Author Archives: Ivan Chung

Steve James Talks EDM, Justin Bieber and His Original Single [TMN Interview]

Posted by Ivan Chung - December 3, 2015

(PC: Elliott Brockelbank)

Having charted at No.1 five times (going on six) on Hype Machine, Stephen Philibin a.k.a Steve James has become one of the fastest-rising stars of the electronic music community. If you google his name, you would probably also find out that the 17-year-old musician is being credited as one of the producers behind Justin Bieber‘s “Purpose”, which is the title track off the Biebs’ new album. That’s a HUGE accomplishment for any 17-year-old kids, let alone somebody like Steve who grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania. Needless to say, we’re honored to be able to ask Steve a few questions that our readers are dying to know the answer to. Listen to his first original track “Renaissance” featuring Clairity below, and check out our exclusive interview after the jump.

’Steve James – Renaissance (feat. Clairity)’

Buy

TMN: Pleasure to have you here with us Steve.

Thanks for having me, I’m looking forward to this!

TMN: First of all, congrats on the release of your first original track “Renaissance”! Not many 17-year-olds can say they’ve accomplished half of what you’ve done. Can you tell us a little bit about your passion for making music and how it all started?

Thanks on Renaissance – I’m super excited about that track! As for how it all started, I’ve actually always wanted to be a musician. I grew up playing the piano since age 3 or 4, I always enjoyed doing things by ear rather than reading music, and was always a fan of synthetic sounds like what Owl City was making, or the Postal Service. When I was 12, my older brother gave me his old macbook for christmas which had a program called Djay on it which I used to start mixing tracks. As soon as I learned about producer/dj’s, I was sold. I started putting a lot more time into learning how to use ableton than learning how to mix. It was after seeing Avicii (my all time favorite producer/dj) live for the first time that I said to myself, “Alright, that’s how I wanna spend the rest of my life.” I guess that was like, 2012, so I had just turned 14 haha. I was lucky to catch onto that so early, but from there it was just evenings and weekends in ableton trying to make uplifting/positive music.

Continue reading →

Interview

[Future House] Justin Bieber – What Do You Mean (ELIAS Bootleg)

Posted by Ivan Chung - December 2, 2015

Justin Bieber
What Do You Mean (ELIAS Bootleg)

Stream Only

Among the thousand Justin Bieber remixes out there, this one definitely caught our attention. Norwegian producer ELIAS has given the Biebs hit a future house rearrangement, and it certainly pleased our ears.

Believe it or not, ELIAS is only 15 years old, yet his producing skills go far beyond his age. A neat house beat and sustained effect are added in to the original track up until the massive drop, which features a series of horn stabs and a melody provided by the lively trumpet synths. The hardhitting bassline brings out the future element of the track, resembling the sound of producers like Oliver Heldens, who actually featured one of his songs “Intruder” on his Heldeep Radio show.

We are thoroughly impressed by this melody-driven tune and will be expecting big things from the young artist in the near future.

[Progressive] ATB – Ecstasy (ARMNHMR & DATHAN Flip)

Posted by Ivan Chung - November 23, 2015

ATB
Ecstasy (ARMNHMR & DATHAN Flip)

Buy

Here’s a track for some Monday motivation. It’s almost a guarantee that magic happens everytime ARMNHMR and DATHAN go in the studio together. These guys can cook up something amazing, evident in the success of their remixes “Gold Dust”, “Disarm You” and “Secrets”. They decided to join forces once again to put a spin on a major throwback tune, ATB‘s “Ecstacy”, and definitely did it justice.

The infectious melody by the vocals are accompanied by these soaring synth stabs. The dynamic outfit of the track will provide an adrenaline overdose, most apparent in the numerous different drops in the track. If you’re a fan of dance music, this will definitely be nostalgic and refreshing at the same time. It’s intriguing to see progressive dance elements from different times fuse together. Grab this as a free download and show these guys some support!

[Chill] Dream Koala – Synthetic Evolution

Posted by Ivan Chung - November 18, 2015

DREAM KOALA
Synthetic Evolution

Download

In light of the saddening tragedy that happened in Paris, French native Yndi Ferreira a.k.a Dream Koala has put out this unplanned release off of his upcoming EP. Titled “Synthetic Evolution”, this track starts off with ominous keys, followed by his signature vocals that will put listeners in a chilled mood. The lengthy buildup is yearning for the the soaring chorus which takes on quick drums and an beautifully eerie melody. Dream Koala succeeds once again in fusing his indie style with whatever genres he desires to explore.

We could really just appreciate the message Yndi is trying to convey. Released as a free download, “Synthetic Evolution” will be one of many other epic tunes off of Exodus EP that’s coming out December 4.

[Electronica] Alizzz – Your Love (feat. Max Marshall)

Posted by Ivan Chung - November 13, 2015

Alizzz
Your Love (feat. Max Marshall)

Soundcloud

It’s true – artist collectives are slowly taking over the music scene. There’s something about a group of talents coming together and making music as a form of free expression without any label restrictions that possesses a mass appeal. Sitting on top of that pedestal is the Moving Castle collective, who recently just released their debut Your Love EP featuring an up and coming artist from Barcelona Alizzz. This title track “Your Love” also features vocals by Max Marshall, which are the perfect complements to this high-energy track. Utilizing chill trap elements with an infectious melody, the Spanish producer never seizes to amaze. Crafty samples and synth stabs make for an exciting tune that will make you sing along to every word of it.

This two-track EP is available for grab here. Fans support is crucal for the growth of collectives, so make sure to show some love to Alizzz and the fellow Moving Castle members if you dig this. As fans ourselves, we cannot wait for more tracks to come.

[Trap] NGHTMRE & Boombox Cartel – Aftershock

Posted by Ivan Chung - November 12, 2015

NGHTMRE & Boombox Cartel
Aftershock

Buy

NGHTMRE and Boombox Cartel – two of the hottest acts in the trap scene have teamed up for this massive track. NGHTMRE‘s “Street” and Boombox Cartel‘s “B2U” have both been supported and played by big names at festivals. And if you’re not familiar with them, “Aftershock” will give you a pretty good impression of what their sounds are like.

Similar to “B2U”, an intricate and infectious piano melody starts off the tune, then followed by a series of soaring synths that please your ears. This gives a false sense of serenity before the massive drop, which features a heavyhitting electro-bass sound and adrenaline-provoking drums. This 180-degree flip will take you through mixed emotions and most importantly, you will dance your ass off.

Out as a free download on Mad Decent, this collaboration between NGHTMRE and Boombox Cartel is one of the biggest trap songs in the game right now. We cannot wait to hear this at their live sets everywhere.

[Electronic] O Mer – Now I’m Alive

Posted by Ivan Chung - November 10, 2015

O Mer
Now I'm Alive

Soundcloud

For all the James Blake fans out there, this one is a must-listen. Originally from Tel Aviv, singer/producer O Mer absolutely knocks his latest release, “Now I’m Alive,” out of the ball park. Fusing electronic music with Middle Eastern influences, he creates a unique tune that puts the listener on an emotional roller coaster. Vocal harmonies are used to start off the track, paired with minimalist drums. The booming synth at the beat drop sends everything into action, which puts together a series of different sounds for one giant eargasm.

We would like to think this is O Mer’s biggest track to date. With this level of talent and production skills, the now Brooklyn-based producer won’t just stop here. He’s definitely an artist to watch right now.