ElectroStation

Mr Q is the one who inspires me on every field of music – keeping his style alive for years, not paying much attention on trends, minding just and only his own business. He is underground as his upcoming tune “Sentiment” is!

We have an exclusive interview with one of the most successful people on house scene. He is the man with exquisite taste in music and also one of the biggest collector of house music vinyls! He is Simon Dunmore – chief of Defected label who manages artists like Sandy Rivera, ATFC, Bob Sinclar, Junior Jack, Dmitri from Paris, Aaron Ross and many more! Take a sip of drink, relax and enjoy reading!

Ahead of the release of Defected In The House Ibiza 12 and the launch of the 2012 Ibiza season at Pacha, we catch up with Defected’s founder Simon Dunmore to discuss new additions to the roster, the House Odyssey theme for the year and where he sits in regards to the ongoing pop vs. underground debate…

^1 Okay so, Ibiza has rolled round again for yet another season… what’s new for Ibiza 2012?

I believe we have broadened our line up and have a far more interesting diverse selection of DJs than we have ever had. In terms of our residents we have, Junior Jack and Kid Crème, The Shapeshifters, Copyright, Bob Sinclar and really they form the backbone of the residency at Pacha. But this year we have also re-introduced ourselves with Dennis Ferrer, which is a great thing for our night. We also booked Solomon for four dates, we have 2000 and One playing and then we have the guest appearances from Dimitri from Paris, from Frankie Knuckles, David Morales, Aeroplane. Across the board I don’t believe there is a more varied night musically on the island, so whatever night you choose to go on I’m sure you’re going to have an amazing time.

^2 I guess most people wouldn’t really expect to see a duo like MURK on the same line up as Bob Sinclar… do you see this as a positive move in terms of the range of people that want to come to the nights?

I think that the range of DJs and music that we have at our nights at Defected just totally reflect the fact that I believe house music isn’t one specific thing, it isn’t one specific sound or genre. I like to reflect that in the music we release and the DJs we book.

The fact that someone like MURK are playing alongside Bob Sinclar actually for me is quite exciting and it is challenging for someone like MURK to who are going to play after Bob. Bob is very distinctive in his style and his sound, and it’s probably fair to say it’s on the commercial end of house music whereas MURK are much more underground, so they will perform much later at night when people are probably in a different head space and it’s an appropriate sound for that time of the evening.

Another positive aspect to them playing for us is they have a big tradition and a big following in America Dance music has exploded in America and Oscar G has been a resident at Pacha, New York for many years. He plays the club on a regular basis and rocks it every time. So if there are people coming from America to Ibiza this year – which I believe will happen in big numbers – it’s really relevant to have him playing for us at the club. So yeah I believe there is definitely a place for MURK alongside Bob Sinclar and I think it will make for a really interesting night.

^3 Defected’s theme for the year is ‘A House Odyssey’, right? What do you mean by this?

Everybody has a story to tell or a reason to why they ended up being where they are in Ibiza. Whether it be the DJ from making records in his bedroom to playing in front of 4,000 people on a Saturday night, or the dancers coming from all over the world, auditioning at the beginning of the summer and finally getting in that podium. Or the clubber; what made them book their holiday to go to Ibiza, what made them want to go to Pacha to be on the dance floor for Defected In The House. It’s all part of the theatre that Pacha puts on and the music we provide. So everybody has a story to tell.

No-one really thinks about the pilgrimage and the attraction that Ibiza has for people, whether it be the first time they go or the fact that people have been going back there for 25 years and still get excited every time the plane touches down or when the walk into their favourite club. So to telling – or at least considering – people’s stories is a really key thing to do, because it’s not just about the super clubs, the music and the drugs or whatever, there’s always a massive sub-plot in terms of why people are there. That’s what we want to talk about this year.

^4 You’ve had some new photos done that that represent the House Odyssey theme; are these a visual representation of your personally own House Odyssey?

My personally house odyssey is an evolution of all the things that have influenced me. I feel really privileged to have grown up and grown through some amazing eras of music. I first got into disco by being interested in the new romantic scene that was very popular in the UK. Acts like Spandau Ballet and Haircut 100 were playing Disco and there were clubs like the Wag Club which we would go to on a regular basis in the hope that we would get in because there was a very strict door policy. Out of that came the funk, rare groove and the disco scene which got me down to things like Southport Weekender and DJing that style of music. Then in 1988 the house scene exploded. I was never really into the more alternative side of that, the records I loved were things like Ce Ce Peniston ‘Someday’ and Blaze ‘Can’t Win for Losing’; house records with soul.

So in terms of the imagery we’ve had done a lot of the labels and logos we included were very influential for me personally; they make up my musical DNA. Labels like Roule, which was a rare collectable a soul label that had a record by Four Below Zero called ‘My Baby’s Got ESP’ which is a record that would still make me feel excited if I heard it out today. Or Atlantic, or great disco labels like Salsoul and great house labels like Strictly Rhythm, Emotive or Nervous. So not only the musical elements of what the labels released but the brand element that the early house labels had that made them a collectable label. I always wanted Defected to be a collectable label so that piece graffiti I’m standing in front really just encapsulates all of that.

^5 Defected In The House is back at Pacha for their 8th season this year, what is it about the club that makes it so well suited for the night?

When we first came to Ibiza with Defected in 2001 we hosted three nights at Pacha with Ministry of Sound. They were very supportive of us early on in the life of the label. Roger Sanchez played at one, the time when he had ‘Another Chance’ in the charts and the place was absolutely packed the rafters. Him playing that record in Ibiza in Pacha when he had a number one record in the UK is something that I can remember so vividly, so we had a slight association with Pacha before we had a proper residency there.

Then-went on to do two years residency at El Divino and made a huge success of it and ultimately we got asked to do Pacha on Tuesday nights and over the last four five seasons we’ve done Saturdays. I believe it’s the most appropriate club for us to do on the island. The thing is, Pacha is a big club, I mean it holds 3,500-4,000 when its packed on a Saturday night but there are so many nooks and crannies where you can find your own space that even though its big you kind of feel you’re in a small club, you’ve got your own spot. You have intimacy and soul as well as glamour, so whatever you want to be doing in the club whether it’s up on the terrace socialising and having drink or getting lost in your own space in the middle of the dance floor you can do that and everything in between. It’s just the best vibe for me, plus it has the real history of Ibiza. Pacha was one of the first clubs of Ibiza, so to be associated with one of the original Ibiza clubs is something that’s great for Defected.

^6 In 2011 lines between House music and Pop became more blurred than ever before… where does that leave a label like Defected who, as you say, have a strong underground following but also have artists like Bob Sinclar who does veer towards the more of the commercial end of the spectrum?

The commercial aspect of dance music is much discussed and I think you need both of them to be in existence for the scene to be healthy. I’m not critical of the music that’s released by certain producers that goes on to be successful; it’s just something that I don’t personally feel we need to do at Defected. We have had commercial success with Bob Sinclar in the past and the reason that that’s important for Defected is that it enables us to nurture new talent with the resulting income. I think you need balance, and the great thing about the commercial success of the dance – especially in America – is the fact that it introduces new blood and new people to dance music who then sometimes go off and become interested in other areas of dance, which feeds the whole scene.

What I think people have got kind of hung up on is the fact that certain elements of shows that DJs and promoters put on is not traditionally the way people view DJing, it’s more like the kind of show a band would put on a show. Certain things have to happen; it’s more of a show, with lasers, pyrotechnics, visuals etc… and I think that some people can’t get the leap that’s been made. If you’re playing to 80-100,000 people you have your shit together, there’s not much room for error, you can’t fuck up.

So yeah it’s changing. Personally, I prefer music to be delivered and played in a way I grew up being used to. But I understand people are now putting on shows and it’s a whole different board game, the fact that their doing that is amazing and were all going to benefit from that in some way or another further down the line, so it’s an exciting time for dance music at the moment.

^7 It seems to me that the music Defected releases has changed reasonably substantially over the last 2 or 3 years… do you think that’s fair?

The thing about Defected is, we have been going for 13 years now and it’s really hard to maintain any business for that amount of time, so you always have to come up with fresh ideas to re-invent yourself in certain ways, to give you the opportunity to have longevity. If you continue to do the same thing – especially in music – it becomes too predictable and people get bored.

I think over the last 2 or 3 years there has been little bit of confusion within the dance scene, primarily because there’s been a huge commercial explosion of dance music and also the fact that a lot of producers have the opportunity to release their music on their own label. Ten years ago if they had a hot record they may call you up and say “I’ve made a record can you listen to it, would love to get it out on the label” and you would get the opportunity to work with some substantial big names. Now all of the names have their own label, so they don’t necessarily need or want to be associated with a label such a Defected, they can just release it themselves.

So I understand why that is the way it is, but I also understand that new up and coming artists also need help promoting themselves. People look at us and have trust in a our label and they may want to be associated with that, and I’m happy to reside in that world because I’ve always been interested in listening to new music, that’s where I’ve always lived. It’s not about being in the mainstream on the high street, I would rather eat in a more selective restaurant serving finer food than just going to McDonald’s and know what I’m going to get every day. So yeah that’s why the music we’ve released has probably been a bit more underground recently, because we have been forced into that arena, and you know what, were happy to be there.

^8 In regards to the Ibiza 12 mix, there’s a large proportion of more classic records on there as opposed to 3 CDs of upfront material that people may expect. Why did you decide to take this approach on the compilation?

There are two main reasons why I’ve included a lot of classic records on the Ibiza compilation this year. The first one is primarily is that I don’t believe that there are as many great records being made today as there were 5 -10 years ago. That’s not to say that producers aren’t capable, I just think that the return people get from making music is just not as great as it was back then, so they’re not willing to invest in singers or musicians or mastering or for someone to program drums for them, so the music isn’t as diverse or as well produced as it was many years ago. I would rather play and include a good old record rather than try to be upfront and exclusive, for me it’s just about good records or bad records and I just prefer a good old record rather than playing a bad average record.

The other reason is that I think house music now has real heritage. In the same way that disco had to go through a period of time before records were recognised as classics or influential, house music has gone through that whole period of time, where people acknowledge it as influential rather than it being underground and not very serious. People now acknowledge that after 25 years it has stood the test of time, and I think it’s good to acknowledge that, so I’ve chosen several records that were very personal to me, whether I was involved with them personally by signing them or I’ve been involved with the person that made them. I just wanted to acknowledge some of the people that have influenced me or helped Defected become what it is by including them on the compilation.

^9 You’ve co-produced an edit of Steve ‘Silk’ Hurley’s ‘The Word is Love’ alongside James Talk, what is it about this record that made you want re-edit it and included on the compilation?

Back in the day when I was at Cooltempo Records I did some remixes as sometimes we needed certain mixes and a record to do a certain thing or appeal to a certain audience, so I kind of become the in-house remixer, but was never something I felt truly comfortable with. I mean I would do a mix and to some degree it would work, but then I would hear an amazing David Morales remix or a Masters at Work or mix or something by CJ Macintosh and who were on fire at the time, and I would feel so insignificant, because they were like genius moments and amazing productions. My productions sounded okay but I guess I bottled out and couldn’t cope with the fact that those records were so much more amazing than the records I could produce.

So I kind of wanted to be a remixer or producer but never really quite had the balls to see it through, but it wasn’t such a bad thing because I felt I was really good at promotion, seeing the good in a record or producer and wanting to help spread the word about what the sound was about or what this producer could do, and I felt like this was a totally legitimate career so that’s what I did with Defected.

When I was at AM:PM we released a vinyl only version of ‘The Word is Love’, it was an instrumental dub which never came out officially and I always wondered what it would sound like if we actually put the vocal over the dub, so doing this compilation gave me that chance to do it. We got the accapella and we put it in time and it sits on it well, maybe if Steve likes it and I get to play it to him then I’ll go in the studio and finish it someday.

^10 Finally, Defected has been involved with Ibiza in one form or another for well over 10 years now, why do you think you have enjoyed such a successful relationship with the island?

It’s the result of extraordinary hard work by all of the people that are involved with Defected. It’s very competitive in Ibiza, especially at Pacha; they have seven nights with some of the biggest artists in the world at the club, and all the other clubs have great residencies too. All of the main DJs are there and you have to compete with that year on year. Pacha is key to our success; we have great support from Danny Whittle, Mark Netto and Francisco who really support our night and get behind it and they’re really loyal to all of the residencies they have there.

Defected In The House Ibiza ’12 is out 21st May

Click here for full Defected Pacha line-up details for the Ibiza season

Defected @ Official Site

German duo Syke’n'Sugarstarr aka Se:Sa did really wicked progressive/bigroom bootleg with well-known instrumental and well-known acapella. This bootleg should be motivational for upcoming DJs and producers since you can do it by yourself. If you ask how, just check Axwell’s tune “Resurrection” and latest Syke’n'Sugarstarr acapella pack and that will be all for you! Just do it your way!

Syke’n'Sugarstarr & CeCe Rogers vs Michael Calfan & Axwell – No Love Resurrection by Syke’n'Sugarstarr

Until then enjoy!

We catch up with DJ Chus ahead of the release of his House Masters compilation. The Iberican Sound is DJ Chus’ trademark; a personal vision of house music which has become synonymous with Chus and many of his contemporaries. Instantly recognizable yet constantly evolving, this percussive, rolling and hugely danceable take on house music is what puts Chus in a league of his own.

House Masters DJ Chus brings together 33 of the renowned Spanish producers original tracks and remixes, presenting them as the first comprehensive collection of his work. The compilation features a number of exclusives, including Kevin Saunderson featuring Inner City ‘Future’ (DJ Chus In Stereo Mix), Reboot ‘Enjoy Music’ (DJ Chus 2012 Re-Edit) and Glamsta featuring Candela ‘In De Guetto 2012′ (DJ Chus Club Mix), while many of his classic remixes have been re-mastered for 2012.

Pre-order Defected Presents House Masters – DJ Chus @ iTunes [Release date - 30th of April 2012]

Every Wednesday at Pacha Ibiza

Opening Party May 30th – Closing Sept 26th

Feat: AN21, Carl Kennedy, Chuckie, Danny Tenaglia, Max Vangeli, Norman Doray, Sneaky Sound System, Steve Angello, Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano, Sympho Nympho and more to be announced!

Erick Morillo blurs the boundaries between fantasy and reality with Subliminal Sessions Ibiza 2012.

“This year Pacha will be a wonderful place where seductive, fleshy creatures parade around in extravagant head pieces luring spectators deeper into the Subliminal psyche” - Erick Morillo

Subliminal Sessions has established a firm reputation as the islands premier house night, where quality music and the world’s best DJs play to a scorchingly sexy and fiery crowd. With colossal residents including Chuckie, Sympho Nympho and Danny Tenaglia, you know that Pacha’s dance floor is going to be an explosive and high octane place to be this summer.

In today’s world of superstar DJs, big business and brands, there is often an important ingredient that is overlooked in clubbing. It’s this important ingredient that Erick Morillo brings to Ibiza every single summer – that no holds barred party vibe. The best clubs the world over are where the musical rules and restrictions go out the window and you know that you are going to have the best time. It’s no secret that Erick Morillo can cause anarchy on the dance floor and he will make sure that when you see him LIVE you will experience exactly what we are talking about.

The line up as ever is powerful and will include Morillo’s newest project Sympho Nympho – the brand new trio of dance music’s most respected players Jose Nunez, Harry ‘Choo Choo’ Romero and Erick Morillo. The Dutch “king of mixing” Chuckie is Subliminal’s resident wingman for the season and he’ll be bringing with him that famous Dirty Dutch sound. New York super legend Danny Tenaglia also joins Morillo for various dates throughout the summer, culminating in an EXCLUSIVE “Be Yourself” party where he will take over Subliminal Sessions for the entire night on Aug 29th. And if that’s not enough, you can expect appearances from Carl Kennedy, Norman Doray, Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano, AN21, Max Vangeli, Steve Angello, Sneaky Sound System and more still to be announced.

When you’ve been out burning the candle at both ends the world becomes a little blurry, your senses are heightened and everything is not exactly as it seems. This is the feeling that has inspired the “Beautiful Reality” theme this season. The venue will be transformed into a surrealist wonderland, with stairways and doors leading to erotic fantasies of the unconscious mind.

Subliminal Sessions is without doubt the ultimate party you can experience in Ibiza. Expect a venue as beautiful as the crowd within, and an electric atmosphere featuring the world’s biggest DJs. Subliminal Sessions will get into your head and they will make sure you can’t possibly resist.

May 30th Opening Party: Erick Morillo, Chuckie, Sympho Nympho

Erick Morillo @ Official Site
Erick Morillo @ Twitter
Erick Morillo @ Facebook

Subliminal Records @ Official Site

Today we have rather outstanding tune done by upcoming producer from Albania, Rei Leka aka Fingers Clear. His tune “Sugar Beat” brings the memories of some old-school classic hit that wears new suit. Lovely house vocals, chopped with warm bassline as sold kicks comes in will for sure bring attention to many producers and as artist says this tune is:

“every moment of the day and every experience including everything that surrounds me inspires the music that I create and of course what gives the music that deep feeling is the real house lovers”

Fingers Clear

And this tune is really for real house lovers! Enjoy for now since release date is not currently scheduled but you will be the first to know on Electro Station.

Fingers Clear @ SoundCloud
Fingers Clear @ Facebook
Fingers Clear @ Beatport

Gramma Rec @ Facebook

As usual I bring you my top10 of the past week! All quality and tested tunes! Enjoy!

^1 Audio Jacker – Why Do I (Original Mix)
^2 Azari & lll – Reckless With Your Love (Will Clarke + Steve Westover ReDub)
^3 BabySitters – U Took My Love (Original Mix)
^4 Brejo & Mieczyk – Don’t Run Away (Exclusive Pre-Release) (Original Mix)
^5 Copyright Feat. Imaani – Wizeman (Copyright 2012 Remix)
^6 D.O.N.S., Mikael Weeremts Feat. Kadoc – The Nighttrain 2k12 (Yves Murasca & Ezzy Safaris Summer Vibe)
^7 Georgio Schultz feat. Mary Griffin – My Love Can Take You Higher (Original Mix)
^8 Ludowick – Synthetic Strings (Original Mix)
^9 Sabb, Bekim – Water Bottle (Original 6AM Mix)
^10 Tapesh & Dayne S – Bug (Original Mix)

Download Voodoo’s Tested Top 10 [25/03/2012] / ALL HQ / 145.7 MB

Chief celebrates its first release with an exclusive track by Prune Flat. Air is a unique track that consists of melodic vibes and minimal house beats. On the flipside you find a tech-house remix by Paul Baker and a deep-tech bomb by Giattino! Supported by Angelo Ferreri, Muzikfabrik and Point Zero!

Tracks:
Prune Flat – Air – Original Mix
Prune Flat – Air – Paul Baker Remix
Prune Flat – Air – Giattino Remix

Release date 20th March
Label: Chief Recordings

 SUPPORT THE ARTISTS AND PURCHASE IT HERE!

Sorry for a little delay! I was celebrating and gigging whole weekend so I eventually forgot to place my top for last Sunday! As usual! Tested, played, loved – Top10!

^1 Adele vs. Daft Punk – Something About The Fire (Carlos Serrano Mix)
^2 Alex Costa, Matteo Matteini – 0586 (DiMO (BG) Remix)
^3 Angel Anx – Espira (Original Mix)
^4 Axwell – I Found U (Felix Leiter’s Miami ’12 Bootleg)
^5 Christian Hornbostel & Alfred Azzetto – Tsop (The Sound Of Philadelphia) (Original Mix)
^6 Kevin Saunderson Feat. Inner City – Future (DJ Chus In Stereo Mix)
^7 Marc Palacios, DJ Kone – Komafunk (Coqui Selection Remix)
^8 Rober Gaez – Dancintz [In Heaven] (David Herrero Ole Remix)
^9 Rudimental Feat. MNEK & Syron – Spoons (Original Mix)
^10 Scan Mode – This Is House (Tapesh Remix)

Download Voodoo’s Tested Top 10 [11/03/2012] / ALL HQ / 137 MB

One of the most emotional break-beat tunes gets a deep touch of Manjane and Dragan who are part of Disko Zoo crew. This remix is probably the best we’ve heard so far since emotional and soulful voice of Andrea Martin lays the best on this smooth bass-line, discrete percussions. Remix will be given free if they hit at least 10.000 views. So share it and enjoy it!

Switch Feat. Andrea Martin – I Still Love You (Manjane & Dragan Remix) [Free if 10.000 views]

Manjane @ Facebook
Dragan @ SoundCloud

For those who don’t know Disko Zoo is owned by Gramophonedzie and this release will be best described by his own words:

“This fine selection of tunes varying from serious club stormers like Mark Funk’s ”Together” or Wise D & Kobe ”Groove me baby’‘ to regular bootie shakers from Durubuntu Jackers & MEDO, Copyshop Downtown INC, Angel Anx and myself. This is first time I put out some deeper sounds on Disko Zoo and our pioneers are Hyde & Sick with their ”Botako” track and my personal favorite on this release and general favorite that will stay for long time in my box Dragan’s ”Stab Me”.

ENJOY!”
Marko  “Gramophondzie”  Milicevic

Various Artists – Disko Zoo WMC Sampler 2012 contains:

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^1 Mark Funk – Together (Original Mix) – Electro Station pick

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^2 Darubuntu Jackers & M.E.D.O. – Plyeskavitza (Original Mix)

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^3 Dragan – Stab Me (Original Mix)

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^4 Gramophonedzie – Simply (Original Mix)

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^5 Hyde & Sick – Botako (Original Mix) – Electro Station pick

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^6 Wise D & Kobe – Groove Me Baby (Original Mix) – Electro Station pick

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^7 Copyshop Downtown INC – 1212 (Original Mix)

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^8 Angel Anx – Espira (Original Mix) – Electro Station pick

Release date – 26th of March 2012!

Disko Zoo @ SoundCloud
Disko Zoo @ Facebook
Disko Zoo @ Beatport

Who is…?

Marko Mitrović (pronounced Mitrovich) aka Mark Funk is probably next to Gramophonedzie the most profound producer in Serbia having more than a decade of experience in all sort of music genres from drum’n'bass to funky-tech house. For those who don’t know, he is regular in sets of Gramophonedzie, DJ Mes, Sonny Fodera, BlackSoul, Derrick Carter, Mark Farina, Antoine Clamaran, Syke’n'Sugarstarr and loads more with it’s infectious disco-tech beats. He signed for various labels like Guesthouse, Blacksoul Music, Maracuja, Disko Zoo, etc…

We caught this busy guy between the gigs, regular work, production and family to tell us more about his work and his upcoming projects, aswell on his perception on house music trends.

Now just drop his latest radio set and enjoy!

Download Mark Funk Disco Fever Mix 2012 @ TDI Radio

^1 Hey Mark! First, thanks for talking time off to tell our readers more about your music. We know that you are into various production projects and that you are pretty busy, but lets kick with a regular one – How you got hooked up on house music?

Hello everyone! Thank you for the invitation… Well, it’s kinda simple and cheesy I was a musical kid…I don’t have musical background in my family, but i always liked all genres of music…it was very interesting to me…so as I was growing up, I developed my taste, but I still like all genres of music…in almost every music genre I can find something that I like…

^2 When people check your tunes they can see that you have distinguish style – rare funky/disco/hip-hop samples that are combined with ruff tech rhythms. How would you describe it and could you give an advice to upcoming producers on “how to make their sound?” like you did.

Well, I think for myself that i`m an upcoming producer so I wont be giving any advices…To answer your question…I wouldn’t call my rhythms “ruff tech” …my rhythms are DISCOTECH and that’s it What I’m actually trying to do is this…I’m trying to make old school disco funky music using modern technology

^3 Who made the most influence on you when it comes to production?

..there are some producers that I like… Dimitri from Paris, Olav Basoski, Warren Clarke, Chus etc…also my friends producers from our label Disko Zoo are a great influence…Gramophonedzie, Manjane, Wise D & Kobe, Blacksoul, Hyde & Sick etc…

^4 There are many underground and new artists that make top class tunes but are not enough exposed… Which one should we keep an eye on?

ME!

^5 Can you tell us what are you preparing next when it comes to releases, future projects or gigs?

I just finished a remix of tune “Mambosonic” for Maracuja Label..I got 2 new tracks ready for WMC… Both will be released on WMC samplers on DiskoZoo and Blacksoul Music…after that I’m expecting a baby since my wife is pregnant and that’s it for now!

Congratulations on baby! Let it be healthy and musically talented like dad and pretty like mom!

^6 Winter Music Conference is coming soon and everyone is preparing top tunes for that event. What are you predictions – which upcoming tune we shouldn’t miss?

I answered in previous question…you shouldn’t miss my new tracks
Mark Funk – Together [Disko Zoo Records] and

Mark Funk – JACK’O [Blacksoul Music]

^7 Is there any house or non-house artist that you would like to collaborate with?

Oh yea! I’d like to work with Jamiroquai and his band, Daft Punk, Chromeo, Dimitri From Paris, Studio Apartment, DMX… I better stop now, because i`m gonna start crying

^8 Everlasting fight between digital and analog. What’s your thoughts on that when it comes to playing on CDs/vinyl or USBs and midi controllers?

I had vinyls and turntables…I take CDs and CDJs as a logical progression…I don’t like USB and Midi controllers…

^9 Everyone is talking about SOPA and PIPA acts against piracy. What is your attitude when it comes to free music download blogs/sites/forums and buying music?

We are from Serbia my friend… We don’t care If you wanna buy something you will buy it, with or without my advice…

^10 What are your current top5 tunes?

Tune of the moment is: Sami Saari – Trump It…don’t know the guy but this track is AMAZING!!!

^11 Big thanks Mark for having you exclusively here on Electro Station and all the best to your future family! Any shout outs for our readers or family and friends?

Thank you Electro Station…wish you guys all the best…take care and stay healthy, that’s the most important thing

Mark Funk @ SoundCloud
Mark Funk @ Facebook

As the usual – Voodoo’s Tested Top 10 of the week! Every Sunday picking the best tunes to rock the dancefloor! Enjoy!

^1 KORT – Savanna (Original Mix)
^2 Mark Fanciulli – Sacrifice (Original Mix)
^3 Matthew Codek, Marta Ata – Almirante (Original Mix)
^4 Muzzaik & Exacta – Reach Deep (David Herrero Ole Dub)
^5 Oliver Koletzki, Jan Blomqvist – The Devil In Me (Original Mix)
^6 Pedro Carrilho Feat. Ruslan Diaz – Encanto (DJ Bruno F Remix)
^7 Skinny – Freakshow (Original Mix)
^8 Tocadisco – Ratt3Nfaenger (Analog People In A Digital World Remix)
^9 Wagon Cookin’ Feat. Roberto Q. Ingram – Come Into The Light (Chus & Ceballos Remix)
^10 Wally Lopez – Drums Revenge (Original Mix)

Download Voodoo’s Tested Top 10 [04/03/2012] / ALL HQ / 159.1 MB

Voodoo’s weekly top10 is here! All quality tunes that will for sure smash the dancefloor! Enjoy!

^1 Alex Di Lecce – Get Down (Extended Version)
^2 Claptone – Cream (Original Mix)
^3 Copyright ft. Shovell – Drums Of Benirras (KORT Remix)
^4 David Penn Feat. Lisa Millett – Join Us (DJ Bee Old School Remix)
^5 Frankie Knuckles pres. Directors Cut ft. B Slade – Get Over U (Directors Cut Mix) (Sami Dee Edit)
^6 Juan Carlos Herrera – Come On (Fiuset Remix)
^7 Junior Senior – Move Your Feet (Zoltan Kontes Disco Bootleg)
^8 Luca Bisori – Just A Girl (Original Mix)
^9 Mowgli Feat. Amber Jolene – Back In The Day (Original Mix)
^10 The Viron LTD & Rasul – Like A Gun (Original Mix)

Download Voodoo’s Tested Top 10 [26/02/2012] / ALL HQ / 146.3 MB

Since winning our producer competition back in 2010, Chris Jordan and Ben Webb aka KORT have been on quite a ride. Their winning track “Tomorrow” was the first release on the re-launched Copyright Recordings and shot straight to No.1 in the Traxsource start, beginning an extraordinary run of success for the label.

Now, after a sterling performance at their first Defected In The House gig at Ministry of Sound, the duo are about the front a new compilation series from Copyright’s label; Master Output.

Here we catch up with Chris and Ben for a quick chat about their initial flirtations with house music, their studio relationship and their plans for world domination…

^1 When did you first start producing music? Is it your full time career or do you work as anything else other than musicians?

Chris: I was co-writing and engineering with an eclectic independent house label called G-Force Records during the 90s, and did first productions with them, although I had been experimenting with my home set up since 1988. Those were the days of vinyl, tape, Atari’s and MIDI and I put in many studio hours learning the craft with some notable successes and the occasional Radio 1 play.

Ben: I have been experimenting with electronic music since 1998. My first commercial production was in 2001 under the moniker of Knights of the Round Tables, the first release being “Saxed Up” which was DJ Spen’s first remix with the Muthafunkaz.

Music has become our full time career for the last twelve months largely due to our association with Defected Records and Copyright Recordings which has raised our profile and for which we are extremely grateful!

^2 Tell us about how you first hooked up with Copyright?

We entered the Defected Producer Competition last year with our track “Tomorrow” and luckily enough for us it won. Sam Divine then invited us down to one of the “Heads Up” parties in London where she was playing; we met Simon Dunmore (in Chris’ case a re-introduction as they first met when Chris was Assisting Producer for Sarah HB at Kiss FM who used to work with Simon at AM:PM)

And Sam and Gav Copyright. They all loved the track and have have been great in helping us grow as producers. With all their experience and knowledge we are very grateful to them for giving us the opportunity.

^3 Why is house music such a passion for you both?

Ben: I fell in love with house when I was taken by my friends to my first house club in 1995; from then on there was no turning back! For me house is a spiritual thing… it’s a madness that you can’t see or touch, only feel. House is like my mistress; I go home to my wife but I’m still thinking about music.

Chris: Right from the moment I first heard House I knew it was the music I was waiting to be involved with. I got into the early house scene in 1988/9 and went to some unforgettable gatherings and my life was never the same! House gets into your very bones! Through all the twists and turns that house has taken over the years I’ve remained true to the original spirit of four-to-the-floor and am proud to be a part of the continuing story.

^4 Tell us about your first initial introductions to music…what did you both grow up listening to?

Ben: I was brought up on soul and Motown as far back as I can remember, especially Sam Cooke. Prince and Michael Jackson were also massive influences. My dad would make us listen to Billy Joel and Paul Simon and I later realized that lyrically and musically both are genius musicians. In my early teens I was listening to array of different artists such as The Doors, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley. …it’s nice to listen to different genres of music. It gives you a slightly different angle on what you are doing

Chris: My musical influences have been very diverse. I grew up in the era of classic songwriting; Lennon/McCartney (hard act to follow!) and Motown then got into the Parliament, the early albums of Stevie Wonder (Innervisions), the disco era (although too young to go to any!) then experimental electronica such as Kraftwerk and Can. I was very influenced in the early 80s by the productions of Brian Eno, especially in collaboration with David Byrne from Talking Heads (My Life in the Bush of Ghosts).

I also listened to dub reggae and used to go to the WOMAD festivals and got into some electro and the original hip-hop; a guy I used to know at an American air force base in Ipswich had masses of LL Cool J demos on cassette! Then I heard early house records around the end of ’87 and became totally hooked.

^5 How did you first meet each other?

Ben: We met when I was DJing at Pacha in London a few years ago. A coach load of our friends was coming up to see me play there and Chris was a friend of one my cousins. We got introduced, found out we had loads in common. Chris told me he was an all-round musician and so he started playing live percussion and keys in my DJ sets. We then hooked up in the studio and things just clicked for us.

^6 Why do you think you work so well together in the studio? What does each of you bring to the table?

Ben: I have an unhealthy obsession with drums. I write and programme most of the tracks whereas Chris engineers, plays and does most of the mixing. His attention detail is second to none. We consider that we both have equal input into all aspects of working on tracks. I also think you have to be honest. You have to feel very comfortable with each other for either of us to say to the other “I don’t like that part” or “that doesn’t work…”

Chris: I think we both have respect for each other’s abilities and strengths and are both able to learn from each other so that our roles do not remain static but are continually evolving. We clicked in the studio right from first working together and both bring a different element to what we do.

^7 You got off to the best possible start for Copyright Recordings with “Tomorrow” why do you think the label’s struck a chord with so many people since its relaunch?

Yeah we were very lucky to get our first Traxsource No.1 with “Tomorrow” on the re-launch of the label. I don’t think any of us was expecting it. Copyright have been putting out top quality releases for many years so when people see their imprint we suppose they’re expecting much of the same. The Afro tribal Latin thing seems to work on so many levels. For us, it kinda gives off a party vibe and Copyright Recordings bring this full-on with quality releases from quality artists. People are seeing and hearing that, and we feel very privileged to be part of it all.

^8 How would you describe the particular style of house music you make?

We have an Afro-tribal Latin vibe to what we do but we just prefer to call it house… one house, one nation and all that!

^10 What are your plans for the rest of the year…?

World domination! No, seriously… new tracks, more gigs worldwide and hopefully Mr Simon Dunmore would be kind enough to invite us to Ibiza!

^11 Anything else you’d like to tell us about…?

Chris: I was classically trained guitarist and was a Junior Exhibitioner at the Royal College of Music!

Ben: I play guitar and used to be singer/songwriter with a funk-rock band!

Pre-order Copyright Recordings Master Output mixed by KORT is out 5th March 2012

KORT @ SoundCloud
KORT @ Facebook
KORT @ Twitter

Danijel Chehranov is a multi-talented producer from Serbia who works on various deep, tech and techno tunes, blending them into pure listeners’ eargasm. You also know him for his massive techno tune “Svi Zajedno” which was supported by the likes of Sander Kleinenberg and D.O.N.S. We from Electro Station present you his latest set from club Mint in Belgrade where he dropped a top-notch techy set with elements of deep, ambient and even techno sound. Be sure to check it out since it has some serious quality underground vibe!

Tracklist: 

^1 Sacha Robotti – The Major (Original Mix)
^2 Arado – New Life
^3 Prince Club & Poupon – Platinum
^4 Gel Abril & Andrea Oliva – Scene (Original Mix)
^5 Ramon Tapia – Day One (Original Mix)
^6 David Berrie – Behind The Front (Original Mix)
^7 Nicolas Masseyeff – Mugen (Original Mix)
^8 Maetrik – Revenge Of Jack (Original Mix)
^9 Matador (IE) – Kingswing (Original Mix)
^10 Hiem – Zombie Party (Konrad Black Remix)

Danijel Chehranov @ Beatport
Danijel Chehranov @ SoundCloud
Danijel Chehranov @ Facebook

Tama Šuša (pronounced Shusha) is professional photographer based in Chicago (USA) that started a new project “Let There Be House”. By her words:

“This documentary tries to show the progression of House music since its origins in Chicago to where it is today on the global scale, and specifically in Chicago as well. What do international DJ’s have to say about Chicago? What do Chicago’s pioneers have to say about this progress? Find the answers this Summer. And let there be House”

In video speaking – Nicky Romero, Sunnery James and Ryan Marciano, Chuckie, Farley “Jackmaster” Funk, Avicii, Kenny “Jammin” Jason, Dirty South, MSTRKRFT, Cut Chemist, Markus Schulz, Sander Van Doorn, AN21 & Max Vangeli and Ralphi Rosario.

Check out the video which will be fully released this summer and support Tamara to continue with her project!

Tamara Šuša @ Official Site

Tama Šuša @ Facebook
Tamara Šuša @ Twitter

Do you like house music? Do you love sublime, intelligent and liquid vocals? Are you quite cool? If the answer to any of these three questions is a yes then we think you are going to love Jean Claude Ades. JCA, as his fans call him, is an internationally renowned DJ, producer, songwriter and remixer originally from Italy, now based in Munich and Ibiza. His beloved label Swings Records has a policy of only bringing you the very best quality original work and his new release “We All Are Dancing” with Daniel Falkenberg featuring vocalist Yoav fits the bill perfectly. Here he tells us how he acheived worldwide success with Danni Minogue, which DJs he respects the most and why its good that Ibiza is changing…

So just press play button and enjoy reading…

^1 Hi Jean, for those people who are new to you tell us a bit about yourself, where you are based, what style of music do you play and what are your inspirations?

I grew up in Italy in a musical family with a French father and German mother. I started my carreer as a producer 1994 in Germany with a record called “The colour of my style” on Virgin Records. During this time I was also running my own club, so i had the right platform to try out my early productions every week. During this time I was producing many projects under different names for different artists until I found the passion for djing. So I decided to produce my own records and in 2001 I produced my biggest track “I begin to wonder” ft Dannii Minogue that became a worldwide hit. From that time on I was really busy in the studio and also playing shows around the globe.

Now I am based in Munich during the winter and on Ibiza during the summer. Dance music is being always my passion and so I am extremley happy and thankful to be able to do this for a living. My favourite music at the moment is deep house and nu disco and my inspirations are the clubs and the crowd i am playing for.

^2 Who are the djs that you most respect?

I respect djs like Carl Cox, DJ Hell, Richie Hawtin, Villallalobos and Sven Väth, because they have being following their musical philosophy for many years without being effected by the commercial market like many others.

^3 In 2005 you established your own record label Swings Records under the wings of Great Stuff Records in Munich. Why did you make the decision to set up your own label?

Back then I wanted to create a label, which I could direct and I wanted to develop my own brand and realise my musical philosophy.

^4 For all people who might not know Swings Records, please give me a brief history of the label? What have been the most successful releases and which are the 3 tracks you love most from the back catalogue?

SWINGS is a word composition of “swings”, “wings”, and “win”. Three words, the synonyms of “groove”, “freedom” and “achieve”…as that is what the label has done for over five years. The first single release was a quick trip towards the top. “Someday”, featuring vocals by Niki Harris, the former singer of Snap and backing singer for Madonna, it reached #1 on the main Beatport charts.

I love all of my ‘babies’ but tracks like ‘Someday’, ‘Fly Away’ or ‘Disco To Disco’ are still outstanding and I still love to play them in my sets.

^5 What other artist have you released on Swings Records?

Swings Records also celebrated successes with artists and remixers such as Heartik, Rony Seikaly, Mason, Ramon Tapia, Telonious, Coburn, Whirlpool Productions, Vincent Thomas, Jerome Isma-ae, Mason and Les Rythmes Digitales, to name just a few and of course myself !

^6 What is your vision for the future? Is there a particular philosophy or idea that you follow?

This might be a motto that many other label makers share: “Musical freedom and originality”. I love house, this is where I come from, but I also want to show a wider range with house tunes, still with soul and melodies. This is something I’m missing so I hope to fill a gap here.

^7 Tell me about you new release “We All Are Dancing”, what is its story? Who is the vocalist and do you know of any DJ support it has got recently.

A friend of mine Daniel Falkenberg from Berlin came up to me one night during a party telling he had an idea to remix a great track. So when he played me Yoav`s original version I fell in love with it immediately. I got in touch with his management to ask if we could have the acapella and vocal parts to make a dance track out of it. They also loved the idea and short after we went to the studio and made each mix. The Original of We All Are Dancing is from Yoav. He is a world renowed singer-songwriter who`s worked with the likes of; Joey Waronker (the producer and drummer for Thom Yorke), Beck, Smashing Pumpkins and R.E.M. just to name a few!

^8 You built up a second studio to produce music in Ibiza and you also have your own radio show on Global Radio Ibiza every Thursday, and you played at Amnesia, Blue Marlin and Lio, Pacha’s new club last season: What are your plans for this year?

I have some ibiza plans but unfortunately I can´t speak about them yet

^9 You´ve been going to Ibiza for over 15 years, have you noticed any changes?

Yes, the first time I visited was in 1994 a lot has changed since then, believe it or not, for me it has changed in a good way. You have to go with the progress, If something doesn’t change it gets boring! Ibiza has developed a lot of new hot spots like Ushuaia, Lio, Blue Marlin over the years and also now it has a bigger party crowd from all over the world. It has become the centre of global dance music over the summer in Europe and every big DJ hits the Island at least once in the summer. Its like WMC or ADE but this party goes on for almost 5 months. It is the perfect spot to connect and to feel the new vibes and sounds. There’s a bit of everything for everyone, which I enjoy being part of!

^10 What will be the next big event you´ll play at ??

22 February is the Fashion week in Milan and I will play at the venue “The Club”

^11 What can we except of Swings Records and Jean Claude Ades in 2012??

Lots of hot new records!

Big Thanks to JCA and Toni for providing us this great interview!

Jean Claude Ades @ Facebook
Swing Records @ Official Site
Swing Records @ Facebook

Sunday is up and Voodoo is again dropping his tested top10 tunes from this week. Enjoy the quality!

^1 Audio Jacker – Hide (Original Mix)
^2 DJ Dan – Chunka Funk (Original Mix)
^3 Farrel 8 – Go Back (Original Mix)
^4 Homma Honganji – Hua Guan Suo (Original Mix)
^5 Jay Lumen – Babel (Original mix)
^6 Mario Ochoa – The Indian Express (Original mix)
^7 Sami Saari – Trump It (Original Mix)
^8 Sebastien Leger – Majuro (Nick Dow Remix)
^9 Wally Lopez Feat. Hadley – Burning Inside (Neil & Edgar VM Remix)
^10 WhiteNoize – Hear Ya (Original Mix)

P.S. Tunes that are still not released won’t be posted in pack!

Download Voodoo’s Tested Top 10 [19/02/2012].rar / 320k / 156.8 MB

^1 You’ve turned in two tasty but very different sounding mixes for Azuli Miami ’12. We can take it that’s how you see Miami musically, but how else do you see the WMC and it’s relevance in the Global House scene?

Miami is one of the most important events of the year where labels, clubs and artists all gather together in one place. At the event, you can get a feel for the scene all across the globe, and in just one week, experience sets by all of the best DJs! It’s an important time of year, as mixing with others from the community really helps to update your sound, your set and your mindset.

Meeting new people and old friends is always exciting but, more importantly, sharing with other cultures within the industry is essential to keeping your career at the cutting edge. There are two different CD’s because the house scene is really evolving. More progressive stuff, like Axwell, Bingo Players and Robbie Rivera is extremely popular right now, but more classic sounds like Trecem, Alex Kenji and Kings of Tomorrow are also something people really want to hear. The main idea is to get fresh house music that easy and groovy, just like my sets.

^2 You will be playing at Robbie Rivera’s Juicy Music party and you work closely with Robbie on various levels. He is a solid and popular house music artist who doesn’t have too much ‘hype’ attached to him but is a very successful and prolific artist. Would you like your career to follow a similar route?

Robbie is a great person. I love his personality and his style. He reached a really high position lately with awesome tracks such as Bang. I grew up with his music so it’s an amazing experience to play with him at the same party with Bob Sinclair, Roger Sanchez, Tommy Trash and other big artists of the house scene.

I would love to have a long career and create a following around the world, just like he did. I will put my energy into creating a career in which I spread my passion everywhere. For me, music is an emotion and I will be satisfied by my career as long as I have emotions, passion and motivating force, regardless of the success that I have.

^3 David Jones is the birth name of David Bowie, who had a penchant for dressing up and wearing make-up. Have you ever thought about a particular look, style or gimmick? It’s worked for that guy with the mousehead!

I think is important to have a style, but at the moment I prefer to put all my energy into the music. As far as the name I chose is concerned; David Bowie wanted to be sure that nobody would confuse him with Davy Jones from the Monkees. I chose my name for the opposite reason of David Bowie’s choice. I don’t need a name so “special” that nobody else has it. I want to be seen as one of the many; a normal guy.

I want to be humble and remember that years ago, nobody knew me. I think it’s what you do that’s important and not the name that you have. I prefer to think of myself as a normal D.J. and I’m a normal person too. So I don’t set myself apart with style or a crazy name, but I am working more on the accessories side; by playing with ideas such as “I LOVE D.J.” (and who doesn’t?) by making bracelets with this printed on them, with my stage name.

^4 On the theme of names, if your hometown is Milan, I think it’s safe to say David Jones is your ‘stage name’? It’s quite funny you taking a British name, with UK DJ/Producers adopting more European sounding monikers like Juan Kidd and Felix Baumgartner. What made you go choose what you did?

It’s all about the experiences I’ve had. I was very young when I started my career as a DJ and producer. I got some experience in the music business from playing at weddings and more when I ended up making several hits of different kinds of music that became popular around the world. So, when I decided to start my career as an independent producer for my own label and for foreign

labels, I found myself allowing my experience to dictate some of my decisions. The name is one of the them.

David Jones is simple and easy to remember. It sounds like a name you’ve already heard somewhere. It’s also useful for me when getting to get my passes to events. A normal name like this makes me look like a normal guy who is a DJ, rather than having a peculiar name that defines the person as being a DJ. Also, when people refer to me by this name, it helps to remind me every day to appreciate life and this career that I’ve made from doing something I love, and to remember all sacrifices I have made to get this far. Another idea was to use an easy name for marketing as well as slogans such as “I LOVE D.J.”, which are really friendly and loved by people; this one in particular.

^5 You tackle Kris Menaces classic ‘Discopolis’ which appears exclusively on your Azuli mix. Kris has a very distinctive style that seems to transcend any trends. What drew you to remixing the track and do you prefer to have a definitive sound yourself or feel you need to constantly evolve?

I prefer to evolve. You can’t be the same forever and the music is an expression of yourself. Music is art, expression, and communication. I’ve got my style to communicate but it’s like speaking: you can’t use the same intonation, face expression and words for totally different situations. The sounds you use are like musical outfits.

Every experience, collaboration and party I do gives me something new to express with music, just like something new to wear! When someone asks me to do a remix like Kris did in this case, the first thing I think about is what it needs but that it does not already have. Then I think of which style of sound could be best applied to the original. Discopolis was a success that needed only to be updated with a fresh sound. I used his original sound and mixed in something more “electro” and current. The arrangement is a typical David Jones Remix.

^6 ‘Heya’ a track you’ve done that’s signed to Azuli also features on the album. It’s one booty shaking tune that comes with an infectious whistle hook. It probably wasn’t you playing the whistle but what instruments do you play?

At university my teacher told me that everything starts with an intuition, an idea and a melody. So the first instrument I play is the mouth; by singing or whistling. Then, when I get the right melody or idea I play it with the piano or the synthesizer. In my studio I’ve got a Yamaha Clavinova and a little midi keyboard. They were the first instruments that I used when I was a kid. I’m more a composer than a performer anyway.

^7 You hit the heady heights of the top of the Beatport chart a few years ago with a reworking of Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’. Hope you don’t mind me asking, but what made you rework that over the rest of his back catalogue? And be honest, were you scared of his Thriller video when you first watched it? I was.

Yes, scared and impressed! When I was young Michael Jackson was at the top of his career, I’ve got all of his shows on VHS! I don’t know anyone that took care of all of the production phases; sounds, mixing, mastering, video, composing and incredible performance like Michal Jackson did. I love his career as dancer, singer and producer. I saw some interviews with him and what he did in the studio was nothing short of incredible.

Thriller was the first No.1 on Beatport and in the club scene I produced and it stayed at No.1 for months and months (Thriller is at the moment the most sold track ever in the house genre on Beatport and and No.2 of ALL genres combined; just after Deadmau5 “Community Funk”). BBC1 also supported it in their selection for Mixmag. That was Incredible!

It was a winner because it nailed several elements that, soon after, other big artists began to use in their tracks. I decided to mix Thriller because it was the title track on the best-selling Album ever produced. Then I thought that changing some elements and sounds in it would make it into a banger, and it was, it is! During my sets I also play 2-3 other bootlegs from Michael and I also did

“Ma Ma Se” that was a best seller house track on Beatport 2010.

^8 We’ve had the Dutch takeover, the Swedes obviously have something in the water and keep churning out megastars but Italy is doing it’s thing, quietly and confidently and sneaking up alongside the Swedes and the Dutch. You have the history and you also have an amazing array of talent with yourself, the Hotfingers gang along with another Azuli artist and feature on the album, Stefano Noferini. How do you see the Italian scene and it’s dominance in the download charts?

At the moment, Italian Radio stations and clubs are choosing to pay money for the likes of one person from Big Brother as a guest, instead of 5 really good international DJs. They prefer using the radio to push talk shows than promoting music. So it’s hard to create something new that will get traction with the Italian people. Only 1-2 radio stations are supporting club music here.

I’ve been guest on 105 Radio show several time, but always late at night, because that’s the only time we get for dance music. For this reason I know that all the DJs prefer to refuse gigs here in Italy, because they will arrive in a place where having a good DJ is something that is not necessary for a good party.

I’ve been producing music for 10 years and I know that Italian guys have always had a great respect for their music, melodies and arrangement. I think we have to split our culture in 2 parts. We have a more melodic scene, that makes Italy one of the best countries for easy and commercial stuff, and on the other side we have a club culture of Tech House and Underground music.

In a period in which all the biggest artists are using more of a “trance” sound it’s easier to emerge.

I think that Italians you mentioned have respect and support of the biggest labels in the world.

I think that using a particular sound that mixes electro into tech house, funky into progressive, you will have a banger, because you get a fresh sound that all the djs will love, and that’s also something that radio stations and TV will love. My last Video (Emotions) reached 300k views on YouTube in 10 days and it mixes several elements in one fresh sound.

^9 Your Facebook page has a (hopefully) tongue in cheek question as to who is going to be the next big dance artist? You’ve listed Paris Hilton, alongside Leo Messi and Leonardo DiCaprio. What do you make of the whole Paris Hilton thing? Do you feel it weakens House music? Do you think ‘each to their own’ perhaps?

Really funny! Of course it was a joke, because it seems that everyone can talk about music. I respect all kinds of art, so I will also respect her album. I don’t accept what she wrote about House Music and the Steve Angello situation however. I think that when you are a beginner you have to have respect. Even If you are the biggest artist in the world you still have to respect the musical expression of other artists. Does the think that just because she has money, she doesn’t have to have respect for Steve or Axwell or other artists? I think there is no respect If she thinks that because she has money and popularity, she can say and do whatever she wants. She said: “I have a huge passion for house music. It always has been my passion. I just haven’t been able to focus on it, because I have been doing reality TV for so long now”. But she already produced ‘Stars are Blind’, and it was reggae. So it looks more like “I’m famous and spoiled, if I can be a US Presiden tif I want.”

So, if tomorrow Leo Messi were to say something similar and maybe someone produces a track for him, will he will be next House Star? I’m against big brother concept, as I said in the previous question about Italy. It all starts with good music. That’s all. With nothing against Paris and who is producing her album. I know business is business as House Music is House Music. If she comes out with a great album, I will be the first to clap my hands.

^10 This year has seen quite a lot of high profile discussion of Net Piracy with SOPA/PIPA and the much celebrated demise of MegaUpload and I’m sure there is more to come. What is your take on it all?

It’s hard to figure out a solution. My management is paying two different companies to delete Illegal downloads from this kind of servers. But there are new servers and new services everyday, then there’s Torrents and private Forums. Maybe streaming and subscriptions like paying 10 euros every month and download 40 titles would be the future. Maybe a good thing would be to add something in the download pack, like Mp3 + Cover Art and a PDF (like the CD booklet) with some info, photos, so that people are pushed to buy legally and not download illegally.

^11 You recently said on Twitter that you “Love the new Azuli sound”, how would you describe that sound and what are your fav Azuli cuts from it’s awe inspiring back catalogue?

Azuli and Ministry Of Sound were my favourite brands. Really fresh music. Always something new, amazing vocals and up to date beats. We are aiming to move the label away from the ‘traditional’ Azuli sound because we feel the label needs to evolve. Of course it’s still very much about House but we want it to have a tougher/techier edge. About the Back Catalogue, it’s impossible to pick one track or even period. The brand’s been so huge with a very fresh sound by Bini & Martini, Mylo, Axwell, Ralph Falcon, Robbie Rivera, House of Glass, Eclipse…

^12 You run your own label in Starlight, before setting it up did you look at a label like Azuli and aspire to be like that? And aside from labels influences, who else inspires you, both musically and in life in general?

I started running Starlight after being a billboard producer. I learned about making deals, managing, marketing and producing from seeing some best sellers from 2005 to 2007, in many different style of music emerge. Then I studied STCM (Sciences and Technologies of Musical Communication) in Milan, that’s all about music; from psychological music analysis to author’s rights.

During the first period of the new millennium I was set to be part of Motivo’s staff, with Luca Moretti and Fabio Seveso. But this never started. They produced and exported the European hits like “Michael Gray – The Weekend”, “Spankox – To The Club”, “Milky – Just The Way You Are” and then Plummet, Magnolia , Danzel, Tom Novy, Rhytm Gangstae. The list goes on. Just like every young producer, my career started without money and without getting royalties for my music. Some of my tracks were also lost in the offices of some labels!

So I decided to take care of what I loved. When I started my own label I decided to spend my time producing what I liked, just as Motivo’s staff did, and then focus my energy on the David Jones project. After 2 years of Starlight and many No.1’s on Beatport , Luca Moretti opened +39 management and I’m working with him and Barbara Tanzini on Starlight, Pink Rabbit, Neurotraxx, Bootylicious and I Hate U. I’m inspired to be the best person I can be, in every situation, and therefore, in life.

Azuli Miami ’12 is out 20th February on iTunes [GET IT HERE]

Much thanks to Eddie from Defected for providing us this lovely interview!

For more info about Azuli releases and news check…

Azuli @ Official Site

Defected @ Official Site

Mowgli makes his debut release on Defected, and he’s certainly making his mark with “Back In The Day”. This record marks a departure from Mowgli’s normal style as he takes things a little deeper with this stunning, simple yet effective house track with a rather large bassline! After hearing Amber Jolene on Timo Garcia’s “Lady Luck” he got in touch and she delivered a stunning vocal. A match made in sonic heaven.

Mowgli featuring Amber Jolene – Back In The Day // Release date – 22/02/12 @ Defected.

Dimitri From Paris Guest Mix Tracklist:

^1 The Ting Tings – Hang Up (Shook Remix)
^2 Andy Ash – Freak Master
^3 Tyson – Out Of My Mind (Dubka Xtended VS Dmitri From Paris Re-edit)
^4 Chris Rea – Josephine (Dmitri From Paris Edit)
^5 Jessica 6 – Prisioner Of Love (Elliot 1987 Remix)
^6 Holy Ghost – It’s Not Over (Dimitri From Paris Erodiscomix)
^7 Storm Queen – Look Right Through (Dimitri From Paris Erodiscomix)
^8 Hard Ton – In This Moment (Dimitri From Paris and DJ Rocca Erodiscomix)
^9 Malena – No Me Digas Nada (Francesco Mulero and Hector Romero Dub)
^10 Husky Feat Louis Hale – Move That Body (Main Mix)
^11 Karin Park – Fryngies Moullinex Remix
^12 Sugacubes – A Leash Called Love (Tony Humphries Mix)
^13 Wish Feat. Rae Touch Me (Original Bruce Forest Mix)
^14 The Allems – Release Yourself (Dmitri From Paris Edit)

Download Defected In The House Radio Show 13.01.12 – Guest Mix Dmitri From Paris / 128k / 120:00 / 109.9 MB

Defected @ Official Site
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From now on, Voodoo will drop his weekly top10 that got tested for the dancefloor. Without any particular placement all tunes are here great. Be sure and check them out!

1. Alexander Miguel & Katya Glebova – Delete (Vocal Mix)
2. ATFC – This Is Not A Test (Original Mix)
3. Emanuel Satie & Emauel Satie – Right And Up Above
4. Hardsoul feat Ron Carroll – Back Together (Christian Alvarez Broken Promises Remix Winner #5)
5. Jackers Revenge – Made For Eachother (Block & Crown Pacha Mix)
6. Liberty Klaud – Envy
7. Los Cruzeiros – Maria Angola (Original Mix)
8. Matthew Codek & Jorge Montia – Dungusmartus De Leva (Benny Royal Mash-Up)
9. Quentin Harris & Lynn Lockamy – Torture (Q’s Alleviation Vocal Mix)
10. Tapesh, Sidney Charles – Nahultl (Original Mix)

P.S. Tunes that are still not released won’t be posted in pack! Enjoy!

Download Voodoo’s Tested Top 10.rar / 320k / 105.8 MB

Daft Punk could be making a new album with Chic mastermind Nile Rodgers. On Tuesday the French duo apparently descended upon Rodgers’ home in New York, where they were to discuss recording music together.

“Daft Punk is hanging at my house!” Rodgers declared on his blog. He had mentioned the meeting a few days earlier, telling Houston’s Culture Map the group would be “coming to [his] apartment” to “talk about making a new record together”. He added: “Those guys are great.”

Neither Rodgers nor Daft Punk have issued details about their collaboration, but the acts have a history of mutual admiration. They first met in the 90s, Rodgers said, during “some sort of listening party” in New York. “The scene was chaotic and we didn’t really have a chance to have an artistic connection, except they did tell me they were sorry about my former partner Bernard Edward’s death. And they dug Chic.” For his part, Rodgers is a big fan of songs such as Da Funk, One More Time and Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger. Although they made plans to “hook up” some time ago, it could not happen until now.

Rodgers may be contributing to Daft Punk’s next album, the follow-up to 2005′s Human After All. Besides his material with disco pioneers Chic, Rodgers is acclaimed for his production on songs such as David Bowie’s Let’s Dance, Sister Sledge’s We Are Family and Madonna’s Like a Virgin. After being diagnosed with prostate cancer in October 2010, the 59-year-old is now reportedly in remission. His memoirs were published last year.

Source: The Guardian

The Iberican house master - David Penn is back with new tune “Join Us” that features well-known vocalist Lisa Millet. Adequate bomb for WMC with big drop! Enjoy!

EP features:

David Penn Feat. Lisa Millet – Join Us (Original Mix)
David Penn Feat. Lisa Millet – Join Us (Penn’s Soulful Remix)
David Penn Feat. Lisa Millet – Join Us (Muzzaik Mix)

Release date – TBA!