The Pondering Blonde

The Mountain Effect

I was chatting to a recently-moved-to-Cape-Town-as-well friend of mine a few months ago when it occurred to me, ‘I think I know why people in Cape Town are so crazy about living here… ‘I say, and as if by some South-as-you-can-get-in-Africa-inspired ESP he replied; ‘Because there’s a fucking mountain.’ ‘…Because there’s a fucking mountain.’ I confirmed in bright eyed amazement.

Over the past 3 years, more than ever before; life by the mountain has become that alluring green pasture on the other side, with a massive movement- and counting- of curious creative types making way to get their piece of the Mother City’s pie. With Johannesburg’s business and beige chinos ethos breeding a ‘radio country’ society, Pretoria being a bit backwards- you’re only the capital because the parliament buildings are there, get over it- and Durban, bless; stuck in a perpetual Beach Boys tune kind of oblivious to it all; make Cape Town look like the holy grail of city living in South Africa.

A Capetonian Musician I won’t quote him by name- for fear he’ll be banished to the outskirts of Belville to dub-step for his supper- called it ‘a hick town masquerading as a Eurocentric cosmopolitan metropolis.’ Sure, Cape Town is sold as the forward-thinking, artistic, pink city- it was called Silicone Cape for a moment when the IT boys tried to rebrand it to suit their technology hungry needs, but besides a license to hone an artistic quirk, sexy beaches, lots of wine, its own concept of time and one very Long Street of debauchery- if you do it right- it’s kind of an easy woo. I mean; what more do you need in life?

Being new to the city myself, I’m still discovering my way around but I’m pretty sure I’ve got my head around what living here is all about; I’m acquiring my palate for the good red stuff, have bought a camera and already bonded with the rock face a few times. And in summer, once I’m certain Jaws has moved on, I intend to surf and get more Zen with mother nature. I certainly haven’t moved here for the night life activity. Yes, there’s lots of fab fun to be had all over town but unless you have a strong aural repertoire, many new movers will find that Long Street –as a proverbial ‘they’ for Cape Town’s club circuit- becomes short very quickly. Though Joburgers usually seem to find themselves quite at home on the Camps Bay strip within minutes- go figure…

The Mountain people seem pretty good natured about all the incoming energy- and fresh meat!- if ‘after you’ve been with one person you’ve been with everyone in Cape Town.’ –the warning I received from one local is anything to go by. Erm… nice. Anyway, whatever one’s intentions are for moving to the tip of Africa, there’s one thing that’s certain; The Good Life is open to interpretation and it’s pretty much yours for the taking, unless you find yourself wrestling a Bergie on a Friday afternoon. Otherwise, it’s all good vibes and stuff!

A bunch of bad ass musical gangsters- to sum them up- at one of the bustling music studio’s in town are quite excited about the creative pull the city has at the moment, saying only there aren’t enough venues and gigs to go around for everyone. ‘But something’s gotta give!’ They say chorus all inspired-like! From an artistic, music, and holistic perspective- it has been recognised throughout history that when a big group of people come together and form a hub of energetic-frustration, toggling for an outlet in whatever their field, you can normally expect that some sort of hyper-creative boom will follow- eventually. Well, we can only hope!

‘This whole thing in 2012 is going to be the maddest energy shift and all that matters is that we’re all going to be here and experiencing it together by the Mountain.’ Says my now not-so-recently-moved-to-Cape-Town-as-well friend. Well, that didn’t take long.. And with that, we head off into the forest to picnic and meditate. Welcome to the The Mountain Effect.

BPM Interview with Dino Moran

Dino has become a legendary fixture on the local circuit, and far from being quiet of late, he’s been playing the game on a much larger spectrum; producing and showcasing his music project Afroteq, a culmination of his 19 years in the industry and a celebration of all things awesome about being African. ‘Afroteq is such an exciting project; our show is a collage of traditional and famous African songs, and original new tracks sung to an up-beat house and techno set, and combined with dancing, drummers and mind blowing visuals.’

Already receiving incredible support, Dino recently returned from performing alongside Alicia Keys at her annual Black Ball charity event. ‘It was absolutely awesome and a massive compliment to be invited by Alicia keys to perform. Alicia has shared the Black Ball stage with Bono, Annie Lennox, David Bowie, Gwen Stefani, John Mayer, Justin Timberlake and Usher; creating some of music histories most magical moments, and was definitely a career highlight for me.’

Dino’s taste in music has always been deep-spirited and eclectic, seeing him mould an original niche for himself, playing the more creative corporate gigs and being involved in SA’s vibrant fashion and art scene. ‘I love working on concepts and sound tracking to match events and brands, thus I get called to work with creative teams and organisers whenever they’re looking to synchronise all elements of their production into a story line with a definite message.’

Few local dj’s enjoy a career that stretches beyond the club circuit, and his thoughts on ageing in the local market have directed his musical tangent to uplift Africa as a whole. ‘It’s unfortunate the SA market receives so little international attention, so making it to the top of SA doesn’t mean being recognised all over the world like in UK, EU or US- we’re so far away from other existing territories- like an island at the bottom of the planet.’

Dino plays extensively overseas and continually works to help develop the scene in neighbouring African in countries like Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe, which are emerging markets when it comes to electronic music culture. ‘I love to travel and perform in Africa as much as I do the western world.  I’ve so far played in 24 countries on the continent and abroad and can safely say that Cape Town is my favourite city in the world.’ He says. So instead of moving overseas to build a bigger reputation Dino chooses to build the image of our country and the continent and hopes that when the world looks at Africa they think of him as one of the countries standout artists.

Dino plays extensively overseas and continually works to help develop the scene in the emerging markets of neighbouring Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe. ‘Instead of moving overseas to build a bigger reputation, I’d rather help build the image of our country and the continent in the hope that when the world looks at Africa they think of me as one of the stand out artists from here.’

His music artfully combines Afro-fusion with modern dance and world music, a sound- and vision- he’s carefully crafted over the years. ‘My biggest change was about 10 years back when I started touring internationally and realised it’s stupid to take sand to the beach- if I wanted to get noticed I had to bring something of my own to the party so I came back and started developing a unique style of Afro-fusion techno.’

‘What we don’t realise is that the reason that an artist becomes world famous is because the support from their own country elevated them to that status and the only time I hear locals raving about one of our artists is because they have achieved an international break through and now that someone else given us a thumbs up we will buy into it too. Whenever I play in other parts of the world I only play African fusion music as I realised quite early in my career that the world is very into our vibe and find it fresh and exciting.’ He says, making an interesting point about the supporting of local music and artists.

With SA’s nationwide feeling of pride and unity at hosting the World Cup, Dino believes its finally time for local and multi cultural audiences to support SA. ‘Little by little we’re overcoming the MTV hype surrounding overseas artists and South Africans are starting to admit that local talent is world class. Hopefully some of the ludicrous cash spent on second rate international artists will start finding its way into the local market and enable us to do better shows with bigger production and thus become serious global competitors.’

His love for our continental-inspired rhythms sees Dino take on the role of music director for The Fez Club and take Afroteq on tour later this year as well as producing singles for radio play. Dino has into a new league, hanging out with the likes of Grace Jones, Seal and Heidi Klum; he’s catapulted himself and the spirit of African music onto the world stage. Long may he dance there!

BPM Life Interview with Inxec

Inxec is sitting pretty in Mexico when we have our skype date a few weeks back. He’s come a long way from toggling a Playstation handset to make music all those years ago, finding himself to be something of a programming prodigy and his musical architecture has jumped in leaps and bounds, as releases become symbolic soundtracks and gigs abroad see him begin mapping the globe. Because yes, this is only the beginning.

Inxec got his leg up when he was signed to Jay Haze’s Contexterrior Label in 2006 and a string of releases saw him begin crafting his special take on electronic music, without the pressures of having to release a certain sound. ‘A friend of mine Shadi Megalaa from Igloo Records introduced me to Jay and it all started from there. I had a few releases on the label and it was the right place for me to start as he really gave me the artistic freedom to do what I wanted with my sound.’ Having now had releases on Cocoon, Cr2, Baracca Music, Turningspork- Haze’s headier techno label -and Leftroom, he has a strong feel for his music direction.

‘Some labels want you to make a certain sound to fit into they’ve got going, but the labels I work with appreciate you as an artist and let that be your musical journey, and that’s important.’ Inxec’s sound spans the house and techno spectrum with glitchy-minimal elements and a dash of funk. His sound and effects are meticulously placed. His experimental tip comes from his reprogramming past-time which has seen him ‘rewire’ his Ableton software with another called Maxwell Live and ‘having the best of both worlds’ to produce his trademark weirdness.

I ask why he made the move to Munich and not Berlin, the touted ‘Electronic Music Capital of the World’. ‘I moved to Munich a few years ago, and have to admit, I moved there for a girl, which didn’t last. I was only there for a year but it helped me get into the scene in Germany, I got my foot in the door at Harry Klein and was resident at the club there for 5 years. Berlin is great but it’s hard. It’s very competitive and it’s all ‘hype, hype, hype.’ I’m not into that really, I’m not much of a people person.’

Returning to London Inxec is happy to be back with the brotherhood although the state of the club scene has seen recent turmoil once again. ‘Ye it’s always in a state of flux. The girl I’m seeing at the moment is the owner of T Bar, and she just found out its gone into administration, so it’s not the best time. It’s kind of like the delayed effects of the recession, it’s sad. The scene has been moving back into the warehouse and secret part culture which excites things a bit- it’s not all about the clubs.’ He mentions Lo Kee, Half Baked and Mulletover as some of the underground parties’ vibing in East London at the moment.

‘Musically, it’s a hot place to be, all my friends are here and everyone’s doing great things, so I’m happy to be back in the creative mix of it all.’ The friends he speaks of are long time production partner Matt Tolfrey- their 2009 release Jerk was without a doubt one of the soundtracks to last summer. Hector, who in 2009 was signed to Mobilee and made waves on the underground circuit with his first release for the label, Got Fringe. ‘I have an EP coming out with Hector soon. I’ve also got one with Mark Chambers coming out- he’s from Dubai, a Radioslave remix and a Nina Kravitz remix on Rekids. Oh, and on Cocoon and Gedde’s label Murmur later this year with Matt.’

He recently returned from DEMF, Detroit’s iconic electronic music festival where he had the time of his life. ‘It was unbelievable, really next level. I spent a lot of time at the actual festival- I didn’t wanna do the other parties, I was just enjoying being at the festival, there was so much happening. Plastikman Live was just incredible- great production. There was just such an amazing vibe going on, lots of celebrities hanging out- I spoke to Kid Rock and kinda met Carl Craig when I accidentally slapped him in the face!’

On playing his first DEMF set, he feels like it was a coming of age for him in the dance music industry, ‘I definitely has this ‘wow’ moment, it was an incredible feeling to be part of it. Although it started raining during my set, which was at the open air arena- right after the first track in fact, and they had to shut it down until the rain stopped. But I got to play again later, at about 3pm when they opened the underground stage and played to like 4 000 people. It was really warm down there, everyone waiting for the rain to stop, so the energy was crazy. It was a truly special experience.’

Take Inxec, Tolfrey, Geddes and throw into the mix American-Berlinners, Shaun Reeves, Lee Curtis and Seth Troxler and you have their whole little team, changing the face of electronic music one up-front beat at a time. ‘I guess we’re a bit of a rowdy bunch. But they’re all great guys, very real people. We talk about things, we don’t blow smoke up anyone’s ass- there’s no hidden agenda.’

On the agenda- his trip to South Africa and the former snake park that houses one of South Africa’s best night clubs in Johannesburg, where he drops an exclusive set. ‘A former snake- wow, I’m looking forward to checking that out.’ He says, excited on top of being excited about coming to play while such a big sporting events holds the worlds attention in SA. And on being billed alongside the legendary Cosmic Gate. ‘I didn’t know who Cosmic Gate was until I was book to play in South Africa!’ Ah, such is the life in Technoland.

BPM Mag Interview with DJ Sasha

Sasha came into being during the era of Manchester’s iconic Hacienda days. Pioneering the Northern Soul sound and jumping head first into the Acid House movement, Sasha transformed The DJ Life as we know it today with a relentless progressive grace and a partner-in-crime-called Digweed. One would think the man who gave Renaissance Recordings gold status and Global Underground it’s 90’s cool would be too big to tweet ,but that’s exactly where our banter kicks off, after catching wind of a live Twitter interview with one of Ibiza’s well known bloggers the day before we chat.

‘It was pretty good, I’d never done an online interview like that before- the interview (by @Blogibiza) was for Pacha magazine, which is published annually each season in Ibiza. -I’m booked to play several times there this summer.’ Does he like being on top of new marketing and communication trends? ‘I was a bit slow on the upstart to get involved with some of these social networking channels to be honest, I thought it was a lot of people telling everyone lots of trivial things about themselves, and was kind of mundane, but I’ve found it to be a really great way to communicate directly with fans- I can tell them what I’m up to, what I’m listening to- and what I’m eating every now then. ’ [laughs]

A big Football fan, Sasha’s tour to South Africa in July coincides with the final week of the World Cup and he’s keen to get involved and catch a few games while he’s here.  I teasingly ask about England’s performance in the Finals so far and he’s quick to jump into a well-opinioned discussion about the team and various players. ‘Well, I hope they can get their heads together in the next game and click; it would be great to see England still in the running while I’m out there. Really great that I got booked to play in SA over the World Cup- I’m excited to come and be part of it!’

Sasha’s last album, Involver Volume 2 on Global Underground came out in 2008 and the dance world is undoubtedly waiting with bated breath to see in which direction he’ll lead the dance culture heathen next. ‘Yes, I’ve been making new tracks and have a load of new music that I’ve already been playing out at the clubs and festivals… so good news; I’ll have lots of fresh stuff to play out in SA. In terms of releasing an album, I’m not sure when or whether it’ll be full of big, banging club tracks or something a little different, we’ll see…’

Sasha has always been a purveyor of progressive dance and has stood by the darker European house sound from early on in his career. ‘It’s important to believe in your sound. Over the years I’ve trained my ear and honed a certain musical taste.’ His reputation with the older dance heads to this affect is unwavering, although recent years have seen him indulge a more housey tip with elements of electro, breaks;  essentially breaking out of his ‘proggy’ pigeonhole,  inspired by the likes of, Leftfield, UNKLE, BT and more recently James Holden, Tiefschwartz and Swayzak.

Having discovered the likes of BT and James Zabiela, I ask how it is he has such an eye for spotting talent, his management agency Excession is one of the biggest in the world today and manages a top selection of electronic music artists. ‘I don’t know, I suppose they had some kind of X factor or wanderlust; James was so full of energy and so driven, both by the music and how to make it. There are a lot of good dj’s, but they need to have that hunger and desire, be able to make the leap from being a bedroom dj to playing in front of 5000 people. Also, not everyone is cut out for the party lifestyle. There’s a lot of pressure, long nights and of course, a lot of time spent on your own away from home.’

Although notoriously shy about his personal life, I ask how he’s got on, living the ultimate party lifestyle? ‘I’m married and have a little boy, yes you definitely need a strong woman to handle and understand the pressures of this career and I definitely have a one behind me. Over the years I’ve lived quite a nomadic lifestyle- between London, New York, Amsterdam for a bit as well and many airports feel like homes at times. I still have an apartment in New York but I’ve settled in London now.’

To wrap up, I ask what he’s up to this weekend, as you do.. ‘I’m playing at Glastonbury festival this weekend; we’re doing a special Vortech Lighting Show, which I’m really excited about! I only hope that everyone comes to check it out and are not holed up in a pub somewhere, drinking beer and watching the World Cup!

BPM Life Interview with Brendon Moeller

Brendon Moeller made a quick homeland visit pre-world cup and doused dub and techno lovers in Johannesburg and Cape Town with his jazz, affrobeat and psychadelic inspired dubbed out Techno. Since his move to New York in 94, the South African Dj and producer has creatively carved out his own niche in the sound spectrum, releasing his compositions on a string of renown labels including Francois K’s Deep Space Media; Third Ear Records, Echocord, Rekids and Leena Music as Brendon Moeller and his Beat Pharmacy and Echologist monikers. We caught up with him after his relocation to Europe for the summer and he gave it to us straight…

You’re bio reflects you’re proud of your South African heritage, we love that! Tell us about life in SA before you left?

Life in SA before I left was crazy.  The apartheid regime knew their days were numbered and there was violence galore. Also, I had avoided the army for 7 years and they were in hot pursuit.  I owed the government money for the study grant I got to become a teacher and had realized that there was no way in hell I could continue being a school teacher. So I made a decision to sell my car and buy a plane ticket to NYC where I was sure I had a better chance of gaining access to the necessary gear to begin producing electronic music.

How did you become entrenched in the NY dance music scene there? What was the music scene there like at the time?

I went to the legendary Sound Factory in NY for the first time in early 1994, dropped some E and soon after that began making house music.  The house & techno music scenes in NY at that time were booming and people were being turned on left, right and center.

What is one of the best kept Secrets in New York/ Where would you advise edm loving South Africans go if they visit?

http://www.beyondbooking.com/thebunker/default.asp

www.halcyonline.com

www.othermusic.com

Jazz and instrumental s greatly influence your sound, and you’ve created your own brand of spaced out, instrumental Dub Techno- what are your favourite noises?

My favourite noises are those that possess a dirty gritty edge to them. Couple those with a cavernous reverb or a serious dub echo and you’re in business.

If you could steal a track made by any other artist and call it your own, what would it be?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RskJZOoY34

You started your own label Steadfast records, last year, tell us a bit about this? And what are you plans for the rest of 2010?/ What artists are you planning to release on the label?

Steadfast will serve as a means to release original material as Brendon Moeller, Beat Pharmacy and Echologist as well as material from peers/ friends. I intend to enlist some of his favourite producers to remix tracks for almost every release to ensure a collaborative spirit. Having worked with prestigious labels such as Francois K’s Deep Space Media, Third Ear Records, Mule Musiq, Astralwerks, Rekids, Apnea and Echocord, to name but a few, I decided it time to take the reins and full creative control of my musical endeavours. Quality and attention to detail is the stamp I intend to leave on each release. The same vision, discipline and determination he practiced to build up my profile will be applied to Steadfast. Whether you’re on a dance floor, in a car, jogging, dining or wherever Steadfast Records will be heard, the response I hope to inspire with every release is a simple, “FUCK YEAH!!”

Would you look at releasing any super good local artists from SA? Having played in Johannesburg and Cape Town, what are your thoughts on SA’s club culture?

Yes, I’m down to release and collaborate with SA artists for sure. If you think you got what I want, email me at steadfast@brendonmoeller.com

What music do you listen to in your downtime/ Who’s music really strikes a chord or two with you?

I have very little downtime these days, but I tend to listen to jazz, 70’s dub and  experimental rock stuff. Of course though I spend most of my time listening to music in search of tracks I can drop when I’m DJ’ing.

Coming from a small town in South Africa- do your parents understand dance culture and appreciate what you’ve done with your career?

My folks are very supportive of my career now and are happy that ‘m doing what I love.

You’ve played at Francois K’s Deep Space night at Ceilo in New York many times, apparently its one of the best clubs in NY? Tell us a bit about the pulsating nightlife in this mad city…

Well, there’s always something to do, every night of the week if you choose. People need to escape their apartments, so bars and clubs are where they end up.

What do you miss most about South Africa?/ What was it like coming back after so long- seeing how it has changed/ developed etc?

I miss the people and the landscape. “Oos wes, tuis bes” they say. The crime and violence are obviously very troubling.

You’re moving to Europe for the summer, is this to tap more into the European market?/ What is it about the European club scene that is so alluring for djs and producers around the world?

I have moved to the EU so that I don’t have to be on planes so much. Since most of my gigs are in the EU it makes sense to be here. If after 6 months my family and I like it here, we will stay. The EU just seems to be the place where dance music culture flourishes as a result of the number of producers and venues.

If Beatpharmacy was a cockatil, what would it consist of?

Whiskey & ice!

I Dream of Detroit.

I have a thing for urban decay. I have a wall decorated with vivid images of beautifully disgracing industrial buildings. Maybe it’s got something to do with the chaos in my mind and the overly ordered space of my reality. I love to look at it- but be far, far away from it. I just threw out half my wardrobe and I finally feel like I’m getting somewhere in the world.

To ask me to explain this is to slash that falsely satisfying charade of ‘mystery’. Well, no one likes mystery, misery maybe, but mystery? No. We want fucking answers- yesterday. That’s why I have this theory that people secretly crave voyeurism; or just being watched in general. It gives us the feeling that the ‘art’ of our existence is being recorded.

I say this. But Rogan didn’t think my spy cam in the house idea was very cool. And there I was trying to be all interesting and spontaneous. His kink is not as devoid as mine- thank god, I guess. The concept is about witnessing the fluidity of everyday life; a simple motion you have to see to appreciate. Like walking in on someone dancing around the room, badly, in their knickers, with dirty hair.

And what was the first thing he said when this happened? ‘Man, I wish I had caught that on camera!’ Asshole. I won’t even tell you what I was listening to- just some random trip hop shit this gangster friend of mine told me I should ‘mellow’ to. Well he’s not really a gangster- not in that sense anyway. And that music is so not mellow- and that doesn’t mean I like it.

He actually used to be a house dj. I swear he could have taken over the world; his ear for music was supreme. He went on this fact finding mission to San Fran and made a pit stop to visit some friends in Atlanta. He came back home shouting ‘ATL’ and whooping like a dog. He even bought me a t-shirt. The guy now spends his time producing really average RnB. I feel like I’ve been depressed for him for years.

Rogan just got in. And here I am, blazed to hell with his favourite- my favourite- vinyl spewed all over the floor. God knows I can’t remember which one goes where. I made his mixer thingy jam once while trying to turn the radio on. No I don’t know how I did it. He pointed to his studio and said ‘this is not a place for you to play around, Bella’. I split myself giggling and flicked a drop of my wine at him.

I thought he was joking, but this was soon followed by a neatly printed sign on the shelf of his vinyl collection. His friends totally take the piss every time they see it, but it’s still there. When I get home from work early and I know he’s going to be late I like to open a bottle and take myself on an aural adventure. I think he knows. Think he kinda likes it.

Well, maybe not tonight- the place is a prearranged wreckage. But this was one of my best escapades: started off with some old skool Chicago grooves and then went all Motown on my ass. I have some amazing images of downtown Detroit in all its tumble-down glory, and we have a map with all the places we want to go marked on it- there’s a pin right in the middle of the big D.

Dinner time. I made his favourite pasta- I’ll warm him over with that; we’ll smoke another and spend the evening putting his music back in its place. Reminisce about the journeys we haven’t yet taken. He’ll keep pulling out gems he forgot he had and insist I hear them. He always does. We’ll be here till the wee hours; just another night in paradise.

BPM Mag: Cocoon Ibiza comes to South Africa

Last year Cocoon celebrated 10 years of wrapping clubbers in its twisted little game of deviant House and Techno at Ibiza’s clubbing powerhouse; Amnesia. Cocoon founder, and by all means; leading mad-hatter Sven Vath, took his kingdom across the monumental decade line in style with an all out wicked-carnival themed summer season on the island. There were traffic jams, all-night queues snaking around the venue- this party is the one ultimate must-do when making a trek to The White Isle. In fact; clubbers to the island notoriously plan their vacation around squeezing in two Monday nights at Cocoon!

The inside spectacle doesn’t disappoint; black sequinned dancers- beautiful girls, boys and girlyboys- on podiums and gyrating against the walls above the main floor, a 10 foot Robocop shooting lasers and pyrotechnics from within the crowd, and way up front; The Ringleader, Sven, in a black fedora casually pounding out the slickest beats from the more-then-massive sound system, to a sea of never-been-this-up-for-it clubbers.

His line-up for the season was as usual, a who’s who of Minimal Techno on Planet Earth: Ricardo Villalobos, Loco Dice, Luciano, Richie Hawtin, Nick Curly, Martin Buttrich, Mathais Kaden, Josh Wink, DJ sneak and Tiefschwartz among them. The legend of Cocoon not only lives on strong in 2010, but the brand and ultimate symbol of nightlife disturbia comes to avenge South Africa for the first time this June, with lady of the label, Dinky, headlining. The tour will bring the freshest house and techno to both Johannesburg and Cape Town and forge new ground in SA’s growing Techno-club culture.

THE LEGEND OF VATH

Sven Vath was an intrinsic part of the house scene’s development in Germany, bringing American disco and jacking Chicago house to the curious ears of Frankfurt, where he first bled his passion and initiated his meteoric rise up the electronic chain. Papa Sven fell into his role as the decidedly demonic ringleader and set about creating his platform, a Cocoon themed web, for he and his young muso friends to launch themselves. The Cocoon night in Ibiza, the original Cocoon club in his hometown and Cocoon Recordings have become a world-wide statement in electronic music hotness!

SVEN ON IBIZA: Cocoon is a feeling, it is club culture, event culture is how I see it, for more than 20 years now I was always into creating platforms or networks where people come together to create something. There is no place like Ibiza and thanks to Cocoon; Ibiza is still very interesting when it comes to music. I think with our line-ups we’ve inspired other promoters and the island to evolve music wise in a very positive way, so I guess it is more than ever the true capital of electronic dance music!

DINKYLAND

Female dj’s of the world unite! Joining the ranks of talented lady dj’s and producers, alongside Magda, Anja Schnider, Ellen Allien and Shinedoe is Dinky- and she’s not as sweet as she sounds! Dinky is her very own powerhouse- an original gadget girl, electronic composer and a leader in the second wave of greats to come out of Chile. Dinky’s early years in club culture were spent raving it up with Luciano and Ricardo Villalobos, who set her on a path of techno-laced music loving.

Dubbed ‘The Techno Princess’, she initially followed a career in contemporary dance to New York City before finding herself dj’ing around the city and landing fingers-first in music production. Dinky is now based in Berlin, dating Matthew Styles- both are signed to Crosstown Rebels and often play together- and churning out inspired artist albums and EP’s for labels like Vakant, Traum and Wagon Repair. Her own productions portray her unique ethereal essence, a delving divergence from her driving dj and live sets; but both fuse her compassion for music with soul. Here’s to ladies that love techno!

ON HOW SHE FOUND ELECTRONIC MUSIC: Modern electronic music came to me when I was only 12 years old. My sister was going out with Dandy Jack [of Perlon fame] and living in Berlin at that time. At a family dinner he gave me a CD and I got instantly hooked on this music. It seemed so futuristic for me, compared to what we had in Chile at that time. Thanks to both him and my sister, I would always receive goodies – music from Kraftwerk, DAF, and house tapes from Doctor Motte. And then later on, things like the early Plastikman CD. I was really lucky!

ON HOW SHE STARTED PRODUCING: I guess it came when I was 21 or 22, and I moved to New York. At that time it was really difficult to DJ because the police were really tough. There were no clubs, there were places shutting down, so if I was going to get into music I really wanted to produce. I asked for some advice from people; for example Dandy Jack convinced me to buy a MPC 2000. So I bought that at a very young age and I started to learn that and sampling; it’s a very basic thing!

BPM Mag: Interview with Dinky

Dinky is an electronic diamond. From humble beginnings, dancing to Techno with Ricardo Villalobos and Luciano in Chile;  penetrating New York’s underground with her esoteric essence; to discovering her production fingers, moving to Berlin and finding love with Crosstown Rebels star, Matthew Styles, Dinky is the epitome of living the dream. Joining the ranks of Anja Schneider and Magda in the female powerhouse with releases on the best electronic labels, it’s no surprise she quickly blossomed into her role as the youngest female resident for Cocoon. Ahead of her visit to South Africa in June, we visited Dinkyland to find out more!

Where did your fascination with electronic music start?

Modern electronic music came to me when I was only 12 years old. My sister was going out with Dandy Jack [of Perlon fame] and living in Berlin at that time. At a family dinner he gave me a CD and I got instantly hooked on this music. It seemed so futuristic for me, compared to what we had in Chile at that time. Thanks to both him and my sister, I would always receive goodies – music from Kraftwerk, DAF, and house tapes from Doctor Motte. And then later on, things like the early Plastikman CD. I was really lucky!

How did you get into producing?

I guess it came when I was 21 or 22, and I moved to New York. At that time it was really difficult to DJ because the police were really tough. There were no clubs, there were places shutting down, so if I was going to get into music I really wanted to produce. I asked for some advice from people; for example Dandy Jack convinced me to buy a MPC 2000. So I bought that at a very young age and I started to learn that and sampling; it’s a very basic thing!

You’ve lived in Chile, New York and now Berlin; you restlessness has prevented each from ‘claiming’ you to a certain scene or genre of music; how have all 3 influenced your character and music over the years?

I lived long enough on each country to find myself very influenced by the music of each . I was born and raised in Chile and lived there until my late teens , so I feel mostly influenced by my Chilean roots than anything. In New York I found House and some techno, so I have a big influence from that city as well , I was in body and soul every single Sunday dancing to house music. And finally in Berlin where I moved in 2003, I got very much influenced by German electronic dance music specially in Panorama Bar and Berghain where I have a residency.

You originally went to New York to study contemporary dance- have you always had an interest in dancing itself, and how did this lead you to electronic music?

I started to dance when I was around 10 years old , before that I was doing rhythmic gymnastics.  I was very flexible and musical as a child and me and my family thought it was a good idea to start with dance. Dance did not lead to electronic music at all, they didn’t have much to do with each other for me back then but I used some electronic music for choreography .

You’re first record was released on Traum, and you’ve since released on some of the best labels in electronic music- Wagon Repair, Cocoon, Crosstown Rebels- a world first for any female producer, what made you want to make music?

I studied piano when I was a little girl so I always felt like composing songs or scores , I would read music or invent my own scores in the piano when I was little so I guess it was just somehow natural for me to start making music.

As a self-confessed gadget girl- what are your favourite new toys at the moment?

My acoustic guitar! Actually, I haven’t invested much in the studio this year because I have already at the moment all I need so I’m enjoying playing classic guitar mostly.

When producing, your music has been described as a beautifully intricate and layered work of art- a very evident aural expression. Do you have a strong visual tangent that goes with the sounds you create?

Yes I do ,Im very into esoterics and art , I actually also paint and I’m quite extreme when it comes to how my house looks in terms of decoration and space. I’m very visual. I also see sound as colours , I think that has a name in psychology but I don’t remember now..

You’re also an instrumentalist- you play the piano, guitar and strings- how important is being able to play proper instruments for you to ‘compose’ quality music electronically?

I think it’s somehow good for someone to know or to have the ear to play music , to makes music in tune or out of tune on purpose. I think when you start reading and recognizing music from an early age it never goes away (unless you never had the ear) but I also think there is no rules and maybe someone who does not know anything about harmony or pitch can be more free than someone who  is subject to his or her knowledge and academic rules.

Who are some of your favourite producers at moment/ who’ve influenced you?

I really like Tensnake at the moment because I’m a huge fan of Disco music and his tracks are very different but with the disco roots.

Being resident for Sven Vath’s Cocoon party in Ibiza- some would say there are not many dj dreams bigger than that- how does it feel to have your talent recognised on this level and to become part of the Cocoon family?

I could not believe it when it happened in 2004 but I had my fears and some people were a bit… ehm… jealous.  I was also much younger so it was all quite over-whelming , a mixture of excitement and fear at the same time! Now that I finally joined the agency and I am older it feels really natural because I been in contact with them for so many years and know them well … but yes it definitely felt huge back then and I was a bit unsure of everything.

You’re first night as Cocoon, how was that? / Which has been your favourite night at Cocoon and who did you play alongside that night?

It was with Miss Kitten, it was great , really great! I did the warn up and enjoyed it very much  and even though it was around 2004, I think that was my favourite night.

Tell us a bit about the Cocoon club concept and why it has the reputation and following it has…

I guess is very modern and artistic but with a great concept of marketing as well.  Sven supports music that normally would not get exposed because it’s very underground and sometimes experimental , so he uses his popularity and brand to expose very avant-garde artists like dj’s, musicians, dancers and designers. It’s a very visual and complete experience!

Dinky tours South Africa with Ibiza’s Cocoon Night in June.

BPM Mag: Pacha Ibiza in South Africa with JP Candela

PACHA: THE CHERRY ON TOP!

There’s something about Pacha; the way the word rolls off your tongue, the provocative allure of its iconic cherry logo or how its reputation as the most decadent club experience precedes it. Pacha oozes a superior clandestine club culture that only the privy, all seeing walls inside could ever truly regale. Each night at the club is a delicious topical sea of sight, sound and sexuality- the proverbial orgasm of clubs, as it were, and in June 2010, Pacha brings all its blissful hedonism to South Africa!

Pacha party perfection took off on the white isle of Ibiza many gorgeous summer moons ago. The club became a nightlife mecca and the brand has since blossomed into an empire, emblazoning cities like London, New York, Spain, Germany, Brazil and even the more obscure Egypt, Morocco and Russia with its cheeky cherries and suggestive electronic pull.

Some of the most infamous club nights have made Pacha their home, David Guetta’s F**k Me, I’m Famous party, Erick Morillo’s Subliminal night and more recently Swedish House Mafia hosted by Steve Angello, Axwell and Sebastian Ingrosso. Dj Sarah Main was one of their early discoveries, whose since found global success as their brand ambassador and resident blonde bombshell dj. Pacha also boasts the best team of club dancers on the planet- Steve Lawler even said so!

A testament to their knack for knowing what incredible performance is all about; Pacha can be credited with seeing the potential in SA’s live electronic act, Goldfish and throwing them by the tail onto the global stage, and we have no doubt their chosen headliner, Guetta’ protégé, JP Candela will alight South Africa’s Spanish delight when he headlines Pacha’s first South African tour during the World Cup!

INTERVIEW WITH JP CANDELA

You’ve been a resident at Pacha Madrid for 6 years, how did you get discovered by Pacha?
I used to work at small underground clubs until Pacha Madrid invited me to open a small lounge inside the club. This space was a great success, so they thought it would be great to close the lounge and get me playing at the Main Room. I said yes, of course. Every time I recall my time at Pacha Madrid I think of it as an amazing period of my life; nights were magical… I still go there to play, once a month.

Tell us about the House Music scene in Madrid and how did you get involved?
As a main European capital, its house music scene is solid and varied. This city has given birth to dj’s such as David Penn, Dj Chus and Wally López; these are examples of the rich movement of this gender of music in Madrid.
Since I was very young I felt deeply devoted to electronic music; I used to listen to it and decided that what I really wanted to do was to play it and create it. I love to test different sounds, my sessions are very eclectic. This is something that motivates me more than anything else: different styles mixed all together (electronic, pop, rock, etc).

You run your own successful club night, Heiress that has become quite popular with local and visiting celebrities? Heiress is a party I´ve been organizing for four years; it´s now in a pause because I´ve been focused in my productions and remixes, as well as the tours for Pacha Ibiza, but I´m willing to continue it once I´m stabilized. The truth is these parties have been a great success since the beginning: celebrities like Penelope Cruz, Javier Bardem, Hugh Grant, Kevin Spacey, Bruce Willis, Pedro Almodovar and sports people like Nadal, Ronaldo, Guti, Fernando Torres, Iker Casillas have all come to hang out. It’s been great!

As a brand ambassador for Pacha, you’ve get to travel around the world, tell us about life under the banner of the world’s most famous cherries?
I consider myself very lucky to be one of the artists involved in this brand, the most outstanding of all nightclubs worldwide. It’s also a guarantee of working in the best clubs, best professionals and the best audience anyone could desire. It’s an amazing experience

Have you ever hooked up with one of the infamous Pacha dancers?
No… And if I did, I wouldn´t say it either… My girlfriend is also my press assistant and she´s right here by my side giving me the eye, hahahaha! Anyway, all of them are great friends of mine.

Have you played at every Pacha in the world, and are they all as amazing as Pacha Ibiza?
No, I haven´t played in all of them yet. I usually play on Pacha tours which are not always Pacha clubs, but other clubs. I´ll be visiting Brazil soon and playing in several there… I think all the Pacha clubs worldwide share the essence, but Pacha Ibiza is unique. This can only be explained once you are there!

You have a remix on David Guetta’s new EP Memories; what it was like collaborating with Guetta?
The truth is it´s been incredible to collaborate with a big name such as Guetta; this is the most important thing that has ever happened to me as a producer. Pete Tong has supported this remix, this has been amazing because his radio show is a reference around the world.

Who is the one music artist you would love to collaborate with?
My favourite band is Depeche Mode… It would be smashing to remix one of their tracks. But there are many artist I´d love to work with; I´m currently new originals and remixes for other big artists will see the light mid-year. And next year I’d like to do my first artist album.

Your football team is Real Madrid, are you excited about being in South Africa over the 2010 World cup?
Sincerely, when Mark called me to tell me I´d be going to South Africa at the time of the World Cup I jumped! It will be the first time Spain will be so near of achieving a World Cup. Besides, South Africa is one of the trips I´ve always wanted to make.

Are you going to be able to watch your team Spain play while you are here?
That would be my dream; I think it will be hard to get some tickets, but I´m already working on it… It would be very exciting, indeed. I can’t wait- big hugs and see you in South Africa soon!

‘Pacha is the premium club brand hands down! They know what they’re doing when it comes to putting on a party. When you first walk into the club, the feeling is just electric- they have their own special x-factor, I don’t know what it is but  this is the real deal! Pacha coming to South Africa is just awesome and we’re really excited. JP Candela is one seriously hot dj, we’ve played with him a few times, once was the very first time we played at Pacha in Madrid and he was super cool- we rate him. And we can’t wait!’ ~ Dominic Peters, Goldfish

Wikki Wikki Ching Ching!

Many dj’s would have you believe they were birthed with their fingers melded to a turntable. They weren’t. Very often when their mothers tried to enrol them into Rocket Science School after matric graduation, they said ‘Nah, I don’t wanna go to space anyway, I just wanna party with my friends.’ And as if by some holy transference from God is a Dj himself, it dawned on them; they could indeed make a living from clubbing like a lunatic.

Dj’ing isn’t rocket science. At the very least, it’s a sport, and at the most; a well layered art form. But somewhere in between someone realised it’s a damn good way to make easy money, doing, well- very little. And why not? When the good times are rolling, they can spin right up your alley! Big brands fall over themselves to dish out car endorsements and sneaker sponsorships (‘I just wanna hola to my aMaZiNg hairdresser in Sandton for my aWeSoMe hair extensions!!’ (Sorry about that, it’s in the contract.)) -to latch onto some cool-by-association cred from these ‘major music personalities’.

So some have cracked the code and entered this irrevocable system that is life on the top shelf of SA DJ land- and who’s to say they haven’t worked damn hard to live the local dream? But what about when it comes at the expense of the music industry itself? I’m talking about people with the money to buy their way in. Only in South Africa is it possible to buy- yes buy- yourself gigs at big events and blag your way to some contrived feeling of electronic accomplishment. But then, this isn’t new- it’s just becoming more obviously anti-progressive for the club scene itself.

Money can buy you the marketing, the management- what the hell; the whole friggen hype machine and a stupid kid to make a few tracks with your name on it so you can say you’re ‘IN the music industry’. In fact, make it two; you might need an edgier, techy alter ego, right? Money can also buy you a ‘tour’ to Ibiza, a VIP ticket for Cocoon, and a few shots of liquid courage before walking up to Loco Dice himself and giving him a demo of your skillz. It’s like a bad mafia movie only the ‘stash’ is the coveted disc of crap tunes, the accents are from District 9- and nobody says a thing.

Let me tell you what money can’t buy you. Money can’t buy you originality, style, a rad personality and that coolness that cool people emulate without trying. It sure as hell can’t buy you good taste in music. -For the sake of the ear drums of clubbing societies at large, I wish it could. Mostly; money can’t buy you the insatiable hunger a starving artist feels for his craft, it can’t buy you a genuine thirst for creative success. (And as it turns out, you perverted, mumbling idiot; it can’t buy you groupies or a sex life.)

Hunter S. Thomspon epitomised the situation when he said, ‘The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. [There’s also a negative side].’ Of course; Hunter was being his eloquently sardonic self; he no doubt had friends who ‘gave it all up for music’- sometimes at the expense of common sense- and witnessed their frustration and hardships, while pompous fat cats mowed past their genuine resolution after their own selfish crusade.

There’s a difference between simply dj’s and musicians; the calling for this music life is not a gamble easily satiated by winning a popularity contest, a jackpot payout and a feature on the Ultimix@6. Ultimately the painstaking journey; at times choosing music over food, fashion and fun, are what shapes a true artist; an unwavering passion purged into creative genius. The music always finds its way to the top and will be remembered long after the men who simply played it are gone.