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In the heart of Amsterdam, Shelter, one of the city's most revered underground clubs, bore witness to an extraordinary musical journey led by the West African-born Afro-house innovator, AMÉMÉ. The night marked the inaugural Amsterdam edition of his event series, One Tribe, which had previously set London's iconic fabric ablaze with his visceral rhythms. Shelter was transformed into a pulsating haven of Afro-house music, encapsulating the essence of the global collective. The event series, known for its commitment to music, art and fashion, showcased a lineup that included some of the genre's most dynamic artists: Bontan, Philou Louzolo, Nenahalena and of course the EDM.com Class of 2023 star AMÉMÉ. Together, they curated an unforgettable experience. Konstantin Sonnenkind Originally conceived in the fall of 2017, One Tribe started as a curated event series before expanding into a record label, which became a cornerstone of Brooklyn's electronic music scene. Its ethos, bridging cultural gaps through the universal language of music, resonated deeply within the walls of Shelter, where attendees from diverse backgrounds came together, unified by rhythm and melody. The event's success was not just a celebration of Afro-house, but also a testament to the power of community and creativity. Each beat dropped told a story, weaving narratives of ancestral wisdom into a tapestry of sound that served as a reminder of AMÉMÉ's core belief: that despite our differences, music has the power to unite us as one tribe. Konstantin Sonnenkind Following the launch in London on February 2nd, the Amsterdam event set a high benchmark for the One Tribe series, with an upcoming date in New York eagerly anticipated by fans. The quarterly residency at Shelter promises more nights of curated programming, further exploring the sultry sounds of the Afro-house genre. As One Tribe continues to evolve, expanding its reach and influence within the electronic music community, its mission remains unchanged. Under AMÉMÉ's leadership, the brand is not just a musical endeavor, but a movement in a world often divided. As the night in Amsterdam proved, AMÉMÉ and his collective are painting a promising future for the global dance music community, reminding us that it's greater than the sum of its parts. Konstantin Sonnenkind Follow AMÉMÉ:Instagram: instagram.com/amemedj Facebook: facebook.com/djameme Spotify: spoti.fi/3Jan2Bg

ARC Music Festival, Chicago’s house and techno festival, has revealed the lineup for its 2024 edition taking place from August 30th to September 1st. Returning to the heart of the city at Union Park this Labor Day Weekend, ARC’s fourth iteration will be soundtracked by the world’s leading house and techno selectors in the historic birthplace of house music. Since its inception, ARC has bridged a diverse range of global and local musical influences and audiences, entrenching itself as a cornerstone in the global festival circuit while shining a spotlight on the rich cultural heritage of Chicago. ARC’s fusion of cutting edge production, progressive lineup curation, and emphasis on educating the next generation of electronic music listeners on its origins has elevated its impact and appeal to an international scale. Led by Auris Presents, Chicago’s premier producer of experiential festivals and events, ARC fans will also be treated to an expansive slate of intimate ARC After Dark afterparties late into the morning hours. After Dark programming will run five days from Thursday to Monday, showcasing a variety of uniquely curated parties featuring artist aliases, special b2bs, label takeovers, plus select acts outside of the festival lineup. The after party series spans over 13 venues, 30 parties, and 80 artists, and is exclusively available only to ARC festival pass holders. A host of headlining acts lead ARC’s festival lineup including GRAMMY-nominated brotherly production duo Disclosure, dance music stalwarts Carl Cox B2B Green Velvet, a special house set from legendary grime pioneer Skepta, and Chicago-born globally renowned visionary Honey Dijon. Top tier acts continue to line the bill with Belgian techno powerhouse and KNTXT label head Charlotte de Witte, GRAMMY-nominee and in-demand hitmaker Dom Dolla, and German techno veteran Sven Väth. In line with ARC’s forward-thinking approach to sonic curation, unique back to back sets and special collaborations elevate its lineup to new heights. This includes a back and forth of in-demand house acts Hot Since 82 B2B Chris Stussy and Sonny Fodera B2B Eats Everything, the high BPM sonics of DJ Heartstring B2B Partiboi69, and the collaborative GOLFOS project of Pawsa and Dennis Cruz. Additional highlights include UK powerhouse duo Ben Sterling B2B ROSSI., clubland favorites DJ Boring B2B Young Marco, and a meeting of new and old school with Dennis Ferrer B2B HoneyLuv. Other back to back spectacles on the ARC lineup feature Detroit meets Chicago sets from the pioneering Detroit Love (Carl Craig B2B Moodymann) plus seasoned selectors DJ Holographic B2B Shaun J Wright, along with dual Chicago back to backs from house architects Derrick Carter B2B Mark Farina, Hiroko Yamamura B2B DJ Hyperactive, and Marshall Jefferson B2B Gene Farris. ARC will showcase modern house luminaries including disco funk master Purple Disco Machine, chart-topping production duo Gorgon City, the melodically-tinged Kaskade Redux set, Bronx-born duo The Martinez Brothers, inimitable disco queen Jayda G, and piano-house icon LP Giobbi. The lineup will also feature Dutch duo ANOTR, innovative GRAMMY-winning artist Cassian, breakout star Mau P, Dirty Disco party head AZZECCA, and fan-favorite actor and selector Idris Elba. ARC will continue to lean into its heavier techno curation led by the early 2000s influenced productions of German DJ Klangkuenstler, Filth On Acid heavy hitter Reinier ZonneveldLive, the high priestess of hard techno Sara Landry, German electronic duo FJAAK, French DJ and producer Nico Moreno, and versatile Ukrainian act Daria Kolosova. For more eclectic sonics, fans can look forward to Jazz-inspired Scottish musician Barry Can’t Swim, lo-fi house selector DJ Seinfeld, cross-genre producer Logic1000, fast rising UK bass and garage phenom Sammy Virji, and the melodic high bpm stylings of KETTAMA, X CLUB., and salute. Global house and techno fans will be treated to an immersive journey at ARC, with curated production elements and art to guide them between each of its four distinct stage environments. ARC will return all four of its stages from 2023 including the industrial Grid stage, the interactive and psychedelic production of Spain’s celebrated elrow alongside its renowned performers, the deeper sonics of the Expansions stage, and the newest fan-favorite, Area 909 – an homage to house and techno’s foundation in a raw and energetic setting. Passes go on sale this Friday at 12pm CST at arcmusicfestival.com. The post Returning to Chicago’s Union Park, ARC Music Festival announces lineup for 2024 edition appeared first on Decoded Magazine.

The likes of Derrick Carter, Skepta, Honey Dijon, Jayda G and Detroit Love are set to play Continue reading...

There’s an all-star talent roster on deck for the return of ARC to Chicago’s Union Park this Labor Day Weekend (Aug. 30 – Sept. 1). House Comes Home this Labor Day Weekend as ARC Music Festival returns to Union Park in Chicago for a jam-packed 3-day affair. From August 30 through September 1, ARC brings [...] The post ARC Music Festival Reveals 2024 Lineup appeared first on DJ Life Magazine.

The birthplace of house music is getting a heavy dose in 2024 after the organizers of ARC Music Festival announced a remarkable lineup ahead of its Labor Day Weekend return to Chicago. Awash in both nostalgia and novelty, the 2024 ARC lineup promises another unforgettable experience after last year's extraordinary festival. One of its undeniable highlights is a b2b set between Marshall Jefferson and Gene Farris, two pioneering Chicago house music legends. The same goes for influential Windy City DJs Derrick Carter and Mark Farina. Elsewhere on the bill are Kaskade, Disclosure, Sven Väth, Charlotte de Witte, Dom Dolla, MEDUZA, Mau P, Gorgon City, Honey Dijon, Idris Elba and EDM.com Class of 2024 stars Sara Landry and HoneyLuv, among many other techno and house music flag-bearers. They'll all perform across four stages at Union Park: Grid, elrow, Expansions and Area 909. Produced by local powerhouse promoter Auris Presents, ARC will also once again offer its branded series of afterparties, which allows festival ticket-holders to dance into the wee hours of the morning. This year's "ARC After Dark" programming takes over 13 venues across a period of five days starting on Thursday, August 29th and will feature 30 parties and roughly 80 artists. ARC is scheduled for August 30th to September 1st, 2024. You can find out more about the festival here and check out the full lineup below. The 2024 ARC Music Festival lineup features Kaskade, Disclosure, Sven Väth, Charlotte de Witte, Dom Dolla and more.c/o Press ARC Music Festival 2024 LineupANOTR Armand van Helden Avalon Emerson Azzecca Barry Can't Swim Bastian Bux Ben Sterling B2B Rossi. Cassian Carl Cox B2B Green Velvet Charlotte de Witte ChaseWest B2B Beltran Daria Kolosova Derrick Carter B2B Mark Farina Detroit Love (Moodymann, Carl Craig) Disclosure DJ Boring B2B Young Marco DJ Heartstring B2B Partiboi69 DJ Holographic B2B Shaun J. Wright DJ Lady D DJ Lori Branch DJ Seinfeld Dom Dolla Dunes Of Dawn Eats Everything B2B Sonny Fodera ELKKA FJAAK GOLFOS (Pawsa + Dennis Cruz) Gorgon City Hiroko Yamamura B2B DJ Hyperactive Honey Dijon HoneyLuv B2B Dennis Ferrer Hot Since 82 B2B Chris Stussy Hotpretty Idris Elba Jayda G J. Worra K’Alexi Kaskade Redux KETTAMA Klangkuenstler Logic1000 LP Giobbi Marshall Jefferson B2B Gene Farris Mau P MEDUZA Monty Kiddo Nico Moreno Oppidan Purple Disco Machine Reinier Zonnneveld Live Riordan salute Sammy Virji Sara Landry Skepta Sven Väth SYREETA The Martinez Brothers Tini Gessler Très Mortimer VITIGRRL X CLUB. Follow ARC Music Festival:X: x.com/arcmusicfest Facebook: facebook.com/ARCmusicfestival Instagram: instagram.com/ARCmusicfestival

The iconic Club Space has become synonymous with Miami nightlife since its inception at the turn of the century, hosting the world's biggest DJs for epic marathon sets that extend well into the morning. Whether you're dancing through the sunrise at a show or rejuvenating at their weekly immersive yoga classes on Saturday afternoons, Club Space has become a mecca for the electronic dance music community in South Florida. Now, the venue is hosting a special event for Women's Empowerment Month on Saturday, March 17th. The day kicks off at 2pm with a women's self-defense seminar taught by Sifu Anthony Fontana, co-founder of the Unlimited Martial Arts Academy in Brooklyn. Then comes a special "420 Space Yoga" session—at 4:20pm, of course—led by Tifftopia and Jacqueline Fiol with a DJ set by Pixi3 Kitt3n b2b ManuMagick. The initiative's final event at 5:30pm is a sound bowl meditation led by Brittany Berger, owner of the innovative, female-founded recording and wellness studio Mindful Music Lab. Check out the flyer below. You can RSVP to the free event and find out more here. View the original article to see embedded media. FOLLOW CLUB SPACE:Facebook: facebook.com/ClubSpace X: x.com/clubspacemiami Instagram: instagram.com/spacemiami

Institutions including Fuse, Bassiani, and Dekmantel are all backing the initiative Continue reading...

Gryffin has been airborne for a long time, soaring as a musician for nearly two decades. As he prepares for his next migration, he finds a pulse of inspiration at ground zero. "There's just nothing like the energy you get being at a show, festival or club,” Gryffin reminisces in an exclusive interview with EDM.com. “Feeling the music pulsing. The production that's going on around you. The people that are there and the energy and love that's in the crowd. I just don't think there's any genre of music that has the same energy and love in the room as dance music. That's really why I fell in love with it." Gryffin is warming the engines for his third studio album Pulse, set to release later this year. If Gravity channels the cosmos and Alive highlights the human experience, Pulse evokes the enchanting essence of electronic dance music. It was during the isolation of the COVID-19 lockdown period when Gryffin pined most for how dance music tethers people together. Flying solo reminded him how uplifting a flock can be. "It slowed things down for me and deprived me of being with people and having that energy in the club or festival energy and sort of yearning for that," Gryffin says of the pandemic. "I think that had been building up for a while." "I hit this huge wave of inspiration where I really wanted to make this album high octane and energetic and almost like you feel the pulse of the music breathing and living as you're listening to the album and experience. That's the birth and ethos of it. It definitely still sounds like me. It's still very melodic with a lot of emotion within the album, but I think people are really going to feel a difference. It's going to feel like an adrenaline shot." Gryffin performing at Colorado's iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre.Juliana Bernstein/Get Tiny Pulse is in many ways a collaboration between Gryffin and Dan Griffith, the college kid with a newfound captivation for EDM. Griffith’s discovery flipped the switch from electrical engineer to electronic music producer—he forged a new destiny and never looked back. Pulse provided an opportunity for Griffith, now 36, to reconnect with himself before Gryffin took flight. "It didn't make me fall in love with dance music against—because I never lost the love for it—but it kind of brought me back to that earlier spirit of me, going to raves and falling in love with it,” he says. “When I've been making this album, I've just been thinking and recalling back on my experiences as a fan and a raver, not just as the guy who is behind the decks now." "I've been trying to find that love and spirit again. That's why I think it's been so fun for me, honestly, making this album. I'm remembering and recalling all of my experiences and what made me fall in love with it." Griffith found a treasure trove of memories stashed in the back of his mind. Box after box of catalogued souvenirs to source for self-expression. One such memory dusted off was a performance by deadmau5 at HARD Haunted Mansion in the late 2000s. "deadmau5 came out and had his first helmet with the Xs. He [figuratively] killed himself onstage or something like that. He took off the helmet,” Gryffin recalls. “I was so into the culture and falling in love with it back then. It was the shock value of it all. I remember the first time his helmet lit up.” Working on arguably his most intimate project has encouraged Gryffin to free-fall into the creative process. The streaming era of music—like everything—is a mixed bag. The unparalleled accessibility to music allows fans to discover artists like Gryffin. It also encourages artists to chase metrics and cater more to algorithms than people, a very real stress that ruffles feathers. Gryffin managed to shed those worries on Pulse. “Trying not to overthink things is something that's really helped me this year,” he says. “I kind of stopped thinking in my head, 'Are people going to like this? Are my fans going to like this? Will the streaming crowd like this?' I would get those thoughts in my head and I've been able to shut it off while making this album." The artistic tailwinds have the chart-topping dance music star cruising toward the finish line, but the creative process isn’t always so smooth. Music is naturally a major source of inspiration for Gryffin, but turbulence is nothing new for him. "I just got in it and made music that made me feel something. It got me excited," he continues. "Me happy and fulfilled as a creator. When that lightbulb went off in my head, everything else started flowing out.” Gryffin.Grant Thompson When asked to name a few quintessential albums or artists that every music fan should listen to, he named Daft Punk’s Discovery or Homework, Disclosure’s Settle, Jamie xx’s In Colour and projects by M83 and Explosions in the Sky. Gryffin's sonic appetite was always insatiable. The conversation about music spurred a funny memory of an 11-year-old Griffith pleading with his parents to purchase a copy of Dr. Dre.’s very explicit and probably not kid-friendly sophomore album, 2001. "That was the first explicit one I had. I got my dad to hook it up on that one,” Gryffin says with a laugh. “My dad is the one where I'm like, 'Yo, I really, really want this.' He's the one who can cave. I don't even know if my mom knew that I got that album.” It's a matter of time before Pulse sticks the landing. The project is tabbed for a release sometime this year. While Gryffin keeps a tight beak on the release date, he did confirm that a teased collaboration with Armin van Buuren will be on Pulse. "It's going to be released through Armada [Music] because I wanted it to come out through Armin's project. That was always the goal,” Gryffin says. “But it's going to come out on Pulse as well because it weirdly fits what I'm doing now and where I'm going with my sound, and it's a very state of trance Armin ethos to it as well. So it's going on both." Watch the full interview with Gryffin below. Follow Gryffin:X: x.com/gryffinofficial Instagram: instagram.com/gryffinofficial Facebook: facebook.com/gryffinofficial Spotify: spoti.fi/3gl5Jg1

Bloom promises to take the place of dynamic EQs and multi-band compressors, despite not doing either of those things. View the full article

As the legacy of Tomorrowland continues to ascend to mythical status, it's poised to weave its magic in Medellin with a lineup that promises to meet the moment of its first-ever festival in the historic city. The organizers of the inaugural CORE Medellín festival have revealed its official lineup, bottling Tomorrowland's radiance for a new experience in the City of Eternal Spring. The event will take over Parque Norte's lush Jardín Botánico de Medellín—more commonly known as the Botanical Garden of Medellín—and its famed centerpiece, the "Orquideorama." Heading to Colombia are Bicep, Agents Of Time, ANNA, Chet Faker, Brina Knauss, Kevin de Vries and HAAi, among other influential DJs and electronic music producers. Check out the full lineup below. Tomorrowland's 2024 CORE Medellín festival will feature Bicep, Mind Against, ANNA, Kölsch and more.Tomorrowland Tomorrowland is working with Breakfast Club, a local promoter with over a decade of experience producing events in Colombia, to bring the festival to life in the botanical garden. It will feature three stages, including Tomorrowland's groundbreaking new CORE stage, which was engineered by the iconic EDM brand's industry-leading creative team. 30,000 fans are expected to attend the sold-out festival over the course of its two days, May 11th and 12th. Those who were unable to secure passes can sign up for the official CORE Medellín waiting list in case any become available. Follow Tomorrowland:X: x.com/tomorrowland Instagram: instagram.com/tomorrowland Facebook: facebook.com/tomorrowland

Are you looking to promote your music through Spotify playlist curators? Then you’ve come to the right place. In the world of music promotion, Spotify plays an absolute essential role. And at the center of that world are playlist curators. These actors can get your song in front of thousands, if not million of people. […] The post Spotify Playlist Curators: Top 5 Websites to Reach a New Audience appeared first on EDMProd. View the full article

Are Deathpact finally sharing their secrets? The mysterious electronic music collective has announced a headline show at Denver's Mission Ballroom this summer along with an intricate VIP experience, "Eternity Research Group." According to a press release, ERG is a "dedicated organization focused on unraveling the mysteries of existence and the universe"—a mission we've dared to tackle in the past. Before their headlining event on June 22nd, a "Candidate Conscription Center" will open to the public at a secret location in Denver, allowing fans to experience an immersive, Deathpact-branded experience to prepare them for an encounter with the shadowy figures. Details are scarce at the moment—like all things Deathpact—but we're told the so-called orientation will comprise an hourlong interview and "training session." Fans who complete the program will receive a special ERG candidate shirt and assignment pin as well as access to an exclusive VIP viewing area at the Mission Ballroom show. Registration for the "Eternity Research Group" experience opens today, March 13th at 12pm ET. Check out Deathpact's announcement below and learn more here. View the original article to see embedded media. Follow Deathpact:Facebook: facebook.com/Deathpact X: x.com/deathpact Instagram: instagram.com/deathpact Spotify: spoti.fi/30C9Q1Z

Corey Walker will go on trial in Los Angeles on June 25, after being charged in connection with rapper's fatal shooting in 2020 Continue reading...

The Story of one of the UK’s biggest and oldest Club brands, from the old-skool raves to the mega clubs. Streetrave have produced an in-house documentary of the last 20 years involvment at the very forefront of the clubbing world telling the true story of how it all started and continuing to the present day. This film contains exclusive video footage from STREETrave at the legendary Ayr Pavilion, Prestwick International Airport and The Arches, Glasgow to name but a few. They also speak to some of the DJs and friends who helped along the way including Carl Cox, John Digweed, Jon Mancini, Graeme Park and Hooligan X. The post The Story of STREETrave – ’89-’09 – Old Skool Clubbing appeared first on Decoded Magazine.

SideRack aims to combine the convenience of touchscreen-based plug-ins and instruments with the power of a full desktop DAW system. View the full article

Sister Midnight had proposed to build a community-led music venue in place of the former pub Continue reading...

Five of Europe’s leading nightlife specialists team up to present NightSchool: An EU wide training programme designed to support night culture producers early in their career. This transnational education programme will focus on environmental, social, and economic sustainability. The project sets to pair nightlife visionaries spanning promoters, bookers, venue owners, to hands-on creatives with industry veterans and experts from the European culture circuit. Funded by the European Union’s Creative Europe, NightSchool will select 15 participants, providing a grant of €5,000 each. This will go towards facilitating a week of peer-learning sessions in multiple cities as well as to launching their own sustainable event ideas. Empowering individuals to turn their visions into reality is at the core of the programme. NightSchool will offer recipients the chance to travel and engage in a sequence of face-to-face peer-learning sessions hosted by renowned experts and three distinguished European night culture venues. The programme launches with an open call to select young culture producers from across Europe. Together they will visit some of Europe’s most respected venues and learn from the best in their field. Co-founder Mirik Milan emphasises, “Nightlife creatives and culture producers are first and foremost problem solvers. They are needed right now, more than ever to take on the unique challenges and opportunities of our rapidly evolving cultural sector.” The micro-funding scheme (€75,000) will support the selectees in pioneering and implementing sustainability-focused night culture events across all of Europe. To complement the training and mentorship programme, NightSchool is building an online resource and hybrid platform that offers educational content to a global audience, hosted and curated by a vast network of key experts within night culture and sustainability. A joint effort by five partnering organisations, NightSchool is a collaboration between Vibelab, Belgian club institution FUSE, Latvian culture centre Kaņepes Kultūras Centrs, Italian based creative hub BASIS Vinschgau Venost alongside their in-house event KASINO Club, and Sweden-based cultural strategy and production agency Transversal Project. This notion of collaboration is key to the programme’s mission, as Milan further highlights: “While the term ‘community’ is frequently overused in the commercial world, its essence lies in uniting a collective of like-minded souls together. At NightSchool, we join forces to address issues of diversity, inclusivity and solidarity. As well as climate action and the ecological dimension of night culture, we provide first-hand insights on maintaining a financially sound enterprise.” Based on three core pillars of Social Awareness, Sustainability and Entrepreneurship, NightSchool creates inclusive, safe(r) and vibrant environments that actively promote diversity, wellbeing and positive community interactions. Proudly promoting environmental sustainability whilst minimising the environmental impact of nighttime cultural activities. Through applied practices incorporating energy efficiency, waste reduction, sustainable sourcing and reduced air travel, NightSchool explores business activities within the nighttime cultural sector covering venue management, events organisation, and curating experiences aiming to enrich their respective city’s local scene. Applications are open now, closing date for applications will be April 12th, with participants committing to a week long training 3-8 June 2024. For more information visit www.night-school.org Applications can be submitted at https://bit.ly/NightSchoolApplication The post Nightlife Advocacy Specialists VibeLab Presents NightSchool: An EU Funded Programme Offering €75,000 to Support Early Career Nightlife Curators appeared first on Electic Mode.

Niklas Dee, a German DJ and production powerhouse at the young age of 21, has swiftly climbed the ranks to become one of Germany’s most streamed EDM artists alongside names like Robin Schulz. With over 450 million streams on Spotify, including hits like “Mädchen auf dem Pferd,” Dee has already carved out a notable space for himself in the genre, backed by collaborations with Zara Larsson, VIZE, and David Guetta. Joining forces with him on his latest track “Now” is the Finnish-American singer Kiara Nelson, known for her dynamic performances and collaborations, including an electrifying dance rendition of “Where is the Love” with The Black Eyed Peas and OVRtone, and her presence on M22’s “After Hours.” Together, Dee and Nelson pay homage to ’90s dance music icons with “Now,” blending driving bass, undulating melodies, and Nelson’s mesmerizing vocals into a gem that’s a frenzy-inducer on the dancefloor. The post Niklas Dee drops Euro-dance-inspired ‘Now’ featuring Kiara Nelson appeared first on Dancing Astronaut.

Oeksound has announced the release of Bloom, a plugin designed to help users achieve a more consistent and refined sound by analyzing the character of a signal and applying tonal corrections.... Read More

A decade ago, Calvin Harris released ‘Summer’, a track that quickly became synonymous with the season it was named after. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, ‘Summer’ has not only aged gracefully but also remains a staple in the electronic dance music scene with over 1 billion streams, a testament to its timeless appeal and Calvin Harris‘ prowess as a producer. ‘Summer’, released on March 14th, 2014, captured the essence of the season with its infectious beats, memorable synth leads, and Calvin Harris‘ own vocals – a rare treat. The track skyrocketed in popularity, dominating music charts and summer playlists worldwide. Its combination of catchy lyrics and a pulsating electronic rhythm made it an anthem for both radio listeners and festival-goers. Calvin Harris, already a prominent figure in the EDM world, further cemented his status as one of the genre’s leading artists with ‘Summer’. Known for his ability to blend dance music with pop sensibilities, Calvin Harris created a track that appealed to a broad audience. ‘Summer’ was not just a commercial success; it was a cultural phenomenon, featuring in numerous summer campaigns, commercials, and even becoming a festival anthem. As we look back over the past decade, ‘Summer’ stands out as a milestone in Calvin Harris‘ career. It embodies the evolution of electronic dance music over the years and Calvin Harris‘ unique ability to stay ahead of trends. The track’s enduring popularity is a reminder of the lasting impact of a well-crafted dance anthem. With ‘Summer’, Calvin Harris didn’t just capture the spirit of a season; he created a timeless soundtrack that continues to resonate with new and old fans alike.

A decade ago, Calvin Harris released ‘Summer’, a track that quickly became synonymous with the season it was named after. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, ‘Summer’ has not only aged gracefully but also remains a staple in the electronic dance music scene with over 1 billion streams, a testament to its timeless appeal and Calvin Harris‘ prowess as a producer. ‘Summer’, released on March 14th, 2014, captured the essence of the season with its infectious beats, memorable synth leads, and Calvin Harris‘ own vocals – a rare treat. The track skyrocketed in popularity, dominating music charts and summer playlists worldwide. Its combination of catchy lyrics and a pulsating electronic rhythm made it an anthem for both radio listeners and festival-goers. Calvin Harris, already a prominent figure in the EDM world, further cemented his status as one of the genre’s leading artists with ‘Summer’. Known for his ability to blend dance music with pop sensibilities, Calvin Harris created a track that appealed to a broad audience. ‘Summer’ was not just a commercial success; it was a cultural phenomenon, featuring in numerous summer campaigns, commercials, and even becoming a festival anthem. As we look back over the past decade, ‘Summer’ stands out as a milestone in Calvin Harris‘ career. It embodies the evolution of electronic dance music over the years and Calvin Harris‘ unique ability to stay ahead of trends. The track’s enduring popularity is a reminder of the lasting impact of a well-crafted dance anthem. With ‘Summer’, Calvin Harris didn’t just capture the spirit of a season; he created a timeless soundtrack that continues to resonate with new and old fans alike.

In the ever-evolving realm of drum & bass, where a saturated market has created an environment of ‘screechy’ monotony, football style chants and big room energy, one artist stands out for his groundbreaking approach to sound design and genre fusion. Klinical AKA Dan Paget is a versatile producer based in Bristol who has been pushing the boundaries of the genre with a sound that seamlessly navigates between rollers, liquid, and neuro, carving a niche that is distinctly his own. Klinical’s journey into the world of music production began in 2015, having been influenced by the dubstep boom of the 2010s. Since then, he has embarked on an exploration that defies the conventional norms of drum & bass. With his original sound rooted in jump-up, Klinical’s shift towards a deeper, dark sound over the past few years has garnered him respect from both the average drum & bass punter, to the critical chin waggers that are the ‘sound design’ purists. His upcoming EP Violent Castles drops on Overview Music drops March 15. Inspired by his new home of Bristol, a city pulsating with musical diversity and most importantly: bass music, ultimately shaping the trajectory of his productions. Violent Castles is an expansion of repertoire exploring 140 bpm dubstep for Klinical, that aims to recapture the magic of the golden era of the genre’s UK roots. Featuring collaborations with some heavy hitters the likes of Spektiv, Mythm and Killa P, Violent Castles in my opinion will be remembered as a pinpoint in dubstep’s resurfacing into the zeitgeist of UK Bass culture. I sat down with Klinical in anticipation of Violent Castles, where we discussed his production style, his musical upbringing and the future of drum & bass and dubstep. Hey Klinical. Where are you today? Hey man, I’ve been living in Bristol, UK, for two years now. Originally I’m from Melksham, Wiltshire. So I’ve always lived in the west country. Of course, the ‘Bass Music Capital of the world’. How has the move to the ‘Wubby’ city impacted your musical journey? It plays a big factor. I moved to Bristol to get involved in the music scene here a few years ago. It’s so alive, and has definitely been a big inspiration. The clubs here are so diverse in terms of its music. It’s definitely been a good environment to be in working on this new EP. Even being surrounded by producers and DJ’s, I live with YAANO and our neighbors are Cesco, Azifm and Yancey so I couldn’t be more surrounded haha! You just bump into the right people and it’s so accessible to meet up and collaborate. ‘Tokyo’, one of the singles released, came about after me and Spektiv had a few too many pints of Guinness at Seamus O’Donnels. We decided to go back to Dan’s studio and work into the early hours, from there ‘Tokyo’ was born. That’s what I love about Bristol, being in that environment things can happen organically. It’s definitely a good city to be a Bass music producer. Let’s start from the beginning. When did you start producing? I started producing almost ten years ago now back in 2015 when I was going to UNI in Southampton. At the time I was studying film production. I do a Patreon where I make tutorials, track breakdowns, that kind of thing, so having an editing background really helped. Rather than doing my UNI work, I just wanted to make music and spent most of my time working on tracks and putting on events. Back then I used to run a D&B night with Kanine, Baker, Wilf Hertz, and T95 called RAAAW at a club called Junk, Southampton. In fact, it was Wilf Hertz who really helped me up my production game when I was studying. They were good times. Sounds like a talented bunch came out of that UNI. Good thing you didn’t go to class or who knows where you might have ended up. So tell me, who are your inspirations? So many out there but It’s funny a memory that really sticks out to me is hearing Modestep’s ‘Sunlight’ for the first time. I think I was on my way to college and I just remember thinking ‘Ok, I need to start making some tunes’. Back then I was infatuated with all of the early UKF dubstep days. The likes of Flux Pavilion, Doctor P and Nero It exposed me to the earlier UK dubstep sound that’s been an inspiration for this new EP. The likes of Skream, Coki etc. A few years later, I finally saved up enough money to buy a MacBook and from then on I was completely addicted to producing. It deepened my admiration for electronic music more and more as I kept learning and the inspiration I got while learning was like a drug. I would say the process was just as much, maybe even more, of an inspiration to me as other artists in the scene. So why did you start making drum & bass? After my dubstep phase I got really into jump-up. Especially that Belgian sound, which is funny because you wouldn’t think it from hearing my music. The older I’ve gotten the more my taste has definitely calmed down a bit. I’ve also always been into rolling D&B, the likes of Alix Perez, Skeptical and Hazard. Right now though, Ivy Lab inspires me the most. Those guys make incredibly forward thinking music with so much depth, production wise they’re the GOATS for me. That’s a nice variety there. Now, let’s get into the nitty gritty. Reveal your secrets! What softwares are you using to get your sound? Now I’m on Ableton. I found the workflow can be way more streamlined compared to other softwares. Basically then it’s mostly plug-ins. In terms of basses, like most people I know who produce drum & bass, I’m using Serum. It’s handy for getting some complex FM synth sounds pretty easily. For pads and leads though, I use Arturias Pigments. It’s a sick VST that you can get some nice complex textures out of. For this EP though, I stepped out of my comfort zone with some of the production. The whispering in ‘Answer’ is my own voice and I recorded the guitar on the outro to ‘GXDSWORK’, I had only been learning guitar for a week or so at this point but with reverb and delay, anything can sound somewhat good haha! Your sound is on the verge of pollers and neuro, unusual for someone with a jump-up background. How do you manage to achieve this? I’ll be honest, I wasn’t too happy with the quality of my music until I moved towards a more ‘minimal’ sound. When I was making jump-up I could never quite get what I wanted out of it. I felt I didn’t have the means to express myself through it. However, It definitely pushed me to learn about sound design. You’re known for your more deeper sounding drum & bass, but this EP is pure dubstep. The first single of the new EP “Tokyo ” with Spektiv harkens back to early UK dubstep such as Skream, Benga etc. What made you decide to move towards this direction? Yeah so this EP is my debut 140 bpm release. It’s funny but I definitely had a lot more freedom in doing it. I think it boils down to the fact that I could make music without expectations from my audience. As it’s a new style for me, I could definitely experiment more and not rely on my typical tricks and traits. I’ve always wanted to release dubstep and I thought there would be a lot of pressure around it, but it actually came pretty easily. The crew at Overview Music helped a lot with relieving the pressure and getting my foot in the door, especially Oli who co-runs the label who is also my housemate and close friend! He’s a massive dubstep fan too so he worked really hard on the promo for this release. It’s a debut dubstep EP for both myself and Overview Music, and I feel this EP is a testament to the freedom they always give me. You have some serious collaborations on this EP. What was it like working with the legendary MC; Killa P? Amazing. That was a proper bucket list moment. To me, he encapsulates the underground UK sound. I couldn’t believe he was up for jumping on the track, and the man absolutely smashed it! Of course he did! Were you nervous working with him? Before the track materialised, I was, definitely. I was a bit worried about doing the vocal mix of an artist with that caliber. But once I got the vocals back from him, all nerves went away. They were perfect. So crisp and the bars were crazy! It was too easy really, it fit in so well and I barely had to touch up anything. The guy’s a legend. This EP is so sick and it’s refreshing to see some proper dubstep when the market is saturated with that jump-up sound. Do you think you’ll be going down the 140 route from now on? Basically from now on I want to be known as a multi-genre producer. I don’t want to be bogged down by one style. It’s refreshing working on something that’s outside of my wheelhouse. Recently I’ve been working on a drill track with two local MC’s Limmz and Pabz. I’ve also been experimenting with garage and techno. It’s a liberating feeling and the reception I’ve had to the music has made the jump feel worth it. Also, I think that drum & bass heads are looking for something different. Every time I’ve dropped my dubstep tracks, they’ve gone down really well with a D&B crowd. It’s a good break away for people I feel. The drum & bass boom has been good but I think people don’t want to lean away from it too much these days. That leads me into my next question: How do you feel about the current state of drum & bass? It’s definitely a bit monopolised at the minute. It’s great because the audience and hunger for it has grown enormously, both inside the UK and out. That being said, I think that on the local level, drum & bass has suffered. It’s hard to get a local night going because the competition is so tough. The music itself has definitely improved in the underground. Artists like SMG, VISLA, YAANO, Azifm and Para are all newcomers who are bringing originality and are in it for the right reasons. Without originality the genre dies so it’s great to see people trying something new. There’s definitely a drum & bass boom happening alright, maybe even on its way out. Do you think dubstep will have its time in the sun again? Maybe, but….things rot in the sun. I think it’s having an underground boom again, which I think is the healthiest thing. It retains the soul while appealing to an audience which appreciates it for what it is. There’s a lot of originality and heritage in dubstep that can be explored. Even being here in Bristol I’m starting to hear it more regularly. It’s exciting. Definitely. So tell me, what’s next for Klinical in 2024? Release wise, my schedule for this year is looking really full so expect lots of new music. The gigs are filling up nicely too, including Outlook Festival, D&B Allstars Festival and lots of shows in between so follow my socials to keep up with them! We’re looking forward to it. Thanks for taking the time to talk to UKF mate, and see you in 2024! Likewise! If you like the sound of Klinical’s upcoming EP Violent Castles, you can check out the first single off of the EP ‘Tokyo’ featuring Spektiv on UKF. The full EP drops on March 15 on Overview Music. The post Klinical: Unveiling the Depths of drum & bass and dubstep appeared first on UKF.

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Talented Pianist and music Producer Lorna James is ready to unveil her debut Ambient album ‘Stratosphere.’ Released under Monde Ambient, a sub-label of Flipside Records, ‘Stratosphere,’ on March 8th, which is International Women’s Day. This album showcases Lorna James’ latest sonic explorations; an evocative and immersive listening experience that provides an expansive and tranquil soundscape for listeners. A pianist and composer with a classical music background, as a pianist and Composer, Lorna James ventured into the Electronic Dance music world, exploring different genres. She has released House, Deep House and Progressive House tracks, and has honed her skills as a Producer and Composer, and developed a signature style and sound. This 9-track album is a compelling and inspiring listen, which highlights her venture into the Ambient genre. About the album and its title, ‘Stratosphere’, Lorna James comments: “If you imagine yourself floating in the stratosphere looking down, we are all on this beautiful blue spinning piece of rock. No matter who you are or where you live on, your feet are on this earth. And that is the one thing that we all share regardless of race, sex, religion, background. We are all connected to each other. When we look outside ourselves and our immediate needs and desires, humanity is our commonality, and it should be celebrated.” The album’s 9 tracks bring a refreshing yet uplifting experience, that blend her classical background with complex harmonies and bright melodies, alongside almost nostalgic pads and textural sonic elements. The ethereal and spacious soundscape throughout the album creates an all-encompassing energy. James’s productions have received recent recognition, having reached the finals of the UK Songwriting Contest in 2023. ‘Stratosphere’ is out now and available to stream below. Follow Lorna James across social media to remain updated on her latest releases and new projects, as this is only the beginning of a promising release schedule from this skillful Producer in 2024. Follow Lorna James: Beatport | Spotify | Instagram

Talented Pianist and music Producer Lorna James is ready to unveil her debut Ambient album ‘Stratosphere.’ Released under Monde Ambient, a sub-label of Flipside Records, ‘Stratosphere,’ on March 8th, which is International Women’s Day. This album showcases Lorna James’ latest sonic explorations; an evocative and immersive listening experience that provides an expansive and tranquil soundscape for listeners. A pianist and composer with a classical music background, as a pianist and Composer, Lorna James ventured into the Electronic Dance music world, exploring different genres. She has released House, Deep House and Progressive House tracks, and has honed her skills as a Producer and Composer, and developed a signature style and sound. This 9-track album is a compelling and inspiring listen, which highlights her venture into the Ambient genre. About the album and its title, ‘Stratosphere’, Lorna James comments: “If you imagine yourself floating in the stratosphere looking down, we are all on this beautiful blue spinning piece of rock. No matter who you are or where you live on, your feet are on this earth. And that is the one thing that we all share regardless of race, sex, religion, background. We are all connected to each other. When we look outside ourselves and our immediate needs and desires, humanity is our commonality, and it should be celebrated.” The album’s 9 tracks bring a refreshing yet uplifting experience, that blend her classical background with complex harmonies and bright melodies, alongside almost nostalgic pads and textural sonic elements. The ethereal and spacious soundscape throughout the album creates an all-encompassing energy. James’s productions have received recent recognition, having reached the finals of the UK Songwriting Contest in 2023. ‘Stratosphere’ is out now and available to stream below. Follow Lorna James across social media to remain updated on her latest releases and new projects, as this is only the beginning of a promising release schedule from this skillful Producer in 2024. Follow Lorna James: Beatport | Spotify | Instagram