Tunes which have really stood out for me this year, are the ones that have either made me want to dance on the spot or have touched my heart, mind and soul in so many ways, which is the wonder, power and magic behind music I adore.

My favourite album ‘Hollywood Under The Knife’ by The Opiates is outstanding and out on Activisto Records. Billie Ray Martin and Robert Solheim have created one of the most captivating albums I have listened to in a very long time. The videos that accompany the tracks are brilliant and I was completely mesmerised by each and every story on the track list. Billie Ray Martin sings with natural empathy and her vocals captivate the attentive listener on each storyline. ‘Dinah and the beautiful blue‘ is outstanding and ‘Reality TV‘ has just been recently mixed into a funky disco track, guaranteed to get you in the Christmas boogie spirit. It’s currently free to download on Billie’s Soundcloud profile!

The Opiates. Reality TV. Drop Out Orchestra Dub. FREE DOWNLOAD. by Billie Ray Martin

Being a loyal lover of House Music, a track that immediately touched my melodic soul was ‘Meridian’ by Guy J and Henry Saiz out on Bedrock Records. It is an incredibly beautiful track. John Digweed’s label recently celebrated it’s 100th release with another remix of this melodic sensation.

Guy J & Henry Saiz 'Meridian' by Bedrock Records

Another sensational track which gave me goosebumps, was Blynk’s ‘Gimme Some More’ out on Steve Lawler’s record label VIVa MUSiC. It was an overall winner of a VIVa remix competition and understandably so! It is a shockingly gorgeous track.

VIVa 085 /// Steve LAWLER ft. Roland Clark - Gimme Some More (Blynk Remix) by VIVa MUSiC

A track which insisted I dance over and over again was ‘Money‘ by Placidic Dream featuring Rowetta out on Axis Trax. This track has a seriously infectious groove!

MONEY-PLACIDIC DREAM FT ROWETTA-ORIGINAL MIX by PLACIDIC DREAM

One of the most explosive big room bass bombs I have heard this year, is Rachel Ellektra’s ‘Lancaster Mix’ of Tony Divino’s ‘Air Raid‘ out on Axis Trax. I have attended a few air shows in my life and have always applauded the skills of the Red Devils making heart shapes with red smoke, along with the awesome power and ingenuity behind the Lancaster Bomber. I’m a writer not a fighter, however, all the time man exists there will no doubt be war. Therefore,  there is a need for protectors of nations and members of the self preservation society to be courageous and powerful and this track celebrates and salutes the magnificence and power behind the creation and existance of the Lancaster Bomber superbly.

Tony Divino - Air Raid (Rachel Ellektra's Lancaster Mix) by rachel-ellektra

Any artist that makes you smile is worth his weight in his music and Danny Dance has a contagious smile, musical rhythm and dance style. This man can definitely dance and his music encourages the industry to ’sell the feeling, not the sex’. We all know that sex sells, ultimately the choice is sex or love, therefore the feelings that any music serves to the heart and soul are priceless! It’s the feeling that sells, whatever that feeling may be and Danny Dance has certainly mastered the art of dancing with feeling, which is illuminated in his productions, video’s and live gigs! His love of music definitely isn’t ‘Just A Crush‘. This producer/DJ’s love of music is insatiable!

Danny Dance - Just A Crush | BEATPORT EXCLUSIVE by Danny Dance

The feelings that love songs create which may be simple and yet naturally beautiful, can melt the heart and are of course a necessity for everyone with a heart. If you recognise the need for songs that make you appreciative of a special person/s in your life; maybe you have loved ones overseas, in the armed forces, or you’re snuggled up together on the couch, then this is the song for you!  This beautiful track ‘Shine’ by New York Indie Folk Acoustic singer Cyramorgan is pure, eloquent and sincere when singing. Her gorgeous vocal sends wishes of love, light and tenderness, completely mesmerising the listener!

Shine by cyramorgan

The overall sensational track of 2011 has to be M83’s ‘Intro‘ to his album ‘Hurry Up We’re Dreaming‘. This track blew my mind.

Intro (ft Zola Jesus) by M83

Finally, as I prepare to hang up my mistletoe, tinsel and thermal stockings, I feel a Christmas tune coming on. I do so love an upbeat Christmas tune; so any tune that encourages Santa and his Elf’s to get with the groove and shimmy down the chimney gets my vote. I adore this Christmas Cracker ‘Santa Brother‘ I heard recently by James Follette, out on Basquiatbeats. His vocals are sassy, charmingly cheeky, which naturally creates a sparkle that will brighten up any Christmas party!

James Follette - Santa Brother by basquiatbeats

Merry Christmas to one and all from Buzzin Media,also including all of the artists we have promoted this year in our articles. May your days be merry and bright and we wish you all a Healthy, Prosperous and a Very Happy New Year!

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the Opiates 'Hollywood under the knife' Album

The Opiates incredibly hypnotic and fascinating ‘Hollywood under the knife’ album, is due for release on 19th October on Disco Activisto label.

The Opiates launched another remarkable album track video today, ‘Anatomy of a plastic girl’, which is the story of a young wannabe actress who reflects on her facial surgery, having left her scarred on the inside and out!

I requested an interview with Billie Ray Martin to discover her thoughts on ‘plastic surgery’,  her secrets of remaining youthful and healthy and the inspiration behind the Opiates outstanding album ‘Hollywood under the knife’.

JA. What inspired you and Robert Solheim to create this incredible album?

BRM – It was a natural process. We started out working on a couple of songs that I had previously written and the idea was just for Robert to put new music to the tracks. But quickly we began writing and producing together.

JA. What are your thoughts on digital photo enhancement and how these images can cause body image problems and suffering to men/women and children?

BRM – It’s part of show biz. The word contains the word show. So show something that’s larger than life. Liza Minnelli just did a photo shoot, where she looks very young and fabulous and why not?  I’ve never subscribed to the student morale of looking as piss poor and rough as possible.

JA. Do you think the music industry assists in the current ‘Hollywood under the knife’ identity crisis of men and women, young and old?

BRM – It’s always been like that. My question would be whether they deliver something good. Mostly they don’t, so my problem lies with the cynical way the ‘industry’ (which no longer exists anyway) tries to keep going, by throwing horrendous output at kids. Indoctrination of the most dangerous order.

JA. Have you ever been affected by an identity crisis? If so, how do you deal with it?

BRM – My life is an identity crisis. How do I deal with it?  By writing strange lyrics and making bizarre videos.

JA. What is your favourite story and track from the album?

BRM – ‘I’m not Simone Choule’ is my favourite song on the album. It’s about Roman Polanski’s movie The Tenant. As it’s my favourite film ever, but also as the music that Robert created is to me the best on the album, I can’t get enough of the song. Along with the video, which you can see on youtube, the video was created by Antonio Lerario.

JA. Mid life crisis affects us all.  What are your thoughts on trying to stay younger looking, in spite of the natural process and beauty of ageing?

BRM -  There’s something called ‘bioidentical hormones’. Everyone should find out how to get them and take them. Stops all unnecessary ageing and a lot of illnesses that we are supposed to expect as we age. It’s a personal choice, I’m with Joan Collins on this one. Do whatever you deem appropriate to reflect your inner beauty and if this means the outside needs to be spruced up, it seems valid. Use the best creams, anything that gives you pride in your appearance.

JA. How do you manage to sing expressing such empathy in each of the tracks?

BRM – I don’t manage. I was born with this.

JA. If you were to choose a theatre to act out the album, which one would you choose?

BRM – I’m not a theatre person, so I don’t know many of them. It would have to be a modern design.

JA. Can you tell me about the future plans of the multi media stage performance for ‘Anatomy of a plastic girl’?

BRM – I wrote a play about each character. It’s a multi media performance piece involving dance, digital art etc. But it would be a long path to get something like this to the stage so I don’t know if it will happen. Hebbel Theater in Berlin loved it, but could not put it on because of major staff changes and budget problems there. But I was thrilled that the only theatre I showed the draft to liked it.

JA. What has been your most exciting moment in regards to the album?

BRM – Right now, the remixes. People giving me a new voice that I didn’t know I had. All the support that I am getting from people like investors, video maker Joern Hartmann who has yet to be paid for all his work etc. It’s just an amazing gift that people give when they support what you do.

JA. What are your current and future plans for the Opiates?

BRM – Another single is coming out in February and a remix album in March, then..who knows. I’ve started recording my solo album and am thrilled about this too. So there will be a lot of time spent on this too.

Buzzin Media has no doubt that the quality of the remixes of ‘Hollywood under the knife’ album, will be as powerfully captivating as the original.

THE OPIATES ALBUM: HOLLYWOOD UNDER THE KNIFE - MINIMIX by Billie Ray Martin

Track list

Rainy days and Saturdays

I’m not Simone Choule

Candy coated crime

Silent comes the nighttime [again]

Oprah’s book of the month club [part two]

Reality TV

Jalousies and jealouses

Dinah and the beautiful blue

Candy coated crime [alternative version]

Billie Ray Martin

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the OPIATES 'Hollywood under the knife' Album

The Opiates aka the ‘queen of electronic soul’ Billie Ray Martin and Norwegian producer Robert Solheim’s new album “Hollywood Under The Knife” is due for release on 19th October, released by Disco Activisto label. It is an outstanding album both musically and visually.

Artist Wolfgang Tillman supplied nine previously unseen and unpublished images for the album cover and booklet, some of which highlight the glitz and glamour of the Hollywood lifestyle. The album cover is a beautiful flower that hasn’t quite blossomed to it’s full capacity, is slightly distorted in it’s vision, which I interpret as how the world and media distorts and disregards natural inner and outer beauty. This distorted media vision creates a population suffering from body image issues and low self esteem, encouraging them to consider or maybe even go ‘under the knife’!

Each song on the album is a poignant and emotive journey expressing stories of human suffering caused by artificial lifestyles and beauty and are thus struggling to remain natural and authentic in a world of fake identities and unrealistic expectations,  hence the title of the album ‘Hollywood under the knife‘.

Characters portrayed in the album are trying to change their outer appearance or tweak their behaviour, which they then believe may enable them to fit in, however this behaviour may ultimately cause them to suffer some consequences!

The stories behind the tracks are captivating, hypnotic and extremely thought provoking!

A woman employs strange sexual fantasies involving the TV series CSI, to keep the boredom of life at bay. ‘Candy Coated Crime’ is an adrenaline fuelled electronic psychological thriller, narrated by charming and seductive vocals and lyrics, expressing perfectly the story of the fantasies of a potential femme fatale.

The transvestite (Candy Darling) who, although leading the wild life and preparing for a sex change, dreams of married life and a house in the suburbs. ‘Rainy Days and Saturdays’ is a splendid introduction to the album, where Billie Ray Martin expresses beautifully the dilemma facing Candy Darling during the psychological transition of her life changing operation. The track also has the most delicious infusion of TB 303 acid sounds.

A young wannabe actress in L.A. reflects on her facial surgery that has left her scarred and punctured with holes inside and out. The pain and misery of the young woman, is expressed beautifully in ‘Anatomy of a Plastic Girl’

ANATOMY OF A PLASTIC GIRL by Billie Ray Martin

A fifteen year old girl who wanted to be herself, but gets voted off the reality TV show ‘Make Me A Supermodel’ is left feeling destroyed, as she believes her life is over at the age of fifteen, due to the shows rejection. ‘Reality TV’ is an amazing track full of beautiful melodies and vocals expressing the loneliness of a beautiful girl distraught and traumatised by her ‘Reality TV’ experience!

An aging formerly rich daughter of a formerly famous actress, reminisces about her mother feeding her tranquilizers as a child, to keep her out of the way and who later goes through a path of plastic surgery, health foods and porn movie making, in desperation to discover her true identity. ‘Oprah’s Book of the Month Club’ is a poignant story where Billie Ray Martin sings with empathy, stepping in to the shoes of the ‘inner child’ of the ageing rich daughter.

The same woman who suffers from insomnia and tells the story how the demons of her soul and of the night keep her awake. ‘Silent Comes the Nighttime (again)’ is a song where Billie Ray Martin and Robert Solheim brilliantly articulates the desperation and racing thought processes of the woman, with amazing vocals, lyrics and anxious pulsating electronic beats.

A man who dresses up in women’s clothes (Roman Polanski in ‘The Tenant‘) is trying to fight the people he believes want to kill him by convincing him that he is Simone Choule, a woman who committed suicide in the apartment he now rents. ‘I’m not Simone Choule’ is wonderfully dark and mysterious, where Billie Ray Martins vocals along with some sinister synth sounds, portrays the story exquisitely.

When I first heard ‘Dinah and the beautiful blue’, I was absolutely stunned by it’s beauty. It is an amazing story of a little girl who has been labelled ’strange’. Billie Ray Martin’s vocals along with Robert Solheim’s outstanding musical production, sent shivers down my spine and covered me in goosebumps. It is a remarkable and beautiful track and an incredible vocal and musical performance. If it were a painting hanging in an art gallery, it would be classified a masterpiece!

Here is a tantalising mini mix of  this outstanding and powerfully emotive album ‘Hollywood under the knife’.

THE OPIATES ALBUM: HOLLYWOOD UNDER THE KNIFE - MINIMIX by Billie Ray Martin

The Opiates EP entitled ‘Anatomy of a Plastic Girl’ was released in March 2008, accompanied by a much celebrated gig at London’s Rough Trade Shop, resulting in rave press reviews for both the gig and the EP. In Germany, the song ‘Anatomy of a Plastic Girl’ made it into the Top 20 listeners choice charts when added to the playlist at Radio One. Plans are afoot to stage a performance/play entitled ‘Anatomy of a Plastic Girl’, a multimedia piece using Wolfgang Tillmans images, as well as multimedia elements, in the near future.

On listening to the album many times, as it is extremely addictive listening, I could visualise Billie Ray Martin performing ‘Hollywood under the knife’ as a Hollywood and West End production, as the stories integrated are all indeed worthy of a theatrical performance.
Turner Prize winner Wolfgang Tillmans (famed for his sleeve design and videos for Pet Shop Boys, REM and Goldfrapp, is a long-time fan of Billie Ray Martin’s work. He has photographed her twice and chose her as ‘most influential woman’ as part of i-D Magazine’s 25th birthday issue and celebrations. Wolfgang Tillman opened his entire archive and gave The Opiates unprecedented access to choose their favourite images for exclusive use of their ‘Hollywood under the knife’ album.

Billie Ray Martin on Soundcloud

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M83 'Hurry Up, We're Dreaming'

It’s not often I’m left speechless, as we all know effective communication is the key to success, especially being a writer! However, today whilst on Soundcloud, I heard this amazing track from M83 aka Anthony Gonzales.

We all know music is an art form which, like all others, is completely subjective. However, when I heard M83’s track ‘Intro’ feat Zola Jesus amazing vocals, I was absolutely stunned by its magical beauty and set about writing this article. When I feel passionate enough about what I consider outstanding music, I feel the need to express this passion, just as the musicians do when creating their music.

I firmly believe M83’s music needs very little introduction and will most definitely speak for itself.

Intro (ft Zola Jesus) by M83

M83 has created his new album ‘Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming’ and along with its divine album cover, is due for release in October. I have no doubt it will fulfil all of M83’s dreams!

Trentemøller‘s brilliant mix of ‘Midnight City’ the first track from the album, is out on release September 26th from Mute/Naive.

Midnight City (Trentemøller Remix) by M83

M83’s original mix of ‘Midnight City’, is currently a free download on M83’s website.

Midnight City by M83

M83 on Soundcloud

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the OPIATES Rainy Days and Remixes EP

The Opiates aka ‘The Carpenters of Electro’ are set to release, what can only be described as an ‘outstanding’ ‘Rainy Days and Remixes EP’ out on digital release 19th September on Disco Activisto Records label.

Billie Ray Martin aka ‘the queen of electronic soul’ and Norwegian producer Robert Solheim have undoubtedly set a standard  for electronic pop in the current climate of the mainstream music industry. There are definitely no preset beats and auto tune required for these guys works of auditory art. They are both extremely experienced and gifted artists in there own right! With the quality and standard of this EP, the forthcoming Opiates album ‘Hollywood Under The Knife’ is definitely one to look out for.

The first track on the EP ‘Rainy Days and Saturdays’, has an infusion of delicious TB 303 acid sounds,whilst singing the story about the transvestite Candy Darling, who, although leading the wild life and preparing for a sex change, dreams of married life and a house in the suburbs.

Billie Ray Martin has quite rightly been quoted often as having  one of the best vocals on planet earth,  with the same vocal range as Karen Carpenter.

Jalousies and Jealousies (Kim Ann Foxman Remix) is an extraordinary journey, full of electronic auditory delights. The lyrics and vocals are extremely emotional and perceptive and will no doubt resonate with those who have experienced jealousy from others!

JALOUSIES AND JEALOUSIES (KIM ANN FOXMAN Remix) by Billie Ray Martin

‘Anatomy of a Plastic Girl’ (Chris and Cosey Remix) is beautifully theatrical, with a tantalising Parisian feel. I was completely mesmerised and could not help but visualise watching it being performed at the Moulin Rouge in Paris.

ANATOMY of a Plastic Girl (Chris & Cosey Remix) by Billie Ray Martin

The final track on ‘Rainy Days and Remixes EP’ is ‘Silent Comes The Nighttime (XHK Stepford STEPOFF Mix) which is a luxurious journey of exquisite electronic sounds which, combined with Billie Ray Martin’s vocals, can only be described as an excellent finale to an outstanding EP, requiring a standing ovation and a genuinely deserved encore!

SILENT COMES THE NIGHTTIME (XHK Stepford STEP OFF Mix) by Billie Ray Martin

Buzzin Media have no doubt this EP will create a global buzz and will definitely fly and we look forward to hearing The Opiates forthcoming ‘Hollywood Under The Knife’ album.

Billie Ray Martin on Soundcloud

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Steve Aoki’s Electro versus Dubstep night at London's KOKO Club

Ahead of the forthcoming Electro versus Dubstep night at London’s KOKO club we take a look at the clash of the genres in the run up to Steve Aoki’s exclusive London show on 10th September.

In recent years electro has noticeably evolved from acts like Daft Punk, through to much more bass-driven dubstep acts like Bar 9, Flux Pavilion and Skrillex. Years go by, and people continually strive for something different, something new, which has resulted in electro developing a much darker tone.

Whether the dirtier sounds are a by product keeping in line with the pace of life or it be something that deserves to be noticed rather than kept underground, the power of  electronic music today is undeniable with the strength to be uplifting, haunting and mesmerising all at the same time.

This development in electro goes hand in hand with the filthier sounds that dubstep artists are producing today. Skrillex has skillfully taken elements from all these different electronic movements to create something which he calls electro-house-dubstep, a genre that is currently exploding, and is destined for even greater things.

Ever since Skrillex’s laptops were stolen, there has been a handful of leaks and releases of unfinished tracks. The fascination and buzz behind these unfinished tracks proves the potential of what the reaction would have been like, had his dubstep / house infusion been fully produced.

It’s fair to say that as the world of dubstep continues to expand, more and more artists are crossing over into the genre. Holding onto their electro roots, but making that transition into a new realm, creating a synthesis of the two genre’s. Skrillex is a perfect example of that but so is Steve Aoki.

Despite having an altogether different sound to Skrillex, Steve Aoki manages to keep his foot firmly in the electro door, whilst pushing his sound more and more towards the dirtier and darker sounds that we would now associate with dubstep. Steve Aoki develops his own dark electro productions, and has remixed some of today’s biggest artists.

Who’s to say where these genre’s are headed, the more artists that collaborate across genres, the more likely it is that this new electro-house-dubstep will expand to a point of domination in today’s electronic music industry. That’s certainly an exciting prospect.

With this in mind, party pioneers The Playground decided that it only made sense to embrace some of the industries dirtiest dubstep acts, with some of the hottest producers working on the darker side of electro for a single line-up at Camden’s infamous KOKO on Saturday the 10th September.

Steve Aoki will headline this exclusive one off show in his only London appearance of the year. He’ll have support from an eclectic mix of some of today’s hottest electro and dubstep producers, including Modestep, Does It Offend You, Yeah?, Mixhell, Bar 9, Roksonix, Genetix and  Autoerotique.

KOKO
1a Camden High Street
London
NW1 7JE.

Doors open at 9pm and tickets are on sale now via www.theplayground.co.uk.

Husband make wonderful electro synth pop music fusing Giorgio Moroder with Suicide.

Robot Elephant Records considers themselves lucky to release the debut release of this talented duo featuring the equally amazing Love Song and Slow Motion, together with an illustrious host of remixes from the likes of Italo House DJ Wolther Goes Stranger and the Portland / Oregon based purveyors of fine Giorgo Moroder-infused synth pop, Soft Metals, among others.

Husband – Love Song / Slow Motion 12″ tracklisting:
Love Song
Slow Motion
Slow Motion (Wolther Goes Stranger Remix)
Love Song (Soft Metals Remix)
Love Song (Mascara Remix)
Love Song (Sifaka Kong Remix)

For more information visit Robot Elephant Records.

Jaguar Skills - Toolroom Knights DJ Mix album

Honing his craft and love of music for the last 15 years, the rise of Jaguar Skills as the greatest Mash-Up DJ on the planet has been well documented.

With a weekly slot on the Trevor Nelson Show, alongside regular performances on BBC Radio 1’s ‘In New DJs We Trust’, the word of this groundbreaking DJ has spread globally.

Becoming a regular fixture at ‘Toolroom Knights’, Jaguar Skills lightning speed mixing has captivated crowds and won over an army of dedicated followers.

Capturing the flavour of these sets, the mysterious masked ninja; Jaguar Skills paints a musical picture that has equal amount narrative as it does musical diversity.

Delivering an aural assault of every tempo and style; from House to Drum & Bass, Dub Step to Hip Hop, and everything in-between, the latest Toolroom Knights Mixed by Jaguar Skills takes you on a foray through all colours of the musical spectrum.

For the first time, Jaguar Skills delivers 2 exclusive tracks alongside production partner DJ@War, showcasing his versatility as both DJ & producer.

The electro fuelled melody of ‘Potential Super Violence’ and the bass heavy onslaught that is ‘9 Levels Of Power’ are two additional highlights to the album, as are Jag’s mixes of ‘Gabriel’ and ‘Blitz’ which gives a new spin on recent Toolroom smash ‘Sinnerman’ by Sean Miller & Daniel Dubb.

Intricately dissecting and reconstructing tracks to make new musical compositions, this is Jaguar Skills at his best and in true ninja style, Jag crafts a mix that packs a powerful punch and keeps you locked in from start to finish with tricks, snappy turntablism, sample drops and re-edits that will keep you listening again and again!

For more information visit www.jaguarskills.com.

Kisses From Oblivion

It’s not every day I get to meet, dine out with and enjoy the company of a talented Producer, Kisses From Oblivion aka Hidde Haazen from Antwerp, Belgium so I seized the day with both hands!

We had a great meal out with his good friend Smoody Groovez aka Stef Van Baeten, another talented producer from Antwerp. Enjoying the evening sunset and delicious Belgian frites with mayonnaise, we discussed many of KFO’s musical background and future opportunities.

He is certainly no stranger to the glitz and glamour of the music scene having many times accompanied a friend CJ Bolland on gigs around the world and he also once played in a band that was nearly signed by Sony. Tragically the lead vocalist would not sign an exclusive contract with them, so his dream was shattered.

This obviously left Hidde feeling very deflated and could of cost him his determination and drive to continue producing music. Following this another tragedy struck when he suffered  the death of his mother.

Life seemed at this point to be dealing this talented man some hefty blows. There is only one way to go when you are down, so a life perspective call beckoned him to continue to create music as it was his heartfelt passion. He made a life changing decision to leave a well paid job that was making him miserable, because he realised life is so very short!

‘A Day Well Spent’ is delicioulsy retro Electronic Pop. Kisses From Oblivion has definitely embraced the gift of expression in this genre and continues to strive to create some superb sounds in order to make his musical mark in the world.

A Day Well Spent by Kisses From Oblivion

Kisses From Oblivion explains how it all began…

Although I have a great passion for Jazz, Electronic music had me under its spell as I visited house and techno clubs nearly every week.

DJ Kash with whom I became close friends with by that time, educated me in electronic music with his vast 20.000+ collection of vinyl records.

Since I studied music, having a go at making techno was a small step to make.

My first record, at 16 years old, was a one time collaboration with Marcos Salon (Outlander) and Per Martinsen. The record was released on the R&S sublabel ‘Global Cuts’ which was ran by Sven Van Hees at that time. After that I started a collaboration with DJ Kash which resulted in 7 maxi singles released under different aliases (Silver & Kash, The Viridian) on another R&S sublabel‘Generations’ ran by DJ Trish Van Eynde.

We also made remixes for Marco Bailey’s ‘Chocolate Box’ (Bonzaï Records) and a remix of Ken Ishii’s ‘Circular Motions’ (Sony/R&S Japan).

Due to a number of factors, we ended the agreement with R&S.

By that time my interest in making club music deterred, it was fun to go mental on when partying, but creating it couldn’t satisfy me anymore. I missed the harmony and variation I found in Jazz and Pop.

This need resulted in my first popsong that later grabbed the attention of Sony Music Entertainment, who’s A&R offered us a generous advance under the condition of signing a exclusive contract. I wrote the song, but it was produced by 4 people including myself. The vocals were performed by a talented person who decided not to sign the contract which was offered for personal reasons, and consequently the deal vanished. This caused friction and frustration between our (still nameless) crew.

Music is the translation of feelings experienced into sound, which inherently renders it very personal. It is an outlet through which I express myself and simultaneously works in a therapeutic way. I do it for the love of music and the satisfaction it gives me.

Each song is like a kiss sent into oblivion, not even a spec of dust in the vast universe, a message dropped in a ocean of information technology and may never reach it’s destination. It doesn’t really matter, since in eternity’s great cycle of life, everything will be forgotten.

It was only recently, under the encouragement of friends, that I decided to share it with the world.

So here I am, proud to present, my ‘Kisses From Oblivion’

‘T.O.Y’ is another example of Kisses From Oblivion’s contagious love for 80’s Electronic Pop. The intro and vocals are exquisite and sends a brilliant message from the artist of how life is short, therefore seize the day and get with the programme called LOVE.

T.O.Y. (beta) by Kisses From Oblivion

If you are aroused by Electronic Pop then ‘Turn Me On’ is definitely the track for you. Sex sells whether its in the form of electronic sounds or glamour vision and this track is an excellent electronic expression of desire and lust, but not how you think! KFO explained to me the hidden message in ‘Turn Me On’ ‘It is one of rebelling against the superficial attraction and the ideal looks of a woman that is promoted in media. Like the lyrics illustrate(paraphrased): ‘you might look like a supermodel but that doesn’t mean I’m attracted to you’

Turn Me On by Kisses From Oblivion

Kisses From Oblivion wants to continue to be as experimental electronically as possible and therefore does not want to be pigeon holed musically. We at Buzzin Media are without doubt there are many more top tunes to be received from this very talented producer.

Kisses From Oblivion on Soundcloud

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Wordbomb

Crimson Death & Moonshot detonate this exceptionally powerful track ‘Wordbomb’ on Brighton based EML Recordings label out now on Juno. London based Moonshot (Daniel Kent and Richard Wolfe) combine dark, urban beats with pop melodies to create songs that are challenging yet accessible.

Crimson Death is a Toronto-based Jungle DJ, whose music is influenced by the sounds and imagery of Black Metal. Known for his extreme studio creations, unique covers and high energy remixes, he seamlessly blends elements of opposing genres into dynamic dance-floor anthems.

‘Wordbomb’ features the amazonian vocals of Thanet based Nikki Booth. Her powerful tribal vocals are a perfect match for the dominant beats of the track. Although released in April, I heard this track only days ago and felt the urgent need to write and spread the ‘Wordbomb’. The powerful images of the video are reminiscent of the current forest fires spreading across the country. I am sure the vocals of Nikki Booth could be deployed to extinguish the flames, as if blowing out a candle!

Moonshot’s influences include bands such as Pet Shop Boys, Massive Attack, Depeche Mode and Portishead as well as artists as diverse as Pink Floyd and Tori Amos.

Crimson Death can be categorized as technically complex drum and bass reinforced through “wall of sound” drum programming.  Dark, distorted bass lines and layers of cold ambience are accompanied by haunting, demonic vocals delivering otherworldly lyrics which, focus on all aspects of perceived reality and experienced emotion within the collective sub-conscious.

It is without doubt that  Crimson Death & Moonshot occupy a unique and relevant space within the current music scene.

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