Electronic, House | hypernaut Impresses With ‘promise’ Release On Discovery Project
Posted by VMan on January 12, 2024
David Stefanowicz, the artist behind hypernaut, has a unique story in the music world. He’s explored various genres, from indie rock to pop punk, before finding his niche in electronic dance music (EDM). His latest track, “promise”, is a reflection of this diverse musical journey.
Stefanowicz’s interest in music has taken him through different styles and scenes. His venture into electronic was sparked by an encounter with Sammy Virji’s DJ Mag set in August 2023. This experience inspired him to experiment with UK Garage and other UK-influenced genres, leading to his new sound in “promise”. The track combines elements of Bass House, Tech House, and UK Garage, set at a dynamic 135BPM.
The recognition of “promise” among his peers encouraged Stefanowicz to submit the track to the 2023 EDC Orlando Discovery Project. The track’s success here, judged and accepted as the winner of the competition, by the renowned artist Dillion Francis, marked a significant achievement for Stefanowicz. Winning this contest fulfilled his long-held dream of performing at EDC Orlando and led to “promise” being released under the Discovery Project imprint.
His track “promise” is a solid addition to his discography and symbolizes great things to come for the budding talent.
House | Riordan Releases Catchy ‘Needle On The Record’ Single Via Gorgon City’s Label REALM Records
Posted by VMan on November 14, 2023
Released via REALM Records, Gorgon City’s label, the fasting-rising talent Riordan has revealed “Needle On The Records,” after teasing it at several festivals in 2023. Influenced by genres like house and UKG, this single builds in cultural cues that will catch the attention of the listeners while grooving to the infectious beat paired with it. Using samples from the original 80’s release, this single is a multi-faceted fascination easy to return to again and again.
The song is one of his most successful to date and gained the nod of approval from names like, Mau P, Gorgon City, Seb Zito, Joshwa, Kyle Watson, and many others.
Riordan shares more about the release:
“This song idea actually started when my Dad sent me the original Needle On The Record track from the 80s, suggesting that the vocal had potential to be made into something new. I had just come back from my first Miami Music Week and was full of inspiration so the ideas started flowing immediately. But this song taught me that good things come to those who wait. It was six months and seven versions of the song later when I finally felt like I had nailed it. That’s the longest it has ever taken me to finish a track, but it was worth it. I sent it to Realm immediately knowing that it was the perfect home for it, and everything seemed to fall into place. “
From headlining Night Tales in London to teeing up for an epic 2024, so much is going right for this artist, and then some. Only 21 years old and a looking at a huge, bountiful future in front of him, Riordan is easily described as one to watch out for.
House | The Making of a Maestro: Draxx’s Signature Sound Pushes The Boundaries Of Tech House Culture
Posted by VMan on October 8, 2023
In 2023, Italian DJ and producer Draxx burst onto the tech house scene, merging exceptional skill with astute partnerships, creating waves throughout the electronic music sphere. His track “WTF” not only clinched the 32nd position on Beatport’s main chart but also soared to 11th in the tech house category, marking his ascending influence. On Spotify, “WTF” earned a spot on the ‘Tech House Operator’ playlist, while “Ponteme” and a remix of “Hayabusa” also made significant chart impacts, securing 96th and 11th places, respectively, on Beatport.
Draxx’s knack for producing enthralling tunes garnered admiration from titans like Cloonee, Hugel, John Summit, Sosa, and Gordo. With this said, his creations were embraced by elite labels such as Insomniac, Hellbent, Sola, and Nervous Records, which helped him propel his vision forward even faster.
Draxx’s recognition as one of ‘The Future of Dance’ producers by 1001Tracklists, was a rightful turning point and really put the spotlight on him. Looking forward, Draxx stands on the brink of further triumphs, with numerous tracks slated for release under major labels in 2024. Dive into his Spotify above and do not sleep on this guy – he is headed toward the mainstage in no time.
House | Kong the Dj Breaks Barrier Beyond Live Shows, Debuts Release ‘I Got U’
Posted by VMan on September 8, 2023
The vast panorama of electronic music is about to be enriched with Kong the Dj’s first ever release, “I Got U.” One doesn’t merely listen to such a piece; it’s an experience, akin to stepping inside a modern symphony hall, where every note is meticulously composed.
Where some artists employ a plethora of sounds, Kong opts for a measured approach. His drum work acts as a staccato prelude, leading to a minimalist lyricism that carries the weight of profundity. Kong the Dj’s track is emblematic of his larger body of work, where his accolades aren’t merely for producing sound but for crafting unique musical tapestries. In a genre sometimes criticized for being monotonous, Kong rises above, reminiscent of classical composers who weaved stories into their orchestrations.
With “I Got U,” the dance sphere witnesses a composition that moves beyond the limits of genre. It’s an embodiment of emotion, bridging the gap between classical precision and contemporary innovation. In a crowded realm of electronic names, Kong the Dj is poised to leave an indelible mark, one rhythm at a time.
House | Sherm & Isaac Palmer Unleash House Vibes With Drake’ & Travis Scott’s ‘P**** & Millions’ Remix
Posted by VMan on September 5, 2023
In the vast terrain of tech house, certain collaborations resonate, echoing the heritage of dance music while shaping its future. Cue Sherm and Isaac Palmer, whose audacious take on Drake & Travis Scott’s “Pussy & Millions” is a example to this balancing act. Released under the sophisticated Hood Politics imprint, the track channels a raw undercurrent of bass and drum dynamics, neatly juxtaposing the mainstream allure of Drake & Scott’s vocals.
Sherm, with his deep Chicagoan roots, offers more than just music; he provides an experience. His insights from the historic city reveal themselves in this track. “This edit is a masterclass in energy modulation,” he asserts. Beyond this venture, his achievements stand tall. His podcast, ‘Sherm In The Booth,’ is a venerated pillar in the electronic scene, and his appearance at ACRAZE’s Lollapalooza after-party and the North Coast Music Festival further embolden his reputation.
Isaac Palmer, though just 23, paints with broader strokes. Gracing stages from Mysteryland to North Coast and undertaking European tours, he’s no newcomer. His remixes for industry stalwarts like Ty Dolla $ign and The Chainsmokers bespeak a knack for redefining soundscapes.
Together, Sherm and Palmer’s “Pussy & Millions” offers a excellent experience on tech house’s enduring legacy and its electrifying horizons.
House | ‘The Back Beat’ EP Showcases alice.km’s Epic Techno Skill In Full Swing
Posted by VMan on August 8, 2023
On July 21st, the world will once again be reminded of the artistic prowess of the exceptional techno artist alice.km. With the impending release of her new EP, The Back Beat, on Eclipse Red label, she’s showcasing a variation in her sound by crafting up techno singles that she’s ready to show to the world.
Her two new tracks, “The Back Beat” and “Talk To Me,” are veritable auditory expeditions. The former is a plunge into a dystopian soundscape, characterized by pounding basslines and careful vocal placements. The latter, in contrast, retains the techno essence but infuses it with bare, seductive melodies that balance the relentless intensity.
alice.km’s journey is an inspiring one – from her early DJ days in Brooklyn, New York, to her illustrious EP that is now upon us – with over 120,000 Spotify streams, there’s clearly a demand for her music that can’t be denied. She had the opportunity to open for Drumcode’s Tempe tour, showcasing her skills and gaining exposure to a wider audience. alice.km also had the privilege of performing at prestigious events such as Dusk Music Festival and Arrival Festival by Move For Sol. On top of this, alice.km had the honor of providing direct support for renowned artists Marsh and Sacha Robotti.
The Back Beat EP is more than just a new release. It represents the journey of a human going through an evolution – who crafted sound into stories, and who doesn’t forget that it’s not about the goal, it’s about the journey.
House | Damo Cox Puts His Vision Of Minimal House On Display With ‘Wub Me’ EP
Posted by VMan on August 2, 2023
As I look at the rich tapestry of music, it reminds me of the ebbs and flows of life, mirroring the artistic landscape painted by emotions. In this sprawling canvas, Damo Cox emerges as a painter, but of the underrated genre, minimal house. With his new EP, Wub Me, it feels like a blissful dance beneath a sunlit sky. The two tracks it offers are like two facets of the night – “Get With Me” evokes the exhilarating spirit of late night club dances, while “Deep Wubs” is a mellower, contemplative serenade, reminiscent of a sunrise set.
The journey of Damo Cox, coming from Australia, resonates deeply. He’s not just an artist but a phoenix, rising from a painful setback in wakeboarding to redefining his dreams in the world of electronic music. As he stitches together intricate sound designs, one can sense his embrace of house music’s essence while also keeping his sound’s distinctiveness.
His ties with the land down under run deep, with performances resonating at festivals like Splendour in the Grass. But it’s not just the festivals; his music, echoing in various corners of Australia, speaks volumes of his versatility. Sharing the stage with artists like Phil Smart and Dena Amy, and running his own radio show, what Damo has manifested is something hundreds of other artists crave. His journey, much like my own, is a symbol to the resilience of the human spirit, of the courage to reinvent, and the passion to create.
He took the time out to do an interview as well, check it out in full below.
Exclusive Interview
What inspired you to create the ‘Wub Me EP’ and what message do you hope listeners take away from it?
I wrote both at a point when I was going through a tough time with my mental health. It was a bit of a roller coaster! There would be some dark days, but on the other hand, with the good people I had around me, the light would shine through, and there would be some really good days. I wanted the EP to showcase the light and dark, so ‘Deep Wubs’ has those darker undertones and a deeper vibe, whereas ‘Get With Me’ is on the lighter side, especially with the bouncy bass line. The overall message is that even in those dark times, there is always some light around the corner.
Can you tell us about the creative process behind the tracks on the EP? Any unique elements or influences that you incorporated?
I really draw inspiration from so many different places. Artists like Chris Lake, Michael Bibi, Wongo, and Kyle Watson have been ones that I regularly draw inspiration from. Also, my good friend Craig Roberts, with whom I have a side project called GrooveJak, has been a really big influence on the way I produce. I also really love the way Liam Howlett from The Prodigy uses samples to create something that sounds new and original. That was definitely an inspiration for the use of the samples in “Get With Me”. I had been listening to a lot of Paul Kalkbrenner at the time too, so his deeper vibes were a bit of an inspiration for “Deep Wubs” and the synth on the track was inspired by “The XX – Intro”.
How do you feel your previous experiences as a DJ, producer, and audio engineer have shaped the sound and direction of the ‘Wub Me EP’?
Starting out as a DJ gave me a feel for what gets people moving in the club, so that plays a big part in the way I write and how I’ve shaped my sound. Some of my first productions lacked energy when I tested them out in the clubs, and so I learned a hard lesson early on and always to maintain good energy in my tracks. As a kid, I played the drums, so that helps me when I want to add a bit more energy to the groove. Doing my Bachelor of Audio at SAE in Byron Bay gave me a whole new appreciation for producing music, Mixing, and Mastering. It changed how I approached my projects creatively; it really gave me the tools to both know the rules and then think about how to bend them to make something different and define a sound that is mine. Starting “Sorta Kinda Music” has also played a big part in shaping my sound. Ky, who is the other half of the label, has eclectic taste in music and has introduced me to heaps of new sounds. I learn something new every time I work on a track with amazing artists from around Australia and overseas.
‘Day For It’ achieved great success, reaching #1 on the Traxsource Electro House Chart. What do you think sets this track apart and resonates with listeners?
It’s funny because that track really just started out as a bit of an in-house joke between myself and some of the artists on the label because it just had become the catchphrase of that particular Summer. I was tinkering around with another unfinished track one night, and thought it had a fun vibe but was missing something. Next thing I know, I’m recording myself saying the hook, ‘It’s a f***cken day for it’. When Heizer (Aus) and Just.Jax heard it, they wanted to make remixes. Then we had this whole package sitting there, so we released it under Sorta Kinda Music without any real expectations. We were all pretty surprised at the positive response to it. I think it just came down to having an authentic Aussie Summer vibe—a track that a few mates kinda cooked up over a few beers (back when I was still drinking) – and it doesn’t get much more authentic and Aussie than that.
With your extensive experience in the music industry, what do you see ‘Wub Me EP’ contributing to the greater house music community?
Everything is a learning opportunity, and with every release, I take something new away from it. This EP was created during a tough time in my life, which is also an experience that I have learned so much from. I’m a big believer in collaboration and supporting others in the community, so anything I learn, I’m always willing to share with others, whether they are artists that we sign to the label, artists I am lucky enough to collab with, or artists I mentor. Music also has a very special way of making people happy and connecting people, so my hope with this EP is that it resonates with the community and makes people feel good! Maybe it will help someone through one of those darker moments in their life and help them get back to a happier place. That would be nice.