Music Genre
Tiborg – Victory Time (Spotify)
“The power of a properly composed Synth track can take one into the express lane of a retro future. Strong start ensures there is not time to waste, enjoy the ride, we definitely did. ”
-Nagamag.com
LF-Flo, Honey-B-Sweet – Upper Ground – Radio Edit (Spotify)
“High-quality mix and pleasant vocals are combined with many unique sounds that are very competently connected to each other. Dynamic and furious; this is what determines -Upper Ground-. The track that will play in your audio system for a long time.”
“Качественная аранжировка и приятный вокал интересно сочетаются со множеством уникальных звуков, которые очень грамотно соединены друг с другом. Динамичность и драв - вот что определяет -Upper Ground-. Трек, который станет гостем в вашей аудиосистеме на долгие времена.”
-Nagamag.com
Son of Zev Interview on Nagamag
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Nagamag:
Which are the genres that describe your music style better?
Son of Zev:
Techno, Breakbeat, Electro, Experimental Electronica. I'm a very wide listener of all styles of music. There are many influences that get pulled into my production.
Nagamag:
Few words about your musical background and career?
Son of Zev:
I've been involved with music since I was about 8. I struggled to settle on an instrument till I was 11 which was piano/keyboards. My school actually had synthesizer lessons and my classes were on an Alpha Juno.. That was in about 1987. I had no idea that I was playing on one of the original machines that could make the classic "hoover" rave sound..
My first experience trying to program my own synth (a DX27) was trying to make Hammond and Rhodes sounds out of it.. I was jamming blues with mates at the time as a teenager.
In 1994, after being self professed "anti sequencer" I found myself in the rave scene and loving some of the more underground sounds I was hearing (Melbourne was/is very Detroit influenced). By 1995 I was playing around with synths for synths sake, and occasionally playing as a regular guest of Melbourne clan analog band "Signal To Noise"
In early 1998 I played my first gig as Son of Zev at the iconic Punters Club, a venue I'd literally seen hundreds of bands and a handful of electronic acts. I played for half an hour, slotted into the very start of the gig. I was home. Andrez Bergen of IF? Records was apologetic for the early start and short time slot and low fee... I didn't care.
I went on to play at least 100 more shows (I lost count somewhere along the way) between 1998 and 2001, many of them with If? Records. I kept playing semi-regularly through till 1998.
Although I could put together a great live set, I was never very good at finishing tunes. Something I've since learned is most likely a product of my (very) late diagnosed ADHD..
After some big life changes, in about 2016 I set up a new studio and have released a couple of EP's and the odd single... WIth my recent diagnosis and some therapy on the horizon, I'm hoping I can channel my energies better and release a lot more music.
Nagamag:
Do you remember your first connection of love to music that was the right impact to be a music artist now?
Son of Zev:
While not my first connection, I can remember 2 very pivotal moments..
Somewhere around 1994 I saw Jammin' Unit play a live set at Club Filter in Melbourne. It's where I truly understood that electronic music could have be very live and organic. Seeing someone working their gear like that, clearly arranging and manipulating what was going on broke my perception of a person pressing play on a computer sequencer with nothing to do.
The second pivotal moment was dancing front and centre to Thomas P Heckmann playing live and changing what he was doing according to the crowd reactions and realising I really wanted to be on the other side playing my music and being at one with the crowd like that.
Nagamag:
Do you have any new music coming out?
Son of Zev:
I have 2 releases coming in the near future. Both 2 track singles.
The first "Escaped From the Vault" is a couple of tracks I found while digging through some old boxes. Backups of a demo that really hold up today. They are of a more strictly Techno sound, dark and hard, but with a lot of rhythmic exploration. It's due out on the 27th of August on Slice Records.
The second is a collaboration with Arcane Trickster. We've remixed each other's work, these should also be out later this year on Slice Records.
Aside from those, I've been in the studio a lot, and I expect that by next year there should be some more music ready for release.
Nagamag:
You mentioned that you used to play a lot of live sets, do you still do that, and are there any gigs coming up?
Son of Zev:
Absolutely, I love playing live and still like to perform a few times a year.
Lockdowns permitting I am playing at Red Betty in Brunswick on the 14th of August for a Live Electronic Musicians of Melbourne Showcase gig.
I'm also playing on the 3rd of September at Acid Slice Presents 303 909 .. At Bar 303, Northcote.. (expect Acid)
Nagamag:
Many artists listen to genres that they are not producing music for. Which track is your favorite that is NOT similar to yours?
Son of Zev:
Jimmy Smith "Root Down"
Nagamag:
Of Course Nagamag would love to listen also which is the track from a similar artist you admire?
Son of Zev:
Joey Beltram Forklift (Luke Slater's remix)
Banco De Gaia, Ian Urbina – My Little Country (Spotify)
“A classic buildup of arpeggiators opens the vibe. The mid-tempo techno vibe takes over and grabs you along for the journey. Strings appear and you want more. ”
-Nagamag.com
Artist shared few words behind his song inspiration with Nagamag:
"I often work with field recordings but generally in abstract ways where the shape and texture of the sound is more important than its general context or meaning. For this project in particular, it is the meaning of what you are hearing that matters — the mood created by the sonic environment and the message of the words being spoken. One person stating a fact is less convincing than witnessing the reality, even if it’s indirectly.
I’ve always loved the sea, both being in it and on it. I’ve spent many happy days diving, snorkeling and being among sea creatures in their environment, and I value aquatic life as highly as I do life on land. Thus it saddens me to learn of the extent to which marine life is treated as nothing more than a resource to exploit, with no concern for what is impacted in the process. This project spurred me to not be complicit in this exploitation, and to instead call it out when I see it." - Banco de Gaia
banco.co.uk/
twitter.com/bancodegaia
www.facebook.com/bancodegaia
Banco De Gaia has been performing and releasing for over 25 years now, along the way becoming one of the music industry’s most maverick innovators. His legacy is as glittering as it is diverse, ranging from Hollywood film sound credits to the critically acclaimed ‘Last Train to Lhasa’, first released in 1995 to a rapturous reception. His live act still packs out venues and festivals all over the world, with audio-visual performances renowned for their explosive, cutting edge quality: from sampling wizardry fused with haunting vocals and poignant acoustics to genre-hopping musical instrumentals, all accompanied by socially engaged visuals.
Minelli – Rampampam – French Version (Spotify)
“Boom! Here comes the sudden hit. It's not difficult for "Minelli" to lift you up in a blink of an eye. This song has just what we need to start the dance; strong kick, super bassline and sound transitions that stick in the brain. Needless to say that her voice is quite captivating too.”
-Nagamag.com
www.facebook.com/MinelliOfficial
www.instagram.com/minellimusic/
Minelli is a veritable songwriting and production machine. Hot on the heels of many tracks that burst into Top Charts around the world, like Top10 in France or Japan besides “Follow Your Instinct” or #1 of the Charts in Romania, she made her entrance as a front line artist in May 2017 when she joined Global Records and released her first solo single “Empty Spaces”, single which was immediately licensed by Ultra Music and topped the charts in 15 countries.
In 2019 she released the hit single “Mariola” and recorded impressive performances. She topped the Romanian Airplay-, iTunes-, TV- and Spotify Viral 50 Charts, got massive airplay worldwide and reached more than 20 million views on YouTube. Moreover, the track was licensed worldwide by RCA/Sony Music Germany, boasting international performances in France, UK, Germany, Russia, Bulgaria just to name a few.
Her next single “Loca”, an exuberant mixture of club, urban, latin and radio vibes, gained loads of popularity in Germany.
Minelli released another banger: “Discoteka”, brought by Minelli and INNA, a fresh collaboration that mixes enticing vocals, piercing beats and a hypnotizing vibe to create a really cool, quirky sound and visual concept. A song that will definitely make it into your playlist, “Discoteka” is as straight-forward as its title: it will make you dance the “Discoteka” down!
Sup? – I Quit (Spotify)
“Sometimes, excessive drama in music does not allow relaxing. -I quit- boldly recommended for everyone who loves to pass their evenings with the cozy flame of candles. The arrangement is so well chosen that the picture of the night city in the shade of a warm summer evening is drawn. One more decent piece for the track collection of your player.”
“Порой, излишний драматизм в музыке не позволяет расслабиться и отдохнуть. -I Quit- модно смело рекомендовать всем, кто любит скоротать свои вечера под уютным пламенем свечи. Аранжировка так удачно подобрана, что перед глазами рисуется картина ночного города в тени тёплого летнего вечера. Достойное место в коллекции вашего плеера. ”
-Nagamag.com
NYC Electronic Duo Sup? provide a glimpse into a bold new future with plans to release all their music as exclusive NFT's, starting with debut single "I Quit", a quirky, danceable jam showcasing the project's state-of-the-art production and tongue-in-cheek humor. Sup? was formed by long-time buddies Guy Zalaxy and Bucky Skullet who 'harness the power of true friendship to create sounds that soothe your soul.'
From the Artist:
"I Quit. Two words we have all wanted to say about so many different things this past year. Society has always tried to reinforce the idea that quitting is weak, and that there is something inherently bad about a Quitter. This track is a triumphant ode that flips that notion on its head, and celebrates the empowerment one feels when they take control of their own destiny. Quitting something that no longer serves you is an important step in the journey of life. These are the victorious sounds of Quitting that thing you no longer need.
The release will take place virtually, in the "Metaverse". We've opted to to deliver our genesis record in the NFT format, which feels appropriate considering cryptocurrency and decentralization has offered financial freedom to so many, and has actually enabled many people to Quit their jobs or previous lifestyles. If you are holding a crypto bag, this one is for you."
How to obtain the NFT:
There will only ever be 100 copies of this record for sale, here: opensea.io/collection/sup-i-quit
All owners of the 'I Quit' NFTs will also be able to claim:
Access/Tickets/Passes to all of our live (and virtual) shows and events, in perpetuity.
A Founders Collection print of all future records.
Come chill w us at the ongoing virtual release party, where we are giving our free metaverse wearables to all attendees: www.cryptovoxels.com/play?coords=N@604W,580S,8.5F
Art by: Kye @kye_stuff_idk
Sup?'s Discord server can be found here: discord.gg/gPYxDJSZ
How to stream "I Quit":
open.spotify.com/track/4OI2USkMAQUi4plqYhDz68?si=d2d70defb68d4a57
Andrei Lucas – London Baby (Video)
“The song is essentially the story of a small town boy or girl coming to London to pursue their dreams and perhaps make it big under the harsh yet inspiring spotlight of the Big City. Andrei Lucas – London Baby is catchy, vibrant and rhythmic. The vocals and harmonies are soft & melodious in a Michael Jackson kind of way. There is a lot going on with the backing, all of which fits the portrayal of the story perfectly.”
-Nagamag.com
LondonBaby is a track written and co-produced by Andrei Lucas and London producer Andrei Sora.
The track inspired by the vibrance of London, and what it represents for the young people moving out to the big city.
The story of the song follows the idea of a small town boy/girl coming to the city to make it big and fighting to succeed in an unforgiving place. At the same time, the track is uplifting and is meant to become an anthem to the young people struggling to find their way, and trying to feel included. Because at the end of the day everyone is a London baby even if you weren’t born there, but your dreams and aspirations follow you relentlessly and you chase them in a city that never sleeps, a city that can take so much from you but also give you a lot.
London baby is the second track of my unreleased album ParadisePasse is out now.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/andreilucasuk
MERCH: www.andreilucas.com
Skeleton Lipstick – Vapor Never Sleeps (Spotify)
“Sparkling energy of electro house music, to the rhythm that feels comfortable in the walls of your favourite club and in larger festival venues too. You will bathe in its dynamics, amount of optimism and glittering beauty.”
“Искрящаяся энергия электро хауса, в ритме которой чувствует себя комфортно как в стенах любимого клуба, так и на больших площадках и красочных фестивалях. Вы будете купаться в её динамике, объёме из оптимизма, красоты и яркого блеска.”
-Nagamag.com
Artist shared few words with Nagamag behind his inspiration:
"For this track, I desired to make something that conveyed the tension of keeping up with art and information by fusing sound production ideas from vaporwave, future funk, electro and house
I wanted the drums to resemble a ticking clock & the additional percussion to suggest the sound of a frantic mouse or smart phone keys futilely clicking about trying to make sense of everything. In the end all ideas are subject to the forward momentum of decay and construction, nothing can be held indefinitely. We wear out, but the rhythm of art keeps pumping along. Vapor never sleeps
This song is swarming with restless pent up energy. It is the catharsis of my quarantine. No chill whatsoever, & the low end presses your chest so hard, you’d think someone was trying to resuscitate your heart. And I am." - Skeleton Lipstick
twitter.com/Skeletonlipsti1
www.facebook.com/SkeletonLipstick
www.instagram.com/terminallychillparty/
80 Bubbles – Beyond Recall (Official Pre-release Video) (Video)
“”Beyond Recall” has that favourite Synthwave taste of vintage ’80s style. Deeply sentimental song full of heartwarming lyrics. The artist works solo and inspired by sad feelings of a broken heart. Worthy music with personal attitude that has nothing to do with typical compositions.”
-Nagamag.com
80 Bubbles is a solo production of European singer/producer SilkZ. After participating in several indie genre groups now a debut single is out in 2020 with synth pop, slightly retro music style. First song Beyond Recall is reflecting feelings of breaking up with its sad, “hard to understand and let go” mood. The producer’s earlier songs are also usually touches sensitive topics like separation, loneliness and gloomy moods. The European composer is playing on several instruments however it’s mostly synthesizer based music with nostalgic taste of the 80’s embedded. The production’s name – “80 Bubbles” is also referring to this very special 80’s music era in which mysterious and heavy-hearted synth music was very common even in main stream hits.
Solon – Inside Out (official music video) (Video)
“Meet “Solon” via his fascinating creation “Inside Out”. A unique mix of Trance melodies from another dimension is waiting you to press the play button and start a trip to the stars. Emotional singing and crystal sound patterns from a realy talented artist.”
-Nagamag.com
SOLON is the new kid in town. He just started producing a couple of months ago and within a short time he has releases confirmed under different aliases on several a-list labels.
He chooses to hide behind his modest hoody in order to direct all the attention to his music, where he expresses emotions and feelings that enable enjoying the present moment.
He started taking classical piano lessons as a young child and developed his love for music while listening to radio programs every night before bed.
Being influenced by techno and house pioneers, he decided to add a melodic touch to strong bass lines.
His tracks are powerful and inventive and have a unique capacity to fuel both intimate dance floors and big clubs with energy and drive.
www.instagram.com/solonofficial
twitter.com/solonofficial
www.facebook.com/solonofficial
tiktok.com/@solonofficial
www.youtube.com/channel/UCT9N7ATHyo3421opQCKg0Lg
soundcloud.com/solonofficial