Tania Zygar Interview

We Chat To the lovely Tania Zygar about Starting her singing career on Fischer Price Toys, Baking Pastries and chances of a full length Artist Album.

Q:

 So give us a brief history of Tania Zygar, some info on who you were

before some of the world’s biggest DJs decided that you were the vocalist

they wanted to collaborate with? How did you choose EDM vs. other genres

of music?

A:

I grew up in Europe for part of my childhood and music was always part of

who I was. I was only singing on my Fisher Price karaoke toy and bugging

my parents while I was banging on the keyboard! As far as getting into

EDM, I was doing a lot of writing and playing acoustic guitar when a

friend randomly approached me about doing an EDM-style track. It was a

great experience being able to explore other genres aside from what I had

been accustomed to. I’m constantly seeking to evolve my sound, and EDM has

given me that opportunity to experiment within my sound.

Q:

Your vocals have found their way into some of the worlds biggest DJs,

playlists, anyone you would love to work with in future?

A:

I’ve been blessed to work with so many great artists at such an early

point in my career, but if I could choose anyone, I’d definitely love to

work with Wolfgang Gartner, Swedish House Mafia, Martin Solveig and Armin

(that’s a given! haha!)

Q:

Every now and then you'll find, a new vocal seems to be the trending

topic among DJs and producers, people like Jan Johnston, Justine Suissa,

Jes, Kirsty Hawkshaw and Tiff Lacey have all had a chance to be the new

girl on the block, and now are established names among the EDM community.

Do you look up to any of them, or is there a specific singer you find

absolutely incredible?

A:

Sarah Howells has a beautiful voice, and Jaren does some amazing writing,

so if I had to pick it would be those two. I also like Fisher's tone of

voice--it's very soothing.

Q:

To my surprise I’ve recently realized that Canada has quite a few famous

names when it comes to EDM, people like Arnej, Lazy Rich and Deadmau5 have

all made a huge impact on the world of dance music, how would you compare

the Canadian scene to places like Europe and the USA?

A:

I think some parts of Canada are still conservative when it comes to

listening to newer EDM styles. Other parts, like Toronto & Vancouver are

bursting with talent. I was in Vancouver with tyDi last year, and I was

amazed at how many fans came out to support him. I’m actually moving out

of Ottawa to Toronto, where there are more opportunities to further

advance my career in music.

Q:

 Is there a country or event that you have performed at that has

specifically made an impact on you since being part of the EDM community,

and is there a place you would really love to perform in future?

A:

Definitely! One of my favorite performances was this past May, where I

opened up and introduced Armin Van Buuren for thousands of people at a

festival right outside of Montreal. It was very moving to see the crowd

singing back the lyrics that I wrote! The support was amazing--I even got

to autograph my first man-boob! haha! As far as future performances, I

love to travel, but ultimately, I’d love to be able to perform during the

annual Winter Music Conference in Miami! I definitely think that would be

an experience to perform in front of that many fans and peers.

Q:

What inspires your lyrics... Is there a certain process you go through?

A:

Some of my best writing usually will come to me very quickly. Intense or

dramatic moments in my life always inspire me to write something that

everyone can relate to. I use my writing as a therapy tool. Once I have

completed a project, I feel like there is closure with the subject at

hand.

Q:

 What do you like to do when you're not writing or singing? Any hidden

talents?

A:

Ask my boyfriend, Simon! ha ha, just kidding. I hope my mom doesn’t read

this and interpret it the wrong way! No, seriously, I enjoy baking

pastries. I love getting back to my French roots and exploring the

culinary arts. There’s nothing more enjoyable (other than music) than

seeing my loved ones enjoy my cooking!

Q:

A huge player in EDM at the moment, is the super talented young

Arty

how did the collaboration with him come about?

A:

Will Holland from Enhanced Recordings approached me about working with

Arty. After I heard the track, I knew I had to jump on it. I am so excited

about it being officially released! I am very proud of the acoustic

version that I produced which is featured on the EP. It is due for release

very soon! I did the acoustic version in one take, and I think it really

shows a different perspective of my vocal capability, which I am very

excited to show everyone.

Q:

What are you listening to right now? Any favourites on your ipod/mp3

player or Car Radio?

A:

Lots of Ellie Goudling, Lights, Imogen Heap, and Metric and ADELE. Those

are my big main influences.

Q:

What can we expect from Tania Zygar in the near and distant future?

A:

I'll have more tracks out next year, and I'm ultimately hoping to one day

have a full on Tania Zygar artist album with different DJ's remixing my

stuff. That'd be amazing! I'm working on putting a team together behind my

music right now, so you'll just have to wait and see where the branding

goes! Thank you for offering me this interview; I want to come to South

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Giuseppe Ottaviani Interview

We chat to Giuseppe Ottaviani about not actually being a DJ,

his brand new GO ON AIR Compilation and Barbecues.

Q:

 Giuseppe Ottaviani is a name that’s been synonymous with high quality dance music for a very long time, tell us a bit about yourself from before you became the DJ/Producer we all know and love…? 

A:

Well it’s quite a long story but just in few words I’ve been involved in music since a very tender age, I studied piano for over 7 years and around 14 years old I became a dj playing around my area and having already my own radio show. Later I started to create my own music and finally I made Dreamland, the track that changed my life. I’ve got signed on Paul van Dyk’s label Vandit in 2001, my starting point as professional musician and producer, and since then I’ve been part of the family that allowed me to develop my career and actually to write this interview now 

Q: Italy has provided us with some of the biggest names in Dance Music, people like yourself, Manuel Le Saux, 7skies, Mauro Picotto and Benny Benassi just to name a few… and much earlier than that, Italy has been pioneering Dance Music, with groups like Cappella in the early 90’s and even earlier than that the original father of Disco, Mr Giorgio Moroder… how did Dance music cross your path, and what made you decide to make it such a big part of your life… 

A:

Music has always been a big part of my life, classical music at the beginning, EDM then. I used to be a huge fan of Mauro Picotto and all the Italian 90’s groups as well and that was the time when I decided to move to dance music. Then I started to look around for more music and I fell in love with what the rest of the Europe was calling Trance. Paul van Dyk became my favorite artist and the biggest inspiration for my own music…..i guess you can hear a little bit of it. 

Q:

You’ve just released an epic compilation called “Go On Air”, which shares a name with your show on afterhours.fm, tell us a bit about the compilation as well as the actual show?

A:

First thing you gotta know is that I’m not really a DJ but a producer and live act instead and I usually play my own music only but the thing is, there is so much good music around and I wanted to make my own selection and share it through a radio with my audience. Here’s the idea of a monthly radio show and afterhours.fm was the right choice. I started the show back in February and it has got a great feedback, that’s why I decided to release the compilation just few months later. I tried to make the compilation as much special as possible working hard to get exclusive tracks on it and to make remixes and reworks plus two brand new tracks exclusively for this compilation. I’m really happy about the result and hope people enjoy it too. 

Regarding the name Go On Air, well, we played around my name and actually GO stands for Giuseppe Ottaviani, On Air is obviously related to the radio activity but also it refers to “being on air” when I travel, spending part of my life into a plane, and mixing the radio shows when I’m on it. From here also the idea of being the “captain” of an airline that “sounds great” J 

Q:

It’s no secret that Paul Van Dyk is big fan of your’s, even back in the NU-NRG days, how did the meeting with PVD come about? 

A:

The first contact with Paul happened when he wanted to include Dreamland on his compilation The Politics Of Dancing and a year later (2002) we met in Berlin for the Love Parade. The Love from Above (PvD’s own party for the Love Parade weekend) was my first gig ever and the day after I played on the Vandit truck, floating through something around 1 million people who attended the Love Parade in Berlin. What a great memories! 

Q:

 Any artists you see coming up at the moment, that you think might be the next big thing? Someone to look out for in future? 

A:

I think Arty is one of the most talented producer of these days, he’s young and he sounds big. Not always my kind of music but I have to admit he’s just great in whatever he does. 

Q:

You’ve produced an arsenal of amazing tracks and remixes, which would you consider to be your personal favourite?

A:

Hard to decide but probably my favorite one is Linking People, first of all because I love the melody and secondly because that was my first track and starting point as solo artist. Just like Dreamland made my NU NRG days, Linking People is the starting point of Giuseppe Ottaviani solo career. 

Q:

What’s playing on your Car Radio/IPOD/Mp3 player at the moment? 

A:

I’m playing Armin van Buuren’s ASOT episodes, Paul van Dyk’s Vonyc Sessions and Ferry Corsten’s Corsten’s Countdown episodes as all three of them are strongly supporting my latest tracks and remixes at the moment and I love to listen to my music being played from others DJs on radio, especially if those DJs are the biggest ones 

Q:

What do you like to do when you're not DJ’ing or Producing? Any hidden talents? 

A:

Not much time left to be honest and not really hidden talents. When I’m free I just love to relax with family and friends, going out, spending most of the time at the beach, BBQs and so on. A very normal life.

Q:

What can we expect from Giuseppe Ottaviani in the near and distant future? 

A:

Now that Go On Air has been released I finally had the chance to start working on my new artist album. Only one track is done and there is a lot to do, but hopefully I will be able to release it not too late. Beside that I have a new collaboration coming up on Betsie Larkin album, it’s called Toys and we are looking to release it as a single in the near future, so keep an eye at www.giuseppeottaviani.com and www.facebook.com/giuseppeottaviani 

Thank you and all the best, 

Giuseppe

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Fergie (Robert Ferguson) Interview

We chat to Fergie about the chances of managing Manchester United, listening to Johnny Cash

and find out what some of his tattoos are all about.

Q:

You share a nickname with quite a famous duchess... Have you ever had situations where people were expecting to meet her instead of you?

A:

Ha Ha……hasn’t happened yet, although when i checked in to my hotel in Bulgaria a few weeks ago they had me down as Alex Ferguson ( Manchester United Manager )

Q:

 You've been DJ'ing for more than half your life, yet you've only just entered your 30's... What were you up to while other kids were busy with school work?

A:

The Djing all started in Larne in Northern Ireland. Me and school didn’t agree and I left school at 13 and pestered the local promoter to give me a job at the club….brushing the floor, cleaning the toilets and clearing the tables…but I didn’t care because he let me play on the decks and eventually I got to do a the warm up set but my first actual professional gig….the first one that I actually got paid for…… was at Airport 2000 in Antrim which at the time was one of the biggest clubs in Northern Ireland…… I remember finding it hard to put the needle on the record as my hands were shaking so much….I thought I had it made….I was 14 years old!

Q:

You were mentored by the late great Tony De Vit... How did this meeting come about? And how much would you say this meeting changed you as a person?

A:

Most people will know the story of how I met Tony De Vit who was a great inspiration to me. Tony was playing at the club on one of the nights that I was warming up and he heard me play and invited me over to England and introduced me to the club scene…Tony took me under his wing and I really appreciated his guidance and advice. I was lucky Tony helped me a lot not just about DJing but about the importance of reading the crowd, making time for your fans, getting down among the crowd but I was also very focused and knew that I wanted to be a DJ …I think about Tony a lot and I know that he would be pleased about how things have turned out for me…I still miss him. Sometimes when I look back its feels like I’m reading a book about someone else….the people I have met and the experiences I have had are way beyond what I would have ever imagined. Its crazy to think that my first ever tour was actually in South Africa for Vibe Magazine! I played in Durban, Cape Town, Pretoria, Bloemfontein, it was a great experience and I met a good friend called Flavio de Stfanis…(hey Flavio if you are out there please contact me) The crowds in South Africa were amazing and I still hold those first memories of playing there with Tony close to my heart. I look forward to my return and who knows perhaps I will bring some of the old tracks I played when I first came all over a decade ago :--)

Q:

 A lot of Hard-House's biggest DJ's including yourself, Anne Savage, BK and Lisa-Lashes have moved on to things like Breaks, Electro, Techno and Trance... What would you attribute this to?

A:

Changing my music was one of the biggest challenges I have faced as it was such a drastic change it took a long time to re-establish myself….. the best part of the past 10 years. It has been a tough journey with lots of ups and downs but it gave me a great sense of fulfillment as I was leaving everything I had built up to try some thing new and i feel i helped open the door for other djs to make the move. As a dj I have played quite a mix of music from house to the harder end of that genre and lots of weird bits in-between. I have never been afraid to try out different styles of music some good choices and some not so good but I have had a great time along the way finding out what I liked. I would say over the past 6 or 7 years that I have never felt more passionate about music whether that’s been playing it in clubs or making it in the studio.

I was pigeon-holed for such a long time with the whole hard house label, which was ok as that’s were I made my name and enjoyed playing it for a long time, but I felt that hard house changed quite a lot so it was time for me to move.

To say that I will never play hard music would be presumptuous. If I play a 3 or 4 hour set I still like to kick the arse of it but that’s all part of the journey. As I said before I’m playing the best music I have ever played, some of it’s hard some of it’s not. It’s all just great music!

Q:

Trends come and go, and while some things manage to stand the test of time, a lot of things seem to fall away... Like for example in "Dance Music Culture", your average "raver" used to dress a certain way... And the harder and faster the music was... The better... But today the scene in general seems to cater to a wider audience... Where do you see Dance music going in future?

A:

Yeah I think that was the case for a while but I think we are now in a much better place as I think the term techno is so broad now and less genre specific its all back under one umbrella so to speak which helps to keep everything fresh and lost of different aspects of techno merging together. I think its good to have a sound but to also be flexible, people want to hear different things now so its good to keep moving about with styles but still try and have your own.

Q:

What would we be surprised to find out about "Fergie"?

A:

I played for Northern Ireland Under 16s…I might have been a footballer instead of a DJ but I just had to follow the music 

Q:

 Are your tattoos decorative or is there a story behind them?

A:

The very first tattoo was just a Tribal Tattoo on my arm…I got it done in Ibiza and they guy who done it was so proud of it that he put a big picture of it in his window…however what happened then was that a lot of my fans who were in Ibiza to support me all went to him and got the exact same tattoo…..at the clubs we looked like we were in some kind of gang!

I have ‘Lost in Music’ tattooed across my stomach. When I changed my music I didn’t want to be ever pigeon-holed again…I just wanted to be lost in the music and to go wherever it lead me.

I have the word ‘Maktub’ tattooed on my forearm. I am a big fan of the author Paolo Cuellol who wrote a book called The Alchemist which was where I first came across the word MAKTUB, it’s an old Arabic proverb that means..’ It is written’. I was never a big reader but this book was different….I would go as far as to say that what I read in it changed my whole outlook on life.

Q:

What's playing on your MP3 player/ Ipod/ Car radio at the moment?

A:

I like nothing better that driving with the car hood down with Johnny Cash ‘ Get Rhythm’ blasting out…. TURN IT UP!

Q:

Where would we find you when you're not DJing or Producing?

A:

I love just chilling out with friends…talking about life’s experiences and just messing about playing old records from way back then!

Q:

What can we expect from "Fergie" In the near or distant future?

A:

I recently released my first album ( Dynamite & Laserbeams ) and I just heard that it has won the IDMA Award for Best Album 2010… I am very proud of it…I love every trak on there so I’m pleased that people liked it enough to vote for it. I am just completing a remix project for my album…..I picked a handful of producers who have inspired me the most over the past year and asked them to choose a track from the album to remix so that’s very exciting. Also, keeping to the Excentric philosophy which is to push new talent , we will be releasing our first compilation on Excentric Muzik with the super talents of Mr Henry Von who is one of the most promising dj/producer around and it has been a privilege for me to watch him grow and develop within Excentric Muzik fold.

Check out more on the legendary Fergie 

http://www.excentric-fergie.com

Interview by Johan De Kock

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Cristina Soto Interview

So… If you’ve been involved in the global Dance music scene at all for the last couple of years, the name “Cristina Soto” would have come across your path quite a bit… 

Q:

your work with Tritonal, and more recently with ATB has seen your voice travel the world from radio shows to major events all over the world… tell us a bit about “Cristina Soto” something we don’t already know?

A:

hmm... Well this may not be news if you already know me, but I grew up in Idaho. It is a remote mountain state in the Northwest. Whenever someone tells me they're from Idaho, I feel like I already know a part of them. It may sound silly but the state is so beautiful and I'll always associate it with being a kid. 

Q:

What would we typically find in a teenage Cristina Soto’s bedroom?

A:

I can tell you what you wouldn't find: a white wall in sight. I covered my bedroom from top to bottom in pictures, photos, and inspiring print media. There may have been a Jared Leto or Leonardo DiCaprio poster in the mix. No shame. 

Q:

You’re from Texas right? Now, I would Imagine that the stereotypical view of Texas goes something like this… 10 Gallon Hats, Cowboy Boots, Bible Belt, Heavy Accents, Country Music, Guns, A controversial ex-president…And just maybe some American Football… but the last thing I would Imagine coming out of Texas is one of the world’s top Trance acts! How did the meeting with Tritonal and Dance Music in general come about? and are there any stereotypical Texas customs you actually do enjoy?

A:

I met Tritonal through a mutual friend in the electronic scene here in Austin. Jesse Brede (shoutout!) put us in a room one day and we wrote our first song in a few hours... I'd like to think we've evolved and improved our sound since it takes us much longer now! As far as Texas customs, I’d say the food has been my favorite. I really love BBQ and Tex-Mex. Austin is a different kind of town though, so I don’t see too many 10-gallon hats in these parts. If Texas has taught me anything in the summertime it is to be close to a body of water whenever possible. 

Q:

Any chances of seeing a Cristina Soto Solo Album… and if so who would you like to work with?

A:

There's no solo album in the works at the moment but I'm keeping busy with single collaborations and the album release for the joint project with my brother, Suther & Brista. If I end up doing an album in the future, I’ll probably want to produce it with someone I know. It’s important to have a good relationship with your producer/engineer. As far as other artists I’d work with... I'd probably be all over the place for a diverse set 

of tracks.

Q:

I’ve always been a really big ATB fan… and really feel he’s quite underrated… how did the meeting with “Andre” come about?

A:

Our publishers made the intro and the project started immediately. We made both tracks over email and Skype! It was a crazy experience to work with someone at that level who I grew up listening to. 

Q:

Any question you’ve always wanted to be asked? A question you would love to answer… and if so… what’s the answer to the question?

A:

Haha I don't think I've ever wanted a specific question. I’m still surprised people want to interview me. One question I get a lot though is “how old are you?” So curious! 28. There :P

Q:

Out of all the tracks you’ve worked on, which stands out for you most and why?

A:

I think “Forgive Me, Forget You” will always have a place in my heart because it was such a transformational song writing process and chapter in my life. I literally wrote the song on my massage therapist’s table. The track went through a long journey of creation, rejection, and revival when it finally released.

Q:

Where would we find “Cristina Soto”, when she isn’t singing or writing music? Do you have any hidden talents, hobbies or passions?

A:

When I’m not doing music stuff, I’m geeking it up at my real job. I am a technical consultant by day… shhh don’t tell anyone ;) I ride my bike a lot, cook and bake up scratch meals for my people, and volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters. If I’m not doing one of those, I’m plotting mischief (which must remain top secret). 

Q:

Is there any track ever written, that you wish you had written or done vocals for… or for that matter… would love to do a cover of? 

A:

I find myself wishing I had written a verse/lyric or a vocal run more than a whole song. I'd love to cover something from the 80s. 

Q:

What can we expect from “Cristina Soto” In the near and distant future?

A:

Near Future: What time is it? Lunch. 

Really though - I’m always singing so tracks are in the cards... possibly a music video... and more live dates with Tritonal. Stay tuned ;) 

interview by Johan De Kock.

Check out Cristina's Website for more on the amazing Singer, Songwriter...

http://cristinasoto.com

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Bjorn Akesson Interview

We chat to Bjorn Akesson about Engineering, Tennis & just a little Trance...

Q:

Bjorn is quite a common name in your part of the world… with which of these Bjorn’s can you relate better and why… Bjorn Borg (Tennis Champion) or Bjorn Ulvaeus (ABBA)?

A:

Definitely Bjorn Borg, I'm going for #1 too and love to win! Also to mention I love sports and competition.

Q:

Scandinavia seems to be the breeding ground for all that is truly great in the world of Trance music these days, with artists like Super8 & Tab, Daniel Kandi, Paavo Siljamaki (P.O.S ,Above & Beyond) Boom Jinx and yourself of course leading the charge, how long do you think it’ll be before a Scandinavian DJ makes it to the number one spot on DJ Mag’s annual poll and who do you think it will be?

A:

Probably a few more years, we do have the Swedish house mafia going strong, so I think any of those will reach number one if any.

Q:

Your track "Painting Pyramids" was one of the most played tracks during Armin Van Buuren’s ASOT 500 celebrations, is there a specific meaning behind the song’s title, or a connection to the fact that it was released on Egyptian duo Aly & Fila’s label "Future sound of Egypt?

A:

Being released on Future Sound of Egypt does not really have anything to do with it, I'm doing my thing no matter what label I release on. I wanted the use an interesting name that would fit the track and since it has an Egyptian touch to it I found a suitable title on that basis. I wanted to use the word pyramid and ended up thinking it would be fun to use a title that's a bit odd and uniqe.

Q:

Sweden is quite famous for it’s Pop music as well as quite a host of Metal music, is there an alternative world where you would have liked to be part of a Metal Band or Pop sensation , or has it always been Trance Music for you?

A:

It hasn't really all been trance music for me, I grew up with drum'n'bass, electro and techno music before I really got into trance. I'm not sure if I would ever try being a part of a metal band but I do love some of it so you never know. Pop music is more interesting though, not closing any doors on it, I would certainly consider producing pop music for other artists.

Q:

You don’t seem to be big on collaborations with other artists, are there any specific artists or vocalists you would like to work with in future or do you prefer working on your own?

A:

I do prefer working in my own, but I do like collaborating with other artists. It would be tons of fun making a track together with Skrillex, whatever that would end up sounding like.

Q:

What is your production process? What inspires you? And what do you use to produce with? are you a hardware or software man?

A:

These days I'm working 100% with software for my solo productions, I'm using Cubase with various VST instruments. It's really hard to describe the process, it just happens really.

Q:

.Having been on stages all around the world, where are the best and worst gigs you’ve ever played?

A:

I have to say that my favourite gigs this year is a tie between digital society in Leeds and Luminosity in Amsterdam. Crowd was amazing on both nights and I got to meet so many new nice people, was so much fun. Also my set flew by really smooth on both nights. I've played some lousy gigs in sweden in my early days, I think that's very normal for the first gigs in every dj's career.

Q:

Where would we find "Bjorn Akesson", when he isn’t DJ’ing or producing music? Do you have any hidden talents, hobbies or passions?

A:

I'm currently finishing my engineering studies so mostly you will find me at the university. Other than that I enjoy going out with my friends, going to the gym, play soccer or just watch a movie.

Q:

Is there a specific track that always seems to find a place in your sets? Something you never leave for a gig without? Something that just works every time?

A:

I always play my track "Perfect Blue" for being my break-through track!

Q:

What can we expect from Bjorn Akesson In the near and distant future?

A:

Anything!

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Ronski Speed Interview

We Chat To Ronski Speed About who his heroes are, what inspires him and some of his favourite gigs.

Q:

I recently read somewhere, that you were born “Ronny Schneider”, tell us a bit about “Ronny Schneider” and how it happened that he eventually became “Ronski Speed”?

A:

Actually i think it is clear that Ronski is not my real name, actually it came from my name Ronny converted to Ronski and the 80's with a similar name.

Q:

I remember seeing the name “Ronski Speed” for the first time in the booklet of Paul Van Dyk’s “Politics Of Dancing Volume 1” album, in the credit section for “Mirco De Govia’s Epic Monolith”, since then you have been a constant feature in Paul Van Dyk’s sets, would you consider him to be one of your musical heroes? And are there other DJ’s, producers or artists that you specifically look up to? 

A:

He is definitely a hero and a pioneer, furthermore i really respect the great ideas of Ferry Corsten very much.

Q:

You’ve been a major part of German based label “Euphonic” (Owned by trance legends Kyau & Albert ) since it’s establishment 14 years ago, how did this meeting come about?

A:

A friend of us brought us together, they build up their label and were searching fr artists and a certain sound. So we started to build u the label together.

Q:

Aside from a very impressive library of original productions and collaborations, you’ve remixed some of dance music’s biggest anthems including “Above & Beyond – Alone Tonight”, “Armin Van Buuren – Burned With Desire”, “Binary Finary – 1998”… is there a track that you would love to remix… but you almost feel it’s impossible to remix?

A:

Hmm, not really every track depends on a try. 8)

Q:

Your collaboration with Filo & Peri, called “Propane”, is yet again making a huge impact on dance floor’s around the globe, how did the meeting with “Filo & Peri” come about… and is there anyone you would love to collaborate with in future?

A:

Actually we played together in New York's Pacha and talked about doing something. After a few months and many many tries we finally came up with this tune. So i think we are very happy with it.

Q:

What is your production process? What inspires you? And what do you use to produce with? are you a hardware or software man?

A:

Usually I'm searching the key idea the hook of a track an build everything else around. Getting inspired by everything around me, from music to travelling etc. When i started it was mainly hardware but now after some years it got banned from the studio as software is so much easier to work with. I'm a Cubase user from the scratch. 8)

Q:

Having been on stages all around the world, where are the best and worst gigs you’ve ever played?

A:

There are so many good ones, like especially in eastern Europe also Asia and America as well. remembering love parade or nature one festivals which were big.I have had 1 specific gig in USA where the FBI was stopping the party, this was like in a movie. half an hour later the hall was empty and i played on my own with some dancers. later the audience got back. sounds like an American anti party movement. 8)

Q:
Where would we find “Ronski Speed”, when he isn’t DJ’ing or producing music? Do you have any hidden talents, hobbies or passions?

A:

Usually relaxing and doing computer stuff. I like watching good movies and TV Series.

Q:

Is there a specific track that always seems to find a place in your sets? Something you never leave for a gig without? Something that just works every time?

A:

Actually one of my biggies "The Space We Are"

Q:

What can we expect from Ronski Speed In the near and distant future?

A:

Right now working on new own stuff. We are releasing my new single "Out Of Control" very soon on Euphonic and re-release "To Be Loved" with brand new remixes on Spinnin.

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Pierre Pienaar Interview

We Chat to Pierre Pienaar about heading up Nukleuz, being a neat freak, and a  secret love for Brooklyn Bounce.

Q:

So, you come from a country that’s known for a couple of things… being mostly dry and desert like… and share a surname with quite a few famous sportsman including Francois Pienaar,Steven Pienaar,Ruan Pienaar and Gysie Pienaar… by what miracle did you manage to get into Dance music?

A:

I grew up in a household where music was always abundant...My first exposure to dance music was when my sister came back after studying in Switzerland..there was tracks from Sash!, Brooklyn Bounce, Faithless, Da Hool etc on it and at that time it really hit the spot for me...and then the internet came and I just got deeper and deeper into the different EDM styles and sounds.

Q:

You’ve been involved with “Nukleuz” for quite some time, how did this meeting come about… and how did you end up heading the “green” department?

A:

Andy Whitby and I used to chat a lot and he was supporting a lot of my tracks at that time. He used two of my tracks on his Frantic Residents CD which was released on Nukleuz and through that I got in touch with Dave Louca who is the Head of A&R there. I ended up doing a few remixes for them and after a while Peter Pritchard contacted me to ask if I would be interested in heading the Nukleuz Green imprint. Nukleuz was always one of the brands that moulded my love for the EDM scene so it was amazing to get the opportunity!

Q:

You’ve done a lot of your best work under various pseudonyms including “Melodia, P.H.A.T.T. and ReBirth”, is there a specific story linked to why you chose each of these?

A:

There's no specific reason why I chose those exact names, but I'm kind of a neat freak..so when I started experimenting with different sounds and styles I had to categorise them and using different aliases worked well..it also gave me freedom to venture into different directions without dropping my old sound.

Q:

you’ve collaborated with a couple of great producer’s in the past including Jason Van Wyk most recently… anyone you’d love to work with in the future?

A:

Yes I'm working with Jason at the moment...we've been talking about doing a collab for years now and just never got to it, but I'm very excited about the track we're working on and I'm positive that our respective fans will love the outcome! There's a lot of producers that I'd like to work with from various genres...Liam Howlett from The Prodigy, Rolo who produces for Faithless and Dido...but in trance terms it would be Sean Tyas for a nice uplifting track, Simon Patterson for something techy and Mat Zo for the more melodic stuff...but my list is pretty much endless!

Q:

Best and Worst gig you’ve ever played?

A:

It's hard to pinpoint specific gigs as my best or worst...I've had a few gigs which I'd rather forget but funily enough they are always the ones you recall the most and in a funny way you look back at them as good memories! The most epic gig I've played though was H2O Africa...that was just massive!

Q:

What would surprise us about “Pierre Pienaar”?

A:

Well if I told you it wouldn't be a surprise hey? ;)

Q:

What are you currently working on, anything exciting?

A:

Apart from my collaboration with Jason I'm working on a few projects outside my normal scope..I'm working on a commercial album and at the moment I'm having auditions for a lead singer. Apart from that I'm constantly working on new singles and remixes under my different aliases and there's a few P.H.A.T.T. releases lined up..the next remix that'll be out is the one that I did for T.O.M & Alpha Force called Paradice which ventures into a more progressive sound but still has a lot of balls (am I allowed to say balls!?)

Q:

Where would we find “Pierre Pienaar”, when he isn’t DJ’ing or Producing music? Do you have any hidden talents, hobbies or passions?

A:

I'm a very chilled guy...maybe I'm just showing my age but these days you'd rather find me chilling on the couch, watching DVD's than consuming large amounts of Jaggermeister! Regarding hidden talents, I like working in the kitchen and cooking tasty food..but I'm no Jamie Oliver, so I'll stick to composing music as my profession!

Q:

What’s playing on your Ipod/MP3 player or car radio at the moment?

A:

There's quite a mixture of music in my Car shuttle...I always have the latest Podcasts from Ferry and Above & Beyond in there, but there's a mix CD tthere with random tracks which I actually listen to more..After working all day in the studio it's refreshing to just sit back and listen to a bit of Pitbull or Eminem...I love music too much to constrict myself to only listening one style.

Q:

What can we expect from “Pierre Pienaar” In the near and distant future?

A:

I'm currently at a crossroads with my life and career and I'm assessing what I want to do and the direction I want to go in..so your guess is as good as mine! But watch this space...

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Vicky Devine - Interview

We Chat To Vicky Devine about being Being a Master Biologist, spending half her life on a Party Island, and playing a little R&B...

01.You’ve been involved in the Dance Scene for well over a Decade, how did it all start for you?

I got into Dance music when I was at college - I was definitely a weekend raver as I'd spend all week studying and then spend all weekend out. I don't think there was one weekend when I wasn't out partying somewhere at that time!!! I got to know the people working in the clubs and this led to all kinds of things such as dancing, magazine reviews and eventually DJing. I used to go round to my mates house after college to practice mixing and then I eventually got my own decks. The rest is history as they say!

02.What were you doing before?

Well I was studying Biology at Uni and I eventually came away with a Masters Degree and I worked in a hospital as a Medical Technician during my first few years of DJing, but it eventually all became too much and I had to go one way or the other. Of course the music won!

03. What was The First Track You ever Bought and Do You Still Have it?

The first dance track I ever bought on vinyl was called The Key, The Secret by Urban Cookie Collective when I was at school..... I was into dance music even then and yes, I still have it. I have all my old vinyl from then and from my first 5 years or so of DJing and will never get rid of them!!!

04.Having DJ’d across the world in some of the world’s biggest venues, are there any event’s you haven’t played and would still love to?

There are loads!!! During the time that I have been DJing many clubs have closed and many new ones have opened. Same with certain brands - lots of new ones have appeared and some have disappeared. Its forever changing and there is always something new I want to do or somewhere else I'd love to play.

05.You’ve been a staple in Judge Jules’ Judgement Sundays for some time now, how did the meeting with Jules come about?

I actually went to the opening party of the very first year of Judgement Sundays back in 2000 when I was on holiday in Ibiza with some friends. I hadn't been DJing long, but I remember being stood on the dance floor saying - one day I'd love to be a resident here. From that moment on it became a kind of mission for me. When I started working in Ibiza, I'd go to Judgement every single week without fail bugging the hell out of the promoters and eventually they gave me a set. From that I was given the residency and have now been there 6 years.

06.Any embarrassing DJ stories?

There are a few from my vinyl days when I took the wrong record off or even more recently when I've stopped the wrong CDJ - schoolgirl errors are always embarrassing!!!! And there was also a time when I was walking across the front of a stage to go and say hello to someone in the crowd. Unfortunately I didn't see that the stage had been split into 2 and I just fell right down the gap in between the two in front of everyone!

07.Who do you admire most in the Scene and in music generally for that matter?

God there really are so many. I have such a diverse range in my taste of music that I admire so many people in so many different genres for so many different reasons. It probably sounds a little cheesy with me being the Judgement resident, but I do really admire Jules and all he has achieved in the scene and also on a business level. 

08.You’re obviously a very beautiful woman, do you feel extra pressure to keep up your looks as a female DJ?

Why thankyou sir!!!!! I think most women feel pressure to a certain extent to keep up with their looks don't they!??? Whilst I've always said you have to use whatever you have to your advantage, I've always tried to be the best that I can with my music as thats what its about for me.

09.I am a huge fan of “Starfire” especially what Sean Tyas has done with it… were you a fan of his work before he did the mix… and how did it come about?

I've been a huge fan of Sean's for many years now - his tunes are always spot on and he's been a regular at Judgement Sundays for quite a few years so have DJ'd alongside him many times. I just asked him if he'd be up for doing the remix, he liked the tune and it went from there. I'm not embarrassed to say that I almost cried when I heard what he'd done as I was that bowled over with it, and am just so happy that it received the support that it did last year.

10.Best Gig you’ve ever played?

Hmmm difficult - there are so many Judgement Sundays that I could mention that have been absolutely amazing. Closer to home I would have to say The Gallery at Ministry of Sound in London and further afield it would either be a gig I did in Edmonton, Canada alongside Lisa Lashes or a massive event that I played in India one New Years Eve which were both phenomenal.

11.Worst Gig you’ve ever played?

Any where the turnout hasn't been great! I've also done a few where the promoters have really had no idea about music policy and its really frustrating to be asked to play R&B as a trance DJ!!!!! lol

12.What are  your current top 3 tracks?

oooo now there's a question. For warm up sets I'd have to go for Nick Larson's track Numbers which was released a few weeks back. I've been working quite closely with Nick on a few projects and I love his sound - and Numbers is a real builder with techy influences and I always love a bit of tech! On the harder tip I absolutely love The3hold's H.A.A.R.P which was also released last month - its such a clever track and ticks every box for me. And then from a personal point of view I've been working for some time now on my first vocal release as a collaboration with Marcos and Hayley Parsons - its a first for me to do something vocal and more uplifting and I'm really happy with the results so hopefully everyone else will think the same!

13.Any track that you never go to a gig without… something that just works every time?

Any remix of an old classic or a good remix of something current. At the moment I've been taking a remix Ian Bett's did last summer of Iio's "Rapture", Claudia Cazacu's remix of "Cafe Del Mar" and great little mix of Rhianna's "Love the way you Lie" which was done by Laura May last year. People always love something they recognise and all three of these are great remixes.

14.As a female DJ, do you ever feel that some of the Guys don’t take you as seriously?

I think its difficult for anyone male or female to be taken seriously sometimes for different reasons. Bottom line is to focus on what you do and do it to the best of your ability with what you have available to you - and thats what I have always tried to do.

15.You’ve got a Biography that reads like an Encyclopedia… is there anything you haven’t done in The Dance Scene… And if so… any plans to do that?

Haha - well I've always loved the music so I've always wanted to be involved with it in whatever aspect that I can. I'm currently working on a number of projects actually which is going to see the development and expansion of the business that I currently run with my fiance Brett........ and this involves a number of new dance music related websites. So those are going to be taking quite alot of my time up as well in the foreseeable future. I'd also love to do an album at some stage.

16.When you’re not DJ’ing or producing… how do you spend your time?

Well as I said in the previous question, I am also working hard on a few websites!! But outside of that and my music, I'm a hardcore Manchester United fan so I love going to the games or watching them at the very least. I also try and get out and about to see my family and friends as often as I can as I miss out on quite a bit being in Ibiza all summer so its always good to catch up with them when I can. And I am also turning into a bit of a fitness freak so I'm spending more and more time on the crosstrainer as time goes on!!!

17.Anything we would be surprised to find out about you?

Apart from being a Master in Medical Microbiology and a hardcore united fan........... errrrr, I'm a bit OCD when it comes to tidiness and filing. Ask any ex flatmates and my fiance!!! haha

18.Will you be DJ’ing till your last possible breath, or is there a White picket fence somewhere in the distant future?

I really don't know about that to be honest. I'm just taking everything as it comes and enjoying the times that I have. Priorities change for everyone at some stage in their lives and I'll just cross those bridges when I get to them.

19.Where do you see Dance Music going in the future?

Thats a difficult one to answer as well because you think its heading in a certain direction and then either a new act or new piece of equipment comes up that changes everything. Thats what makes it so exciting!!!

20.Lastly what can we expect from you in the near and distant future… any exciting projects?

As I mentioned above, my new track with Marcos should be out and about every soon. I also have a new track with Nick Larson called Lunar Love which will be coming out on Fraction and some remixes for other labels which should also be out soon. DJing wise I will be playing at MOS Red Sea at Hurghada in Egypt at the end of this month which I am really excited about as I have never been to Egypt before let alone play there and I have some further exciting international stuff planned for later in the year. I love travelling so international stuff is always something that excites me! I'm continuing also to work hard on my podcast - Dual Velocity which is gaining increasing support, and then we obviously also have Ibiza 2011 to look forward to!

Website - www.vickydevine.com
Myspace - www.myspace.com/djvickydevine Twitter - www.twitter.com/vickydevine
Facebook - www.facebook.com/djvickydevine

Skype - djvickydevine

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