In a chaotic, frenetic and seemingly whirlwind like American dance music scene, it’s refreshing to see producers like Australia’s own Hook N Sling command the decks with poise, prowess, and an unfiltered level of experience which he exudes on a nightly basis. Hollywood clubs are constantly pumping forth cult-like “top 40” EDM tracks (i.e. Levels, We Found Love) and while I may enjoy these tracks, partying to them week in and week out has become a bit tiresome. I have been a Hook N Sling fan for a few years now, and had always been captivated the inventive DJ and production skills he brought to the table. His ability to write tracks across the EDM spectrum has always enticed me, as well as the signature tinge of euphoria and easability to listen to present in most Hook N Sling productions. When I was granted the opportunity to interview and watch Hook N Sling at Lure in Hollywood, I knew this would be a learning experience I couldn’t turn down.
You can see a review on his stellar set at Lure that evening after the jump.
I was privileged enough to interview one of the fastest rising producers in the music world. Jakob Liedholm has taken the dance world by storm ever since his "Fun- Some Nights" remix was released, having been featured in dozens of blogs and gaining support from DJ’s such as Tiesto, Dirty South, Pete Tong, and Nicky Romero. Jakob, who goes by the stage name of Jakob Lido, had some cool things to say about the music scene from his eyes.
More Electro Please- "Jakob, you started to produce at such a young age. Do you think you can use that as an advantage in the music industry in the future?"
Jakob- "Well, my plan is to develop my sounds as much as possible, so now, only release quality stuff. When my debut release will be released, I'd say I am 17-18 years old, so I wont be that young anymore."
MEP - "People are always comparing you to having an "Avicii" sound. Do you find this to be a compliment or do you feel like you should be your own identity and be known for your own sound?"
Jakob- “Well, I don'tlike it that much.. I've actually come up with a "own" style, but it isn't published yet. It's a bit trance, electro, house and minimal at the same time!”
MEP- "What is the best food in Sweden?"
Jakob- “Hmm... PIZZA!”
MEP- "Your tune, Swede Love, was played on BBC Radio 1 last week. What does that mean to you?"
Jakob- “It feels amazing, especially because I've been a fan of Pete ever since I was like 12 years old”
MEP- "If you could play one festival in the entire world, which would you chose?
Jakob- “Tomorrowland or Ushuaia, Ibiza.. Best crowds ever!”
MEP- "Where is Jakob Lido headed to in the music world?"
Jakob- “I actually just signed Johan Bjerkelund (Aviciis Tour Agent) so I hope it's going to be great!!"
You can find my music at Soundcloud.com/jakobliedholm
Percussionist, Producer, Remixer and Engineer – ChrisB’s rich and varied musical past has resulted in him becoming extraordinarily aware across every division of music creation. From the second that one of his tracks starts, you instantly identify that whoever created it, is obviously a musical connoisseur.
Captivated by his engaging sounds, the likes Toolroom and King Street Sounds have been delighted to be bases for his masterful multi-track releases. His sound shines brightest when electronic and acoustic sounds are fused, something notoriously tricky to execute with success in Electronic music. Many try to implement pianos and other instruments into Dance productions, but very few manage to unify them with the precision of Chris’s works.
Deep and Tech House have always been styles that rely wholly on percussion to add interest to the sometimes monotonous underlying structure of loop based Electronic music. Chris’s background as a Percussionist makes total sense and he makes you wonder why more artists from that background aren’t using their talent and experiences with rhythm, to create music that is essentially all about just that.
In this snippet from an interview with Eric Prydz, the superstar DJ attempts to explain the long-debated difference between a DJ Set and a live performance.
We all know Deadmau5's opinion on the matter, but what is Eric Prydz'?
"[In a live show] I think you go up there and show [the audience] what you've been performing in the studio," says the Swedish producer. He makes a good point; with all the high tech "fireworks and visuals" there isn't much you're able to improvise these days. In his eyes, the performance IS the production. "It's not that much about going up on the stage and doing something amazing like juggling 10 balls at the same time," he adds.
I have to say that I agree with Prydz. I've gone to many shows and have enjoyed every one of them even though they really aren't truly performances. It's the artist sharing his projects with you personally - that's the experience that is worth it.
A DJ set, however, IS improvisation. Just look at any of A-Trak's performances. He's an expert battle-DJ, having won DMC at age 15, and really knows how to get a crowd going through his tricks alone, not necessarily how popular or uplifting a song he is playing is. Just check out this video of his crazy skills.
What's your opinion on the matter? Do you think DJ-ing is as big of a commodity as it used to be? Do people care about good DJ-ing, or just hearing songs they like?
AN21 & MAX VANGELI
FIRE IT UP CROATIA INTERVIEW
In recent times, champions of Steve Angello’s Size Records
– AN21 & Max Vangeli have emerged as two of the most
exciting and dynamic dance music duos in the business. Their
trademark big room, melodic, progressive house has captured
the hearts and minds of the EDM world. Tagged by many as a
future Swedish House Mafia, the pair are well on their way to
grasping the level of success that is predicted for them. Their
armoury of anthemic releases resonates perfectly with the
current direction of dance music in 2012 and as the venues
they entertain grow bigger, so does their loyal fan base. It
would be foolish to predict a future of EDM that didn’t have
this pair right at its helm.
Interview
So, firstly have you guys had the pleasure of visiting Croatia
before?
Of course! It’s an AMAZING place!!!
OneBeat has come up with an original series Livin' which, gives the fans an insight into superstar producers and DJ's. Their first in the series showcases Steve Aoki, a serious powerhouse in the EDM scene. In the video, you can feel the love and appreciation he has for the fans. With his unique electronic sound and hard hitting beats, he can really put on a show with his acts. Listen to his quick and dirty interview with OneBeat below:
Some of the coolest guys in the business and talented as well, Myon and Shane 54 were gracious enough for an interview. The shenanigans in full display, enjoy!
It was certainly a night of anticipation as Aruna and Myon and Shane 54 were planning their performance at Exchange LA. We were slotted to interview the three artists before their shows, but we didn't know much else about the night. Lead into the green room, we were kindly greeted by none other than Aruna as she was getting ready for her DJ set. She seemed anxious but optimistic and was kind enough to hang out with us while answering some of our burning questions. What we found wasn't just a great musician but a truly confident and down to earth artist who was eager to share her craft to the world.
Swedish grown DJ Peo De Pitte sat down with BugBitten Promotions for an interview last week. Read about his style, his influences, and his upcoming performance at the Overcooked Records Launch Party on July 14th.
http://www.bugbittenpromotions.com/an-interview-with-peo-de-pitte/
Peo De Pitte also released an awesome summer mix which demonstates his unique style of music. Definitely a must download!
Check out TID's 5 minute interview with Pedestrian. They discuss everything from what music motivates him to where he will be in the next coming months.
http://www.trackitdown.net/news/show/105279.html
Overcooked Records has also invited Pedestrian to be their special guest at the label launch party on July 14th in London. For his performance at the launch party, he has compiled a top 10 chart of some of the songs he will be dropping. Check out the link below for the full track list.