A man that loves house music and its noteworthy origins, Manfrop is a highly skilled music producer that aims to keep the inviting tone of disco music alive. His latest single ‘Number Two’ with the intoxicating vocals of noteworthy collaborator Jessie Wagner,  adds an addictive call to the dancefloor energy to the mix. A lively and spirited release via Riptide Originals, the producer keeps proving to us that disco will always have a place and space in the world of electronic music. We asked the dedicated producer and songwriter some questions about his influences in this interview below.

Stream/ download: ManfroP – ‘Number Two (ft. Jessie Wagner)’

This will be your next release featuring the vocals of Jessie Wagner. How did you two meet?

Actually, I never met Jessie Wagner …Two years ago, I was looking for a big house/female voice for my first disco/house track. Then a friend of mine (Jerry Aura/also a DJ) recommended that I check Jessie Wagner’s profile. He was right, she’s the singer I just needed. So I contacted her through the website called SoundBetter, the ‘Givin’up’ track was born this way.

Since then, we have collaborated on three other songs, such as ‘Number Two’. One of my main goals is to meet her for real and have her sing live on my tracks.

Tell us about your earliest musical memory?

It’s actually my first house music memory: Joe Smooth – ‘Promised Land’

 This track is disco-influenced, what are your favourite elements of this genre?

I love disco for two reasons. 

1. For what it represents: it’s the first real account of dance music that massively influenced people to move on the dance floor. With ‘Number Two’, I tried to pay tribute to the mythical Studio 54 era, which will always symbolize joy, celebration, and freedom.

2.  I also love disco because of its amazing groove. In my opinion, this groove is the source of the greatest house hits and obviously the source of my disco/house tracks. My favourite musical elements in disco are the guitars and the violins, which are always so pleasant to transpose to house music.

Please list some of the most influential albums on your creative outlook and output:

Quincy Jones – The Dude

Michael Jackson – Thriller

Depeche Mode – Music for the Masses

Daft Punk – Discovery

What key pieces of gear/software are you using to define your sound?

I use only software on my computer: 

– Daw (Ableton live)

– A lot of samples

– Plugins effects (Waves, Fabfilter)

– Vst synth (Serum, Sylenth1)

What inspires you outside of music? What do you turn to when the creative well runs a little low?

Sport. I exercise every day: fitness, bodybuilding and running for 1 hour, whether I’m inspired or not.

What is your opinion on the ever spreading sub-genre vine? Are there too many? Do you think there’s perhaps a sub-genre that doesn’t get the attention it deserves?  

In my opinion, there are not too many sub-genres. Electronic music should have no limits but I think there is no need to try to classify music every time. Just listen to what you like.

Studio work and music creation or performing and interacting with a live audience, what do you prefer?

The best experience is when fans dance along with my tracks.

As a music artist, it becomes apparent that there is a huge difference between the art and the business. Is there anything about the music scene that you would personally change?

Yes, of course. There is a huge difference between the art and the business. But the music business is just like all other businesses and we have to deal with it.

Any new or upcoming artists on your radar? Who shouldn’t the world sleep on?

Antoine Chambe.

One last thought to leave your fans with?

Life is music and music is life.

Follow ManfroP:

Facebook – Twitter – Soundcloud – Youtube – Instagram – TikTok – Spotify

Follow Jessie Wagner:

Facebook – Twitter – Youtube – Instagram – Spotify

Leaving one reminiscing about the ‘90s club scene, JONDOE’s latest single ‘Lost Your Mind’ is a nostalgic track that has one’s hip-swaying along with its rich beats almost instantly. The Aaki Records track was created with the thought of being captured by the music so that you forget about the world around you for the song’s duration. Along with this, you also forget about your inhibitions as you are hooked by each unique beat and sequence. A lover of all things Chicago House and Detroit House related, the French producer has also drawn influence from disco and pop. We asked JONDOE a few questions about his love for house music, in this exclusive interview with him.

Stream / Download: ‘Lost Your Mind’

Tell us about your earliest musical memory?

Attending my first Cypress Hill concert when I was 12 years old! I was a huge fan who was listening to all of their albums, and seeing them live was crazy. I was still a kid, so it was like a big dream come true.  

At what point in your life did you have that moment where you said to yourself “This is it. This is the type of music I want to create?”

To be honest, I didn’t have a key moment. I started listening to lots of different kinds of music when I was 8 years old, and it just stayed this way. It is like a journey that never ends as it started 30 years ago, and I continue to learn and discover every day. 

Please list some of the most influential albums on your creative outlook and output:

The last two albums from Kaytranada and Disclosure.  

Also, the production stylings of DJ Mehdi, Armand Van Helden, DJ Premier and J Dilla.

This track is about losing yourself in the music and your love for house music. Was there a time that you lost yourself in other forms of art?

I think that any form of art is made to lose oneself in. One loses themselves while dancing, while looking at a photo, a painting, or a film… It’s so fascinating and causes such a sensation.

What key pieces of gear/software are you using to define your sound?

I use a keyboard and I like using voice sampling, reverb and delay effects. 

The congas are my favorite instrument from my drum rack. 

What inspires you outside of music? What do you turn to when the creative well runs a little low?

I’m really inspired by photography. If I was not doing music, I would be focusing more seriously on photography, but it will happen at some point for sure!  

When I need inspiration, sport is a good thing for searching and listening, and also finding new ideas.

What is your opinion on the ever spreading sub-genre vine? Are there too many? Do you think there’s perhaps a sub-genre that doesn’t get the attention it deserves?  

Indeed I find that often we always want to place genres in categories to identify and classify. Sometimes it’s useless, “it’s just music”.

Studio work and music creation or performing and interacting with a live audience, what do you prefer?

Without a doubt, I would say that I prefer to interact with the public although I really enjoy my time in the studio. I cherish that moment when you tell yourself that you found “the right idea” and you start to move your head along with the music. 

Your latest song is inspired by Chicago House and Detroit House and you previously mentioned that you enjoy the energy of these musical genres. What about their energy draws you in?

I’m talking about the energy they federate. I love the kick drums that characterize their music.

Sampling is often used, it’s a technique I love because it’s unlimited.  

I like the warmth and the gospel side of Chicago house, as well as the more raw and underground side of Detroit house. 

As a music artist, it becomes apparent that there is a huge difference between the art and the business. Is there anything about the music scene that you would personally change?

If there is one thing that I would change, it would be the way we consume music these days. We tend to move on quickly from track to track, and I think it can cause some harm to emerging projects. We spend a lot of time promoting our music and once it’s out, we are already on the move for future releases. 

Any new or upcoming artists on your radar? Who shouldn’t the world sleep on?

Yes, JONDOE of course.

What can we expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or gigs in the pipeline that you would like to tell us about?

I am already done with a few new tracks. My goal for the end of the year is to stay more present in the music scene and to be more regular with releasing songs. There will be a few singles coming out in 2022!  

In addition to my Parisian residencies, I will also have some other amazing dates and DJ sets… Stay tuned!

One last thought to leave your fans with?

Sincerely, thank you! I would say that it is only the beginning… 

‘Lost Your Mind’ features on HOUSE_GROUND.fm

Follow JONDOE:

Facebook – Soundcloud – Youtube – TikTok – Instagram – Spotify

We caught up with him in the wake of his release for a chat about his artistic process, his inspiration, and how the pandemic has affected the infamous Manchester nightlife.

‘Elegy’ is a high energy track, beautifully suited to the dance-floor. How does it set the mood for your upcoming album Mezzanine?

The whole EP follows on the same vibe Elegy gives off: mellow, reflective & blissful. I feel all 4 tracks have energy behind them, but they don’t intrude too much so they’re equally as suited for both home-listening or the dancefloor. 

Pre-save Mezzanine EP

You wrote ‘Elegy’ almost as an ode to the pre-covid days of clubbing. How has the pandemic changed things for the House Music scene in Manchester?

I think since clubs have opened things have definitely changed since the days before lockdown. More exciting local artists and DJs have emerged and some promoters seem to be making a conscious effort to diversify their lineups. Lockdown was crippling to a lot of people in the nightlife industry, and it’s been so nice to see it start up again. Manchester’s nightlife has always been one of the best, and the people here are determined to keep it that way.

Stream / Download ‘Elegy’

Tell us about your earliest musical memory?

My absolute earliest memory would be sitting in the backseat of my parents car with Moloko – Sing It Back playing on the stereo. According to my parents, whenever that song would play I would drive them crazy by just repeating “back, back, back, back, back…” as it was the only part I knew how to say

Please list some of the most influential albums on your creative outlook and output:

Daft Punk – Discovery, Massive Attack – Mezzanine (yep, same name as my new EP ahah!), Tycho – Dive, Daft Punk – Alive 2007, Little Dragon – Season High. 

I don’t necessarily make music like in these albums, but the themes and nuance in these albums are very influential to my musical development.

What key pieces of gear/software are you using to define your sound?

Hardware wise, I have a Novation Peak, Digitakt Elektron and a Kog Minilogue. I love using them so much and pretty much use them in all my productions. VST wise, Korg Monopoly, U-he Diva and TB-303 are my most used. 

What inspires you outside of music? What do you turn to when the creative well runs a little low?

I usually turn to DJing or searching for new music. That always gives me a new lease of creativity. If that fails then I just take a step back for a week or so until I feel my creative levels are back up. 

Studio work and music creation or performing and interacting with a live audience, what do you prefer?

I love doing both, they go hand in hand for me. DJing is a great way of getting that instant buzz whereas producing and creating music brings a gradual sense of achievement. 

As a music artist, it becomes apparent that there is a huge difference between the art and the business. Is there anything about the music scene that you would personally change?

In the last few years it has been really good to see more varied lineups at festivals and events. In particular, it’s so refreshing to see more diverse people (female, queer, POC) higher up on billings as opposed to lineups 100% male orientated. Whilst there have been improvements in certain cities and events, the scene as a whole has a long way to go until we reach a point of full diversity and inclusion with event line-ups. 

Any new or upcoming artists on your radar? Who shouldn’t the world sleep on?

Guy Contact, Dylan Forbes, Harry Oscillate, Reptant! 

What can we expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or gigs in the pipeline that you would like to tell us about?

Well, gig wise I’ll be doing my first vinyl set in Manchester which is exciting. And I may be heading to Paris soon for something with Houseum Records. Additionally, 2022 looks to be a busy one for further releases on some very fun record labels. 

Follow Aiden Francis:
Facebook – Twitter – Soundcloud – Instagram – Spotify

Inage Credit: Alex Winton

Releasing their transcending track ‘Vivi’ via Monstercat, the duo Elevven rise from the ashes of a turbulent two years for live gigs. ‘Vivi’ takes light and levitating electronic textures, leaving us feeling relaxed and somewhat at ease about whatever is rattling the brainwaves. The duo consists of pals and music producers Shahin and Swapneel who produced this track as a tribute to their family and community who have constantly been supporting their musical endeavors, now more than ever. Now that festivals are picking up again, the duo has also lit up the stage once again, performing at the TranceFamilySF Festival earlier this month. 

We chatted with Elevven, who shared their future plans. 

Tell us about your earliest musical memory?

Earliest all-time musical memory…buying The Lion King soundtrack on CD! (No, really).

The very first electronic music memory I have is hearing two particular songs: Andain’s ‘Beautiful Things’ and Motorcycle’s ‘As The Rush Comes’, both featured on Tiesto’s Nyana compilation. These two records served as the gateway into dance music for me and I became obsessed.

At what point in your life did you have that moment where you said to yourself “This is it. This is the type of music I want to create?”

It must have been around the time that I began diving deeper into the old trance compilations. I grew up as a rock/metalhead, and early vocal trance became my gateway. Soon after discovering the genre, I was introduced to the early Anjunabeats compilations, and I was blown away by the musicality and the parallels shared in that music with progressive rock.

Please list some of the most influential albums on your creative outlook and output:

Above & Beyond – Tri-State

Tiesto – Nyana

Anjunabeats 100 – From Goa to Rio

Thrice – The Artist in the Ambulance

Dream Theater – Images & Words

What key pieces of gear/software are you using to define your sound?

As a duo, we tend to use all different kinds of gear, and we make life difficult for ourselves. Neel uses Ableton, and I (Shahin) use Cubase. That being said, we’re pretty familiar with all DAWs and all software.

I also have a Dave Smith Prophet Rev 2 that I use for certain sounds, and when I can bust it out, my Moog Sub 37!

What inspires you outside of music? What do you turn to when the creative well runs a little low?

I try to take an extended break from working on a song and come back with fresh ears. This is really hard to force myself to do at times because I keep telling myself that I “must keep going”. Sadly, that’s rarely true and sometimes you need to pull yourself away and come back with some fresh perspective (and maybe coffee).

What is your opinion on the ever spreading sub-genre vine? Are there too many? Do you think there’ s perhaps a sub-genre that doesn’t get the attention it deserves?

I actually think it’s fantastic seeing more and more ‘sub genres’ spring up, because these vines are beginning to get intermingled. We’re starting to see more techno influences come back into the trance world – and vice versa! Much of the melodic and deep house music that is resonating with folks also brings over those trance-inspired elements. I think it’s fantastic.

Studio work and music creation or performing and interacting with a live audience, what do you prefer?

This is a toughie. I think they both scratch very different itches for me, but if I absolutely had to pick one, it would be music production (or at least, those ‘fun’ moments of production!) There’s nothing more satisfying than wrapping up a song and being immensely proud of how it sounds.

Sometimes it takes a while, but the payoff is worth it.

As a music artist, it becomes apparent that there is a huge difference between art and the business. Is there anything about the music scene that you would personally change?

I feel it has become increasingly difficult (in some ways) for artists to make a living off of their music. There’s a continued reliance on live gigs to bring in any sort of income, and the fees offered in those gigs seem to be ever creeping lower.

Any new or upcoming artists on your radar? Who shouldn’t the world sleep on?

This past year has given us the opportunity to share the music from some up-and-coming artists that we love and really champion their music. Some notable examples that we’re huge fans of include Hausman and Movement Machina.

What can we expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or gigs in the pipeline that you would like to tell us about?

We’ve just wrapped up a couple of remixes that were debuted at Above & Beyond’s recent ABGT450 gig, and ‘Vivi’ is our first official release under the Monstercat banner (although our history with Silk Music goes back 10 years!)

Lots of upcoming shows on the horizon as well, including Groove Cruise in early 2022.

One last thought to leave your fans with?

We’re eternally grateful to our fans and community that have helped us get through this past year. It’s been our biggest blessing and we love you guys!

‘Vivi’ features on the Spotify playlist HOUSE_GROUND.fm

Follow Elevven:

Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Spotify

Japanese deep house music producer Lycoriscoris has left us spellbound with his latest album Chiyu released via reputable record label Anjunadeep. Listening to each track on this album, one feels like you are floating between time and space. Inspired by everyday life and its many challenges along with beautiful moments, Lycoriscoris’s album celebrates life. Featuring the song ‘Shizumu’, this track steers toward a more danceable direction, leaving one feeling liberated and invigorated. Known to be quite a gentle and reserved soul, this certainly reflects in Yunosuke Senoo a.k.a. Lycoriscoris’s work. We had a chat with the thoughtful producer and discovered that he is just as charming and sincere as his luminescent sound.

Stream / Download Chiyu LP

Tell us about your earliest musical memory?

I took keyboard lessons when I was a child. I didn’t like music at that time.

At what point in your life did you have that moment where you said to yourself “This is it. This is the type of music I want to create?”

Up until then, I had only listened to J-POP, and old UK rock, but I was looking for something more innovative and unique. When I was about 19, I discovered electronic music. I don’t know if it was a defining moment, but I think it was a very big turning point.

Please list some of the most influential albums on your creative outlook and output:

OK computer – Radiohead

Geogaddi – Boards of Canada

An Imaginary Country – Tim Hecker

Obrigado Saudade – Mice Parade

Eingya – Helios

Felt – Nils Flahm

Ma Fleur – Cinematic Orchestra

What key pieces of gear/software are you using to define your sound?

Battery 4 – Native Instruments

PerFourMer MKII – Vermona

What inspires you outside of music? What do you turn to when the creative well runs a little low?

Walking, driving, and snapping a photo.

Your alias Lycoriscoris is named after the Japanese flower that signifies both death and connection. Which song on this album represents the meaning of Lycoriscoris?

“the Japanese flower that signifies both death and connection” is a little different. It’s quite a long story, but let me explain ‘Lycoris’.

Many people don’t have a good image of this flower because it is found in graves and blooms in season, the day when the souls of the dead are supposed to come closer to this world. In addition, the flower is poisonous in small quantities, and people have given it various names with sinister meanings.

And while there are various bad names, there seem to be some good meanings, such as “passion” and “independence”. And the one that appealed to me the most was “until we meet again”. I don’t know why this flower was given this name, but I think it’s a very nice meaning.

These are really difficult to explain, so please refer to the English version on Wikipedia. Look at the section on “Uses and legends”. My English is really limited! I have used translations and dictionaries to write this long explanation, but I am sure I have not covered all the little nuances.

In other words, the most important thought for me in my artist’s name is “looking forward to the day we meet again”. It’s hard to decide which track best expresses this, but I think ‘Chiyu’ (to recover) and ‘Inori’ (to pray) do.

What is your opinion on the ever-spreading sub-genre vine? Are there too many? Do you think there’ s perhaps a sub-genre that doesn’t get the attention it deserves?

I don’t like to be categorized into genres, so I think that it would be rather interesting if there were so many genres that it could not function as it should.  For example, it would be nice to have your own genre.

Studio work and music creation or performing and interacting with a live audience, what do you prefer?

Sometimes it’s good to interact with the audience, but  I prefer to work in the studio.

 Your Chiyu album is about portraying the recovery process during difficult times in life. Tell us about how music has impacted your personal recovery process during these times

With ‘Chiyu’ I wanted to make an album that uses a dance music format but also allows you to confront yourself and sink into a deeper place. 

I think that by facing it, we can find a way to recover. I don’t know if I’ve “recovered” from any of my problems during this period, but I think I’ve been listening to music in a more self-conscious way than ever before.

It is not important whether I have recovered as a result, this album is expressing my “wish” and “attitude”.

As a music artist, it becomes apparent that there is a huge difference between the art and the business. Is there anything about the music scene that you would personally change?

I think there is a format that says that art, including the style of business, is what it is. I don’t think my music is art. And It’s not for business. So I haven’t really paid much attention to the content of this question.

Any new or upcoming artists on your radar? Who shouldn’t the world sleep on?

TWO LANES. 

What can we expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or gigs in the pipeline that you would like to tell us about?

So far I have released albums, but in the future, I would like to make EPs, singles, and remixes. Making an album takes a lot of energy.

One last thought to leave your fans with?

Thanks for always listening!

‘Shizumu’ features on the Spotify playlist ​​HOUSE_GROUND.fm

Follow Lycoriscoris:

Website – Facebook – Soundcloud – Instagram – Spotify

2021 has been bliss for the Bloom Twins who have been commended for their collaborative artistry, with  BBC noting them as Game Changers on socials. The duo have also shared an official remix from renowned duo SOFI TUKKER via Armada Music, for their original track with Jan Blomqvist titled ‘High On Beat’. The Ukraine sisters Anna and Sonya Kuprienko are charming vocalists that carry any track with conviction in their delivery. The SOFI TUKKER remix once again proves that the Bloom Twins have the adaptable vocals for the ever-changing electronic music landscape. We wait in anticipation to see what this versatile duo have in the works moving forward, but until then we chatted with the sisters Bloom Twins and discovered that they are comfortable in their skin. 

Stream/ download: ‘High On Beat’ (SOFI TUKKER remix)

Tell us about your earliest musical memory?

Before we could speak, we started to sing. We would copy every sound we could hear. Our parents felt a strong need to put us in the music school because it was the first language we picked up.

At what point in your life did you have that moment where you said to yourself “This is it. This is the type of music I want to create?”

I’m not sure which genre I want to create,  I just know which emotion I want to deliver. Looking at the blank canvas I don’t really know where it’s gonna take me, I just fill it in step by step. The songwriting process is a mystery – the beauty of the unknown.

Please list some of the most influential albums on your creative outlook and output:

The Velvet Underground & Nico.

 This year has seen you collaborate on several dance singles with globally renowned music producers. What are the highlights of these experiences so far?

It’s crazy to think that it all came to life with the help of Instagram. In a new digital era, you’re only one DM away from connecting with literally anyone. We messaged Benny Benassi, Jan Blomqvist, Sofi Tukker and they all responded that they like our music. It feels so great to have such feedback from such iconic electronic artists!

What inspires you outside of music? What do you turn to when the creative well runs a little low?

We love fashion and how it comes together with music. Seem like one can’t exist without the other. Like my twin and I.

Studio work and music creation or performing and interacting with a live audience, what do you prefer?

Studio work and performing are just such different sides to music. One could turn you into an introvert and another into an extrovert. It makes it hard to compare the two. I must admit coming out of the lockdown makes me excited about performing but equally terrified. 

As a music artist, it becomes apparent that there is a huge difference between the art and the business. Is there anything about the music scene that you would personally change?

We should support the differences rather than fitting into the existing genres. We were also asked to fix our accents as otherwise wouldn’t be favored and played on the radio stations. We don’t think it is necessary, we should all be proud of our upbringing and where we are from.

Any new or upcoming artists on your radar? Who shouldn’t the world sleep on?

Absolutely in love with Jelani Blackman’s work! He recently released a track with the Gorillaz and it’s doing really well!

Can you describe the feeling of having the original track reworked by SOFI TUKKER?

We are thrilled! We absolutely love the new direction SOFI TUKKER chose for this track. We believe all good songs can be redone in many different ways and it’s amazing when the same song can evoke different feelings.

What can we expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or gigs in the pipeline that you would like to tell us about?

At the moment we’re concentrating on writing as many tracks as possible. We have tons of features that we worked on during the lockdown, cannot wait to share them with you all.

One last thought to leave your fans with?

Don’t ever give up even when no one believes in you. Write as many tracks as possible, experiment with different genres. This way you will come up with something new! Impress yourself and you will impress others. Do it because you love doing it and not because of other reasons.

‘High On Beat’ (SOFI TUKKER remix) features on the Spotify playlist  HOUSE_GROUND.fm

Follow Bloom Twins:

Website – Facebook – Twitter – Soundcloud – Youtube – Instagram – Spotify

Follow SOFI TUKKER:

Website – Facebook – Twitter – Soundcloud – Youtube – Instagram – Spotify

Follow Jan Blomqvist:

Website – Facebook – Twitter – Soundcloud – Youtube – Instagram – Spotify

Embracing the Latin house music scene with his single ‘La Libertad’ via Ultra Music, Belgian DJ B’Elle is on a roll and we cannot wait to see what she unveils next.  ‘La Libertad’ is bursting with zest and energy for the dancefloor. A combination of piano and vocals dazzle the electronic arrangements on the track, making it a delightful fragrant electronic listening experience for any listener. B’Elle has spent the past twenty years producing music and is still keeping the momentum going release after the next. 

Curious about the DJ’s background House Music decided to ask the prolific DJ a few questions after the release of her new single.

Tell us about your earliest musical memory?

I shaved my hair short (almost bald!) when I was nine to be extraordinary so I could look like Madonna ( I had very, long curly hair).

After that, I stayed in my room for two months during the holidays lol…

At what point in your life did you have that moment where you said to yourself “This is it. This is the type of music I want to create?”

The moment I heard the amazing track  ‘El Sueño’.  That sound was perfection in my ears.

 Dennis Cruz also happens to be one of my favourite producers in the world.  From that moment I knew I wanted to make people dance, and bring joy through house music.

Please list some of the most influential albums on your creative outlook and output:

Daft Punk – Homework

Honey Dijon – Black Girl Magic

Ursula Rucker ( love her state of mind and voice) 

Paul Simon – Graceland

Pink Floyd – Wish you were here

What key pieces of gear/software are you using to define your sound?

I work with Presonus Studio One as a DAW, and using several plugins from Native Instruments, Universal Audio, Plug-in Alliance, Gullfoss by Soundtheory and many more.

What inspires you outside of music? What do you turn to when the creative well runs a little low?

I spend a lot of time running in nature with my two dogs, which inspires me a lot.

What is your opinion on the ever spreading sub-genre vine? Are there too many? Do you think there’ s perhaps a sub-genre that doesn’t get the attention it deserves?

I think everyone is free to express themselves, one sub-genre more or less it doesn’t really matter as long as people dance and enjoy life!

Studio work and music creation or performing and interacting with a live audience, what do you prefer?

I love to have interaction with a live audience.

As a music artist, it becomes apparent that there is a huge difference between the art and the business. Is there anything about the music scene that you would personally change?

Lately, it seems more important to be an influencer than a DJ/artist/ musician.

It would be amazing to see more support for the artists than the promotors.

Any new or upcoming artists on your radar? Who shouldn’t the world sleep on?

There are a lot of Belgian friends producer/ DJ’s that are amazingly talented! 

B.D.C. Sam Bombeeck, Sem Thomasson, Hyalyte, Maxi Meraki,… 

What can we expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or gigs in the pipeline that you would like to tell us about?

Try to make some more nice house-tunes, but first I’m going to enjoy ‘La Libertad’ :-).

One last thought to leave your fans with?

Always be kind and humble!

Follow B’Elle:

Facebook / Soundcloud

Named by Radio 1 Pete Tong as one of 2021’s ‘Future Stars’ and one of Billboard Dance ‘Emerging Artists’ to watch, the electronic duo TIBASKO has a bright future ahead of them in music production. Their latest offering ‘The One/ Let Me Tell You’ via Another Rhythm / Three Six Zero Recordings showcases the duo’s affinity for electronica on the song ‘Let Me Tell You’. The duo consists of Andy Bowden and Ken Petalcorin, who are both well-travelled and incorporate inspiration from these experiences into their sound.

We chatted with rising duo TIBASKO and get to learn more about them as a team.

Stream: TIBASKO

Tell us about your earliest musical memory?

Kanye West’s debut studio album College Dropout was all I was listening to on a family holiday to America when I was just 9. The tracks on that including ‘Spaceships’, ‘All Falls Down’ and ‘Jesus Walks’ would introduce me to a realm of music and sampling that I’d never thought of before. I didn’t truly appreciate the genius that is Kanye West until I was much older, but listening back gives me fond memories of my dad blasting that album in the car.

At what point in your life did you have that moment where you said to yourself “This is it. This is the type of music I want to create?”

Seeing Justice play at the Reading festival in 2012 solidified that I’d want to be a part of the dance music space in one way or another. It sparked a fascination with sounds, synths and melodies that I’d never appreciated before. Fast-forwarding to today and we take inspiration from the likes of Jon Hopkins, Bicep and Rival Consoles, creating beautiful and emotional dance music whilst maintaining a heavy driving beat is something we strive for in our music.

Please list some of the most influential albums on your creative outlook and output:

Tyler The Creator – Flowerboy

BICEP – BICEP

Rival Consoles – Persona

Chemical Brothers – Push The Button

Maribou State – Portraits

Nero – Welcome Reality

What key pieces of gear/software are you using to define your sound?

We’ve recently picked up a Behringer Odyssey that gives such an amazingly rich bass sound, we’re using it for a lot of our newer tracks, a staple for us as well as the Novation Peak as well as the Roland TR-8S for on the fly drums and samples.

What inspires you outside of music? What do you turn to when the creative well runs a little low?

I think inspiration can strike in all forms, art, design, culture. We like to travel quite a lot and have been all over the world individually, drawing upon cultures and lifestyles from across the globe and introducing that into our music.

I get a lot of inspiration in fashion and design.

What is your opinion on the ever spreading sub-genre vine? Are there too many? Do you think there’ s perhaps a sub-genre that doesn’t get the attention it deserves?

Genres are very misleading and ambiguous, good music is good music and I feel pigeon-holing tracks into certain preconceived genres is alien to me. Dark disco is something that I stumbled upon in Vietnam that needs more attention, amazing sounds.

Studio work and music creation or performing and interacting with a live audience, what do you prefer?

Normally I would say music creation, but given the fact that we’ve been locked up for so long, I’ll need to say performing. We’ve been craving a proper crowd for so long now!

As a music artist, it becomes apparent that there is a huge difference between the art and the business. Is there anything about the music scene that you would personally change?

100% that we should be giving equal opportunities to everyone wanting to get involved in music, it’s so easy to produce electronic music these days and everyone should have a chance to learn and be involved if that’s what they want to do.

Any new or upcoming artists on your radar? Who shouldn’t the world sleep on?

DELIRYA… amazing euphoric breaks and huge tracks from start to finish.

What can we expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or gigs in the pipeline that you would like to tell us about?

We have a busy summer ahead of us including some international gigs. Closer to now we have Into The Woods festival and Detonate, as well as club nights for Good Life UK supporting heavy hitters like DJ Boring, Laurence Guy and O’Flynn.

One last thought to leave your fans with?

Stay saucy and keep supporting, we love you all x.

Follow TIBASKO:

 Facebook /  Twitter /  Instagram / TikTok

While we wait for this remix to be unveiled, we chatted with this dynamic team Mick Wilson & Dylan Debut a.k.a PaperMacheTiger.

Stream/Download: Way of Life

Tell us about your earliest musical memory?

All a bit hazy as music has been in my life from a very young age; playing the piano from very young, to listening to the radio, buying records. Showing my age here…

At what point in your life did you have that moment where you said to yourself “This is it. This is the type of music I want to create?”

Again, from a very young age. I was always into synthesisers and electronic synth music, so probably about the age of fourteen I started to explore this path and then it just grew from there.

Please list some of the most influential albums on your creative outlook and output:

Apex Twin Selected Ambient Works 85-92. I see this in a lot of listings when it comes to influential albums, but there is a reason for this.

Burial – Untrue

Quincy Jones – Michael Jackson Thriller

Radiohead – Kid A (any Radiohead album) truly groundbreaking band that creates music from all angles.

To be honest, it is very difficult to answer a question like this. We could talk for a week about the most influential albums that have helped define my journey through music; from Hip Hop, Electronica, Classical, pop, to stuff that is completely out there and random.

What key pieces of gear/software are you using to define your sound?

We use a lot of Moog hardware as well as Roland and Korg, however, we like to run these through additional hardware like FX units, amps and pedals in order to create something slightly more unique. We throw some things through Erika Synths Black Sequencer, this really does help to create some great soundscapes.

What inspires you outside of music? What do you turn to when the creative well runs a little low?

To be honest, everything inspires me; from day to day to film, to art, to books. Just getting out and about and observing, taking note of what is going on around yourself, the surroundings. All these things help to top up the creative well.

What is your opinion on the ever spreading sub-genre vine? Are there too many? Do you think there’ s perhaps a sub-genre that doesn’t get the attention it deserves?

Too many plain and simple/okay sub-genres and genres help to categorise a sound. However when it all starts getting silly and everything needs to be slotted into a sub-genre with every week something new pops out, it becomes all a little bit like The Emperor’s New Clothes. I suppose it feeds the demands for something new, inventing a new sub-genre to keep things appearing fresh and innovative.

Studio work and music creation or performing and interacting with a live audience, what do you prefer?

Depends on the day, at times I just love sitting in the studio and being creative from that side of things even if it is just playing with the machines moreover making a track. Other days it has to be interacting with a crowd, playing great records/music and getting a superb reaction. It all works together, this is what feeds the passion.

As a music artist, it becomes apparent that there is a huge difference between the art and the business. Is there anything about the music scene that you would personally change?

Greed across the industry full stop. And the wanting of instant fame. You have to be put into the scene, earn your stripes and through this equally, your hard work and efforts need to be recognised. An artist needs to be able to treat their craft as a way of life without having to worry about how to pay the bills,  and how to get on in the world. They should have the ability to earn from their creations. Greed is what drives a lot of the anguish as it all becomes about “the one” making the most money and not even looking to redistribute it in an even manner where everyone wins. We could look at the argument around streaming companies and the low royalty rates paid out to artists as an example. If the balance of distribution was better a lot more artists could sustain a way of life from their music. There really is enough for everyone in this pie.

Any new or upcoming artists on your radar? Who shouldn’t the world sleep on?

Tia Cousins. She is great, plays a diverse spread of underground music. Check her out for sure.

What can we expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or gigs in the pipeline that you would like to tell us about?

We’ve got a whole load of stuff that will be hitting soon. We’ve got a collab with DJ Pierre. We are pretty excited about this coming out on his Afro Acid label. There is also new music coming through on Exit Planet Earth, RAWAX which explores other avenues of underground music. And we are also working on a new radio show for OpenLab – a super-diverse station based in Ibiza that really explores fresh music, with music discovery at its core.

One last thought to leave your fans with?

Always be true to the music, it is the music that drives the scene from the listeners to the creators.

Follow PaperMacheTiger:

Facebook / Instagram / Soundcloud

Paris based music duo Jaffna was established in 2014, and since then have made waves with their previous hit ‘Headlines’ which was also accompanied by a bold music video release featuring noteworthy BMX riders showing off their talent. Consisting of music producers and percussionists Bravin and Stan, this production team leave much to admire with one transcending melodic house banger after the next. When looking for inspiration the guys are known to be fuelled by travelling and the unique intricacies that exist in these experiences. Their new single ‘Oslo’ was written when Bravin and Stan spent one Christmas in Oslo years before. Listening to the track ‘Oslo’ one is immediately drawn to its mystery and uplifting soundscapes. 

We asked the guys the question on everyone’s mind, and that is why they released the track ‘Oslo’ years later? We find this out and more below.

Stream/Download: ‘Oslo’

Tell us about your earliest musical memory?

My first piano lesson as a child back in London :).

How did you guys meet and form Jaffna?

Bravin used to date Stan’s sister :), Jaffna was then formed on a family Christmas holiday to Norway.

At what point in your life did you have that moment where you said to yourself ,”This is it. This is the type of music I want to create?”

On our trip to Oslo! Where we created our latest single.

Please list some of the most influential albums on your creative outlook and output:

A.R Rahman (the artist as a whole), Bonobo, Kiasmos, Jon Hopkins.

What key pieces of gear/software are you using to define your sound?

A lot! It keeps changing, so it’s difficult to be precise :).We work on Ableton and mostly use software as opposed to hardware synths.

What inspires you outside of music? What do you turn to when the creative well runs a little low?

Films! We are cinephiles and love finding inspiration from images.

You previously mentioned that you wrote ‘Oslo’ years ago. Why have you decided to release it now?

The track wasn’t mature back then and lacked direction. We have reworked it since as we always had a special sentimental value attached to it.

What is your opinion on the ever spreading sub-genre vine? Are there too many? Do you think there’ s perhaps a sub-genre that doesn’t get the attention it deserves?

It’s a portal to new ideas and influences, and that is definitely a good thing.

Studio work and music creation or performing and interacting with a live audience, what do you prefer?

Bravin prefers studio work and Stan performing live!

As a music artist, it becomes apparent that there is a huge difference between the art and the business. Is there anything about the music scene that you would personally change?

It’s true that it’s very different, but luckily it’s beginning to change. Music is becoming more and more accessible due to social media/blogs etc. People are also aware and open to new concepts and music. A few years ago an independent artist without a major label would have struggled to make a name for themselves, this is less of the case now.

Any new or upcoming artists on your radar? Who shouldn’t the world sleep on?

Poté – certainly worth checking out!

What can we expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or gigs in the pipeline that you would like to tell us about?

Our debut album releases in October this year!

One last thought to leave your fans with?

“Music is enough for a lifetime, but a lifetime is not enough for Music” – Sergei Rachmaninov

Follow Jaffna:

 Facebook – Twitter – Soundcloud – Youtube – Instagram – Spotify