Home Blog Page 472

Cross the Tracks festival has been cancelled

By
Alex Gelevski
-
Cross the Tracks
by Luke Dyson

Due to the current public health crisis, Brixton’s Cross The Tracks festival has confirmed that the 2020 event will not go ahead. Having been set to host the likes of Khruangbin, The Cinematic Orchestra, Sister Sledge, Norman Jay, Madlib, Gilles Peterson and more in June, the team have released the following statement:

“We are heartbroken to announce that due to the current public health crisis we have to confirm Cross The Tracks 2020 has been cancelled. We wholeheartedly support any decision taken in order to avoid additional pressure being placed on both the Health and Emergency services, whilst these organisations continue fighting on behalf of us all on the frontline of the crisis.

It’s not the news we hoped to be sharing after such an incredible first year and a sterling 2020 line-up however we are committed to bringing you the very best jazz, funk and soul feast London has ever seen next year.

Your continued support is essential to keep Cross The Tracks alive and we ask you to join us in 2021 and we’ll just carry your ticket forward.

If you would rather receive a refund, further details will be released in due course about how to obtain your full face-value refund as well as dates for the festival for next next year (and reasons to hang on to your tickets!). However, please bear with us getting this information together as we are liaising with our insurers and ticket outlets in order to set up the necessary mechanisms. Please check www.xthetracks.com for further information in the upcoming weeks.

We’ll also be pledging an allocation of free tickets to the NHS in 2021 to say a heartfelt thanks for their brave, incredible efforts during this crisis.

We’re gutted to have to press pause for now but we’ll be back, bigger and brighter than ever.

Thanks so much for your understanding, stay safe and look out for each other.

Love CTT Team x”

Cross The Tracks Festival

Top 10 Childhood Throwbacks with the Vessbroz

By
Metodi Gogovski
-
Vessbroz

Armia and Arsham otherwise known as the Vessbroz have had an exceptional career with an accolade list as long as your arm with achievements such as  Billboard chart positions, film composing and support from some of the biggest artists on the planet. That’s why we decided to sit down with the brothers to discuss some of the throwback tracks from their childhood.

Check out what they had to say below:

Well, it was really difficult to pick only 10 songs from those epic masterpieces,
and actually, it was really fun for us personally to bring back all those memories
and one thing to note, this list is not based on any order and we love all these
songs equally!

1. The Pussycat Dolls – Buttons ft. Snoop Dogg

Ever since we were kids, we always liked strange and fresh sounds, and this song was completely different to any other song at the time. We loved the middle east kind of vibe in it so we could relate to it. Nicole Scherzinger’s voice combined with Snoop Dogg’s cool rap lines was something that just blew us out the water!

2. DJ Alligator Project – The Whistle Song

I don’t know where to start with this song, it had such an impact on us. Alligator was a Persian artist who made his career in Sweden. His music and story was an extraordinary inspiration for us and made us fall in love with dance music!

At the time I and my brother I were professional basketball players and we were listening to high energy music over and over again before competitions and this track and other songs of DJ Aligator were always our first choices.

3. Scooter – The Logical Song

As a basketball and skate players, we always welcomed songs that brought our madness to the next level if you know what I’m mean 🙂 The mic vocal in the broken part followed by a massive drop… even to this day I can’t help but dance along!

4. Michael Jackson – They Don’t Care About Us

Back in the day, we didn’t know how to speak English and we didn’t have any idea what he was saying but the song and its melody has a special gravity that pulled us to it, that was the time that we experienced, the music itself as a language! This song was something that all the youngsters in Iran could relate to. “All I wanna say is that they don’t really care about us!”

5. The Black Eyed Peas – Shut Up

We can’t talk about tracks from our childhood without mentioning the legendary Black Eyed Peas! The song and music video were so damn cool, I can’t even tell you how many times we watched this music video with the volume turned right up! We got many complaints from our neighbors because of loud music.

6. Sean Paul – Get Busy

This song had a great vibe, I remember we played it over and over for many years!

7. Eminem – Without Me

Those days U.S. rap was getting popular along Persian kids and we started to follow their style, wearing baggy jeans and loose clothing! I remember my brother Armia bought a baggy pants that was so loose and they became so popular between our friends, lol… how times have changed! We first discovered Eminem with this song and he became a legend to us ever since.

8. Jennifer Lopez – Jenny from the Block

Well…. it is impossible to grew up in 90s without listening to at least one J Lo song, this one will always be a tune!

9. Britney Spears – Baby One More Time

We actually came to know Britney from our father’s music collection, my father was a huge fan and we love her style of music specially back then as well.

10. Enrique Iglesias – Hero

Oh, my goodness, I almost forgot this song and I had to change my number 10th to include this one! Okay… let me be completely honest even till now this is my number one song in my making love playlist haha! This song is a great song in every possible way, from the music video to the song itself.

Tomorrowland to host its second United Through Music livestream

By
Alex Gelevski
-
One World Radio

Last Tuesday more than 2.9 million People of Tomorrow from across the globe tuned in to experience Tomorrowland’s first-ever United Through Music live broadcast, receiving views from 178 different countries.

Hosted by Tomorrowland, four different artists including Dimitri Vegas, Afrojack, Lost Frequencies and Vintage Culture brightened up the world with their magical sounds and delivered one of a kind performances, allowing the People of Tomorrow to interact and unite as one from the comfort of their own homes across Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Tomorrowland.com/unite (via video conferencing) and One World Radio.

Relive the first edition of United Through Music right here.

Following the success of its first edition, Tomorrowland wishes to continue to give fans a wonderful experience at home and now announces a second edition of ‘Tomorrowland Presents: United Through Music‘ on Tuesday, April 7 from 15:00 CEST – another unique live broadcast featuring exclusive performances by Steve Aoki, Nicky Romero, Don Diablo and Kungs.

One World Radio‘s host Adam K will present the show from his home studio in London and interact with the different artists and the People of Tomorrow at home. During the sets, viewers and listeners can ask questions – the best ones will make it to the broadcast – and fans can also use video conferencing to show how they are watching, and potentially be featured on the live stream around the world.

United Through Music

Over the course of four hours, the worldwide success of United Through Music‘s first edition reached over 2.9 million viewers and listeners. The live broadcast brought the magic and unity of Tomorrowland into everyone’s living rooms, making it a truly magical experience with people of all ages and places uniting, connecting and spreading love through the power of music.

Reminding the People of Tomorrow to stay home, wash their hands and practice social distancing, One World Radio‘s host Adam K asked each artist a couple of questions during their sets to learn how they pass their time in self-isolation and read off comments and questions shared by people around the world, including more than 42.000 people from 145 different countries that locked in to join the broadcast via video conferencing.

Dimitri Vegas: “This was a truly unique experience for me with millions of people around the world that could enjoy my music. United Through Music is a wonderful initiative because it is very important to continue to unite everyone during these challenging times.”

Lost Frequencies: “This was so amazing. Together with Tomorrowland, I’ve been able to play my music for the entire world. It was incredible to see so many people participating and to actually get to see them being featured on the live stream around the world.”

Fans attending the second edition of United Through Music will be able to witness uniquely curated sets from another four different world-class artists, including crowd favorite and founder of Dim Mak Records Steve Aoki (live from Las Vegas), Dutch DJ and producer Nicky Romero (live from Veenendaal), one of the world’s favorite Dutch future house pioneers Don Diablo (live from Amsterdam) and French young gun Kungs (live from Paris).

Each artist will be spinning great music and fueling the party straight from their own homes into the homes of people around the world during this unique live show, interacting and supporting each other as one large global community.

Tune in to the second edition of ‘Tomorrowland Presents: United Through Music‘ and be part of the show on Tuesday, April 7 from 15:00 CEST on Facebook, YouTube, Tomorrowland.com(via video conferencing) and One World Radio.

Interview with multi-talented DJ and producer $ilv@

By
Andry Bosk
-
$ilv@

$ilv@ launched his career from humble beginnings where he regularly DJ’d at college parties and bars and built a name for himself in Buffalo. After graduating, $ilv@ took his career back to his hometown of Long Island and New York City.

Now, with an established career under his belt, $ilv@ produces unique, standout tracks that gain the attention of audiences all over.

We sat down with $ilv@ to find out some of the top tips for producing music.

1. What software is best to use for beginners?

I feel that Logic Pro x is good for beginners. It has a decently simple flow to it. Also, if you want to make it even easier you can always buy hotkeys cover for your keyboard. If you want to save money you can always start on GarageBand. 

2. What are the essentials a budding producer needs to start making music without breaking the bank?

The essentials to start producing music are pretty simple. First, you need a decent computer. It has to be able to keep up with what you are making, be clean, no viruses, etc. The worst thing is working on a song for a few hours and it just crashes or quits out.

The second is a basic keyboard you can plug into the computer via USB. After that, you can start with stock sounds really. Play with them, and create your own unique sounds. Use the filters and stock plugins. 

3. Have you got any suggestions for books/YouTube channels people can learn from?

Honestly, I do not follow one channel in particular. YouTube is amazing though. I just type in whatever I am looking for if I have a question, or need help. Usually, hundreds of videos pop up explaining. You can learn a lot from YouTube. Reading wise, I just read articles from many different websites and the information on the websites. I also read things other producers write. A lot of big-name producers will make tutorials. Watch those. 

4. What is your advice on sampling?

Make sure you have the rights to samples. Do not make that mistake. If you purchase them read carefully. You don’t want to put a ton of work in and make a song you can’t release, or even worse release it and get hit with copyright. There are a ton of great places to get samples. You can use a splice, or sounds.com. There are also a ton of vendors who are independent. Just make sure you have rights. 

5. Which part of the track should you start with?

So to me, there is no right place to start. I have started at the beginning, the middle, and the end. I have started at a build, I have also started at a drop. I have even started at a melody section. I usually start with what I am feeling at that moment and what inspiration is in my head. I tend to pick an instrument, then play with filters and make a cool sound. That’s where I start. Then with what sound I have, I get an idea of where the song will be going.

6. What plugins are best to download first?

So if you are a beginner, look for free plugins first. There are plenty of free plugins on the internet. Mess around with those first. You can make really great things with free ones. If you want to spend some money I love serum. I also like Omnisphere. Native instruments has crazy awesome plugins also. Obviously waves have been around forever and has great plugins. 

7. Is it important to learn an instrument?

I think it is pretty important to learn an instrument or have some musical background, it will definitely make the process easier. But it is not impossible to make music having no knowledge. Some people just have an ear for it. 

8. Do you think it’s necessary to learn how to mix and master?

Is it absolutely necessary to learn how to mix and master? No, I do not think so. You can always hire professionals for this. Do I think it is better if you do? Yes, I do think it is better. This way you can make the song sound exactly how you want it to. I mix and master all my own tracks. This takes a lot of extra time and is tedious. It also can get frustrating. But it will help in the long run. 

9. As a DJ, is there anything producers should avoid doing in their tracks that could be annoying for DJ sets?

No. Most DJ’s can incorporate a part of any song into any drop or transition. I would say one thing would be having a weird amount of bars in a section compared to most songs in a similar genre. Something like this still shouldn’t throw off a DJ, because it could just be looped. But, it could if they haven’t heard or used the song before. 

10. What should a producer do if they’re struggling to find inspiration?

Go out. Leave the song for a few hours, maybe a day. Find inspiration. Go to the beach. Take a walk. Talk with people. Maybe even hit up a show. I get a lot of ideas from art or tv shows. I also go to concerts and festivals to study. Find inspiration in anything or anyone. Just step away, clear your head, then go back.

Eli & Fur explore a new ‘80s inspired pop sensibility on their latest single ‘Fuse’

By
Marco Di
-
img by CRSSD Festival

Eli & Fur have established themselves as songwriters, producers, vocalists and performers and risen to the forefront of the international house and techno scene.

Hailing from London, their steady slew of releases on their own label NYX Music as well as seminal imprints including Crosstown Rebels and SIKR have garnered them a reputation for dark and emotive soundscapes built for the dancefloor. The duo’s next single ‘Fuse‘ is released today via Armada Electronic Elements, home to the likes of underground electronic heavyweights like Jan Blomqvist and Tensnake.

‘Fuse‘ marks the start of a new sound evolution for Eli & Fur and sees them exploring a pop sensibility with more downtempo and leftfield aesthetics. ‘Fuse‘ is a heady and nostalgic slice of ’80s electronica, fusing melodic and emotive synth lines with layers of soft and luscious pads.

Eli & Fur Fuse

The track is inspired by key formative influences for Eli & Fur, including Depeche Mode and Joy Division: “We’ve been playing ‘Fuse’ out for a year and it always connected so well with crowds we’ve played to. We love the nostalgia in it, as well as how it feels not only like a dance track but as a song with a story as well. Whenever we listen to it or play it out, it reminds us of the state of mind we were in when making it. It’s a really special one to us and we really feel it encapsulates important parts of our musical influences as well as our own sound.”

Listen to the track below.

Interview with RMA discussing his lastest release ‘Burn’

By
Metodi Gogovski
-
RMA

As DJ and producer RMA touches back down with his hotly anticipated cut titled ‘Burn’ – featuring the vocal talents of Mert Gökmen we caught up with him talking about his latest project and future plans:

Hey Adem, Welcome to Rave Jungle! Hope you are staying safe & well, where do we find you in the world right now?

Hey Rave Jungle! Thanks, I’m fine – you can find me right now in Germany, the country where I actually live.

Digging the progressive house vibes on your explosive new single, ‘Burn’ feat. Mert Gökmen – can you tell us about your production process & inspiration behind the track?

Mert Gökmen and me met 3 years ago and we knew very quick that we have to make a collaboration together. The inspiration for this track came from my house music style from my visits of EDM festivals.

Is this the first time you’ve worked with Mert Gökmen & how did the collaboration come about?

Mert Gökmen and me met thru our video production partner District Films. RMA feat. Mert Gökmen – ‘Burn’ is our first release together but in a few month we’re gonna release our second collaborative track with a special music video, produced in the wonderful city ISTANBUL.

Can you share a little about your personal journey into the electronic music industry?

I started my DJ career at the age of 16. I was known as DJ Rapmaster A – producing Partybreaks, mixtapes and remixes of Hip Hop and House Music.

In 2014 I decided to choose my artist name into RMA and make EDM tracks and remixes.

With previous releases such as, ‘Lick U’ featuring Fatman Scoop – what have been the stand out moments in your career to date that you feel most proud of?

I’m very proud that I had the chance making a big track with a very famous artist like Fatman Scoop!

And following on, what are the biggest challenges you’ve faced?

As a DJ, producer and artist you have to keep making music without losing your typical music style!

Living in Germany & with Turkish roots, do you feel these music scenes have influenced your signature style?

Not really. My signature style is influenced by my feelings and taste of music

And finally, what’s next for RMA – any other upcoming projects you can share with us?

In 2020 there will be a lot of new and exciting releases with interesting labels and artists!

Listen to the track below!

Hot Since 82 drops epic new single ‘Make Up’

By
Marco Di
-
Hot Since 82

Barnsley-born DJ and producer Hot Since 82 has marked the 100th release on his Knee Deep In Sound imprint with the release of new single ‘Make Up’.

A deep and dark release that immediately grabs the listener’s attention with an imposing kick drum, ‘Make Up‘ is a seven-and-a-half minute journey that combines thumping techno with a melodic breakdown and seductive vocal samples.

“I love having Knee Deep In Sound as a vehicle to sign music that excites me and to also that it allows me to be in control of my own output,” Hot Since 82 enthuses. “To reach 100 releases is a real milestone and we’re indebted to all the brilliant artists whom we’ve worked with over the past 6 years. Here’s to the next 100!”

Hot Since 82 Make Up

In operation since 2014, Knee Deep In Sound has overseen a slew of lauded releases from artists such as Richy Ahmed, Andrea Oliva, Martin Buttrich, Steve Bug, William Djoko, Booka Shade, Mark Broom and many more. It has also released two massively successful albums, both titled 8-track, from Christoph in 2016 and Hot Since 82 in 2019. Collectively they have amassed over 20 million streams.

The label has also hosted a number of showcases across the world, from Printworks London and the legendary Warehouse Project in Manchester to as far afield as New York, Miami, and Buenos Aires. With a similarly strong aesthetic – the label’s artwork pairs brightly colored smoke with natural backdrops – Knee Deep In Sound is one of the most recognizable electronic imprints around.

Regarded as one of the best producers in the game, ‘Make Up‘ is a fitting 100th release for Knee Deep In Sound from label head Hot Since 82.

Listen to the track below.

elrow bring Home Sessions to encourage virtual social partying

By
Metodi Gogovski
-

As everyone adjusts to this ‘new normal’, elrow want to bring the magic directly into the homes of their fans around the world.

They’ve been partying with Desperados since 2016, and from the beginning they’ve shared the same passion, which is to create the unexpected for partygoers around the world. By teaming up on these virtual sessions, they’re able to continue to deliver unforgettable experiences to keep the party going for fans as they adjust to their new way of life.

After seeing the international success of elrow‘s live sessions converted to a live program format with its resident artists as protagonists, the Barcelona entertainment company together with Desperados as the main collaborator, have announced their agenda for next month of April.

elrow Home Sessions

This agenda is loaded with exceptional talent consisting of international artists such as Technasia, Manu González, Marco Faraone, Fer BR, Yousef, Mele, Dennis Cruz and Rafa Barrios.

The premiere will be next Sunday, April 5 from 4:00 p.m. C.E.T – presented by MC Technasia accompanied by Ibizan Manu Gonzalez.

The next artists to go through the Home Sessions will be Italian producer Marco Faraone, head of Uncage label, accompanied by Fer Br. They’ll be joined by UK legend’s Yousef and Melé; and finally, Dennis Cruz from Madrid in collaboration with the young Sevillian producer Rafa Barrios.

This completes a busy schedule for elbow‘s Sundays in April to dance from home and enjoy some of the of the best live streamed sets around from the cream of international artists.

And in case you miss it, elrow and their digital collaborators will share the sessions in full through the following official channels on Facebook and Instagram:

Challenge Link here.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

In the coming days, these are the best preventative measures we can all take to help:

– Avoid leaving the house if it is not essential
– Limit visits elsewhere unless they are absolutely essential
– Avoid travelling where possible
– Do not saturate the emergency services with calls if it is not strictly necessary
– Follow all the hygiene and prevention measures that the Government has recommended
– Find out up to date info only through official channels, such as @sanidadgob on Twitter

Gorgon City release their first 2020 single collaborating with DRAMA on ‘Nobody’

By
Andry Bosk
-

Following the success of their 2019 hit single ‘There For You’ in collaboration with US DJ and producer MK amassing over 45 million global streams, Gorgon City are set to drop their first new music of 2020. Here they collaborate with Chicago soul / dance duo DRAMA bringing an emotive, beautiful and fluid house jam entitled ‘Nobody’.

With each release setting a new standard for Gorgon City, ‘Nobody‘ is a deviation in sonic feel for them as producers and also for their own imprint Realm. ‘Nobody‘ shows the acts varied and versatile production range, downtempo but retaining its energetic feel, with a soulful vocal at its core making it a standout and unique release.

Collaborators DRAMA are Ne’el Shehade and vocalist Via Rosa, a multicultural collaboration blurring the lines between R&B, Soul and Dance. The pair have self-released several EPs and have just released their debut album as well as previously working with Chance the Rapper and Kanye West. Matt & Kye (Gorgon City) discovered DRAMA and fell in love with their sound and Via Rosa‘s amazingly stirring vocal.

Gorgon City Nobody

They reached out and discovered the duo lived in Chicago where Kye is currently spending lots of time, and of course they had to get in the studio together. After a couple of days writing ideas, ‘Nobody‘ was born, which Matt & Kye then produced in London.

‘Nobody‘ also comes equipped with a new video involving a street dance interpretation of ‘West Side Story‘, shot in DRAMA‘s hometown of Chicago with a local street dance crew, paying homage to the city that inspired Gorgon City & Drama’s collaboration.

For Gorgon City their REALM releases came in thick and fast last year to include singles; ‘Lick Shot‘, ‘Delicious‘, ‘Elizabeth Street‘ and ‘Roped In‘. Further collaborations propelled the duo with US dance royalty Kaskade on ‘Go Slow‘ reaching No.1 on the Billboard Dance Chart.

On top of a busy year of productions, Gorgon City had a packed touring schedule, the duo played out across the globe at festivals including Coachella, EDC Vegas, Israel’s Get Lost Festival as well as the sold-out UK shows at Printworks, Warehouse Project and Tobacco Dock, in addition to dates all around Europe and the US.

With over 1.2 billion global streams to their name and over 8 million singles sold across their careers, Gorgon City are titans of making house music hits, with each release reaffirming their status. Gorgon City & DRAMA‘s ‘Nobody‘ is out now on Virgin EMI.

Listen to the track below.

Why every DJ should learn how to play Piano Keyboard

By
Alex Gelevski
-

Playing this dynamic instrument, called a piano keyboard, is an art. Be it expressing what one is feeling or even telling a tale, no other instrument does it better than our good old piano.

While playing instruments is looked upon as a traditional forte, being a DJ, is a completely versatile domain as well. Having the ability to make people dance to your very own tunes, is a dream most people see. In today’s times, a party without a DJ seems incomplete.

Also, having the special and renowned talent of knowing how to play a piano keyboard is considered a field of respect as well. But imagine, if these two domains combine. Imagine the impact they will generate being together, considering the audience they create alone. The knowledge of playing the piano would add so much more to being a DJ, and bring more zest and spirit to the crowd!

Now that you’re interested in getting a piano keyboard, make sure you read this guide on Piano nadu as they’re a trusted website in the industry.

Being able to play the piano keyboard as a DJ would:

1. Help you understand music theory

The top DJs and Music producers of today, including David Guetta, Skrillex and even the late Avicii, have claimed to have previously experimented with the keyboard before stepping into the game. They have described how such experimentation with the instruments have helped them realise their passion for music and to understand it better. Such examinations add to the experience of a DJ. It increases one’s awareness about how different notes are represented on the piano. Getting to know about the different relationships between chords, notes and rhythms helped them indulge in these in their own manner.

2. Help you use piano theory to understand key signatures

Piano theory is considered as a must to be learnt by all musicians, and not just pianists and DJs. Learning and being able to comprehend piano theory helps a musician with their compositions. Composing can be a real pain if one isn’t aware about the correct coordination between notes. This also tends to hinder the improvisation process as well. Understanding the know-how of the notes is only possible through the knowledge of piano theory. Also, if you don’t work solo or work in a team, then you might want to keep up with the knowledge of other musicians to bring out the result that you really want.

3. Help you with chord progressions and harmonies

Setting strings for chords, i.e. chord progression, or learning to interpret harmonies and melodies is more important than you think it is. Only after learning about these, can one create these! Apart from creating personalised tunes for your audience, now you can have the confidence of personalising chords too! It is basically analysing or interpreting songs. Understanding chords and how they go together in different manners, increases the knowledge of a DJ or a Musician when it comes to the main field of music.

4. Help you with Composing

Piano tends to help DJs and producers a lot with composing. Try out a song on the piano and you’re sorted for the rest of the procedure. If you’re able to work with the piano during your composition process, the rest of the procedure becomes a smooth ride. These provide for a boost in the functioning of the DJ. Good pianists are believed to roam with songs on their fingertips.

They say learning an instrument, be it any instrument is the best way to understand what goes beyond the making of a song and music in general. Well, here’s proof that they say it right!

One can usually be sure of accuracy with pianos and not be reliant on inext softwares, which have made a point to loot off naive music producers and DJs. These days it is extremely easy to take piano lessons in person or online as well. So what’s stopping you?

1...471472473...827Page 472 of 827

Latest Articles

© Copyright 2021 - Rave Jungle