The Pondering Blonde

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!

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

BPM Life Interview with Rafael Noronha

Rafael Noronha is label boss, feature artist and general guru on all things Lo Kik! Rafael’s enduring journey started 8 years ago and he’s quickly become renowned for his powerful, innovative sets and impressive mixing skills; stealing the limelight at the Brazilian ‘Dj Sound Awards’ in 2005 and 2006. In 2008 he claimed the award for Best Dj and is now considered one of Brazil’s top dj’s.

Besides his solo productions, he’s remixed music for the likes of Glenn Morrison, Gui Boratto, D-Nox & Beckers, Jon Rundell, Andrey Loud, Planet Funk and Utah Saints, together with friend and production partner Re Dupre and does a weekly slot on Energia 97 FM’s Clubtronic radio show, which features the most requested dj’s in the country.

As A&R of RC2 Music Group, which manages Lo Kik Records and Wired Music, Rafael scouts the best up and coming artist from around the country; both labels are dedicated to launching Brazilian talent on a global platform and to the Brazilian e-music market. The company represents one of the biggest and most diverse structures in artistic management and consultancy in Brazil, and is responsible for some of the major electronic music festivals in the country.

FOUR TO THE FLOOR WITH RAFAEL

How did you start the label, and how did you get artists like Gui Borotto to release on it…?
We started the label naturally with the growth of local music production. Working in this industry for a few years and knowing a lot of talented people involved in it, the necessity to show our values to the rest of the world and have a serious and professional work behind it, pushed label’s in the beginning.

Gui Boratto, besides a great artist, is a great friend. He accompanied the growth and maturation of the label and the artists, and the releases came organically from that. The idea to do a release for the first time on a Brazilian label and have 3 Brazilian artists remix was chosen by him and the result was a special and rewarding project!

Tell us a bit about the dance scene in Brazil…
Nowadays we can say that we have one of the biggest dance scenes in the world; many clubs and parties are focused on dj’s performing and the degree at which we’ve progressed can be seen in the amount of international artists daily in Brazil.

Indeed the commercial music still has its predominance but considering the huge territorial extension, electronic music is present in the four corners of Brazil and the various aspects of electronic music all have its own space too. The label is based in Santos, approximately 40 minutes from the Brazilian metropolis, São Paulo city.

How did you start dj’ing and what do you have in mind for the future?
I started playing 10 years ago when I was 17 years of age, but even before that I was always the ‘wrong’ one in the middle of class listening to strange music. For a long time I was just a dj and had a very good market in Brazil and during this time I got a lot of experience with various types of clubs, parties, people, dancefloors… and also had the time to listen to much music.

All this was very important to starting my own music label, I studied music as well, and today I find myself in the future doing what really gives me pleasure, which is working with the music, being in the studio producing, studying, managing Lo Kik and also showing my work at the parties.

Have you ever visited South Africa, and what are you expecting from your trip?
This is something that I’m actually really anticipating. South Africa is a beautiful country and has a history that I have followed since childhood, and while studying. And knowing that I know all this and being able to show my work there fascinates me a lot. And with it also being the year of the World Cup, a very special moment for the country, I hope to get the experience being a Brazilian, hehe; after all we’re the best team in the world of football!

http://www.myspace.com/lokikrecords
http://www.myspace.com/rafaelnoronha

BPM Mag Interview with Protoculture

There aren’t many in the world who can truly say they’re ‘Big in Japan’ but SA’s pioneer of groovy intergalactic psytrance, Nate Raubenheimer, aka Protoculture is one to have chewed on some serious sound sushi up North- and a little Goldfish as it turns out; his remix of Goldfish’s Cruising Through for BPM’s first Remixed competition was picked up by Pacha Recordings last year- and nominated in this year’s SAMA Awards for Best Remix- results still to follow. But nowhere near tempted to trade up for white beaches and Blue Lagoons on tap, Protoculture’s year is going to be filled with a little more jungle fever and a whole lot of Love Technology…

There’s no other way to say it; Protoculture is one of the few South African artists to have truly broken into the global game. His rigorous tour travels take him around the world each year and see him owning the stage at infamous festivals like Glade in the UK. Just his schedule over the next 3 months reads like a dj’s dream date- Maitreya Festival in Australia, Ground Beat in Japan and Soul Vision in Brazil- where he jet sets off to in the next few days with nothing but whipping the locals into an exotic frenzy on his mind!

You’re third album, Love Technology is coming out end of March, give us the rundown.

‘Ye I’m really excited about Love Technology. My second album took a bit of an electro tangent and this album has come back to where the first album started, so it’s kind of like a full circle and I’m really happy with it. There are elements of electro, progressive and a more housey trance sound. It’s good to shake up the psy sound and keep it interesting- sometimes a lot of it does run into each other and sound the same.’

You’ve played with some of the best dj in the world- Armin, PVD, ever tempted to cash in and bang the cheese?

[Laughs] No, I can’t stand the diva vocals! I admire the likes of Armin, he has made a great a career for himself- as a business model, he’s pretty damn good and I think there’s no harm in pushing what you’ve done further if you have the platform to do so. The way he’s marketed, runs his label- he’s a professional at the top of his game.

So hanging out with these guys in the VIP room, what are they like?

They’ve always been childhood heroes of mine, so it’s great to chill and chat with them. They’re just pretty normal guys. They keep it quite tidy these days, back in the day they partied hard. Very hard. Now they play, hang around a bit and they leave. When you’ve been doing this for many years, each party is just another gig for you really.

What is it like on tour, do you get to explore much while you’re there?

Often the tour schedule is just crazy and you don’t have time to enjoy the party or get to experience the city. My wife used to come with me but now she doesn’t tour as much. It’s not a holiday, there’s an itinerary of times to be here and there- sometimes you finish the gig and come off to find a taxi waiting to take you to the airport to go to the next city. One time I was picked up by helicopter so I wouldn’t miss my flight!

You recently launched your own podcast…

Yes, the podcast is called Trance Global Express- its available on iTunes- the first episode was released in January. It’s a monthly 2 hour radio show, featuring my mixes and new tracks and having some fun with the music- I’d been thinking about doing it for a while, so excited to see how it develops over the next few months!
Look out for Protoculture’s new album Love Technology in stores from late March!

BPM Mag Interview with Troydon

There’s always an energetic stirring on the underground when news of a rare pilgrimage home from Troydon starts making the rounds. House heads clamour to shake their hips to his infectious house vibe and pay their respects to the Dj and Producer who traded the City of Gold for the Big Apple several years ago. His 2010 return is no different, so we thought a catch up was due. Here’s Troydon on his latest move- to the City of Angels no less; making music with Diplo and Switch and Die Antwoord!

It’s been a while since BPM last spoke to you; tell us what you’ve been up to production wise the past couple of years?

The last couple of years I was in New York I was doing a lot of engineering at a pretty high profile recording studio, Downtown Music. Things were pretty busy so I didn’t make much of my own music during that time but it was always something I was interested in and I learnt so much having never gone to school for recording or music when growing up. Even though I had to put making my own music on hold for a little while, what I learnt and just the life experiences I gained by working in a studio, will be of great value to me in a number of different ways in the future.

You left SA for the Big Apple several years ago- how has it been as a producer and sound engineer to make inroads into the American music industry?

It’s been really hard work and long hours full of sweat and tears, with the ups and downs as we all face in the music industry, but I love what I do and wouldn’t change it for anything. I think perseverance is key and if you just keep on knocking and knocking eventually things start to open up. I’m still really excited about the prospects of what’s out there and absolutely anything could happen in the future. It’s all possible!

Los Angeles recently became your home town, many reputed dance artists have made this their home of late- David Guetta, Steve Angello… is there something in the night air?

Yes, there is definitely something in the air… But our move happened pretty naturally; while working with Switch at Downtown in NYC when he was out recording I mentioned that my wife (Lisa) possibly had some work opportunities in LA and he said we should do it and offered me to come and work for him. We figured it was the path we are meant to take so we went for it. It’s been about 6 months, and so far we’re pretty happy. It was kinda strange getting use to driving everywhere again though after catching trains around NY for 5/6 years but I am really enjoying that freedom of just being able to get up and go. To me it’s a bit like a combo of JHB and CPT with the city/downtown LA and then also having such beautiful beaches right here too. Plus I love snowboarding and we have mountains about an hour and half away……..bonus!

We’re seeing it filtering slowly in on MTV and the like, how is the commercial music market in the US now opening up to the ‘new’ electronic music sounds?

I really think the latter part of 2009 has shown everyone that the US is most definitely open to it in a big way! I really believe 2010 is going to be an exciting year here for electronic music on a much more credible level than what we have heard so far. There’s a lot of excitement because people have seen what is possible and are hungry to push to try to make things happen.

You have a new moniker called SUBSKRPT and done remixes for Major Lazer, Rusko and Crookers, what is your vision with this alias and how does it differ to your Troydon productions?

This is something that I am really excited about and I think it’s largely due to the fact that I am getting time to make music again! The vision is pretty broad for this moniker and I really don’t wanna box Subskrpt musically at all. Just off the bat the Major Lazer Cashflow remix is Dubstep, the Rusko Woo Boost remix is a club banger and the Crookers remix I did is a bit more poppy than anything I have ever done before. I have also just finished mixing a compilation of Dubsided’s Catalogue and did an exclusive track for that which is pretty much deep house again.

So I guess its all fair game at the moment. Anything that’s good, fun and exciting is what I want to do. This attitude has really made making music fun again and I think you will hear that translate in the material that you hear coming from subskrpt in the future. Check out www.myspace.com/subskrpt for updates as there are a few more pretty exciting things on the cards that I can’t mention as yet ;-)

You are renowned for your Chicago influenced house sound, how has it developed or changed over the past few years? How much do you let yourself be influenced by music trends?

Good solid house music will always be my roots and what I grew up on. I’ll always love it but I think as you get older and more experienced, as far as making music goes, u start to explore and open up to more. I think this is just a natural progression for me. I want to keep growing and I feel that if I just keep doing something that I already know how to do I’ll get bored and that’ll translate in the music that comes out- something I definitely don’t want to happen.

You appear to be less loudly branded and hyped than many dj/ producers, is it your intention for the legend of Troydon to be spread organically?

I think that’s partly due to my personality as I really battle to dance & shout about myself and tell everyone how good I am. It’s something that I need to work on but I’m glad the material I did under my own name has grown organically because it is such a great reflection of who I am. I will however be trying to improve on this with the subskrpt bits. For some reason because it’s not under my given name it makes me feel like I can say things like “the new subskrpt beats are super sick and you need to look out for what’s coming cause its gonna be hot! ”-which is something I would have never said about any Troydon material, haha!

Dance-loving SA is always happy to hear about your return, are you aware that for many you represent an original- and much missed- house music era in our country?

I do indeed and it puts a bit of pressure on me to play music that I’m known for at home. I will do my best to play some good solid house beats for the real old school heads but also throw in some fresh new exciting stuff for the kids that are coming up now to enjoy too. This way the new kids are being exposed to stuff they do not know and the older house heads can get a taste of some of the new stuff but not just get pummelled with bleepy crazy mental ADD music all night long which makes you feel like you could explode!

What advice would you give to local artists trying to establish themselves internationally?

Just make music you believe in and have fun with it. Don’t take it too seriously; enjoy what it means to be able to make music. It’s a true blessing and you should have as much fun as possible when doing it because that energy all comes across in the tracks! Look at “Die Antwoord” when I first watched the clip for “zef side and the ninja one” they were only on a few thousand views. After Diplo put it on his blog it then got on to Pitchfork and now they at like 500 000 views or something crazy!

I am just trying to point out how quick things can break and how well it translates when you can see people are not taking themselves too seriously and are truly having fun with music and art! I mean, tons of people watching those clips don’t understand half of what is going on anyway but they can pick up on the energy which is key.

What characteristics of SA life do you miss- local cuisine, favourite places etc?

I miss all of it! Food, clubs, people, family, weather, lifestyle. I am so excited when I come home and am always sad to leave. This time is even more special for me too because I am officially an uncle as my sister has recently had a baby boy so I am very happy to get to come home and meet my first nephew. Gotta get him spinning records and making music as soon as possible!