Albums | RN ISMO Chats About Tips For Young Producers, ‘All Night’ EP, Musicians He Loves & More
Posted by VMan on May 27, 2022
RN ISMO is back with a 2-track EP on Ole Records. Doing what he does best, he’s produced some good-feeling house music that’s packed with energy and heart. All Night EP is the current focus, a follow up to All I Can Be EP, a release which seemed to be positive thing in terms of expanding his notoriety and showing off what he is capable of.
Pulling inspiration from the Detroit area, RN ISMO is in a great location to be pushing out the music that he loves. There’s a dedication and commitment to house music found in this area that is incomparable to any other space. Surrounded by the right community, it’s no wonder RN ISMO is able to capture the themes and excitement that each song does.
Having been supported by outlets like Dancing Astronaut and YourEDM plus now ticking up to a 100,000 total stream count, RN ISMO has plenty offer and it can be safe to assume the man has more music coming down the pipeline.
We caught up with RN ISMO who took the time out to answer questions regarding his All Night EP, advice for growing electronic artists, music he’s loving these days, and more.
Interview
How did All Night EP come about and how did it end up getting signed to Ole Records?
Answer: After my success with remixing Detlef (see… Detlef – Dub Clap (RN ISMO Remix)), I started to appreciate the minimal, deep tech culture. I started studying artists like PAWSA, Detlef, and Eddy M while referencing their tracks in a process.
After I had a few ideas finished, I started to search for a label. I stumbled on Ole Records by sheer accident while crate digging tracks through Beatport. Once I listened to their catalog, I knew it was a great match. I reached out and the rest is history.
What advice would you give to artists just starting out who wanted to get signed to labels and grow generally?
Answer: I am extremely passionate about helping younger producers succeed. Back in 2017, I had zero knowledge of producing…just a passion for the music industry. Here are a few takeaways that I learned over the years…
- Commit To The Process
Easier said than done. I was pretty much in the dark..learning from 2017 to 2019… I was just engulfing information about music production. My music sounded like absolute garbage, but I kept at it…I committed to the process.
This industry has its peaks and troughs. Train your mindset to focus on the ups and navigate through the downs.
Sometimes we think we are facing a death valley in the process. But, it ends up just being a slight bump on the road. The road to success is always under construction.
- Find Mentors (And Groups)
Back in 2020, I was accepted to join Icon Collective, a prestigious school for music production in Los Angeles. However, I decided to decline due to the Covid-19 pandemic. I pivoted my attention to private mentoring via Zoom. During the height of the pandemic, many artists opened up doors to share their secrets and processes. I was fortunate to learn from many greats like Westend, Dillon Nathaniel, CODES, Ernesto, Qlank, AceMyth, and many more.
These mentors have helped me establish my foundation. I didn’t have to second guess my decisions, but rather discuss my path with successful artists in the industry.
Mentors are your shortcut to success.
- Pay Attention To Opportunities
Remix contest? Instagram DM? Show that has networking opportunities?
These are just some of the opportunities that increased my growth over the last couple of years. My remix on Issues (for Detlef) was part of the remix competition run by Woodland Records. I participated and I won.
I Instagram dm’d many producers for 1on1 lessons during the height of Covid. This is the most effective way to find mentors. I even dm’d Chris Lake…and he responded!
I didn’t get a session with Chris, but his response back just validated that big artists do read their dms. It is all about the numbers game. Keep asking your favorite producers for a session and you’ll never know who responds.
P.S. Many artists opened up groups for music production! I am part of the Kick & Bass group on Discord (ran by Westend), which gives many opportunities to network, grow and support.
Cannot recommend this group enough! It has an incredible amount of intangible information to succeed! Also, check the Wave Point community and Country Club Disco community on Facebook.
P.S.S. Check out Twitch channels for Ernesto, Chris Lake, and Space Yacht to continue your education!
For more info on this check, this video I made to get you started…
Finally, come out and support your local scene. You’ll never know who will run into. Those relationships cultivate and marinate opportunities. Just keep showing up. Trust the process and doors will open.
Supporting your local scene is a crucial part of establishing your base in a city that can help your growth over time.
What artists are you currently enjoying and listening to on repeat, if any?
Answer: I have been obsessed with PAWSA recently. He defies minimalism and confidence. I was super happy to see him live in Miami during Miami Music Week. A lot of my production stems from referencing PAWSA.
Were there any mentors that helped you achieve the success you’ve attained today?
Answer: I wouldn’t be where I am today without the help from Westend, Dillon Nathaniel, CODES, Ernesto, and Qlank. These fellas continue to push me every single day. I am so grateful for them. RN ISMO is nothing without their incredible help.
I also want to thank Black V Neck, Andre Salmon, and Lee Foss. Conversations I had with them have tested my understanding and pushed me outside of my comfort zone.
Is there a specific genre of house that you dig the most?
Answer: I am really into dark minimal these days. I really enjoy abstract production that tests the waters of each sub-genre. There are so many hidden incredible artists out there waiting to be discovered.
Check out Brian Kissler – Such A Sweet Ability (this will get you started… have fun in a rabbit hole)
What do you do to help get into a creative mindset to make music?
Answer: Study your favorite artists! 2/3 of my projects stem from referencing tracks that I dig the most. I can reference the arrangement, key of the track, and swing of the groove.
When I am not motivated, I still spend 2 hours or so in my DAW working and studying references. I take it as a professional…clock in and clock out mentality.
It forces me to sit down. The Key is to work. Your expectation should be sitting down in your DAW consistently. You shouldn’t be thinking about finishing or perfecting your track. Just keep sitting down and the magic will happen.
Great read (will take you less than a day): Steal Like An Artist: Austin Kleon
In-depth read: The Obstacle Is The Way: Ryan Holiday
Dance, Electronic, Pop | Kenn Colt Chats About The Future, Making Music, Playing Tomorrowland, & More [Interview]
Posted by VMan on May 26, 2021
Kenn Colt is a Belgian-born producer who knows how to wrap the world around his finger. From starting his own label, to touring the world, to more recently releasing, “Rest Of My Life,” on his own label, there’s an incredible spectrum of elements he’s made work to his advantage. The solo artist, who’s also a instrumentalist, utilizes his many talents in ways that is brilliantly optimal and fan-first. The results are telling, he’s landed nearly 25,000,000 plays to his name, played some of the world’s biggest stages including Tomorrowland Belgium, TomorrowWorld USA, Ultra Music Festival South Korea, Sunburn Festival in India, and many more.
“Rest Of My Life,” is the next notch on the belt for him, showcasing a dance-pop sound with a euphoric vocal lead. If you know Kenn Colt, you’ll recognize the familiarity this one has built in.
This single is climbing to the 400,000 plays mark and fast, meaning what this man has continues to resonate, maintaining his relevance if not advancing it. We recently chatted with Kenn Colt to get his take on the DIY lifestyle, how he makes music, future endeavors, and more.
Interview
The artist taking back control of their own stuff (master and publishing) is a growing and positive trend for sure, what made you make the choice?
Answer: After my releases on Warner Music and Spinnin Records I sat with my team to rethink the way we put out my music and the ability to create a new platform around it. So other upcoming (or established) artists could be able to sign their music and give them the ability for exposure. From that point on FEELS LIKE HOME (records & publishing) rised. Started in 2018 and has a solid base in the Benelux with radioplay on the biggest radio stations and signed a handful of artists and have this crazy idea to launch popup events in the nearest future.
‘Rest Of My Life,’ has a great energy to it, how did the initial idea turn into a full blown reality ready to release on your label?
Answer: Since I left Belgium and moved to Valencia (Spain) I’ve been exposed to the mediteranian vibe here. It’s a relaxing atmosphere where people meet outside but they do love to party hard over here. After writing the melodies I’ve got in contact with the Canadian singer Kayleigh and this was an immediate hit, the topline she wrote with her team was perfect for “Rest Of My Life”. I was in love with that and found that this was the way to go for the future.
You seriously have some stacked highlights around your career, how did it feel to play Tomorrowland and TomorrowWorld?
Answer: As an artist it’s the best feeling in the world, to see all those smiling faces when you play and to meet new cultures while travelling the world. I’m so blessed that I had the chance to travel the world already with my music. I think a lot of people can agree that during this pandemic everyone looks so much forward to go out and be human again. As it looks with the current cases in Belgium, Tomorrowland 2021 will happen this year so I’m thrilled to play there again on the 28th of August and can’t wait to see other festivals & clubs reopen in the nearest future and meet my fans again!
Do you have a manager or do you do most everything DIY, what is the best way to balance maintaining control where it matters while outsourcing certain things to team members, whether temporary team members or permanent?
I don’t have a manager so it’s DIY. I’m a person who likes to plan upfront so I do have everything planned basically but it’s close to 14 hours for a working day. I’m working as a freelance system engineer during the daytime as well. I outsource things like my administration, videos, website (even though I’m an IT engineer) so I can have full focus on making music and not doing other things that take a lot of time. My team around me are contractors but I love to work with the same people on a long term. Once they know what you need, things get done more easily and faster.
Do you have a ‘system’ you rely on when it comes to starting, then thus finishing, the singles you work on?
That’s an interesting question, In most ways I receive a topline from writers where I build an instrumental around it. But for ‘Rest of My Life’ it was the other way around. In other ways it works as well, for example I’m currently doing a project for a “Don’t drink and Drive’ campaign for the Belgian government where they asked for a song in a typical Kenn Colt style, which from that point onwards I start building everything up to writing the lyrics for this project.
What are you most excited about for the future?
I have my debut album coming out this year with nearly 20 tracks on it including my golden record “Come Back To Me”, I’m very very excited about what you guys will think of all the new music that will come out in 2021 🙂
Chill, Electronic, Interviews | Vivran Discusses Career Moves, Starting A Label, & More
Posted by VMan on April 2, 2021
A label owner, a DJ/producer, and an all-around devoted musician begins to describe the type of artist Vivran is. Based in Mexico, the diverse and strong network this artist has at his disposal plays to his advantage accordingly. Having started MOTIVANT on his own and momentum being grown both in his own career and his music business ventures, FNT had a chat with him on many subjects including, career stories, advice, and more.
Can you recall key moments that led you on an electronic music career pathway?
Vivran: When I was very little I wanted to be a rockstar. I learned Guitar and Piano which I eventually stopped in my highschool years. By the time I had to go to college I didn’t really know what I wanted to do so I decided to learn how to make electronic music and that’s how I ended up in Barcelona, the city that made me who I am today. I think for me, it was always music.
Was there a moment that you remember which triggered you to start pursuing the creation of imprint MOTIVANT?
Vivran: Going back to Mexico after living in Spain came hard on me, that’s when I really became an introvert and began producing for real. It was at that point, when I met a lot of young upcoming producers that I found had amazing sound, the problem was that they didn’t really do much with such awesome songs, even when signing with labels. MOTIVANT for me became a need in order to take my project and the projects of those around me to the next level. In the end, there is not a big focus for this in Mexico, I intent to change this.
What ‘genres’ do you aim to feature on the label itself?
Vivran: Emotive Electronic is a term I use to define any electronic sound that encircles progressive house & Melodic Techno, but more important than this, I seek tracks that actually deliver an emotion. An emotion besides euphoria and wanting to dance. I seek depth in music.
What advice would you give to artists considering a career in dance music?
Vivran: Stay true to your own path, don’t copy others. Hours in the studio. A lot. Keep talented people close to you, always seek to create community and remember hate doesn’t help your project at all. Supporting other artist does a lot more.
Do you plan to release more tracks this year?
Vivran: Be hopeful for summer, thats all I’m going to say.
What are you most excited about in regards to the label in 2021?
Vivran: I think I’m most excited in all the new music we are receiving, there really is a lot of talent and true emotion out there. I am most exciting in continuing to discover amazing sounds both in Mexico and abroad.
Bass | Kantor Shares History, Reflects Back On The Year, And Shares Future Plans [Interview]
Posted by VMan on December 21, 2018
The artist formerly known as 5 & A Dime generated considerable clout. Having released a number of mashups, remixes, and originals, the artist obtained the support of The Chainsokers, DJ Snake, Tiesto, Bauuer, and many more. In pursuit of creative growth, he underwent a massive rebrand, emerging as Kantor. With a fresh sound and live shows featuring his custom-configured dance pads, Kantor aims to push the needle forward in the industry.
You have been making music for most of the last decade, in what ways have the industry shifted or evolved from an artist’s positions?
Kantor: The industry has been following technology in my opinion. Not only in regards to the style – more synthesized sounds in music – but in regards to the frequency and speed in which music comes out. Technology revolves around a principle called Moore’s law, in which technology either doubles in speed, halves in price, or halves in size every 18 to 24 months. When I first entered the industry, artists would release an album every year or two and a single every few months. Now, it’s the standard to release a song no less than every month, with an EP or two every year. Not only has the frequency of releases increased, but the overall sonic quality of music, specifically electronic, has exponentially grown. From an artist’s position, the amount of saturation in the industry has become more and more dense, and I believe it will only continue.
For new dance music fans, how big were the mashup days and how far did it take you as an artist?
Kantor: I would say the “mashup days” were between 2008 to 2014. It took me quite far, all the way to touring with Kendrick Lamar and Steve Aoki in 2013. I knew, however, that creating mashups was nothing but a pipe dream in regards to longevity, and that unless I could express myself through original content that there would be no chance of me fulfilling my dreams. I could have continued touring and made a name for myself that would eventually dwindle away or I could create something that had real lasting power, which is why I decided to take a step back from mashups all together and focus on original productions.
What were some stand-out artists or records to you?
Kantor: Between 2010 to now, there have been a lot of artists who broke the mold of what was the “standard”. To name a handful I’d have to say for the older tracks, Dog Blood’s “Middle Finger”, Jack Ü’s “Take Ü There”, Bassnectar’s “Bass Head”, Knife Party’s “Sleaze”, and for the newer tracks, Shadient’s “Collider”, eclipse & jaron’s “lunar”, PEEKABOO & G-Rex’s “Babatunde”, and 1788-L & Blanke’s “D E S T I N Y”.
You perform your hand-built DDR-inspired launch pad on stage, is there a lot of pressure with that experience?
Kantor: Yeah there is, especially the first time around. But, with practice, comes confidence. I feel a lot less pressure with performing on the DDR launchpad than I used to due to training constantly (it’s a pretty intense workout!) and fixing some bugs I had to deal with. Every time I perform on the DDR launchpad I gain a little more experience and confidence in front of a crowd. All in all, the more I perform on it the more it feels natural like riding a bike. It’s definitely the most intense performance I can give and I expect it to continue to grow as an entertaining experience for not only myself but more importantly the audience.
What are your plans for 2019?
Kantor: I have a ton of releases lined up for 2019, already planning new DDR launchpad videos, and I expect to be playing quite a number of shows. 2019 should be the year that I take the DDR pads on the road!
Bass | Rob Gasser And Brig Touch On Release, Career, Styles And More [Interview]
Posted by VMan on September 3, 2018
With the release of their latest collaboration with Ashley Apollodor, Rob Gasser and Brig are used to adding additional notches to their production belt. Both having been active producers for years who have made their rounds on labels, tours, ect. The two shared some updates and details about what’s happening in their life. View the interview in full below:
When did “Rob Gasser” and “The Brig” work together for the first time?
The Brig: I worked with Rob for the first time last year on the track “What The Funk” with Chime
Rob Gasser: We first worked together last year on our collaboration with Chime titled “What The Funk”
With “Take A Fall”, how did the collaboration with Ashley Apollodor initially develop and solidify into an original?
The Brig: We used Rob’s old demo that Ashley recorded vocals for. After that, we made the arrangement and the final mastering.
Rob Gasser: Ashley had originally written the vocals for a house track that I produced (and then scrapped), but I liked the vocals so much that I started a new project with them. One thing led to another, and I sent out a demo over to The Brig.
How do each of you go about selecting singers you decide to work with?
The Brig: Usually I use vocal cuttings from other tracks. But sometimes my manager finds me a good vocalist.
Rob Gasser: I tend to usually work with artists I’m friends with, I feel that the writing & production process becomes way more fluid and harmonic then.
From your perspectives, how has the scene or industry evolved since first entertaining the space as an artist pursuing a career?
The Brig: There have been many changes; all of them positive. Now it’s much easier to communicate with fans and feel their support.
Rob Gasser: Things have changed, for sure. The way we promote our music, but also the style, variety & the production quality has increased massively overall.
How have your personal production styles developed over time?
The Brig: I constantly try to improve the quality of my tracks. I like to add various voice clippings and unusual sounds to my music. It’s great when my style changes a little to follow the trends.
Rob Gasser: I shifted from producing Complextro and House to Bass music, so there are some differences in production techniques, which I adapted to.
Where do you think the next channels to experience dance music will mostly grow in the near future? (Twitch, ect.)
The Brig: Twitch, Youtube, Spotify, nothing new in the near future.
Rob Gasser: Definitely Spotify.
If you could, would you give your younger self, just starting out, any experience advice you know now?
The Brig: Of course, it would be so much easier to develop my style and create high-quality music from that time.
Rob Gasser: I would tell myself to not listen so much to what other people have to say outside of constructive criticism, and just do my own thing. If it sounds tight, it’s right.
What is upcoming for the rest on 2018?
The Brig: Soon I have my release “Drunken Master EP” on Firepower records, and also a couple of singles.
Rob Gasser: I got a few big announcements coming up very soon, including an EP! 🙂 Very excited for all of them!
Artists, Deep House, Exclusive, Home, Interviews | INTERVIEW // Nora En Pure is poetry in motion & in music
Posted by mimada on November 23, 2016
Close your eyes and imagine… Warm air on your skin, soft sand between your toes, the sound of waves gently lapping up on the shore, and the most spectacular assortment of red, pink, orange and violet melting together in a firey, captivating sunset in front of you, framed by the silhouettes of swaying palm trees and hibiscus flowers. This is feeling that South African producer Nora En Pure invokes in her listeners with her melodic, serendipitous and yet surprisingly deep house tracks. A part of the Enormous Tunes and Helvetic Nerds labels alongside artists like EDX, Sons of Maria and Croatia Squad, you’d most likely recognize Nora En Pure for her hits such as “Come With Me,” “Saltwater,” and her most recent release,“Tell My Heart” featuring Dani Senior.
What captivates me about Nora’s music, however, is that from an immediate listen, you get a sense that her music truly goes much deeper than a solid beat and an uplifting melody; not something you find often in the popular music scene. Even more so, her aura is effortlessly cool and her success is unwavering regardless of the “female disadvantage” some attribute to the electronic industry. For these reasons, in addition to a sheer admiration for her jams, I was absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to pick Nora’s brain about her and her music in advance of her show at Effex in Albuquerque, New Mexico. For those seeking a getaway ~ be it on the dancefloor, a beach, or even lost in your headphones ~ I recommend purifying your life with Nora En Pure’s beats.
Exclusive, Interviews | Husman & Carl Nunes Team Up With Matthew Steeper For “Out Of My Mind” + Exclusive Interview
Posted by VMan on August 24, 2016
How did the collaboration come about?
Husman: At first we started a whole different track together, where we kept sending parts of the song, and Carl came up with a great idea for the break of the song, which I added vocal chops too. After getting the great vocal from Matthew Steeper we didn’t go for those vocal chops anymore and I made what’s now the main drop.
Carl Nunes: Husman heard one of my tracks “Live Forever” about 2 years ago now and got in contact with me over twitter saying he really liked the track and the way I chopped up the vocals. We always said we would like to do a collab together but were both always working on different projects. One day I made a basic track and sent it over to Husman and he really liked it then it all went from there! So happy we could finally get to work together and super excited for this release!
Matthew Steeper: Armada reached out to me back in the spring to write a vocal for the Carl Nunes & Husman collab. I really loved the melodic inspiration of the track and so it came about quite quickly on my end. I sent them back a recorded demo a few days later.
What’s the meaning of “Out Of My Mind”?
H: Out of my mind is about losing someone which you hold very dear, but never forgetting them.
CN: I think that is best left to the writer 😉
MS: There are several levels to the song. I always want to write from my own experience but retain a level of ambiguity so the listener can apply it to their own life in their own way. The simple meaning of the song is that its about someone who you’ve had a meaningful relationship with, but for whatever reason is no longer in your life. While the person is physically gone, you will always remember them and certain things will always remind you of them. Hence while the person is “out of sight” they are “never out of mind”.
In a sense, the memory and feelings that exist of that person brighten up the sadness of this person’s absence. Its a bitter-sweet song. When it is impossible for you two to be together, you find that you can in the memory you hold in your mind. While I personally wrote this in the context of a past relationship that’s ended now, the story also connects to the pain of losing a loved one “fade into the light”. In this sense, the song really embodies the complete passage of life — processing new circumstances in the face of relational loss. There are some people in life that no matter how much time passes, our minds will never let go.
What’s been on repeat in your headphones recently?
H: Definitely the new Chainsmokers Feat. Halsey! And also the new single by Charlie Puth – We Don’t Talk Anymore and almost all new Justin Bieber records.
CN: I listen to a mixture of music, depending on my mood but an artist I always find myself going back to is Washed out! Pretty different to what I produce but it really chills me out.
MS: Between creating music full time and having most of my friends doing the same sending me their new stuff, I don’t have much extra time to really be a listener. If I do need a moment to get away and chill though, I often play some Jon Hopkins. I also really enjoy old school melodic trance. As far as mainstream stuff, I got the chance to work with Mike Williams in Amsterdam recently at a Spinnin’ writing camp. I admit I really enjoy his new bouncy style of EDM. The kid is the next Martin Garrix!
If you could collaboration with anyone, who and why?
H: My dream collaboration would be with Hans Zimmer, he’s music wise my biggest inspiration.
CN: I would really like to collaborate with Porter Robinson, His music is so original, he really has his own style and doesn’t follow other trends on top of that his production is insanely good!
MS: I really am so blessed to be able to work with many of my former “dream artists”, and so the dream-collab genie lamp has been collecting a little bit of dust lately. But of course there are still so many legends I’d love to work with. As a writer I’ve always had my eyes on Armin and Above and Beyond. Before EDM exists as it does now, I was creating trance music. As a vocalist I’d like to do another more radio friendly crossover song, perhaps with Calvin Harris?