Latest Interview Posts

Heily Beatz & Elevatd Drop Remix + Q&A [TMN Interview]

Posted by TMN Staff - September 13, 2022

Let’s get a little crazy with a sweet new drum & bass jam from Heily Beatz & Elevatd. These two Chicago acts have come together for an official cut of “5309” originally created by Heily Beatz himself and Morgan Gold.

Heily and Elevatd’s new rendition is as smooth as it gets, making for a must-add to your playlists, even if the energetic breakbeat style isn’t your typical cup of tea. These talented Chicagoans deliver an accessible anthem that almost feels cinematic – certainly something that could be in an intense chase or club scene.

On top of the remix, we caught up with Heily Beatz and Elevatd in the dojo for a quick Q&A about the song and what else we can expect from them as the year begins to close.

TMN: How did you guys come together for the creation of this remix?

It all happened so smoothly and organically. Elevatd and Heily were working together on a different original with Morgan’s vocals. They took a little break and Heily showed Chris 5309’s rough draft and inspiration hit to remix it.

TMN: What is it about drum & bass that inspires you both?

Drum & Bass is a breath of fresh air compared to what all three of us usually work on and perform, and it just felt right to do something different.

TMN: How has being from Chicago shaped your sonic palate?

Chicago has provided endless creative freedom and the diversity that we are around afforded us to feel extensive creative freedom.

TMN: Who are some other artists you both would like to work with?

We all enjoy Whipped Cream. Her relentless bass and stage presence is wild. We would also be amped if we got to work with Micah Martin with him and Morgan Gold singing together. Also, how can we forget to add KAYTRANADA?

TMN: Anything planned for the rest of the year?

We are working on a music video for 5309 with local bagel baker “Totally Bagels” that hopefully will drop in January 2023. It is going to be insane. We also have been cooking up another bass-driven single. The title has something to do with naval warfare or sandwiches.

Marton Talks New Single + Classical Background [TMN Interview]

Posted by TMN Staff - August 25, 2022

The musical maestro Martron has independently released his latest original “The Feeling” and entered the dojo for a little chat. With Martron’s unique musical background, it was cool to get some insight on not only this new song, but also on his background and what’s upcoming with his project.

Before we get to the Q&A, we just want to touch on “The Feeling” as its a laidback gem that blurs the line between genres. With influence from R&B, future, hip-hop and even future bass, it’s a delicious musical treat that is a must have for all chill playlists. Martron did a hell of a job with it and we can’t wait to hear what else he has in store for the rest of this year.

TMN: Can you tell us about your classically trained background and how that informs your music today?

So my classical background consists of playing flute for 20 years, piano for 14 years and writing classical music for about 13 years. All 3 taught me how valuable things like patience, consistency and getting the basics down are. But a major thing for me was hearing the different approaches to playing and writing from different cultures and countries. For example the 2 countries I gravitated to most musically were France and Japan. Studying and listening to the different arrangements, scales and styles made me a better musician.

TMN: What were some of your biggest musical influences growing up? Who are you currently listening to too?

Growing up, some of my biggest influences were The Beatles, Rage Against The Machine, Audioslave, Steel Pulse, Tool and Daft Punk. When I started producing, Deadmau5, Skrillex, Feed Me, Alison Wonderland and Flume were at the top for me. And lately I’ve been listening to Madeon, Porter Robinson, Fred Again.., The Rolling Stones, Ella Fitzgerald, Fleetwood Mac, Moore Kismet, So Dope and ISOxo.

TMN: Tell us a little about your new song “The Feeling” and how it came together.

The Feeling has many layers, but it’s about my best description of what being in love or being loved feels like. That connection you have with someone where you grow with them and experience life together. It’s something I’ve wanted to write about for a while, but anytime I tried, I wasn’t able to properly express that message. Then one night this year in late May/early June, I sat down to play piano and started improvising over this simple chord progression. I immediately recorded it and when I started putting together the vocal chops, that was it. That was what I was looking for and The Feeling was born.

TMN: What’s been your biggest career milestone so far, and what is your next big goal before the end of the year?

I’d say the biggest milestone of my career was playing a guest mix on Insomniac Radio last November, it’s definitely the coolest milestone of my career if I had a choice. My very talented friends Niiko x SWAE have a show on Insomniac called “NXS Radio” and they were kind enough to invite me on to play. I’ve followed Insomniac for as long as I’ve been producing, doing that was a dream come true and I can’t thank Niiko x SWAE enough for believing in me and giving me that opportunity.

TMN: Who are some artists you’d like to collaborate with?

There are way too many to limit it to just a few but here it goes: The first name that comes to mind is Chandler Leighton. Her voice and writing skills are simply unbelievable. Next is Alison Wonderland, she’s a virtuoso and the energy in her music is contagious. Moore Kismet would be so dope, they’re a great performer and their production skills are unreal. Same with Virtual Riot, his sound design skills are so good, he could probably make a growl by rubbing 2 sticks together. Last one I’ll mention is Madeon, I admire his musicianship and passion so much. To make something with any of these 5 artists would be an honor.

TMN: Have any tips for other producers out there?

Absolutely, here’s an important one: Don’t worry about what anyone else is doing, just focus on yourself. There’s no correct way to get where you wanna go with music and comparing yourself to others is certainly not the answer. Do your thing, put the work in, take your time and of course, have fun.

TMN: What else can we expect from Martron before the year closes out?

As of right now, you’re getting at least 2 more original tracks and a remix from me before the year ends. I’m excited for all 3 tracks to finally be out, especially the remix. There are a few more things in the works, like some collabs and projects that I can’t say too much about right now. I’m not sure if any of those will drop this year, but what I can say is there’s a lot new music on the way that I’m really psyched about.

Latin Dance Icon Gian Varela Chats About Hit “Veneno” [TMN Interview]

Posted by TMN Staff - June 30, 2022

Latin star Gian Varela has quite the track record. Having released on such labels as Armada, Spinnin’ Records, Revealed and more, as well as having been the first DJ to ever perform at the Panama Canal in his birth country, Gian’s been making big moves and even bigger waves for quite some time.

His latest endeavor is the house hit “Veneno” that he created in collaboration with Steve Andreas and singer Felicia. Not only did Gian drop this original on BARNATION, but the song comes with a superb music video. Gian joined us in the dojo to chat a little about the project, his recent signing to Mixmash and to let us know what else he has upcoming this year.

TMN: Can you tell us how your song “Veneno” came to be?

Gian: I wanted a record that would link my old music with everything that’s coming up new! Veneno did just that. I worked on it with the idea of merging a guaracha record with a house track with Steve, and then with Flori del Pino, we wrote the vocals. While we were in the studio, a conversation about the rise of non Gamstop UK casinos came up, highlighting how these platforms offer alternatives outside the typical regulations, much like how we were blending different music genres. But we needed an authentic guaracha singer from Colombia who’d be down to work it, and that’s when we brought in Felicia.

TMN: How was shooting the music video for the song?

Gian: It was fun! A bit exhausting as I worked with the team on editing the video as I flew to Amsterdam from Miami. The timelines were a bit crazy but such is life.

TMN: How was the experience of being the first DJ to play at the Panama Canal?

Gian: It was the most challenging project I’ve ever had to do. But in the end once it came out, I still can’t believe we pulled it off. It was an honor and such an emblematic thing for me. There will definitely be a round 2.

TMN: As someone at the forefront of Latin America’s electronic music scene, what are you looking forward to in the next few years?

Gian: Spanish House this year, then the I want to definitely hear more genres in Spanish! From Dubstep to Techno. I believe there is always a way to fuse these worlds together. You can bet on me being at the forefront of pushing this more and more.

TMN: What else is going on in the world of Gian Varela for the rest of the year?

Gian: Having just signed to Mixmash and getting ready for a whole amount of biiig releases with major artists both from the Latin world and the dance music world: I’m really exited! I’m also happy to come back to Twitch and be able to stream and hang out with the fans.

MEUTE’S Thomas Burhorn on Touring and Debut Album [TMN INTERVIEW]

Posted by Clayton Warwick - October 17, 2019

MEUTE is one of the more refreshing things we’ve come across lately. Made up of a collection of 11 talented, traditional drummers and horn players, this German-based group delivers eye-opening, smile-inducing, and thoughtfully crafted renditions of some of the world’s largest dance anthems, including Flume, Deadmau5, and Solomun.

In the midst of their first North American tour and debut album release, we had a chance to connect with Founder/Trumpeter Thomas Buhorn to see how this intriguing outfit came to be.

TMN: Thank you for taking a moment to chat! Let’s start with your ‘origin story’ so to speak. Did this project start off with the intention to do what you’re doing now?

TB: To be honest, yes. We were convinced, that the combination of hypnotic techno music played by an acoustic marching band in a very distinguished and energetic way has the potential to be very explosive. Due to the fact that techno music is international and without borders, we always hoped, that we can travel around the world with it. Now we do, and it’s big fun!

TMN: This tour is your first in the States. What does it mean to you guys to be able to fly across the pond in support of your debut live album?

A: It means a lot to us. The US has a big heritage of brass bands, jazz, and also electronic music. We love all that stuff and combined it with our European way of playing music. So we are very proud to show it to the folks here and are very happy that the people seem to like it a lot.

TMN: You’ve already hit a few cities already. How has the reception been so far?

A: The people went crazy – so did we.

TMN: Backing it up a bit — are you traveling with the full ensemble?

A: We always do!

TMN: That has to be quite the undertaking for a travel planner. Are you bringing instruments with you, or renting some over here?

A: Our Tour Manager is working very hard and very good. So it’s possible to bring our own stuff. Most of the instruments are custom made, so we are happy to have them.

TMN: One of our favorite renditions is Flume’s remix of Disclosure’s “You & Me.” Talk us through that day in Görlitzer Park. It seemed like such an experience for those who were there.

A: It was the day of an evening performance in a club in Berlin. Sometimes we go outside during daytime and make some surprise performances. So always stay tuned on our social media, sometimes we give some hints in advance!

TMN: Looking back, how did you come about choosing larger-than-life dance tracks for your interpretations?

A: Just because they invite people to dance, and we can bring something new to the world. The sound that arises out of that combination is quite special.

TMN: Have you ever received any love or kind words from the original artists?

A: We always ask them, and luckily they’ve always liked it. We already did stage performances together with Laurent Garnier, Solomun, and Stephan Bodzin.
(btw you can find some quotes from some of them here: www.meute.eu/about)

TMN: What’s next for you beyond this tour?

A: We will release a new studio album next year. And hopefully, we go on touring around the world!

Big Wild talks Superdream, Red Rocks, and finding his voice [TMN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW]

Posted by Clayton Warwick - February 5, 2019

We’ve had Big Wild on our radar for quite some time, first posting about his vibey tunes back in 2015. Since then, we’ve had the pleasure of watching the rapid adoption and adoration of his style, leading him to a dedicated fanbase and some of the largest venues in the world.

Ahead of the release of high highly-anticipated debut album Superdream, out now via Counter Records, we reached out to learn more about this evolutionary shift in his career.

TMN: Superdream, your debut album, just dropped a few days ago. How excited were you to release it?

BW: Extremely excited. It’s been a long time coming! I’m just excited for people to see the full body of work, versus the singles that we’ve put out in the past. I think it’s going to give a lot more context to what I’m trying to do and where I’m trying to go with my music.

TMN: This is really your coming out party with singing on your own tracks. How did that come to be?

Making instrumental music felt very limited. I kept hitting a creative wall. There was a subconscious part of me that wanted to take it further and find a new way to express myself. The natural way to do that was through singing and songwriting. It was where I needed to go to stay inspired. To me, it felt like the logical next step.

TMN: Did you know that you could sing?

EMME & Erotic Cafe Heat Up The Dojo With New Single “Fiyah” [TMN Interview]

Posted by Tyler Trew - May 1, 2018

EMME & Erotic Cafe'
Fiyah

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Today we’re turning the dojo into a sauna thanks to some extra heat from EMME and Erotic Cafe. Their latest collaboration on the moombahton single “Fiyah” is setting the dance music world ablaze. Released on Rude Mood Records, this single is ushering the warm weather and festival season in style.

With the single comes both acts who joined us in the dojo for a quick Q&A to talk about their single, how Rude Mood got involved and what their favorite moombahton tracks are. Finally, you’ll get into what they’ve got set for the upcoming seasons. Get ready to dance and sweat, the “Fiyah” is here.

TMN: How did you guys end up coming together for “Fiyah”?

Em: It was a while after we put out “Bad Mind,” and we were kind of shocked at the impact that track had and how well it was received; so that inspired us to want to create a follow up.

Marco: Nothing much to add on what Emlyn already said, we just wanted to make a follow up to “Bad Mind” with more moombah vibes in it, and we made it.

TMN: From it’s start to finish, how did you guys dial in the track for the final product?

Em: The main theme, vibe and sounds behind this one were actually all Marco’s concept – he sent me this whacky idea with moombah beats and what I like to call retro-inspired lead sound. They almost gave me a throwback to Nintendo days. It all came about very quickly, more so than usual, with a few ideas being thrown back and forth until the final product was landed.

Marco: I wanted to make a moombah track using only chopped vocals in the drop so I started looking for good samples to use and, after I found some and processed them quite a lot, I couldn’t stop laughing because at the beginning it was sounding too much like a chicken’s cluck, so I really enjoyed working on it.

TMN: The good people over at Rude Mood signed this one, how did they end up getting on board?

These guys really are absolute legends, and I am so glad they created a space for music like this. I reached out and started talking to them over Twitter actually and ended up emailing a few demos over. They liked the vibe of “Fiyah” and with a few small changes, the rest is history!

TMN: Where do you guys think Moombahton is at right now and where is it headed?

Em: I think it’s in a really good place right now, especially in the US. With high profile guys like Diplo and Dillon pushing similar sounds it definitely has the potential to keep growing. In Australia it’s a very different story and I’m really trying to push the sound here more because I think it has a lot of potential. With such massive use of African, Caribbean and Latin inspired rhythms and sounds in so many popular songs, moombahton has a bright future.

Marco: I think Moombahton in general is quite underestimated right now, maybe because most of the artists still need to understand the power of the classic moombah drum pattern, maybe because it still needs to grow as a genre, maybe because most of the tracks out there are very similar each other; when music producers will start making moombah implementing elements from other kind of bass music (for example, dubstep or uk basses, why not?) this genre will go into an upper level. I think the key is mixing what we already have to create something new.
That’s not the case of “Fiyah,” this time we wanted to make a classic Moombahton song.

TMN: Each of you give us your Top 5 Moombah songs…

Em: 1. J Balvin & Willy William – Mi Gente (Dillon Francis remix)
2. Major Lazer – Particula (ft. DJ Maphorisa, Nasty C, Ice Prince, Patoranking & Jidenna)
3. Bad Royale & Party Favor – BURY (ft. Richie Loop)
4. Party Favor & Dillon Francis – Shut It Down
5. Dillon Francis & Fuego – We The Funk
Bonus: Rickyxsan – This Feeling (ft. Kalibwoy)

Marco:
Herobust – Vertebreaker (Matias Flip)
JSTJR – Fried
Henry Fong & Bad Royale – Rock Ya Hips
Ed Sheeran – Shape Of You (Major Lazer Remix)
Metaljackets & Cannibal – Gata

TMN: Lastly, what else can we expect from each of you, together or individually, this Summer and Fall?

It’s winter over here! But it’s turning into a big one for me. I’ve just received some insanely exciting news that for my debut shows i’m on the Who Said lineup, with UZ and LUUDE. And I’ve also just signed with Jump Touring for my first run of shows around Australia. So i’m excited to take these tunes and show them to the rest of Australia live! – EM

Right now I’m working hard in my studio on a lot of new music and I’ve also many releases ready to come out, from heavy dubstep to future bass, I love bass music in general and I like to make it, in every shade. If you like Fiyah you’ll be happy because some of them are following this style, instead if you are a basshead stay ready for my harder riddim and hybrid stuff. – Marco

The Glorious Sons discuss touring, their origin story, and sobriety [EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW]

Posted by Clayton Warwick - April 29, 2018

Photo Credit: Greeblehaus

Nestled into the tiny stage at Globeville’s half BBQ joint, half music venue, Kingston, Ontario-based rock and rollers The Glorious Sons seized my attention with authority. I wasn’t alone, either. The entire crowd was entranced throughout. This didn’t come as much of a surprise, though, given the nature of their music.

I had previously spent some time with their latest album Young Beauties and Fools, finding solace in the down home instrumentals and Brett’s anthemic lyrics. It’s easy to get addicted to it. The blue-collar vibes, crunchy riffs, and expert story telling create an atmospheric listening experience that’s hard to come by.

But, Jay Emmons, Chris Koster, Adam Paquette, Chris Huot & Brett Emmons seemingly make it easy. Which, is why I wanted to chat with them ahead of their fourth trip through Denver.

TMN: Welcome to Denver! Is this your first time in the Mile High City?

Jay: Fourth! We opened for a band called Ten Years three years ago. We came back twice to Marquis Theater after that. We headlined for like five people. Tonight is going to be a real show.

How has the tour been going so far?

Jay: It’s been good — busy. I think this is the most distance we’ve traveled in such a short span. We did 15 days in Europe. 14 of them had shows attached to them. The last three dates of the tour we were flying from Norway to Sweden, then to Denmark. That just adds a whole other element — being up at 7:00 or 8:00AM every day. It’s the first we’ve experienced something like that.

Here, we started in Chicago. Then to Minneapolis, North Carolina, New Orleans, Kansas City.

TMN: Any cities rise above the rest as far as highlights go?

Jay: Minneapolis was cool. We did 7th Street Entry. It’s attached to the club First Avenue where ‘Purple Rain’ was shot. It’s a really legit venue, kind of a rite of passage, I guess.

New Orleans was interesting. We had our AirBNB broken into by a crackhead. I had to chase him out shirtless. I had been completely naked, jumped into a pair of jean shorts.

TMN: What?!

Jay: We heard this booming, and I woke up. Me and my girlfriend were like “what the fuck is going on?” Our drummer thought it was gunshots. So, he pushed his girlfriend off the bed and dove on her. It was actually some crackhead kicking the door in. The guy walks in and is stand over them.

TMN: Jesus. That’s terrifying.

Jay: The look in her eyes — she was speechless with fear — made him (our drummer) realize there was a guy who busted in. Everyone was in shock. He got up and pushes him back. I jump into my jean shorts, rip off my belt, and start screaming at the top of my lungs at this guy. We both managed to get him out. It was scary.