Jonoc - Manhattan Skyline

Martin Luther King was indeed a man we could all learn from, he had a ‘Dream’ and without his speech, maybe this world would be quite different. We all have dreams and the majority of them are our hopes and desires for the future. Jonoc aka John Collins is no exception. I have the pleasure of listening to his tracks on Soundcloud and am always left feeling relaxed and content when I listen,  mainly because he has a most serene and calming influence, which he articulates beautifully in his music.

Any man that samples any speech of the great Martin Luther King in his music to share a powerful message, deserves to be heard in my humble opinion.

Alone by Jonoc

I am all for empowering creativity and expression, so without further ado, let me allow Jonoc to introduce himself…..you can call me lazy!

Hi,my name is John and I’m a music producer based in East Cork, Ireland.
I have been producing on and off for the last 21 years, but have only recently come back to it fully since Feb 2011.
I have one philosophy with music: I either like it or I dont. Genre doesn’t come into it for me.
I have just had my first EP released, called ‘The Beginning’, followed by my second called ‘Manhattan Skyline’, both released on Soulshift Records.

Manhattan skyline remix(14/11/11 ctrl alt delete mixdown) by Jonoc

I will also be releasing my third EP in the new year, called the ‘Beat On The Drum’ on Freche Fruchte Recordings.
I am also remixing for other established artists, endeavouring to put my spin on their already notable work.
I am beginning to perform live sets locally, which I love to do.

I requested an interview with Jonoc, so we can discover more about the man behind his music.

What inspired you to produce the track ‘Alone’?

I’ve been listening to a lot of deeper house lately, which I really like. I have this thing that I really like to use live instruments as much as  possible in my music, so I wanted to fuse live bass and sax along with melancholy piano riff in a deep house track, but also still have a flow to it, which I hoped I achieved with ‘Alone‘.

Can you tell me what your dreams are?

With my producers hat on, I would say my main dream would be to run a successful studio here in Cork and to also run a label from it. I would love to develop new artists in Cork, which would no doubt also help my progress in business and musically.Outside of music, my other main dream would be to see my two children happy in whatever they choose to do (hopefully music, but we live in hope!).

What is you most happiest memory?

I would say my happiest memory would be the birth of my daughters .Although fairly recent, they are two moments I will never forget.

What is your favourite quote?

I don’t know where it comes from, but my favourite quote would be’don’t sweat the small stuff’ – that really works for me.

Who is your favourite Soundcloud artist?

I have a few artists on Soundcloud that I admire, but Matthew Collins and Florian Muller just to name a couple, but I do have others that I also take inspiration from.

What is your favourite track?

My favourite track of my own would definitely be ‘Alone’. It just clicks as a track for me. My favourite track of all time would be ‘Superstition’ by Stevie Wonder. I remember watching the video for that many years ago and it gave me goosebumps.

What is your favourite film and why?

Easy…Goodfellas. I was blown away when I saw it first, just the coolest film I have ever seen.

What is your major fear and how would you like to overcome it?

My major fear would not to be able for some reason or another be able to make, listen to or produce music. It is a major part of my life now..how would I overcome it? I really have no answer for that, it would be very difficult to deal with I would imagine.

What is the club you would most like to play?

This is another easy answer for me, the legendary Sir Henry’s here in Cork. It doesnt exist any more unfortunately, but the original DJs still play at different venues around the city.There was a buzz and energy in that venue that hasn’t been replicated since for me.

Buzzin Media wishes Jonoc much luck for the future and hope that his dreams become a reality.

Jonoc on Soundcloud

Buzzin Media on Soundcloud

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

Buzzin Media on Soundcloud

Rachel-Ellektra ft Angie Brown 'Playing With Knives 2011'

Creative people ‘rock my world’ and having a profile on Soundcloud, following it’s discovery from Nic Fancuilli’s website early last year, I became addicted and choose to live amongst the wonderful world of  music and artists. Once hooked in by the artists creativity,  they inspired me to fulfil one of my dreams, which is writing. Not just writing about music, but writing about the stories behind the music. As an Artist and Development Coach, I am always curious to learn more about the story behind the sounds and I am never disappointed and consistently inspired when discovering the life stories of the artists.

I heard Rachel-Ellektra’s remake of ‘Playing With Knives 2011′ ft Angie Brown (Bizzare Inc) and was automatically taken back to the centre of many dance floors in the early 90’s, which instantly put a glow in my heart, that insisted I get up and groove to the powerful rhythm. Call me crazy, but my kitchen has become a regular party zone whilst writing, however, it would be incredibly rude not to get up and feel good to this awesome remake!

Rachel Ellektra ft Angie Brown - Playing With Knives 2011 by rachel-ellektra

I sent Rachel-Ellektra, Producer and Record Label Owner/ Manager of Axis Trax a message requesting an interview, just to help satisfy my enormous curiousity gene and was delighted when she agreed.

What is your favourite decade musically to date and why?

I would have to say the 80’s! Although I grew up in the 90’s, it was an era when “throwaway pop” and boy bands seemed to rule and there were less great songs with longevity being released during the 1990’s. The 80’s was packed with amazing musical talent and so many new genres and sounds were created. New Romantic, New Wave, House, Electro, the list goes on!

What was the first record you bought?

Quite randomly it was Tenpole Tudor ‘Swords Of A Thousand Men’ on Stiff Records back in 1982! Actually I had records from the age of 2 as my older brother was a DJ and had given me lots of spares! Even before I could read my Mum could name a record and despite having many on the same labels and no way of telling them apart, I could search through, find the right one and bring it to her with the A-side facing upwards! We never worked out how I managed to do that!

What has been you greatest challenge in relation to your Record Label Axis Trax?

I would say getting noticed! There is such a huge number of great labels and artists out there and so many new ones starting every week. When you start a new label it’s hard to get anyone to check your music out, as they are being bombarded all the time by new labels, free downloads and track promotions! I think our first 4 or 5 releases only sold 1 or 2 copies and got a handful of plays on promo. 3 years on, we have a list of some of the world’s biggest DJ’s supporting our music, it’s a lovely sense of achievement for the whole Axis Trax team to know we have caught the attention of the tastemakers out there!

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Oh there have been many! Everytime I get to work with one of my musical heros, I consider it a highlight! If I had to pick one though, it was probably when I was approached to do a remix for Sara Parker because Danny Tenaglia had recommended me to her!

Who taught you to play guitar?

I taught myself when I was 8 years old and played ever since. My influences are widely varied though from Robert Johnson to Eddie Van Halen!

(You can hear Rachel-Ellektra’s impressive guitar skills on this – Thrillatronic MJ Mix )

Rachel Ellektra vs Michael Jackson - Beat It - Rachels Thrillatronic Mix by rachel-ellektra

Which artists inspire you the most and why?

Again, I have very varied tastes! The passion and energy of Vivaldi, the wonderful arrangements of Glenn Miller, the sublime melodies of The Beatles, the outstanding emotion and lyrics of Pink Floyd, the soul and pain of Marvin Gaye… all inspire me! However, in the current market, people like Hurts, Jessie J and Adele are all high on my list too!

What are your pet annoyances?

This may be controversial, but I can’t stand pop artists who can’t write songs or sing without auto-tune (hello Cheryl Cole!) But similarly, I don’t like dance music producers who have no knowledge of music and make all their tracks with pre-made loops! It’s the flat-pack of the music-making world and it’s nasty and soul-less. I think music should have soul, feeling and emotion in it; it should be an extension of your inner thoughts and feelings.

What is your favourite holiday destination to date and why?

Long story short, I have a huge phobia of flying. I have only been outside the UK once and that was to Holland 7 years ago. As such, I find that question hard to answer but then again, Amsterdam was a beautiful place so let’s say that’s my favourite to date!

What is your favourite quote and why?

“Choose the difficult right rather than the easy wrong” (Unknown) – I am unsure who originally said this, but I heard Max Beesley say it in an episode of ‘Hotel Babylon’ and it always stuck with me! I think it’s because I have made the very mistake several times in my life of choosing the easy option even though I knew it wasn’t the right thing to do. In time you learn that if the difficult route is the right one, it’s better in the long term to step up and choose that path, or you will waste a lot of time!

Who would you like to be stranded on a desert island with and why?

I love deep conversation but I also love humour so it would need to be someone who was intelligent but could also be witty. Probably someone like Stephen Fry or perhaps Bill Bailey!

If you weren’t a Producer/Label Manager, what would you be?

Creatively frustrated! Hehe! No seriously, I love history so maybe some kind of historical researcher. On the other hand, I also love fashion and writing, so maybe I’d have ended up working for a magazine like ‘Glamour‘ or ‘Look’. I am a pretty random kinda girl!

Your next release ‘Playing With Knives 2011 ft Angie Brown’ – what inspired you to remake this awesome classic?

I started out as a DJ in 1991 and it was one of the first records I ever bought. I always loved it with a passion and it holds many great memories for me. It was actually Mark Doyle (of Fierce Angel) who introduced me to Angie back in 2009 as she wanted her live PA backing tracks re-making for her shows that year. I re-made ‘Playing With Knives’ from scratch for her, we decided that it might be cool to record the vocals and push it out there as a promo. It then fell into the hands of Nic Carrington at Ispirato and he snapped it up! We are all really excited about it’s release this summer.

Rachel-Ellektra on Soundcloud

Buzzin Media on Soundcloud

Welcome To The Club - Double CD - Out Now

Exclusive Interview with Club Squisito

Buzzin Media announced their favourite Soundcloud Album 2010 as ‘Welcome To The Club‘ by the exquisite duo Mirco Bertani and Valerio Semplici who are Club Squisito by Radio Lines Records.

Club Squisito’s ‘Welcome To The Club’ is a double CD album full of sensual, ambient and uplifting Jazzy-House music. CD 1 Lovers features the amazing track ‘Naked ft Zhana’ and CD 2 Club, includes the brilliant ‘Moonwalker ft Odyze‘ and club re-mix by Elliptics Odyze of ‘Naked‘ . Both CD’s are exquisite in composition and production.

I had the pleasure of meeting Valerio Bertani and Mirco Semplici and hearing their wonderful music on Soundcloud early last year and have been a fan of them and their music ever since, both being warm hearted and humorous characters. I am continuously overwhelmed by the quality of their music production.

Following from a review of their music and my nominating ‘Welcome To The Club’ as Buzzin Media Soundcloud favourite Album 2010, I asked if Valerio and Mirco would provide us with an exclusive interview, to enable us to capture a glimpse of their personalities and personal goals. Both were more than happy to provide you the reader an insight into the personal lives of Club Squisito.

Mirco Bertani & Valerio Semplici

Q. What were your main goals this year and did you achieve them?

V – Increase my knowledge in general.

It’s never enough … hahaha

M – I agree

Q. What is your all time favourite Soundcloud track, album and Soundcloud artist/s for 2010?

V&M  - We can tell you that the Artist of 2010, Beppe Savoni AKA ODYZE who is also on Soundcloud.

We have worked with him as well as being a fantastic person, he is an extraordinary artist that everyone should know.

Club Squisito-Naked (Elliptics Odyze) rmx mst by CLUB SQUISITO*

Q. What is your favourite food?

V -  Pizza Margherita

M – Fish in every way

Q. If you could have a coffee with anyone famous alive today, who would it be and what would be the first question you would ask them?

V – Ennio Morricone

I would just quietly observe every aspect of his life

M- Valerio Semplici

Who did you do? aaaaaaaaa

Q. If you could have a coffee with anyone who is no longer alive, who would it be and what would you want to ask them?

V- Wassily Kandinskij

I would just quietly observe every aspect of his life.

M- There are so many that it becomes too difficult to choose!

Q. What are your goals for 2011 and how are you going to achieve them?

V&M – Continue to make music, what we like and hope for a world full of more Squisito!

Q. What is the best Christmas present you have ever received?

V- Toy drums at the age of 3 years.

M- An accordion at  the age  of 7 years

Q. What is your favourite film and why?

V- Frankenstein Junior

I identify much in the character of Dr. Frederick Frankenstein …

Each new idea is like a new musical brain “abnormal” that originates a monster … ahahahaha

M- (Johnny Got His Gun) the 1971 American film directed by Dalton Trumbo.

The film is a loud cry of anger, despair, hopelessness. Anti-war beginning to end, which reflects on the reckless actions of which man is capable and its cruelty and insensitivity.

Q. What is your favourite track of your own creation and why?

Surely “Fade Away”was the song that made us known and we both still consider one of our Classics.

Q. If you could have 3 wishes, what would they be?

V  1*  Talking to the animals

2*  Talking with trees

3*  Having a single language spoken by all beings in the universe

M- 1* Having the ability for Valerio in being able to perfectly meet my request in any field of musical constructions.

2*    Travel is one of the fundamental things of life, learn traditions and customs of other people helps you to have a cultural background that allows you to live better.

3*   Continue to live peacefully with the person I love for 30 years.

‘Welcome To The Club’  from Radio Lines Records is available to buy Now on Juno.

You can hear more of Club Squisito here: http://soundcloud.com/club-squisito-1

Buzzin Media on Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/buzzin-media

JayPhonik - Sunset Progressia EP

Jayphonik aka James Thackstone a half Danish half British UK born music producer is releasing his exceptional  four track progressive house EP “Sunset Progressia” release date 5th January KornerHouse Records. Sunset Progressia will also be a Beatport Exclusive on 22 December.

Jayphonik - Solardome taken from Sunset Progressia EP by kornerhouserecords

I have been informed that you need to keep your ears open for James next EP,  it is rumoured to be Epic . I asked James for an exclusive interview, as I predict a great future ahead of him.

What were your main goals this year and did you achieve them?

My main goal this year was generally to show that I can produce and prove myself to an extent. I’ve always believed when listening to other tracks that I can produce just as well, if not better in some cases. Also, throughout the year I believe I have been rather experimental trying to find “my sound’ as it were. I think now as we go into a new year I have isolated a particular sound which is deep, progressive and melodic, smooth transitions, yet a good solid drive in my tracks. As a target, this summer I set myself the challenge of getting a track signed and I achieved this by releasing my first 3 track EP on Crossair Recordings which makes me very happy and positive for the future.

What is your all time favourite Soundcloud track, album and Soundcloud artist/s for 2010?

I am a big big fan of SoundCloud, without it I wouldn’t be in the position I am in now! My all time favourite Soundcloud track…very difficult question as there are so many wonderful and interesting tracks being uploaded all the time! However, quite recently I did come across a very nice track by an artist called ‘Hot 22‘, with a really nice remix of a track that brings back a little nostalgia for me. The track is called ‘Awake and Alive‘ and uses the vocals from Peter Gabriel’s track ‘In your eyes’. I know it’s an old track, but at university I remember listening to the original quite a lot with friends when we were partying and just chilling.

What is your favourite food?

My favourite food is Pizza!

If you could have a coffee with anyone famous alive today, who would it be and what would be the first question you would ask them?

Right now if I could have coffee with anyone famous and alive today, it would probably be Julian Assange, purely out of sheer interest in this whole Wikileaks phenomenon. I would ask him all sorts of questions, like how did it all start? How exactly do they go about getting the information? I predict there may be quite a shift in the world’s political climate if these leaks continue, making Assange a very powerful and influential man!

If you could have a coffee with anyone who is no longer alive, who would it be and what would you want to ask them?

Coffee with someone no longer alive would be Marilyn Monroe, I think that would be nice. Or Michael Jackson. I wouldn’t really have a particular question I don’t think, I think I’d just enjoy their company, especially Marilyn’s!

What are your goals for 2011 and how are you going to achieve them?

My goals for 2011 are firstly to start DJ-ing properly. I want to begin around my local area of Yorkshire and then in the summer I would hope to go abroad, maybe even Ibiza. I could do a few bars and smaller clubs, that would be fantastic!! I believe taking things in small, slow steps is the best way, as you learn so much through experience and making the mistakes. I don’t want to take a quick and easy route, yet I still like to set myself some exciting and challenging goals.

So I guess it is all in the balance. Also production wise I want to keep steadily improving my mixes and believe I have been doing. I want to focus more on the Trance genre, as I have always been in great admiration of the production skills needed to make astonishing, uplifting tracks that take your breath away. A goal which I would love to fufil is to get a track played on Above and Beyond’s radio show “Trance Around the World” or on Armin Van Burren’s ” “AState Of Trance“. That would be dream come true!

What is the best Christmas Present you have recieved?

The best Christmas present I have received was a Nintendo 64. Me and my brothers really wanted it for Christmas and were not really expecting it, but we got it and it was so much fun!

What is your favourite film and why?

My favourite film is Gladiator. I love the way it was filmed, the depth, emotion, music, and the plot. It’s a story essentially about being kicked down very hard from the top all the way to the very bottom, but then picking yourself up and fighting until the bitter end! Such a powerful story and such a complete film in so many ways.

What is your favourite track of your own creation?

My favourite track of mine so far has to be Love Affair, which is due for release in January. It has an uplifting feel and is a good all round solid production. Plus I love the female vocals on this one.

If you could have 3 wishes granted, what would they be?

Out of my three wishes one would be quite selfish I’m afraid, which would be for me to have lots of money! I think for me it would give a sense of freedom so that I could live and travel wherever, experience different ways of life, and maybe start up all sorts of business ideas, which would be beneficial to other people.

My second wish would be just a fairer world, not too much of a drastic change, but just fundamental things that people should have like the right to eat, drink, own a plot of land/home, and get by in a respectable way, with equal opportunities for all. These would be good things. Also the rich poor gap, I believe is very unfair and I believe this should be lessened.

My Third wish would be to have flying lessons and become a pilot. I love flying and this would be another dream job for me!

Buzzin Media will be keeping you up-dated on Jayphoniks professional development, as we have no doubt he has an amazing future ahead of him. Watch this space!

Date for beatport promo is set at  22-12-2010

Date for worldwide release is set at  05-01-2011

Cat N0 KHR039 Kornerhouse Records.

You can hear more of Jayphoniks music here: http://soundcloud.com/jayphonik

Buzzin Media on Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/buzzin-media

Stefan Van Baeten's Chillout Lounge

Buzzin Media were delighted to announce their favourite Soundcloud Track of 2010 to be ‘The Right Vibe’ by Smoody Groovez 2.

Cottonmouth aka Olly Edgecombe is creating a DUBSTEP storm, he is producing hit after hit having been played on Radio One, gone vinyl and is consistently hitting number one on the Soundcloud hot list . He is also on the All Time Hotlist tracks on Soundcloud with every one of his tracks to date. Cottonmouth is definitely one to continue to listen out for, as it is guaranteed Cottonmouth will continue to sink his fangs and inject his Dubstep venom in the music industry, creating some real Permanent Damage Records, which will keep the Dubsteppers begging for more.

The Cottonmouth is a North American snake, also known as the “water moccasin”, so beware of this dude, as his Musician/Production bite is as big as his Dubstep.

Nacho Overload is Cottonmouth’s new release out 25th September 2010 – Monkey Dub Recording.

As I am also a Snake – my Chinese Birth Year – I was not afraid to get up close and personal with the Cottonmouth. I asked Cottonmouth for an exclusive pre Nacho Overload release interview, warning him, bite me and I’ll bite you back!

So get your Nacho’s and Tequilla, sit back and enjoy this Nacho Overload interview with the man himself!

When was your first record deal, who with and where did you party to celebrate?
“The one and only Permanent Damage Records!” I celebrated in style with some Maryland Cookies and Southern Comfort whilst making more tunes”

What inspired you to be a Musician/Producer/Dubstepper?
“I have always been into music and picked up mixing pretty quickly so thought it was right to give DnB producing a go when I was 13, just a shame I stopped for 6 years – 3 years later”

What is your musical background?
“None really, I have taught myself. It took a long time, but the internet is good for tutorials and shit these days”

Who inspired you musically/favourite bands?
“Everything really, my dad has been a major influence as he likes and listens to everything, so I have followed in his footsteps”

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
“Just want to keep making tunes that people enjoy and maybe crossing genres a bit, but most of all to just enjoy doing it!”

What was your main goal for this year?
“To get played on Radio 1 and get a vinyl released and they were both achieved”

Favourite food?
“Again everything, I cannot name any food that I do not like, but if I had to choose it would be seafood, especially shell fish…mmmmm!!!”

Relationships?
“None of your business!”

Which country do you want to visit and most favourite Country visited so far?
“I really want to go to India and Iceland to explore and my favorite country I have visited has to be Norway. It is just mindblowingly beautiful”

Do you like cooking, if so your favourite dish to cook?
“Beans on toast:)”

If you could have a coffee with someone famous who is alive, who would it be?
“Parov Stelar (and anyone who thinks Yollanda is good, check this guy out. He shits all over them and needs to be recognised more)”

If you could have a coffee with someone who is no longer alive, who would it be?
“Marvin Gaye”

Favourite Film?
“To many to name but a few are: Oldboy/Casshern/Dark City/Delemorte Dellamore”

What is your all time favourite Tune?
“At the moment I have a soft spot for Chris Isaak – Wicked Game hahaha, but all time probably has to be Smokey Robinson – The Tracks Of My Tears”

Whats the worst christmas present you have ever had given and worst one you ever bought?
“Dunno really but I got 4 sets of pyjamas from different people when I was younger which was funny as”

Album Release?

“No dates planned for an album at the moment just focusing on single and EP releases.”

Live gigs/tour dates/venues?
“Tour of the US/OZ and NZ coming up next year so stay tuned in”

Learn more about Cottonmouth below:

http://soundcloud.com/cottonmouthedge

http://www.myspace.com/oliveredgecottonmouth

http://www.facebook.com/cottonmouthdub

http://www.youtube.com/user/cottonmouthedge

Here is a great video interview with minimal techno supremo, Richie Hawtin.

Bringing together the world’s leading and most relevant innovators in music, art, film, design and architecture, VICE and Intel Corporation last month launched The Creators Project, an unprecedented creative initiative designed to connect global youth through a common passion for creativity and technology.

The multi-year program is dedicated to identifying leading artists and enabling them to showcase their works and artistic visions through interactive media including creative conferences, new multi-disciplinary collaborative projects and a new video website.

The carefully selected collection of more than 80 artists hailing from seven countries includes such established creative pioneers as Phoenix, UNKLE, Stefan Sagmeister, Mira Calix and Nick Zinner from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, as well as the next generation of innovators working in indie film, futuristic architecture, avant-garde electronica and fashion. These include Brazil’s Muti Randolph, China’s Peng Lei, the U.K.’s United Visual Artists, and the U.S.’ Radical Friend.

This diverse cast of creators is united by their shared belief that technology and its tools are catalysts to push artistic boundaries and bring ideas to life.

The project is highlighted by The Creators Conference series. These five huge international events will bring thousands of people together for live concerts, art exhibits, film screenings and panel discussions. New York City hosts the first Creators Conference with an all-day extravaganza at Milk Studios. The eight-floor art gallery and performance space will host exhibits by Takeshi Murata, Karl Sadler, Mark Essen and Radical Friend, and performances by Mark Ronson, Interpol, Gang Gang Dance, N.A.S.A, Sleigh Bells and Salem.

The series will then move to London, Sao Paulo, Seoul, and concludes in Beijing with a three-day finale where participating artists and exhibits will be flown in from the across the globe.

The Creators Project kicked off last month with the launch of the website, an interactive portal and anthology which will house a selection of eighty-four original videos and featuring work and interviews from the most creative artists across the globe. The site is the nerve center for the entire initiative and will live-stream interviews, performances, exhibits and panel discussions from the Creators Conferences, allowing millions of viewers from across the globe to virtually participate.

Magda - Minimal Techno DJ & Artist

Magda Chojnacka was born in Zywiec in Poland and moved in 1986, age of eleven, with her parents to Detroit in the United States. There she soon found a taste for Detroit Techno music.

Today, Magda is one of the most well respected techno DJ’s known mainly for her DJ sets and remixes as well as her brilliant 72 track 2006 mix CD She’s a Dancing Machine released on Richie Hawtin’s Berlin-based M_nus label.

Among her own releases are 48 Crack In Your Bass, Staring Contest and The Black Room, all on M_nus.  She has released remixes for the likes of Louderbach, Hearthrob, Troy Pierce and Butane.

This week Buzzin Electronic Music was fortunate enough to interview Magda ahead of Saturday’s Contakt Gig at the Brixton Academy in London.

Did living in the United States have an influence on your music tastes / interest?

Yes of course. I grew up in Detroit and that’s where most of my influences come from. It’s a dark, industrial, and difficult place to grow up but that’s what makes it special. The energy is raw and it comes through the music. i think there is a very unique sensitivity that comes from that kind of environment.

Was it always your intention to be an artist and a DJ?

Definitely not. I studied art and graphic design my whole life and that was my sole intention until I discovered this strange and wonderful Detroit subculture.

Seems like you devote more time to remixing & playing live rather than releasing your own work.  Is this something that may change?

Yes I hope so. That’s what I would like. I have some tracks coming out in the fall on Minus which I used on my mix for Fabric and I hope to get going in the studio more often.

Before techno and other genres of, what is now known as ‘dance music’, which bands or artists do you feel were most influential?

I love bands like ESG, Tones On Tail, and lots of post-punk because it has a very funky edge to it. In later years many dance compilations and remixes came out and highlighted this sound such as “disco not disco”. Also, some of the tracks by Yello, because they cross various genres. Prince has a huge influence on dance music, as well. He is really a true pioneer.

Over the past 15-20 years techno music has changed. As far as you are concerned, is there a ‘golden time’ for techno music?

Music is always changing and evolving. To me, the golden years’as a whole were in the late 1980’s / early 1990’s in Detroit and Chicago. Now I think all the different genres of dance music experience their own golden years’ at different times. They each get their time to shine because people like change. You need that to stay interested.

Do you have a favourite genre or sub-genre of music you like to play in your DJ sets and also play at home?

I have a soft spot in my heart for obscure electro/disco and at home, I listen to many different things from indie to ambient to electronica. Last night I was listening to Brian Eno’s Mistaken Memories Of Medieval Manhattan and Thom Yorke.

What is the most surprising remix request you’ve ever had?

Depeche Mode. I felt so honoured and quite surprised.

How is the forthcoming Contakt gig going to be different for you than if it were one of your own DJ nights?

Contakt is a whole different concept. You are taken out of the spotlight and become part of a collective, so you really need to think about what you can contribute for it to make sense as a whole. It’s quite exciting to improvise like that and play off each other but also difficult to contain everything enough so it doesn’t become a big chaotic mess.

What projects do you have planned for the rest of 2009 and 2010?

I’m focusing more on items and things. We have some strong releases coming up and I want to build a good momentum. The rest of my time I will be in the studio working on music. I am also working with an artist on an installation/ sound project for 2009.

Magda will join Richie Hawtin and other artists from the m_nus label on Saturday 26th September at The Brixton Academy for the Contakt Special, where a massive custom LED lighting installation will be rigged across the main stage, state-of-the-art surround sound will be especially customised to fit the Brixton Academy, and the main hall will have a full dance-floor fitted.

This ground-breaking show is back for one night only worldwide at London’s O2 Academy Brixton. It’s the only chance to catch M_nus this year in the UK and will be Richie Hawtin’s only London club show until 2010.

Visit Magda’s official MySpace page.

Mo and Benoelie hail from Gent in Belguim and are best known by their pseudonym The Glimmers, which they changed from The Glimmer Twins once it was pointed out that Mick Jagger & Keith Richards used this same pseudonym as a production credit on some of The Rolling Stones records.

The Glimmers have received critical acclaim for their remixes, mix cd’s and their own albums.

They have remixed the likes of The Chemical Brothers (The Salmon Dance), Junkie XL (Cities in Dust), Snow Patrol (Shut Your Eyes), Shirley Bassey (Slave To The Rhythm), Calvin Harris (Acceptable In The Eighties), The Killers (Somebody Told Me) and Bloc Party (Banquet) among many others.

The Glimmers’ mix cd’s include Fabric Live 31, DJ Kicks, two Club Culture Club compilations and no less than five Eskimo and five Feel The Funk compilations.

The Belgian DJ duo will be playing and hosting the second Hidden Depths event at  Joshua Brookes in Manchester on Thursday 10th July.  Among their special guests for this one-off show will be the legendary hip hop pioneer Grandmaster Flash.

Buzzin Music managed to ask The Glimmers some questions ahead of the much anticipated Manchester event.

Before changing your name, were you unaware that Mick Jagger & Keith Richards had Produced by The Glimmer Twins on their records?

At first we didn’t knew this, because it was somebody else who gave us this nickname. That was back in 1996. We used ‘THE GLIMMER TWINS’ as an extra name, to do more experimental stuff. After some research we were aware of the name and its origin, and we liked that a lot ! But when we started to produce our own material, we thought it was bit to tricky (remember The Verve) and just shortened it to ‘The Glimmers’.

What music influenced you from an early age?

Mainly the electro hip hop and rap sounds coming from NYC, early 80s.. That was the first bug that has bitten us. Seeing Grandmaster Flash cutting and scratching disco and pop records and making his own Mash Up kinda thing, end of the 70s, early 80s.. amazing.

To begin with, did you want to be musicians or dj’s?

We wanted to be DJ’s. By being creative and mixing different styles of recordings, the DJ was becoming a musician anyway, and later even getting pop star status.

What do you get more enjoyment from your own productions or remixing another artist’s song?

Both really. Its great fun to work with already existing material, and its great fun to record musicians and to edit everything and to make it ‘our own’.

What I like about your dj mix CD’s & dj sets is the diverse mix of music.  Is this simply because your own music tastes are eclectic or is it more of a conscious effort to create something that cannot so easily be categorised?

It is simply because we have a broad taste in music. For us there’s only good music and not so good music. And we play both.

As your popularity increases, are you getting ‘better’ remix offers or just more?

It still can be a lot better!

Is there a particular track that you would love to remix but believe, as a classic song, it should be left alone?

Everything that is a song or track that we think we should keep our hands of, it is something we don’t want to remix. But there’s a lot of material that’s great to remix. For example, we did Roxy Music’s ‘Same Old Scene’ and we updated the sound and made the rhythm section a bit tighter, but kept the song and the vibe as much as possible in there. Our remix sounds like the extended version, the 12″ version that never came out.

When starting a remix project, do you have a set way of working, or is each project approached differently?

Each project is approached very differently. It all depends if it is a pop or a rock song or a tune from way back, or if it is something already very electronic.

What is your favourite clubs to play?

Razzmatazz in Barcelona, Solyanka in Moscow, Fifty Five in Ghent, Fabric in London, Arches & Optimo in Glasgow.

I’m sure you are very excited to have Grandmaster Flash as a guest for the Manchester Hidden Depths event.  If you could have 5 artists, alive or dead, to make the perfect night, who would it be and why?

We would go for Sly & The Family Stone, Funkadelic, Jimi Hendrix, James Brown and Prince (in that running order) and all of them in their peak time of their career. That would be a fantastic night. They all made dance music, and all were innovating in their own field, responsible for a lot of things to come later in music history.

You can hear The Glimmers by visiting www.myspace.com/theglimmers

We also have some copies of the Glimmers latest album, The Glimmers Are Gee Gee Fazzi to giveaway on a first come basis.  Send your full contact details to freecompetition@buzzinmedia.co.uk with Buzzin Electronic Glimmers Competition in the subject line.