Last week, Spain's 19-year old producer, Josef Belani showed the world what he is capable of. His release, "Aurora / Dom EP" stomped listeners with its massive sounds, and thanks to Nellie Recordings, a Sweden based progressive house label, Josef's sounds have reached millions around the globe. It is of much pleasure to be writing this review for one of the scene's upcoming artists, Josef Belani!
Kicking off with a bang, "Aurora"puts on a show with a heartwarming piano-led drop, while following it up with some high-energy riffs. If you, however, think that you still crave for more banging big-room energy, wait for the second track!
"Dom" is next. A massive floor-filler, "Dom" seriously embodies the sound we have been exploring this year-- colossal, crowd-pumping, and simply genial! Aside from which, this second and last track is also the type of track that when played in a rave, raises the hands of people and let them play keyboards in the air.
So yes, "Aurora / Dom EP" is out now on your favorite online record stores. Be sure to support this release because Josef Belani is the future of the big-room progressive house scene-- and we are certain of that!
Running it again for Nellie Recordings, Something Good breaks boundaries with probably their biggest progressive house release to date— “Marathon / The Way We Do It”!
Something Good is the moniker for the two inspiring Finns, Otto Ylippertula and Karolus Viitala, who both have made 2010 a blast for people in the scene, most especially to the people behind Nellie Recordings. With their past Nellie releases shelved and treasured, SG goes farther with their two latest crafts!
“Marathon” is the perfect soundtrack for inspiration with its vintage-sounding percussions, heavenly atmosphere, and its moving melody. Its music video perfectly captures what it is all out!
“The Way We Do It” sneaks to the second spot on the release. This infectious tune packed with SG attitude is definitely something new for the duo!
Celebrate with Nellie Recordings and Something Good— support this wonderful release today!
U.S. and Canadian born, Luke Shipstad & Dylan Warren; both still teenagers, have made a sudden appearance on the Progressive House music scene. Both after only a few years of producing varied electronic music, ranging from Ambient to Trance, the duo discovered Progressive House. Though still teenagers, Shipstad & Warren are at the beginning of a long career.
Together their sound has been described as emotional, melodically driven, deep, powerful, uplifting and not to mention easy on the ears! Combined their varied styles have gained huge recognition and support from big names including, Armin van Buuren, Tiesto, Judge Jules, Paul Oakenfold, Andy Moor, Solarstone, Rank1, Kenneth Thomas, Marco V, Sied Van Riel, Marcus Schossow, Thrillseekers, Miss Nine, Mango, Answer42, Roddy Reynaert and loads more!
As DJ's, you could say that Shipstad & Warren are ready for the masses. Shipstad & Warren will continue to grab the attention of audiences across the world through the aid of technology and their productions.
Now moving forward with new releases and remixes left and right, the duo is making releases on many different powerful labels including, Black Hole, (Songbird), Armada, Spinnin’, Proton, and Nellie. Seeing no signs of slowing down, the production and DJ duo are in full force, ready to take over the Progressive House genre.
Things have been going absolutely spectacular! We’ve recently settled down with quite a few releases on Black Hole Recordings on their Songbird imprint and have been working heavily with the guys from Suspect 44 (Also on Black Hole Recordings and soon to be showing some very impressive credentials ;) )
Can you share to us how you two started producing music?
Well back in 2008 we met through a mutual friend and since then we’ve noticed our sounds melding so well together that we figured we might as well create a duo! We both complemented each others sounds and production methods very well and were always happy with the result.
Our inspirations run wild all the time, all the way from ambient to electro styled tunes. Although our home is Progressive House so you’ll notice lots of influence from the genre’s heavy hitters such as, Deadmau5, Jay Lumen, Andy Duguid, Arty, Answer 42, Schodt and more recently Suspect 44.
Aside from making music, what else do you enjoy doing?
More music making! Haha. Well We’re both gaming nerds and computer nerds...We guess it comes with the job of music production... We both have outside jobs as well aside from music to pull in extra money here and there.
Your latest release on Nellie Recordings, “Last Chance”, is out now. Can you share with us your inspiration behind this release?
To be honest that recording had no particular influence. We’re certainly not going to sit here and type you some sob story or beautiful sunset that thoroughly inspired us to make it...The fact of the matter is that a lot of music is just plain created by musicians for the sake of making music! Now we’re not stating that ALL music is crafted this way...but in this instance...It was!
In your opinion, how has being young contributed to your career?
Well you’re certainly right in thinking there’s an advantage to starting early. You get to play around with genres, find which sound you belong to and you have lots of time to develop your sound and production styles. Another beauty that comes with being young is the ability to switch any of these as any time!
That being said, there are some disadvantages. Club attending age in many countries is 18 and because half of us is under 18, having gigs turned down because of age is common...However, because we’re so young, we can gain support from the masses before we being touring and add an audience that wants us before we go out and play :)
Weighing the upsides and downsides of the internet and technology to the music industry in general, how do you bring your name out there in the advent of the digital era?
Make music as brilliantly as possible without flooding the market with mundane crap that everyone has already heard! Getting our name out on youtube, getting the uploaders to get our songs out there so their tens of thousands of subscribers get to see our music! And also. Promo, promo, promo. The internet is by far the easiest “fame maker” tool of all time. There are people that become phenomenons over night because of the internet!
However this does lead to the topic of illegal downloading on the internet...It’s by far the number one source of promo...but on the same token...if us artists are going to continue to make music, we need to make money from it as well. Hopefully soon there will be a decent balance in this difficult equation...but neither of us really see a resolve anytime soon.
As part of the frontier of the youth in the electronic dance music scene, what message would you like to send out to all young and aspiring producers around the world?
First and foremost, please stop asking for our autographs :P
In all seriousness, just keep trying and working your hardest to sound the way you want to in your head ;) Listen to your track next to more successful artists...if it sounds just as good in terms of production and quality, then maybe you’re on the right track! If not, then maybe back the drawing board?
None of our success happened over night and as noted above...we’ve been working at it for about two years now, so if your first ever track doesn’t sound like the one hit wonder you were hoping for...don’t beat yourself up over it and just continue to work at it!
Where do you see yourselves three to five years from now?
In a pool next to twelve dozen gorgeous women. That’s right. That’s 144 gorgeous women for those of you not keeping track.
Also hopefully touring the globe with Suspect 44 as well as establishing ourselves exclusively on a predominant Progressive House label.
Can you name one restaurant you cannot live without?
Well this question certainly came out of the blue hahahaha.
Shipstad: Benihana...Two words, Hibachi. Shrimp.
Warren: KFC, cause I'm black.
What can we expect from you guys in the near future?
Well we do have a New York gig that we’re working on at the moment...So all you east-coasters can look forward to that!
As far as releases go...As we noted above, we’ve established ourselves on Black Hole (Songbird) for quite a few releases into the end of 2010 and beginning of 2011 as Shipstad & Warren as well as a collaboration with Suspect 44 called “Broken” which is available now at all major online retailers.
I, Miguel Libre, would like to personally thank you for your time and patience in accomplishing this interview! May you have a bright career ahead! Support as always!
Cheers Miguel! Thank you for the opportunity to do this interview and thank you for your constant support. Thank you to the fans as well! And always know, if you want to talk to either of us, find us on facebook (We usually respond!)
Luke Shipstad and Dylan Warren were last spotted on Nellie Recordings back in April with their mind-levitating release, “Near Perfect”. Young and talented, the two guys behind S&W have long been an indispensable icon in the melodic progressive house scene. Join them as they round-up another brilliant release for Nellie Recordings— “Last Chance”!
Packed with heavenly piano melodies, echoing vocalesque samples, and the signature feel-good vibe by S&W, “Last Chance” signals the vibrant return of Luke Shipstad and Dylan Warren on the label!
A certified top-notched release from Nellie Recordings, “Last Chance” is out now— be sure to get your hands on this wonderful craft!
For the past years, the people behind Nellie Recordings have embarked themselves on a journey to search for the true identity of the label. Each release since day one has contributed to the sound of Nellie, and each artist signed week after week has brought the label to newer heights.
Celebrating its success with its beloved artists on the roster, Nellie Recordings sums up a captivating collection of ten, brand-new tracks for the first installment of the Nellie Vibes series! The purpose of Nellie Vibes is to perfectly capture the real essence of the label through the various sounds of new and existing Nellie artists coming from all over the world!
Nellie Vibes 01— the first of many enchanting compilations from Nellie Recordings— is now available for purchase. Support this release today!
Picking-up from his remix on Robert Mint’s “Drifting Spirits”, Ukrainian producer, V I F is back on Nellie Recordings in full-force with his debut release, “My Own Side”! Also included in the package are Andrew Playton’s remix and V I F’s own radio mix.
“My Own Side”, first in line, is a thundering track brushed with a blissful breakdown! Prepare yourselves for seven minutes of purely-ecstatic melodies from the one and only Konstantin Astafyev, V I F.
Andrew Playton is no newbie on Nellie Recordings. He was last seen on the label with his massive release, “Silence”, and now, he takes remixing duties for “My Own Side”! The Playton remix delves deeper to a darker sound while maintaining the mystical vibe of V I F’s original craft— fantastic!
V I F’s “My Own Side” is out today, so be sure to support this release!
When Something Good had first unleashed Solence— their soul-awakening saxophone anthem from Nellie Recordings— avid supporters were left wanting more. . .
They heard the prayers.
Exclusively from Nellie Recordings, a special two-track remix EP dedicated to Solence is born! This time around, Something Good hooks up the release with their magnificent UU Island Refunk, while Heikki L takes-off with his signature La Terazza Remix— two fresh and road-tested reworks of SG’s masterpiece to die for!
First in line is Something Good’s UU Island Refunk— a tribute to UU Island, Helsinki’s Night of the Arts. If you have been craving for a version of Solence that would give more emphasis on the glorious saxophone solo, then this UU Island Refunk is definitely for you!
On the flipside, Finnish club-heavyweight, Heikki L appears on Nellie Recordings to drop his very own reinterpretation of Solence. Heikki L is known for his adrenaline-rushing breakdowns, and in this Heikki L La Terazza Remix, we get a piece of it!
Two brand new versions of Solence up for grabs, you definitely do not want to miss out on these!
Not far from Nellie Recordings headquarters lives Andres Cabrera— a stunning producer with an ear for razor-edged house sound! Celebrating his debut on Nellie Recordings, Andres releases a two-tracker entitled, “Lumino”, wherein remix duties fall into the hands of fellow-Swedish producer, Niklas Gustavsson!
The original mix of Lumino blasts off with electrifying melodies and stomping kicks— a track that would most likely lead the lights astray during live events. The Niklas Gustavsson Remix, on the other hand, is the rock-solid counterpart of “Lumino”. Packed with energy-pumping basslines, a tranquil climax, and an enlightening breakdown, Niklas Gustavsson’s remix also marks his grand debut on the label!
Nellie Recordings is proud to have released to huge tracks from fellow-Swedish producers. “Lumino” is out today, be sure to support this release!
It's all about the big city beats for these guys! Jarkko Saikkonen and Miika Vaartela, the two Finns behind Labtracks, are childhood friends and have been making music for more than eight years now. Their sound, although heavily influenced by the electronic scene frontier, still stays true to what Labtracks is all about-- club-tailored, nocturnal-inspired, and cosmopolitan-shaped.
Greetings Jarkko and Miikka! First of all thanks for making this interview possible! Okay, so let’s begin. How are things these days for Labtracks?
It's all good. Our newest release just came out on Nellie Recordings and even hotter stuff is coming up! We're getting more exposure little by little and enjoying music so it's looking great!
Can you share to us how you guys formed Labtracks? I’m pretty sure there’s an interesting story behind it.
First of all we were born in the ghetto... no, seriously. We started making music back in the day, actually much before the alias "Labtracks". It was all kind of things, not necessarily electronic music (yes we made some hiphop-songs). The name "Labtracks" wasn't created until the beginning of the year 2005. The name doesn't have any special story or background in it, we just figured it out during some session.
As producers, how were you able to come up with the very progressive sound of yours?
At first we were pretty much going along with the Dallas Superstars - style, but that eventually changed when the house / club music trend changed towards this day. But we don’t usually like to do exactly what everyone else does in the progressive house scene. We tend to mix in elements from 80's, trance and french house and combine it to progressive.
When not in the studio or in clubs, what do you enjoy doing?
We obviously like to listen to music. In addition to that we enjoy sports, gaming, computer- and audio - related stuff.
Let’s talk about music once again. Can you guys name your current top 5 tracks?
In no particular order:
1. Empire of the Sun - We Are the People (Jimmy2sox Remix)
5. Janet Jackson - Make Me (Moto Blanco Club Remix)
Speaking of artists, who were the producers and musicians who have made a big impact on your career as artists?
There are quite many so here's just some of them: Daft Punk, Alan Braxe, Fred Falke, Dallas Superstars, Pryda, Michael Cassette, Mischa Daniels, Dave Armstrong, Cassius, Dinka, Supermodels From Paris, JS16 and various artists from the 80's.
If you guys were given a chance to play a show in any place of your choice, where would it be? Also, who among the producers would you invite as a co-DJ in the show?
Some big city would be a great location since our productions usually have that "city night" - theme. Maybe Paris, Berlin or New York. And of course Helsinki. We would probably take some of these guys with us as mentioned above, or some artists with the same kind of style. It doesn't matter that much, since we like so many!
What unique routines do you do prior to or during producing?
Some refreshments like Cola. We take brakes to listen to some other music than our own (but everyone does that!). We tend to produce during the evenings and nights and leave the important parts of mixing for the next day when our ears have had some rest.
What else do your fans need to know about Labtracks?
What you need to know is that we just released some great stuff on Nellie Recordings and our next one is going to be bigger! And the next will be even bigger and so on! So expect great things from us! Other than that there isn't much to say, we let the music speak for ourselves. Oh, we have too many clips of songs that'll never be finished. And the rendering of Space Odyssey 3001 lasted for 7 hours! And we had to do it 3 times! For some unknown reason.
For the last question, what can we expect from you guys in the near future?
Pretty much what we said in the last question. Hopefully we'll get to spin some gigs in the near future. Some collaborations are highly possible (remixes as well of course) since we already have many musical friends and contacts in this scene of house music. Expect some BIG CITY HOUSE from us!
I, Miguel Libre, would like to personally thank you guys— Miikka Vaartela and Jarkko Saikkonen— for this interview! Thanks for your time and effort! I will definitely continue supporting your works. May you guys have an awesome career ahead!
Thanks to you as well. We will continue to support your work!
Labtracks just landed on Nellie Recordings! As the latest Finnish bets on Nellie, Jarkko Saikkonen and Miikka Vaartela mark “Space Odyssey 3001 / Tides” as their much-awaited debut. To our surprise, Something Good’s Otto and Karolus also snuck-in a remix for their fellow Finns in this release!
Initiating the launch, “Space Odyssey 3001” comes in with a very levitating and melodic make-up. Daft Punk-inspired electronic guitar solos and high-flying synths also join-in the fun! The second track in the release is Something Good’s own Hypno remix of “Space Odyssey 3001”. Slightly different from their recent productions, Something Good’s Hypo Remix caters groovy chord-play topped with a very heavenly climax!
“Tides”, the last track, gives the release a heightened close courtesy of its bright, upbeat, and progressive sound— one of the styles Labtracks is known for.
“Space Odyssey 3001 / Tides” signals a brighter future for the creative Finns on Nellie Recordings, and the label is honored to simply have them on-board! This release is out today, exclusively from Nellie Recordings!
From Moscow and Minsk, Alex and Igor, the two guys behind the project, Eximinds, are the latest crew members of Nellie Recordings! For their debut on the label, Eximinds— together with Mobil and Swedish producer, Eric Shaw— hand over a magnificent three-track package filled with trance-edged bangers and uplifting-progressive pieces.
“Lost Dreams / About You” EP opens up with “Lost Dreams”, a collection of warm ambiance and sun-drenched vocals! In addition, Eric Shaw pours-in a high-flying version of the track as the second installment of the release. In the Eric Shaw remix, we get to hear the hand-raising breakdown the Swedish producers have perfected— definitely made in Sweden!
“About You” takes the third and last slot in the EP, and gives it a banging close.
Nellie Recordings kicks off with another sky-rocketing release, this time from Eximinds, Mobile, and Eric Shaw!
Melody and harmony-- these are the two words you will remember after listening to Terry da Libra's sound. Already appearing twice on Nellie Recordings this year, Terry continues to make hearts bleed out with his uplifting, optimistic-sounding, heartwarming anthems.
Leuteris Pimenidis or simply put, Terry da Libra, is a Greek producer who started to make music since he was fourteen. Backed with rich musical background-- from being part of a rock band as well as being inducted in several clubs as a resident DJ-- Terry is definitely equipped with much inspiration and dedication to pursue a huge career ahead . Aside from his melodic tracks, Terry is also known to maintain really good relationships with his contacts, most especially his supporters.
Terry's career as a producer is still on its infancy stage; however his potentials and creativity will surely take him soaring higher than his own harmonies.
Hi bro! Your latest single on Nellie Recordings, “Enchanted Waters” has just been released. My first question is how are you?
Hey Miguel! Everything feels great my friend. I keep on meeting lovely and awesome people and conversations are always pleasant especially when people give insights on my tracks. You know I’m new in the scene and these kind words really mean a lot to me. I am also working on some new tracks but I cant say much right now, but will do when the time is right… For now, Im seating on my sofa and trying to complete these questions for you! Haha :)
Can you describe to us the sound of Terry da Libra as well as inspirations?
My sound is more of a proggy melodic style with a bit of trancy blend to it. I’m always looking for inspirations! My influences were and are from all over the world no matter where they came from: classic, hard rock, alternative rock, new age, ambient, electro pop, electronic dance music, soul, and funk! I also get inspired by emotions and feelings, or when someone tells me a story. I love big melodies with beautiful harmonics, for example, piano and atmospheric key pads. It’s the feeling of flying in the sky or making my heart come out that moves me to make music.
What are your all-time top three tracks?
I have many favorite tracks. . . I believe that a producer should just not limit himself with one genre, his taste should always get involved with a lot of genres.
What do you think is your biggest achievement so far as a producer and a DJ?
Haha! I don’t think I already have a biggest achievement as of now. But for me, I just enjoy and love what I do, may it be from DJing and making people dance to hearing the praises from the wonderful people out there. Yes, my achievement is in the people. It’s really something beautiful when you get heartwarming praises from the people. The people are the ones that keep me moving forward.
How did being Greek contribute to your career today?
I don’t think being Greek contributed on any achievement I have made in my life so far… Just do your job well, be kind and a good person with the ones who helped you on any steps in your life, and you (and them) will be rewarded someday. Everything you do is an experience! In the end, everything is in your hands, and what you have learned from all those things will get you somewhere, just be creative and good.
If you were given the chance to travel to a country of your choice, where would it be?
Anywhere! Places with mythical stories and rich in history are the ones I prefer. But actually anywhere, of course, with some nice company though.
Okay, let's talk about music production. How do you make your music?
Yes, that question! Hehe. I do spend hours and hours making music. Magic happens when I am about to finish a track, usually not more than 12 hours though… But one thing, don’t rush your tracks, spend a lot of time and effort in them! I always make sure that I am 95-100% sure and satisfied with the demo before I send it away, you would not want to have last minute fixes when it’s submitted already.
As of now, I just create music. Still not doing the mastering for them, but soon, maybe I would like to learn it.
Music production and DJing costs a lot, but I am sure if you love music, you will find ways and means to do it… Just work, and spend your money only in the useful things.
Every artist has secrets to their works, and I like to keep mine too for now. Haha!
What message can you give to young and aspiring producers out there?
Have patience! I know that feeling well… When submitting demos, just because the label did not give feedback that does not mean they didn’t like your work. I ‘m sure they will sooner or later when you have gotten yourself involved deeper in your sound. That still happens to me. Also, know your style and be familiar with the labels and artists who have similar tastes as you have, this will help in getting your tunes out there. Don’t be discouraged upon hearing criticisms about your work, just keep going.
When you get recognized in the scene, don’t forget the people who supported you! Don’t be all cocky! Be sure you still retain good connections with your fanbase. That’s really important.
Don’t let others define your sound. Nothing will bring you down as long as you always keep your head high.
Name one Greek dish that you can never live without.
Yemista Rice. Stuffed tomatoes and peppers! My god, how much I love that, plus you can eat that anytime without having the fear of getting fat! Lol :D pure taste…
What can we expect from Terry da Libra in the near future?
Well, I’ll still be working on new tracks, I hope more listeners will like my work as a newcomer. Also one of my wishes is to be on a gig and play music in front of groovy, happy, harmonic people. I hope to continue to be on the stage of electronic scene as long as I have the right support for it. You can always ask me things about my work on Facebook cause there, I am a talkative person and not a living dead trust me, we can talk about anything (personal matters are exceptions haha)
So see you guys there and thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for all your lovely words! Keep yourselves cool and original.
Much respect to , Alex Mango Golovanov , Kristoffer Ljungberg & Gábor 'Aeron Aether' Kovács , I'm sure they know the reason.
I, Miguel Libre, would personally like to thank you for making this interview possible. As always, keep in touch and continue staying true to your sound! May you have a prosperous career ahead!
