Events | Aux Family Launch Costa Blanca Songwriting Camp And Showcase (17th-22nd August)
Posted by VMan on August 12, 2023
In the ever-shifting landscape of music, there’s an undertone that remains constant – the quest for innovation. Aux Family, having amassed an astounding 6 billion streams in a mere six years, is now doing something different. Now, they’re pioneering yet again with “Aux Fest,” setting the stage in Costa Blanca’s idyllic expanse.
But this isn’t just about the breathtaking panorama of a Spanish villa; it’s the symphony of global voices that are gathering. Artists from the USA to Chile, from the fjords of Norway to the urban rhythms of France and Sweden, converge. The event will be graced by the likes of Sistek, Dyrisk, KLYMVX, and Dafne Adriana – names that already echo with promise and eclectic artistry.
Over four sun-drenched days, Aux Fest aims to break the mold. From the raw passion of acoustic sessions to the pulsating indie beats, and the twilight allure of deep house – it’s a genre-blurring showcase that promises to be nothing short of transformative. As a grand finale, the harmonies created will resonate in the open-air haven of La Gran Vida.
In collaboration with Bay Radio, the festivities will reverberate across the Valencia and Alicante region and globally. Aux Fest isn’t just a festival; it’s a testament to the unyielding spirit of musical exploration.
More Info
- Visionary Venture: Aux Fest, a groundbreaking songwriting camp and showcase, reimagines collaborative music creation on the Costa Blanca.
- Global Artistry: International artists convene in a Spanish villa for a 4-day intensive music-making experience, fostering cross-genre collaboration and innovation.
- Captivating Culmination: Creativity unfolds at La Gran Vida, an open-air venue, featuring diverse performances from acoustic melodies to indie bands and deep house sets.
- Stellar Lineup: 6 acoustic/live acts and 6 DJs curated worldwide, representing Chile, France, Sweden, Norway, and the USA.
- Notable Names: Sistek, Dyrisk, KLYMVX, Blakey and Dafne Adriana are examples playing the event, embodying diverse musical expressions.
Albums | BLENDIN’ERA’s ‘This Love’ Promises a Bright Future for the Collective
Posted by VMan on August 10, 2023
In the sprawling terrain of modern music, the arrival of BLENDIN’ERA’s “This Love” is reminiscent of those moments when a fresh sound rises, with footprints from the past but eyes on the future. The consortium of Rick T., Castor Troy, Rob Fischer, and the likes of SaDBoY and LauRAW is nothing short of a wining combo in the dance-pop domain. Their German roots are telling, but what’s more vital is the narrative they weave.
This debut single, accented by SaDBoY’s ethereal voice, is like a confluence of rivers. The presence of SaDBoY is not just a strategic collaboration but also the seeming glue that holds it all together. With a history stretching across genres, from R&B to electro, his association with Nike and his impact at the New York Brooklyn Fashion Week – SaDBoY’s touch is palpable.
Interestingly, there’s a lore in how Castor met Rick in the early ’90s, an epoch when music was transitioning in its own right. The birth of their dance label ‘Energized’ and the successes of it are chapters on a book that’s yet to be fully written. BLENDIN’ERA seems to be their answer to a question: What happens when seasoned veterans meet the dynamism of the current era?
The music video, lush and evocative, fits perfectly with the sound. It feels as though BLENDIN’ERA isn’t just here to make music; they’re here to sculpt stories. And as they ready their next release with LauRAW, one can only wait in excited anticipation.
Interviews | Slowboy Talks Virality, Success, & The Future After ‘Brazilian Funk Mano’ [Interview]
Posted by VMan on August 7, 2023
With the fury of a revolutionary, Slowboy has etched his mark in the Phonk universe. The hard-hitting Norwegian maestro has defied expectations and birthed a new sound with “Brazilian Phonk Mano.” The track resonates with the very heart of the genre, imbuing it with a raw, untamed vibrancy.
The Phonk genre, much like rock ‘n’ roll in its early days, has been a bastion for experimentation and audaciousness. Slowboy, Crazy Mano, and lucaf. have taken this malleable form and poured their unique personas into it. The resulting sonic concoction is as electrifying as the raucous punk anthems of yore.
Slowboy’s rapid rise has been marked by serendipity and hard work. His sound emerged just as the world began to recognize the allure of Brazilian Phonk. From Brazil’s clubs to worldwide streams, Slowboy’s take on the genre arrived at the perfect time.
One can draw parallels between Slowboy’s approach and that of the legendary Bob Dylan. Dylan pushed folk beyond its boundaries, and Slowboy, with his dynamic collaborators, is doing the same with Phonk. He’s not only creating music, he’s creating culture.
“Brazilian Phonk Mano” is more than just a track; it’s a cultural shift, an emblem of an era. It’s the sound of a genre that refuses to be pinned down, the soundtrack to a million TikTok videos, and a testament to the power of collaboration. Like Dylan’s anthems, Slowboy’s “Brazilian Phonk Mano” captures the zeitgeist, reflecting the world back to us in a form we’ve never heard before.
We couldn’t help but want to get inside Slowboy’s head, see the interview below where we discuss the sound of Phonk, TikTok virality, label releases, and more.
Exclusive Interview
As a pioneer of the Brazilian Phonk sound, what inspired you to explore this genre?
What inspired me was the general sound and feeling it gave me. It had this really rough, raw and bouncy sound to it which I liked. I love exploring new genres and sounds, which made me try fuse elements of Phonk with Brazilian Funk.
Do you prefer making music with others or on your own?
At the moment I am doing a lot of collaborations which I enjoy, but personally I prefer working on my own from time to time so I can focus on my own personal projects.
Do you prefer being in the studio or on stage?
I’m not really used to being on stage much, so I would say I’m more of a studio type of person. But this may change in the future.
Could you discuss your involvement with labels such as Aurorian Records, Void of Phonk, Black 17 Media, and B1 Recordings?
I witnessed the creation of Aurorian Records and they were the first label team believe in my sound as I was friends with the owner, the same too with Void of Phonk. Other than production, I’m involved with doing some A&R work for them. With the success of Brazilian Phonk Mano came the ability to work more with artists that frequently release under Black 17 Media, so I have released through there a few times too. As for B1 Recordings, they’re a popular label under Sony and got given the opportunity to remix two viral songs under them including ‘Push Up’ by Creeds so it was great working with them for that!
How has your music resonated with audiences on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube?
Scrolling through TikTok with my music showing up a lot of the time, with tracks like ‘Brazilian Phonk Mano’, ‘Life in Rio’ and my recently viral track ‘Oppa’, I like to look at the comments sometimes and people seem to love the songs. The amount of video usage with my tracks and the views across YouTube, TikTok and the dm’s I get on instagram has been incredible. It’s overwhelming the amount of messages and support, but I love it and hope it continues.
How much can your success be attributed to being at the ‘right place at the right time’ in your opinion?
It depends. I think with ‘Brazilian Phonk Mano’, that was a track that was at the right place at the right time. Putting out a track like that which became popular amongst edits and gym-goers before anyone else really shaped its success. That to me was a major ‘right place at the right time’ moment and ultimately kicked things off a lot for me.
What can listeners expect from Slowboy beyond “Brazilian Phonk Mano” in terms of his contribution to the Phonk genre?
I’m still making a lot of Brazilian Phonk/Funk music but also experimenting with other sub-genres of Phonk and EDM as always. I began in the bass music scene and creating other EDM styles, so I’ve got upcoming music with some talented artists mixing these styles with Phonk.
Albums | 1tbsp drops “Best of Me”
Posted by VMan on August 5, 2023
1tbsp is a side-project by Australian Grammy Award Nominated artist Maxwell Byrne (aka Golden Vessel) which has a sound that can be likened to a mix between Daphni (aka Caribou), Four Tet and DJ Koze. Check out his new single “Best of Me” above now and get ready for his debut album, coming out soon on August 17th.
Albums | Movada & BAMY collab for “Closer”
Posted by VMan on August 2, 2023
Breaking producer talent Movada has teamed up with Croydon-based rapper BAMY for the
release of ‘Closer’, released 28th July on leading indie imprint, Perfect Havoc. ‘Closer’ is a
driving, dance floor filler, complete with bouncy bassline, BAMY’s speedy vocal delivery and
euphoric drops to keep the crowds dancing. Following Movada’s previous singles ‘Level Up’ and
‘Push It’ which received 13 consecutive plays on BBC Radio 1 plus BAMY’s ‘Future Next
Wave Artist’ accolade from Radio 1’s Jack Saunders, this new single has big shoes to fill, and
boy does it deliver.
Movada (aka Noel Wayne / Ekko City) is a bona fide one to watch following his thumping tech
house re-imagination of Akon’s 2005 hit ‘Bananza (Belly Dancer)’. With current views of
around 27M on TikTok, its success is testament to Movada’s ingenious composition skills.
The young artist has released a string of successful singles – all streamed in their millions –
including his 2020 debut single ‘Stay’ on TYM Recordings, his debut on Perfect Havoc ‘High
Off Me’ in collaboration with Mahalo, and the mighty ‘Level Up’ and ‘Push It’ with DJ Yuki,
both playlisted on KISS Dance and featured on ITV’s Love Island UK. With further co-writing
and production credits for Matoma and The Vamps, and remixes for MØ, Martin Solveig
and Kodaline, it’s fair to say Movada is making quite an impression. Also keep an eye out in
June when Movada drops even more new material on Spinnin’.
Joining Movada on ‘Closer’ is the unstoppable songwriter, BAMY. He’s quietly been amassing a
huge following across social media with his tongue in cheek and geezer-esque content coupled
with some crazy freestyles and song previews.
BAMY was personally scouted by the acclaimed Jax Jones before even releasing his first
single ‘Set You Free’ which went on to see release on Jax’s WUGD Polydor Imprint. It gained
impressive support from Radio 1’s Jack Saunders who donned BAMY as a ‘Future Next
Wave’ Artist, while it saw strong support across multiple Spotify playlists. After spending time
perfecting his sound, BAMY is finally ready to take the scene by storm, and from the looks of it,
it’s not gonna take him too long.
‘Closer’ is another quality release for Perfect Havoc. Shortlisted for Best Independent Record
Label at the 2023 Music Week Awards, Perfect Havoc’s niche of crossover dance alongside
club-focused sounds has accumulated over 10 billion global streams and given rise to six UK
Top 20 singles and multiple platinum, gold, and silver awards.
Albums | Bootie Brown connects w/ Amy Correa Bell for “Suddenly”
Posted by VMan on July 31, 2023
Bootie Brown’s “Suddenly” marks a thrilling evolution in his musical career, as he fearlessly explores the realm of electronic-focused hip-hop. With Amy Correa Bell’s captivating vocals and the seamless fusion of electronic, funk, and RnB elements, the track is a testament to his enduring creativity and willingness to experiment. As a legendary figure in hip-hop, Bootie Brown continues to shape the genre’s future with his groundbreaking collaborations and musical explorations. “Suddenly” is a glimpse into the next chapter of his artistic journey, and we can’t wait to witness the magic that unfolds as he delves deeper into the ‘UltraHipFunkWave’ project. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to his work, “Suddenly” is a must-listen that will undoubtedly leave you eager for more of Bootie Brown’s electrifying sound.
Albums | Midnight Pool Party drop new single, “ON YOUR MIND”
Posted by VMan on July 31, 2023
“ON YOUR MIND” opens with an infectious energy, drawing us into Midnight Pool Party’s signature disco soundscape. The groovy beats and funky basslines immediately set the stage for an irresistible dancefloor anthem. However, as the song unfolds, it becomes apparent that the duo has seamlessly incorporated modern dance and house elements, elevating their sound to a whole new level of excitement.
This single marks a significant return to Midnight Pool Party’s roots, showcasing their mastery of disco-inspired vibes. Fans of their earlier work will be delighted by the nostalgic undertones that effortlessly flow throughout the song. Simultaneously, the addition of pulsating house beats injects a fresh and contemporary touch, making “ON YOUR MIND” a standout track that bridges the gap between the past and the present.
“We went away in March and booked a house up the coast away from the big city to write bunch of music. This track was one that came out of that writing session. We pretty much wrote the demo in half hour. It started off as a simple chord progression and a beat we put together. Ollie left me with the beat for half an hour and I wrote the song on the balcony within 20 minutes. After we fleshed it out a bit, we felt it was catchy and was a strong single.
The song is basically about lingering on someone else’s mind after a relationship has ended, but you have healed and moved past the point of questioning why it ended, and realising after everything that’s been said and done, you are better off now without that person, and that maybe this was your destiny.
I think a lot of people can relate to that journey and everyone has their moments where they can acknowledge they have finally moved on and can let go” – Midnight Pool Party