Zone Magazine Issue 034 Spring / Summer 2021 - Der Würfler

ISSUE 034 SPRING / SUMMER 2021 DJ DER WÜRFLER
DJ DER WüRFLER
" For me, everything
has its appeal. But it's
the small clubs that
are very close to my
heart. Where you're
very close to the
audience, where I
meet a lot of old and
new friends "
Paul Sawyer | Will Atkinson | DJs Inbox | LClub Music | Odium | Rough Guide To Tiesto | Emdey
Transensation Records | Future Avenue | Charts | Music Reviews

LARGE! - John Gibbons - 9/10
Nice One! - Sam Divine - 7/10
Funky Stuff, Thanks! - sa.lomaonun.es - 8/10

WELCOME
ISSN 2009-8014 (Online) ISSN 2009-8006 (Print)
FOUNDER, EDITOR, PUBLISHER & HEAD OF
CREATIVE
Paul Newhouse - paul@zone-magazine.eu
FEATURE WRITERS & CONTRIBUTORS
USA
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Isabel Montoya - isabel@zone-magazine.eu
Matt Schantz - mattschantz73@yahoo.com
IRELAND
Antony Mac Phiarais - antoney.mac@zone-magazine.eu
UK
Paul Sawyer - paul@kraftedmusic.com
Danny Slade - danny.slade@zone-magazine.eu
Maz kallis - maz.kallis@zone-magazine.com
Iain Taylor - irejekt@icloud.com
John Ricketts - john.ricketts@zone-magazine.eu
Paul Hawcroft - paulhawcroftmusic@gmail.com
Mark Neenan - Markneenanpromos@gmail.com
John W McDevitt - j.w.mcdevitt@talk21.com
GERMANY
Pete van Payne - pete@zone-magazine.eu
Jordan Parrish
Harald Meyer
NETHERLANDS
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MUSIC DIRECTOR
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Well Folks, Lots of great things happening here at Zone HQ just for
you lot, so keep coming back! Well its Spring 2021, and what a
strange one STILL! Even though we have not had events STILL to
cover, we have a packed issue with all the regulars, and lots of
interviews!
In our feature interviews in this issue we talk to cover legend Peter
Michael Strube aka DER WÜRFLER was born in Berlin in 1960. At the age of
13 he was playing house parties after school with a DUAL turntable and SABA
tape machine!
In 1975 at the age of 15 he got his first fee for DJ'jing at a gay club,
Berlin Kreuzberg, and that was it, he was hooked! Between then and now he
has played in hundreds of club nights, and clubs, magazines, radio stations,
live streems, TV stations, and books, the list is endless! He has even been a
dancer in clubs, and many film extras.
We also talk to DJ and Producer from the Scotland, Will Atkinson.
While others are restrained by genre association Will Atkinson runs free,
refusing to conform or be pigeon holed. Is he tech, trance, techno,
electronica, progressive, experimental.....?
He is all of them – and so much more. And it’s this ambidextrous talent that
has been the driving force behind Will’s vast appeal and subsequent evergrowing
army of passionate fans the world over. The video for his recent
single “Pat Butcher” (Beatport number 1 for 3 weeks) generated 1.6 million
views in 48 hours – so to say this exciting young uber talent is on fire right
now, would be something of an understatement.
Will Atkinson is an entity that congers up futuristic soundscapes for
the jilted generation. Responsible for over 100 BBC Radio 1 airplays and 6
Beatport number 1s the kid that began mixing records at the age of 7 has
certainly come of age.
Also from the UK, with a string of releases to his name, Paul
Sawyer is no stranger to the music world and has a back catalogue that
consists of originals, and remixes on Pure Progressive, Black Hole Recordings,
Armada, Toolroom, Steyoyoke, Dear Deer, Perfecto Black, ICONYC Music,
OKO Recordings, Balkan Connection and his own Krafted Underground
imprint.
Having toured the World for several years, Paul has played at many
key events including Ministry of Sound, Egg London, Cream, Renaissance,
Bestival, Bedrock, Airpusher (USA), B’estfest and was cited by Mixmag as ‘a
DJ to look out for’, as well as one of the UK’s top residents by DJ Magazine.
We talk to German talent Marvin Dörsam, alias Emdey. With
releases on Smash The House and Universal he made quiet some waves last
year. Currently he is making waves with his latest release “All Or Nothing”
with Curtis Richa.
We are having a gettogether with Dutch hardcore artist Loek Gosen
better known as Odiom. He emerged on the hardcore scene in 2018. This
powerhouse act has seen a momentous rise as newcomer in the world of
harder styles. After kicking off his career at Hard Island Croatia 2018 he has
been rockin’ one gig after another. Leading to his first release ’Kill’ on DJ Mad
Dog’s imprint ‘Dogfight Records’. With 2019 seeing him play various festivals
worldwide and making a name for himself. With 2020 being the year that
Odium would become a real force to be reckoned with. But sadly 2020 being a
tough year for most people in the music industry Odium took the time to
produce some new tracks. With his newest track “The Weekend” he is ready
to take on 2021.
We also speak to Transensation Records from Brazil, Future
Avenue from Belgium, and LClub Music based in Spain. We also chat to the
guys at DJ's In Box.
New to Zone Magazine is "A Rough Guide To" series. Covering
Tiesto - The Trance years this issue, with Matt Schantz.
As if all that was not enough of course we have our regular reviews
and charts from the talented and dynamic Zone crew. Also this issue we
continue Zone Magazine's FREE exclusive DJ Mix series and we also have
our FREE gifts from Funktion Loops, 2 sample packs each issue, all you
need to do is purchase our cool publication!
As usual we would like to thank all of our very many talented contributors and
friends who provide so much content, love and support for what we are doing, they are
listed on the left hand column on this page if you want to contact them directly with the
latest news. From myself and the whole Zone crew, we just wanted to say thanks again
for your continued support, peace.
Paul & Zone Magazine Crew!

contents
26
DJ DER WÜRFLER
12
Paul Sawyer
20
Will Atkinson

Lclub Music
38
44
Transensation Records
A Rough Guide To: Tiesto
The Trance Years
53
DJ's in Box
34

JOSE MARIA RAMON,
WILLIAM MEDAGLI,
THALLULAH
CANTO ANCESTRALE
RAFA'EL
INC. REMIXES BY
OIBAF&WALLEN
EXHILE

Free Sample Packs & Exclusive DJ Mix
Well folks, this issue of
Zone Magazine, our
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FREE Exclusive DJ Mix Series
At Zone Magazine here we have our FREE Exclusive DJ
Mix each issue!
Check out the link below for all our exclusive DJ Mixes.
FELIX FX [GERMANY]
PETE VAN PAYNE
[GERMANY]
PAUL BLEASDALE [UK]
PETE BONES [UK]
EDDIE AMADOR [USA]
LISA LASHES [UK]
DANY COHIBA [SPAIN]
SOULTRAK [UK]
CHRIS GEKA [FRANCE]
JOHN GIBBONS
[IRELAND]
PAUL NEWHOUSE [IRE]
DJ SAMER [USA]
MARK NEENAN [UK]
GAVIN HARDKISS [USA]
GERRY VERANO
[AUSTRIA]
SONAS [UK]
https://www.mixcloud.com/ZoneMagazineDJMixes/
ESSENTIALDANCEMUSIC 07

featureinterview
__________________
Words Thorsten Benders
____________________________________
Photography Courtesy Of Marvin Dorsam
______________________________
Connect https://www.emdeymusic.com/
Today we are sitting down with German talent Marvin Dörsam,
alias Emdey. With releases on Smash The House and Universal
he made quiet some waves last year. Currently he is making
waves with his latest release “All Or Nothing” with Curtis Richa.
Hi Marvin welcome to 2021 and thank you for taking
your time for this interview. Last year was an
amazing year for you. Your first release was a
remake of an all time classic “Venus”. How did you
come up with remaking such a beloved classic?
My good friend Shaun Bate told me a few years
ago that he could imagine a Venus cover as one of my
upcoming tracks. In the beginning, it was relatively difficult
for me to find an idea for Venus. Then one night I heard
another version in a TV commercial and I thought, "I'll do
it.
Your newest track is called “All Or Nothing”. Why did
you choose for this title? And tell us a bit more about
this track. How did you or Curtis Richa came up with
this title? And what was it like to work with Curtis?
I've been working with Curtis for several years
now and he sent me All Or Nothing as a topline/demo back
then. I had a few ideas that I wanted to share with him,
and that's how we ended up working together on the track.
It’s always a pleasure to work with Curtis, he’s a great
songwriter and producer. We met a few years ago when we
both were involved in another project.
What is the message you want to spread with this
track?
"All Or Nothing" is a song about wanting the best
for yourself. Many relationships whether romantic or not
are basically in limbo and this is a anthem, a vehicle for
conversation for those who experience this. It's a situation
we find ourselves at times amongst friends, family
member and loved ones. When you give your all to
someone and they don't reciprocate the same type of
energy and commitment. This song says it ... "You Want All
Or Nothing At All".
Before you were “Emdey” you went under another
alter ego called “MD Electro” why did you change
your name? You have been quiet successful with that
project. Do you think it opened doors for you that
would have otherwise been shut?
Yes I think so, a lot of people told me that my
music doesn’t fit to my name anymore. Back in 2010 I was
producing mainly electro house music and the alias MD
Electro felt right. Nowdays I’m more into pop, radio and
house music and people could get confused by this name.
We thought about changing the name for at least two years
till we finally changed it. Actually now everything is the
same just with a new name
Following your fantastic music for quiet a while now.
Your tracks are very different ranging from very
relaxed to massive dance tracks. What do you prefer
more and do you see your musical style evolving in to
a certain direction more?
First of all, thanks! Actually I like a lot of different
genres, whether it’s pop, dance, house or even drum n
bass and techno. But Emdey is kind of a hybrid project
between radio and club music, this is what I always felt is
right. So if you ask me for a certain direction I can just say
its commercial electronic music, sometimes harder,
sometimes softer but always with a lot of passion haha.
As “Emdey” do you see yourself more as a producer
or DJ? Or is it that you prefer doing one thing above
the other?
When I was a kid I got inspired by Tiesto and
always wanted to be that guy on the mainstage who’s
partying with the crowd, but now after so many years in
the music business I feel very good sitting in the studio and
doing my thing you know. I mean I love DJing but I also
enjoy the creative part, producing music, writing songs and
so on.
Do you prefer working alone or with a group? Since
all of your work so far is a collaboration. When will
we see your first single release?
Teamwork makes the dream work, this was
always my motto and I love connecting with new
people and making music together. There are so
many talented people out there that I could never
imagine doing something solo. I am a big fan of collabs,
and I think you can get the biggest impact with a good
team.
I imagine 2020 would have been different for you if it
wasn't for that thing that happened. What was one of
these things that you realized last year about
yourself that changed your life? And what are you
looking forward to this year?
Yes 2020 should have gone very differently! We
had a really good start with "Venus" and then were slowed
down a bit by the pandemic. I used the time very
intensively to think about how I can become even better as
an artist. I tried out a lot of new things in the studio and
am now trying to implement them even better in 2021. You
have a lot of time to optimise when you're not constantly
on the road. Apart from that, I've learned that you just
have to be strong and have patience! 2021 can only get
better.

" Teamwork makes the dream work, this
was always my motto and I love connecting
with new people and making music together.
There are so many talented people out there
that I could never imagine doing something
solo "

featureinterview
__________________
Words Thorsten Benders
__________________________________
Photography Courtesy Of Loek Gosen
_____________________________
Connect facebook.com/odiumhardcore
Today we are having a gettogether with Dutch hardcore artist
Loek Gosen better known as Odiom. He emerged on the
hardcore scene in 2018. This powerhouse act has seen a
momentous rise as newcomer in the world of harder styles. After
kicking off his career at Hard Island Croatia 2018 he has been
rockin’ one gig after another. Leading to his first release ’Kill’ on
DJ Mad Dog’s imprint ‘Dogfight Records’. With 2019 seeing him
play various festivals worldwide and making a name for himself.
With 2020 being the year that Odium would become a real force
to be reckoned with. But sadly 2020 being a tough year for most
people in the music industry Odium took the time to produce
some new tracks.
With his newest track “The Weekend” he is ready to take on
2021.

Hi Odium, thank you for taking your time for this
interview. Congratulations on your newest release.
Tell us about “The Weekend”. The track has a very
nice vocal. Why this title? And tell us a bit more
about this track. How did you came up with it?
Thank you! Well I made the first version +- 1.5
years ago but I never took the time to finish it. At the
moment there are a lot of countries facing a lockdown due
to the Covid situation. So I think a lot of people could use
some more happiness in their life. The track has some
serious happy vibes, so that’s why I decided to finish and
release it now. This is my personal way of sharing love and
happiness with the world.
So did you work around the vocal with your melody
or did you start with the melody then adding a vocal?
And what is the message you to put out with this
track?
I started with the melody and the instrumental
arrangement. After that I started look for a fitting vocal. I
think it turned out to be a great combination.
For me ‘The Weekend' is a real mood booster.
While studying, working out or even if you are just chilling.
It fits every moment of your day. These sad times ask for
music that brings a high level of happiness right from the
moment you press play. The cover art and videoclip
contain a clear dividing line, showing the current lockdown
vibes opposite to the happy weekend vibes and the fond
memories you would normally share with friends and
family.
Let's back up a bit. You have played quiet some
events. Most notably were your shows in the United
State and Australia, how did that happen? Are those
the one you're most proud of and do you think it
gave your career a tremendous boost? Or does that
credit go to another event?
I was in contact with them for a while but we still
had to find some dates that worked for both of us. In the
end it worked out really well. Those shows were the first 3
shows of my “#WORLDWIDEDOMINATION World Tour”. I
think all my shows together really boosted my international
credibility.
Last year should have been a real stepping stone for
you but that sadly fell through. How did you cope
with that loss? And how do you think this year will
go for you?
Well, I just made a lot of music and I accepted the
loss really quick. I never look back and I just keep pushing
the Odium brand.
Explain how you came up with the name Odium?
My first tracks had a really dark vibe, since Odium
means hate it sounded like a perfect fit back then.
If you are not listening to hardcore. What other
genres you prefer listening to and do you might
consider producing tracks in that genre?
I am not listening to hardcore that often, mostly
trance or EDM. Well at the moment not, but i try to include
all those elements i hear on a daily base in my tracks.
What festival did you regret not playing last year
despite being booked? And what festival would you
really like to play this year?
The Harmony Of Hardcore Mainstage for sure. Not
a festival in particular, but I hope to play at every event
that I am being booked on.
Any other news you want to share with us?
A message to my fans; Thanks for the ongoing support and
stay positive! See you soon!
ESSENTIALDANCEMUSIC 27

featureinterview
________________
Words Paul Hawcroft
_________________________
Photography Andy Cawley
_____________________________
Connect facebook.com/djwillatkinson
While others are restrained by genre association Will Atkinson runs free,
refusing to conform or be pigeon holed.
Is he tech, trance, techno, electronica, progressive, experimental.....?
He is all of them – and so much more.
And it’s this ambidextrous talent that has been the driving force behind Will’s vast
appeal and subsequent ever-growing army of passionate fans the world over.
The video for his recent single “Pat Butcher” (Beatport number 1 for 3 weeks)
generated 1.6 million views in 48 hours – so to say this exciting young uber
talent is on fire right now, would be something of an understatement.
Will Atkinson is an entity that congers up futuristic soundscapes for the jilted
generation. Responsible for over 100 BBC Radio 1 airplays and 6 Beatport
number 1s the kid that began mixing records at the age of 7 has certainly come
of age.
It’s no wonder therefore that with this level of hype that the BBC have now
asked Will to join their illustrious Radio 1 line up, as one of their new residents
presenting a series of monthly shows that kick off in July of this year.
Will’s discography is quite simply a long list of hit records. “Pat Butcher”, “Victims”,
“Numb The Pain”, “Subconscious”, “Mesmerize” (ft Rowetta from The Happy
Mondays), “The Gamer Changer”, “Fresh Meat”....... all genre defining, chart
topping, iconic titles that set the bar uncomfortably high for Will’s peers to try and
follow. Having released on all of the scene’s coolest labels including Subculture,
Kearnage, FSOE, Spinnin’, Armada, Perfecto Fluoro and Vandit - the demand for
Will’s production skills is truly rampant.
His tour schedule reads like a catalogue of the coolest festivals and clubs in the
world with a residency at Cream Ibiza 2016 and regular peak time slots at EDC
Vegas, EDC Mexico, Dreamstate all over the US, Beyond Wonderland,
Creamfields, Luminosity, BAT Buenos Aires, Subculture Australia, Earthcore,
ASOT and many more. Today Will joins the elite VII collective to launch a brand
new record label that promises to push the boundaries of cutting edge
electronic insanity. His monthly Mainline Radio show is fast becoming a
soundcloud sensation with tens of thousands of loyal listeners tuning in each
month to hear what’s hot in Will’s world.....
Fresh from delivering the blistering ‘Last King Of Scotland’, producer and all
round all-star Will Atkinson is currently sat in quarantine in Australia before
letting loose on a monster set of gigs.
I took the time to interview him to get his thoughts on the music scene and
various occurrences in the world!

" DJs like Judge
Jules and Fergie
shaped my
childhood. They
kickstarted my
obsession. And
they continue to
shape me into the
producer/artist I
am today. They’re
my heroes and
always will be "

Firstly I’d like to congratulate you on
the Album, truly stunning! It’s been
on repeat since the release. Why
do you think the album happened
at this stage in your career? Is it just
because of the current situation and
having more alone time?
I always realised a debut album as an eventuality.
But I’ve been quite apprehensive of putting it out in any
form until I knew the music I was making couldn’t be
produced to a higher standard personally. Of course there’s
always room for improvement but I’m the happiest I’ve
ever been with my sound. I’m making the music I love and
it sounds exactly how I envision inside my head. It’s about
perfecting. The time to release something as intimate as an
album is when you’ve achieved a level where you wouldn’t
want to change a thing. I’ve reached that point and the
time is now. In my eyes and ears, there’s nothing more I
can add to describe my story, my vision and where I’m
going. Having the time off gigs has allowed me the time to
reach this level of perfection. I just wouldn’t get that
privilege only working 3 day weeks then sitting on planes in
between. So it’s been bittersweet and strangely integral to
the completion of this record.
You’re known for your high energy
trance sound, the album though is a
pleasant mixture of styles. Was this
something you planned from the
offset when starting the album, or
did it just seem to flow that way?
The flow of the album really changed when my gig
diary effectively fell through its arse. For months we kept
putting the release date back. First it was March. Then
May. Then September - in the hope that normal life would
resume by then - we would be raving again. In the end, me
and my team came to a realisation. This had to come out in
2020 - with or without gigs. I don’t know where my sounds
going next year but I don’t think this will be an accurate
depiction of it in 12 months. So the landscape changed. It
went from a dance floor driven album and morphed into
more a journey you could appreciate out running, driving or
sitting in your house. Because that’s the only way this
album will be consumed now sadly. Don’t get me wrong,
it’s intense, highly energetic and some tracks will make you
want to unplug your microwave and throw through your
neighbours window - don’t try that - but I’m not sure
getting your fringe lifted off when you’re halfway up a
mountain really works. It’s suited to its environment and
the absolute skull crushers that I lifted off the album – let’s
just say their time will come.
When growing up, what were your
first musical influences and how old
were you?
DJs like Judge Jules and Fergie shaped my
childhood. They kickstarted my obsession. And they
continue to shape me into the producer/artist I am
today. They’re my heroes and always will be.
When did you first venture into the
realms of electronic music?
I was probably 8 years old when I became truly
obsessed - addicted to the sound of the beat. My mum put
me onto Judge Jules’ BBC Radio 1 show and we listened to
it when we were driving to see family. He played Paul
Johnson - Get Get Down and it just rocked my jukebox.
That was me. Checkmate. 1 week later I was in Woolworths
trying to describe the track to the poor check lady - in
Orkney in the late 90s, people didn’t even know what
Dance Music was. It was Dolly Parton or AC/DC. Not that I
have anything against them. But there’s me trying to
describe the sound of this balearic pumping house record
and she’s staring at me like I’ve tried to order 10 tonne of
Scooby snacks. Anyway, perseverance is key and 20
minutes later I was the proud owner of my first cassette
tape. And the beginning of my collection. I must have been
about 8.

I have a couple of favourites on the
album in Telescope (nice classic vibe
to it) and Unspoken Words (very
deep). Which is your favourite and
why?
They’re all my babies. I just can’t pick one. If I had a
gun pointed to my head, I think I’d choose Kismet Energy.
The track just seemed to write it self. It came in the form of a
dream. And the way the track came to together - so many
synchronicities. For dreaming up the melody, to my girlfriend
thinking she recognised it on my first playing it to her. Like it
had been made in a parallel universe - back to the future
almost. A lost sound totally revamped and modernised but still
reeking of nostalgia. It’s hard to explain. But it’s a really
special one.
What was it like growing up in
Scotland, and how did the scene
make you the artist you are today?
I grew up in Orkney, then moved south when I
turned 18. Flew the nest as such. Before then, I was playing
in fields, building rafts, sheds, and taping BBC Radio One
dance parties on a Sony Radio Cassette. Then I moved to
Greenock. Took a course in Sound Engineering. Got my HND
then left the course halfway in. Then 2010 happened. A
fucking whirlwind 10 months. Moving to Glasgow. Nightclubs.
Flat parties. Talking to strangers in grungy units on the
outskirts of the city centre. Then there was Sub Club and
eventually, my baptism into The Arches. Long nights turning
into longer days. Out every weekend. Usually Thursday to
Sunday. A million memories made, forgotten. Me and my
mate subsequently being evicted from my first flat. Losing
friends around me. Making mistakes. Yet gripped and
immersed into a culture. It tuned me, and shaped me into the
producer I am today. Orkney galvanised my sound, Glasgow
vandalised it.
You've been lucky enough to work
with some of the best there is, on the
album alone you have Paul Van Dyk
and Jess to name a few.... Who would
you love to work with who you
haven't already had the pleasure?
I’d love to team up with James Holden on something.
Junkie XL would be another one. I’m still learning my craft
though and for me, a collaboration needs to be equal. A
marriage of two sounds that compliment each other and grow
into something even more special. It can’t be one sided. I’m
not sure what I’d bring to their sounds currently. So
realistically, I think me and Darren Tate could create
something pretty special. HIs sound has always been a
massive inspiration on me and still is.
Any tips for the aspiring artists out
there?
there.
Innovate. Don’t replicate! Too many copycats out
What’s been the standout moment
from your career so far or is this album
it?
I suppose I’ve been blessed with a few moments.
This album being one. But probably signing with BBC Radio 1
and producing my own show for 18 months - one of the
longest residencies since they started the concept. Following
in the footsteps of my heroes - Judge Jules and Fergie.
Realising the original actual dream. Where do you go after
that?
Now for the nerdy tech question, as a
producer myself we have our go too
synths and tools... What are yours?
If I tense hard enough, my nose pops and it creates
a lush sustained whine.
What are your plans for 2021? and
what is left on your bucket list to do?
Hopefully take this album on the road. And bring it
into it’s natural habitat! Alongside that, establish my label
Victims Helpline as one of the most twisted labels in Electronic
music. The take that zoo on the road. It’s happening.
Thanks for taking the time to speak to
us here at Zone, congrats on the
album you should be a very proud
indeed!
Much of the gracias! Thanks for the support and see
you out there......
‘Will Atkinson’s album ‘The Last King of
Scotland’ is Out Now on Black Hole
Recordings. Get it here: https://
will.complete.me/lastkingofscotland

AVAILABLE NOW
SAMER SOLTAN
INFINITE SPACE
FEAT. REMIX BY
INTEGRAL BREAD

O U T N O W

OUT NOW

featureinterview
_________________
Words Anthony Piercy
________________________
Photography Christian Lawson
______________________________
Connect facebook.com/paulsawyerofficial
With a string of releases to his name, Paul Sawyer is no
stranger to the music world and has a back catalogue that
consists of originals, and remixes on Pure Progressive, Black
Hole Recordings, Armada, Toolroom, Steyoyoke, Dear Deer,
Perfecto Black, ICONYC Music, OKO Recordings, Balkan
Connection and his own Krafted Underground imprint.
Having toured the World for several years, Paul has played at
many key events including Ministry of Sound, Egg London,
Cream, Renaissance, Bestival, Bedrock, Airpusher (USA), B’estfest
and was cited by Mixmag as ‘a DJ to look out for’, as well as one
of the UK’s top residents by DJ Magazine.
His monthly show ‘Textures’ on DI.FM and Proton Radio has been
running for over two years now, and he has a long list of guest
appearances on shows including Mark Knight’s Toolroom Radio,
Judge Jules Global Warm Up, Robbie Rivera’s Juicy Music Show,
Paul Oakenfold’s Perfecto Radio and Solarstone’s Pure Trance
Radio.
Paul’s music continuously gains support from the a-list dj’s in
many sets and radio shows, and continuously enters the
Beatport chart with every release or remix he adds his stamp to.
2021 continues to be prosperous for Paul, with more releases on
Pure Progressive, ICONYC Music, and Paul Oakenfold’s Perfecto
Black label, as well as bringing his Krafted brand to a six month
residency on BBC Radio 1.

" This is my first release on Paul
Oakenfold’s main label, so I am extremely
excited about this one. I’ve had some releases
on their progressive label Perfecto Black, so to
now have a release on the label that I have so
many releases from way back as far as the early
90’s, is just amazing! "

Hi thanks for joining us. What is
your current mood and what was
the last piece of music you listened
to?
Right now I’m pretty happy that things are
starting to get back to normal. I organised a small party at
home over the bank holiday weekend here in the UK for
around 20 friends that ended up going on for 13hours and
a few of us taking turns on the decks. My good friend Phil
Thompson aka Moonface of Bedrock fame also played and
as always kept everyone dancing for a good few hours! So
you could say, I’m in a very good mood! ha
Jules, Brandon Block etc. They were so approachable and
helped me with advice on how to become a full time DJ.
They all suggested I get a residency at a popular club, so
that’s what I did. I came back to the UK and managed to
land a residency in Bournemouth and also got invited to
start up boat parties in Southampton, so that’s when
Menage a Trois was born.
Are there certain tracks or albums
which profoundly influenced you?
Yeah, the albums that I played a lot were Rendez
Vous, Revolutions and Oxygene by Jean Michel Jarre. I hate
to think how many times I’ve hear those albums
What are your plans for the coming
week?
Recovering from the party! HAHA! I also race
mountain bikes, so I’m off to race at Round 2 of the
Southern Enduro series in Devon this coming weekend, so
will be doing some training and looking forward to racing
on Sunday.
Talk to us about growing up and
living in Hampshire, UK.
I grew up with Music being a huge part of my life
from a very early age. I started playing the Violin and Piano
when I was at Primary School and was in lots of bands
during my childhood.
How would you describe the music
you make and what do you want it
to convey to the listener?
My music sits between Trance and Progressive
House. I would say that although I am always classed as a
Progressive House producer, my music edges on the more
uplifting side.
It’s always been a battle for me to be honest as
the real proggy dj’s tend to always say I’m too uplifting and
I always get lots of plays from the more Trance based DJ’s.
I have made and still make tracks that are not so uplifting,
but my heart is with the uplifting side of Prog. I suppose
my music has never really changed that much since the
90’s, hence my productions being as they are today.
I would spend hours listening top music and got
into electronic music while at Secondary School.
How has it affected your musical
taste and the music you make?
Hugely, as I was so heavily influenced by lots of
bands/producers during my childhood. I loved Jean Michel
Jarre and would play along to his tracks all the time.
What music from your youth had the
biggest effect on where you are
today?
As well as Jean Michel Jarre, I was in to the Pet
Shop Boys and the Acid House era started when I was just
in my last year at School, so had an impact on what I
listened to. When I left School, it wasn’t long until I started
going to a few clubs. Luckily you could get away with it a
bit easier then being under 18!
Your new Single ‘Reign’ is about to
released on Perfecto Records you
must be quite excited? Tell us about
the release and how it showcases
your individualities?
This is my first release on Paul Oakenfold’s
main label, so I am extremely excited about this one.
I’ve had some releases on their progressive label
Perfecto Black, so to now have a release on the label
that I have so many releases from way back as far as
the early 90’s, is just amazing! Reign is out 18th June
and is exactly the music I love. Full on peak time and
uplifting. I just can’t wait to hear this included in some sets
in the coming months.
Once I left University I went full on into DJ’ing and
managed to get to play in Ibiza in 1993 where I got to
meet so many well known DJ’s such as Carl Cox, Judge

Was there anything that inspired
these tracks?
Yes, Reign was influenced by the English
monarchy back from Elizabeth I time. I was spending time
learning about that period as I was interested in the
relationship between Mary Queen of Scots and Elizabeth I.
Two very powerful women.
So my track was about that battle between them
trying to outwit each other for the ultimate Reign over both
Countries. So I wanted the track to be powerful enough to
really make you want to get up and dance.
Where does your inspiration come
from generally?
I’ve always taken inspiration from other music. I
listen to music constantly all day, every day. Whether its
for our label, for my sets or to find ideas. All producers
must do it, they hear a sound or an idea and think about
how they would use it or improve it.
You just had a release with
Movement Recordings, a very well
established progressive label, tell us
a bit about that?
Yes that’s right, it’s my debut EP with Movement. I
met Tash, the boss of Movement at ADE a few years ago
and he’s a great guy. I love their brand, always have done
and have played lots of their releases. So I sent them ‘Sky
and Venice’ around 18monnths ago and they snapped it up.
It’s much more deep progressive, so I was really pleased
when they took it. It’s also got some fantastic remixes from
Lemon 8 and Amol Reon & Volkan Erman. It’s out now on
all stores and has gained lots of great support already from
a good number of DJ’s from it’s promo.
Any other releases coming up that
we should look out for?
I’ve got an Organic House release called Sojourn
coming out in September on Lee Burridge’s label TRyBESof.
Really good to be on Lee’s label, I love his music and his
brand, so cool.
What is it that makes the label such
a good home for your music?
As with any label, you have a sound that fits and
you want the music to be something you would play in your
own sets. That’s so important when we listen to the demos
we receive.
I’ve got a couple of my own releases coming out
later this year. The third in a series of releases that I have
made with Jan Johnston called Right Place, Right Time that
will also come with a remix from Danny Stubbs. He’s such a
great producer, so I think his remix will be very popular.
I’ve also got a track called The Wave coming out that
features a young Italian singer called Laura Welle. She
sounds AMAZING!!! I’m so excited about this release. It
also features remixes from Spada and Forerunners.
ESSENTIALDANCEMUSIC 23

What does your set-up like? Do you
favor physical gear over
digital? And what studio tools
featured heavily in the writing
Music?
To be honest I prefer digital. I has some great
hardware, but I always find I still turn to my VST’s every
time I work on a track. The VST I use the most is Sylenth,
it’s been my go to synth for years!
Your remixes always sound quite
original and not like a bootleg
version of the original which can
often happen. Is this something you
are conscience of when working on
a remix?
I think that the remix should try and reflect the
original music that you release in its style. So I always try
and use similar drums and sounds so that they are
recognisable within the remix. I tend to be more full on
with the remix than the original, which comes back to your
previous question about what I make. I want the music to
be what I would play, otherwise it’s a waste of time.
Tell us about your release
of Sunscreem - Perfect Motion.
Are you Always trying to create
something which is relatable to the
original but also stands on its own
creatively?
That was such an amazing opportunity to be
honest. Sunscreem have been one of my all time favourite
bands for years, so when I got the chance to rework
Perfect Motion and work alongside Paul and Lucia, it was
just unreal. They are lovely people and it also reminds me
that I need to chase them up for a remix for Right Place,
Right Time lol
How have you been dealing with
COVID-19? How has it affected your
daily life, music production and
overall inspiration to write new
music?
Madly, the pandemic has been an opportunity for
us to grow as a brand. We got asked to present the Wind
Down show on BBC Radio 1, so we have been
concentrating on that for the last 8 months. The last show
is on Saturday 26th June, which features my Krafted
partner Simon Sinfield and I.
We brought on board some of the producers that
have featured on Krafted including Moonface, Lorrainne and
Ntsha. Was so good to be able to showcase our artists and
the releases each month.
In terms of my daily life, I’ve been lucky that I
could carry on working ok, but I really missed socialising.
That’s the biggest thing for me during the whole
experience. So glad that we can finally start meeting up
with friends and family again.
Tell us about your BBC residency.
It’s been hard work. You think it’s just an hour
show each month, but it’s been unreal how much work
goes into it to be honest. All well worth the time and effort
though.
We have been licensing all the music from each
show to release as a compilation album called Krafted: Re-
Wind and add the mixed version to streaming sites like
Spotify etc. It’s certainly also opened many doors within
the industry as a result too. We’ve been dealing with some
huge brands such as Anjuna, Universal Music, Colorize etc.
It’s an experience that we will never forget and look
forward to doing again.
Are you going to return to
organising the Krafted streams that
you used to put together before the
pandemic? We noticed that you
stopped as Covid hit whilst so many
started doing them.
Yeah, we took the decision to stop doing them as
the market was saturated. We also wanted to focus on our
Radio 1 residency. We always knew we’d do it again and
we have recently renewed our partnership with Denon DJ
to start filming again using their products.
So our first stream is planned for filming on
3rd July featuring Lorrainne, but we’re just debating
whether she will make it with all the travel restrictions still
changing. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that she
makes it over from Spain. If not fo this one, then we will do
another with her.
So what about you Paul, will we be
able to see you performing at
events again?
Absolutely, I love DJ’ing, so I look forward to
playing at some great events again sometime soon!

featureinterview
_________________
Words Paul Newhouse
____________________
Photography Steffen Matt
______________________________
Connet goout.net/en/der-wurfler/pzlfyxf
Peter Michael Strube aka DER WÜRFLER was born in Berlin in
1960. At the age of 13 he was playing house parties after school
with a DUAL turntable and SABA tape machine!
In 1975 at the age of 15 he got his first fee for DJ'jing at a gay club,
Berlin Kreuzberg, and that was it, he was hooked!
Between then and now he has played in hundreds of club
nights, and clubs, magazines, radio stations, live streems, TV
stations, and books, the list is endless! He has even been a
dancer in clubs, and many film extras.
His music styles, have been varied and wide over the years;
In the 70’s: Soul – Funk – Electro - Disco. In the 80’s: Disco - High
Energy – New Wave – Electro – New Beat - House – Acid. In the
90’s: Acid – House Trance – Techno – Hardcore – Break-Beat –
Jungle – Drum & Bass – Rave - Hard -Trance. In the 2000’s -
2010: Minimal – Deep House – Electro - Techno. In the 2010’s -
2021: Minimal – Deep House – Electro – Acid - Techno –
Hardtechno - Techno - Rave.
At the beginning of 1991, DJ Zappa and Der Wurfler turned Club
WALFISCH into the most infamous Afterhour Club in Berlin.
Running from Friday to Monday, every weekend, a normal time
for clubbers in Berlin in the 90's!
Today he is resident at Kit Kat, Disco Bizarre, Raumvier, Void,
and EXT.
There is so much to this man I cant wait to hear more, lets go!

Who is Peter .... professionally and
personally?
I was born in Berlin in 1960, I have 7 sisters, so I
grew up only among women. My father left our home early.
My sisters were all big Beatles fans. I was a James Brown
fan. I was more interested in the rolling grooves of J.B..
When I was 14 I moved out of home into a shared flat in
Kreuzberg. At the moment I still live in Kreuzberg.
In 1974, I began an apprenticeship as a building
fitter. But I never worked in that job. I went into the
printing business. I worked there for 15 years. After that I
carried on a job in graphic design and interior design.
Even in school and at house parties I was spinning
records at the age of 13, with a DUAL turntable and SABA
tape machine. 1975 first fee for DK'ing in a gay club,
Berlin-Kreuzberg. Today I am resident at Kit Kat, Disco
Bizarre, Raumvier, Void, EXT.
You are a well-known DJ from the
club scene in Berlin in the '90s,
especially from the Walfish
nightclub, what do you think the
difference is now to back then?
I am Berlin's longest serving DJ, since 1975 I have
been playing music in clubs, large discos, and open airs. In
the 90s at several Underground Clubs like UFO#1, UFO#2,
Club 90°, Walfisch, Bunker*, Tresor/ Globus, Planet,
Quartier, Turbine, Exit, Heaven, Unity Bath, E-WERK, Kit
Kat Club* and much more. I get booked to the appropriate
events. At the beginning of the 90s the demand was very
high, there were not yet so many DJs. I put on music from
Monday to Monday from night to day from day to night.
At the beginning of 1991, DJ Zappa and I turned
Club WALFISCH into the Afterhour Club. The weekends
looked like this with me: Friday night from 11 on at the
Club 90°, then from 5 in saturday morning until 4 in the
afternoon at the Walfisch. Saturday evening from 11 until 5
at the Bunker, after that straight tot he Walfisch from 6
morning until 4 in the evening. Then from 7 sunday
evening to the Quartier (Gay T Dance), after that from 11
at the Club 90° until monday noon. A completely normal
weekend for me in the 90s.
Where to DJ at the moment, how the music was going, in
what directions.
There was also a kind of big hunt for records.
In this day and age, everyone is on their own and
searching the internet for new digital music tracks.
The variety of music tracks have increased enormously.
The digital age allows fast downloads, no matter where you
are. The DJ or DJane turn knobs, the digital devices take
control. The age of mobile devices has arrived.
There aren’t as many bookings as there were in
the 90s, the club density has decreased. To give techno
music the right setting, in the early 90s we were looking for
old hangars, bunkers, decaying factories, it was an
underground movement. It's a shame that the underground
clubs that once existed in the 90s have disappeared.
Through Corona, clubs today are focused on other things,
having good internet access for livestream for example.
The DJane or DJ is broadcasted to the living rooms or
mobiles via Digital Global. Today we don't depend on fixed
clubs to listen to techno music. The disadvantage is that we
can no longer party together, which we clearly prefer to do.
We miss verbal exchange a lot.
What other clubs have you and do
you play in?
At the end of the 80s Acid – Techno appeared. I
was looking together with my many friends for
opportunities to play this music outside the normal dusty
old Berlin disco clubs. We played music in bunkers,
hangars, factories, demolition houses, and on boats. Little
by little some of them became legal techno clubs and I
started playing in them. E.G.: UFO Club#1 - UFO Club#2 -
Club 90° - Walfisch - Bunker -Tresor/ Globus - Planet -
Quartier - E-Werk, Kit Kat Club.
Beginning of 2000 in the Matrix Club Berlin, four
live drummers joined my DJ set, the DRUM CONNECTION.
They drummed to my set. The synthetic sound was
accompanied by natural drum sound.
Today I still play at RAUMVIER - Disco Bizarre at
Kat Club - Club Christa, Weißer Hasen Club, Void Club at
EXT, radio shows and more. More and more techno
Classic events take place, like the Walfisch Revival Party,
Tekknozid Parties, Bunker Revival and Return of the
Hardcore. What I also enjoy a lot to put on old good house,
acid, techno records.
The Bunker was the hardest techno club in the
world. In the courtyard there was a barrack, in which the
ROT KREUZ Club was located. The first KIT KAT parties
took place in the ROT KREUZ Club, which I later continued
as a DJ in the TURBINE. Today the KIT KAT Club is in the
former Walfisch Club. Where I still play a lot of music
today.
It's a fine art to DJ with vinyl. As a DJ in the 90s,
you spent a lot of time in record stores to get good records.
In the record store you met other DJs, exchanged opinions
about music style and direction.

" The Bunker was the hardest
techno club in the world. In the
courtyard there was a barrack, in
which the ROT KREUZ Club was
located. The first KIT KAT parties
took place in the ROT KREUZ Club,
which I later continued as a DJ in
the TURBINE. Today the KIT KAT
Club is in the former Walfisch Club.
Where I still play a lot of music
today "
ESSENTIALDANCEMUSIC 29

Have you released any
productions?
1. Malaria Records: Jumble Versus Der Würfler
Magic Trick Pack: Groovy Beat: Sometime, Somewhere.
2. My Sound Is The Championsound: Der Würfler,
Traumpool Jumble, Cathryn DuPont:
Cosmopolitican and Funny Bone.
3. BRB ALLSTARS (Compilation Volume 10) Various-Artist:
Der Würfler: Epona
What do you do when you have
spare time?
I like swimming very much, inline skating and
cycling. I walk a lot in the forest to relieve my ears. I like
cooking and meeting my friends.
Tell us your experience of the
young English / Irish and Scottish
that descended on Berlin in the '90s.
I was born in Berlin-West in 1960. I was used to a
divided city. There was the East and the West. The GDR
and the GFR. The Western Part of Germany was divided in
3 sections, the English, Americans and the French section.
The East part were the Russians. In Berlin we had all three
of them combined. In West Berlin there were many discos
where the soldiers went to. And that’s where I met all the
soldiers, in the Berlin Clubs.
When they met among themselves, there were many fights
in clubs or in front of the clubs. Then the military police
came and cleaned up.
What drew me to these discos at a very early age was the
music they listened to and the dances they danced. One
disco in Berlin West was the Early Bird – situated behind
Zoologischer Garten-Station. There were up to 90 English,
Irish and Scottish soldiers with whom I had a lot of contact.
Unfortunately they left in the early 90s after the fall of the
Berlin Wall.
Some of them later came back to Berlin privately
for techno parties. So we were able to see each other
again. It was very nice for my English, Irish and Scottish
friends to be able to be there as the techno scene
developed here in East Berlin after the fall of the Wall. West
Berlin was no longer in demand, everything in the East was
as well broken as it was after the war. Decaying factories,
empty hangars and bunkers. A coming together of West
and East, with the Allies in the middle. It was all so
beautifully peaceful. Today, many still come to Berlin to
celebrate oldschool parties. At the Walfisch, Tekknozid,
Bunker parties.
records. That's why I don't like it so much.
Today we have more possibilities with these mp3s. But I
stay with vinyl, although they are more expensive and
harder to transport.
Small clubs, festivals, super clubs or
House parties? And why?
For me, everything has its appeal. But it's the
small clubs that are very close to my heart. Where you're
very close to the audience, where I meet a lot of old and
new friends.
At big festivals you disappear backstage, go on
stage, do your set and then you're gone again.
It's all very impersonal. It's the same in super clubs or like
at the Love Parade - Berlin.
Everything has its charm and is nice, but in small
clubs you are like at home with your family. The club is like
your living room. I used to DJ a lot at house parties in the
80s and 90s.
Who was your favorite DJ back in
the '90s and who do you like now?
and Why?
At the end of the 80s - beginning of the 90s - we
were five or six techno DJs in Berlin. I liked one in
particular: DJ Jonzon. I always liked to DJ with him, also
with DJ Tanith. Robert Hood is my favorite, I also know him
personally. In the early 90s he was at my house, working
at my turntables, getting ready for the TRESOR and the E-
WERK. He has something I like a lot about him. He can
combine soul or disco well with techno. Which you can also
hear well in his productions. Even today I like to buy his
latest productions. I used to live with a good friend of
mine, she did the booking for many DJs from the USA and
England. Because of that I personally know many DJs who
worked at my turntables or had slept at our place. Today I
work a lot with DJ Tanith, we put on very fast and hard
music.
House - Trance or Techno? And
why?
I'm a DJ from the 70s/80s, where you didn't play
only one music direction in the evening. I'm still interested
in good music, whether acid, deep house, hard techno,
techno, trance, rave, drum & bass or even disco again. I
have bookings in all directions. They know that I play very
versatile music. Different music brings different people
together. That's also what makes it so appealing.
Vinyl, CDs or Digital? And why?
I love to put on vinyl, adjust the speed, play it
beat in beat. With CDs I realized that's not my subject
matter, also with MP3s I don't have as much to do as with

You are stranded on a desert island,
and you have 5 tracks to listen to for
the rest of your days, what are they
and why?
1. James Brown, I love his groove.
2. Marvin Gaye, I love his voice.
3. Ludwig van Beethoven, the 5th symphony. Divine
sounds.
4. JONNY L 'PIPER' (GROOVERIDER REMIX) The steamrolling
drums just keep on coming.
5. Jeff Mills „The Bells“, Detroit Techno – a must.
Something should really be ringing on that island.
What are your best memories of the
90's?
I had the great fortune to witness the fall of the
Berlin Wall. The East and West youth came together and
celebrated in wacky locations. This underground
movement, this good mood in Berlin. Many former young
soldiers from England, Ireland and Scotland celebrated this
historic event together with us. Former young soldiers
became good friends. Is there anything better? And of
course the first Love Parades in Berlin.
And worst memories?
Yes... I have had very bad memories! At the
beginning of the 80s AIDS appeared on the scene. Many of
my friends from the Disco and New Wave times died;
almost all of them. It lasted until the beginning of the 90s.
Only then did new, more effective drugs come on the
market. These helped to push back the death rate. The loss
of these friends is irreparable.
What does the future look like for
the scene and the DJ?
From anywhere in the world you can log into
virtual clubs. Today, because of Corona, livestreams have
spread very quickly around the world. But it will not replace
the contact with another person, because we need physical
contact to other people. We also want to get love, it is very
important. A DJ is also happy when he gets recognition. By
recognition he realizes if the work he does is right or
wrong.
Compact stand alone systems will take hold. DJs
will bring beatboxes into their sets via MIDI clock. Plus
video sync, livestream, 3D environment. The DJ will create
his sets in his own virtual worlds. Electronic - non stop,
music - non stop.
Last words?
" Music does not stand still.
Carry it into the world and take
the good old with you on your
way. Make new friends, take good
care of old friends"
- Peter Michael Strube

OUT NOW
ON
NUTTY
TRAXX

featurearticle
_________________
Words Anthony Piercy
_________________________________
Connect https://www.djs-inbox.com/
Welcome to DJsInbox…
Your musical inbox devoted to promoting the electronic music industry reporting
on releases, DJ mixes, internet and social media live broadcasts as well as
showcasing some of today’s leading and upcoming artists and labels.
DJsInbox is an informational/promotional website dedicated to supporting and
promoting music, artists (and djs) and labels as well as gear and venues that allow
us all to share amazing experiences listening to and supporting music. We
actually got our start back in early 2000. The initial startup process was slow and
somewhat difficult breaking down barriers for a freshman brand but after a couple
years securing our footing, we started to make a name for ourselves. As things
began to develop, we caught a notable break and made contact with djs, artists
and labels who were on board to help us host our own first annual Winter Music
Conference parties which then continued on for several consecutive years.
Once things began to formally take shape, we made initial contact with Proton
Radio during the early years of their long fulfilling endeavor and were invited to
start our own bi-weekly show titled DJsInbox presents Solid Sounds. Proton were
extremely supportive in the beginning and continue remain so today. The show
began bringing in guests such as Chris Cargo, Satoshi Tomiie, Quivver, Parks and
Wilson, Nic Fanciulli, Marcello Castelli, Rick Pier O’Neil, Chris Fortier, Steve Parry,
Hernan Cerbello, Chus, Starkillers, DJ Samer, Bill Hamel, Kasey Taylor, and many
many more.
DJsInbox also featured a similar sizable list of talented artists, djs and labels
throughout the years and made some everlasting memories and relationships
with great people within the industry. Our viewing support extended well into 30
plus countries which gave us the confidence to continue.
Fast forward about a decade and we are making our re-debut (in 2020) in a time
where things have changed tremendously and are continuing to change in
different ways. The primary focus for DJsInbox has not changed and we make it
our mission to support existing talent while helping push the new breed further
into the spotlight as much as we possibly can.
Today’s artists, music and the industry as a whole has signed on the dotted line
continuing to move forward fully embracing the digital movement and we look
forward to being a part of the forward thinking and hope we can provide a
service supporting role to those who seek out success.

Tell us a bit about yourself,
Karlos: Hi, my name is Karl Williams (Karlos) and I am a
Director and resident DJ for AATM Radio, resident DJ at
Saturo Sounds, Transmission Lost and DJs Inbox. I have
been with the DJs Inbox team for about 6 months now and
after winning the mix of the year competition in 2020 with
DJs Inbox I was honored to be asked to join the crew. I
have been DJing for circa 27 years and like many of the of
the candidates on our Embark program I struggled getting
any traction with my DJ career. With everything going on
over the last year or so I thought I would take a leap of
faith and eventually entered and successfully competed in a
number of competitions, which has given me more of a
platform to enter the industry in a more professional
capacity. My DJs Inbox residency has allowed me the
opportunity to do charts, features, track reviews and
interviews for the likes of Mango Alley, Movement
Recordings, Droid9 and Balkan Connection with the latest
being Brent Lawson’s N.O.R. EP. I have also done a
number of guest mixes for various stations/DJ’s and most
recently Brent Lawson’s Pro B Noir Show on Proton Radio.
What is DJs Inbox?
Karlos: DJs Inbox is a collaboration between Mark Kovach
and myself, and most recently Eddie Paradise.
Mark Kovach: DJsInbox is primarily an informational/
promotional website dedicated to supporting and promoting
music, artists (and djs) and labels as well as gear and
venues that allow us all to share amazing experiences
listening to and supporting music. We actually got our start
back in early 2000. The initial startup process was slow and
somewhat difficult breaking down barriers for a freshman
brand but after a couple years securing our footing, we
started to make a name for ourselves. As things began to
develop, we caught a notable break and made contact with
djs, artists and labels who were on board to help us host
our own first annual Winter Music Conference parties which
then continued on for several consecutive years.
Once things began to formally take shape, we made initial
contact with Proton Radio during the early years of their
long fulfilling endeavor and were eventually invited to start
our own bi-weekly show titled DJsInbox presents Solid
Sounds. Proton were extremely supportive in the beginning
and continue remain so today. The show began bringing in
guests such as Chris Cargo, Satoshi Tomiie, Quivver, Parks
and Wilson, Nic Fanciulli, Marcello Castelli, Rick Pier O’Neil,
Chris Fortier, Steve Parry, Hernan Cerbello, Chus,
Starkillers, DJ Samer, Bill Hamel, Kasey Taylor, and many
many more.
Fast fowarding a bit to 2020, DJsInbox made a return to
the industry rebranding and hosting online events due to
the pandemic.
Showcasing the artists and music remains our number one
priority. Featuring DJs, artists, labels and the muisc is one
way we accomplish this. Reviewing the music is pretty
important to us as it helps strengthen and lengthen the
release exposure, from what we are told.
Early 2021 saw DJsInbox expand their front office, bringing
on more talent to help reshape the brand and secure line of
sight for the future. Bouncing ideas off other like minded
indicviduals who have stake in something that motivates
them helps you validate your choices and make course
corrections if necessary. The team effort approach makes
us stronger I think.
Karlos: The Embark with DJsInbox programme was born
shortly thereafter which I joined DJs Inbox and was one of
the things we wanted to focus on to replace the old
monthly DJ competition. So after a couple of months of
bouncing ideas off of each other we thought that a program
which would allow us to reach out and help those who
needed it most. We also reached out to our close friends
and developed the program to what it is now. It brings us
great pleasure to assist grassroot DJ’s in getting more
exposure, firstly by doing featured article on our website,
then by giving them the opportunity of three guest mixes
on our three partnered radio stations. Both Eddie Paradise
and I mainly help and guide the DJ’s by offering support,
guidance, and advice to our candidates throughout the
process. The candidates generally have been in the same
situation as ourselves, who are not sure how to get heard,
or struggling to break through the sometimes difficult
personal or social restrictions they may find themselves in,
exacerbated by the situation that we have all been in over
the last year or so.

Mark Kovach: We are exterenly fortunate enough to rally
around a great group of individuals who support the
cause...if you will. We also have strong support from AATM
Radio, Saturo Sounds and Resonate Together (Lee Softley
of Blue Amazon) who hosts his show on DI.FM. The support
for our program has been truly brilliant and we all cannot
thank our partners for all they do to help support us and
even offerring residencies out to those who have taken part
in the Embark Program.
What is the Embark with DJs Inbox
program?
Karlos: The newest project that we have launched is
called “Embark with DJs Inbox”. This program is
aimed at grass root DJ’s that are seeking to get
exposure and play on some of the best radio stations
in the UK and who may be struggling to get proper
exposure, recognition and airtime. We aim to help
promote the DJ through the collaboration of DJs Inbox with
AATM Radio, Saturo Sounds and Blue Amazons’ Resonate
Together show on DI.FM. To introduce the successful DJ,
DJs Inbox will do a featured article on our website about
them and give a potted history of the DJ so you can learn
more about the individuals. Then we will be helping the DJ
to compile, structure and air the mixes for our dedicated
slots on all three stations. The idea of this they get to do
three different styles of mixes from a warm up set, main
room and finally a less genre-specific set with creative
track selection, experimental DJ mixing and features which
the DJ will have to provide an exciting mix for. There may
also be the offer of residencies too!!
Through this program the DJ will get the
opportunity to meet some of the industries most recognized
artists, producers, and DJ’s. The program may vary in
length but from selection to the final set is approximately
six weeks where we have tried to space out the promotion
and each exclusive set for the individual radio stations. It
is fast paced but this is to be expected as the amount of
sets that DJ’s do a month can be a lot especially when out
gigging which is what we are ultimately trying to give them
experience in. The begining of each month will bring
another new DJ and they will undertake the same road map
for the process as set out.
How can the DJs enter?
Karlos: It’s really quite simple, by heading over to our
webpage www.djs-inbox.com/ and selecting the Embark
tab and its all there, however if you follow this link it will
take you directly there too https://www.djs-inbox.com/
embark-with-djsinbox/. Then all you have to do is fill out
the Applicant Details at the bottom of the page and press
submit. That’s it really then wait until you are contacted by
DJs Inbox if you are successful. Just remember that this
programme runs every month so this is an ongoing thing
and not just a one off. We will be scheduling DJ’s in all
through the year and in to the next too. There is a period
of 3 months where DJs Inbox get to review applications as
we are experiencing really high numbers in applications for
this program and we want to make sure that we choose the
right people for the program and not miss any gems as a
result of not having enough time to review applications. So
it really is that simple!
What is or was the thinking
behind it?
Karlos: Originally, when I came on board at DJs Inbox,
Mark suggested that we could potentially reform our
existing DJ competition into something that could give the
DJ’s something more than just a bit of prize money but real
experience and exposure, which we felt that the
competition was missing. After we brainstormed the idea a
bit more, it was decided that I would seek possible
opportunities with the stations that I am also involved in to
see if there was an appetite by the stations to get involved.
So, from this we managed to secure a number of slots
across the radio stations and got them onboard with the
idea, in which they were excited to do so. We felt that with
so many competitions it makes it hard to actually pick a
winner as they can be judged on listens and likes, which we
felt didn’t actually represent the music or the quality of the
DJ. We felt that this brushes that approach aside and
focuses primarily on the music and the DJ. This then opens
the world up to the DJ’s that wouldn’t necessarily be heard
based on likes and listens. Embark with DJs Inbox
refocuses to what is most important, the music and the
DJ’s, it‘s not a competition, it’s an opportunity to shine.
How is it going so far?
Karlos: We are now coming into our third month of the
program and the feedback from the DJ’s has been amazing!
The interest and support from all the DJ community has
been tremendous for which I can only thank everyone
involved and that has supported us to date. Both the first
and second candidates have actually secured residencies
through the program. Michael Grant was offered a
residenciy at Saturo Sounds and now has his very own
monthly show and has also been on to do guest mixes on
the exclusive Frisky Radio too. Marcus Nilla has also been
offered a residency at AATM Radio who has now got his
very own bi-weekly show and is settling in great. It was
also great to read in Lee Softley’s (Blue Amazon) latest
article for IUM that he mentions DJs Inbox, Marcus, and
Michael in helping contribute to what is an awesome
showcase of DJ talent on his Resonate Together Show on
DI.FM which is aided by this program. So next up this
month we have Shilly who has already aired his AATM mix
and his Saturo Sounds mix up shortly so he is busy with
that at the moment. We have had a lot of interest in this
program and it has been really inspiring to see it actually
working, it is one thing to come up with ideas but it really
is another thing to see the fruitions of them. We are really
looking forward to receiving more applicatants and cannot
wait for the months ahead!

" The newest project that we have
launched is called “Embark with DJs Inbox”.
This program is aimed at grass root DJ’s that
are seeking to get exposure and play on
some of the best radio stations in the UK and
who may be struggling to get proper
exposure, recognition and airtime "
Industry support for DJs Inbox?
Mark Kovach: The industry support for us has been
amazing upon our return. We were not really expecting
much during the first several months, beyond branding and
planning where we thought we were headed, but it took off
quicker than anticipated…which was brilliant. In the early
days, we had already built a following and many
relationships with DJs, artists, labels, and some venues. We
re-engaged with most if not all of them, who are still in the
industry to this day, pretty much picking up where we left
off.
Our industry is, if not anything, resilient. The
people and fans are fantastic. The pandemic has really
demonstrated how well our industry supports one-another,
especially during tough times. It is quite refreshing to
witness.
What are the DJs Inbox goals /
future plans?
Mark Kovach: Our goals are to continue building the
brand and promoting the music, artists, DJs, and labels.
We are beginning to see the forest through the trees so inperson
events are not too far off.
Continuing to expand the Embark with DJs Inbox
programme also remains on top of our goals list going
forward.
Traveling to global destinations supporting the array of
talent seems all but certain. Getting to meet people (inperson)
that we have meet over the past year or so is
really important to us as well.
Tell us about the Soundgarden
Stream and how that came about?
Mark Kovach: We have been involved with live streaming
since we made our return back in June 2020. The DJs
Inbox brand grew in notoriety with each stream we
participated in, partnering with industry greats such as
Dom Van with Origin Presents and Markus Saarländer with
United We Stream Brighton. Things naturally progressed
and we built a strong relationship with this team and the
artists we featured in the streams.
Mark Kovach, the owner of DJs Inbox, wanted to
celebrate his upcoming birthday with something special and
the opportunity presented itself (extreme thanks to Dom
Van) where we could sponsor/co-host a streaming event
featuring Soundgarden artists Oliver & Tom and (boss/
Maestro) Nick Warren that following weekend. It was pretty
much a no brainer at that point. Ironing out the details
seemed to go quite well and working with the Soundgarden
team, Nick & Petra and Markus with United We Stream
Brighton, was a great experience. Dom made it pretty easy
for us on our end. They are all extremely professional.
Other sponsors such as Decoded Magazine, MJM
Productions, On Air Music, Valhalla, Las Palapas and Dance
TV all supported the event…in addition to PFG, AATM Radio,
Resonate Together and a host of other supporting cross
streamed pages.
The location shots in Argentina were quite
breathtaking. Las Palapas is certainly a place to visit when
the time is right for us.
Will you be partnering with more
labels?
Karlos: As it stands, we currently help and assist many
labels by doing features on them, charting their tracks, and
featuring their artists in tandem with their promo schedules
but we are always looking to expand this list and keen to
develop new relationships with existing, new, or upcoming
labels too to help them as much as possible and let’s see
where that takes us.

featureinterview
________________
Words John Ricketts
______________________
Photography Daniel Watson
___________________________
Connect facebook.com/lclubmusic
Based on the Balearic capitol Ibiza, LClub
Music has made its name in the last year with
their unique brand of upbeat deep house
music.
With their latest release Tom Walsh’s “Space
Race EP”, they are providing the sunshine
vibes and the soundtrack to sunny days by
the pool.
We caught up with Thomas Walsh and label
boss Affani to find out all things LClub, Ibiza
and house music.

How did you first come do being in the
dance music community, would it be
DJing, producing or running a label?
TW: For me it was actually music production first.
I always wanted to know how to DJ and that
came after.
What brought you to the world of
production?
TW: I played lots of instruments growing up but
never kept them going long enough to become
really proficient in any of them. As I got into my
20’s, I started to listen more to Electronic &
Dance music and so became curious as to how
these sounds were made, and what it is involved
in making a House or Dance track.
What would you say your biggest
musical influences are?
TW: In terms of artists, I would have to say Daft
Punk, Faithless and Hot Chip from a young age,
and then the likes of Julio Bashmore, Bonobo
and Machinedrum for when I really became
obsessed with Electronic music.
For the producers, what is your studio
setup?
TW: At the moment, it’s very “in the box”
focused, however I have acquired some nice
hardware bits recently to incorporate into my new
studio and setup
What’s your workflow in the studio?
TW: Usually I start off with an idea of some form,
be it a bassline, chord pattern or a vocal/spoken
word piece, then I’ll jam for a bit until I have
enough material to form the basics of a track.
Then, it’s a battle against the clock to turn it into
an arrangement as fast as possible while I’m still
feeling the vibe. I’ll often go back and swap in
and out samples later if needs be.
" COVID has ruined
The Music industry
and especially Clubs,
government has been
misprizing the Club
scene since the start
of pandemic "
- Affani

Any go to pieces of kit or plug-ins
that you can't make a track without?
TW: As I’ve mainly worked in the box with Ableton, and
have the full Suite version, I tend to use a lot of it’s stock
plugins and instruments. Operator is my favourite and I
spend a lot of time tweaking and designed sounds in this.
The new Echo audio effect is pretty cool also for nice dubby
delays. Also I use Xfer’s LFO Tool on most tracks.
Your dream DJj line-up?
TW: This is hard! Probably DJ EZ (that Boiler Room set!),
Soul Clap for the Deep Disco & house vibes, and finish off
with the Martinez Brothers!
Based in Ibiza, how do you see the
island and the scene in general
bouncing back post-covid?
A: COVID has ruined The Music industry and
especially Clubs, governments has been misprizing
the Club scene since the start of pandemic. Things
are changing now, we just heard today that Clubs
may be open till 3AM! We can see some light coming
finally and that’s great news for us indeed.
What are your fondest memories
from your time in Ibiza?
A: Space! I remember going to see Carl Cox every single
Tuesday, every week was different, Space was just magic
and I miss it so much!
TW: For me, the whole season of 2019 was pretty epic as it
was my first time to move over for the summer. Too many
memories to mention.... but a notable one would have to
be seeing Fatboy Slim in Freddie's room at Pikes!
What is your opinion on the deep
house scene at the moment?
TW: I think there are some incredibly talented producers
out there on the underground side of things right now, and
I feel there could be Deep House Rennaissance soon
because of this.
What would you say is the LClub
Music sound?
A: We don’t like tags/genres - if it’s good then we like it
With regards to LClub Music, what
do you look for when looking to
sign a track?
A: Groove is essential. I love good percussion and a phat
bassline!
What tips would you give from an
A&R perspective to artists wanting to
get signed?
A: Be original, make sure you send it the right demo to the
right label in the right moment!
Any notable releases so far?
A: I did a Remix for Todd Terry, DJ Sneak and Sucker
DJ’s. It took me actually more than one year to
licence the Remixes, and I was able to put them out
on a Remix Sampler. It was definitely worth it.
What is in the pipeline for LClub
Music?
A: We focus on Quality. We try our best to push every
single Release to reach the top DJ's, and to be promoted
properly from the essential online music stores.
Thanks for chatting to us! Space race EP is out now
on all major stores:
https://www.traxsource.com/title/1583326/spacerace-ep
" I did a Remix for
Todd Terry, DJ
Sneak and Sucker
DJ’s. It took me
actually more than
one year to licence
the Remixes, and I
was able to put them
out on a Remix
Sampler. It was
definitely worth it "
- Tom Walsh

featurearticle
__________________
Words Matt Schantz
________________________________
Connect: Twitter - @TheMattSchantz
A ROUGH GUIDE TO - DJ TIESTO
THE TRANCE YEARS
Once upon a time, before the In Concert DVDs, before
"Red Lights" and "Jackie Chan", before the Grammy
award and EDM, Tijs Verwest was a trance DJ. I can't
think of a time when it wasn't already a foregone
conclusion that Tiesto would scale the heights of
superstardom, but I'm sure it must have existed.
Certainly there must have been some nights, maybe
at the Spock club in his hometown of Breda,
Netherlands, when he was just another kid with a
box of records, trying to move the crowd. The Tiesto I
saw the first time he came to Los Angeles to play at
the Mayan Theater in 2001, however, was not an upand-comer.
DJ Tiesto was already a known, polished
commodity, a mix CD behemoth, and man who could
do no wrong with a remix. Those of us in attendance
that night knew him only from his recorded output
and he almost seemed to be some sort of Dutch
legend - but finally, there he was, giving the crowd
what they came for: big room trance.

Tiesto was reviled by many serious clubbers. The
music he plays is cheesy and formulaic, they would say. His
ego is too big. His productions and remixes are slight and
manipulative. He does the Jesus Christ pose from the
decks, with spotlights shining down upon him. He is, in
fact, everything that is wrong with the "superstar DJ"
phenomenon at the turn of the century. Saying "Tiesto
sucks" in 2001 was like hating Steve Aoki today because of
the cake-throwing, a signifier that you will not align
yourself with a certain style of music or nightclub crowd
because of what it and they represent. Tiesto was the antiunderground.
Being completely comfortable in the
overground, he never claimed to speak for those who
detracted him, and their disdain for him or what he
represented did nothing to hinder the arc of his success
which almost seemed like a a forever ascending straight
line. Eager, massive crowds turned out to hear him, votes
were tallied in various magazine popularity polls, and he
was speeding towards glory in a way that would make
previous DJ milestones like Paul Oakenfold playing
Wembley seem ordinary. Anything that Martin Garrix might
do today, Tiesto did it first. If there were high school
yearbook style-superlatives for DJs, Tiesto would win "Most
Likely To Succeed" and quite possibly "Biggest Nerd". He
wouldn't have cared about either of those labels, and would
continue on his path of manifest destiny, smiling all the
way.
Hating trance will always be a signifier of cool. The
genre carries a lot of baggage, and much of it, particularly
the Dutch style that Tiesto perfected, has been earned.
Trance is usually an entry-level form of dance music from
which most people grow out of as they embrace other
styles. But if house music, as it has been said, "is a
feeling", why can't trance also be? The genre itself does
have depth and breadth, if not the revered historical
soulfulness that house does. From Oakenfold's storied Goa
Mix, to carefully managed careers from the likes of
Solarstone and John '00' Fleming, to the use of trance as a
weapon when expertly used in a DJ's set, the genre has
never died and continues popping up in unlikely places.
When considering the early part of Tiesto's career though,
one does not see a lot of dark and light to his style;
keywords for the big Dutch sound he deftly wielded like
Thor's hammer would include #uplifting, #peaktime, and,
in moments, #progressive. There's not tons of protein
going on here - just lots of delicious carbohydrates and
sugar.
THE MAGIK MIX COMPILATION SERIES
(Black Hole Recordings) (1997-2001)
This series of seven mixes was the
point of entry for many fans of trance, and an
introduction to Tiesto himself. In comparison
with his bombastic later recorded output,
many of the early entries in Magik feel like
exercises in restraint. At times you can
almost forget you're listening to Tiesto -
sections of Magik One are far more groovedriven
and, dare I say it, techy. Granted,
trance was in a very different place
production-wise in 1997 than it would be just
a few years later, but just hearing these early
mixes feels like hopeful innocence. As a
branding exercise, there are worse ways to
market yourself than to put your name in the
distinctive Black Hole font on seven CDs,
accompanied by stark, beautiful images from
nature as the cover art. Tiesto himself didn't
even appear on the cover until the sixth
entry, showing his face only on the seventh
entry, Live in Los Angeles. The die was cast.
Soon Tiesto's face would be everywhere.
For this rough guide, the cutoff year is 2004; let's
just say that DJing the opening ceremonies of the Olympics
is a fairly significant milestone that means your career is
heading to a whole other level - past the VIP bracelets and
drink tickets, and on to supermodels and private jets. So
let's get down to business, destination - overground.

LIVE AT INNERCITY - AMSTERDAM
RAI (ID & T) (1999)
Significant in that this live show is
cited as his big breakthrough in Holland, the
content of this mix itself does not differ that
heavily from his two live Magik compilations -
on these nights, he came to play, and he
came to throw hammers. Live mixes such as
these, when committed to a CD format, are
somewhat calculated; there's an 80-minute
format to stick to, and LIve at Innercity
follows that restriction. In attendance at the
recording of Magik 7, I recall exactly where I
was in the Mayan Theater when the final
track, CJ Bolland's "The Prophet" was being
played, and that the night had a sudden
pause before starting up again. Recording
handled, nice and neat. Team Tiesto knew
what they were doing.
THE IN SEARCH OF SUNRISE MIX
COMPILATION SERIES, VOLS. 1-3
(Songbird) (1999-2002)
If ever there were a time when Tiesto "went
progressive", it would be these three mixes. It
was on these compilations he used
progressive tracks like BT's "Mercury and
Solace", Rui da Silva's "Touch Me",
Breeder's "Tyrantanic", and Way Out West's
"Mindcircus" alongside trance gems like
Solarstone's "Solarcoaster" and his own
"Sparkles". In and of itself, this isn't that
interesting - you could find these tracks
everywhere at that particular time. What is
significant is that Tiesto hiimself was playing
them, progressive being the in vogue sound
of the times. Also, the third edition of this
series is possibly Tiesto's finest moment for
recorded mixes - a fully realized blend of
trance and progressive tracks, with ebb and
flow, and amazing tracks and remixes from
the likes of Andain, Paul Oakenfold, and
Solarstone. It's not a great mix "for Tiesto";
it's just a legit great mix.

SELECTED PRODUCTIONS AND
REMIXES
When you're young in clubbing and
fueled by ecstasy, a night out comes with
expectations of moments being punctuated
by certain tracks, experienced with friends
old or possibly new, effectively soundtracking
your night. Feelings are felt, and memories
are made. Tiesto may not have invented the
"peak time" track, but he certainly perfected it
in the world of trance; it's as if the sound he
was searching for on those early Magik
compilations had finally been engineered.
Very few of these tracks could be described
as "utilitarian"; these are dancefloordominating,
reach for the lasers tracks.
Gouryella - Gouryella (1999): If you wanted
to explain Tiesto: the trance years with one
track, you could do worse. A collaboration
with fellow Dutch DJ/producer Ferry Corsten,
"Gouryella" bears a passing resemblance to
Ferry's own (solo) track "Out Of The Blue",
under his guise System F. "Gouryella" does
what it sets out to achieve: it makes you feel
good, and it is an absolute trance classic.
Tiesto - Flight 642: Is this where EDM
started? It's almost not even trance, more of
a hectic, techno-style peak time banger. This
track, along with many of his other excellent
early original works are collected on his first
artist album, In My Memory.
tried to work it into their sets and utterly
failed. What was he thinking, on Magik Six,
just dropping it right into the middle of his
set? Keeping this track at your disposal is like
having the biggest tool in your toolbox, the
one that you never use, but keep handy "just
in case". For the record, the only time it was
ever used correctly was by Paul Oakenfold
on his Perfecto presents...Another World mix,
and that's because it was the closer to disc
two. Oakey earned the right to hit the
nuclear option after taking his listeners there.
Delerium feat. Leigh Nash - Innocente (DJ
Tiesto remix): The other track by Delerium
that Tiesto lent his magic (magik?) to,
creating a gothic trance masterpiece.
Moby - We Are All Made of Stars (DJ
Tiesto remix): Moby's track from his album
18 was a response to the events of
September 11th and intended to express a
sense of hopefulness. This remix takes
Moby's indie rock noodlings and transforms it
into a trance call to arms. Timo Maas' remix
got all the love from the progressive crowd,
but Tiesto's rework just makes me want to
wave an American flag the same way Bruce
Dickinson would wave the Union Jack when
Iron Maiden was on stage.
Delerium feat. Sarah McLachlan - Silence
(DJ Tiesto In Search of Sunrise remix):
This remix is kind of The One. With his remix
of "Silence", it was like Tiesto was Neo
becoming fully actualized at the end of The
Matrix, plucking money out of the air like so
many suspended in mid-air bullets. It got so
much attention, and was licensed to so many
mixes, and so many DJs - Tiesto included -

DJ Tiesto - Revolution (Virgin, 2001)
Remember how I said that there
wasn't a lot of dark and light to Tiesto's style?
Well, Revolution's disc one is entitled "Dark
Side" and disc two is, you guessed it, "Bright
Side", so that's that. The first disc is a highly
competently sequenced journey through
many of the progressive tracks of the day,
and the same can be said of the uplifting
trance of disc two. If you own this CD and
Matt Darey's Ibiza Euphoria, you won't have
a need to purchase any "trance classics"
compilations, and you'll have a couple of
mixes that actually have some flow to them.
Plus, Revolution's cover is hot pink, which is
trancey AF.
DJ Tiesto - Nyana (2003)
Nyana is the pinnacle of
the first portion of Tiesto's
career, a two-disc blend of
trance and progressive, with an
amazing techno opening
section on the first disc. In an
alternate timeline, Tiesto
doesn't express disdain for the
Global Underground series,
and instead agrees to submit
his own entry, the contens of
Nyana being the soundtrack to
some obscure Nordic town for
the vaunted GU city series. In
the end, the only music brand
Tiesto ever needed to
associate with was himself.

Tiesto has said that his entire style changed
with the release of his Kaleidoscope album in
2009, but he was retreating from his classic
trance sound far earlier than that. Festivals
were getting bigger, and it's almost like EDM
had to be invented in order to reach the tens of
thousands of people in attendance at
Insomniac events. Tiesto was granted the
dubious title of the "godfather of EDM", and the
buzzsaw sound he grew into matches up with
that label. Revisiting his music for this piece, I
opened the "Tiesto Essentials" playlist on Apple
Music, and saw that I did not recognize a single
track included...there wasn't even the inclusion
of "Silence". If his forever ascending straight
line of success were to continue, the music he
played could not just plateau at trance.
I remember hearing Los Angeles KROQ
morning show jocks Kevin & Bean interview
Snoop Dogg some time back in the 90s; the
interview itself was unlikely enough, KROQ's
alternative rock format hardly being the type of
station to play Snoop's rap. But he was
definitely cool enough for Kevin & Bean to
interview, and they asked tha Doggfather which
artists with whom he would like to collaborate.
Posessing greater vision than I had at the time,
Snoop declared, "Who hot right now?", and
proceeded to throw out a bunch of rock band
names, including, "Green Day!". "How
ludicrous," I thought to myself at the time,
"That would be horrible". Well history finally
caught up with Snoop's vision, and in as
unlikely a pairing, Snoop guests on a track on
Tiesto's 2020 release The London Sessions.
Listening to the sleek, shiny pop music of today
(of which Tiesto is very much a part), it is easy
to hear the echoes of over twenty years ago
that began in a glittering wave of trance. I
wanted to say something about how Tiesto has
sustained a decades-spanning career across the
often disposable genres of electronic music and
pop, but instead would rather remind that
when it comes to Tiesto's back catalog, a little
sugar won't kill you.

ICONYC NOIR PRESENTS
I C O N Y C N O I R 1 0 0
A N N I V E R S A R Y E D I T I O N
SOUND DEPARTMENT
C O M P I L E D A N D M I XE D B Y
PA U L S AWYER
100
H U N D R E D
A V A I L A B L E
0 1 / 0 3 / 2 0 2 1
NOIR100
LARGE! - John Gibbons - 9/10
Nice One! - Sam Divine - 7/10
W W W . I C O N Y C . O R G
Funky Stuff, Thanks! - sa.lomaonun.es - 8/10

featureinterview
_________________
Words Anthony Piercy
_________________________________
Photography Fernando Sigma & Rui Antunes
___________________________________
Connect facebook.com/transensations.records
Over 15 years ago, Transensations emerged as a
premiere event promoter in São Paulo. Parties based
on the values of peace, love, unity and respect
quickly drew loyal followings. With its audience at an
all-time high, the Brazilian brand launched a record
label in 2017 , focused in quality underground
Progressive House and Melodic Techno & House
genres.
With the mission to develop and support the Brazilian
scene ,always keeping the values of: respect, ethics,
humility and professionalism with his public and music
producers ; offering them a reputable platform to
launch and develop their successful careers. The
quality releases are gaining support and being
recognized by the biggest names of the undergound
music scene around the world.
Lets get to know the guys........

Hey Rodrigo how are you today?
Hi! Anthony, glad to be here. Thanks for the
invitation. We feel really happy to talk to you about our
work.
We have plans to come back with our showcase as
soons as possible, but just after everything is perfectly
allowed in Brazil and South America in general. We do not
participate or support clandestin parties.
Can you tell us who runs the label
with you?
We are a team of 4 partners (which luckily are
friends too!), splitting duties and running it smoothly.
FABRICIO - LABEL MANAGER (PLANNING + FINANCES)
GORKIZ - A&R + ARTIST + SOUND ENGINEERING (MIX +
MASTERING)
RODRIGO - LABEL MANAGER (PR + EVENTS + ARTISTS
POINT OF CONTACT)
PEDRÄDA - ARTIST + ART DIRECTOR
When did the label start?
Transensations Records started in 2017, when
Gorkiz had the idea to start a music label and due to the
strong and already known brand Transensations
(which was born back in 2003 as an electronic music party)
What made you guys move from events to running a
label.
Gorkiz had the idea to start a new label in the end
of 2016, due to his previous music experiences. He spoke
with Fabricio first. Afterwards they invited me (Rodrigo)
and Pedräda to complete the team. In February of 2017
Transensations released its first EP.
Do you have events or label
showcases planned in Brazil?
We organized 2 showcases in São Paulo in 2019,
but due to the COVID-19 we had to take a break.
Meanwhile we started our streaming project on TWITCH,
called TRANSENSES HOME SESSIONS where we invite all
djs and producers who were involved somehow with
Transensations Records to send us a recorded set using
their own music and/or music they released with us. It's
been super nice. It helps to promote artists, offers our
public some entertainment at home and showcases our
music all over the world.
How are you dealing with the
current Covid situation?
As mentioned above we started our streams on
our Twitch channel (all sets go to our youtube channel after
presented). But I must say that it's been super important
for us in order to organize ourselves internally, review
some directions and most importantly get ourselves
stronger in order to come back at full power!
You guys release two EPs per
month for the past year now!
Yeah that's right. We realized that it would be
possible when the volume of demos started to grow. It was
a great decision.
Do you get a large volume of
demos?
Yes, and it's going bigger and bigger. That's why
we are launching our sub label FOR SENSES very soon
which will be more focused in Organic House and sub
genres. It will also be a front door for new producers before
releasing on Transensations.
Take us trough your A&R and
quality control process.
We receive all demos via e-mail
demotransensations@gmail.com and our A&R and boss
label Gorkiz analyses absolutely all demos received. Since
the beginning we have been working in between genres:
from Progressive House to Melodic Techno, with a bit of
Organic House also. The future of Transensations is going
to be more focused on the Progressive House and Melodic
Techno, but always keeping pace with new tendencies.
pedrada

Congrats on reaching release NO
50 for the label tell us more about it
Thank you very much. It's such an honour for the
team to receive so many good productions from all over
the world. On the 50th EP we had a great collaboration
between our label boss Gorkiz and the russian producer K
Loveski, who has been our partner since the beginning and
counted on two great remixes from well established
producers: the brazilian Luciano Scheffer and the indian
Grennage. It was a huge success and reached TOP 10
charts for a few weeks.
We believe that our label has been doing great, in
a well planned manner, always focusing on great quality
productions.
What else have you got
programmed for release this year?
For 2021 we already have a full schedule coming
up with great names from the scene such as Alex Efe,
Diego Berrondo, Kyotto, Noiyse Project, Dhanny G, Leo
Perez to name a few. And of course, our compilations
TRANSENSES III (september 2021) and The best of
Transensations 2021 (jan2022) Transenses 1 & 2. Also
best a of 2018/2020 Various Artists compilations have
gotten massive worldwide support.
How vital are summer winter
collections & ADE and the Miami
WMC VA compilation releases for
support and growth of the label?
Our compilations have a great importance in our
strategy and are always prepared with a lot of attention,
aiming to tell a good story from the beginning to the end.
The Transenses series is going for it´s third edition in
2021. It is our main anual compilation where we gather
great producers from all over the world and present some
upcoming names.
MIAMI and ADE compilations were specially created to
release great tracks just before those 2 important events.
All of them have a vital importance in receiving great
support from our partners and reaching this specific
audience perfectly. Besides, all of them attract media and
promote our brand, due to the articles and notes from
different specialized websites and blogs.

DJ CHARTS - Spring / Summer issue 2021
Gerry Verano [Austria] [House]
1. The Portrait (Ooh La La) Extended Version - Gabry Ponte
[R3HAB]
2. Beggin' For Thread Extended Version - Skytech, Lilo, Cappa
[CYB3RPVNK]
3. Driver Seat Extended Mix - Lady Bee [Mixmash Records]
4. Feel Your Love Original Mix - Timmy Trumpet, Edward
Maya, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike [Smash The House Official]
5. Same Thing Original Mix - Fedde Le Grand, Amy Grace, Love
Harder
[Smash The House Official]
6. Honey Extended Mix - CID, Volkoder [Musical Freedom]
7. Downtown Extended Version - R3HAB, Kelvin Jones
[CYB3RPVNK]
8. Scrolling Up Extended Version - Skytech, Fafaq, All That
MTRS [CYB3RPVNK]
9. That Pill Extended Version - CityZen [CYB3RPVNK]
10. Greece 2021 feat. Linnea Schossow Extended Mix -
W&W, Linnea Schossow, Martin Jensen [Rave Culture]
PAUL SAWYER [UK] [KRAFTED] [HOUSE/TECHNO]
1. Sultan & Shepard - Naama (Giorgia Angiuli Remix) [This
Never Happened]
2. Pedro Mercado, Rose Sunset - Bandana (Amir Telem Remix)
[Krafted Underground]
3. Triart & KRCL - Nothing At All feat. Jessica Zese [Ethereal
Future]
4. MXV - Lea Valley [ARRVL Records]
5. Lumme, Miguel Lautaro - Kolapsia [Somatic Records]
6. 8Kays - Darkness & Light feat. Chris Golden [Darkness &
Light]
7. Ornery & JP Lantieri - Proximity (LORRAINNE Remix)
[Flemcy Rec]
8. Giorgia Angiuli - All The Little Things (Undercatt Remix)
[Eleatics Rec]
9. Alex Breitling feat. Vincent Marlice - Time (Grigore Remix)
[Somatic]
10. Stereo Underground - SABBA [Sprout]
Sonas [UK] [Deep Tech/Electronica/Techno]
1. Polly Scattergood - In this Moment (SONAS rmx) [Future
Paradise]
2. SONAS - Watercolour [Bandcamp]
3. Little Dragon - Hold On (Ela Minus remix) [Bandcamp]
4. Pablo Bolivar - Bruma [Bandcamp]
5. Mr Soza - Paradox [Last Night on Earth]
6. Airside Connection - Wet [LoFi Music]
7. Soldatov - Give it all back to you [Gardash Records]
8. Oscar Ozz - Subsoil [Poesie Music]
9. IPSE DIXIT & 68 Beats - He said [RAMBLA Records]
10. Buitrago - No Signal [Uncage]
Amber Leigh Melby [USA] [Trance]
1. Jennifer Rene, Somna - Stars Collide (XiJaro & Pitch
Extended Remix) [Magik Muzik]
2. Chris Connolly - Terminal Synthology (Extended Mix) [Pure
Trance]
3. Astrix, Darma - Poison (Darma Remix) [Shamanic Tales]
4. Ahmed Helmy - Founder (Extendeed Mix) [AVA Recordings]
5. Kenney Palmer - The Twisting Nether (Extended Mix)
[Afterdark]
6. Nav Azzy - Diamond Geezers (Extended Mix) [Nocturnal]
7. Renegade System - In Silence [Mass]
8. Kinetica, Paul Skelton - Hold Me (Extended Mix) [Nocturnal
Knights Fusion]
9. Vegas, Dang3er - Existence [Vagalume Records]
10. Armin Van Buuren, Above & Beyond - Show Me Love
(Sander Van Doorn Extended Remix) [Armind (Armada]
MARK Neenan [UK] [Techno] [Filth Infatuated]
1. Ken Ishii - Disquiet [Different Is Different]
2. D.A.V.E The Drummer - 90's Techno [Hydraulix]
3. Dax J - Simulated Reality (Terafactory AI Electronics)
[Monnom Black]
4. Jim E Scavenger Feat' Frilla - Punk DJ [Filth Infatuated
Digital]
5. Zero Days - The First Time [Infected]
6. Christian Varela - Prognosis [Materia]
7. DJ D Redd - 3rd Dimension [Filth Infatuated Digital]
8. Hels.Yeah - I'm Busy Soz [Keep On Techno]
9. Adam Beyer Feat' DJ Rush - Restore My Soul (DJ Rush
Remix) [Drumcode]
10. Joe Farr - I Last Forever [User Experience]
Brent Lawson [Pro B Tech][UK][House/Prog]
1. Golan Zocher ft Velveta - Summer Sun - Menkee Remix [Pro
B Tech]
2. Andrees & Yakoff - Gjoll [Pro B Tech Music]
3. Framewerk - Not Over Yet
4. Milk - Framewerk Rework
5. Nichols (U.K.) Mystical - (Weird Sounding Dude Remix)
[ARRVL Records]
6. Bien - The best part - (Patrice Baumel Extended Mix)
[Anjunabeats]
7. Weird Sounding Dude - Wonderlife
8. Chris Sterio, Ranj Kaler - Digital Life [Another Life Music]
9. Animus Liber - Tayrona [Future Avenue]
10. Golan Zocher Featuring Velveta - Summer Sun - (Emi
Galvan Remix) [Pro B Tech Music]

https://www.discogs.com/seller/Redbox-Vinyl-Shop/profile
Paul Newhouse [IRL] [House/Techno][Zone]
1. Various artists - Cookies Vol. 4 [Terminal M Records]
2. Jeremy Weeks & Michael James - The Ocean EP [discotech]
3. D.S. - Unplait [Recycle Records]
4. DumitrEscu - Winter tales [unsuccessful]
5. Alex Pervukhin - Never 2 Laate EP [Laate Records]
6. Zoo Brazil - Sterp By Step [Monaberry]
7. Leanca & Sonohat - Paprika Express [Age Hour]
8. SON - Love Songs For Dragons [Piano Forest Records]
9. Dario D'attis - Misleading EP [8bit Records]
10. Christian Hornbostel - Liber Tertius EP [Praedikat Records]
Paul Hawcroft [UK] [Progressive House]
1. b.mod – Revolution [Animal Farm Records]
2. Arjun Vagale – Hungry like the wolf [AsymetriK]
3. Orange Brothers - Abandoned Hospital [Sonusfield]
4. TWCOR – How it ends [Planet Rythm]
5. Toni Alvarez – Micetal [Planet Rythm]
6. Stiv Hey – Can't stop (Brennen Grey Remix) [Respekt]
7. Repeater – Repetition 3 [Repeat]
8. Asymetrik Eas – Before Dawn (EAS Remix) [AsymetriK]
9. Exilles – Friday the 13th [Akronym]
10. Killawatt – Champagne Prerogative [47x47]
Chris Geka [France] [Techno/Tech-house/House]
1. Chris Geka - Bagalia [DAVOTAB REC.]
2. Stardust - Music Sounds Better With You (Chris Geka Rework)
[PROMO]
3. Balthazar & JackRock - Age Of Freedom [TERMINAL M]
4. DJ Jordan - Underground [DOLMA REC.]
5. Tony Romanello - PTSD [RED CHANNEL REC.]
6. André Keller - Shaping Reality [SUBVISION]
7. Ramon Tapia - Last Step (ASYS Remix) [SAY WHAT?]
8. Chris Geka - Palmeira [GRYPHON REC.]
9. The Reactivitz - Hydra [SET ABOUT]
10. Patrick Scuro & Philipp Lewinski - Somnium [RENESANZ]
Nutty T [UK] [Nutty Traxx] [Hard dance]
1. Paul McNulty - The Navigator [HQ Recordings]
2. Nutty T - World Of God [Nffekted Traxx]
3. Thieves Of Dreams X Kroxy - Overdose [Loverloud]
4. DJ Thera & Kruelty - The Watchman [Theracords]
5. Mindflux - Everlasting Grief (ADM's Uber Remix) [Hyper
Reality]
6. Lab4 - Bow Chi [Contact]
7. Nutty T - Maniacal 2.0 [Nutty Traxx]
8. Cally & J-Trax - Hold On [HDUK]
9. Bad Panda - The Agenda [212 Records]
10. Nutty T - Distorted Memories [Nutty Traxx]
Def Beatz Chart [UK] [GROOVE CITY RADIO]
1. UC Beatz - Bongos, Rhodes & Candles (803 Crystal Grooves)
2. Q Narongwate - Don't Understand (Original Mix) (Delve Deeper
Recordings)
3. Shur-i-kan - Hollow (Dark Energy Recordings)
4. Col Lawton - Deep Africa (Matt Prehn Remix) (House Music Matters)
5. Brendon Lee - Rhapsody (Original Mix) (The Travelling Bear Records)
6. Deep75 - Bumba Groove (Original Mix) (Deep Fix Recordings)
7. ACAY & Daniela Rhodes - Feel Again (Extended Mix) (Zulu Records)
8. Becanoe Da Voe - Terminal Point (Original Mix) (Sound Vessel Records)
9. Nikco - Listen To You (Original Mix) (Oh So Coy Recordings)
10. Rune Sibiya - Time, Space & All (Rune Dub) (Rogue Decibels)
Gorkiz [Brazil] [Transensations] [House]
1. Gorkiz , K Loveski - Echos Of Eons (Greenage Remix)
[Transensations Records]
2. Guy J - Small Alarms (Original Mix) [Lost & Found]
3. George Alhabel - Omega Station (Michael A Remix) [Mango
Alley]
4. Evegrem, Axel Zambrano - Mistakes (Andre Moret Remix)
[Droid9]
5. Gorkiz, K Loveski - Arboreal (Luciano Scheffer Remix)
[Transensations Records]
6. Simos Tagias - Black Swan (Mike Rish Remix) [Juicebox Music]
7. Gorkiz - Dance In The Moon (Original Mix) [Deepwibe
Underground]
8. Matt Lange - Rift (Alex O’Rion Extended Mix) [Anjunabeats]
9. Fran Bianco - Oasis (Pedrada Remix) [Transensations Records]
10. Canato, 2Stroke - Blooming (L Georges Remix)
[Transensations Records]
Probably Shouldn’t [See Saw] [UK] [House/Disco]
1. Probably Shouldn’t - Bogota [Fade to Funk]
2. Keller - Forever [Midnight Riot]
3. Hotmood - Sexy Thrills [Party Pizza]
4. Le Pari - Heavenly [Hot Spicy Action]
5. Maryag - So Good [Moiss Music Black]
6. Kieren Apter - Doc’s Track [CB90 Dance Recordings]
7. Groovemasta - LAmour [Good Stuff Recordings]
8. Conclave & Toribio - Alate Yeye Chege [Love Injection
Records]
9. Mahogany - Ride on the rhythm (Michael Gray remix) [West
End Records]
10. Adeline - When I’m alone (Jkriv & Peter Matson remix) [Razor
n Tape]

TUNES
PROG - TECH HOUSE // Paul Hawcroft
Albums - Dance
TOP TUNE //
10
Christoph x Yotto Ft. Sansa - Out Of Reach [Pryda ]
What with there being So much good music around at the moment, its been a hard pick
for me. Starting us off I bring you Pryda’s latest release Out of Reach, A collaboration
from progressive superstars Christoph and Yotto. The track is over 8 minutes of chunky
grooves and atmospheric synth lines. If that wasn't enough add the haunting vocals of
Sansa and you have this epic monster of a track. Excellent stuff as you'd expect from
these guys.
https://www.beatport.com/release/out-of-reach/3389554
7
Oliver Harper - Gwithian [Perfecto Black]
Here Perfecto Black head honcho and all round nice bloke Oliver Harper brings us the
infectious Gwithian. The track is full of layered arps and synth lines which hypnotise you
from the off. A lush bassline adds depth and warmth which take you into an epic break
with deep pads and melodies. All in all a great slice of progressive house designed for
those Summer nights.
8
https://www.beatport.com/release/gwithian/3417349
Jackarta - Here She Comes [Songspire]
The ever impressive Songspire seem to be going from strength to strength of late, with
track after track of pure gems. Here they bring us the return of Jackarta with the emphatic
‘Here she come’.. This track grabs you from the off, with warm chugging basslines and
punchy percussion loops. Add Vocal samples and layer after layer of synths and it makes
for an epic piece of proggy goodness. Great release.
https://www.beatport.com/release/here-she-comes/3405081
8
RECOMMENDED
Simon Doty - Solaris [Anjunadeep]
As always Anjunadeep deliver another quality release for our listening pleasure.
Here Simon Doty brings us the epic Solaris. This is a peaktime banger with
tangling synths and short chord riffs layered over chunky groovy percussion
lines. These lead into signature Doty melodies and teasing breakdowns. Im sure
when Boris lets us on the dance floors this is going to do some damage thats for
sure.
https://www.beatport.com/release/solaris-ep/3404934
Solarstone - When I dream (Kryder Remix) [Blackhole]
9
Next up something a little different but just absolutely epic.Pure Trance supremo and
Trance legend Solarstone's When I Dream, Expertly remixed by Kryder. As you'd expect
when these two names are put together the results are truly stunning. You get
Solarstones usual uplifting chords and melodies twinned with a chunky bigroom
progressive makeover from kryder..... whats not to like.
https://www.beatport.com/release/silence/3159934

VINYL TOP 20
1. Monika Kruse - Hidden Love - Terminal M Recordings
2. Jonathan Kasper - Invert Drift - Cocoon Records
3. Jos & Eli - Mayhem EP - Watergate
4. HDSN – I house you but love – NBAST
5. Ben Jones – Fizzy Water EP – Before Records
6. Various Artists – Horror Vacui vol 1 - Motus
7. Various Artists – Neurotwin – Art21
8. Last Front – Green Tower/Dream Punk – Sundance
9. Recondite – Bird EP – Afterlife
10. Various Artists - 30 Years of Strictly Rhythm - Strictly Rhythm
11. Hess and Harrison – Epibenthoss Mbira EP – Echocord
12. DumitrEscu - Winter Tales - unutrei
13. Alex Pervukhin - Never 2 Late - Laate Records
14. Nail - Baia Verde EP - Traxx Underground
15. The Fog - Been a long time (Full Intention 2021 remix) -
Full Intention
16. Gene Hunt - Part One - Chiwax
17. Giorgio Maulini - Purpose to the Culture - Mau
18. Oliver Dollar - Braeburn EP - Refuge Recordings
19. Temple - Love Machinie - Internasjonal
20. Mihai Popaviciu - Azul EP - Bondage Music

TUNES
HARDDANCE // Nutty T
TOP TUNE //
10
Patrick McNulty - The Navigator [HQ Recordings]
9
Emerging talent Paul McNulty hails from the land down under and brings us this banging
Hard Trance track. This tune really amps up the energy levels with it's hypnotic groove
blended with epic arpeggios and dreamy pads. Prepare yourself to be taken on a journey
with driving bass, techy percussion and an absolutely awesome melody that is out of this
world. This will definitely get your hands in the air, reaching for those lasers. Keep them
coming!!!
https://www.beatport.com/release/the-navigator/3305820
Thieves Of Dreams X Kroxy - Overdose [Loverloud]
Italian label Loverloud bring another Hardstyle slammer and my does this deliver the goods.
The track doesn't pull no punches. It brings a gated melody accompanied by some twinkling pianos and
plucks. The track then brings in a big leads and a vocal that just compliments the track perfect.
The track then treats us to an almighty reverse bass which drops to a brilliant breakbeat arrangement and
that vocal again. It then builds with some some nice vocal chops and pitch shifts and the track takes on a
new direction with the melody. What a track indeed!
https://www.hardstyle-releases.com/thieves-of-dreams-x-kroxy-lov102/
RECOMMENDED
DJ Thera & Kruelty - The Watchman [Theracords]
9
Gated kicks galore here from the Dutch maestro Thera with this superb collaboration
with Kruelty. Trust me, this track isn't for the faint of heart. We are treated to a full on
dark assault from start to finish. Packed full of rip roaring saw leads, creepy plucks,
distorted screeches and a disturbing macabre vocal. If you love your tunes full of
euphoria this might not be for you, but, if you like your tunes energetic and dark like me
you are in for a treat. More like this please!!!!
https://fromthehard.nl/product/dj-thera-kruelty-the-watchmen-digital/
8
Lab4 - Bow Chi [Contact]
London based Lab4 takes us on a wild ride with this stomper of a track entitled Bow Chi.
The tune starts off with crispy hats and filtered kicks. It then gears up with deep vocal stutters, dirty
reverse bass and vigorous kicks. Drop to the break and we're treated to a whole new level of drive
building with some bad ass detuned leads and banging kick rolls. The track is a full on assault of pure
energy throughout that I can definitely see giving your speakers a thorough workout. Hell of a
track!!!
https://www.toolboxdigitalshop.com/hard-trance/lab-4-bow-chi-original-mix-
7
Double F-ect - The Trip [NTraxx Black]
Italian duo Double F-ect take us on a trip down memory lane with this Early Hardstyle
romp. The track moulds together nicely combining a driving reverse bassline, marching
snares and crazy glitchy fx. The break whisks you up with detuned reverberated leading to
an almighty screech fest. If you like your tracks filthy with plenty of reverse bass and big
leads this is definitely for you!
https://www.beatport.com/release/the-trip/3288750

Albums - Dance
Deejay.de / Vinyl / house & techno //
Albums - Dance
TOP TUNE //
10
Monika Kruse - Hidden Love [Terminal M Recordings]
The queen of techno Monika Kruse, returns to Terminal M for this 3 tracker, and it is
worth the wait. “Hidden Love” is a pumping acid driven techno number, with an
undulating sidechained bass-line, rolling acid licks and smooth pads and synths. Its a
great crossover number. Next “Latex” goes into more electro territory as it combines the
rolling hi-hats with a arpeggio bass-line, and dark stabs. Finally “Blue Elephant” takes us
into more melodic techno, whilst maintaining the energy levels of the previous tracks. A
brilliant release.
https://www.deejay.de/Monika_Kruse_Hidden_Love_TERM201_Vinyl__979200
9
9
9
9
Jos & Eli - Mayhem EP [Watergate]
For their second release on the world renowned Watergate, the pair team up with vocalist
Alex Clare. First up though is the driving techno number “Inner Sky”, full of energy and
movement, it’s destined for good things. Stephan Jolk is on remix duties for the title
track, and completely flips things around and bring us a melodic and progressive sounding
number, perfect for a sunset session. When Alex Clare steps up for the chunky, and
distinctly different sounding “Mistakes” is where the EP peaks. Its a great track, and the
combination of synths, vocals and drums all sit perfectly with each other. Finally
“Mayhem” closes things with more progressive sounds, with arpeggio leads and rolling
drums. Brilliant work.
https://www.deejay.de/Jos_%26_Eli_Mayhem_Ep_WGVINYL83__975625
HDSN – I house you but love [NBAST]
2 tracks of tech-house that just ooze fun and letting go on the dancefloor. “I house you
but love” takes in influences from Chicago and Detroit sounds, with a firm nod to the
mid-90s. This is peak time stuff, perfect for the outdoor events of the summer. “Stuck off
the realness” is all about the spoken samples over the top of synth stabs and smooth
pads, combined with tech-house drums that move the track along nicely and give the
energy to it.
https://www.deejay.de/HDSN_I_House_You_But_Love_NBASTWAX013_Vinyl__975477
Ben Jones – Fizzy Water EP [Before Records]
Debut release from Before Records, with label boss Ben Jones, providing the goods. Title
track “Fizzy Water” showcases his distinctive musical style. With drums bouncing along
accompanied by minimalist instrumentation. The Nolga remix of the title track strips
things down even more. On the flipside, “Grey Area” takes us into darker territory, with a
dark synth-line droning throughout over the top of more shuffling drums. Bobby O’donnell
gives his remix an upbeat acid feel, and ups the energy levels for a more peak time vibe.
Great debut EP, look forward to more.
https://www.deejay.de/Ben_Jones_Fizzy_Water_ep_BFR001_Vinyl__968183
Hess and Harrison – Epibenthoss Mbira EP [Echocord]
Detroit natives Luke Hess and Joshua Harrison team up, to continue Echocord’s series of
coloured vinyl releases. Giving us 4 tracks of deep techno and house. “Benthos” is a chord
driven deep tech number, with acid influences. “Hadal” continues the same theme,
opening things up to more progressive elements, with shuffling hi-hats and solid drums.
“Nekton” continues with the progressive influences, with delay effects used to create
movement in the synths. Finally “Upwelling” takes us into more minimalist territory, with
deep subs and punchy drums.
https://www.deejay.de/Hess_%26_Harrison_Epibenthos_Mbira_EP_ECHOCORDCOLOUR043_Vinyl__971766

John Ricketts \\ TUNES
8
8
Various Artists – Horror Vacui vol 1 [Motus]
A showcase of Italian producers here, with 3 tracks all proving to be the epitome of the
producers in question’s sound. Topper is first up, with “Stick no bills”, a chunky techhouse
track, with punchy drums and off kilter samples. Lorenzo Chiabotti gives us
“Renaissance”, melodic deep house with a twist as he uses percussive elements and
twisted synth sounds to give the track a mysterious feel. Finally Viceversa round things
off with “Arizona”, a delicate deep house number with smooth pads and synths
complimenting a simple yet intriguing lead line.
https://www.deejay.de/Various_Horror_Vacui_vol_I_MTSLTD001_Vinyl__970138
Various Artists – Neurotwin [Art21]
A great mini album, showcasing the Art21 sound. Vortex Count kick things off with
“Growthh”, which is pure percussive tehno and has bags ofenergy. Translate give us
“Nyquist”, with its analogue squeaks and bleebs, it’s a late night affair to twist the mind.
Pulso’s “Unexected row” brings things into a more minimalist feel, with its shuffling hihats
and bubbling bass. On the flipside, choice cuts include Droneghost’s “Cartographer”
which is where we enter the ambient and electronica side of the Art21 sound. Finally
things are rounded off with “Black Cat” by Animatec, a pumping techno track that is a
perfect set opener. A great selection.
https://www.deejay.de/Various_Artists_Neurotwin_ART21006_Vinyl__976482
RECOMMENDED
9
9
9
Jonathan Kasper - Invert Drift [Cocoon Records]
Following on from releases on Kompakt and Objektivity, he has his debut release on
Cocoon. 3 tracks of his trademark melodic techno and electronica. Title track “Invert
Drift” combines a minimal approach to the drums whilst using all the effects tricks in the
book to build up a wall of sound and tension. “Last Romance” focuses on a repeated
percussive lead, combined with twinkling synths and bells. Finally the 10 minute plus
“Off the shore” brings all the elements that have gone before into a cinematic and
atmospheric epic piece of electronica.
https://www.deejay.de/Jonathan_Kaspar_Invert_Drift_COR12169_Vinyl__977668
Last Front – Green Tower/Dream Punk [Sundance]
A reissue from the early 90s, 1993 to be precise, the Japanese producers Fumiya
Tanaka,Tamotu Ide,Takehito Miyagi, collectively known as Last Front, bring their
remastered classics out of retirement. “Green Tower “ is all about the rolling acid bassline
and synth stabs, whilst “Dream Punk” is a high energy lesson in pounding analogue
techno. Both tracks deserve to be out there again, and headed for a dancefloor near you
soon.
https://www.deejay.de/Last_Front_Green_Tower_Dream_Punk_SND014_Vinyl__973418
Recondite – Bird EP [Afterlife]
German Producer Rocondite, after performing at numerous Afterlife events, brings his
production prowess and skills to their label. The A-side, “Bird” is an acid infused piece of
deep progressive house. Smooth pads and synths are punctuated by arpeggios that are
opened and closed, creating bags of atmosphere. “Secluded” moves along with the
progressive influences, with delicate synths an drums that move things along and provide
the main focus of energy for the track. A great couple EP, ad a real showcase for his
productions.
https://www.deejay.de/Recondite_Bird_EP_AL050_Vinyl__974906

Software
Reviews
// Nutty T
LUSSIVE AUDIO - SCREECH DESIGNER / KICK CONFIGURATOR
SCREECH DESIGNER
Onne Witjes is a credited Hardstyle producer on some renowned labels including
Scantraxx and his own label Lussive Music.
So when I saw he had started releasing soundsets and new Kontakt
Instruments I was intrigued.
Well let's dive straight in, the design of the GUI is very eye catching at
first site. The features include a morph section that can allow 4 different modes that
can mould and give some added character to the sounds. The Sounds section
brings a nice dynamic to the instrument with 3 drop down menus that allow you to
scroll through 35 wave layers which you can also pitch and change the volume so
blending is really natural. The thing that I found really interesting about this feature is
the ability to add you own samples to the instrument by changing the Custom 1-5
wavs. You need to make sure the note is in C to keep the rootnote. Next we have
the Mod Wheel Destination this is basically how the name suggests. This enables
you to set the morph knobs there are 2 slots available to shape your sound.
We then come onto the Destroy & Distort function which brings a whole
new harshness to the sounds. Both features have a nice unique character with the
Destroy option featuring a nice little intensity function that definitely comes in handy.
The LFO section has 2 LFO's which you can toggle between these can
be used at the same time. First up is the Filter LFO with 3 knobs controlling
frequency, mix and phase. There is also a sync mode which include 1/4, 1/4T, 1/8,
1/8T, 1/16 and 1/16T to match your DAW's BPM. Then the Pitch LFO which has 5
knobs with the first knob controlling the frequency, 2nd controlling the attack and the
other 3 are used to shape the sound to your preference. The Master Filter includes
CutOff, Resonance, Attack & Decay features. The Amp Envelope has 2 controls
attack and release to clean up the sound or mould sounds into nice atmospheres or
pads.
The Effects are pretty cool consisting of some really nice features:
Saturation, Bitcrusher, Spike, Reverb / Pre Delay, Phasor and HP Filter.
effects in the instrument such as Speed which allows changes in the length of the
tail.
Reverb which can result in bigger sounds or fx kicks. Spike which
changes the transients of the kick putting emphasis on the attack or the tail of the
kick. Master Effects / Layer Effects for individual layers or the complete sound.
A Reverb which is an Attack Reverb that is a dedicated reverb just for
the attack layer. Tail Distortion and EQ is a nice little function for the tail of the kick
with 3 knobs: EQ gain, EQ frequency & bandwidth. Tune Modulate & Invert is used
to pitch the punch layer to give it more of a Raw sound. Overdrive & Beast Mode is a
very cool function that allows even more distortion and as the name suggests more
beastly kick effects.
or higher.
The Screech Designer & Kick Configurator are available for Kontakt 5.6
So my final thought is that both products are such versatile and
innovative instruments which have many possibilities and characteristics. I think that
any producer that likes to get their hands dirty is going to really enjoy and appreciate
these. Whether you are an experienced veteran in the studio or a newcomer just
starting out. These are 2 instruments I would definitely recommend. Keep them
coming A-Lusion.
https://store.lussive.com/product/hardstyle-hardcore-screech-designer-vst/
9
Which brings me to the next thing that really grabbed my attention, one
of my personal favourites functions of the Screech Designer is the dedicated Pitch
Presets.
You can switch between the Pitch Preset Menu and the Pitch Envelope
feature, which can be used at the same time to make unique sounds. With 6 presets
they all have their own unique sound my personal favourite is Roar especially when
manipulating buildups. All layers are pitched to 36 semitones and the Pitch Envelope
functions are
Pitch Transpose (+36 semitones), Attack, Attack Curve, Hold & Decay.
There is also a dedicated presets section so if you are just looking for
some nasty screech sounds you can just browse through these and save your own.
KICK CONFIGURATOR
Much like the Screech Designer we are also treated to the Kick Configurator.
Which is dedicated to everything in Kick design. This also let's you add
your own sample or use the designated presets provided and use the different

TUNES
HOUSE & TECHNO // John Ricketts
TOP TUNE //
10
Langbard – Remnants (part 1) [6913 Digital]
Langbard returns to 6931 for his latest EP. Stating that this is the first in a series of Eps, it’s easy to see why it’s
received early support from Solomun, Tale of us and Nic Faciulli to name a few. It’s a great example of his take on
melodic techno. Gently easing you in with the opener “Kroma” , with its undulating arpeggio bass line and synths
washing in and out giving atmosphere. Stripped back after the breakdown, whilst never loosing its groove, it’s a
great opener. Next “Buurn” starts with its frantic bass and synth stabs, whilst a delicate lead line sits of the top.
The drums a simple but effective, and keep things moving along nicely. “Precipice” keeps things dark, with dark
pads being complimented with less sparse percussion adding as another almost melodic element, before the acid
bassline gets things moving. Finally “Remnants” returns to the Eps main sound of melodic synths and arpeggios,
with a rolling bassline. A great EP, full of nice production and melodic element, that give each track enough
character to stand on their own, but also work really well as an EP. Cannot wait for the next one.
https://www.beatport.com/release/remnants-part-one/2917606
8
Roger Da’Silva – In my heart EP [Simma Black]
Since he began djing in 1993, Roger Da’Silva has spent the last 3 decades building a reputation as one of the
undergrounds top house djs. Recently, in the last few years, he has moved into production. This has seen a string
of releases on Zulu, Let there be house, Redisco and Whore House. Now he comes to Simma Black with his new EP.
Kicking things off with title track “In my heart” sitting perfectly between straight up house and tech house. The
piano riff, teased in the first half, perfectly with the vocal, and when combined with the organ stabs, the track has
stacks of attitude. On the flipside “Bring it close to me” is more of the same house/tech crossover. With shuffling
hats and a repeating detuned vocal combining with another infectious piano riff, its full of energy. Both tracks have
a similar feel, and are a showcase for Da’Silva’s fantastic production.
https://www.beatport.com/release/in-my-heart-ep/2885780
RECOMMENDED
V. – Confusion EP [Nautilus Rising]
Lithuanian producer Vidis epkauskas returns to Glasgow based label Nautilus Rising for this epic journey.
Using the EP to convey the same track in 3 distinct stages it’s a very clever idea. “Confusion” starts
things off with its driving drums, heavy snare and rolling hats. Filters are slowly opened and the 303 line that
is the backbone of the track is slowly built up. It’s a great peak time progressive house track. “Confusion
Totale” takes things in an 80s synth-wave style. Its chunky drums, 80s snare accompany the main acid
riff which shines through here. With great synth stabs and bags of atmosphere, its pick of the bunch for me.
Finally, “Confusion finale” rounds things off, keeping the 80s vibe, but going with a more soundtrack feel.
Synths rise and fall, there are pretty much no drums, and everything is allowed to breath and have its own
space. A great EP.
https://www.traxsource.com/title/1214803/confusion-ep
9
9
9
Sebastian Mullaert – Lightship 612 EP [SIAMESE]
Swedish born Sebastian Mullaert, known as one half of Minilogue, as well as being a respected producer in his own
right, going so far as to working with philharmonic orchestras and industry heavyweights such as Ame. This simple
two track EP is a great representation of his current musical style. As “Lightship 612” combines the frantic and
almost piccolo sounding synths with the bouncy bassline, which merge and come together before separating and
travelling away to their own parts of the mix. The drums shuffle along keeping the energy going. “Is waves” is some
serious deep melodic techno. Pumping drums pound along whilst the shimmering synth lines ride over the top of the
bassline. It verges into electronica a points but is still firmly aimed at the dancefloor. Essential stuff and a great
snapshot of Mullaert’s sound at the moment.
https://www.traxsource.com/title/1219091/lightship-612-ep
Luke Davidson – S.I.T.H [SOKO]
Luke Davidson, aswell as being A&R for Glasgow Undergound, has managed to notch up an impressive batch of
releases already, since starting producing in 2013. Garnering support from highflyers, such as Christoph, Low
Steppa, Flashmob and Anime Edge & Dance. Now he brings his distinct groove to London based SOKO Records.
S.I.T.H doesn’t mess around. This is a track that needs to be played in a club, loud. The kick punches through like a
train, and the lead is a simple riff that gets the point across. Combine that with a bassline that will dislodge your
internal organs, and an acid line that harks back to “in the day” .This will without doubt do the damage on any
dancefloor it’s played on. Keep them coming.
https://www.traxsource.com/title/1283089/s-i-t-h

Vinyl + Digital
Albums - Dance
TECHNO & HARD TECHNO / Mark Neenan
Albums - Dance
TOP TUNE //
10
Ken Ishii | Greencross - Collusion 33 [Different Is Different]
"After several appearances on Different Is Different Records, Ken Ishii teams up with Greencross and seals a
collaborative release where each producer convey their vision of techno as a single original track, and each
producer remixes the other's original track for a total of four techno cuts, in 'Collusion 33'." This is what it says on
the tin and wow these are great tracks! Label owner Daniel 'Greencross' remixes Ken's 'Disquiet' which is alot
deeper than the original, packed full of grooves, top shuffling hats and a more subtle albeit just as mesmerising
synth line, whilst the Greencross original 'Subtle Rejection' is an angry jacking offering, with quite an old school
vibe going on and also has a main synth that gets stuck inside your head. For Ken's remix, the legendary
Japanese producer goes big with a Clanking metallic bass, big variation on the percussive elements and an old
school main synth. But for me this release is all about the original of 'Disquiet' It really is superb! A marching deep
Techno groove grabs you straight away combined with a crazy hypnotic synth line that just moves and evolves
constantly, add to this lots of quirky bells, zaps and FX and you have a right mind bending tune on your hands
which builds and squeals into a massive crescendo.. Who needs drugs to get lost in music? Absolutely lethal track
this! This EP is also available as an NFT purchase and comes with added downloadable videos for the tracks (but I
haven't got enough time or space to go into that now) Check this out!
9
https://transistora.com.es/ken-ishii-greencross-collusion-33/
Zero Dayz / Rowland - The Bastard [INFECTED 26]
My old pal from Devon 'Rowland The Bastard' has obviously found his love of Techno again over this past crazy year and has not
only been doing a fair few live dj streams, he has also been back in the studio and re launched his legendary labels. The Infected
24 and 25 records by RTB and OB1 have been firmly placed in the front of my record box and I've now been treated to the promos
of No 26 by Zero Dayz and Ro himself. I'm a huge fan of Alex Calver and Eddie Santini's Zero Dayz project and they excell
themselves here. 'The First Time' is a relentless galloping hard Techno beast with an ace vocal about the first time someone takes
drugs. Add to this an old school piano riff on top of their crystal clear production and you have a gem of a tune. 'Broken Ego'
follows in a similar manor, driving energetic Techno full of old school flavours and a quirky sample of Mike Tyson talking about the
time he tried DMT! Ro is up next with two of his own tracks 'Sabretooth' and '200506'. The latter being an excellent tough and
percussive affair, whilst the first track is a pumping groove fuelled beast full of crisp hats, moving shakers, fat kick drum and an
immense sub! Add in some old school stabs, clever FX fills and a retro 'Energy' vocal and we have another top RTB production! I
must also quickly mention that the latest Bionic Orange promo came through at the same time and is by the wicked David Oblivion
(who released on Filth a few months back) 2 huge Acid Techno cuts from this fairly new producer who is certainly one to watch!
https://www.discogs.com/artist/11593-Rowland-The-Bastard
9
RECOMMENDED
D.A.V.E The Drummer - 90's Techno [Hydraulix]
I'm sat here at work writing this 29 years to the day since the legendary Castle Morton party
and you know what? If (or should that be when?) a big rave like Castle Morton or Steart
Beach happens again, this is the exact type of Techno I'd wanna be dancing to. Everything
Henry does always ticks the right boxes for me and with his latest Hydraulix offering '90's
Techno' you are transported back to that awesome era of warehouse parties and big outdoor
free parties with 5 tracks of Techno perfection! One of the tracks 'Punk Ravers' is the track
that Henry made for Mike (Skirra) as a tutorial for Faderpro.com, which is an excellent and
very informative insight into his studio and writting techniques and is a definite worthy
watch. The blurb here hits the nail on the head ''Built on some 90's style ideas but with a
modern twist!" I've nothing more to add really, It's D.A.V.E The Drummer, it's Hydraulix, it's
ace, so go and buy it!
https://soundcloud.com/dave-the-drummer/sets/hydraulix-110-90-t-chn-d-a-v-e
Christian Varela - 28 Prognosis EP [Materia 043]
Legendary Spanish DJ / Producer Christian Varela debuts on Marco Bailey's ace Materia label with a top
notch 5 track EP. I have always been a fan of Christian, but I've not noticed much of his stuff recently,
well this EP will bring him right back into the limelight that's for sure! 'Har5' is a pounding roller with
some rather deep and distorted acid subtly bubbling underneath throughout most of the track. 'Yssy' is a
tough punchy Techno affair with crisp driving percussion that only relents for 2 small breakdowns through
this ace hypnotic 7 minute journey. My favourite has to be the title track 'Prognosis' which is an enormous
bass heavy hard track which goes into some subtle Breakbeats and searing acid after the break, which
builds and drops in all the right places. Top stuff! To round this wicked EP off there are 2 atmospheric
electronica pieces which make for great intro's and / or DJ Tools.
https://materiamusicofficial.bandcamp.com/album/cristian-varela-prognosis-ep
10

\\ TUNES
9
Dax J. - Utopian Surrealism (Album sampler) [Momnom Black]
Just in before my deadline, I've just been sent a 3 track teaser for the latest Dax J album, Boom! Written in
Lockdown, titled 'Utopian Surrealism' and inspired by a book by Yaval Noah Harari the 3 tracks I've been
sent are 'Universal Future Sound' which is full of swirling, uplifting synth lines and zappy effects all
underpinned by a relentless dark hammering bass line and kickdrum. The second break is a rather trancey
futuristic dystopian pause in proceedings before the onslaught continues with added squelchy acid.
'Simulated Reality (Terafactory AI Electronics)' is a dark rumbler, full of machine noises and metallic
sounding bass zaps, this is a MONSTER of a tune and does not stop growling and menacing for six and a
half minutes. Real heads down, get lost in the music effort this. Love it!' Utopian Surrealism' is the final
teaser and is the name of his third studio album. It is a delightfully futuristic electronica piece, full of crazy
synths, heavy broken beats and mad percussion in a very (dare I say it?) Aphex Twin Manor. Utter class! I
cannot wait to hear the full album when it comes out in August and I will be be caining these tracks 100%!
8.5
https://monnomblack.bandcamp.com/album/utopian-surrealism-album-sampler
WETWORKS vs V.I.T.R.I.O.L. - I've Seen Demons [Mastoid Kollektive]
Chicago based Techno label Mastoid Kollective welcome back a favourite artist of mine for their latest
release, the wicked Wetworks! Using his Wetworks vs V.I.T.R.I.O.L alias Tony serves up two slabs of Hard
Clanking and Rumbling Techno of the highest calibre.
Both the title track 'I've Seen Demons' and 'Check Your Ego At The Door' feature his trademark aggressive
loop laiden hypnotic sound, albeit going down a much darker path than usual (darker the better for me!)
Both tracks are heavy on the sub bass and are of sheer quality with crazy FX and edits, and crisp energetic
percussion throughout. This EP is a sure fire heads down warehouse masterpiece and I can't wait to be
able to play these out loud at gigs again!
8.5
https://www.beatport.com/release/ive-seen-demons/3419299
Adam Beyer Feat' DJ Rush - Restore My Soul [Drumcode]
OK, so this just came in as I was about to send my reviews off, But i had to sneak it in. Adam enlists iconic
Chicago legend DJ Rush to colab on the latest DC release, and it's certainly made a difference as Mr Beyer
goes back to his slightly harder roots with these cool jams. The title track 'Restore My Soul' is a tough
punchy number featuring Rush's ace vocals alongside tense oscillating synths and bleeps, 'Control' is a
right thumper, more of his cool vox are featured here alongside a rather industrial edged sound for DC with
the added bonus of some subtle deep acid layers. 'Take Me There' starts of as the deepest cut but ends up
rather melodic, more the modern style of the Label but my pick (Inevitably) is DJ Rush's remix of the title
track. A quality Hard Chicago Techno Funk work out which Jacks, builds and drops in all the right places
with his ace hypnotic vocals ever more dominent. 'Refresh, Revive, Recharge... Restore My Soul' Heavy
remix this!
8.5
https://www.junodownload.com/products/adam-beyer-dj-rush-restore-my-soul/5086195-02/
Michael Wells aka G.T.O. - Papacito [UKR]
The ever consistent UKR invite Techno and Hardcore legend Michael Wells (Yes, the guy behind 'I wanna be
a hippy' all those years ago!) back to the fold with a big 4 track EP. Everything this guy produces is always
of top class quality and he delivers here once again.
Title track 'Papacito' is a hard and funking builder with marching percussion and Latin flavours. 'Devil Eyes'
is a right space themed dark roller with a heavy bassline, hypnotic and futuristic synth bleeps and a very
sinister laughing vocal. 'Elektrik House' is track 3 and it's a quality stripped back jacking and bleep fest,
whilst rounding off the ep in style is 'Automated Man' a chunky slice of groove fuelled Techno with classic
'Red Series' rave stabs and intergalactic sweeps. A very versatile EP this, Which one is your favourite??
https://soundcloud.com/odd-recordings/sets/odd045-kusp-orbit-ep

Vinyl + Digital
TECHNO & HARD TECHNO /
\\ TUNES
Mark Neenan
8
JoeFarr - Surface Tension [User Experience]
"Four tracks that are meant to be heard in a club but probably won't be" Says the blurb, and
sadly he's right (although let's pray this changes soon eh!) Here Joe dishes up 4 tracks of no
nonsense ravey Techno music full of thumping distorted kicks, dark grooves, machine like
percussion, dreamy pads and hypnotic vox (and that's just on track 1 'Fast Frame'!) 'Basic
Moves' and 'Secret Trance Lover' follow in a similar fashion, with the latter having a rather
large trance breakdown if that's your thing? My favourite however is 'I Last Forever' with its
heavy and reverberating energetic bass from the off, which goes all old school on the break,
before it fires back in galloping wildly with added acidy bleeps building throughout. Yes mate!
https://www.traxsource.com/title/1608048/surface-tension
7.5
Hayden F. - One [Off Recordings]
8.5
French Electronic artist Hayden F (Of Trapez fame) signs to Off Recordings and gives us this great 3 track
EP, which sounds like it's come straight from the microphones on Nasa's Mars Perseverance Rover. 'One' is
eerie and space themed with tough clanking beats, energetic stabs, huge creepy build ups and a synth line
that sounds like a deranged Alien mating call. 'R73' is somewhat deeper and sounds like it's straight from a
Sci-fi movie with its crazy atmospherics and spacy pads. My pic however is 'Parreal Letal' which is the
toughest of the 3 and a right groover! It features excellent crisp shuffling hats, a lively and very sinister
lead synth that hyonotises you throughout and it's all accompanied by a huge moaning sub bass and
thumping kick drum. Good stuff this!
https://off-recordings.com/hayden-f-one/
Gabriel Wnz - Party Bag (The Remixes) [Urban Chaos Records]
Following on from the excellent EP from Jim E Scavenger (Which I was chuffed to of had a remix on) Alex
Kingkade's excellent Urban Chaos imprint are back with a big remix EP of the track 'Party Bag' by Gabriel
Wnz. I must've missed the track first time out, but the original is included here and is ace! It's tough as
nails and has a rumbling machine like groove, dark 'Party Box' vox, sublime acid and a sick Electro synth
line in the break which builds upto a crazy distorted alarm sound once it all fires back in again. There is
something for everyone in this package with other mixes coming from Mechanic Freakz,
Nik Wel, PDRO, Hammaton 3, Enzo Schneider, Jose Baher & Lindes Garcia but my 2 faves are Aron SC,
who's version is a thunderous fast paced roller, with dark bass synth stabs, repetitive 'party' vocal and also
has such menacing energetic percussion that really carries the journey along. Then it's that man again, Jim
E Scavenger, who's eerie take is full of tough driving beats full of dark textures underneath which evolve
into some beautiful screechy acid after the second break. Lovely stuff! Another top Urban Chaos release
this, check it!
8.5
https://www.traxsource.com/title/1580086/party-bag-the-remixes
Dok + Martin - The Backroom [Code]
Not gonna lie, I've never came across Dok + Martin (Where have I been??) They have appeared on labels
like 1605, Analytic Trail and Mindshake to name but 3. Well here the Spanish duo provide an awesome EP
for Code (The Label from Madrids superclub Fabrik).
'The Backroom' is a throbbing peak time Techno hit with 2 massive evolving build ups that remind me of
the Chems, before the sound drops right back to the heads down lively throbbing rhythm. Andreas Campo
is a someone I do know and he gives us possibley his hardest work to date with this pounding remix, which
this time includes a huge kick drum build up and a play with the 'Backroom' vocals. Ace! For me though,
this release is all about the track 'Creation'. Right from the get go I was hooked with its thumping, but
punchy kick, an instant dark mesmeric bass groove and tonnes of movement on the percussion side of
things. From the first small break he adds In some metallic Perc hits which evolve into a wicked synth
pattern untill 3.18 when it goes up a key and Lazers will no doubt be reached for on any dance floor I'm
positive! Puts a big grin on my fat old face this does, you must hear it!
https://www.beatport.com/release/the-backroom/3416098

Albums // Compilations
Albums - Dance
Albums - Dance
\\ TUNES
John Digweed – Quattro 2 – Bedrock
Quattro II Is the new follow up to the hugely successful Quattro compilation album from John Digweed
that was released in April 2020.
Featuring 4 CD’s of exclusive new material which has been compiled and mixed by John Digweed,
showcasing music from some of the most exciting electronic producers out there. This time with the
Juxtaposition CD we hand the controls to German legend Robert Babicz for an original album of
futuristic electronica and ambient textures.
Like its predecessor, Quattro II finds Digweed showcasing a wide roster of talented artists, and gives a
spotlight to Robert Babicz, who produced the fourth and final album in the series. The project also
borrows from its prototype by keeping the same titles of each unique mix: Soundscape, Tempo,
Redux, and Juxtaposition.
Soundscape allows Digweed to showcase a whole palette focusing on music we would never hear in a
club. Here we are introduced to cinematic synths, hypnotic sonic waves, acid wobbles, emotive
sequences, and haunting vocals. Artists lending their talents on this mix include Coloursound, Josh
Wink, Dave Walker, and Quivver.
In Tempo, the ambient textures fade giving way to hypnotic grooves and melodic textures. The 13
tracks found on Tempo push the envelope with driving acid and atmospheric breaks by the likes of Jim
Rivers, Acid Rockers, and Blaktone & Florian Kruse. Acting as an opening act before the main event,
Tempo seamlessly transitions into the third disc.
As the main event, Redux is aimed squarly at the dancefloor. Pulsating club beats eventually give way
to the late-hour comedown of feel-good house, nu school breaks, and future grooves. It is here where
we find Digweed in his element, providing his talents in five of the 12 cuts on Redux. Alongside
Digweed are Stelios Vassiloudis, Bedrock co-producer Nick Muir, Guy Mantzur & Khen to name a few.
Finally, Juxtaposition shines a light on Digweed's longtime friend, Babciz. The German audio
engineering master saves his best for last, curating 12 original tracks for Juxtaposition. The original
work blends ambient textures with futuristic electronica, perfectly encapsulating the symphonic
journey that is Quattro II. Essential listening.
Words John Ricketts
https://www.beatport.com/release/quattro-ii/3308586
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labelfeature
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Words John Ricketts
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Photography Courtesy of Future Avenue
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Connect https://www.facebook.com/3rdavenuelabel
Founded in 2020 as a sub-label of Sound
Avenue umbrella. Sitting alongside fellow
subdivisions 3rd Avenue and Crossfade Sounds,
Future Avenue’s aim is to provide a home for new and
rising talent. With an ethos centered around
progressive music and its surrounding derivatives, the
label is a platform which gives up and coming artists a
chance to showcase their music alongside
established veterans as they carve out their own
musical identity.
We caught up with label head Dominique Heynink to
find out what they’re up to.

" The track first
was part of the
"We Are The
Future"
compilation on
3rd Avenue.
Because this
track was so
well received, I
decided to
create a nice EP
with remixes of
this track. It was
the perfect start
for this new
label "

Can we start off by asking you what
your musical background is? What
are your first musical memories?
Hey guys! Thanks for the invite to this interview!
Big fan of the magazine! I'm an 80ties kid, so I remember
in my childhood I was a fan of bands such as Pet Shop
Boys, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, The Doors. My first
touches with electronic music were via Jean-Michel Jarre's
"Oxygen" series. The late 80s, the "New Beat" genre was
born in Belgium, bringing me into house music in the early
90s.
on the same EP.
Would you say you are solely
focused on progressive house?
Yes, I think FA is my most progressive houseminded
outlet. Sound Avenue first started as a prog label
but developed it's own style in the last 10 years. Every now
& than, I still release a pure progressive track on SA, but I
think it's great that it became so diverse & eclectic. From
Downtempo to Electronica & Deep house to Techno,
everything is possible on Sound Avenue. I think I found a
nice balance in the release roster.
What came first? DJing, production or
the label?
I started dj'ing in the mid-nineties, producing late
00s & my first label Sound Avenue in 2011.
What are the main differences in
your studio set up from when you
first started producing to now?
I remember starting with Cubase in the first years
together VST plugins from Spectrasonics & Native
Instruments, which I still use today. Later I made a switch
to Logic Pro & Ableton. These days I only write track idea's
in my home studio. To build the tracks, I always go to the
big studio of my partner Tommie (Subnode), where we can
use a lot of hardware and several Elektron devices & tape
machines to get a nice warm sound at the end.
You are an sub-label of Sound
Avenue, and your 10th anniversary
is this year. What is the key for
longevity when running a label?
It's very simple: quality over quantity! And to be
consistent with your release schedule.
Your first release, Kenan Savrun's
"Orion", how did this come about?
What was it in particular made you
want this as your debut release?
The track first was part of the "We Are The
Future" compilation on 3rd Avenue. Because this
track was so well received, I decided to create a nice
EP with remixes of this track. It was the perfect start
for this new label.
Any notable releases since your
debut?
Too much for mentioning, but I always feel
satisfied with the seasonal samplers. Giving newcomers a
chance to have their first release with some good promo.
It's also great to see when legends such as Hernan
Cattaneo or Nick Warren are playing the music from your
label in their dj-sets.
What do you look for when
signing new tracks?
Again, quality over quantity. There are too many
guys trying to copy the big names in this scene. So I'm
always pleased to receive music from guys who just do
their own thing, who try to work on their signature sound.
What was the ethos behind starting
Future Avenue?
The same story how I created my other labels: I
got send so many good demo's each day. It became
impossible to release everything I liked on the other labels.
It's always hard to disappoint people telling your release
schedule is overfull. The first idea was to call the label "We
Are The Future" in response to the 3rd Avenue compilation
series. On this compilation, I always give new artists a
chance to have their first release. Because it was simply
impossible to offer everyone or the best track an EP the
idea of "Future Avenue" was born. Release music from
rising talents in combination with more established names

Any tips how to send a demo?
The best way is to send a short introduction
message, who you are, when you started, where you've
released before, together with a private SoundCloud link to
your track(s). Your music also makes a better impression if
it's already mastered (or a temporary self master). Don't
send a 'bcc" email to 50 labels at once. Try to have some
patience before you get a reaction. I try to listen demo's a
few times a week, sometimes only once a week or once
every two weeks depends on my schedule. And please
don't contact me on every possible inbox with the same
message; that can be annoying!
Do you have tips on how new
producers can grow their fanbase?
It can be easy: let the music speak. If you can
make groundbreaking quality music, people will notice you.
Love it or hate it, but social media still is essential these
days. I see many guys being creative with making short
clips in their studio or say a few words on release day. Try
to post regularly on your IG or FB. Tag other artists when
they play your music. When you have a release, make a
post about your music the week(s)before & after the
release day. Sometimes I see new artists not posting
anything about their release. It's not only the label which
has to do their part of the job, but also the artist.
Who do you think are some of the
biggest upcoming talents in the
progressive house scene right now
on Future Avenue?
I think I can give you a list with hundred names.
There are so many talented people all over the world. I
have several projects running with people like Andres
Moris, Bynomic, Nico Beren, Luman, Ric Niels, Mattias
Herrera, Mango Cult, FJL, Leandro Murua, Bodenud,
Salazar (Col), Hyunji-A, Darren Bray to name a few :)
What's next for Future Avenue?
One of the next big projects is the new Summer
Sampler compilation. Another exciting release is the "Over
The Moon EP" from Deacon Cross where we welcome the
legendary Lemon8 producer on the label. At the moment,
the releases for the next 6 months are scheduled. So stay
tuned for a lot of great music!

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