Da Funk- The Last Dance

About:

Acryl Music's head honcho Daniel Kneubühler aka. Da Funk takes a break from his usual deep house sound and ventures off to the sunny side of electronic dance music, cosmic disco! "The Last Dance" is the latest release on Dany's label as it caters two brand new tracks that will definitely take you to places you've never been to before. 


Sounds Like:


First up is "The Last Dance", which comes in with a dazzling arrangement of vintage but bold drums-- the first sign that this isn't your usual deep house sound from Da Funk.  The track is then followed up with flanged guitar strums and raw thick bass. The poignant guitar plucks and cosmic arps and pads are the highlights of this track, however-- these elements simply add that sunset feel to the "The Last Dance".

The second and the last track, "Sunrays On A Leash" offers a livelier take on Da Funk's cosmic disco sound; a track of blissful progressive plucks and arps topped off with upbeat hihat-clap interplay. Also, the thin-layered strings add a final euphoric touch for "Sunrays On A Leash"!


Recommendation:


Something different from Da Funk this time around, but he definitely pulled it off! We're just amazed on how different layers of atmospheric pads and arps, when combined, form a distinct feel. A craft of a veteran, "The Last Dance" truly deserves the Acryl Music seal! 

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Da Funk- Need For Faith

About:


Swiss producer and Acryl Music head honcho Da Funk, takes over for the label's golden release, "Need For Faith"! Acryl Music has been industry since 2004, but it is only now that the label releases its 50th release-- a clear sign that it's always quality over quantity for Da Funk and the guys behind the label. Together with the original, expect authentic deep house remixes from Si Brad (Simon Bradshaw), Pete Moss, Elmar Schubert, and Q-Burns Abstract Message.


Sounds Like:


"Need For Faith" caters the unifying sound of Acryl and the trademark fat analog bass driven sound of Da Funk. Aside from which, you can expect a smooth-flowing line-up of hazy, spherical, and echoing synths. 


Si Brad's remix spells vintage all over-- edgy discoid bass, deep atmosphere, and hypnotizing synths. Pennsylvania's Pete Moss drops a lush yet stubby remix of "Need For Faith", while German producer, Elmar Schubert turns over a chic and irresistible reinterpretation. For the last remix, "Need For Faith" falls onto the hands of Q-Burns Abstract Message as it turns into one intricate piece-- head-nodding stabs, tunnel-echoing atmospheric pads, analog bass all perfectly patched up together!


Recommendation:


We would not be wasting our time in writing a proper review of a release not worth recommending, would we? But we also couldn't help announcing our favorite picks in the release either! 


So here it goes: the original mix is fantastic-- it perfectly sums up what Acryl Music is all about. Much respect to Da Funk! For our favorite remix, it's got to be Elmar Schubert's: so seemingly simple (but we producers know it's not) yet its addicting groove is out of this world! 

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Adham & Hisham Zahran- Triplets: the REMIXES

Adham & Hisham Zahran released “Purple Sunday / Triplets” a couple of weeks ago under Acryl Music. The release was so highly-acclaimed that it garnered a remix package for the track “Triplets” dubbed as “Triplets: the Remixes”! Stepping in for this special release on Acryl Music are Alvaro Hylander, Big Al, and Christoph Kardek!

Triplets (Alvaro Hylander Remix)

A simple yet dance-worthy remix we have from Alvaro Hylander. Just like his other wonderful deep house productions, the Alvaro Hylander remix of Triplets is head-nodding, steady, and fresh! Road-test this tune in your gigs, or groove to it on your own— either way, you can never go wrong with it!

Triplets (Big Al Remix)

For the second remix, we have something infectious from Big Al! His remix caters catchy distorted leads that loop to a very chill climax while being accompanied by walking basslines, strong grooves, and warm atmospheric pads. If you’re looking for something dance-able while it retaining the original essence of Triplets”, then you just found the right remix!

Triplets (Christoph Kardek Remix)

Christoph Kardek leans towards the atmospheric and soulful side of his productions as he adds a rework of his own. Very lush atmosphere layers we have for the Christoph Kardek remix. Not just that, Kardek also surprises the listeners with something unexpected yet something brilliant— for that, well you just have to listen to find out!

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Adham & Hisham Zahran- Purple Sunday EP

For the 43rd release on Acryl Music, Egyptian brothers Adham and Hisham Zahran debut with their "Purple Sunday" EP-- a release with two brand new originals filled with Sunday afternoon bliss as well as two stunning remixes from The Disclosure Project (JP Phillippe and Mr. Jones) and Swedish producer Dana Bergquist.

Purple Sunday (Original Mix)

Nothing can go wrong with the original mix of Purple Sunday! An ultra-chill track characterized by its fuzzy groovy bass, mellow Rhode organ progressions, and a  dash of that Sunday afternoon vibe-- this is the Zahran brothers' "Purple Sunday".

Triplets (Original Mix)

Similar to the first track, "Triplets" comes in with a warm and upbeat atmosphere, but this time around, its walking bass joins the fun! A soft and easy-going piano rhythm also adds to the dance-value of "Triplets"-- and that you cannot afford to miss.

Purple Sunday (Dana Bergquist Remix)

First of the two remixes is from Dana Bergquist. His remix on Purple Sunday takes on a darker and tech-like drift from the original.

Triplets (The Disclosure Project 4x4 Mix)

JP Phillippe and Mr. Jones take one for the team with their 4x4 remix on "Triplets". Their sound imprints as solo artists really are evident on this one-- highly-melodic piano melodies, and lush and dynamic atmosphere layers to name a few. The guys behind The Disclosure Project really know their grooves!

READ MORE - Adham & Hisham Zahran- Purple Sunday EP

Interview with ONUR OZMAN [2011]

Discovering a unique sound is a long process, it's a destination to arrive at. 


For a very young and talented man like Onur Ozman-- the world is a place without borders where art is the primary medium that brings together people. Onur, born and raised in Turkey, recently moved to Zurich, Switzerland, where he continued excelling in the field of contemporary deep house music. Aside from being a passionate producer and a film-maker, this 22-year old Renaissance man studies architecture where his imagination dives into reality. As he celebrates more than one-hundred releases, Onur Ozman takes on a mission this year to--yet again-- defy limits. 


Onur Ozman's Official Website


Copyright © 2011 Miguel Libre

Hello there Onur! How’s 2011 so far?

I have already 2 EPs released. Hold On EP from Onethirty Recordings and The Shadow of the Statue EP from Acryl Music. The reactions are awesome. I'm glad so far.

Onur Ozman's latest release on Acryl Music. Click here for the review.

In your opinion, what is the sound of Onur Ozman? 

Discovering a unique sound is a long process, it's a destination to arrive at. I'm trying to define an area in between rationality and natural instinct. My music has been always a bit minimal and a bit groovy.

Can you share to us the story on how you became a producer?

I wasn't surrounded with talented DJs or producers. I grew up in a small city. There weren't so many things that could inspire me. However, creating something from tiny small sections to an enourmos stuff has been always a passion for me. I am a part of this culture, not only a music genre. Living underground beyond the borders. That's how I became a producer.

Among all the productions you have made, which one for you is your most favorite? 

I find it an impossible question to answer. I like all of them. If you could decide which one of your ex-girlfriends would be your favourite, I could answer this, too. What me excites is now (what I produce) and the future (what i will).

If given a chance, name one producer whom you would like to work with in the future? 

I do not have borders. This is a wide-range question. I don't have a dream person to work with but have so many people I support and may work in the near future togerther. That could even be a hip-hop vocalist or a rock guitarist, too.  

You were born in Turkey and now based in Switzerland, right? Did moving to Zurich affect your life as a producer / DJ? 

I moved to Zurich 6 Months ago which is a short period of time to figure out if that was a right idea or wrong. Actually, I love this city and Swiss people. Here you can find stunning djs and producers. Not like the common people, i like also the night life good enough. What I'm really interested in is the daily life which seems at first a bit frozen but if you realize the meanings the people have in their faces, then it turnes suddenly into an inspiring way of living. 

Onur Ozman's new home-- Zurich. [image source]

If life only allowed you to listen to one single record for the rest of your life, what would it be? 

It should be something that I never tend to listen to before. Because I would have a plenty of time to think about why i've never tried to hear a record like this. I mean, a different way of thinking. Isn't that why we make music for?

What advice can you give to young and aspiring producers out there? 

They can start by stopping reading interviews. That gives them nothing. :) I really mean it. They need, at first, to find themselves. When they succeed it, there is only one thing remains, that no matter what happens, they should never give up. That's it.

How do you make your music?

I live my ordinary life and when I want to produce. I stay alone in Studio. This is the key for me. I always start a track by finding a unique sound. Not a "Sample" that another producer can easily remind. It should be something that nobody heared before. That becomes the definition of the whole process. Just like a guide actually. As I said before, producing is a process, from little sections to something complicated. People say, starting is the hardest thing but in producing what more important is managing to finish it.

What can we expect from Onur Ozman in the near future? 

There's a lot in this year. I've many upcoming EPs which are almost completely scheduled. I expect in this year aprx. 20-30 releases more. I worked with remarkable names and keep working, too. Right now, I have significant projects which i even haven't signed to a label yet. To keep my audience surprising I won't give so much clues. About the gigs they can always follow me on my website which will be periodical updated. Thank you all.

I, Miguel Libre, would like to personally thank you for your time and your effort in making this interview possible! Support as always, and may 2011 be an awesome year for you!

READ MORE - Interview with ONUR OZMAN [2011]

Onur Ozman- Shadow of the Statue EP

Straight from the streets of Zurich, Switzerland, “Shadow of the Statue” EP by the very young and talented Turkish producer— Onur Ozman— is the latest craft Acryl Music has to offer! This EP spawns “Shadow of the Statue” and “Music is Rectangular”, two mint and highly-sophisticated tracks from Onur Ozman.

Shadow of the Statue (Original Mix)

Onur's Shadow of the Statue caters a finely-blended mix of delicate vintage-sounding melodies as well as a groovy bassline built on top of a poignant piano loop. When listening to this track, also check out the fascinating filtered-bass breakdown!

Music is Rectangular (Original Mix)

With a sudden shift to a denser and darker atmosphere, "Music is Rectangular" takes the second and last slot of Ozman's sophomore Acryl Music release. Follow the footsteps of Onur Ozman to the more obscured and haunting side of his productions with "Music is Rectangular"! 

From Acryl Music to the rest of the world--  Onur Ozman's "Shadow of the Statue" EP is now available on your leading download portals!


•••
Soundscapes-exclusive interview with Onur Ozman is now posted! Click here to check out the interview.

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Da Funk- Gloomy Scene (incl. Remixes)

It's been around two years since Acryl Music label owner, Da Funk released material on his label. As he breaks the spell, he sends out his latest craft, "Gloomy Scene" fresh from the deep with remixes courtesy of Pablo Fierro, Addex, and GarcyNoise!

Gloomy Scene (Original Mix)
The original mix starts off with heavy rolling basslines from the one and only, Da Funk! With its components filtered all the way and with its vocal samples looping down the line, and not to mentioned the dark atmosphere wrapping the track, "Gloomy Scene" is the perfect soundtrack to welcome back the big boss of Acryl Music.

Gloomy Scene (Pablo Fierro Dub)
Spanish producer, Pablo Fierro takes one for the team with his tropical inspired deep interpretation of "Gloomy Scene". Freshening, calming, and groovy, this is the Pablo Fierro dub!

Gloomy Scene (Addex Remix)
Da Funk's track garners another summery reconstruction in the hands of Romanian producer, Addex. For this track, Addex incorporates glowing chords, stubby basslines, and powerful kicks-- excellent remix right here.

Gloomy Scene (GarcyNoise Ibiza's Way Remix)
Garcynoise appears on the roster as the second Spanish producer. Taking pride for his heritage, he dubs his own remix as "GarcyNoise Ibiza's Way Remix". It's not just pride actually, the title speaks for its own sound--  big-room tech-drenched anthem with strong stab rhythms and filtered vocal samples on the breakdown! GarcyNoise's sound is surprising as always.

Four new excellent tracks on the label! Da Funk is back on Acryl for real.

READ MORE - Da Funk- Gloomy Scene (incl. Remixes)