Diego Levatto is a DJ/Producer from LA. Signed to Dynamix Recordingz, Diego travels across the USA regularly, as well as jet setting to the far corners of the earth, firmly stamping his funky beat on his fans far & wide.
Can you remember your first memory of music, and how did it make you feel?
DL: I remember the only thing I could think was doing this forever... The fact that I had the potential to impact people with a number of ways using music was a major in my book. It made me realize what music meant to me. It made me feel like I could do anything. It was and is still my first love.
Who has been your biggest inspiration through your life?
DL: My daughter is my biggest inspiration. She is my drive and before her... I was mainly focused on music which was my only drive... In present day... The music, the EDM scene and the passion I have for the crowd is my drive. But my daughter is my life entirely. Together those two move me in a way beyond reason. I love the music and I love the ppl who make this all worth doing.
You have experienced playing to large crowds of people at venues like Ultra. How does that compare to playing a smaller venue, and do you prefer the intimacy of a club or the massive buzz of connecting to the masses?
DL: To me playing big cities, large stages and pool parties is the best. Them Festivals mean the world. But they are the best because I also had my share of gigs on a lower level. I learned to respect all masses... From playing to 5 ppl to 5000 ppl... Its all about the music and the passion. In my early days - some sets weren't the most fulfilling but I enjoyed it anyway. Music is my life. I live for it. But definitely love intimacy too. It's a great way and very rewarding to be in this place after all the work I've put into it. So intimacy and large venues are all the same when a DJs heart is in the right place. It's nice to be part of the EDM breeding ground worldwide. I'm not one to turn down a gig. Size doesn't matter. Music is the passion and at the end of the night, its all about doing something bigger than yourself.
How would you best describe your life, in one word answers, starting with the most rewarding? ie: happy, crazy, fulfilled etc.
You have recently played to a UK audience down in our Capital city. How well were you received, and how different are the British clubbers to the US ones?
DL: I felt at home but felt a need to prove myself. I was far from home and far from my usual sets.
The British are very different in the sense that they expect a higher caliber of music considering that UK is a breeding ground for EDM.
At first I didn't look ready according to the Club Promoters, but when I got on, I got right to business. They were very supportive and opened. In the US the music in the smaller cities is a little bit more throw back. But in the US I get to play a lot of International numbers in the bigger city spots. So needless to say, playing a venue in the UK was not a problem. I'm one of the few in the US who plays a lot of UK hits and breaks new charts as opposed to those who stick to the Top 40 stuff ppl listen to over and over. In the UK, music selection is everything and the first few records can make you or break you. So being selective and being myself really helped. I'm naturally a rather energetic individual, so the UK crowd is one I enjoy very much.
What can we expect to hear from Diego Levatto in the next 12 months...any exciting news you can share with us?
DL: I got a few new records in the works with El Setos, some Europe touring I'm working on and definitely planning a new tour through Holland, Rotterdam, And The Netherlands very own... Amsterdam Redlight district. Plus I'll be dropping some more tracks with MC I See of Holland. With all the Beatport releases in store... You can expect to see me in your city soon.
And finally, if you could advise a newcomer to the business with one piece of wisdom, what would that be?
DL: It's very important to do something original. Practice, pick a style that works for you, then dominate it. Most importantly take your time, learn your craft, respect it, respect others, and follow your heart. But you must get ready because there's more to it than getting on stage, raging and twisting knobs. Learn your music, be selective, set a goal... Accomplish it, then raise the bar with a bigger goal. But don't forget to focus on that goal. Don't run too fast. Take each step, master it, then move forward. My best piece of advice is to just practice a lot and make sure you are on point. Take your time and enjoy it. Without passion and dedication... It's all for nothing.
Editors note: Thank you so much Diego for that fascinating insight to your life. Good luck with everything that you do, and hope to see you very soon.
Born in The Netherlands in 1989, Pieter Steijger is a DJ / Producer, and label boss. With a passion for music at a very young age, Pieter first had his taste of the decks at the tender age of 13.
He founded Frameworx Music in 2008, releasing his own work plus that of his duo partner Sander Young. He released his first album Luminosity on his birthday - 14/2/13.
Hi Pieter, thank you for taking the time to do this...I would like to start by asking you what is your earliest memory of music, and can you remember how it made you feel?
When I was a kid and I was playing (most of the time with Lego), my dad used to play music from Kraftwerk. I was so impressed by those electronic
sounds. It was an amazing feeling. Ever since that moment, music has always
been a part of my life. Not much later I started playing the drums, and I
took piano lessons. Eventually I started to make my own music.
Who has been your biggest influence throughout your life?
If you could work with anyone, past or present, who would it be and why?
I don't know. Of course Carl Craig would be very educational to work
with. He is a musical magician. But I think it would be also very cool to
add some Techno influences to a band or artist like the Editors or Kanye West.
How would you best describe the atmosphere in the studio when you and Sander get together?
Most of the time I work solo on projects. If you are alone and you've been
working for hours on a track, it's good to have somebody that provides you
a new perspective and input on your creations. When Sander enters the
studio he notices things I didn't hear yet or he provides some input that
takes the track to another dimension. When we work together on a project,
we complete each other which results in awesome tracks and in new ways of
creativity.
If music was never an option as a career to you which profession do you think you may have chosen?
I think I would become a (Dutch) designer. Or I would get a career as
manager of a band or DJ.
Who is your favorite singer/band to listen to right now, and do you get chance to go to see your fave act perform on stage at any time?
And finally Pieter, if you could give one piece of advice to someone who wanted to start out as a DJ, what would it be?
Just create your own music. Invest in a quality workflow that will foster
your creativity. Be inspired by the artists and movies you like and of
course by your own background and environment. Don't start with it for the
wrong reasons like money, women, or fame. And focus...
Editors Note: Thank you Pieter for this great insight to your life. I wish you the best for 2013 and beyond.
Grammy nominated Morgan Page, is an Electro House/ Progressive House/Trance DJ from the USA. While still in High School, Morgan had a weekly radio show at WRUV 90.1 FM in Burlington, Vermont, before becoming Station manager at the college he attended in Boston. His most noted work, and ultimately earning him 2 Grammy award nominations, are 'The Longest Road' featuring American folk rock artist Lissie, and a remix of 'Fantasy' by the stunning Nadia Ali. His third album, In the air, was released earlier this year on Nettwerk with hit tracks such as 'In the air', 'Body work' and his latest release 'Where did you go' .
Hi Morgan, thanks for taking the time to answer these questions. Can you remember the first time you ever played to a crowd & how it made you feel? And how does that feeling compare to today?
MP: My first gig was pretty surreal. My music sounded completely different hearing it for the first time through a big system. I still get those butterflies especially at the big shows.
What was your favourite music growing up? I was a massive Wham fan and actually fancied George Michael like crazy! Still love him today lol! Are there any new acts today that have maybe caught your attention?
MP: I grew up on a mix of hip hop, folk, and electronic - in addition to the usual pop stuff you can't avoid, even if you tried. Daft Punk really got me into the electronic stuff. Newer names like Avicii are really inspiring to me.
Where in the world is your favourite place to play and why? And how about the UK...can we expect to see you here more in the future?
MP: Right now it's North America. But things are always changing. Next it could be Russia or India. The UK is great - it was a honor to play the legendary Ministry of Sound this year.
When you are not DJing and travelling what is your favourite thing to do to relax?
MP: I love movies, TV, and running in the mountains here in LA. Travel has always been a hobby, so I try to take extra time in exotic cities to enjoy them.
What will 2013 have in-store for Morgan Page fans?
MP: In 2013 I'll be releasing a bunch of new singles and eventually another album. The first single is "Carry Me" with Nadia Ali.
And finally, what best advice would you give to someone who is wanting to start out in the music business?
MP: The most important thing is to spend at least 3 hours per day working towards your goal. It's the 10,000 hour theory and it definitely helps! I'll be writing a book about tips and ideas like this coming our next year. For now see twitter.com/MPQuicktips
*Editors note: Thank you so much Morgan for sharing your amazing life with us. Very excited to hear your new track with Nadia Ali. All the best with all your ventures.
This is an exciting day in Deejay News' life! The inspiration behind me starting this blog came from a chance meeting back in March 2011, at my favourite club in the world, Cream Liverpool. I had been told of the amazing talent of this Dutch DJ by my good friend Diego Levatto, and upon researching his music instantly fell in love with his dynamic style! Meeting Luke was such a massive impact on me that my love of music evolved and grew into this outlet for me to share outstanding talent like this, with the rest of the world... Lucas Cornelis van Scheppingen, born 22 October 1976 is a Dutch Electro House/House/Dance DJ/Producer better known to the world as Laidback Luke. Since his first single release back in 1998, Luke has exploded onto the dance scene with smash hits such as Turbulence, Timebomb, Natural Disaster and my fave Rockin with the best. Luke has also performed under the name of Nouveau Yorican with fellow DJ, and now wife...the beautiful Gina Turner, producing tracks with a super sexy Latino vibe, such as Chiuso and Boriqua. With his own record label, Mixmash Records and his signature club nights, Super You & Me, Luke is a (Super) force to be reckoned with!
First of all Luke, I just want to thank you for taking time to do this for me, and also thank you for inspiring me to start this blog up after I met you in Cream in 2011. Who has been your biggest inspiration through your life?
LBL:My pleasure, I'm glad I can be of help and thanks so much for your support throughout the years! Inspiration always comes in different ways and through various people. Anyone can be an inspiration to me as long as the passion radiates through and triggers something in me. At one point for instance, I saw the baker at the market selling his bread as if he invented making bread. Such passion and love for what he does, it was like me being in the crowd and watching him perform. It's those moments I realize how precious that is. Throughout the years I've been musically inspired by people like Chocolate Puma, Stonebridge, Carl Craig, DJ Pierre, DJ Sneak, Daft Punk, Swedish House Mafia, Timbaland and NERD. DJ-wise I'm a big big fan of Gaslamp Killer and a lot of my DJ inspiration comes from people like Jeff Mills, Bad Boy Bill, Frankie Bones, DJ AM and Dave Clarke.
I love that you take time to communicate with your fans via social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook. How much do these sites mean to you both musically and personally? And do you think they help spread music from artist to fan and vice-versa?
LBL: I've always been about being in touch with the people that support me. That's one of the reasons my forum became such a breeding ground for talent. Coming up and bumping into big and ugly DJ egos, I made a promise to myself to always be approachable.No matter how big I would become. I still live by that, although it moved away a bit from my forum more onto Twitter and Facebook. I just think it's really important to be in touch with the people that make me do what I do, and that pay my rent! It surprises me every day that fellow artists take their 'fans' (I hate that word, it sounds very degrading to me) for granted. We are the lucky ones being appreciated so much for doing what we love.
Your music always seems to evolve with the ever changing genres, incorporating new styles such as Dubstep. How important as an artist is it for you to do this, and do you think it brings with it a whole new following of fans?
LBL: If you know anything about marketing some people would even suggest to stay safe and just keep on doing the same for years and years. As an artist, I really can't pigeonhole myself like that. I've always been about growing and discovering new things and challenges. I'll always try to be that. The moment I'm bored, I'll be unhappy with what I do. My passion will stay alive by constantly evolving and coming across new challenges. And yes, in every 2 or 3 years that means I gain a new following. While the old following complains they miss my old sound. It has happened multiple times and it's something I can't worry about. My own happiness is my number 1 concern. For me, no happiness means no music, I've been there before and it's a horrible experience to not be able to make any music anymore.This is what Techno did to me when I started out. I started putting out records in 1995 and hadto break with doing techno in 1999. As it wasn't making me happy and put me in sucha writer's block that I wanted to quit producing and DJing altogether!The moment I chose for my own happiness, the creativity started flowing again!
Super You & Me has been a great success for you, and a fun way for people to dress up as their favourite Superhero. One of my favourite films this year was Avengers Assemble ( lol'd so much at Hulk & Loki scene!) If you could have one Super power what would it be and why?
LBL: I very much feel like a superhero whenever I'm behind the decks. My dad sometimes calls me a conductor, by the way I work the crowd and take them with me in the energy of a night. With Super You & Me I want people to feel that epic feeling with me but very much in a fun way. As I think the fun gels people together and brings good times to all of us. My favorite superheroes all time are Spiderman and Wolverine.I always imagined me being a crossbreed of them if I would want to have superpowers.
You have played numerous times at my hometown club Cream, in Liverpool. I spent my youth there being influenced by DJ legends such as Paul Oakenfold and Carl Cox. To me it will always be my favourite club. What is it about the club and the crowd that make you keep coming back for more?
LBL: I feel Liverpool adopted me as a Scouser. Somehow what I do, pushes all the rightbuttons to Scousers. Whenever I play anywhere in the neighborhood, or not even, I have busloads of people from Liverpool traveling down to see me play. I'm very honored about this, I do connect well with people from Liverpool. Obviously Cream is the epicenterof where I need to be. I know that it's going to be absolutely mental already. And in a club with such a rich history, it's very easy for me to tap into that energy and pick up the amazing vibe that has resonated there for decades. I'm back at Boxing Night and I'm absolutely buzzing!
Describe in 3 words how music makes you feel:-
LBL: Alive, Energized and Invincible.
On your days off away from music, what is your favourite thing to do to relax?
LBL: My other big passions in life are Kung Fu and Cooking. I have a dream of opening a Kung Fu school later in life. I've been practicing it for 11 years now and I'm at that level I could be an instructor. This year I've competed in the British Kung Fu Championships and won a few medals. And I've been invited to compete at the World Championships in Hong Kong coming year! Kung Fu helps me to keep grounded and energized in this crazy DJ life I lead. Cooking helps me with that too. It's a similar type of mixing I do, but not having the pressure of the whole world watching me when I do so. Plus the food is amazing!
What can we expect to hear from LBL in 2013?
LBL: I have loads of new tracks on the way. We're about ready to go with collaborations withHardwell, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike and Shermanology for instance. I have a big new track coming with Majestic on the vocal too which is named 'Pogo'. A very fun new track!
And finally what best advice would you give to a newcomer to guide them in the right direction?
LBL: It depends on what they want. I will always tell beginning DJs to start producing tracksas it will be the quickest and easiest way to get your name globally known. Then again, I always recommend people that want to get into DJing to try the cheeky PC program called 'Virtual DJ' first. Just to see if you like mixing and playing your music at all.Advice always comes in different stages, and I've been through it all in my 20 years of producer experience and 15 years of DJing. So I often direct people in various ways.Anyone can always ask me for advice and I'll do my best to answer!
Editors note: As always a pleasure when it involves you, such a genuine guy. Thank goodness you gave up Techno and are still around giving pleasure to our ears years later, and years to come. As for coming to Liverpool, you are an honorary Scouser and are welcome anytime....we love you!! Best of luck in everything you do, whether it be making music, cooking or kicking butt...I for one will be there every step of the way =)
Since starting my blog last year I have had the privilege of interviewing several International DJs, getting inside their head and seeing a glimpse of their Super-star lifestyle. Its such an honour to experience. But this next interview gives me the same honour & privilege to bring to you, my good friend Leon Hagen...aka DJ El-Setos.
Growing up in The Netherlands in the 90s, Leon had plenty of musical influence from Dutch dance acts such as 2Unlimited, Alice Deejay and The Venga boys, to name but a few. With a taste for music he started up a small mobile disco at school partys ( as did Dutch DJ supremo Fedde Le Grand ) and decided that music was going to be his career path from then on.
Now General Manager at Muziekverzorging.nl * Leon oversees areas of the business such as marketing, logistics, staff, and he also DJs at various locations in The Netherlands and adjoining country's such as Germany, Belgium and Denmark.
*Muziekverzorging.nl was founded in 1992, and since then has grown into the largest mobile disco rental in Holland. In 2009 they developed their Disco dancefloor with a height of only a little over 1 inch! Since that moment they are not only the largest mobile disco company but also the largest discofloor rental company in Holland, Belgium and Germany! A UK a website is currently under construction : http://www.discospot.co.uk
Was there a specific moment in your life when music really touched you, and was it this experience that made you pursue it as a career?
LH:It's hard to point out one specific moment, as a kid I was always more attracted to radio instead of TV. Sitting on the back seat of my parents car listening to the classics they played. Later on, on my own stereo at my room. Copying the latest top 40 hits on your cassette-deck, I really could spend hours doing it, instead of watching TV or playing outside with other kids. Back then I wasn't able to discuss the popular TV-shows with my friends and classmates, but I could name all 40 hits and their remixes. *Geek alert* I guess! My father is the same, he also prefers listening to music instead of tele, so it's not weird I had the same interests, listening to all kinds of music. Listening that much made me aware of the message and power of music, you can party and you can just dream away on it. Realizing this made me wanna do something with music. Of course that's were the problems showed up...I couldn't sing or dance, resulting in a DJ-career.
Where did the name El-Setos come from?
LH:After becoming more serious with the DJ-ing, going from 12 gigs a year to the current 120, I realised I had to create a more catchy name then my own one. DJ Leon doesn't really sound that professional. At that moment I played a lot of tracks with Latin-infuences in my sets, so my friends figured it needed to sound that way.
One of my best friends came up with the idea to simply translate my name in to a 'Latin language', since we couldn't think of an other name. El-Setos is nothing more than my name in Spanish. The 'El' stands for the first letter of my name 'L', Setos is my last name translated. Later on my sets changed to more progressive house and trance so the link between my name and music is gone, but to change your name everytime your music evolves is a lil' hard to do of course. ;-)
Describe in 3 words how music makes you feel:-
LH: Tough question.... it all depends on how I feel and what I'm listening to, music is equal to emotions for me. I can dance my ass off on some strong uplifting house music, but I also cry my eyes out while listening to a movie score. Good music, with soul, touches me in every fibre, it gives me peace and happiness. So in three words; Peace, happy and emotion.
Do you feel privileged to be able to do something you really love as a job?
LH:Absolutely! I can't imagine how it must feel to go to work while being unhappy with it, I regret the people who have to suffer that every day. I chased my dream and took the chance when it appeared. It's a privilege to do this job, a job some many young people all over the world want. That's what I tell myself when I have a bad day, that somewhere on earth young people are praying to get some DJ-gigs and I must feel blessed to get this many.
What is the best thing about your job? Travelling? Meeting new people?
LH:One of the best things is being surrounded by happy people, people who wanna get out and celebrate. Travel is also on the plus-side, well mostly... I hate waiting, and guess what, travel has a lot of waiting, but it's fun to see a lot of new places, countries and cultures. The best thing of course is working with music, that's where it all started and why I'm doing it. Nothing can beat the great feeling of exploring new tracks and people go crazy on it!
What is your favourite genre of music besides EDM?
LH: I love all kinds of music! In my childhood I listened to a lot of classics with my parents. When I grew up I enjoyed good pop music and movie scores. As long as it's music with passion I can enjoy it.
Who, musically, has been your biggest inspiration?
LH:Well, you've heard this before I guess...but an artist as Micheal Jackson really is a childhood-hero! Later on when I started DJ-ing, guys like Armin, Ferry and Tijs were already well known stars, just like them I had a lot of inspiration from Ben Liebrand, he's like the godfather for EDM. Unbelievable what he has done! I guess it's thanks to him, the Dutch are conquering the EDM-scene. Things he has done 20 years ago became our standard and those things are still today, with a far better technology, very impressive!
And lastly if you could advise someone who wanted to start a career in music what would your best advice be?
LH:Follow your dream, work hard and believe in yourself! If you don't believe in you, who will? Be original and realistic. Top-DJ's all started as warm-up DJ's in shabby clubs, it's a long way but the travel to the top is worth it!
Editors note: Thank you so much Leon for sharing your thoughts and experiences with us. You must be so proud of how your career has turned out! I hope the UK side of the business works out well for you, and we hope to hear you play over here sometime soon =)
Deniz Koyu is the new kid on the block but has already made his stamp on the EDM music scene, and earned high respect from his peers.
Deniz started his passion for music at the tender age of 5, learning to play the piano. From there he developed a taste for making music & used his pocket money to pay for drum machines & second hand synths.
Heavily supported by Fedde Le Grand, Deniz released the now infamous 'Tung' on Fedde's record label Flamingo Recordings in 2011. It's not often that a track makes me sit up & notice someone....but 'Tung' was one of my favourite productions of 2011 and I am very excited to see what else Deniz has instore for us this year!
Deniz thank you very much for taking time to answer these questions. I have to start with 'Tung'...as soon as I heard this track I knew big things were going to happen, its such an epic tune! Did you ever think this track would get such an amazing response?
DK: Honestly I produced Tung! in about 3 – 4 days very quickly and when it was finished I really didn’t know what to expect. I did have a feeling this is something catchy and might work well for a good amount of DJs in their sets, but I didn’t expect that huge response. Until I sent it to Fedde and his reaction was “This is amazing. Full support! I give you a call later.”. Then I knew this was a bigger track than I thought.
'Tung' was one of my favorite tracks of 2011, it really grabbed hold of me & wouldn't let me go! What was yours and why did it excite you?
DK: That’s too hard for me to pin down to one single track, but in2011 I did love the melody of “Calling”, the energy in Arty’s “Around The World” and the unique vibe of Tommy Trash’s “The End”.
Who or what do you take your inspiration to make music from?
DK: These days the biggest inspiration for me simply comes from absorbing the energy of a crowd in a club while DJing. Observing the crowd, interacting with them and watching which tracks and what elements make them go wild and crazy is the best way to get new ideas.
If you could work with one of your heroes ( dead or alive ) who would they be & why?
DK: I’m already very fortunate to have the opportunity to work together with Fedde Le Grand on different projects right now. He’s such a good producer and a super nice guy so it’s always fun to work with him. For the future if I could just pick one more it would be Axwell, as I’m a big fan of his productions as well.
There is a rumour going round that you could be collaborating with Fedde Le Grand this year...how possible is this & how much has Feddes support meant to you over the last 12 months?
DK: Yes as I mentioned before we are working on a couple of projects right now. The first track coming out is “Turn It” which we made together with Johan Wedel. It will be out very soon this month, other stuff will come later this year.
Basically Fedde’s support was the best that happened to me in my music career, cos it was a confirmation for me that I have a talent and I’m going the right way in my life. From that point on I got more and more motivated to make even better tracks and grow further. It’s very hard as a music producer in the beginning to know if you really have the potential to make a living of it and be successful, and when someone as big as Fedde tells you that you do have it, all your doubts are gone and that is an amazing feeling.
Describe in 3 words how music makes you feel....
DK: Euphoric, spirited, carefree.
And lastly if you could give one piece of advice to help someone who has just started out in the business what would it be?
DK: Be very careful with contracts you sign in the beginning. When you make your first steps into music business you will meet many really wrong people who will try to screw you with the
shittiest contracts. They know that you are euphoric to get a first record deal at all, plus you are inexperienced and that’s what they make use of. Later on when you finally get to know professional and successful people you will regret what you signed in the early days. So my advice is to read your first contracts extremely carefully before signing, try to get some help from a producer with more experience and possibly get a specialized lawyer to check the contract. You better pay a few hundred bucks once for a lawyer instead of the horror numbers you might have to face later when you realize how a shitty contract screwed you.
Editors note: Thank you so much Deniz for sparing some of your time to share your thoughts with us, you have provided a very interesting insight into your world. I am very excited about your new collab with FLG and any future projects you have instore for us. Best of luck to you in all that you do.
Check out Deniz' remix of Feddes 'So much love'.....
John 'Johnstar' Witsenburg is a Electro/House DJ/Producer from Tilburg, Netherlands.
Since early childhood John has had an obsession with music which has just grew & grew, and has now earned him respect amongst his peers, especially fellow Dutch DJ supremo Fedde Le Grand.
John is currently busy with lots of new projects, his most recent being a remix of Oded Nirs 'Power of the hair' out now on Beatport.
What is your earliest recollection of music? And how did it make you feel?
JW:Wow, that's a hard question! I was raised on music! Between my dad being kind of a DJ in his student years and my mom loving music I grew up with vinyl. Major influences were from Santana to James Brown and everything from Motown to Pete Townshend! I remember my dad being cross with me as he was afraid I would brake his turntables when I was 3 years old and my mom having discussions with my dad because he bought me my first professional gear and tape recorders when I was just 4 years old!
Can you tell us the feeling you had when you played your first ever gig, and how old where you?
JW:I played my first gig when I was 10 and my first official club gig/DJ contest when I was 11.. matching beats with 2 cassette decks with a pitch knob and a Sony handheld drumcomputer to mask when beats weren't matching lol! From then on I knew this was what I was hooked on .... Music. I remember getting bored every two weeks when I didn't hear new music, thats why I fell in love with house music later on because in those day's that was the only music which was in constant development. You never knew what would be next...
What is your favorite thing to do from the following:-
DJ at a club (small audience)? DJ at an event (large audience)? Sit in the studio & make sweet music?
JW:Well maybe I sound old skool but I think a good dj should be able and wanting to do it all! I love playing a small audience because you never know beforehand if the set will be banging, underground or soulfull with a twist. I think the bigger the crowd, the easier the gig, because of the massive energylevel/feedback from the crowd. Making music in the studio just helps when I have grooves in my head that I know will work on the floor but I can't find in the online music stores. On a different note I think producing great housetracks that work on the floor is only possible when u play alot. Converting the dancefloor energy from the gig the day before into a beat is always a thrill!!
Who would be your dream person to collaborate with ( dead or alive ) ?
JW:Pffffff..... another hard question. I am working hard to get some collabs with the DJ/producers in my direct circle like Peter Horrevorts, who is a good friend of mine. But also club kings like Fedde Le Grand. I also used to work alot with Hollands top jazz artists which I love, so if she were still alive I would love to hook up with Nina Simone to do a great, dark and musical track!
Are you working on any new material right now that you can tell us about? An exclusive maybe??
JW:Just recently my remix for Oded Nir's Power of the Hair has been released which is doing quite well!! Next to that I'm working on a lot of new material. I am looking forward to record a second e.p. with MC Spyder (from the Tick Tock Track). I am going to introduce some new vocalists to the scene which I think are great (within two months) and got some underground stuff lined up as well, but you will have to keep track of the social pages to find out what's what!
Where can we expect to see you in the next 6 months?
JW:You can always find me in my studio working music ;) but I hope my new releases will fall through nicely and I am trying to get my abroad gigs handled so hopefully like last year I will be playing UK, Germany, France, Belgium and of course Holland the coming months! Also I'm finally getting my artwork sorted which means my website and all my socials will be pimped shortly..so also find me there!!
When you are not DJing or working in the studio what is your favorite thing(s) to do to relax?
JW: To be honest.... between working in the music and handling my own djing, productions and radioshow, I don't really relax. My motto is that I can relax when I am really old. (I must say my girlfriend and dog do not really share that opinion:) If there is a day that I have 2 hrs off I like to hit the studio, turn off my phone and produce hiphop music, my first love when I started dj'ing. Also this past year has been pretty tough for me on a personal level, which made me appreciate my friends even more. So finding the time to just hang out with them and relax is something that's really on my to do list this year!
And finally, can you spare some of your wisdom to advise newcomers to the music industry?
JW:Well first and foremost, dj'ing is not getting a laptop and pumping one hand in the air for 120 mins!!! Try to find your own sound and stick with it. In my beginning day's we had to find out everything ourselves, including lining up at the record store to find that 1 tune that would rock the clubs. It's a good thing all the tools you need can be found on the internet! Also if u get stuck with your productions, go online and check out youtube or other forums! All the information you need as a producer can be found online. I'm still learning everyday from guys that post movies, techniques and other stuff, and there's so much gear nowadays! Don't let anyone tell you what's good music and what's not. Be true to yourself, work hard and everything will work out!
Editors note: Thank you so much John for taking time out of your busy schedule to enlighten us about your life as a DJ. Wow you were so young starting out! Your dad must of been a great influence:) I'm really looking forward to hearing your new material...your latest remix rocks!! All the best.
* Special thanks to Susanne
Nicky Romero ft. Mitch Crown -- Schizophrenic (Johnstar Big Love Remix)
Michael 'Micha' Moor is an Electro House DJ/Producer from Germany and is probably best known for his distinctive technical skills and amazing mixing abilities.
So I guess you can say we have been left wanting Moor!
Well I have been lucky enough to get to ask some questions to Micha...who inspires him?...how does he spend his spare time?...what can we expect in 2012?? What else can I say but watch this Space ;)
What is your earliest memory of music?
MM: That must be around the first years of my life. My father was a drummer and as soon I was able to find my way into the music-room on my own, I was sitting behind his drum-set and went nuts…
Where do you get your inspiration to make music from?
MM: Not only my father was a musician, also my mum and later on my sister… Everybody in my family is surrounded with music all the way. So I got in contact and infected with many different styles of music right from the beginning. Listening to good songs, no matter which genre, makes me wanna hit the studio again every time…
Who is your favourite music producer right now?
MM: That´s hard to say cause there are so many good producers out there at the moment. But I think my buddy Deniz Koyu is doing an amazing job right now… Banging stuff all the way!
What has been your favourite track of 2011?
MM: There are so many good tracks coming in my inbox every week, for me it´s not possible to pick only one track of the year. I fall in love with new tracks very fast so I have a new favorite track every day, hehe. But the song I did with Terri B! was definitely one of my favorites in my sets during the last year… Working with him was a lot of fun and the result is pretty good I think.
When you are not travelling & working, what is your best thing to do to relax?
MM: I love doing sports… Although it´s very exhausting it gives me the energy for all the long and late night studio sessions. And, for sure, the most important thing is to be with my friends and family…it´s quality time!
Who is your hero ( musically ) & ( non musically ) ?
MM: Thats a tough one, musically I think I have to choose Paul Simon. He was, for a long time, my musical hero and I can sing along nearly every song of him (and Simon Garfunkel for sure). He´s a big inspiration and I was so lucky to meet him personally for some minutes. Non musically I can only pick my mum and thank her for everything she has done for me and letting me do what I love, even though to be musician is not that safe than being a teacher like she is… haha
What can we expect in 2012 from Micha Moor?
MM: Lot´s of new singles for sure and a lot of traveling the world. I´m just releasing my forthcoming single "Love is Chemical" and there are a lot more tracks to come in the near future. So keep an eye on my homepage or Facebook and you won´t miss them…
And finally, if someone who wanted to start a career in music came to you for advice, how would you best advise them?
MM: Do your own thing and just do it for the love of music!! It´s a hard and long way… But if you really love it, the passion will keep you going!!
Editors note: Thank you so much Micha for that little insight into your amazing life! I totally agree about Deniz Koyu, Tung has been one of my personal favourite productions this year. I wish you every success in all that you do & will be following every step of the way.
And here's a little sneak peek at Michas new floor banger 'Love is chemical'...
Gus Calderone & Bill Basil (Billy the kid) are collectively known to us as The House Moguls. Hailing from Chicago, the home of House music, this dynamic duo have remixed some of the greatest dance choons of our time such as Rendez-Vu, Groovejet & One more time which earned an accolade from MSTRKRFT as being "the best Daft Punk remix of all time"!
The guys have kindly offered a free download from Soundcloud
entitled 'House Nation'. If you like your beats big, chunky & dirty then this one is for you! Check it out here:-
Hi guys, thank you very much for agreeing to this interview. I would to start by asking you individually what was your first memory of music, and how did it make you feel?
Bill Basil: I remember being around a lot of music as a kid. There was always music playing in my house, a lot of Motown. It made me wanna be a musician & learn how those amazing songs were created. Gus Calderone: Growing up there was always music in my house, both my father and mother are really into music and both played instruments. But Michael Jackson's "Thriller" album is what did it for me.
Who was a major influence to you musically when you were growing up, & at what age did you both realise that music was going to be your career?
Bill Basil: I've always loved legitimate artists. Guys like Stevie Wonder, Prince, people who really put emotion and soul into their work and give it their everything. When you listen to an artist like that you know exactly what they were trying to express at that moment of their life. I knew at a very young age my career would involve music. Gus Calderone: I can't really say one artist really influenced me. We were able to grow up in such an amazing era of artists, some of the greatest of all time. I just really cant pin point one person. I've always known I would be involved in music in some way or form.
You have remixed some of the best dance tracks such as Daft Punk's 'One more time' & Basement Jaxx's 'Rendez-Vu'. How do you both decide which tracks to edit to your own style? And has there been one particular track that you have thought ' Wow this is gonna be shit hot!!'? ;)
THM: A lot of the projects we work on are really spare of the moment. We work daily in the studio either on our radio shows or production work and constantly listening to music really does help. We dig up old jems a lot and wonder why up & comer Djs aren't playing them? If we can remix them and help them resurface to a new generation of listeners its an amazing feeling for us. The Daft Punk Remix we produced in 2007 is still getting major spins from the worlds biggest Djs and that was something we did just for fun, to play at our own shows. Before we knew it every bedroom to superstar Dj was charting it and labels were hitting us up constantly for that type of remix. It was overwhelming to have that kind of exposure really over night. Every time we finish a project we're always very proud and constantly thinking this is something special or this is a really hot tune. We really love what we do & being that passionate about your work makes you really fall in love with every song you make.
How does it feel when a high profile Deejay plays your remix in a club & it gets a massive reaction from the crowd?
THM: Seeing Djs playing our music and seeing the crowd reactions is a lot of the reason why we chose to do this job. We're lucky enough that so many Djs have sent us videos from festivals all over the world just to show us the responses that our music gets in other countries. Its extremely humbling but also a very driving. Seeing 100,000 people going crazy to one of our songs really puts us in the mood to keep on producing more. We're both extremely creative in our own rights but seeing the people loving the music really keeps us motivated.
Your monthly podcast 'The Show' is superb! It must be a great way to share your music with your fans & you promote it on your social network sites such as Facebook & Twitter, so how important are these outlets as a way of reaching your fans? And how important is it to you to get feedback from them?
THM: Thank you so much! The Show is something we started and never expected it to blow up as fast and as big as it has. We really are blessed with some amazing fans. In order to reach these fans we utilize our social media outlets as much as possible and invite the fans to contact us as much as they can. Social media sites have made it possible for us to connect with our fans consistently and for them to feel like they are part of The House Moguls experience. They can sign on at anytime and see what were up to or what country were in. Its a way for us to take everyone on the road or everyone into the studio and for them to experience almost as much as we do.
And finally would you both give a piece of advice that may help someone who wanted to start a career in music on their own / as a duo?
Bill Basil: I would say that being involved at a young age is good. Start taking instrument lessons or vocal lessons. Whatever it is that your interested in. Whatever knowledge you can have will always help. The music business has a lot more to it then just making music. Be well rounded and know your roots! Stay humble no matter how quickly you rise in the business. Stay clear of shitty managers and shitty promoters. Be involved with quality people who want to produce quality results. Gus Calderone: On top of what Billy said, the music industry is constantly changing to the consumer. You must be willing to adapt, grow, and evolve as an artist. If you plan to get into this for instant fame, money, or to get laid, don't do it, get involved for the love of music and the opportunity to create something. For every 100 people who do it there might be 1 that actually have a successful career. Be prepared for the long haul. For most people there is no such thing as over night success. I can also say if you are planning on being a duo, remember friendship comes first. Billy and I were friends before this, we are more like family, our families are close. Billy and I have been hanging around for so long a lot we know what each other is thinking before it happens, which helps out either in the studio or when were playing a show live. There will be some hard times, where you might argue or not get a long, just understand that will pass.
Editors note: Thank you so much guys for answering my questions, some really great answers there =) The new mix is fantastic! Good luck with all your future projects, we look forward to hearing more lil gems from you.
