PROFF- Interstellar / Steps

Vladimir Ershov, famously known as PROFF in the EDM circuit, has just appeared with another quality release on the world's most-beloved progressive house label, Anjunadeep! The release dubbed as "Interstellar / Steps" spawned two chart-worthy tunes "Interstellar" and "Steps", which in fact currently rank 78th and 77th on the Beatport top 100 progressive house tunes respectively.


"Interstellar" carries the unmistakable sound of PROFF-- electrifying bass perfectly accompanied by a set of mind-levitating atmospheric pads as well as layers of mystical arps. By the time the track hits the breakdown, it just sinks into a sea of bliss! This is the sound of PROFF, the sound loved by the millions of people in the progressive house circuit!


The second track, "Steps" is a bit different through. This time, PROFF comes up with something a bit heavy as embodied by the kicks, but at the same time, still retaining that cool vibe present in most of his productions. As "Steps" reaches the breakdown, it reminds us listeners of euphoric and gravity-defying arp progressions made famous by Anjunabeats and Anjunadeep founders, Above & Beyond. In a way, "Steps" brings back some of the good nostalgic vibes from PROFF himself, and not to mention, the Anjuna outfit!


"Interstellar / Steps" is out now on Beatport. This is PROFF, once again keeping progressive house music real!

READ MORE - PROFF- Interstellar / Steps

D.J. Generous- Wonder Why

Play Digital recently released "Wonder Why", a sun-drenched soundtrack from Russia's very own D.J. Generous! Celebrating a bright career as a sound-smith, Dima Jr. Worcestershire, the man behind the guise D.J. Generous, is indeed one of the figures in the scene who-- through his Ibiza-influenced progressive house sound-- had sealed the gap between European and Russian dance music .

For D.J. G's debut on Play Digital, "Wonder Why" spawns remixes and dubs from three prominent names in the industry: Russia's Vladimir "PROFF" Ershov, Canada's Derek "Dezza" Silvester, and Italy's Emiliano "Emijay" Nencioni and Giacomo "G.o.d.i" Godi, the two guys who make music with the guise, Supernova.

Wonder Why (Original Club Vocal / Dub)

When I first found out that D.J. Generous is a Russian producer, I did not think twice in assuming this release as something worth the positive review.

The original versions of Wonder Why really bring out the true feel-good essence of progressive house from its simple yet upbeat basslines to its smooth-sounding arps. Moreover, if you are a fan of the vocal mix, then I am pretty sure you would agree if I say the vocals effortlessly bring things to the brighter side of sound. Having said these, I personally find "Wonder Why" as one of the best vocal progressive house tracks this year.

Wonder Why (Supernova Mix / Use the Chord Mix)

G.o.d.i. and Emijay also takes two for this release, and the result, an energy-packed deep tech rendition! In the "Supernova Use the Chord Mix", Supernova brings in the smooth arp to their craft.

Wonder Why (PROFF Vocal Mix / Dub)

Progressive house heavyweight, PROFF is back to surprise his listeners once again! He kicks his two versions with his trademark sound plus, of course, a remarkable acoustic guitar solo in the breakdown.

Wonder Why (Dezza Vocal Mix / Dub)

Many say these last two tracks are Dezza's best crafts up to date. I have been following Dezza's works in and out of Dezire Records, and I really have to admit his remixes on "Wonder Why" really bring the best out of him! Really lush and mind-levitating sounds from the man can be heard throughout the song, and the soaring super-pads just gave his tracks a heightened close.

If you enjoyed this release, check out the link below. The guys from Play Digital just gave away a free high-quality version of "Wonder Why"!

Back-up Download Link

READ MORE - D.J. Generous- Wonder Why

PROFF - Abandoned / Albina / Tell

One of my most favorite progressive house artists is back on Anjunadeep with a highly-definitive, three-track release, "Abadoned / Albina / Tell"! For those who do not know, Vladimir Ershov, or PROFF, is one of Russia's biggest progressive house producers, as well as a frontman in various prominent labels like Anjunadeep. In a nutshell, this new EP from PROFF exhibits a wide spectrum of new and road-tested sounds!

Abandoned

Alpha track, Abandoned gives off easy-going melodies as it represents the sound of Anjunadeep. Having a climax filled with blissful emotive piano melodies and deep-delving synths simply brings the best out of PROFF!

PROFF - Abandoned by Anjunadeep

Albina

As Abandoned drifted deeper into the sound, this next track soared higher than the starry night sky. Albina caters PROFF's time-tested classic sound: thick and electrifying basslines and aerial and melodic synths and pads. We danced to Ershov's "My Personal Summer", "Sydney" and his remixes for "The World Doesn't Know", "Air Stream", and "Hola". Now, we have another excuse why we should never stop!

PROFF - Albina by Anjunadeep

Tell

The last track also caters PROFF's unmistakable basslines; however, there is something in Tell you would not want to miss out on. I am talking about the highly-climactic peak enhanced with Anjunadeep's well-embraced echoing piano melodies and a very captivating vocal hook that takes the track to a higher state. Aside from which, PROFF tops this track off with starry melodies similar to the ones on his remix of Rest Point's "Air Stream"!

PROFF - Tell by Anjunadeep

Abandoned, Albina, and Tell truly capture what progressive music is all about, and with PROFF being one of the forerunners of the scene, there will always be reasons to why we return to the genre we love.

READ MORE - PROFF - Abandoned / Albina / Tell

Vinyl Dharma - Head For the Hills

Texas-based indie band, Vinyl Dharma goes EDM for the second time on Cromarti Records. This time around, we get to hear remixes from top-notched artists, Bas van Essen, PROFF, Dave Cortex, and Phunktastike.

First off, a remix from Dutch producer, Bas van Essen. This remix, named as "Head For The Hills (Bas van Essen Dub)", caters to listeners who enjoy deep-drifting basslines and uplifting chords. If you're juggling the names Kaskade, Deadmau5, and Adam K. & Soha in your head, then you are one keen listener.

When you see the letters P.R.O.F.F. on the release cover, you already, more or less, have an idea that the release is something worth the purchase. Likewise, Vadim "PROFF" Ershov's remix is the soundtrack for aficionados inclined towards the sunny-side up style of progressive house music.

Well, the next name isn't really new on the block. American producer Dave Cortex also takes remix duties for "Head For the Hills". We've last spotted him on Soundscapes with his remix on Something Good's "La Biankini" as well as Incognet's "Avesta"-- both from Nellie Recordings. Dave's remix signals the departure from the release's uplifting, melodic approach thanks to his collection of crunchy synths and stubby basslines. Having said those, I believe this is the version that should be played more often in clubs.

Hailing from Cantabria, Jose Mariano Piriz, with the guise, Phunktastike, brings the release to a close with his tech-inclined piece. Atmospheric yet steady, this is the Phunktastike Remix.

This release made me look forward to the future releases on Cromarti Records. After all, their quality tunes are really worth the listen.

READ MORE - Vinyl Dharma - Head For the Hills

Interview with VADIM SOLOVIEV [2010]

VADIM SOLOVIEV is considered as one of the Russian pioneers of progressive music dating back in 1998. With his project, "Sound Fiction", Vadim quickly established himself as one of very first Russian producers who have set foot onto the global circuit. Aside from which, he was once part of the infamous homegrown label, "Atmosphere", headed by Volodya Fonar.

As seen in his works on labels like Armada Music, Intuition Recordings, Captured Music, Anjunadeep, and Lost Language, Vadim Soloviev is simply one of the few who can actually create works that define the best of both worlds-- progressive trance and progressive house music.

Hey there! How are you doing?

Heya! All good, busy days here and its really great!

In your opinion, what sets you unique compared to the other progressive music producers out there?

Well, first of all I`m always in search of something new in my sound and not getting stuckwith the same presets for ages you know, hehe. As for the latest years i`m trying to balance on that edge between progressive house and progressive trance like many of us do this days I think. Actually I believe that really good producer should always pick the best sides from different genres and not to be limited with his favourite one. Otherwise we`ll have what we have now – thousands of equal tracks on the beatport and lots of absolutely useless stuff. Anyway, keeping all this in mind i`m still trying to bring some special recognized “vadim soloviev” things from track to track.

Can you tell us how you were able to come up with your signature sound that we hear today?

As I said – its pretty strange thing cos everything influences my musical taste from year to year, but there are also some fundamental influences that made it as it is now. Of course it’s the pioneers of EDM like BT, Chicane or even Robert Miles for example. There are lots of them!

What do you think is your greatest achievement so far as a producer/ DJ?

As for producer it’s a couple of remixes that I really love more than any other tracks ofmine, like remix for David West`s “True Love”, Tilt`s “Angry Skies” or Bart Claessen`s “First Light”. For sure one of the biggest things happened to my productions is reaching 1^st place at the beatport or audiojelly like happened with “Stay with Me” recorded with Marcie or with a single “Alive” of my side project Sound Fiction. But all this happened so long time ago, no one already remembers it now hehe. As for the DJ - my biggest achievement was invitation from Billboard Russia to play at MIDEM in Cannes for 3000 people - music industry professionals. Really weird experience I should say, cos they are not regular clubbers you know, they were evaluating the show and everything was good. Really nice crowd :)

Your latest remix with Vladimir “Proff” Ershov on Joonas Hahmo’s “Pizzi” is out now on Hahmo Recordings, right? Could you share to us some insights on how you guys were able to produce such a fine piece of work?

It’s a funny story in fact. I was not supposed to remix this tune. But that day I came to Proff`s studio with my laptop and he forgot his Cubase key at home. The deadline was in 12 hours I guess and he also had a gig in the nearest club that night. So we just opened my Logic and did this remix together tweaking it after the gig already. We actually almost had a chance to test it on the dancefloor hehe.

What are your top three tracks as of now?

Chris Reece - Salvation (Jerome Isma-Ae And Daniel Portman Ibiza Late Dub)

Harryson - Stay Awake

And my new track that has a working title “Tempo”

If you had a chance to create your own event, how would it be?

I was in Amsterdam last autumn at the Ocean Diva boat on the Intuition / Garuda /Coldharbour party, and I really liked this atmosphere. I mean the boat and the view of thebay etc. So it would be definitely something like this. I really like all this pool / beach parties mood. And its pretty hard to pick a line up for this. There would definitely be me and Proff haha.

Aside from Russia, where else do you think would be a perfect breeding ground for your music?

To be honest, everywhere except Russia

Which came first, the chicken or the egg?

Bacterium

What’s next for Vadim Soloviev?

We are now working with Proff on our own single, but I think it will be different from“Pizzi” Remix. I`m also working on a couple of tracks that should be more clubby and trancey than I usually do. Besides, there is upcoming release from me of a summer vocal track on Intuition Deep. Moreover i`m now starting a remix for a very well known UK producer and DJ, but i`m not sure i`m allowed to tell his name yet :) As for the DJ side of me, i`m still planning to launch a podcast show, but as you may know it becomes more difficult from day to day because of all this legal issues. I`m also playing in different venues in the next months, so we`ll definitely see some of your readers on the dancefloors soon!

I, Miguel Libre, would like to thank you for your time in making this interview possible! Good luck on your career, and may you have an awesome year!

Thanks for your interest and all the best to you, Miguel, and to all your readers!

•••

Check out the review on Vadim Soloviev's latest work with PROFF: "Pizzi" by Joonas Hahmo

The Official Website of Vadim Soloviev

Vadim Soloviev on Beatport.com

READ MORE - Interview with VADIM SOLOVIEV [2010]

Joonas Hahmo - Pizzi / Section 1

Joonas Hahmo takes things to a higher level as he lists Vladimir "PROFF" Ershov and Vadim Soloviev on the Hahmo Recordings roster. PROFF and Vadim are simply two of the biggest names in the progressive scene. They are not only well-renowned artists in Russia but also from all corners of the globe!

Accompanying Hahmo's sophomore release, "Pizzi / Section 1" , the two heavyweights collaborate to produce a remix on the first track of the EP. Watch Joonas Hahmo, PROFF, and Vadim Soloviev spice up music matters on Hahmo Recordings with their unfalteringly-stunning productions!

Pizzi (Original Mix)

Its main melody makes it one of the most definitive tracks Joonas Hahmo has ever created! Take in a couple of pounding basslines, a very infectious melody, and of course, Hahmo's touch of gold, the result-- a four-by-four glistening jewel, Pizzi! Like his past productions, this is certified climax material!

Pizzi (PROFF & Vadim Soloviev Remix)

This track falls onto the hands of PROFF and Vadim for remix duties. Quite surprising as always, these guys rocked it once again. Taking on a smoother path, this remix caters a wide variety of sound from PROFF and Vadim. We get to hear PROFF's solid basslines and starlit keys combined with Vadim Soloviev's trademark synths and progressive trance feel. Definitely a great alternative to the original!

Section 1 (Original Mix)

Expect something different from the third track, Section 1! The track starts-off with ice-crisp atmosphere pads chilling in and out, while a sudden entrance of pounding kicks takes place. Joonas tops off the goodness with a levitating climax, Hahmo-style! With those having said, Section 1 flawlessly gives the release a proper close!

There is no turning back now for Joonas Hahmo! Online record stores listing his first release as a must-hear progressive track, as well as Markus Schulz and Above & Beyond supporting it! His follow-up release, "Pizzi / Section 1" simply proves that Hahmo would not stop breaking boundaries.

Hahmo Recordings • PROFF • Vadim Soloviev

READ MORE - Joonas Hahmo - Pizzi / Section 1

Monakhov & Que- Hola EP

Russians have invaded Anjunadeep territory for the nth time now-- but don't get me wrong, these guys know what they are doing. The luscious Hola-- yes, the one that appeared on the shiny Anjunadeep 02 compilation months ago-- has been taken out from the oven, freshly baked and topped with a sizzling remix from one of Russia's renowned progressive house producers, PROFF.

Hola (Original Mix)

Your avid ears can finally indulge themselves to the full 8-minute version of Hola. Albeit the original mix sounding quite minimal compared to other tracks from the label, its mystical feel and electrifying basslines still catch me off-guard. All of these were possible through Alex Monakhov and Serge Que.

Monakhov & Que - Hola (Original Mix) by Anjunadeep

Hola (PROFF Remix)

Vladimir Ershov claims that this year isn't really a roll for him, but I'd say otherwise. His tracks, drenched in lush melodic sound, always end up on top of my favorites list. Take this for instance, Hola gets an incredibly stunning make-over from Russia's finest. From his trademark thick, rich, and rolling basslines to the aerial atmosphere he incorporates, PROFF remains to be one of the ambassadors of Russian progressive house music.

Monakhov & Que - Hola (PROFF Remix) by Anjunadeep

Now you guys know why I get hyped up when new tracks spawn from Russian progressive house producers.

READ MORE - Monakhov & Que- Hola EP

George F. Zimmer & Dinka- Soma is Language EP

Ten years from now, when mainstream music becomes cheap and cheesier, and when artists start to sell out one by one, I will be there sitting by my couch, listening to these tracks that have always reminded me that progressive house music quality can never be compromised.

Since George F. Zimmer is a new name on my blog, Soundscapes, here are some things you might want to know about him: According to his bio, Zimmer was once a cowboy in Maryland, US, and it had always been his dream to spin and make music for the people. One day, he had enough of things that he decided to sell all his livestock and take the initiative to step into the digital dimension of unadulterated music. Good enough, he was able to buy a Macintosh and installed Ableton Live and some other stuff-- and that folks, is the story of George F. Zimmer.

Yes, incredible story, right? His track with Dinka, "Soma is Language" [Enormous Tunes] is just as jaw-dropping as his life story come to think of it. Spawning an original version and two remixes by PROFF and Rest Point, topped with Zimmer's All Night Long, "Soma is Language" EP is another Enormous Tunes jewel.

Soma is Language (Original Mix)
Laid-back and magical progressive house music, Dinka-style!

Soma is Language (PROFF Remix)
Stomping basslines and feel-good atmosphere, this is the PROFF remix.

Soma is Language (Rest Point Remix)
Grounding, yet aerial... I like it.

All Night Long (Original Remix)
Something haunting and straightforward, "All Night Long" brings the EP to a close.

This, my friends, is true music-- progressive house music-- genre of consistency and quality.

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READ MORE - George F. Zimmer & Dinka- Soma is Language EP