Deejay News by Miss Ess Jay: AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 RAVES: TARAS VAN DE VOORDE TAKES US TRAVELLING WITH NEW DUAL RELEASE

Tuesday 22 January 2013

AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 RAVES: TARAS VAN DE VOORDE TAKES US TRAVELLING WITH NEW DUAL RELEASE

Rotterdam producer Taras van de Voorde may 'mainly tweet bullshit' (his words) but his production skills are bang on. He kicks of 2013 in style with a killer pair of releases, out on vinyl as a tasty double A-side and as digital editions. The new tracks, Manila and Hong Kong, are as interesting and diverse as the destinations that inspired them. Each captures something of the essential essence of the city.

Manila, like the Philippines' youthful and vibrant metropolis, is fun, frenetic and full of energy. It's a party in the blazing sunshine, pairing a cheery melody with groove-laden counterpoints designed to warm up even the most reluctant dancer. By comparison, Hong Kong's techhouse stylings feel more restrained. Edgy, sophisticated and intelligent, van de Voorde picks his big moments within the composition carefully to deliver an impactful and memorable piece of music.

The tracks are indicative of Taras van de Voorde's approach to his art. To be well-travelled and open-minded towards different cultures is an asset when exploring both the musical landscape and the world's physical geography. With Manila and Hong Kong he shows mastery of two distinct styles, yet for all their differences each are unmistakeably his: "Not too hard, not too soft but quality music with a firm, uplifting energy."

Hong Kong has already reached the #6 spot in the influential DMC World Music Magazine Buzz Chart. Both tracks have also found support from a diverse cross-section of DJs: Raresh, Gregor Tresher, Marc Romboy, Pirupa, Brothers' Vibe, Brett Johnson, Laurent Garnier, Mr G, Horse Meat Disco, Moodtrap, Jonny Cade, Voyeur, Norman Webber, Danny Ward and Lauhaus.

Hong Kong and Manila are released on EC Records and are follow-ups to the popular tracks The Game and Don't Stop Us (collab with Boris Ross). Both of these tunes were picked by Pete Tong for his Essential Selection and supported by the likes of Richie Hawtin, Agoria and Luciano. Van de Voorde's track 1998was Pete Tong's favorite tune in 2010.

Taras van de Voorde - Hong Kong/Manila EP is out from today on EC records and available on www.beatport.com

Official Music Video: http://vimeo.com/57852494
(Video credits: Animated, produced and edited by Space Monkeys www.space-monkeys.tv)