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

Tech D - Subway DARDIGITAL004

The fourth release on the Denis A DAR Digital label continues the quest to bring the very best new electronic producers to the music buying public’s attention with a stunning debut from the Ukranian born Igor Yevtushenko and his mean and moody, dark underground sound which is totally suited to the label.

This young sound producer from the city of Krivoy Rog (Ukraine), has been quickly spotted as having immense potential by Denis A. His first serious work – Denis A – Heroin (Tech D Remix) – was immense. Next will follow remixes for Taboo and Fran Von Vie (also for the DAR DIGITAL label). Igor’s focus is only on the creation of true high-quality music, pure underground sounds.

Subway remixer, Fran Von Vie is always looking for new sounds and structures. He doesn’t believe too much in genres, just in making things from the heart, because music is supposed to be felt, not necessarily, to be understood. He adds punch and power to the already superb original and lifts it to another level.

At the age of 14 and with a 486 PC he began to compose music and he made a lot of beats for international rap artists. At 15 he bought his first Technics 1200s and just a few months later he was playing around his hometown and had his own radio program every Friday for 2 years. At 17, he moved to Barcelona and became a resident DJ in “Baraka”, he played at the legendary room “Apolo” and helped in the editing process of the “ElectronicArtFestival” DVD. Gradually he became involved and immersed in more elegant, strong and characteristic sounds of the heavenly dub and progressive rhythms.

In Summer 2010 he started to take a serious interest in producing professional electronic tracks for the dancefloor. He released his first EP “Shaman” on a free netlabel, and from that first moment he received support from the underground international scene. He’s yet another hot talent to watch out for in 2011.

TECH D – SUBWAY
1. Tech D – Subway (Original Mix) 6:42
2. Tech D – Subway (Fran Von Vie Remix) 9:20
(DAR DIGITAL) DARDIGITAL004
Release: 18/04/11

Marco Bailey

Belgium’s finest Techno DJ/Producer, Marco Bailey, is a man with a mission to encapsulate techno in all its guises on his upcoming double CD release Dragon Man on the Bedrock label.

The double CD format allows Bailey to express himself both as a visionary artist, comfortable with the freedom allowed him to experiment with down tempo electronica alongside his fire brand pumped up tech house and percussive techno bombs on CD1.

Getting things started with the melodic ambience of the title track Dragon Man, Bailey immediately draws the listener into the beauty of the track, showing him as a man of broad tastes with shed loads of creative ability.

Bill The Trumpet Player is somewhat misleading on track two, the housed-up percussive backbone incorporating a somewhat uplifting live saxophone piece that is likely to feature in all the right places this summer.

As you would expect from one of the masters of dance floor dynamics, Bailey builds up the temperature as the tech vibes flow from Rubber Band, reaching epic proportions on the heads down Run Through and erupting on Bom Bang! as Bailey is suddenly firing on al cylinders.

It is a remarkable artist collection of new tunes that are guaranteed to fill dance floors around the globe, but there is still more to come as Marco Bailey shows off his immense talent further still as he weaves his magic over his musical creations from the first disc, to create an immaculate remix on CD2.

In addition CD2 contains the previous Bedrock releases Jungle Laps and Watergate. As a whole the double CD provides a perfect showpiece for the Belgian DJ/producer who shows a refusal to be bound by genres in creating an album that captures dreamy and reflective moments in its desire to fill the dance floor.

John Digweed says of Marco Bailey’s latest album for Bedrock Records;

“Marco is one of those rare breed of producers whose sound crosses over from techno to house and everything in between. The reactions to his tracks from the dancefloor speak for themselves and his energetic techno infused sound always provides the best peak time club tracks. I jumped at the chance to release an album from Marco on Bedrock because I wanted to showcase not only these exclusive club tracks, but also his more experimental sounds that feature on Dragon Man.”

MARCO BAILEY – DRAGON MAN (Bedrock) BEDMB01
Formats: 2xCD / Digital / 4-Track 12” EP Sampler
Release date: 07/02/11

CD1:
01. Dragon Man
02. Bill The Trumpet Player
03. Rubber Band*
04. Run Through
05. Bom Bang!*
06. Holding The Moment
07. Zephyr
08. Break The Rules*
09. Beaming*
10. Red Cell

* Included on 4-Track EP Sampler

CD2: Mixed by Marco Bailey
01. Red Cell
02. Beaming
03. Rubber Band
04. Zephyr
05. Jungle Laps*
06. Run Through
07. Watergate**
08. Break the Rules
09. Bom Bang!
10. Bill the Trumpet Player
11. Dragon Man
12. Holding the Moment

** Featured on John Digweed’s ‘Bedrock 11’ album
*** Featured on ‘Watergate EP’ Bed85

John Digweed playing Marco Bailey’s Bom Bang! at Moonpark, Buenos Aries, Argentina.

Jayphonik is the alias of James Thackstone, half Danish and UK born music producer who is releasing his Debut EP Phunana by Crossair Recordings out 18th October. From the age of 9 James began using sample based music making software on the family’s first computer. From that point he was hooked and would sit for hours learning how to construct music.

He became passionate about dance music especially when hearing amazing sounds and beats created by such bands and artists like The Prodigy, Moby, Delerium, Paul van Dyke, Robert Miles, Underworld, ATB, as well as the nostalgic sounds from the early 90s coming from artists like Culture Beat and 2 Unlimited. A rich and diverse collection of sounds were at James fingertips and  you can understand why all the above mentioned artists influenced Jayphonik tremendously toward his passion for creating and producing dance music.

I asked Jayphonik if there was one special moment that ignited his dream and he informed me it was when he was listening at home on a particularly miserable day to an amazing live broadcast of a Radio 1 party in Ibiza and for the first time ‘Delerium – Silence‘ was played and he heard the crowd going wild and certainly felt the electric atmosphere even though it was coming through his headphones!

Jayphonik was inspired by the concept that you can make music and create an atmosphere of euphoria on the dance floor and to this day is his drive and continues to provide him with the motivation to be a fundamental part of the dance music scene. Jayphonik is motivated by that magical feeling, where music can take you to another level, with spine-tingling hooks and melodies consistent with a constant driving beat.  Jayphoniks concrete belief is that music is indeed ‘food for the soul’.

Like any DJ/Producer, Jayphonik always has his ears open for the latest sounds and trends in music, but unfortunately like so many talented artists, James went wayward on his dream and never took the idea seriously when pursuing a career in DJ-ing and Production. Instead he went through college and onto University studying economics. Fortunately, whilst at university a room mate of his was making music intensely, and this reignited James’ passion. James realised that the passion had never left him and that he had a talent with the more advanced and newer music softwares/DAWs and in fact knew many of the concepts from his experience from his earlier years with certain programs.

Thankfully, Jayphonik has been unleashed and is extremely excited and delighted with his first EP ‘Phunana‘ released by Crossair Recordings a brand new sub label of Crossworld Records. Crossair Recordings aim is to support young and up and coming producers in the Trance and Progressive House arena. Expect to hear more Jayphonik deep and progressive, trance, house and techno in the coming months with influences ranging from Sander van Doorn, Pryda, Jaytech and the deeper sounds you would hear on such radio shows as John Digweed’s Transitions. Jayphoniks music will speak for itself and I am without doubt there is a lot more to come from this talented 22 year old. Jayphonik is now setting his sights on live performances, this is indeed a very exciting career journey to watch and publish as Jayphonik evolves.

I first heard Jayphonik about 2 months ago on Soundcloud and his tracks indeed captured my ear. I listen to many tracks, but Jayphoniks music production had that ’something special’ sound. I strongly recommend you keep a close eye on this young talent, as I predict great things are on the horizon and Buzzin Media are very excited to be a part of his amazing journey and I will most certainly be delighted to play a part in promoting Jayphoniks incredible music and talent. Watch this space!

You can hear more of Jayphoniks tracks here:

http://www.amazingtunes.com/users/jayphonik

http://www.myspace.com/jayphonik

http://soundcloud.com/jayphonik

Cottonmouth aka Olly Edgecombe has released his latest Park St EP which includes Nacho Overload and Persian Rebels out now on Monkey Dub Recording which is due to be up on Beatport by 30th September. There simply is no stopping this artist, who is consistently producing incredibly powerful venomous Dubstep recordings and is recognised as a Dubstep genius with his musical productions. I am always impressed with the artwork of Cottonmouths covers and am sure you will all agree that the Artwork of Park St EP by Cottonmouths illustrator Muzzer is incredibly interesting as it  provides us with a glimpse back into history.

I asked Cottonmouth about the origins of this illustration. “Park Street is a famous street in Bristol and as I live just outside of  Bristol and it being one of the founding cities of dubstep I wanted to include it. I really liked the image I found so I let Muzzer get to work on it with his magic”

Cottonmouths first track of the EP is Nacho Overload and is definitely just as satisfying as Nacho’s smothered with cheese and lashings of guacamole and went straight to the top of Soundclouds hot list.

Nacho Overload !!!OUT NOW!!! by Cottonmouth

Persian Rebels is an incredibly powerful piece of Dubstep with some gorgeous ethnic vibes and was yet another of Cottonmouths number one hotties on Soundcloud.

Persian Rebels !!!OUT NOW!!! by Cottonmouth

Cottonmouth has also had his Faceslap Video accepted into Athens Video Dance Project http://www.athensvideodanceproject.gr/

So its a huge congratulations to Cottonmouth and I am sure this is not the last time I will be reviewing his successful productions.

You can hear more of Cottonmouth

http://soundcloud.com/cottonmouthedge

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

http://www.myspace.com/oliveredgecottonmouth

http://www.reverbnation.com/cottonmouthdub

http://www.facebook.com/cottonmouthdub



The single will feature two tracks from the album Central, each representing the purest Technasia style. Esperance is on the A side, a funky track in constant motion with a huge chord progression.

The gritty street-level techno of Innocuous Clouds on the B-side doesn’t forget that dance music rightfully belongs on the dancefloor. So this new single is sure to become a cherished tool for DJs across the house and techno spectrum.

While both tracks are worthy of release purely for club or dance pleasure, the album from which they are taken is an altogether different animal. Central is an amazing collection of tracks that form a complete journey through the senses, making this collection of tracks one of the stand out moments musically so far this year.

Technasia – Esperance

For more information vist the Technasia website.

Technasia – Esperance/Innocuous Clouds is available as 12″(TA11) & digital release on 10.05.2010

Technasia  – Central is released on Technasia Records on 31.05.2010

Fresh from  heading the Top Billin night at the recent Amsterdam Dance Event, Nobody Beats The Drum are about to embark on their second UK tour in a year.

Hailing from Amsterdam, NBTD fuse together Sjam’s decks, Jori’s keys and Rogier’s visuals into a sensual assault that’s impossible to withstand.. or something like that. Big beats, hard-cuts, heart thumping rhythms and a party atmosphere is what its all about.

This is the new single Purple Cactus – Nobody Beats The Drum

To celebrate the release of their new EP released via UK based digital label Satan’s Circus Nobody Beats The Drum will be appearing at the following UK venues through November:

NOVEMBER
13 – Bangers and Mash – London
14 – Start The Bus – Bristol
19 – Rat & Emu – Dartington
20 – 93 feet east – London
21 – Rat & Emu – Dartington

For more information check the NBTD MySpace page.

zinc-crack house ep

DJ Zinc is perhaps best known for his work within the Jungle/Drum n Bass arena, although it is fair to say that he has long been vociferous in his rebellion against perceived boundaries laid down by specific genres and to this end took a year out to create a new sub genre in house music.

The result of Zinc’s efforts is ‘Crack House’ which combines, “the warming bass of dubstep, the euphoria of electro house, the raw energy of jungle and feel-good release found in any music that compels you to jack your body.”

Crack House EP is a ten track sampler that defines the genre and includes features from Benga and Sweetie Irie. The few exclusive cuts from the release that have been let off so far are already receiving heavy rotation from DJs including Annie Mac, Sinden, Drop The Lime, Toddla T, Geeneus and Jack Beats, as Zinc marks his territory in pastures new with enviable success.

Check out the video for the Zinc track 128 Trek taken from the Crack House EP:

To remix such an outstanding track is a daunting task, but Petar Dundov has taken Reflections to his heart and delivered what is probably one of the most exciting remixes of the year. Already road-tested with the most ecstatic results possible at the biggest festivals of the summer by John Digweed and Sasha.

Alan Fitzpatrick is hot property on the techno scene today. His original productions through his own 8 Sided Dice imprint have become firm favourites with the best DJ’s on the planet including Richie Hawtin, Dubfire, Josh Wink, Laurent Garnier et al.

Having started his music career in 1997, Petar Dundov opened his Neumatik studio and multimedia company where he works as a sound engineer. He has recently released another artist album (Escapements), and has now taken his sound to the global stage with his stunning remix of Reflections for Alan Fitzpatrick.

John Digweed & Sasha at FAC51 party Trakai castle, Vilnius 1/8/09

In the US, the record drops on September 11, exactly 8 years to the day since the release of the first Blueprint album and also marks the anniversary of the New York September 11 bombings.

“The trilogy has come full circle”, says Jay Z.  “Blueprint encompasses the essence of those that influenced me.  It pays homage to the soul music our parents played, musically the album recognises that there is a generation of us that are influencing the next wave of artists. The album lays the groundwork for what can happen next”.

The buzz track - D.O.A (Death Of Auto-Tune), which questions the use of the voice correction tool ever-popular in Hip-Hop today, was released digitally on August 17.  The 1970’s-esque video that accompanies it, features a cameo from fellow Brooklyn-ite Harvey Keitel and is inspired in part by the film, Zabriskie Point, directed by Michelangelo.

Watch the Jay Z video for D.O.A

Jay Z will be performing in the UK alongside Coldplay in September, the dates are below:

UK TOUR DATES

September 12     Manchester L.C.C. Club (w/ Coldplay)

September 16     Glasgow Hampden Park (w/ Coldplay)

September 19     London Wembley Stadium (w/ Coldplay