up his own label just to release this one track called "1985"! I do release all my tracks on his label, it seems to work out pretty well with him handling the business side of stuff and me making the music.

What's coming up for Nine Lives - new releases over the next few months?

I had a gig in Olso back in July which was pretty cool, always nice to go and play in another country. I don't actively seek gigs in the UK, which may seem a bit strange, but I'm happy now just making music and putting it out there. Don't get me wrong, if I get offered a gig, it's likely I would take it, within reason! But I've done a lot of DJing over the last 15 years so am happy focusing mainly on production for now.

As far as releases go, I am working on a track which I hope will be out in November some time, and it looks like I might be getting one of my tracks on a compilation for a big name in the near future, but will have to keep that under wraps for now!

Useful Links:

Nine Lives Soundcloud

Venditions Records

East Project Podcast Episode 11 Feat. Disko Trooper - Ghetto Disco Mix

Episode 11 of the East Project Podcast is finally here and it is the perfect warm up to this weekend's Ghetto Disco party at Vibe Bar in London!!

Tracklisting:

01. Tonbe - I Don't Care

02. Chemise - She Can't Love You (PurpleDiscoMachine Edit)

03. Silver City - Tilo Daze (Tad Wily's Boogie Remix)

04. Dino Ross - Let Me Be Your Soul

05. Queen - Another One Bites The Dust (LNTG Edit)

06. The Pointer Sisters - Dare Me (Munga Rework)

07. Mary J Blige - A Night To Remember

08. Tiger & Woods - Lab File #11

09. Patrice Rushen - Haven't You Heard (Conor Hanson Edit)

10. Class Action - Weekend

11. Prince - Controversy (Mighty Mouse Re Edit)

12. Optick - Hopasa

13. SOS Band - Lets Do It (LNTG Rework)

Facebook Event Page

Resident Advisor Event Page

East Project Episode 10 Feat. Flutters... Interview & Podcast!

After the success of Episode No.9 we thought what better way to follow that up, than by inviting a couple of talented Spanish DJs/Producers, who decided to join forces as Flutters and share their love of deep house music!?

It’s normally in places such as the W Hotel Barcelona or Bfor Ibiza where you can catch Jose Franco and Mauro B performing their their unique style of house, so we are grateful that they took the time out to put this mix together for us...

Turn it up and enjoy!!

Interview:

So guys, I know you both dj individually but how did the Flutters idea come together?

We have always coincided in the same taste of music, so one day we were out partying and we started thinking about names for a group....  after the third drink it came to us... Flutters!!  haha

How does your production process work?  Do you spend time in the studio together or collaborate whilst in your own studios?

We both have our own studio, but we try to work together in all the possible ways because we live in different cities.  We also make masters for other artists.

How would you describe your sound?

Deep & Indie

Where and when was your best clubbing experience?

Last summer on a boat in Ibiza and every Friday on the 26th floor in the W Hotel Barcelona, which is a unique experience!!

What are your plans with the summer coming up?

This summer we are releasing two original tracks for Karera in Germany and for the label Adult Music of Ibiza.  Remixes for Pacha Recordings and Beachside Records from Miami.  Finally we will be playing in the best beach club in Barcelona and in Bfor Ibiza.

Last Question…  Barcelona or Real Madrid?

We haven't got much time for football, but we love for Barça to win.

For more info:

Flutters Music Soundcloud

East Project Episode 9 Feat. Ricardo Bernardi (G-MAFIA Records)

Onto the next installment of the East Project Podcast and we welcome along for this guest mix another South American talent...  RICARDO BERNARDI

There are some absolutely amazing DJs and producers coming out of Brazil right now and this guy is definitely one to watch.  Part of the G-Mafia Records family, you can expect nothing but the best underground house and G-House.

ENJOY!!

East Project Episode 9 Feat. Ricardo Bernardi - Track List:

01 - Matheus Slivak - Where My Bitches At
02 - Rod Fussy - Fuck'em All
03 - Illusionize - Hands Up Ride (Raphaell C Remix)
04 - Dan Lypher, Mkdj - Gangster Joker (Ania Iwinska Remix)
05 - Partia Ansari - In This Thankg (Juan K Paul Remix)
06 - Malik Mustache feat Pedro Valverde - Let's Dance
07 - Dogreen - She's Sexy
08 - Volac - The Young Soul (Anatol & Jules Heffner Remix)
09 - Lukkas - Right Work
10 - MAATH - Bass Down Low
11 - Work + Jump Around (Doozie Mashup)
12 - Fapples - Gang Trip (Jouliey Bergmann & Ricardo BErnaerdi Remix)
13 - Doozie - Daydream
14 - Ricardo Bernardi - D.M.T
15 - Dan Lypher - Don't Stop Bitches (Ricardo Bernardi Remix)

You can follow the East Project Podcast at the following locations:

iTunes

PodOmatic

Soundcloud

The Godfather of house music!

Referred to by many as the "Godfather of House", Frankie Knuckles played an integral part in creating and poplarizing a sound that is still going strong today!!

Originally born in the Bronx and brought up through the New York disco scene, forming a great friendship with Larry Levan along the way, Frankie headed over to Chicago to become the DJ at the Warehouse.  Playing a mixture of music that included a more percussive disco sound, with added loops from drum machines, the crowd came to simply refer to it as “house music”.

Frankie then set up his own club called the Power Plant before eventually moving back to New York and forming part of the hugely influential and successful Def Mix team.  Producing numerous house classics over the years, there is not much this DJ/producer has not done, seen or been a part of, when it comes to house music.

Only a week ago, back on the 1^st April, the sudden and sad news of Frankie Knuckles’ passing spread across the dance community and the sheer volume of heartfelt messages of condolence have been nothing short of whelming!

Although Frankie toured the world tirelessly spreading the house sound, not all people that say they enjoy house music today have had a chance to witness this master at work, so must rely on the internet to find out about his history…  Here are some of the best bits that we have come across (mixes, interviews, videos, etc):

From Red Bull Music Academy, check out the excellent Frankie Knuckles - Journey to the Roots of House - click HERE for the 60 min radio show or view below for the lecture:

BBC Radio Essential Mix - Live from Pacha Ibiza in September 2000:

Interview with Beatport in 2012 - Link HERE!

The Def Mix website also provides some great reading and listening.  Check it out HERE!

BBC Radio - 6 Mix, Franckie Knuckles meets Dave Pearce for 2 hours of essential listening:

RIP Frankie... You will be missed!!

East Project Episode 8 Feat. GORKIZ + interview!

For the 8th episode of the East Project Podcast and this article, we welcome along label friend Gorkiz.  His latest release, the "Everybody  EP", is out on Clap7, a new Brazilian label run by Dakar Carvalho, that is also scheduled to give East Project's very own Rough Cut, their first release!!

Diego, aka Gorkiz / Divine X, is one of the producers of sorority that has been highlighted in Brazil and onto the world stage, with releases on labels such as: Datagroove Music, Wasabi Recordings, Komitee Recordings Ibiza, Crossworld Records and Wired.  Gorkiz has a solid understanding of diversity and a great taste in music, readily amplified by his open mind and soul.  He has also received great support from DJs and producers such as Richie Hawtin, Dalbe, Anthony Nero, Deltano Ds, Marvin, to name a few...

We caught up with Gorkiz to ask him a few questions before he put this mix together for us...  Enjoy!!

Where are you from and what are you up to?

I am from Sorocaba, an important city of São Paulo State.  I started getting into music at the age of 12 and today I am 25 years old.  At the moment I DJ professionally and I am interested in increasing my exposure in Europe via Eletronic Music.

What are your influences and does coming from Brazil impact on your sound?

My influences are people like: Betoko, Maxxi Soundsystem, DashDot and my Brazilian DJs are: Vintage Culture, Sonic Future, Funky Fat.  All very Good!!  My fans give me great feedback
in Brazil, with full nightclubs, so I have now received invitations to perform around Europe.

Can you tell us your highlight moment for 2013?

My highlight moment in 2013 was joining Chemical Surf to produce a track together and that track is due for release in March 2014 via Kittball Records, based in Germany.  It was a very nice moment.

How would you describe your sound to anyone that has not heard of you?

My sound is progressive, with nice melodies and always high bass.

What are your plans for 2014?

Promote my sound around Brazil and Europe.

Quick fire round:

Ableton or Logic? - Ableton

CDJs or Vinyl? - Vinyl

Soundcloud or Mixcloud? - Soundcloud

Deep or G-house? - G-House

Thank you!

East Project Episode 8 Feat. GORKIZ available for download from the following links:

Soundcloud
Podomatic
iTunes

INFLUENCES... The Magician!

Hailing from Belgium.  Born Stephen Fasano.  And formally part of Aeroplane (another great influence of mine)...  Let me introduce to you The Magician!

"His background is shrouded in mystery, his powers are supernatural and his reputation is whispered about among men. He goes by different names, but folks just call him The Magician."  So his biography tells us...  If you have not heard of this guy, then where have you been?

There is no need to look any further than his Soundcloud page to understand why he is rated so highly, not only by myself...

Posting up Magic "mix" Tapes since 2011 (he has done 39 so far), each time he tries to bring something just a little bit different to the table than his previous mix.  His sound is firmly based in the 4/4 world but the tempo often changes.  He is equally able to play you a more uplifting beat that really gets your feet moving, to slowing it right down with more funky/groovy joints.

Whether it's including flashes of old school sounding pianos or more modern tech stabs, along with a regular use of vocal tracks, Magic Tapes are not afraid to look into the past for their influence, in order to help shape the future!

One of his most recent mixes (and a personal favourite of mine) - MAGIC TAPE 38 - has been listened to over 128,000 times...

And if you needed any more proof, check these out...  The figures don't lie!

Over 100,000 followers on Facebook

Over 93,000 followers on Soundcloud

Over 18,500 followers on Twitter

& almost 5000 followers on Instagram

Not only is he content with providing such fluid, yet diverse and enjoyable mixes, the guy can also produce a decent tune when he wants to!!  Generally across the board, his style ranges from house to disco/nudisco.

Whether it is on remix duties (such as his remix of Clean Bandit at the top of this post) or weather it's his own original material, The Magician is guaranteed to leave you spell bound (sorry, it had to be done!).

Not only that, when he's feeling generous, he likes to give his music away for FREE (who doesn't like a free tune?!):



Whether you agree or not, in my world and certainly over the past few years, this guy has been a great influence.  His ability to mix up his sounds (production and DJ wise) and yet make himself sound fresh and relevant each time, has to be applauded in my eyes.

Feel free to let me know your thoughts!

Love,

Disko Trooper xx

Sources:

Resident Adviser

Soundcloud

Facebook