Straight Up! Music

Diskonnected 029 w/ Monolythe + Rektchordz - Free Download

2012-02-10T10:57:00.000-08:00

Straight Up Drum & Bass! [Straight Up!] OUT NOW

2012-02-08T09:36:00.000-08:00

Beatport: http://www.beatport.com/release/straight-up-drum-and-bass!/865213
iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/straight-up-drum-bass!/id501079589
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD1A757E59EFD3817

Tracklist:

1) Imprintz & Kloe - Last Breathe (Exorcist Remix)
2) Double Oh No - 2 Tha Grain (Thrills Remix)
3) Fourward - Fury (Ravager Remix)
4) Premium & Decimal Bass - The Warriors (VIP Mix)
5) Davip - Napalm (Original Mix)
6) Stipple - Beginning (Original Mix)
7) Zero Method - Marco Polo (Original Mix)
8) Rameses B - 2Nite (Original Mix)
9) DCarls - Splash (Original Mix)
10) Premium - Dead Man Shoes (Sedo Remix)
11) Dioptrics - Cold World (Original Mix)
12) B Cloud - Trance Mission (Original Mix)
13) Rido - New Dawn (Original Mix)
14) ZigZag - Intolerance (Original Mix)
15) 2 Fingers - Absynth (Original Mix)
16) Kuana - Steppin' (Kouncilhouse Remix)
17) Kryteria - Hunt You Down (Original Mix)
18) DJ Prokofiev - Caravan (Original Mix)
19) Omar Ferrero - Mattack (Original Mix)
20) Sulex - Pleasure (Original Mix)
21) Alldegrees - Believe Part Two (Original Mix)

Bruno Barudi feat. Retta - I Take You There [Braslive Records] OUT NOW

2012-02-08T09:33:00.000-08:00

Including the Original Mix

http://www.beatport.com/release/i-take-you-there/862697

Cryophonik feat. Mia Valo - Closer [Exalted Tunes] OUT NOW

2012-02-08T09:30:00.000-08:00

Including the Original mix, Acoustic Version and Avery Parker Remix

http://www.beatport.com/release/closer/860711

Most Freedom - Way Of The Samurai EP [Big Alliance Records] OUT NOW

2012-02-08T09:27:00.000-08:00

Including Way of The Samurai, Maniac In Your Room and Arent & Raxell Remix

http://www.beatport.com/release/way-of-the-samurai-ep/862656

Guaranna Project - Cherry & Lemon EP [Big Alliance Deep] OUT NOW

2012-02-08T09:24:00.000-08:00

Including Cherry & Lemon and Girls, Drinks & Stuff

http://www.beatport.com/release/cherry-and-lemon-ep/862967

Straight Up Electro House! Vol. 6 [Straight Up!] OUT NOW

2012-02-01T10:55:00.000-08:00

Beatport: http://www.beatport.com/release/straight-up-electro-house!-vol-6/862726
iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/straight-up-electro-house!/id499369751
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL102B567D6EC3E5F9

Tracklist:

Lazy Rich - Your Missed A Spot (Original Mix)
Viro & Rob Analyze - Walking Away (Angger Dimas Remix)
Acetronik - Make Me Feel Good (Darth & Vader Remix)
Lucky Date - Ho's & Disco's (Space Laces Remix)
Fatso - Cool Story (Revolvr Remix)
TJR, DJ Gant-Man - Juke It (Bombs Away Remix)
Digitalchord - Galaxy Mask (Jan Waterman Remix)
Digital Freq - Together Forever (FTampa Remix)
Yenn, Refracture feat Jay Jacob - Satrshine (Refracture Epic Fix)
Nick Terranova, Ron Reeser, Dan Saenz - That System (Original Mix)
Alex Mind, Sue Cho - Deeply Into You (Jay Robinson Remix)
Vodge Diper feat Jay Jacob - See You Smile (Original Mix)
Rektchordz - Filthy Inspiration (Jeff T Remix)
Ron Reeser - Remote (Original Mix)
Mobscene - Graceful Destruction (Original Mix)
K12 - Oh Yeah (Pornorockerz Remix)
Vodge Diper - Riot! (Original Mix)
KNY Factory - Breaking News (Original Mix)
ETC!ETC! feat. Crystal Vision - Move Your Body (Michael Froh Remix)
Jay Saunders - Black Swan (Original Mix)
Mr. Tools - Drunk (Original Mix)
Clark Kent - Everybody (Original Mix)

Robert Firth - Dance Robot EP [ Big Alliance Records] OUT NOW

2012-02-01T10:48:00.000-08:00

Including Dance Anthem, Dirty Robot and Remember Me

Buy Here:
http://www.beatport.com/release/dance-robot-ep/860235

Zuri - The Moon Disappeared [Braslive Records] OUT NOW

2012-02-01T10:43:00.000-08:00

Including remixes by FTampa, Dave Schiemann, The Damn Bell Doors and Greg Gold & Hugh Way

Buy Here:
http://www.beatport.com/release/the-moon-disappeared/860232

DJ Feedback:

Far Too Loud - "Loving the FTampa remix...will play! 9/10"
Sean Tyas - "great release again! thank u! 8/10"
W&W - "Cool stuff!!"
Alex Kidd (USA) - "The original, FTampa, Dave, & Greg Gold & Hugh remixes are solid...thanks 9/10"
Aniki - "this is hot! Loving the Bell Doors drumstep mix the most! But its a heavy hitting release non the less!"
JELO - "The FTampa rmx. is really gonna shift the floor and i'm stoked to play it out"

Thomas Penton - "Orig. is sick!"

Hirshee - "ftampa remix for me 8/10"

Bjorn Akesson - "Love the melody! 8/10"

Mr and Mrs Smith - "Original is great, like the FTampa remix too!"

Ming - "The original and Damn Bells Doors remix are tight!! Should be heavy in the club."

Eddie Sender - "Perfect! 10/10"

Faust & Shortee - "Monster remixes from everybody! 10/10"

Lucas Ribeiro - Paper Doll [Big Alliance Deep] OUT NOW

2012-02-01T10:31:00.000-08:00

Buy Here:
http://www.beatport.com/release/paper-doll/862725

Straight Up Dubstep! Vol. 3 [Straight Up!] OUT NOW

2012-01-25T11:31:00.000-08:00

Beatport: http://www.beatport.com/release/straight-up-dubstep!-vol-3/857740
iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/straight-up-dubstep!-vol.-3/id496722494
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD0B5651025D56A6F

Tracklist:

1) Clavertron & Helicopter Showdown - Drop It Again (Original Mix)
2) Shotgun Radio feat. Mimi Page - A Bad Place (Bare Remix)
3) Dirty Talk & Boy Kid Cloud feat. Messinian - Unruly (Original Mix)
4) Rednek - Attention All Jumpers (Original Mix)
5) Obscenity & 1point5 - Hexanite (Tim Ismag Remix)
6) Hirshee - Third Digit (Original Mix)
7) Josh Money & AfroWhitey - I Bleed You (Original mix)
8) Fonik - Altered Dimensions (Original mix)
9) KillaGraham - More Than Anything (Original Mix)
10) 23 - Let's Go To Lavender Town (Original Mix)
11) We Bang & Natty Freq - Wizard Piss (Original Mix)
12) Schroff - Bose Roboter (Original Mix)
13) SPL feat. Messinian - Rise From The Ashes (Original Mix)
14) Digitalchord - Galaxy Mask (Stepsonics Remix)
15) Sezer Uysal feat. Sarah Jane - Chasing (Urban Assault Remix)
16) AfroWhitey & Adam Flurk - Control (Original Mix)
17) Mr. English - Strong To Survive (VoidDS Remix)
18) Rameses B - Bits & Bytes (Original Mix)
19) Magma Kum - Meow (Original mix)
20) Audiobotz feat. MC Kyla - Work Me Up (Titanoz Remix)
21) Kezwik feat. Mel Presson - Trigger (Original Mix)
22) Mr. Wesh - Def Mehlodeez (Original mix)
23) Street Creeps - Unstoppable (Original Mix)
24) Quba - Countdown (Original Mix)
25) Zuri - Teddy Bear (The H2O Project Remix)

Vodge Diper vs Doc Trashz - Remix Stash Bag [Big Alliance Records] OUT NOW

2012-01-25T11:23:00.000-08:00

Including brand new remixes by Vodge Diper and Doc Trashz

http://www.beatport.com/release/remix-stash-bag/856617

BA102 - Various Artists - Remix Stash Bag Inc/ Doc Trashz and Vodge Diper Remixes by Big Alliance Records

DJ Feedback:

Sean Tyas - "awesome! 8/10"
Far Too Loud - "Doc Trashz remix is very cool!! 8/10"
Breakdown - "Both remixes are BIG! Excellent work =) 9/10"
Mr and Mrs Smith - "DJ Maxsie & Alex Speaker track is huge. Big support." (Vodge Diper Remix)
Coco Ariaz - "Absolutely wicked tracks! 9/10"
Flash Brothers - "Very nice, cool stuff!"
Monolythe - "Love the Vodge Diper remix and also Doc Trashz remix is pretty cool"
Ryan Enzed - "Vodge Diper does it again! 9/10"
Jeff T - "Sax thing for me! 8/10"

Sneaker & The Dryer - "Vodge Diper nails it on this one!"

The Slag - "Very interesting take of Frederik's smashing single by Doc Trashz"

Eddie Sender - "very good"

Michael White - Secrets Of The Arpeggiator (Eric Farias Remix) [Braslive Records] OUT NOW

2012-01-25T11:15:00.000-08:00

http://www.beatport.com/release/secrets-of-the-arpeggiator-eric-farias-remix/856623

Michael White - Secrets Of Arpeggiator (Eric Farias Remix) by Braslive Records

DJ Feedback:

Far Too Loud - "Absolutely massive! 10/10"
Aniki - "Wicked tune! Thanks for this, will go down well with the young kids in Norway! 8/10"
Ming - "SHIT IS BANGIN!!!!!!!!!!!!! 9/10"
Revolvr - "Dope 8/10"
Monolythe - "Nice nice nice, supporting! 8/10"
Elektropusher - "Powerful!"
Flash Brothers - "Good big room electro house rocker, will test out! 8/10"
12 Inch Plastic Toys - "good beat, good synth, great melody, Breakdowns and Build is amazing!!!"
Candyland - "Eric gone done it again! Really funky!"
Flatland Funk - "Farias is SICK!! the drop will annialate! 10/10"
Jeff T - "Good stuff! 8/10"
King Kornelius - "Eric Farias... knows wat the dance floor likes 8/10"
Rektchordz - "Wicked remix. 8/10"
The Slag - "I've come to expect the best from Eric Farias, and he always delivers 9/10"

Mosahar feat. Marcie - Don't Run Away [Exalted Tunes] OUT NOW

2012-01-25T11:04:00.000-08:00

Including remixes by Ian Beers, Mindful Innovations and Hanski

http://www.beatport.com/release/dont-run-away/856615

Mosahar Feat. Marcie - Don't Run Away by exaltedtunes

Monolythe's "Diskonnected" Beatport Chart

2012-01-21T10:08:00.000-08:00

Killer tunes for your sets!
http://www.beatport.com/chart/monolythe-diskonnected-january-chart/45352

Free Download: Augustoramone feat. Sean Smith - I Don't Want To Wait (Digitalchord Remix)

2012-01-20T20:16:00.001-08:00

Augustoramone feat. Sean Smith - I Don't Want To Wait (Digitalchord Remix) FREE DOWNLOAD by Big Alliance Records

Bogusdank - Royal Jelly EP [Big Alliance Records] OUT NOW

2012-01-17T11:46:00.000-08:00

Including Royal Jelly and Penetration

Beatport: http://www.beatport.com/release/royal-jelly-ep/850443

BA101- Bogusdank - Royal Jelly EP by Big Alliance Records

DJ Feedback:

Sean Tyas - "Sick! 8/10"
Coco Ariaz - "Absolute rocking tracks! 8/10"
David Vendetta - "Good EP, thanks!"
Monolythe - "Both tracks are very good, nice style "Fresh""
Alex Mind - "amazing mix! 10/10"
Breakdown - "Penetration is pretty damn cool! 8/10"
Flash Brothers - "Royal Jelly works for us!"
Soulfix - "Oh yeah! Sign me up... this is hot! Will support both tracks! 8/10"
Nick Sandler / Never Say Die - "Funky as hell! Will defo be editing this up with some accapellas"
Marc Ballum - "Bangin ep! Big Ups 9/10"
Flatland Funk - "This ain't bogus, this track is the BALLS!!! 8/10"
The Banger Bros. - "Very nice guys! Featuring one of these tracks in my mix show tonight in Berlin. 9/10"
Ryan Enzed - "Great tracks! Never heard of BogusDank before, but im a now a fan! :D 9/10"

Straight Up Hidden Gemz! Vol. 12 [Straight Up!] OUT NOW

2012-01-17T11:34:00.000-08:00

Including music by Maonstar, Horny Sanchez, Houserocka, Gomoha, Skullee, Clarks (FR),, Loud Disco Machine, Steep Bass Project, most Freedom, Arent & Raxell, E-Cologyk, Felipe Rod, Vitor Valline, Sensproof and IgRock.

Beatport: http://www.beatport.com/release/straight-up-hidden-gemz!-vol-12/856392
iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/straight-up-hidden-gemz!-vol./id494636311

Dr. Who - Disco Buzz (Becca & E-Cologyk Remix) FREE DOWNLOAD

2012-01-17T11:27:00.001-08:00

Dr. Who - Disco Buzz (Becca & E-Cologyk Remix) ~FREE DOWNLOAD~ by Big Alliance Records

Enamored With Progressive [Straight Up!] OUT NOW

2012-01-11T09:20:00.000-08:00

Beatport: http://www.beatport.com/release/enamored-with-progressive/853629
iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/enamored-with-progressive/id493578824
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1C33516696342E9C

Tracklist:

01 - Tritonal feat. Cristina Soto - Lifted (Mat Zo Remix)
02 - Made Of Light – Girl Passing By (Ernesto Vs Bastian Remix)
03 - Allure featuring Christian Burns - On The Wire (Andy Duguid Remix)
04 - Randy Boyer ft. Cari Golden - Fragile (Cerf & Mitiska Dub Mix)
05 - Tritonal feat. Jeza - I Can Breathe (Tritonal Club Mix)
06 - Betsie Larkin & John OCallaghan - The Dream (Rafael Frost Remix)
07 - Robert Vadney - Second Sky (ElecTrance Dub)
08 - Weirdness feat. Amy Hamblin - Rain Falls On Me (Darude Remix)
09 - Ian Beers - Sleeper Punch (Original Mix)
10 - Tempo Giusto & Ima'gin feat. WikiLeaks - Information Transparency (Original Mix)
11 - Artificial Dreamer - Childproof (Original Mix)
12 - Audioscape & Niki Mak pres WNM - Hide & Seek (Sayphonik Remix)
13 - Guy Alexander - Ava (DJ Shy Remix)
14 - Nic Toms ft Vla-d - Somnium (Liquid Vision Respray)
15 - Arkia - Duality (Miroslav Vrilik Remix)
16 - Aimoon - Rainbow Rays (Sunsvision Remix)
17 - Spark 7 - Distanceless (Original Mix)
18 - Airdrift - Departed (Citylights Remix)
19 - Gerome Feat Pamela Baz - Miracle (James Dymond Remix)
20 - Kris V & Ivo Nikolov feat. Donna - The Sunset Flower (Katsarov Remix)

Augustoramone feat. Sean Smith - I Don't Want To Wait [Big Alliance Deep] OUT NOW

2012-01-11T09:14:00.000-08:00

Beatport: http://www.beatport.com/release/i-dont-want-to-wait/853052

BAD017 - Augustoramone Feat. Sean Smith - I Don't Want To Wait by Big Alliance Deep

Digitalchord - Digicollapse + Remix Contest Winners [Big Alliance Records] OUT NOW

2012-01-11T09:10:00.000-08:00

Including Remix Contest Winners: Divine X, RunSquad, GetFresh!, Paulo Pacco, Teken and Witch Doctor.

Beatport: http://www.beatport.com/release/digicollapse-remix-contest-winners/852331

BA100 - Digitalchord - Digicollapse (Remix Contest Winners) by Big Alliance Records

Free Downloads by Rektchordz, Robert Firth, Digitalchord and Vodge Diper

2012-01-06T17:50:00.001-08:00

Free Downloads by Big Alliance Records

Top 5 selling Compilations of 2011

2012-01-01T17:30:00.000-08:00

Diskonnected (Mixed by Lazy Rich)
Including tracks by Lazy Rich, Felguk, Porter Robinson, Lucky Date, Zedd, Alex Kidd (USA), Hirshee, Chrizz Luvly, Alex Mind, DJ Maxsie & Alex Speaker and more.
http://www.beatport.com/release/diskonnected-mixed-by-lazy-rich/343530

Straight Up Electro House! Vol. 5
Including music by Lazy Rich, Fukkk Offf, Darth & Vader, Dirtyloud, Alex Kidd (USA), King Kornelius, Chrizz Luvly, Neon Stereo, Monolythe, Vodge Diper, Digitalchord, Fast Foot, Schroff and more
http://www.beatport.com/release/straight-up-electro-house!-vol-5/830860

Straight Up Dubstep!
Including music by Calvertron, Figure, Arkasia, Callum B, Total Recall, Hot Mess, Decay (CA), Halo Nova, Structured Noises, Kannamix and more.
http://www.beatport.com/release/straight-up-dubstep!/394693

Straight Up Breaks!
Including music by Access Denied, Electric Soulside, DJ Hero, Beatman & Ludmilla, Hyper, Refracture, Midnight Conspiracy, Deekline, Dustin Hulton, Blazer and more
http://www.beatport.com/release/straight-up-breaks!/836931

Straight Up Dubstep! Vol. 2
Including music by Reid Speed & FS, Dirtyloud, Calvertron, Bare, Rednek, Boy Kid Cloud, J.Rabbit, Figure, Arkasia, Obsidian, Thrills, Michael Froh and more
http://www.beatport.com/release/straight-up-dubstep!-volume-2/680857

Der Mystik's Top #4 of 2011: Robert Vadney - The Second Sky (Trance Dub)

2011-12-27T22:04:00.000-08:00

This was one of the best years for Robert Vadney, from releasing his album "Dance 4 Death", to getting booked to remix some interesting titles and big acts such as "Paul Oakenfold" [Perfecto], "Hemstock & Jennings" [Liquid Recordings], "Jamaster A" [In Trance We Trust], then appearing of "A State Of Trance 500" compilation by Armada Music and lastly but not less, the release of the 2011 version of one of his classic tunes "The Second Sky" on Exalted Tunes, the only Trance sub-label of Straight Up! Music.

All mixes are pretty good, but the one that drove me nuts the very instant I heard it was the Trance Dub, which I played and recommended for months.
To follow, is a second interview with Robert Vadney, where we talk about this remix and his particular approach on this piece, check it out!

Buy "The Second Sky (Trance Dub" Here.

Second Sky was an underrated classic, it definitely didn't get the support and promotion it deserved, but it is mentioned as a classic because the people that knew it, considered it as such, however this year, you came up with the reworked versions of it and called the release "The Second Sky 2011", 5 versions were included, far more driving, far more beautiful, far more aggressive.

One of those versions is the Trance Dub, featuring an orchestral breakdown and a massive drop! No, it wasn't called dub because it has no vocals (because "The Second Sky" is not a vocal track), it is called Trance Dub, because Robert Vadney included for the first time, a Dubstep Bassline running at high pace bpm, capable of ripping dancefloors apart and dropping jaws.Vadney, what motivated and/or inspired you to include such a killing drop in this track?

It's pretty simple actually, Dubstep became Pop/mainstream and there are some really good Dubstep tracks, but I feel that it's one of those genres that you can't listen to too much of before it starts sounding repetitive (as I said previously, I get bored very easily and very fast). So while making the new versions of "Second Sky" this past summer, I thought "Ok, you want Dubstep, here's how I'll give it to you."

I didn't want to do a full-on Dubstep track (like most of my works, I don't like making pure genres, I always liked mixing/fusing things), so I simply incorporated a main characteristic element of today's Dubstep sound.

I know for certain that you refused to include this bassline in the remix pack, does this mean that we will see more Trance Dub tracks in the future? to make it some sort of a Vadney signature?

Yes, there will be more Dubstep-influenced tracks from me, i.e. "A Day In Heaven 2012", coming soon on Exalted Tunes (and more).

To those who don't know, Robert Vadney also has a rock band and we know that some indie rock bands have embraced the Dubstep, because it presents an easy transition, have you considered exploring the realms of Dubstep fully?

I have already been working on the official debut album for my "D.I." project and there will be some songs that will incorporate Dubstep elements, but I don't want to make full-on Dubstep tracks/songs. There's no pleasure in carbon-copying others.

What can we expect early in the new year from Robert Vadney? What titles can you reveal that will see the light of a release and what music genres do they belong to? Perhaps a vocal track performed by Robert Vadney himself?

I'm always working on new things, so there's always something new coming out and this year I'm kind of reinventing myself and "relaunching" with a new style/sound which is more mainstream/pop-ish and practically all tracks are vocal tracks, some with vocals by myself and some featuring other vocalists. Expect to see a new Vadney side this year.

Anything you'd like to say, advertise or promote before we say "Sayonara"?

Just my pages:

http://www.RobertVadney.com

http://www.Twitter.com/RobertVadney

http://www.MySpace.com/RobertVadney

http://www.YouTube.com/RobertVadney

http://www.Facebook.com/RobertVadneyFanPage

I'm not really the one to advertise himself, I'm going for some ice-cream, you coming?

Der Mystik's Top #5 of 2011: Orjan Nilsen - Agnus (Original Mix)

2011-12-27T21:23:00.000-08:00

Anyone who is a Trance fan, must know about Orjan Nilsen (also known as just Orjan and Dj Governor), his versatility allows him to produce driving uplifting trance or groovy Progressive Trance/House, previous hits such as "La Guitarra" , "Prison Break" and "Agnus" can back up that statement. "Agnus" however is Progressive Trance on a whole new level.

With Mid-Eastern music influences and a flawless progressive trance groove, this track that forms part of one of his best EP's ever (Go Fast) counts with a neve ending list of Dj support, including Armin Van Buuren himself.
It rips, it calls, it hypnotizes, it pumps... it is my track number 5 of 2011.

Buy this track here.

Der Mystik's Best of 2011 Countdown: Position #6 "Cinema"

2011-12-26T23:21:00.000-08:00

Benny Benassi - Cinema feat. Gary Go (Skrillex Remix). Now this is what I call a "Dubstep Monsta", Callum B introduced me to Dubstep, and Skrillex got me addicted to it, and so he has to millions of people across the globe. I remember partying hard to this tune at "Surrender" Encore in Las Vegas last Labor Day weekend (September 2011). It bites with its bass but it also has a catchy vocal hook and nice little melodies that make great contrast with the the other aggressive elements. You might be tired of listening to this tune as it was played to death world wide, but it is without a doubt a true classic in Dubstep Music history.

Buy this massive remix here.

Der Mystik's Best of 2011 Countdown: Position #7 "Promised"

2011-12-26T23:05:00.000-08:00

There are many artists out there that can produce Uplifting Trance, but not many can produce piece that can last in your memory forever, an Uplifter that when you close your eyes, you get carried on a journey of emotions, goosebumps and mental ecstasy.

Haris C, Angel Ace, Andy Blueman (when he was active) and Aibase come to my mind, as artists who deliver big doses of these, but
"Promised" by Daniel Kandi is a track that could, "Promised" is a song that can and will blow you away only by listening to it the very first time.

For being one of the few true Uplifting Trance songs, I rank this track as Top #7 of 2011.

Buy "Promised" by Daniel Kandi Here.

#8: Paul Oakenfold - Tokyo (Robert Vadney Remix)

2011-12-24T11:54:00.000-08:00

If you are a Trance fan, and i mean a hardcore trance fan, then Robert Vadney needs no introduction, but for those now exploring the Trance music world for the first time, you need to know three things about Vadney.

One, he is a Dj/Producer with a true unique music style and culture, if you google him knowing that he is mostly a Trance Dj, yoiu'll be surprised by the search results as he doesn't dress nor speak like a regular Trance Dj, and when you hear all his music, you'll find that he always brings something fresh to the table.

Two, he has been Paul Oakenfold's golden boy since I remember, and to get the attention of such a legend you must be really something else. Third, that even though he is up the ladder of success, he remains humble, crazy and most importantly, honest, which allows him to connect with people in many ways that other EDM artists can't.

My top #8 track of 2011, it's a remix by Robert Vadney for Paul Oakenfold's track "Tokyo" released earlier this year, included in a package put together by Armada Music of exclusive tracks and remixes. It's got plenty of hands in air moments of beautiful melodies to rave on.
So why number eight, if there are tracks like this put out daily you'd say?

Well, it's not only the track and it's soul, it's also the timeline, you see, Robert Vadney has always been known for his Dark, Twisted and Gothic style, and for a few years, this is what he only produced, we forgot that he did "Second Sky" and "A Day in Heaven" because his Dark Passenger took over for long. So, when everyone was defining his sound as such, he released this remix catching everyone with their pants down (me included).

People was again reminded that Robert Vadney can not be defined, as his music is always evolving and he is capable of doing any type of sound when the fans crave for it.

Thank you Vadney for doing two interviews with us for the "Best of 2011" countdown. For "Tokyo" produced by Paul Oakenfold, how was the opportunity to remix this title presented and after you've been producing Progressive music for a while, what was the reason to make this one an Uplifting Trance remix?

No problem, I was remixing stuff for Paul since 2007 and "Tokyo" was just another remix request. As a remixer of various styles/genres, the original producers or record labels tell me what they have on their minds, which direction they'd like my remixes to go in and I make remixes based on their requests and just add my own signature elements. In this case, I was asked to just do something uplifting and energetic, so that's what I did.

Was the feedback and support on it as you expected?

More people learned about me from this remix and I gained a pretty good amount of new fans. I received more than I expected that from this remix actually.

Perfecto Records joined forces with Armada, just like many other labels have, almost forming a monopoly in Dance Music, what did you think when you first heard of this? and what do you think of such alliance now? Is Perfecto still Perfecto or from your point of view, the direction of this respected label and essence has changed?

It's best for the listeners and Perfecto fans to answer this question. Everything changes, especially in the music industry anyway.

Your style is constantly evolving, the Robert Vadney from three years ago, is definitely not the Robert Vadney of now, we have witnessed the darkest tunes ever, some beautiful ones and then some commercial sounding tracks as well. Is this the result of experimentation with your sound to try and see what style to stick with, or your aim is to try and please all types of fans? and most importantly, is this a decision of your own or were you suggested to do it by Perfecto Records / Armada Music or fans in general?

Partially it's due to experimentation, but it's also due to the industry and music scene - this is a business, things change and so do I. I still do things in my own way without making carbon copies of whatever is popular, even though many people (including former home labels etc) tried to change me completely into something I don't want to be and don't like or believe in. I always hated being into just one genre and I get bored of everything very fast and very easily - my suggestion is for people to keep their minds open, especially regarding me.

Any music label that can count with your support as a Dj is a lucky one, because we all know about your unique taste in music, it is very hard to please you! We all know that, yet Straight Up! Music can always say that you always find several segments of time in your show reClublic, to support their music. You play a little of everything, Tech House, Electro, Dubstep and Trance of course. Do you have the same opportunity when you play live or the crowd expects you to play Trance all the time?

Thanks, since I first started deejaying officially (about 15 years old) I always try to please everyone in an event and incorporate many styles/genres, but since I'm very selective/choosey, I play different, characteristic and/or big tracks - besides, practically anything can be played at the proper moment and place. Also, I edit many tracks as I see fit, before I play them.

Buy this "Tokyo" Remix here.

Der Mystik's Best of 2011 Countdown: Position #9 "Remember"

2011-12-24T11:10:00.000-08:00

"Remember" is truly a track to do so, originally produced by Ion Blue (Cyprus) and performed by Danny Claire (Romania) after its original release came the third installment of Factual Records' "R3MIXED" series , in which three more remixes were offered for this title.

The show stealer in my opinion was Zuri (Poland) who provided a ground shaking Electro-meets-Dubstep remix like no other Trance label has put out before.

He used some of the melodies of the original mix and of course the sweet sounding vocals by Danny Claire in the breaks, and then he built-up effortlessly to a massive Electro drop, the third build up leads however to a cool Dubstep segment before the outtro of the song. This is one heck of a remix, one that I will certainly...Remember.

Buy "Remember (Zuri Remix)" Here.

Free Download: Da Fresh - Sneaky Sound (Fernando Lima Remix)

2011-12-23T10:41:00.001-08:00

Happy Holidays and enjoy!

http://soundcloud.com/bigalliancedeep/da-fresh-sneaky-sound

Da Fresh - Sneaky Sound (Fernando Lima Remix) FREE DOWNLOAD by Big Alliance Deep

Der Mystik's Best of 2011 Countdown: Position #10 "Sleeper Punch"

2011-12-22T19:35:00.000-08:00

"Sleeper Punch" was originally produced by Ian Beers, an artist who suddenly sent me a link to one of his demos around September (may have been earlier, I just don't remember now), and after listening to it a few times I proposed further work on it, and the result of such "re-work" was "Sleeper Punch", which now I rank #10 of 2011, and #1 in my Beatport's December 2011 chart.

Ian Beers may appear as a new artist, and he may be so in terms of "popularity" or "fame", but he has been doing music for quite a while, as a matter of fact, he is not only a producer but a true musician (unlike me who I produce music on a "click-by-click" basis), being able to play various instruments and incorporating them in his EDM productions.
Fortunately for the few or the many who already enjoy his sound, Ian Beers is a name that will continuously appear in Exalted Tunes' releases and Straight Up! Music compilations, so stay tuned!.

Please tell us, what's your name, where are you originally from and how long you've been producing/composing music?

Hey guys, my name is Ian Beers and I'm originally from New York. I've been writing and producing music for about 16 years now. I started early in the business at 17, writing music for various up-and-coming artists. From there I got really into electronic music and wound up putting out a few break-beat albums on a couple indie labels. That was back in '98. Since then, I've been involved with producing and performing with a couple different alternative-electronic bands. I usually came in as a guitarist and then wound up getting involved with the production and programming for the electronic elements that I love to incorporate in everything I do.

Sleeper Punch sounds like it's got a very complex bass layering to sound so hot, how many bass instruments/samples did you use?

Thanks! I'm a big believer in trying to create a fresh sound for every part I include in a song. Nowadays, with so many great sounding factory synth presets, it's easy to fall victim to producing a generic sound. It's really important to me to try and twist as much creativity you can get out of a patch. On "Sleeper Punch", I used a kick drum sample from NI's Maschine (I love that plugin!). I pitched it down quite a bit, tweaked the decay and tuned it to fit the actual kick in the song. On top of that I added a guitar sample I recorded and also pitched down. Finally, to give it a bit more depth I put a really subtle, distorted pad that carries throughout most of the track. I believe that was a patch I edited from Omnisphere which is really a monster of a synth!

To be a new artist, your sound has gotten pretty good feedback from Exalted Tunes, Djs and fans alike, what is coming next from Ian Beers?

Recently, I've been taking a lot of time exploring new sounds and trends in the industry. I'm such a mathematical person when it comes to musical directions I take.

Lately I've been listening to various Dubstep, Trance and Breaks albums. I have to say I'm a little bit afraid of getting involved with Dubstep right now, being that it's become so saturated with music in that genre. However, there are some elements I think I might want to subtly blend with the rhythm section of a breaks style track and the chord progressions of a prog trance track. I'm not quite sure how it will sound, but I think I'm close to finding something pleasantly fresh.

Are you planning to start Djing any time soon?

It's funny, because I get asked this question a lot. I always feel a bit awkward answering it because I've honestly never DJ'd a day in my life. Crazy, isn't it?

I've always been more of a performer that was comfortable playing instruments such

as guitars or synths. I think I'd prefer to put something together more along the lines of an electronic-style band. Who knows though, if someone's willing to give me free DJ lessons, maybe I'll change my mind?

Final words before we conclude the interview?

I really just wanted to thank everyone for all of the positive feedback I've been getting so far. It's awesome to be involved in something that I enjoy so much, and that has such a great impact on other people as well. I can't wait to share some of my new material with everyone come the new year!

Buy "Sleeper Punch" Here!

#11: Jamie R - Morning Drive (Amurai's Yerevan Remix)

2011-12-20T22:37:00.000-08:00

Amurai (aka Manvel Ter-Pogosyan) is no stranger in the world of Trance, with recent collaborations with luminaries such as ATB and Emma Hewitt and remixing for half the world, it is impossible to say that he hasn't left a mark in Dance music.

However, it is this remix in particular that defines in my opinion, the enormous capacity to transmit emotions through his music, the remix is a journey that not even the original mix can match and for such, I rank it #11 of 2011.

Buy this remix Here!

#12: Jaden Merrick - Split (Sayphonik Remix)

2011-12-20T22:26:00.000-08:00

When this track was sent to me by Silent Shore and I heard it, I went crazy, because at the time, it was the first Trance tune with Dubstep influences that I had ever heard, after that I started noticing more fusions like this in Trance yah, but the memory and the jaw-breaking moment that I lived with this remix by Sayphonik, is what motivates me to rank this tune as #12 of 2011.

Sayphonik, from Laos, is an extremely talented artist, trust me, when I tell you that Phillip, easily could become one of the most influential EDM producers of America, it is just a metter of time and how hard he works for it from this point and on, before he starts getting gigantic attention from fans and top labels alike.

"Extraordinary" is the word for this remix, that even though is not unique on its attempt, it is unique in approach. Thank you Phillip for doing this interview. When you were requested to do this remix, did they ask you to do a 'Trancestep" remix, or was it your own initiative?

Thanks for the support and interest of this remix Paulo! I'm always happy to geek out about past productions since it barely ever gets heard by anyone. This remix was completely done out of my own initiatives and I was just in a deep progressive breaks mood at the moment! I definitely got a bit experimental on this one and wanted to add some breaks to it to show you guys what I used to do before I produced trance/progressive but this time my knowledge of production has evolved greatly.

One interesting thing I would like to point out is when you hear the 4 beat break sections during the main parts of the track, it tricks some people to thinking that it was the fill before the next bar section but it's actually the down beat of the next section! This was inspired by an old rock song that used the fill as the whole track because the band had writers block and the engineer suggested it. Also, I had stutter edit over my drums bus and really went at it over my breakbeats during the break down so no, it was not a loop! I'm a fan of many genres and I do not want to confine myself to just one. I'd rather prove to my fans and myself that I am far from running out of ideas!

What was the reaction from "Silent Shore" and fans alike when they heard this remix?

Tibor aka ReOrder simply said it was massive as usual! Literally all he said but it was pretty well received. I spent literally one week on this remix and I thought it wasn't going to do so hot because it was a bit more experimental in its approach so I wasn't sure who would play it in their sets. It's definitely one that people bring up when they talk about my past productions.

Judging by your sounds and by the complexity of your original productions and remixes, it seems you've been producing for quite sometime, yet you are just beginning to emerge. How long have you been producing? and was Progressive Trance the first music genre you have ever ventured into?

I've actually been producing/remixing since I was 12 but it wasn't as serious back then and I only did trancey breakbeats. Think 140 bpm breakbeats under cheesy trance songs! Everything was self taught up until I was 19 when I decided to attend SAE Institute for Audio Engineering. Then I was given the tools to take my productions to the next level and then I began making more professional sounding tracks. I've also found a new love for trance and progressive because the production was constantly evolving and I wanted to take on a genre that was going to give me a real challenge vs the breakbeats scene (no offense, I still love breaks). I'm 24 now so it's been a 12 year journey that is just now picking up but technically I've been working on my trance for about five years.

Recently, in Straight Up! Music's newsletter, a free for download bootleg of your own was linked to. It was a very cool, full-on Dubstep remix. Now according to my sources, this was supposed to be an official remix, what happened?

Well they were supposed to send me a CD and such but I was told that it wasn't marketed/promoted well (story of my life). To be honest, I still have no idea what is going on with it but I worked really hard on it for about a week and tons of fresh ideas was in that track so I took the risk and gave the track out. It was something I really wanted to share with the world!

It's an all true, no loop production with tons of new synthesis ideas. Like for example, when you hear the delayed vocal that says "HUA", that is actually my voice tuned and edited of course. I ran the vocal through Camel Audio Alchemy as an oscillator since you can load your own samples to synthesizer and went from there. I also did tons of research of the dub step scene and have actually been influenced by older dub step many years ago when it was more like garage/2 step kind of stuff. That is why the track has an old school shuffle feel to it and wanted to make the kind of dub step that I enjoyed most. Not that bro step kind of stuff!!

Are there any future original productions and/or remixes to be released as "Trancestep"?

Well I wouldn't really call it trance step but more as progressive breaks or trancey breaks. My side project/alias is S.i.L.87, which is more focused on breakbeats and it is definitely something you will see more of in the future. My old alias was actually DJ Laoboyy but the new alias is the more evolved and mature take on my past. It actually stands for Sayphonik Is Laoboyy and 87 being the year I was born. Feel free to youtube either of those aliases if you want to hear my Fruity Loops 3 productions from before I dedicated myself to trance/progressive!

Buy "Split (Sayphonik Remix)" Here!

Yenn feat. Halev - Another Night (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

2011-12-19T11:00:00.000-08:00

New single by yenn featuring Halev, track will be available at Beatport Jan 23, 2012

www.facebook.com/stuworld
www.facebook.com/yennofficial

Straight Up! Music: The Best Of 2011 [Straight Up!] OUT NOW

2011-12-19T10:40:00.000-08:00

Beatport: http://www.beatport.com/release/straight-up!-music-the-best-of-2011/841894
iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/straight-up!-music-the-best/id489880803
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1663496F0C2895F8

Including music by Darth & Vader, Monolythe, Zuri, Vodge Diper, Da Fresh, Chrizz Luvly, Digitalchord, Angry Beavers, Eric Farias, Fernando Lima, South Louis, Robert Vadney, Jeff T, Yenn, Alex Mind, Callum B, Dirtyrock, Ecto Cooler, Der Mystik, Tiff Lacey, Acetronik, Paradigm, King Kornelius, Nato Medrado, Electric Soulside, Stuff 'N' Fingers, Stepsonics, E-Cologyk, The H2O Project, Steep Bass Project and Bioblitz.

Support!

Straight Up!'s best of 2011 Beatport Chart

2011-12-18T21:11:00.000-08:00

http://www.beatport.com/chart/straight-up!s-best-of-2011/43770

Our top 10 tracks of 2011 from our compilations, including music by Lazy Rich, Darth & Vader, Lucky Date, Calvertron, Robb G, Porter Robinson, Far Too Loud, Dirtyloud, Access Denied and Reid Speed & FS.

Enjoy!

The "Mystery" behind Beatport, features and banners

2011-12-17T10:49:00.000-08:00

Having worked for over 5 years in the Electronic Dance Music industry in different aspects, from A&R to Business Manager and now running my own Company, there is something that I have noticed still puzzles most artists and even labels these days: Beatport.

(Click read more for the full blog)

I completely understand the importance of Beatport, after all it’s the leading store in EDM but instead of trying to figure out how to please them you should focus on the basics of running your label and branding, after all like any business, you need to build your own customer base (fan base in this case).

Lets start by saying this: THERE IS NO SPECIFIC FORMULA TO GET A BEATPORT FEATURE OR BANNER. Beatport in their own solely discretion pick them, you shouldn’t get mad or cry about not getting their support all the time, Beatport is a company and its NOT their responsibility to help you get sales, features and banners are to be seen as added bonuses, you should be able to sell on your own, feature or not.

Now, there is always ways to improve your chances and in the long run get noticed more and more, here is some free advise that most people should know by now:

1) Music: obvious reasons, music needs to be good, from a good track to good mastering, everything counts. Music is subject to PERSONAL TASTE, so what its good for you is not necessarily good for others.

2) Good branding: Meaning, professional looking artwork, this is a great way to separate yourself from all the others.

3) DJ Support: This is by far one of the most underrated and unused tools, it’s a key feature to submit your DJ feedback, it’s a great way to show Beatport your music has potential…. Its unbelievable how many labels don’t take advantage of this.

4) “Big” Names: For obvious reasons, having established names help your chances, but don’t think that’s your key to get features either…. Plus it takes a lot of money so new labels might not be able to do this, unless you have savings you want to invest or rich parents.

To summarize this, understand Beatport has thousands of labels just like yours so the best way to look at it is the features are a lottery, sometimes you get it sometimes you don’t so quit your crying and complaining, Beatport doesn’t owe you anything or have any responsibilities towards you.

- Alex

#13: Quaver feat A Girl And A Gun - Guillotine (Callum B Remix)

2011-12-16T22:01:00.000-08:00

I've had the privilege to find, interact and work with some very unique and talented artists in my life, some that are without exaggeration, truly unique. From "Heatbeat" and "Matan Zohar" aka "Mat Zo" (I still remember "Unripemelon") to Robert Vadney and Nathyn Red, and then some more in between, such as "Callum B", a kid so bright, that every track feels like it is way ahead of time.

I play "his" Tech Trance" remix of "Colombia" (back in the days we believed it was "Electro") every year here and there, that track was produced in 2008 and yet, it sounds as loud and as crystal clear as today's tracks. He was the first kid who showed us how badass Electro House could be, and it was also thanks to him that I discovered Dubstep, and guess what track was my introduction to this genre?

It was "Quaver feat A Girl And A Gun - Guillotine (Callum B Remix)". Which I place now as #13 of Best of 2011.

You've come long ways in your music career, you've done Tech Trance, Techno, Electro House and Dubstep, this last one is the music genre that you represent as of now, at least from my point of view, can I say that Dubstep is the music genre that you'll settle on? or are there other styles you plan to take a bite on?

Indeed I have certainly gone through many styles lately, more than some have ever done in their career haha, I think it is mainly because of my addiction to bass music that causes it. One great example would be that bass music is my mistress, where as music overall is my main love. I'm sure I will get involved with the next thing that gets popular in bass music (if I don't create something new myself ha). The only thing that would make Dubstep stick around for me is the fact that like Drum & Bass, you can get a big reception off actually doing quite soulful, musically evocative compositions in that style, you can record lots of acoustic instruments and found sound as due to the genre's roots, they won't immediately sound out of place, that means when the bass heavy aspect gets boring we can compose totally different within the same genre.

I don't really settle which as a musician would probably be my biggest flaw and my saviour; I can always move on but it means it also means I struggle to appeal to agents who want to see a formula and a marketing niche, I'm sure there will be one for me soon though so I just go with it. Not to digress, other styles which I will take a bite on? Maybe a little bit of really musical yet bass heavy Glitch Hop, or that music which people would go and define as Glitch Hop I suppose. No matter what I do, I still want to include a lot more acoustical elements in my music and put them together with really advanced synthesis, to form something new yet still evocative traditionally, I'm slowly starting to achieve this within Dubstep in various remixes, that doesn't mean it will stay within Dubstep though.

"Guillotine" by Quaver and A Girl And A Gun, I remember this was the first Dubstep work I've heard from you, what motivated you to do this remix? and how challenging it was for you?

Well the brilliant aspect with this has to be relationship I have with Quaver and Alex who runs Straight Up!, they don't really want 4-6mins of Skrillex, they want me, as that is who they have come to. The remix feels like that! There are details everywhere, in essence it could of been a straight up bass heavy tune with nothing in it but bass. That isn't the case with this remix! The more times it is heard, the more compositional details will actually become apparent.

The remix is actually much closer to my own roots and what I set out to do with music than 80% of the music I have done and still doing. There are challenging stutter edits which I did by hand, they were actually done by changing the time signature over time (within a second), musically there are elements which will be difficult to decipher until listened to a few times, like that of a Jon Hopkins, BT or Imogen Heap composition. Thus I will always challenge myself to the fullest point, or as much as I think I can get away with, that in itself was a tremendous motivation as well as the fact I was writing as me, with less influence of other people or musicians.

Your Dubstep style, just like everything you do, has an unique touch to it, if you had to describe this remix in less than 5 words, what would it be?

Occasionally Comical, Evocative, Heavy, Challenging.

Would you ever consider going back to your roots, to the very first music genre you started with?

Not really, to go back to something is very difficult, roots are much better served to me as an influence; I don't want simply go back in time and recreate what I have already heard or done, I've tried that and it really wasted my time whilst not proving anything musically or technically. I mean I'd love to write some Funk for example, but I almost prefer it as an influence in Drum & Bass or Dubstep in particular, I like hearing influences like funk in a faster more energetic way myself. Furthermore, it can also be used with other more bass heavy music then, and they can be played on dance floors as well as at home or in the car, we end up with more variation and genre's crossover happening (which naturally makes the entire electronic scene develop). Also, all of my roots have appeared in the odd remix or original composition here and there.

Anything you'd like to say before we conclude this interview?

Yes definitely, thank you for this wonderful interview, these questions are excellent as it means I have to ask myself how I really feel about what I have done in the past, what I'm doing and what my goals are in the future. Almost like a reminder of what I have actually planned to do with music in the short term and long term future. I know you and Alex will want honest answers and your both in it for the music. It's also good to try and let people know I'm not trying to be the new 'Noisia' or 'Skrillex' or someone else who has done something extraordinary. I have my own plans and a lot of it is honing my production to point that I can do anything I like with dancefloor music or music in general; all to a high level.

Thank you Callum for your honesty and sharing your vision, and thanks fans for sticking around and following this countdown closely. See you tomorrow! With not one but two positions! :)

Buy "Guillotine (Callum B Remix)" Here.

Der Mystik's Best of 2011 Countdown: Position #14: "Return of the Jedi"

2011-12-15T23:53:00.000-08:00

"Return of the Jedi" is definitely a title many "Stars Wars" would recognize, but they have no relation whatsoever, it wasn't an official dance music production for the franchise or anything like that.

That said, it doesn't make it less epic, produced by Darth & Vader (Brazil) and released by Braslive Records (one of Straight Up! Music sub-labels) and supported by Armin Van Buuren himself at the Winter Music Conference, this hard Electro House tune packs filth, packs energy, packs crazy basslines and then more energy, the track sounds massive wherever it is played.
It has influences of Dubstep, Breaks, Glitch combined with Electro House making it a wonderful title to have in your collection.

Buy "Return of the Jedi" Here.

Free Download: Diskonnected 027 w/ Monolythe and Lazy Rich

2011-12-15T07:53:00.000-08:00

Tracklists available on the description area on soundcloud.

Diskonnected 027 Feat. Lazy Rich by Big Alliance Records

Der Mystik's Best of 2011 Countdown: Position #15: "On Edge"

2011-12-14T21:12:00.000-08:00

From light and and melodic I jump into dark, aggressive and pumping. Tech Trance has been one of my favorite genres in my life, yet, only a few reach my veins and succeed in stealing my soul.

"On Edge", a title originally produced by JK Walker, released by Borderline, and compiled this year for "Epic & Massive Vol 1" by Straight Up!, is one hell of a Tech Trancer with the capability to drive nuts its listeners. It's intro grabs you instantaneously, and as the track progresses, the energy becomes more apparent. JK Walker is perhaps one of the most brilliant Hard Dance producers of the last 5 years, I would even say better than Scot Project, anyone who is into hard themes, should keep an eye on him.
That is why I position 'On Edge" as #15.

Buy "On Edge" Here.

Der Mystik's Best of 2011 Countdown: Position #16: "Remain In Light"

2011-12-13T21:59:00.000-08:00

There is no doubt that when it comes to naming the vocal icons of Dance music, in particular, of Trance music, Tiff Lacey is in top of the list. This statement is not only backed up by her impressive catalog and the amount of talented producers she has worked with and they keep working with her (me included).

She has a wonderful voice that gives life to any composition, even when I show her music to my family and friends who are NOT Trance music fans, they keep asking for more, they feel mesmerized with her.

“Remain In Light” features her and in my opinion, it is her best track to date, of course the credits are deservedly shared, as Solo and Seagate did a wonderful work with the music.

Not many vocal tracks fulfill the needs of Trance fans looking for a euphorically melodic song with a message they can sing along and identify with. Most vocal tracks are intended for the sole purpose of selling, leaving behind the soul. Then the other way around also happens, where a vocal track is full of melodic ecstasy but lacks of a true vocal hook and message.

"Remain In Light" has both and that's what makes it special. Let's preview it bellow so you can hear what I'm talking about.

The instrumentation is pure gold, I know little about who Solo and Seagate are, but I'm very intrigued to know who are behind these artist aliases. The piano riffs, the luxurious pads, and that exquisite acoustic breakdown are some of the great reasons anyone should buy this track.

It was impossible due to the lack of time to get a hold of the whole "Trio", but I managed to get a few answers by Solo in this mini interview. Check it out.

Solo and Tiff Lacey pres Seagate, at what moment this new alias was created?, Did you agree on it before "Remain in Light" or after? and what's the story (if any) behind that name?

Hi mate, good to hear from you =)

Well, just to get the record straight, the name "Seagate" is not an alias name for Solo and Tiff Lacey as a duet, Seagate is actually another Trance producer and a really tallented one ! Him & Solo just thought to 'present' his name (Seagate) in the title just because it was his first official release and cos it also sounded kind of cool =) .

[Certainly, when I sent the request for this interview to "Solo", I was under the impression that "Seagate" was a collaboration project between him and "Tiff Lacey"]

It can’t be argued that "Remain in Light" is one of the best vocal trance tracks ever created, not only because Tiff gave it all out in terms of harmonics and the mood of her vocals are anthemic (if that is a word), but the instrumentation is top notch, specially that acoustic break down. How the whole concept was born? Did Solo pitch the instrumental over to Tiff Lacey or both discussed the lyrics and the music and created them together?

The guys thank you for the amazing comment ;). Yes, Tiff Lacey is without any doubt one of the top and most magical voices in the scene.. she never fails to get shivers down your spine in every single performance !! Solo & Seagate prepared the instrumental final version of the track and send it off to Tiff. She Wrote the Lyrics and sang the vocals like she only knows how to..the result was simply brilliant !!

Are there any club oriented remixes planned for a later release for this?

Yes, actually a radio edit of the track is coming up soon.

What is coming up next by Seagate?

Hopefully, another massive collaboration between the 3 of us (Solo, Seagate & Tiff) :)

Before we conclude this interview, would you like to say any final words or promote something?

The guys are working on some exciting new projects at the moment, which i m sure you will listen soon. Thank you for the interview and have a great day.

Buy "Remain in Light" here.

Epic & Massive Vol. 2 [Straight Up!] OUT NOW

2011-12-13T10:28:00.000-08:00

Beatport: http://www.beatport.com/release/epic-and-massive-vol-2/839283
iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/epic-massive-vol.-2/id487751126

Tracklist:

01 - Pulser - Altitudes (Marc Simz Remix)
02 - Aiera & Osiris - Supra (Daniel Kandi's Timmus Mix)
03 - Solis & Sean Truby - Loaded (Ben Gold Remix)
04 - Andy Tau - Falling 2011 (Thomas Datt Remix)
05 - Paul Ercossa, Vojt van Twistigen & Kaeno - Galactic Interference (Tempo Giusto's Fusion)
06 - Aurosonic & Ange - Without You (2011 Intro Mix)
07 - Robert Vadney - Second Sky (Trance Dub)
08 - Der Mystik & Tiff Lacey - A Story Told (Original Mix)
09 - Ivica Vanevski & Saturn 6 - Basejumper (Abstract Vision & Elite Electronic Remix)
10 - Haris C & Plant - New Dawn (Haris C Progressive Mix)
11- Dereck Recay - Dream Way 2011 (Faruk Sabanci & Nurettin Colak Remix)
12 - Alex Frolov - Waiting For Sunlight Evening (Original Mix)
13 - Ahmed Romel - Only For You (Arctic Moon Remix)
14 - Audioscape & Niki Mak pres. WNM - Hide & Seek (Suprano Remix)
15 - DoubleV - Pangeea (Original Mix)
16 - Mindful Innovations feat Stine Grove - Far But Close (Anske Remix)
17 - Monroe Ramirez - Erised (Fergie & Sadrian Remix)
18 - Marc van Gale feat Jens S - Far Away (Trimix Remix)
19 - Matt Laws - The Lurker (Original Mix)
20 - Kenneth Cruz- Sky (Diffract Remix)
21 - Cylenth Vision-Celestial Universe (Original Mix)
22 - Michiel de Jong - Static (Original Mix)

Straight Up! Presents: Peak Hour Music Hits [Straight Up!] OUT NOW

2011-12-13T10:25:00.000-08:00

Beatport: http://www.beatport.com/release/straight-up!-presents-peak-hour-music-hits/839248
iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/straight-up!-presents-peak/id487715467

Tracklist:

1) Charles Feelgood - Burn This Disco (DJ Exodus & Reepr Remix)
2) Kunfu Grip - Bass Down Low (DJ Exodus & Leewise Remix)
3) DJ Slynkee, Miss Lisa - Grace Of God (Donald Glaude's Disco Remix)
4) Serafin - Whut (DJ Scotty Boy & DJ Red Remix)
5) Reepr feat. Ice Cream - Gurls Get Me In Trouble (Original Mix)
6) LJ MTX & Connie Lingus - Nice N Wet (LJ MTX 2011 Mix)
7) Andrew Dee & Mick Kantesholt - Oh My Ha (Original Mix)
8) DJ Dank - Step Right Up (Original Mix)
9) Nicky Twist - Do It Right (Original Mix)
10) Andrew Dee & Mick Kastenholt feat Alexander Adstedt - Rockafella (Acid Dropper) (Original Mix)
11) Lanfree - The Mistery (Club Mix)
12) DJ Exodus & Nicky Twist - Rise'N (Richard Fraioli Remix)
13) Jeff T feat. Whiskey Pete - How We Do (Original Mix)
14) DJ Exodus - Body & Soul (Original Mix)
15) Plasmic Honey - Here We Go (Original Mix)
16) Aurel Riviera - Club Trotter (Reepr Remix)
17) David Patel & Joey D'Amico - It's A Fine Day (Original Mix)
18) Kungfu Grip - Reachin' (Original Mix)
19) Reepr - Skweek (Original Mix)
20) David Patel & Joey D'Amico - All this Time (Original Mix)
21) Nicky Twist feat. MC Loose Lips - Drinks Up (Original Mix)
22) DJ Exodus & Matt Arnott - Drugs (Original Mix)

Best of 2011 [Big Alliance Records] OUT NOW

2011-12-13T10:09:00.000-08:00

Beatport: http://www.beatport.com/release/best-of-2011/844316
iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/best-of-2011/id487366909

Including music by Monolythe, Darth & Vader, Digitalchord, Jeff T, Zuri, Dirtyrock & Ecto Cooler, King Kornelius, Eric Farias, DJ Maxsie & Alex Speaker, Mihai Stroe, Callum B, Filip Le Frick and many more.

Braslive Records: The Best of 2011 [Braslive Records] OUT NOW

2011-12-13T10:04:00.000-08:00

http://www.beatport.com/release/braslive-records-the-best-of-2011/846550

Including music by Darth & Vader, Alex Mind, Chrizz Luvly, Eric Farias, FTampa, Elevic, The H2O Project, Paradigm, Fractal System, Titanoz, Gomoha and more!

Der Mystik's Best of 2011 Countdown: Position #17, "13"

2011-12-12T21:56:00.000-08:00

Who would have thought?, that one of the best Uplifting Trance producers of the decade (totally underrated as well) and a hardcore trance fan like no other, would succeed in the production of an Electro oriented mix for his latest single?. Yes, you've read right, Electro, which redefines the statement I did for Haris C a few years ago, of being extremely talented.

This man has shown the world that he can produce anything he wants when he wants to throughout his career, he's done Tech Trance, Uplifting Trance, Progressive Trance and now, Electro Trance. Why #17 of 2011, not only for the merits mentioned above, but the track features great melodies (as usual from this producer) but also a kick ass drop that leaves you wanting for more, it has glitches, dirty basslines, chopped samples in and out without losing the essence of Trance. This truly shows the impact and influence that Electro House has done over Trance.

I remember falling in love with "Ayamonte", a track released a few years ago by "Moonrising Records" (now deceased), a true floor destroyer, who produced it, well, Haris C.

I've been able to witnessed his evolution , his humility as a person, producer and Dj, that is why I'm proud to interview him for a second time. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you, Haris C.

You've always been a Trance purist, a hardcore trance fan, when we hear about Haris C, we immediately think "Uplifting Trance". When and why did you decide to make a full on, electro house mix?

Yes you are right and that’s who im, what I feel and what I will keep on doing. Well one day I was working in my studio and I said hell yes let’s try and do a blend of electro meets trance thingy and I have decided to do the 13 electro mix and the result was great.

Is this perhaps a mark for a new beginning for Haris C? will we see more Electro House titles coming your way? if so, will you consider switching to Electro House just like a few artists already have?

Nope never and I’m straight forward about this. I wasn’t a fan of electro but I took this opportunity and tried something new. To be honest, talking from my side of things, producing electro isn’t that fun as it is to produce a trance record. I still believe that something is missing, dunno melodies and stuff. Electro is based more into the basslines and rhythm rather than melodies, and on the other hand trance has all the above plus the main melody or riff which is quite difficult to produce. Trance for me is my life!

Why "13"? what's the meaning behind that title?

In July 11^th here in my country a big explosion took place because our stupid, unworthy and unprofessional government didn’t took any precaution on removing the deadly cargo that was based near a military camp, and as a result due to heat a huge explosion took place and 13 people lost their lives and millions of euro damages took place..so that title is dedicated to them.

You own Factual Records, and you have released Electro House remixes from artists of Straight Up!'s camp, Monolythe and Zuri. Are you planning to get more Electro House released in this imprint?

Yes why not!. If we have a track that needs an electro treatment then it will be done. Here in Factual we like to expand our catalog to most of the EDM genres, please more and more people and electro fits just perfect in it.

What is next for Haris C? perhaps a dubstep track? an album?

Yes it’s true an album is at the back of my head but not for now I have a huge problem with time in general. I wished that I could work not just on weekends but whole week but unfortunately I can’t. I have so many things to deal over the week with my Job and radio station in general so time is a problem for me. I’m currently working on 3 remixes and 3 Originals and I’m trying to get them out asap due to time limits. Honestly I can’t see myself doing a dubstep track because I only want to produce what I love and that is Trance music. If I ever get an album out, it will include a blend of Trance tracks plus 1-2 chill out ones.

Buy Haris C - 13 (Haris C's Electro Mix) Here!

Der Mystik's Best of 2011 Countdown: Position #18 "Zeitgeist (Tasadi Remix)"

2011-12-11T19:04:00.000-08:00

Tasadi has been captivating audiences for over a decade with a variety of talents, demonstrating his unbelievable insight and skills as a producer, remixer, engineer, radio host, and even label manager.

Already duly noted by several of dance music’s elite, such as Armin Van Buuren, Tiesto, Paul Oakenfold, and Paul Van Dyk, Tasadi takes his passion for heavily rhythmic and melodically intense music and molds it into his own unique-sounding electronic blend that pushes all boundaries.

He already holds an amazingly diverse discography of originals with accolades from some of the world's biggest labels, as well as grand remixes for top EDM artists including Gareth Emery, Solarstone, and Tilt (Andy Moor). He has also completed a debut album, The System, released under the legendary Lost Language imprint with a massive follow-up double CD compilation album, Lost Language Exhibition Century.

Released as part of the 55th catalog number of Solaris Recordings, "Zeitgeist" originally produced by one of the greatest Trance music minds of all time "Solarstone", and remixed but yet another brilliant Dj/Producer, with a decade of original productions and remixes on his shoulders, each exceeding the previous one in quality, this is my top #18 of 2011.

No words are needed to describe its beauty, just listen to video clip above and you'll find out the words by yourself if any. For this mention I've invited Tasadi himself who was so kind to grace us with a mini-interview. Check it out!

Tasadi, a name that is related to many quality tracks and classics, I'm really glad to have you with me in this mini-interview, so thank you for your time, I'm sure it was hard to find some time in your busy schedule.

Thank you for taking the time and for the opportunity. Always a pleasure

Zeitgeist (Tasadi Remix) has a nice progressive formula, beautiful use of vocals and hypnotic instrumentation. What was the first impression when you heard the original mix and how long did it take you to finish this amazing remix?

After listening to the original, I thought to myself there are some amazing elements in here (typical Solarstone), but that I could give this remix a different twist. I wanted to keep the trancey and melodic vibe, but give it a more chunky & progressive groove on top. It took me about two weeks to complete this.

You are not only an experienced Producer and Remixer (with a decade of music career), but also a radio host and label manager, as a radio host, what are the qualities of the music you select to be considered for radio programming, besides the obvious ones?

That’s actually a very simple question, yet difficult to answer. I think it’s something you just feel really. What I would pick 10 years ago for my mix CDs are completely different than what I pick now, even staying in the genre of trance. You kinda just develop an ear for what hits just right, and a simple formula for me now days lush melodic breakdowns followed by big basses and solid grooves.

As a label manager (Sedna Recordings) , and as many of us, you have witness the radical change that the digital era did for dance music, can you say now that you totally embrace this era as the perfect form of music delivery and reach, or do you feel nostalgic about the 12" and wished it was still in its prime time?

I know I will get butchered for this answer, but my opinion is the mp3 / digital era is the worst thing that happened to dance music. Both artist and labels make far less money these days than they did when things were 12”, leading many to actually stop doing music all together. Lots of the classic names in the past just died out, and you really don’t hear anything from them these days. And from a non-monetary point of view, I personally loved the 12”. Several years ago, I would always order my records in advance from Amsterdam, and when I would play my sets I had material that no one else had heard of (and was difficult to obtain)... making the set special. Now days just about anyone can get any track, burn it and play it... Which is nice in certain ways too, but looses the mystical factor it once had.

I see in your website, that you are launching a mastering service company, it says coming soon, how soon is that going to be, and most importantly, as every year new mastering suites appear offering online services at very affordable prices, will you open doors for everyone that needs a great sound result or is it going to be only for selected companies/artists?

Yes, I’ve been getting lots of artist asking me to master their tracks, so I said why not make it an actual mastering service company. It will be called Magic Touch Mastering, and the doors will be open to everyone who needs a master (specifically focusing on dance music) at an affordable price. I will be personally doing the masters (for now) in my studio which is fully treated with RME sound and Focal Twin 6 Be monitoring.

Zeitgeist remix, is one hell of a tune, and so is your remix for Existome track "Supergreen" (just released this month!), what is coming next by Tasadi? perhaps an album?

I really appreciate the comments; glad you like them. I have a couple singles on the way , and remixes. I just finished new single with Nhato (a collaboration that always seems to work well). As far as an album goes, nothing planned for the near future (it’s just sooo much work), but I do plan on making the next chapter of my mix compilation “Ascension 002” in 2012.

Buy this awesome remix here!

Der Mystik's Best of 2011 Countdown: Position #19 "Virago (Hanski Remix)"

2011-12-10T20:47:00.000-08:00

One thing is for certain, every month we hear more Trance tunes being produced with Electro influences. Boundaries are being broken and to me unlike many others, that is great, 7 years ago if I've heard stuff like this I would probably freak out, but being in the music business and being able to see and hear the evolution of Trance music has helped me to understand, that this genre wouldn't survive if its boundaries weren't broken.

"Virago" originally produced by Leolife and remixed by Hanski, one of the most promising Progressive/Electro Trance producers of this year, fits this description, it still has the trancy elements, the beautiful breakdowns, but once it drops it features glitches, dirty basses , addictive grooves that are very characteristic of Electro House music. It works very well in the sets were you start with electro house and you need a smooth transition to Progressive Trance, because truth to be told, this is a tune of both worlds and a very good one!, and for such it deserves a placement in my humble top 20 of this year. Great job!

Buy here!

Killer Beatz Vol. 2 [Straight Up!] OUT NOW

2011-12-10T10:33:00.000-08:00

Beatport: http://www.beatport.com/release/killer-beatz-vol-2/839321
iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/killer-beatz-vol.-2/id485859631
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7CAEEE5A7483B9BB

Tracklist:

1) The S - Yuk It Up (Original Mix)
2) A.G. Trio - Bass Effect (Zodiac Cartel Remix)
3) You Killing Me & Dead C.A.T Bounce - Abyss (Original Mix)
4) Owl Vision - Fucking Ill (Belzebass Remix)
5) You Killing Me - Hey! (The Boomzers Remix)
6) A.G. Trio - Everyone with Us (Autodidakt Remix)
7) Blakan Mashina - Gypsytronic (Beef Theatre Remix)
8) Trashing Teenagers - Wrath Of God (F.O.O.L. Remix)
9) Distrakt - Rompa Stompa (Owl Vision Remix)
10) Disco Trash Music - Boulderdash (The Bulgarian Remix)
11) Monstar - The Undertakers Wife (Seed Remix)
12) The Rox - Dropper - (Silent H! Remix)
13) Cosmic Sand - Back To The Moonlight Sonata MvT.1 (WASA3I Remix)
14) Dirtyrock - You Better Work (Original Mix)
15) Spunker - Stop The Attack (Hack The System Remix)
16) Stepsonics - Giper INFE.ction (Original Mix)
17) Owl Vision - Deathstar (Skitsnygg Remix)
18) Jan Waterman - The Right Track (Original mix)
19) DJ Antention - Beny Blanco (Original Mix)
20) Doctr - The Balloon (Mechanical Resistance Remix)
21) Mess Me - Sober (Original Mix)
22) The W Feat. Yunus - Victim (Polymorphic Remix)

Digital Freq feat. Pyramyth - Together Forever [Braslive Records] OUT NOW

2011-12-10T10:29:00.000-08:00

Including remixes by FTampa and Candyland

http://www.beatport.com/release/together-forever/839322

Digital Freq feat Pyramyth - Together Forever (FTampa Remix) OUT NOW by ftampa

DJ Feedback:

Lazy Rich - "Very nice, FTampa has done some awesome stuff recently"
Marcus Schossow - "sick love it 10/10" FTampa Remix
Far Too Loud - "biiiiiig 9/10" FTampa Remix
Hirshee - "orig & candyland remix for me, cheers"
Flash Brothers - "Dope electro house remix with a Punk edge to it!"
MC Flipside - "wicked tune" original mix
Alex Kidd (USA) - "Great track...definite banger." FTampa Remix
Ming - "Banger!"
Monolythe - "Killer remix by mr tampa , support here !!"
Alex Mind - "BooM!"
The Slag - "Candyland is a tasty treat that shouldn't be missed!"
Anna Kiss - "This gets a rare 10 because its a great all round package, not a bunch of similar sounding underground remixes! people need a variety. I love all of these tracks. will support on all shows :)"

Ian Beers - Sleeper Punch EP [Exalted Tunes] OUT NOW

2011-12-10T10:08:00.000-08:00

Including remixes by Tejaswi and Johann Stone

http://www.beatport.com/release/sleeper-punch-ep/833309

EXLTD005 Ian Beers - Sleeper Punch EP by exaltedtunes

DJ Feedback:

Daniel Kandi - "Original is supported! Johann Stone Remix is also quite phat!"
Mark Pledger - "Sleeper Punch and Johann Stone mix are cool! 9/10"
JOOP - "Stone remix is nice and tuff! original sleep punch rocks 2!"
Paul Trainer - "liking the Johann Stone Remix"
Robert Vadney - "Thanks for this, will support. 9/10"
Eddie Sender - "massive 9/10"
Abstract Vision & Elite Electronic - "Great arrange!Great pack!Great Track!"
Dav Gomrass - "Happy Happy Trance 8/10"

Der Mystik - "Very cool release. Sleeper Punch (Original and Johann Stone Remix) are very solid tracks! Hot sound alert!"

D-Mark - "Awesome!"

Suzy Solar - "Awesome Johann Stone remix!"

Audioscape & Niki Mak - Control Freak [Big Alliance Records] OUT NOW

2011-12-10T09:58:00.000-08:00

Including remixes by Digitalchord and Skullee

http://www.beatport.com/release/control-freak/836948

BA098 - Audioscape & Niki Mak pres WNM - Control Freak inc/Digitalchord and Skullee Remixes by Big Alliance Records

Loud Disco Machine - Dirty Rocker [Big Alliance Records] OUT NOW

2011-12-10T09:54:00.000-08:00

Including The Clave Remix

http://www.beatport.com/release/dirty-rocker/844594

BA099 - Loud Disco Machine - Dirty Rocker inc/ The Clave Remix by Big Alliance Records

Der Mystik's Best of 2011 Countdown: Position #20 "Latin Sushi"

2011-12-09T23:45:00.000-08:00

It’s the time again for the honorable mentions, it’s the time again to remember the great music we were able to enjoy this already dying year. All of us have our personal top 20’s, all different from each other, but if you care to know mine, you are welcome to read on!

The first track featured in this countdown was recently released by Big Alliance Deep, it is part of a two track EP (the other one being “Spiral”) showcasing what two brill producers can do in their studio when they combine their efforts.

Latin Sushi, the one I ranked #20, is a tech house tune with beautiful piano riffs and a more than a decent groove. You all know how much I hate tech house, but this is one of the few exceptions and for such I’ve placed it here, so check it out.

To finish this review and feature, I’ve invited the writers of this title for the first mini-interview of this countdown. Everyone, Mihai Stroe and Dj Rico Rox.

* How did you two meet up? and how long have you been collaborating in music?

We have been working together for about 8 months. We met through a mutual friend who knew we both shared the same passion for music and thought we might be able to collaborate on a few things. Mihai knows a lot about the production side of music and has a lot of experience with various programming. I am more in the music “scene,” DJing at various clubs and continuously working to find new sounds. Combining our strengths we are unstoppable!

* What's the story behind the title "Latin Sushi"?

The piano riff sounded latin to us but it really pulled in a number of sounds we couldn’t quite place. Mihai had jokingly said, “It’s kinda like sushi; all the flavors melding so well together.” It was the perfect analogy and just stuck.

* If each of you had to explain in less than 5 words what "Latin Sushi" is all about, what would it be?

Melodic. Rythmic. Energy. Danceable. Spongy (our made up word for a beat that just sticks with you).

* What's coming up next by Mihai Stroe & Dj Rico Rox?

We are excited to be a part of a selected group of world-class DJ’s at the biggest New Years Eve event in LA; Big Bang, at the Kodak Theater Complex. Other than that, we are looking forward to pounding tunes, massive shows and tearing down the house!

* Any final words to the readers or anything that you'd like to promote or advertise before we go?

Yes, go pick download your copy of Latin Sushi! Keep your eyes and ears open for upcoming records and shows in 2012. And, stay tuned on Facebook for all of our updates!

Mihai Stroe's Facebook

Dj Rico Rox' Facebook

Buy "Latin Sushi" Here

---

Thank you Mihai and Rico again for the interview, thank you fans for reading it and see you tomorrow for pick #19! Adios!

Straight Up Breaks! [Straight Up!] OUT NOW

2011-12-01T11:49:00.000-08:00

Beatport: http://www.beatport.com/release/straight-up-breaks!/836931
iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/straight-up-breaks!/id485017765
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCE886B33D65A38FE

Tracklist:

1) Kombainer - I Dont Have Enough Money (Access Denied Remix)
2) The Gulf Gate Project - Beezy (Electric Soulside Remix)
3) Lazy Rich ft Lizzie Curious - Get Out (DJ Hero Re-Rub)
4) Beatman & Ludmilla, Hyper - Lights (Original mix)
5) Lucky Date - Ho's & Disco's (Midnight Conspiracy Remix)
6) Deekline & Dustin Hulton feat. Sporty-O & Nikki Carabello - The Weekend (Original Mix)
7) Dunugoz & Tha Roofas - Anita's Theme (Come On People) (Fremdkunt Reblend Long Version)
8) Yenn - Morph (Refracture Remix)
9) Blazer - Robotek (Original mix)
10) BreakZhead feat. Kyla - Overload (Original Mix)
11) Lady Pack - The Truth Is Calling (Dockthor Remix)
12) The Gulf Gate Project - We've Said Too Much (Original Mix)
13) B-Phreak - Body Check (Original mix)
14) Devin Martin feat. Leigha Crumbley - Rockstep (Original Mix)
15) NSL - Fallen Man (Refracture Remix)
16) Cage Page - Challenger (Hironimus Bosch Remix)
17) Rioter No. 1 - Good Acid (Rektchordz Remix)
18) Deenk - Elektro ( Quadrat Beat Remix)
19) Ugly Dave - Grated Rakes (Original mix)
20) Simpleton - Just Let Go (Big Monster Remix)
21) Hardnoise - Do you Remember (Original Mix)
22) Kraymon - Light Of The World (Original Mix)

Mobscene - Graceful Destruction EP [Big Alliance Records] OUT NOW

2011-12-01T11:41:00.000-08:00

Including Graceful Destruction and High

Buy at Beatport: http://www.beatport.com/release/graceful-destruction-ep/835011

BA097 - Mobscene - Graceful Destruction EP by Big Alliance Records

The Fish House - Banged + FTampa Remix [Braslive Records] OUT NOW

2011-12-01T11:35:00.000-08:00

Buy at Beatport: http://www.beatport.com/release/banged/833827

The Fish House - Banged (FTampa Remix) by ftampa

DJ Feedback:

Lazy Rich - "FTampa remix is great! 8/10"
Sean Tyas - "Really dig the FTampa remix!"
Far Too Loud - "big into the ftampa remix"
JELO - "The FTampa remix is super rocking. will use for sure in clubs"
Revolvr - "Pretty dope!"
Thomas Penton - "Banged is a banger! Original mix. Thanks."
Hirshee - "ftampa remix for me!"
Frederik Mooij - "nice ep ! :) like that ftampa mix"
Alex Kidd (USA) - "FTampa remix is solid"
Alex Mind - "Brilliant!"
Monolythe - "FTampa remix rocks , will spin this one !"
Valerna - "The FTampa remix is solid peak material, got my support."

Digitalchord - Galaxy Mask (The Remixes) [Big Alliance Records] OUT NOW

2011-12-01T11:19:00.000-08:00

Including remixes by Schroff, Stepsonics and Jan Waterman

Buy at Beatport: http://www.beatport.com/release/galaxy-mask-the-remixes/831853

BA096 -Digitalchord - Galaxy Mask (The Remixes) Schroff, Stepsonics and Jan Waterman by Big Alliance Records

DJ Feedback:

Lazy Rich - "That Stepsonics remix is pretty damn evil... 8/10"
Sean Tyas - "simply fantastic package, schroff remix for me! not sure how im gonna work this into my set though!"
MC Flipside - "Waterman mix is sick"
Revolvr - "My brain just exploded. 9/10"
Anne Savage - "love his misx (Stepsonics Remix)"
Alex Kidd (USA) - ".the Jan Waterman remix is good, thanks. 8/10"
Hirshee - "big will def be supporting this! 9/10"
Callum B - "Heavy remix this one! love it mate! (Schroff Remix)"
Monolythe - "Jan Waterman will do for me. Dubstep remixes are also very f... good"
Anna Kiss - "Love it AND love the anonymous mask album art DIRTY! will support schroff and jan waterman mixes x"
Nick Sadler / Never Say Die - "Stepsonics is pushing the boundaries which is right up my alley"
The Slag - "Schroff is a new name but one to remember with this dubstep mastery"
Robert Vadney - "Thanks, will support the mix by Stepsonics."

The H2O Project - Under The Spell Of Faun [Braslive Records] OUT NOW

2011-12-01T10:46:00.000-08:00

Buy at Beatport: http://www.beatport.com/release/under-the-spell-of-faun/834976

The H2O Project - Under the spell of Faun (Preview) by Braslive Records

Mihai Stroe & DJ Rico Rox - Spiral / Latin Sushi [Big Alliance Deep] OUT NOW

2011-12-01T10:36:00.000-08:00

Beatport: http://www.beatport.com/release/spiral-latin-sushi/833835
Trackitdown: http://www.trackitdown.net/genre/tech_house_minimal/track/3791110.html

BAD016 - Mihai Stroe & DJ Rico Rox - Spiral / Latin Sushi by Big Alliance Deep

Club Destroyers: Original Mixes Edition Vol. 2 [Straight Up!] OUT NOW

2011-11-23T10:31:00.000-08:00

Beatport:
http://www.beatport.com/release/club-destroyers-original-mixes-edition-vol-2/833815

iTunes:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/club-destroyers-original-mixes/id481741000

Tracklsit:

1) Monolythe - Compass (Original Mix)
2) Zuri - Teddy Bear (Dub Mix)
3) Frederik Olufsen - Yet Another Sax Thing (Original Mix)
4) Horny Sanchez & Exceeder - Epic (Original Mix)
5) Michael White - Greenfields (Original Mix)
6) Dirtyrock - Hit The Floor (Original Mix)
7) Monstar - Cat & Mouse (Original Mix)
8) Solar Shock - Jupiter Is In Danger (Original mix)
9) Tribeat & Teka - Dead Action (Original Mix)
10) Monolythe vs Zuri - Infected (Original Mix)
11) Under Construction - Yourself Tonight (Original Mix)
12) Gloumout - NYC Make It Happen (Original mix)
13) Dan Thomas - I Used To Be A Rockstar (Original Mix)
14) Fernando Lima & South Louis - Onair (Original Mix)
15) Graziano Ruan & Christian Patti - Eclipse (Original Mix)

ETC!ETC! feat. Crystal Vision - Move Your Body [Big Alliance Records] OUT NOW

2011-11-23T10:26:00.000-08:00

Including Michael Froh Remix

http://www.beatport.com/release/move-your-body/828807

BA094 - ETC!ETC! feat. Crystal Vision - Move Your Body inc/Michael Froh remix by Big Alliance Records

DJ Feedback:

MC Flipside - "shit is nuts :)"
Revolvr - "Bouncy!"
Anne Savage - "Love Michael Froh mix"
Flash Brothers - "Original sounds banging! :-)"
Monolythe - "Love both tracks! They're going to do some damage on the dancefloor"
Eddie Sender - "bomb!"
Anna Kiss - "liking the froh mix mostest.."
Nick Sadler / Never Say Die - "Heavy Stuff! Will defo be playing in late night sets"
King Kornelius - "Michael Froh at it again"
DJ City - "Froh deliveres a complete SMASHER...so big"

Fatso - Nightfalls EP [Big Alliance Records] OUT NOW

2011-11-23T10:18:00.000-08:00

Including Nightfalls and WOHG64

http://www.beatport.com/release/nightfalls-ep/830351

BA095 - Fatso - Nightfalls EP by Big Alliance Records

DJ Feedback:

Lazy Rich - "Pretty decent, will support 8/10"
Anne Savage - "Floorfillers!"
Alex Mind - "wonderful!"
Flash Brothers - "Great electro progressive tunes, will support!"
Monolythe - "Nice release ! diggin nightfalls , support !"
Soul Puncherz - "Yes Melodic yet Dirty Punchin Basss Yeaiahhhh!!!!!"
DJ City - "Clean production and some interesting sounds but like the melody style in WOH"

Elevic feat. Jay Jacob - Dreams [Braslive Records] OUT NOW

2011-11-23T10:03:00.000-08:00

Including the Original mix and Dub Mix

http://www.beatport.com/release/dreams/831843

Elevic feat. Jay Jacob - Dreams (Radio Edit) by Braslive Records

DJ Feedback:

Far Too Loud - "pretty cool, prefer the dub"
Flash Brothers - "Nice club track :-)"
FTampa - "Fucking amazing! If David Guetta listen to this music he will play it for sure =)"
Monolythe - "Like the vocal work from Jay and chords on the break"
Yenn - "Way to go, good work. Kudos to the label, the producer and the singer."
Ming - "Bangin!! Nice progressive/tech combo. Refreshing vocal as well. Cheers!"
DJ City - "Production is clean, cool structure to it"

Straight Up Electro House! Vol. 5 becomes the Number 1 Electro House Release at beatport!

2011-11-22T09:03:00.000-08:00

Thanks everybody for the support, STUEH! Vol. 5 become today the number 1 Electro House release at Beatport!

The compilation includes music by artists like Lazy Rich, Fukkk Offf, Dirtyloud, Darth & Vader, Chrizz Luvly, Alex Kidd (USA) & King Kornelius, Monolythe, Neon Stereo, Zuri, Vodge Diper, Aotmic Drop, Fast Foot to name just a few.

Check it out:
http://www.beatport.com/release/straight-up-electro-house!-vol-5/830860

Monolythe's Beatport November Chart

2011-11-22T08:59:00.000-08:00

The Duo is back at it again with a brand new remix of "Filthy Inspiration" out on their label Big Alliance Records!

They also put together their top 10 favorite tracks of the moment at Beatport, including tracks by Revolvr, NERO, Vodge Diper, Far Too Loud, Miss Genesis, Stepsonics, Yenn & Jay Jacob, Fernando Lima and Frederik Mooij.

http://www.beatport.com/chart/monolythes-november-chart/42111

Straight Up Electro House! Vol. 5 [Straight Up!] OUT NOW

2011-11-16T10:24:00.000-08:00

Buy at Beatport: http://www.beatport.com/release/straight-up-electro-house!-vol-5/830860
Buy at iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/straight-up-electro-house!/id480237942
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLF6195ECA7A0C462B

Tracklist:

1) Lazy Rich - Better Wipe That Up (Original Mix)
2) T.Raumschmiere - Entertain Me (Fukkk Offf Remix)
3) Michael Froh - Crtical Mass (Darth & Vader Remix)
4) Dubsidia - Kill Humans (Dirtyloud Remix)
5) Alex Kidd (USA) & King Kornelius - Milk and Cookies (Original Mix)
6) Jay Saunders - Black Swan (Chrizz Luvly Remix)
7) Circuit Freq & Z-Listers - Tweak & Repeat (Neon Stereo Remix)
8) Electric Soulside - Speed Up (Monolythe Remix)
9) Digitalchord - Behind The Mask (Original Mix)
10) Vodge Diper - Some Arpeggios (Original Mix)
11) Yenn, Nam Nori feat Rico Caruso - Call It What You Want (Fast Foot Remix)
12 ) Atomic Drop - Drop The Beat (Im Feelin') (Original Mix)
13) Melody Of Elements & Bohdan Kozlovskyi - Fucking Electro Brain (Original mix)
14) iPunk - invasion (Doc Trashz Remix)
15) Carbon Parlour - Rock This House (Faust & Shortee Remix)
16) Crossfaders - Euterpe (Schroff Remix)
17) PRA2 - My Empire (Original Mix)
18) Headway - Upshot (Original Mix)
19) Zuri - Trapfield (Original mix)
20) DJ Maxsie & Alex Speaker - Comeback From Miami (Original mix)

Rektchordz - Filthy Inspiration EP [Big Alliance Records] OUT NOW

2011-11-16T10:20:00.000-08:00

Including Filthy Inspiration, Doomology and remixes by Monolythe and Jeff T

Buy at Beatport: http://www.beatport.com/release/filthy-inspiration/825098

BA092 - Rektchordz - Filthy Inspiration inc / Monolythe and Jeff T remixes by Big Alliance Records

DJ Feedback:

Lazy Rich - "Jeff T all the way 8/10"
Sean Tyas - Supported at Tytanium Sessions 119
Far Too Loud - "Filthy Inspiration is a nice track, but I'd go for one of the remixes in my sets I think. nice release though 8/10"
Alex Kidd (USA) - "Jeff T mix is tops 8/10"
Aniki - "great stuff! 8/10"
Revolvr - "Jeff T Rocks! 8/10"
Electric Soulside - "Jeff T remix is sick, and the Filthy Inspiration original is nice Good release!! Support!! 8/10"
Flash Brothers - "Filthy Inspiration (Original Mix) sounds good! 7/10"
King Kornelius - "Love the monolythe remix.... love the drums.. love the mixdown... nice work :) Jeff T remix is pretty destructive too 8/10"
Nick Sandler / Never Say Die - "Will defo play the original - banging! 9/10"
Anna Kiss - "Great selection of tracks - all dirty AS! 10/10"
Audiobotz - "Massive stompers from Monolythe bois and Jeff T!! Me thinks they are gunna do some serious damage!! 9/10"
The Slag - "Monolythe remix is peak hour goodness! 8/10"

Audioscape & Niki Mak - Hide & Seek [Exalted Tunes] OUT NOW

2011-11-16T09:55:00.000-08:00

Including remixes by Ian Beers, Suprano and Sayphonik

Buy at Beatport: http://www.beatport.com/release/hide-and-seek/822653

EXLTD004 - Audioscape & Niki Mak pres WNM - Hide & Seek by exaltedtunes

DJ Feedback:

W & W - "Liking this" supported at Mainstage Radio Show 079
Markus Schulz - "good stuff thanks"
Andy Moor - "Will Try"
Steve Anderson - "Supporting the Suprano & Sayphonik Mixes..." Supported at SAME Radio 149 & 151
Grube & Hovsepian - "Great remix from Sayphonik. Grube & Hovsepian support!"
Eddie Sender - "full support"
Flash Brothers - "Ian Beers Remix sounds good!"
Bissen - "works for me."
Harry Lemon aka Lemon8 - "Though it's not my style to play this. I have to say it's a very good commercial sounding release with solid mixes. Good luck with the release. I'm sure it will do well."
Robert Vadney - "Thanks, will support the mix by Ian Beers." supported at ReClublic 016
Der Mystik - "Perfect Package! all mixes are outstanding!" Supported at Rockin' Your World 040
Rene Ablaze - "Will be supported in the next redux sessions radio show! Thanks!"
Suzy Solar - "Really digging this pack! My favorites are Original mix and Suprano remix."

Alex Mind - Peacemakers [Braslive Records] OUT NOW

2011-11-16T09:35:00.000-08:00

Including remixes by Atomic Drop, Freefire, Cool Project and Metzo & Dubble JD

Buy at Beatport: http://www.beatport.com/release/peacemakers/827289

Alex Mind - Peacemakers (EP Preview) by Braslive Records

DJ Feedback:

Lazy Rich - "Atomic Drop remix is the best here, been loving their recent stuff. 8/10"
Far Too Loud - "Peacemakers is a great track, and I think Metzo and Dubble JD pull off the top remix here 7/10"
Hirshee - "atomic drop remix for me! 8/10"
Monolythe - "Great and solid pack, Freefire remix is the one for me !"
Flash Brothers - "Freefire Remix is cool pumping mix!"
King Kornelius - "I likes the freefire one best. very intense"
Sneaker & The Dryer - "Freefire Remix is on fire, will be hurting people with it for sure!"
The Slag - "The Freefire remix is pure delicious butter I want to spread all over my ears!"

Tribeat & Orbeat - Adrenaline [Big Alliance Deep] OUT NOW

2011-11-16T09:25:00.000-08:00

Including a Fernando Lima Remix

Buy at Beatport: http://www.beatport.com/release/adrenaline/828826
Buy at Trackitdown:
http://www.trackitdown.net/genre/tech_house_minimal/track/3760181.html

BAD015 - Tribeat & Orbeat - Adrenaline inc/ Fernando Lima Remix by Big Alliance Deep

Buy

Disco Reason & Vibelung - Behind Us EP [Big Alliance Records] OUT NOW

2011-11-16T09:17:00.000-08:00

Including Behind Us and Sick Pete

Buy at Beatport: http://www.beatport.com/release/behind-us-ep/828831

BA093 - Disco Reason & Vibelung - Behind Us EP by Big Alliance Records

DJ Feedback:

Lazy Rich - "Really nice track, awesome break down. 8/10"
Sean Tyas - "Original mix of behind us I really like 8/10"
MC Flipside - "This is a great EP.... nice.... Love Behind US. 8/10"
Anne Savage - "Love this release 8/10"
Flash Brothers - "Good pumping electro house tunes! Will test out! 7/10"
Alex Kidd (USA) - "Thanks 7/10"
Monolythe - "Diggin Behind us ! , sick pete is also a nice track, support ! 8/10"

Interview with Audioscape and Niki Mak

2011-11-15T01:07:00.000-08:00

Versatility, perseverance, will power, ambition, love for music, are a few of the qualities that any artist who wishes to become part of Exalted Tunes/ Straight Up! Music labels must have.

In this interview, we are proud to present to the world two of them, two people who have shown throughout the years how versatile they can be.
Two human beings, just like you and I, that with perseverance and power of will have accomplish some of their goals and have filled the hearts of music lovers, the floors of party goers with rhythms and enchanting voices.

Two artists whom with good ambition have gotten this far and continue growing. One, mostly a Producer, the other, a talented vocalist, showing that their love for music remains as strong as when it was when their careers started.

Ladies and gentlemen, we give you, Audioscape & Niki Mak.

(To facilitate the editing of this interview, we have abbreviated Audioscape as "AS", Niki Mak as just "Niki" and Straight Up! Music as "SU!").

THE BEGINNING

SU! - Hi Audioscape and Niki Mak, thanks for taking the time to do this interview with us. Let's begin with a bit of your background, such as where are you from?, what are your real names?, What were your first steps into music?, and who were your musical influences back in the days?.

AS - I’m from London, which is where I’ve lived most of my life. I got into music through mixtapes being passed around at school at the age of about 12, (very early filesharing?) and then naturally progressed through learning how to DJ and then wanting to make my own music. I never learnt any instruments at school, and looking back I had some questionable taste in music (that still may be true). But I started out listening to The Prodigy and then through that finding a lot of the early underground dance music and DJ’s. At around the age of 14 one of the older kids we’d hang around with, got a pair of decks and along with it came an almost god like status, so it wasn’t long before I was scraping together the cash for my very own pair. Everything from that point onward has led to where we are today.

Niki - My real name is Nicola Cashin and I am from Birmingham but I have lived in London for the last 11 years. My influences come from the old skool rave scene..Rozalla and Shades of Rhythm. My first break into music came by pure accident.. I was17 years old and a dancer on the rave scene in the 90’s .. I was on stage at a ‘Dance Planet’ rave. It was 2am and Carl Cox was spinning 3 decks when mid set the electric on the decks fused out. The music stopped and the rave came to a stand still, the atmosphere went flat and people started booing..Mad P from Top Buzz was MC-ing so as I was on stage I asked him for the Mic and started singing Accapella to the crowd for about 15mins, everyone started cheering and dancing and then eventually the decks came back on and the rave started again! There was an A&R guy at the back of the stage for Fantasia Records, he rushed over to me and asked me to go to London the next week and sign with them as a vocalist – ‘Nicky Mac’…and so my musical journey began : )

SU! - There are quite a few things that our fans don’t know about Audioscape and Niki Mak, but if I may spoil a little, these two artists are very versatile in terms of music. Would you like to tell us each of you, what was the first music genre you stepped in professionally and what were your highlights during this era?

AS - I had a hard time getting my first release, so in the end I decided to release it myself on vinyl. I was exclusively making Hardcore at this point and after the first release Mark “Sparky” Coupe and I formed Indiscriminate Records and began regularly releasing vinyl. Looking back it was all a little rough around the edges and in truth it was probably a little early for my music to be seeing releases at this point but we got buy on enthusiasm and Sparky’s talent – those rough edges were part of the labels charm.

I learnt a lot from Sparky about production and together we sort of felt our way through the music industry. To be honest, I think it’s safe to say we didn’t have much of a clue but everything we did was new and exciting and we approached it as such. Every penny we made went back into the label either with new releases or having massive parties and we were always scheming something new to do every day (I remember at one point we briefly discussed doing a Hardcore fitness video… yeah).

It would be hard to pick a highlight, as the whole experience was enjoyable. In the end the label ran its course and we didn’t really get the hang of the digital market, which was just coming to the forefront at the time. I really miss putting tracks out on vinyl but times change.

Niki - As mentioned above my first music genre was ‘rave’ music featuring on both Fantasia’s Albums as their female artist and performing live at massive rave parties. I sang at one of the biggest outdoor raves at Donnington Park. It was awesome performing to over 30,000 people that was a definite highlight ! Then I ventured into Hard house and working with Tony De Vit was another memorable time.

[That's what we call a pair of very motivated new artists!]

SU! - Have you always been “Audioscape” and “Niki Mak”? and how/why did these aliases originated?

AS - No I’ve had a number of aliases over the years, and no doubt I’ve probably forgotten a few too. Audioscape came about when I had my first release on Nukleuz. The first track I released with them was “Walk Away” and it marked a big improvement over my previous work and it finally represented how I wanted to sound as an artist.

It felt like the right time to draw a line under my previous names and start afresh with the first release on Nukleuz as my benchmark. It went on to do really well and after a while the name Audioscape became known for releasing on that label which is exactly what I wanted. I picked Audioscape on a whim. I basically came down to an email from Dave Louca (head of A&R at the time) asking me what the release was called and it was the first thing that popped into my head.

[Trust us, our fans as well as ourselves have seen worse title names! such as "Chochicho Tiene Hambre" (Chochicho is hungry) by Heatbeat or "My Uncle Used to Love Me but She Died" by Roger Miller, yah, you hear them the first time and it's a guaranteed "WTF?" in your mind].

Niki - I have sang under ‘Nicky Mac’, Nikki Mak- and my main one Niki Mak, they all originated from he ‘Nicky Mac’ name originally my first performer name on the rave scene. Annika is also a name I have used on trance projects with Adam as Audioscape.

SU! - What acts have you collaborated in the past individually, and if you had to pick, which one was the most fruitful for the beginning of your careers?

AS - Working with Niki is easily my most fruitful period of my career. We share common ideals and goals and we usually know exactly where the other is going when it comes to forming ideas.

Aside from Niki I’ve had the chance to work with some great people. Working with Mark on Indiscriminate was brilliant and helped me make a big leap in production and I’ve had the opportunity to co-write with some fantastic singer-songwriters. Kelly C was always bubbly and enthusiastic with a really distinctive voice and really helped form the early vocal sound of my move into trance, amongst others.

But If I had to pick out a watershed moment it was probably working with Rachel Loy. Looking back now, some of our ideas probably didn’t gel as well as they could of, but when they did, the results were truly special, and it led to some fantastic releases and opportunities. She’s one of those people you can’t imagine anyone having a bad word to say about her.

Niki - I second Adam in saying that working with him has been the best creatively and team wise for me. It’s so refreshing to work completely 50/50 with a producer. I have collaborated with many different producers over the years and apart from Adam the ones which really stand out for me have been Tony De Vit, Quivver and Chris Lake.

THE PRESENT AND THE BIRTH OF WNM

SU! - What does “WNM” stands for, what’s the purpose behind Audioscape and Niki Mak as WNM, and are there specific music genres that this alias are mostly known for?

AS - WNM stands for White Noise Machine, which is the name of our new act. A white noise machine is a contraption you can use to help you sleep if you suffer from insomnia and we thought it was a quirky ironic name that seems to resonate with us. We decided that just appearing as “WNM” would mean a lot of the fans of Audioscape or Niki Mak wouldn’t find the music. So to ease the transition the first few releases will be presented by us.

We’re approaching tracks by taking elements from electro, trance and house and mixing them all in with great lyrics and vocals. Sometimes a track will have more of one element than the other so it can lead to some WNM tracks sounding like trance and some sounding just like electro. We hope that the presentation and production of these tracks tie them all together and it helps keep things fresh by not constraining ourselves too much.

Niki - Well said!

SU! - Recently, you have signed two singles to the Straight Up! Music camp, one to be released on Big Alliance Records (Control Freak) and the other to be released on Exalted Tunes (Hide & Seek).

Please tell us in detail the story behind the titles and lyrics. Are they the result of real life experiences or are they a role playing story?

Niki - In this case this lyrics aren’t really relevant to any life story or experience. They flow with the style and mood of the music. Hide & Seek is quite a dreamy light track and needed a vocal hook to suit, nothing to technical just something easy and catchy to listen to that could be looped to fit the flow.

Control Freak is slightly edgier with a more electro stab so I thought a slightly bigger vocal was needed, the verse part mellows it out. Adam is great at coming up with song titles and we thought Control freak as a title gave the vocal a good twist. It made the singer sound a bit needy/insane! We like out of the ordinary!!

SU! - How did the actual writing and production on these two singles happened? Did you sit down together and came up with the lyrics and music at the same time? Or did Adam pitch the music to Niki and she wrote the lyrics based on it or vice versa?

We approach all our tracks pretty much the same way. We meet every week and spend an hour or two just shooting the breeze and discussing new music we’ve heard that week. We discuss what we’re working on and then we show each other any ideas we’ve had and worked on prior to that.

Sometimes I will present Niki with a just a loop, others I will have a full track practically mixed down and ready for vocals. Niki has an insomnia muse, so she will wake up in the middle of the night with ideas which she records into her iphone and then we go through them and see what works.

Other times Niki will have the nucleus of an idea for a song and she’ll give me a taste of the lyrics and melody and discuss how the feel of the song should be and I start work from there. It’s all a very organic process. No deadlines, no restrictions.

SU! - Now that the production of “Hide & Seek” and “Control Freak” is over and they are about to be released and now that you can listen to them objectively, as fans, not as writers, are you happy with the end result? Or is there anything you wished you had done better?

AS - Broadly speaking we’re always happy with what we’ve done especially if it’s being released, but at the same time nothing is perfect so there is usually something that makes you think “Damn, why didn’t I do it THIS way”. The good thing is we’re always moving and writing, so by the time a release comes around we’ve done another 6 or 7 tracks and we’ve had the opportunity to either implement a certain idea or sidestep a previous mistake.

When all is said and done, we’re not going to please everyone so we just ensure that we’re 100% happy with a track when it goes out the door and then it’s up to everyone else to decide for themselves. I don’t think you can ever be truly objective about your own work though. It’s like trying to be objective about your own child. Everyone thinks their child is the smartest/prettiest/best and it’s the same with music. It’s an emotional attachment to a creation born out of heart and soul and hard work.

Niki - We could spend days picking tracks apart because as musicians and writers we are constantly evolving. We are always working on new stuff so have learnt not to get to precious about end results. Once a track is done we generally move on unless there is something massively wrong that needs to be changed! We are constantly trying out new sounds and shifting between genres so tend not to get too stuck on one thing. 99% of the time we are happy with our final mix downs.

OUR GUESTS

IAN BEERS, SAYPHONIK and SUPRANO

SU! - "Hide & Seek" is now available for purchase at Beatport.com , Trackitdown.net , Junodownload.com , and iTunes. There is no denying that Adam (Audioscape) and Niki did an outstanding job, and so did the remixers, who we have invited to talk about the this title that they remixed.

Sup guys! When you were offered to remix "Hide & Seek" and you listened to it, what motivated you to remix it?

Ian Beers - When I first heard the version with Niki's vocal on it I instantly had an idea in my head of where I wanted to take it. I'm usually very picky with the material I choose to remix but this just had something different that inspired me right off the bat. An opportunity like that would be crazy to pass up.

Sayphonik - Those chords and the ambience with a beach like vocal really got me. I knew I could do something immediately!

Suprano - It was around middle of august. I got asked by label to remix this. After the first listen i found a very relaxing vibe on it that made me listen to the sample more times. To me, it sounds far from typical trancy vocal tunes or American dance. It's something between an easy listening tune that i felt potential of remix on it.

SU! - Had you remixed vocal tunes before "Hide & Seek", if so, compared to them, how rewarding was for you to remix WNM's title, and if not, was it challenging to remix this one?

Ian Beers - I pretty much answered this in the above reply

Sayphonik - Yes, I have done vocal remixes before and I love doing them since I'm a huge vocal fan myself. Sometimes I like to get technical and glitchy but sometimes vocals need to be treated with care. In this case, they already had some chopped up vocals for me to use so I ran that through a glitch plugin to clean it up a bit and add some uniqueness to it. It did take me awhile to decide on where I wanted to take this track because I don't really have a set style that I do for every remix. I tackle every remix at a different angle to keep it interesting and diversify my sound.

Suprano - Not officially. I participated in a remix competition and 2 original vocal tracks before but this was totally a new experience! I tried to be the most creative on vocals, I've been using most of my technics like choping or if you focus you can hear i re-arranged a duplicate of main hook melodically and put it as second part! It was a very fun experience.

SU! - Straight Up! Music, is a multi-label company that offers artists opportunities on several music genres, taking under consideration your experience with Straight Up!, would you remix for them again?, also, can our fans expect original material from you?

Ian Beers - I've dealt with many labels in the past and it's usually all the same lies, and hollow promises. With Straight Up, I can honestly say that the've lived up to all they've promised. Not to mention being very supportive of what's important to the artist. I've loved contributing music to such great people and look forward to sending more original material an remixes their way.

Sayphonik - If the track is right for me, I'll remix for almost anyone. No politics here. My faith stays with quality EDM!

Suprano - For sure I'm willing to continue my work with Stright Up group as i see their serious job. For remix I, 90% care about original. I need to like it. And as for singles, im working on few tunes at the moment. I can't decide before finishing them but Stright Up! / Exalted Tunes will be one of my high priority choices.

SU! - Thanks guys! For more info about these talented artists, please check out the links at the end of this interview. Speaking of which, Sayphonik recently shared a Dubstep Bootleg (He is a Progressive Trance Dj/Producer...mostly) that we are proud to plug, in this interview, check it out!

Go Get it! :)

NOW WE CONTINUE WITH OUR HEADLINERS OF THIS ARTICLE

SU! - Audioscape is not only a talented music producer, but also a Dj (As a matter of fact, you’ll find a juicy mix by him at the end of this interview) . Do you play as Audioscape as well or under another alias? , what venues have you played at and which events merits a mention for providing you with an unforgettable memory?

AS - I don’t really DJ that much anymore. It’s something I can do, but I don’t have the time or energy at the moment to truly devote myself to all that comes with it. I love creating music and I get a kick out of hearing it out, and that’s where my energy is at the moment. I’m not against the idea of performing with Niki either as WNM or one of our other aliases, and we’re mulling over an offer to do a 30-minute PA next year at festival. But again, it’s a lot of time and energy. We wouldn’t want to just turn up, play some songs and then hit the bar. We like to do things as big and as well as we possibly can.

If I had to pick one memory it would be DJ-ing to a club full to the rafters with music hungry Germans in Freising just outside Munich. I remember standing in front of the decks in awe of just how hard the guys would party and it made me really, really nervous. In fact it was the only time I’ve ever done a whole set and been nervous the whole way through, as I just didn’t want to do anything that might disappoint such an amazing crowd. To this day I still maintain nobody parties as hard, or are as friendly as the Germans.

[We bet! plus Germans really do love beer; they rank second in world-wide beer consumption per person after Ireland. Bier is officially considered a food in Bayern! where the normal size beer glass, the Mass is 1 liter! How is that for food for beer?.. ahem! we mean food for thought].

SU! - Niki Mak has written and performed on over a hundred dance releases, care to bring up your best three besides “Hide & Seek” and “Control Freak”, Niki?

Niki - Ooooh now your asking, might have to dig deep on this one…

Ok First 2003 re-release of Tony De Vits Trade Mix of – Give Me A Reason

Second Audioscape ft Annika- In Your Heart

Third Audioscape and Niki Mak Pres. WNM - Flashes

THE RANDON SEGMENT

SU! - Let's drop the music subject for a few minutes, and allow me to drop a few random questions. Are you ready? ;)

• Are Adam and Niki dating?

AS - Is there a sweepstake going? It what are the odds on no? Maybe we could cut a deal…

Niki - Ha ! no. Adam is a really good mate and if anything my agony aunt when it comes to me dating men!

• Besides music, your main addiction is?

AS - I’d like to say something highbrow and intelligent, but it’s Video Games and Soccer.

Niki - Dare I say it...Vampires..Adams gonna kill me now as I should have out something cooler..

[Hopefully not from the Twilight saga but more like "Night Watch" trilogy. Hell yah!]

• How much time you spend on facebook?

AS - I check it here and there on my phone. I find it very hard to take it seriously. I took a year’s break from it and it was actually a relief.

Niki - I spend way too much time on Facebook..but its soooo addictive! I love it…some people’s updates kill me.

• What was your latest pain in the ass moment?

AS - I have at least one a day. The ongoing one at the moment is trying to move house. Anyone who has a studio will understand the full horror of this.

Niki - Dropping my drink into my lap on the tube the other day…it looked like I had peed my pants!

• What turns you on the most from the opposite sex?

AS - Bums, Butts, Backsides, Arses. Whatever the terminology it’s the same.

Niki - Guys who take care of themselves and have pride in the way they look..and I don’t just mean have a wash in the morning!

• Do you smoke? If so, what is your favorite brand?

AS - No. But I’m not one of those holier than thou type non-smokers. I think smoking can look cool (think of any classic film – how cool does Audrey Hepburn look with that long cigarette holder in Breakfast at Tiffanys?) but it’s just not for me because of the health problems that come with it.

Niki - Sorry smoking is a big NO NO for me!!

• Android, Blackberry or iPhone?

AS - iPhone. I do find it irritating how opinionated people can be about this topic though. They’ve almost become like a badge of allegiance.

Niki - Iphone and all those millions of Apps you get with it!..particularly Fat app..hillarious

• Right before performing to relieve stress or pressure , you do…

AS - Not a lot – have a drink and try not to relax. Try to crack a joke and get on with it. How British did that sound?

Niki - Lots of deep breaths and then I imagine the whole audience naked : )

• What was the most embarrassing moment of your life so far?

AS - It’s quite hard to narrow it down to one. Probably the one where when I was younger I drank a lot of drinks and the following day I vomited all over a businessman sitting opposite me on the train. It’s hard to recover from that really, so I just hid on the toilet until the train got to London.

Niki - Sticking a stone up my nose for a dare and it getting stuck and ending up in A&E.

• David Guetta Does #1, thoughts?

AS - Looked like a panto when he got his award. He’s behind you! Booo… I personally quite like him. I hope one day I get booed off stage with an award.

Niki - Yes NUMBER ONE !!!!!!!!!!…. My guilty pleasure David Guetta music- oops my secret is out!!!!

THE FUTURE

SU! - What projects are you working on that you estimate to be released soon?

AS - There is an Audioscape track called “What Now” coming out on Nukleuz this month and there is also a WNM track called “Flashes” due out on Dirt Lies and Audio at around the same time. Decemeber see’s another big WNM release in the shape of “Empire” on Big In Ibiza in Decemeber.

Niki - We have some real crackers up our sleeve so watch out for us in 2012 !!!!!!!!!!

[The Mayans better be wrong, cause we don't wanna miss out!]

SU! - “Hide & Seek” will be released by Exalted Tunes this November 14th. “Control Freak” soon after that on Big Alliance Records. Will we see more material coming out in these labels in the future?

AS - We don’t have anything scheduled at the moment but we always have so much on the go at any one point it’s a case of never-say-never. We tend to look at what we’ve produced and then we sit down and say “well we think these guys would like this” and take it from there. I can’t see why that wouldn’t happen in the future.

Niki - Would be great to hook up with you guys again I’m sure!

SU! - Anything that you’d like to say, promote, advertise or mention before we say goodbye?

AS - Thank you for taking the time to read our interview…we are Adam amd Niki from

‘ White Noise Machine’..feel free to follow us on Sound Cloud or take a look at our website. If you have any questions regarding our music or just want to say hello you can email us. We’re quite chatty.

We’d just like to thank PG Tips tea which has contributed to so many of our music sessions by keeping us alert with caffine : ) and to you all Bon Voyage catch you dudes soon (smile face).

Niki - Ditto. Especially the Tea thing. Also keep an eye out for our other releases.

Audioscape & Niki Mak Pres. WNM – Flashes out on DLA 17th November

Audioscape – What Now out on Nukleuz 21st November

White Noise Machine – Empire out on Big In Ibiza 5th December

www.soundcloud.com/audioscape

www.soundcloud.com/niki-mak-1

SU! - Thank you guys as well for sharing some quality time with us and our fans, who you have spoiled not only with "Hide & Seek", but also with a nice 50+ minutes mix by Audioscape himself!

Grab your copy here

Thank you beloved readers for your time, I hope you enjoyed the read and the freebies, and do stick around! :)

http://www.exaltedtunes.com

http://www.straightupworld.com

http://www.Etoillemusic.com

http://www.facebook.com/sayphonik

http://www.facebook.com/ibeers

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001561782588 (Suprano)

Crank It Up Vol. 3 [Straight Up!] OUT NOW

2011-11-02T17:39:00.000-07:00

Buy at Beatport: http://www.beatport.com/release/crank-it-up-vol-3/824413
Youtube Playlist: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL67FEA2221B9D5FAC

Tracklist:

1) Alex Mind & Frederik Olufsen - RIO to CPH (Alex Kidd (USA) Remix)
2) Bitkrusha - Take That! (Lee Mortimer Remix)
3) Zedd - The Anthem (Jay Robinson Remix)
4) Zuri - Teddy Bear (The Squatters Remix)
5) The Sneekers - Evolution (Zero Cash Remix)
6) Sneaker & The Dryer - Tribute To Jack (DJ Exodus & Reepr Remix)
7) The Squatters - Minesweeper (J-Trick Remix)
8) Maral Salmassi - Food Porn (Lee Mortimer Remix)
9) Electro Ferris, Markus Lange & Denis Naidanow - Sonnenlicht (Original Mix)
10) Ashton Fox - Silverside (Defunct! Remix)
11) Jaksaw - I know What you Want (Original mix)
12) The Zombie Kids & Ikki - Zumbiezed (Part 2)
13) Soul Puncherz ft A Girl And A Gun - Pow Wow (Electric Soulside Remix)
14) Ryan Enzed - Redundant (Aqualight Remix)
15) Paul Anthony, ZXX & Southpaw - Batter Blaster (Original Mix)
16) Kunter:Bunt - Funk The Crowd (Slop Rock Remix)
17) Thomas Radman - Revolt (DJ JYNX Remix)
18) Van Tek - Puff & Pass (Diesel Laws Remix)
19) Mr. Eyez - Get This (original Mix)
20) Blastaguyz - Smash Da Flash (Original Mix)