Kyau & Albert- 15 Years [Review by Marco Lozano]

About: 

Ralph Kyau and Steven Albert, known collectively as Kyau & Albert, are German producers who started their collaboration in the mid-90's. Since their first collaboration in "Let Me In" back in 1996, this act has exploded and come up with a string of hit after shimmering hit. They have also, time and again, concocted delicious remixes for tracks from trance' biggest artists, including Cressida, Above & Beyond and Lange.

Marking their 15th year together, Kyau & Albert have come up with a series of releases which were aptly and simply titled 15 Years. Each release contain snippets of Kyau & Albert's previous tracks (two tracks per release) remixed by the likes of Blake Jarrell, Marc Marberg, Super8 & Tab and Dennis Sheperd. The first of the these was launched on April 11 with Mat Zo spinning a mix for "I'll Be There For You"; currently it's on their fifth edition. 

Sounds Like:

If this were the final release in this series, Kyau & Albert definitely did it in style. Two of trance' hottest acts in Tritonal and Arty rendered remixing duties in this massive release.

Arty's take on Are you Fine saw a downtempo from the original mix' 138 BPM to 130. The original is something you can picture being dropped in the middle of a relatively upbeat set whereas the remix is more apt to open an act. 

Tritonal's signature sound is written all over their mix of Once In A Life, adding a dash of electricity to the previous club mix. 

Recommendation:

Personally, I'm a huge fan of this series, most notable of which was the remix of Super8 & Tab of "Velvet Morning" in the third release. But one can't deny that this latest release is a class act. So is a Part Six remotely possible at this time of year? Most of us Kyau & Albert fans would not complain at all! For the meantime, this latest release was launched on November 11 and very much available for download from your favorite music portals.

READ MORE - Kyau & Albert- 15 Years [Review by Marco Lozano]

Ivan Novich & Richard Wilkins- College Fund

The waiting days for Amibella junkies are over! Seventeen year-old producer and label owner, Ivan Novich, together with Richard Wilkins, proudly unveils Amibella Records’ debut release entitled, “College Fund”! Not just that, the track garners an electrifying trance reinterpretation in the hands of Colorado-based producer, Venaccio as the second track of the release.


Characterized by its dirty, grinding and wobbling basslines— the original mix of “College Fund” is simply a manifestation of Ivan and Richard’s Deadmau5 inspiration. Venaccio’s remix, on the other hand, caters a unique sound packed with orchestra melodies and a pile-driving breakdown!


“College Fund” is just a hint of more exciting things to come from the label in the near future— keep your eyes peeled!

READ MORE - Ivan Novich & Richard Wilkins- College Fund

Eximinds & Mobil- Lost Dreams / About You

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!

READ MORE - Eximinds & Mobil- Lost Dreams / About You

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]

Interview with TYDI [2009]

Original interview posted May 27, 2009 for trancecommunity by motionmigs.

Interview conducted by motionmigs for trancecommunity.com [I am currently not affiliated with the site anymore.]

Tyson Illingworth, also known as TyDi, is "Australia’s number one DJ". During his teenage years, his addiction to music helped him shape into the magnificent TyDi we all know today. Furthermore, his passion for electronic dance music allowed him to compete in various DJ competitions and reach massive accomplishments like playing at the Trance Energy 2009 at a young age, and lots more. In the trance scene, TyDi is known to produce and release tracks under the world’s number one DJ’s record label, Armada, including his newly-released album “Look Closer”. All of these, he had done at the age of 22, there is no doubt that TyDi is an inspiration to all young aspiring DJs and producers.

In your early 20s, you have done this and that in the field of

electronic dance music, I was just wondering, how do you feel right now?

I feel great! Everything is happening and every day is exciting. Life couldn't be any better!

What are the steps you take in order to get a crowd more involved when

DJing? (for example a crowd is dead)

Its all about playing the right music at exactly the right time - Track selection is everything. I watch the crowd, see what works and build my set based on how they react.

Do you follow any routines to keep you in state before you spin? If

yes, what are they?

I like to relax before I play, have a spa or get a massage.

What got you into electronic dance music? which artists have influenced you?

I was exposed to dance music when I was about 14 through some older friends - I fell in love with it and knew from that point I wanted to create it. was influenced by so many different artists, anyone that was making powerful records.

Here's a tricky question, among your productions, can you name 3 of

your favorites?

My 3 favorite songs are always the last 3 that I wrote haha. Right now it is 'Look Closer' from my new album which is more of a chillout song and 'Is it cold' has always been special to me. My most favorite is my latest single called 'You Walk Away', it has vocals from Audrey Gallagher and is on Armin's new CD ASOT 2009.

When you travel around the world, what are the songs you listen to in

your "favorites" playlist? (Name around 3)

My favorites list changes every week when I go through all my new promos. During my travels and on flights I often listen to different styles of music like chillout and movie soundtracks.

Among the places you haven't been to, where would you want to go and

DJ in an event? Why there?

The Philippines would be nice! Also I think it would be awesome to DJ somewhere like Egypt so I could see the pyramids.

You're just a few ages older than me, and I was just wondering, what

were the things you have done during your high school

days that have contributed to your career today?

I spent every lunch time in high school in the music room learning how to read and write music.. I think that helped a lot. After school I would come home and mix tunes or produce my own stuff. I was honestly addicted to dance music!

Aside from DJing and making music, are there other things you enjoy doing?

I grew up by the beach, so its always nice to visit home and go for a swim. I don't have a lot of time off so when I do its always spent with my close friends or just relaxing. Champagne in the spa is always a nice way to relax.

If you were given a chance to spin with a DJ of any record label, who

would it be, and why?

I think I have already DJ'd with them all - I've played with Tiesto, Armin, PVD and all those guys..

Aside from your newly-released album "Look Closer", what can we expect

from Tydi in the near future?

Well my two new singles 'You Walk Away' and 'Somehow' will be out this year along with a remix for Nadia Ali - and I am very excited about those tracks. I am touring everywhere to promote my new album and I am just about to mix a new CD for Ministry of Sound... its all happening!

Check out TyDi's official website!

READ MORE - Interview with TYDI [2009]

Andain- Beautiful Things (Roger Shah Magic Island Remix)

This special track has lots of stories to tell...

The year 2003 was the year when the now-defunct icons of progressive trance music, Gabriel & Dresden, released Beautiful Things under the guise Andain. It was in this project where they were able to work alongside Mavie Marcos to release sentimental vocal electronic music that would later define the whole vocal electronic dance music scene. On a side note, it was also Josh Gabriel, Dave Dresden, and Jes Brieden who were responsible for the one-track-wonder "Summer Calling" released under the name Motorcycle.


The original version of Beautiful Things was the first and last track that forever changed my musical preferences back in 2005. Albeit 2009 echoing the separation of the duo Gabriel & Dresden, their music will always be up there.


Roger Shah is a legend himself. A German producer with many aliases like Sunlounger and Black Pearl. Formerly known as DJ Shah, he has become one of the most indispensable figures in the uplifting trance, Balearic trance, and chill out music scenes. It was also summer of 2007 when I really got into his Ibiza sunset-drenched music that his sublime album, Another Day on the Terrace was the only album I listened to all summer long.

Outside the Sunlounger box, Shah was known as DJ Shah with his vocal tracks with various songbirds like Aruna, Nadja Nooijen, Adrina Thorpe, and special mention to Chris Jones with Armin van Buuren with their track "Going Wrong". Shah changed his artist name to his real name, Roger Shah in 2008, and since then, he has been releasing and remixing quality uplifting and contemporary trance music.

When two of the biggest names are incorporated in one single track, magic happens. Roger Shah brushes this track with the humble and downbeat spirit of a sunset. Moreover, Shah takes this masterpiece high above with a breathtaking climax-- a perfect way to express the emotions of the track.

Consistent and uplifting, Roger Shah's Magic Island remix takes the 2003 classic higher than it had ever been before.


Photo Source: Potipot Island, Zambales, Philippines
Photo Source: Andain
Photo Source: Roger Shah

READ MORE - Andain- Beautiful Things (Roger Shah Magic Island Remix)

Oasis vs Myon & Shane54- Wonderless (Monster Mix)

I've been aching to write a review on this for quite sometime since I first heard this on Myon & Shane54's massive mash-up set for Coldharbour Day [7.28.09].

For M&s54 fans out there, just one listen to this track can spell to us that the backbone of this is Myon & Shane54's very own Helpless (Monster Mix), a track featuring the highly-talented Aruna Abrams. Before I forget, this impressive mash-up by the Hungarian duo may also be tagged as "Oasis- Wonderwall (Myon & Shane54 Helpless Mix)".

With a breath, the monster is unleashed. The vocals of Liam Gallagher were slightly reverbed to give it a "big room" effect while at the same time complementing the overall thick, heavy, and electro-infected composition of the track.

Aside from it being a stadium anthem, M&S54's take on Wonderwall is indeed another certified banger as dominantly heard in the breakdown. Yes, the riff accompanying the vocals do have some energy packed in them, but the true banger spirit can be felt in the deadly breakdown. Just to add, the breakdown itself is made up of Myon & Shane54's newly-concocted monstrous sound, and I like it.


I think my job's done here, let your avid ears do the listening.

Image Source
Image Source 2

READ MORE - Oasis vs Myon & Shane54- Wonderless (Monster Mix)

Marcus Schossow- My Star

It was September of 2009 when Marcus Schossow released his debut album entitled, Outside the Box under his very own label, Tone Diary Holland. As time passed, I started to have some personal favorite tracks from the album itself, and to share one of them, here's My Star, probably the smashing supernova of the whole album.

A vocal hook that kinda goes, "I wonder where you are, searching for a star," initiates the track. Compared to the other Schossow banger tracks like his remix on La Guitarra and his original track, Beast, My Star is more of the melting pot of his exquisite music tastes that range from tech-like and electro-influenced banging tunes to trance-edged progressive melodies.

Everything incorporated in this single track paints a bigger picture, and for me, that picture is somewhere up there in the sky. However, albeit painting its own picture, My Star also complements the other fourteen tracks of the album, which also forms a bigger scene as a whole.

You might also want to read my write up on Marcus Schossow in my Top 10 Picks of 09.

READ MORE - Marcus Schossow- My Star