Posts from the ‘Mini Interview’ Category
The Spirit Soul Mix Archive is a place where you can find mix-tapes from a variety of DJs who play spirited, soulful, and forward-thinking nu-disco/house/deep/funk/new wave. We here at the 20 are regular visitors and we can highly recommend it! We’ve been lucky enough to pin Mr SSMA aka Dustin down and ask him some questions about his not so little brain child! ;-)
So if you don’t know about this wonderful archive; which has an abundance of killer handpicked mixes (trust us), then today is your lucky day!
MINI INTERVIEW
What are you doing right now?
Checking my email and favorite pages on internet… The usual sort of routine.
How did Spirit Soul Mix Archive start?
From the beginning it started as a webpage many years ago, it then turned into a blog on word press and after another a couple of years I moved over to facebook, were we are today.
Are you a DJ/Producer/Booker/Event organizer or just a massive music lover? Tell us more about your involvement in music…
Well I must admit that I’m a giant music lover! Music has always been a big part of my life and in the old days when internet was not as big as it is today I spent a lot of money on CD’s & vinyl. I suppose we lose the importance of music when it’s divided into zeros and ones. Nowadays I buy way to many mp3′s but since it’s my biggest passion I don’t care how much I spend.
What are you doing when you’re not spreading the word about great new mixtapes?
It actually takes a lot of time (hours per day) but besides from that I have my daytime job, hang out with friends or watch some good TV shows or a movie.
How would you describe the music scene where you are?
The scene in Stockholm is not that big I’m afraid. The clubs that play house & nu-disco stuff are few… The best clubs are active only during the summer so there’s not that much happening during the winter… To name a few – F12, Slakthuset, 2:35 and OH!
What’s on repeat this week?
A new project my friend Chris Jylkke is working on with Satin Jackets, it’s still work in progress but it’s really good! I’m getting sent updates on the project now and then which is cool. Plus I’ve been listening a lot to the M A N I K: Spring | The 2012 WMC Edition too!
What’s one thing you can’t live without?
Music! It sure sounds boring but it’s the truth. I listen to music at least 3-4 hours per day and some days even more. But it doesn’t really bother me cause I really love what I do.
How far do you plan on taking the SSMA? Future goals and aspirations?
For now it’s gonna stay as it is, I have no plans of going back to a website cause it’s so easy to communicate through facebook and same goes with SoundCloud. Why change a winning concept? The site has grown way bigger than I ever thought so there is no need to change anything… I might start posting more articles about music and parties around the globe to help people find good clubs in regional areas.
Favorite website?
SoundCloud for sure, it’s the website I spend most of my time. It’s a perfect way to find new artists and producers that I would never have found elsewhere. It was only weeks ago they celebrated over 10 million users and that’s kinda remarkable for a place that has only been around for such a short time. The timing was perfect when Myspace was in a stage of dying.
SPIRIT SOUL MIX ARCHIVE on SoundCloud
We have had a nice little chat with the talented Berliner Hannes Fischer. His music first got our attention about a year ago with his wonderfully deep house remix of Aaliyah - One in a Million. We have since this been following him closely. His remix productions are nothing less than top notch, Hannes really has his own signature sound. He always gives us a good feeling, deep, happy melodic. Just how we like it. We are really looking forward to hearing more of his own productions which will be out soon, in the mean time you can check out some of his work and remix productions
on Beatport and Soundcloud.
MINI INTERVIEW
Hannes, what are you doing right now?
Just finished working on a track, now chilling to some good music.
How did this whole music thing start for you?
I guess I got influenced by my stepfather being a musician when I was a child. I played the guitar for some years but some years later I got more and more interested in electronic music. So I started working on tracks on my computer and here we are!
What sound or noise do you love?
It’s cheesy but I really love the sound of trains at night, especially when I’m in bed and hear them
from afar.
What’s been on repeat lately ?
Easy. El_Txef_A, I’m so waiting for his album to come out in march.
Out of your body of work what is your favorite track and why?
I guess that would be the Souls Of Mischief remix. 93’ til Infinity is one of my all-time favorites. Beside many good memories, this one reminds me especially of my first months in Berlin, good feeling.
What are you currently working on?
Today I finished a track that will probably be on my first vinyl release. Very excited. Will be a good one for summer, open airs… Can’t wait for that. I have some remixes that need to be finished, too. So yeah… I’m happy there’s always work these days.
Any dream (remixing) collaborations you’d like to take on?
There are so many. Too many. BAT FOR LASHES would be a dream!
What’s the one thing you can’t live without?
My family and my friends I guess. And music probably. That’s 3, I know.
What is your vital daily ritual?
Playing a good track right after getting up, that’s a good way to start the day. I think I don’t have many daily rituals, but that’s one thing I do almost every day.
Yesterday we were in Russia, today we’re in Italy! Introducing the Irregular Disco Workers. Get ready for a classic Number 20 Mini Interview but with a little twist… The Irregular Disco Workers is a joint venture that was born in 2010 between two Italian producers, Gregorio Assandri (Cloned In Vatican) and Andrea Frittella (Dj Andryu).
These guys are eclectics and not lovers of distinction between musical genres, they pride themselves in fusing different styles to make a very unique and funky result. Sooo on the topic of fusion, the I.D.W. boys and myself have joined forces and made an ‘Irregular’ mixtape to accompany their interview…
We hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed putting it all together :-)
!! SHARI VS IRREGULAR DISCO WORKERS MIXTAPE !!
SHARI
1. Christine – John Carpenter (Crimea X Reinterpretation)
2. Into A Trap – Pional
3. Go Easy On Me Girl (Original) – Francis Inferno Orchestra
4. Fishbone – Things Happen (Kid Who Remix)
5. Inside & Out – Feist (Hannes Fischer Edit)
6. Dancing In Outer Space – Atmosfear (The Revenge Rework)
IRREGULAR DISCO WORKERS
7. The Dining Rooms – Io Cammino Ma…
8. Cosmic Methal Mother – Italian Cowboy
9. Isoul8 & Mark De Clive Lowe – Stop Bajon
10. Felipe Sa – Party Rock (Markus Vareid Remix)
11. Berlitz – 1982 (Irregular Disco Workers Remix)
12. Soho 808 Feat. Lydia Caesar – Tuning Slow
13. Flatwound – Kick Junior (Timewarp Inc Remix)
14. Lindstrom – Magik
15. Bocca Grande – Even If (Morning Factory Remix)
16. Whitney Houston – Million Dollar Bill (Mike Simonetti Re-Edit)
17. The Phenomenal Handclap Band – Following
18. Craxi Disco – La Verità Della Storia
19. Time & Space Machine – Pill Party In India (Psychemagik Remix)
20. Sally Shapiro & Johan Agebjorn – Outer Spacer Woman
MINI INTERVIEW
Who are the IRREGULAR DISCO WORKERS?
G: Well… We are two guys, not so young, that live in The North and in The South of Italy, united by music, respect, honesty, and temporary work. We choose the name “Irregular Disco Workers”, because we are temporary workers in music (we don’t do this as first work, we do it for passion, and the results are always temporary, and not sure), because we want to identify all the music we’ve made and played in clubs as “Disco”, that’s not only connected to Disco Music, but to all music we like playing.
How did this whole music thing start for you guys?
G: I am interested to dance music since I was 12 Years old, where I followed releases listening to Italian radio shows of 90’s. I start spinning records in 2001 at 20 years old, as a passion, with the mission not only to play music, but to grow “culturally” and open myself to music, and also to create my personal sound. In 10 Years a lot of things changed, now I have my label, I started making music in 2008 (I never thought of these things before), my background has grown, but I love and want to learn something new all the time. I started working with Andrea at the end of 2009. In that period, I was searching for an help to manage my label “Disco Volante”, and I wanted to find the right person to do it: Disco Volante represented also myself so it was not a joke for me. I knew Andrea since middle 2000’s because we met each other online and posted in an Italian Dj forum. He did the remix for my first release “Disco Volante” in 2009, and I think he was perfect to manage a label because we have music vision in common. The label did good, so we start working together, and we did our first remixes in 2010 that was released last year for Italian I-Robots label “Opilec Music”: “The Units – Connections”. The two remixes were tagged as “ Dj Andryu And Cloned In Vatican Remixes”. So, we’d like to create a shortcut (versions name will be to long every times if we leave our real Dj names) and we choose Irregular Disco Workers. This collaboration started with two remixes, the first is “El Toro” By Cosmonauts, out on our label in 2010 and charted by important Dj’s, and the second is “We Love Computers” by Salta & Roma, posted in soundcloud in 2010 and out last year. With these two remixes some labels start contacting us to have our work up until today and we hope also in the future…
A: I started “joking” with records at 18 years old, but I started Djing at 20… after buying my first console (with the first salary as computers programmer). I started make music in 2004… and I released the first vinyl in 2006, with my first project “Relative Depth” (dance/electro trio I founded in 2005). Later, I was not in sync with Relative Depth sounds and I started to collaborate with Greg. I went into Disco Volante officially in 2010 and now…..
What are you listening to now?
A: Now I’m trying to listen all news and all demos we receive at Disco Volante. Often I listen to soundcloud; I think this is the place for listening good tracks, great worldwide artists and also to find good inspirations.
G: Me too, Demos, soundcloud, and also worldwide digital shops with labels that promote and produces what I like.
What’s the proudest moment you guys have experienced in your careers so far?
A: The first vinyl – The first gig as Irregular Disco Workers and The first I.D.W. EP (maybe in the next months? eheheheh)
G: The first gig as I.D.W. was very important for us, because was a confirmation that we were working, we don’t know if well or not, but we were working. Our works played by important Dj’s was good too because they knew to exist. Also the tracks of Disco Volante played by Pete Tong’s Essential Selection was a big emotion for us.
What sound or noise do you love?
G: Well I think I like all sounds, it depends from the period, in some periods I listen to jazz, in other disco, in other techno, in other deep, in other Italo, in other oldies… It depends from the day and what I feel at the moment… The only thing I can say is that I always listen to music everyday and I can do nothing without background music.
A: I love the noise of Lego bricks when shaking their box, it’s amazing! About music, I listen all kind of sounds, from easy listening to underground. In detail, I like bass and percussion and I fall in love when a track contains funk smell or Brazilian beats… I also love arpeggio, I would put arps in all our tracks and on spaghetti… eheheh…. ;-)
What are your worst addictions?
G: Well, as people in the north of Italy, I’m always in a hurry with deadlines, so I press people, Andrea especially, because all for me is urgent. In Italian we said that I am “rompicoglioni”.
A: I’m always late… I always eat like a pig… and I always tell people what I think (sometimes this is a good solution).
Name 3 of your favorite records old or new?
A: Lindstrom – Another Station, Eagles – Hotel California, The Wham – Last Christmas… But these are the first came in my mind.
G: Glenn Miller – In The Mood , Nicola Conte Feat. Lucia Minetti – Kind Of Sunshine , M&G – When I Let You Down… Also for me these are the first records I thought of.
What’s your favorite website?
G: The Number 20 obviously hehhehehe … ;o)… Well to be true I don’t have a favorite website, but I always discover a new interesting blog or websites through my friends and others on the social networks.
A: Easy answer… Google… A door to the universe…
What’s the one thing you can’t live without?
G: Music, my brain, my Ideas, my books, my PC, my Ipod, my vinyls, and all persons who believe in what I do.
A: Definitely music, but I can’t live without my family and… Pizza!
Any dream (remixing) collaborations you’d like to take on?
G: Erlend Oye of Kings Of Convenience, I like his very particular voice, it would be very interesting remixing one of his song or producing a song with him.
A: I like to collaborate with any artist that can stimulate my imagination. I’d like to have a chance with Hans Peter Lindstrom, I like his vision and his class. If I could have a voice for my tracks I definitely would like to work with Bjork. Her voice make me horny…. ahahahahah.
TODAY is your lucky day, we’ve got some awesome inside information on the very talented and super cool Kirill Sergeev aka The Saint Petersburg Disco Spin Club! For those of you that don’t know SPDSC, he’s one gifted dude among that pack of amazing Russian musicians taking over the electronic music world! And he’s been kind enough to make one of his beautiful tracks AVAILABLE just for us!
But be sure to get in quick, as this Russian bar wont be open forever! ;-) Enjoy.
MINI INTERVIEW
Who is SPDSC?
Well SPDSC is actually me, I’m just one fellow from Saint Petersburg. The title, The Saint Petersburg Disco Spin Club was invented when a sound guy, and my friend, from Solo Way Records asked me to name the folder with my material at the studio where my first 2 tracks (‘Marwencol’ and ‘Love Spin’) were recorded.
How did you start getting into producing your own music?
Well, I think I was doing it for ages, like I was in a punk band and in a jazz-fusion band. However in the last year I’ve turned into absolute solo production, due to the fact that I have come to the understanding that it’s easier for me to be sure about my music when I’m taking care of it alone, and when I don’t have enough words I just call my friends, such as Leonid Lipelis, Sasha Pletnev (Ponty Mython) or Eleonora Babaeva and we’ll do something together… I think I’ll have new collaboration on the way with Yana Blinder soon.
How would you describe your sound?
I don’t know, this is the hardest question in all interviews and I can’t find an answer always… But I think this is a sound in which I wanna hear myself and I think the track is ready when I just really enjoy it myself. Plus there’s people getting it too – so I guess that’s the thing!
What are your earliest musical memories?
I was a piano player from 4 to 12, and I really didn’t care about music at all, I was thinking of playmobile and lego (actually thinking of this still, but just 50%), but around 1993/1994 I turned into modern music. I had parties at my parents country house where we were dancing and stuff and you know, I just think everything was coming to our hands… I just remember audio cassettes, Sony 90 – the a-side was Nevermind by Nirvana and the b-side some russian pop by the band Litsey.
What are you currently working on?
Tons of material, I just finished an EP for DBH Music Germany (the company taking care of Housewax Records, Rawwax etc.), also I’m collecting material for the Tusk Wax EP, and some other labels…
What’s on your radar right now?
I’m really looking forward to my collaboration with Lipelis, which is coming out on Teardrop with Lovebirds, Leaves & Iron Curtis, Rocco Raimundo, Arsenii and Vougal, plus remixes, and the What’s in the Box single w/Eleonora Babaeva, with remixes by Vincenzo, Mario Basanov, Krjuk, The Myriads and Ponty Mython… Oh.. ;-) So many names…
Name three of your favorite records old or new?
I can’t really, so much stuff.
What sound or noise do you love?
Sometimes silence, sometimes noise. Sea sounds. Fire sounds. Wind sounds… I think they are so beautiful… TV background sounds, you know when it’s talking talking talking, and you are not focusing at all…
What turns you on?
Many things: My girlfriend, weather, traveling.
What’s at the top of your shit list?
I’m not thinking of this, I’m thinking of good things mostly… Well, I can be a bit disappointed about something, but I don’t think it’s getting to the point of some kind of ‘shit list’…
What advice should you have taken, but did not?
I’m not so good at taking advice, I always stick to my side somehow… ;-) But now I know, sometimes, yes I guess I should have listened to my parents more, but in some things, I’m just very happy I only listened to myself.
How would you describe the electronic music scene in Russia right now?
OH! WE ARE COMING!!!! Ha-ha! There is so much good material from the last year and more to come, it’s a really huge HUGE list! But there are some guys I really admire, such as… Long Arm, Ponty Mython, Lipelis, Raumskaya, Simple Symmetry, Kirill Tipo, On-The-Go, Pompeya, WOLS, Vagina Vangi, Lay-Far, Vakula, Acos Coolkas, D-Pulse SRKP, Monoton. You should check all these guys out on soundcloud or elsewhere…
What is your favorite destination?
Everywhere, I’m so in love with traveling, and also because of my Dj bookings you know. So everywhere I go, I’ve got friends there… :-)
What are you most excited about at the moment?
Oh, I guess I answered that above… ;-)
Favorite website?
Mmm… I have some nice facebook friends, and you can be lead to the right information channels just by looking at your news feed.. So, facebook!
It’s Mini Interview time again and it seems the theme of late has been ‘Attack of the Frenchies’…! ;-) Well, what can I say..?! I’m just very lucky to live here in Paris, surrounded by so many cool and super talented people. Vari and I have been fans of Sylvain Dalido aka PC since way back when, and we absolutely kaned ‘Darling‘, track 4 on his album ‘Senso Data’ (2009). I mean, to say it was ON REPEAT is an understatement, it’s 2012 and we’re still listening to it…! ;-) But hey, when we love something we REALLY LOVE SOMETHING! :-)))
Since then PC has been busy making heaps more rad music, ‘Lointain‘ is another absolute killer and on the 20th of February the album “LiTE” will be out via Schmooze. We hope you enjoy the interview and don’t forget to buy the album! :-)
MINI INTERVIEW
Who is Popular Computer?
My name is Sylvain Dalido, I’m living in Paris.
How would you describe your sound?
Romanticism, nostalgia, melancholy and love seems represent my work. The sound is digital, quite pop and without too many words.
Who has been the biggest musical influence in your life?
I guess «PRINCE» !!!
What’s the story behind Darling (fucking masterpiece)..?
When I made this song I thought it was impossible to be on time for the train of love… That was the main idea. I gave it to Kitsuné to have a listen, but no reaction came from them… Another day I worked again on it again and I found the track was much betterat 124 bpm. Originally it was at 120 bpm. I sent it back to Kitsuné and two days later they gave me a contract.
Name three of your favorite records old or new?
Boys and Girls – Bryan Ferry
Love on the Beat – Serge Gainsbourg
Feline – Stranglers
What is your second favorite thing after music?
Holidays.
Whats on your radar right now?
The new album by Leonard Cohen.
What’s on the agenda for 2012?
We just released a single called «Lointain» with some fresh remixes. To me «Lointain» is the best song I have done in a long time. The album “LiTE” will be out the 20th of February via Schmooze. On «Computer Science» with Lifelike an EP with remixes should be released around April this year… I’m also working on a new Popular Computer EP too.
What’s the one thing you can’t live without?
I can’t live without my green bike… It has changed my life. It’s my way in feeling like I’m sixteen years old again.
What turns you on?
To share an Indonesian meal with a girl I don’t know.
What’s at the top of your killer shit list?
Just right now? Hmmmm… An Italian Dj / Producer called «Bottin» Excellent!
What do you think about all this SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act) stuff…?
It’s a little bit like in China, no? Internet blacklist, no access to Wikileaks etc. So it’s strange in a way for democracy… But maybe there is some hope because lots of honest people don’t want this. We will never be able to actually stop people from stealing things because it’s just too easy to copy digital information. But copyright infringement is real so we need some rules or another way of consuming the music. Actually music is the only art which is becoming totally free?? I’m still perplexed about this. When I like records, I buy records… However, sometimes I think that music is an hostage to give more power to people who want to rule the world. Complicated!
++ Popular Computer Juno ++ Popular Computer Soundcloud ++ Popular Computer Discogs ++
In the rapidly evolving scene of electronic music, there are few DJ’s that have seen the beginning, and even fewer that have maintained their position as forward thinking musicians over the last decades. It is without a doubt that Alain Ho aka DJ Yellow is among these select few. (Liberated from RA: ‘Biography of DJ Yellow’)… I couldn’t have said it better myself. ;-)
So yep this very talented gentleman has been around forever and we’re delighted to have him pop by the 20 for a chat. I had the pleasure of meeting and witnessing a DJ set from Mr Ho way back in 1999 or 2000 (I was a little teenage music munchkin) at the legendary Berlin Bar (Gold Coast, Australia), he was in town with his mate and partner in label crime (Yellow Productions) Bob Sinclar… ;-) Obviously so much has happened between then and now (like this lovely Hot Toddy remix), but let’s see what he’s been up to these days…
MINI INTERVIEW
How did you start getting into producing your own music?
In the early 90′s… It was a natural process for me after so many years of DJing…
How would you describe your sound?
Gothic and Baroc with a touch of sex under DJ Yellow! Classic & estetik under Alain Ho.
What are your earliest musical memories?
Listening to the song “It’s just begun” by the Jimmy Castor Bunch (RIP).
Any musical family links?
No not really…
What are you currently working on?
I have an EP coming out on Composite Records, featuring Yota. It’s kind of new style for me… It’ll be released on the 27th of February on vinyl and digital.
What’s on your radar right now?
Something, but I don’t know know what yet…
Name three of your favorite records old or new?
Bogdan Irkuk – My Weakness
Mr Finger – What about this love
Josh One – Wake Up (King Britt Remix)
What sound or noise do you love?
The voice of my wife on the phone… The sexiest one I’ve ever heard!
What turns you on?
The smell of my wife.
What’s at the top of your shit list?
Copycats!!!
What is your favorite destination?
Japan
What are you most excited about right now?
I’m excited about what we are going to release on Composite Records in 2012. We’ve got so much amazing music by Alex Arnout, Cera Alba, Francys, Drawing Boards, Tiago Fragateiro and myself.
Bård Aasen Lødemel, aka Skatebård is our first mini interview victim / subject of 2012. This is the start of the 4th year of our blog, and why not start it off with a big fucking BANG of an interview! ;-) Our writing skills have basically stayed the same for 4 years, and so have we (sort of), we still just speak our minds and write what we feel the music brings us… We don’t really try too hard to be anything other than us, we know what we like and we do what we do well! That’s how we roll… OK Ok so enough about us. Skatebård is one of Shari & Vari’s all time favorite modern – synth italo masters. This talented Norwegian got our attention back in 2006 when he released his album Midnight Magic on his own label Digitalo Enterprises. This album really had all we needed and wanted, his tracks kept us dancing in many of our crazy Shari & Vari music nights (mornings)… His music just makes you wanna dance or just take a seat and enjoy… Dream a little, play the air synth, relax a bit more and maybe pretend that you are controlling a spaceship (which we do by the way!). His production, remixes and mix-tapes all speak for themselves. To round this up; Bård is seriously talented and his music makes us ever so happy. Oh! Aaand guess what, the track he has given us is seriously killer! To be expected…!! And RIGHT NOW is the world premier of this beautiful Mungolian Jetset remix… YES!
MUNGOLIAN JETSET – WE ARE THE SHINING (SKATEBÅRD RMX)
MINI INTERVIEW
How would you describe your sound?
Warm, but also very synthetic. If it was a colour: Red.
Who has been the biggest musical influence on your life?
Oh, it’s very hard to point out one person. Don’t think I can.
Name three of your favorite records old or new?
These are kind of random records, the first three that came to mind from my top 500 or so list: Sensitive – Driving, Massimiliano Pagliara – Focus for Infinity, Tangerine Dream – Ricochet. Not totally random since they were the first to spring to mind, of course!
Out of your body of work what is your favorite track and why?
I would say Gamle Furutrær, because it has the deepness, atmosphere and sound that I’m looking for. (Sorry to use these clichéd expressions).
What is your second favorite thing after music?
How did you know music was first? Hehe. Em, record sleeves is the second favorite thing. Or music videos. Or clothes.
Whats on your radar right now?
I will do a club series in Bergen along with the Ekko festival main man, and I have a few remixes being released soon, on Full Pupp, Sauroid and more. Plus I’m planning a couple of underground vinyl 12-inches.
What’s the wildest moment you’ve experienced in your musical career so far?
The strangest thing was to play in a classroom full of taxidermy birds and animals. That was strange, but a more wild and also good experience was to play a Skatebård live set in front of 4000 people at the Pitchfork Stage on Primavera Sound Festival.
What’s the one thing you can’t live without?
Black jeans.
What turns you on?
Being hungover.
What’s at the top of your shit list?
Noise. The kind of nagging noise that can come from neighbors or the street.
++ Check out more Skatebård on Juno & Soundcloud
Skatebård - Skatebard@fm4laboumdeluxe 2011-10-14
We are inspired and happy to have Lars Brodherr aka Larse with us for an interview session. This talented German got our attention this summer with his strong sexy grooving nothing less than flawless production “The More I Want”. He recently followed up with “ So Long” out Noir Music, again an instant hit with us. The deepness and the sexy vocals of this track got us yet again dancing with big smiles and closed eyes, just as we like it! We’re happy to have Larse with us and looking forward to what he’ll serve us up next.
MINI INTERVIEW
Who is Larse?
I’m an 35 year old guy from Dortmund, who’s running a Radio Show called 1LIVE Klubbing every Friday since 11 years now.
How would you describe your sound?
It’s Disco-driven, Funkaddicted Housemusic
Who has been the biggest musical influence on your life?
I think it’s black music from the late 70’s to the early 90’s- Prince, the whole Westend/Prelude Stuff…
Name three of your favorite records old or new?
Here my dear – Marvin Gaye
1999 – Prince
The Mecca and the Soul Brother – Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth
Out of your body of work what is your favorite track and why?
Hmm..? That’s hard to answer, I think “The More I Want” is the track, which starts the journey ;). But I also like “Mehari” which I produced in Formentera with my mate Fish…We had such a nice time on the island and I think you can hear it in that particular one!
What is your second favorite things after music?
Family, My friends, Good Food, Vintage Cars
Whats on your radar right now?
Working on some Remixes, my next E.P, and playin’ a lot of Gigs in 2012.
What’s the one thing you can’t live without?
Love
What turns you on?
Good food
What’s at the top of your shit list?
Negativity
++ Check out more Larse on Juno , Beatport & Soundcloud
Larse – Promo Mix for ART OF DARK/ LONDON
++ Check out his newest PodOmatic mix here
As promised here’s an exclusive interview with one of our absolute faves Bogdan Irkük aka BULGARI! It’s hard to pinpoint exactly when we fell in love with this genius, but one things for sure we are 100% committed fans! Aaaand Shari and Vari’s dedication only gets stronger and stronger every time he pops back up and releases something new! Sooooo speaking of new stuff Bogdan has kindly hooked us up with his latest release, it’s a cover, the original song was made by Little Dragon. Look out for this beauty, it’ll be released in the next few weeks on Djurriket Records.
Bogdan Irkük a.k.a. BULGARI – Twice
MINI INTERVIEW
How did you start getting into producing your own music?
I just always wanted to. I would hear music that made me feel weird and I always wanted to be doing that too. When I was maybe 6, I loved The Good The Bad and The Ugly soundtrack, and my mother told me I would make music like that one day.
How would you describe your sound?
It’s love music from the recent future. From the skies over the desert. On the other hand I heard somebody call it “seedy pan-continental disco”, how can I argue with that?
What are your earliest musical memories?
I’m not sure. But I remember the first time I heard Good Life by Inner City, in the car with my brother. I was 12 or so. So impossibly good, a knock-out moment. That intro still gives me the chills every time.
Any musical family links?
Yes most of them would play music somehow. Some of them did it for a living. Lot of music. I was lucky because my dad and a couple of my friends knew everything about music that I loved. So even if I didn’t have a clue myself they would say, you’re singing this, because of this. Because they would have played it to me earlier. Does this even make sense? They would hear the Blackbyrds or the B.B.&Q Band, and yeah it turned out you could really trace stuff in the music I make.
What are you currently working on?
I’m fiddling around on a bunch of things, as always. I’m currently behind after not finishing traxx for two years… I’m catching up though! Sorry Your Highness, sorry Vladi, sorry David and sorry Leon… :)
What’s on your radar right now?
I’m listening to “Never Not Working” on the East Village Radio right now… pure gold, honestly
Name three of your favorite records old or new?
Three songs, so very unfair to million other songs… But here’s three that have always given me intense mix of happy and sad:
Electric Light Orchestra – Secret Messages
Madonna – Who’s That Girl
Jamie Principle – Your Love
What sound or noise do you love?
I love to hear someone sing when they don’t know that you hear. I love to see oldtimers play in a band. The sound in a restaurant when there’s no music. Trees. When the taxi driver plays Prince. Synthesizer.
What turns you on?
The waist.
What’s at the top of your shit list?
Ugly trancey “house music” on the radio. Fucking clowns… Also the taxman – I wish he would leave me alone so I can just hang around and listen to Who’s That Girl.
What is your favorite destination?
It used to be New York but now I live here! Otherwise Munich and Istanbul.
What are you most excited about right now?
New release on Djurriket any day now! Also, the waist.
Matthew Kyle (aka MK & No Requests) you have probably heard his music and mix tapes by now. If not well then you are in for a real nice treat. We would describe his sound as deep, smooth and very delicious, he always takes you on a journey and shows you how sweet house music can be. He isn’t called the slo mo master for nothing. Matthew also just started his own label named In the woods. The second release was released October 10th, which is by an amazing new artist from Mexico, Joseph Terruel. We highly recommend checking out the releases from his new label, its seriously good. We now welcome Matthew into the 20 hall of fame and please be sure to check out his guest mix.
We don’t like it, we LOVE IT
MINI INTERVIEW
What five words best describe you?
This. Is. A. Difficult. Question.
How did this whole music thing start for you?
I started DJing about 12 years ago right after high school. I went to a warehouse party for the first time when I was barely 18 and instantly fell in love with house music. I saved up, bought the DJ equipment and spent the next 6 months teaching myself how to beat-match. I started producing about 2 years ago. At first simply as a way to edit songs for my own DJ use but that hobby quickly evolved into sampling and creating entirely new songs based off of a 4 or 8 bar loop. Music has always been a crucial part of my life and I feel like “this music thing” has happened very organically for me and will continue to grow and mature into something more than a hobby the more I work at it.
How would you describe your sound?
Without sounding too pretentious – Soulful and deep. I love melodies and songs that move me emotionally and I try to re-create that in the samples I choose and with the overall feeling of the finished product. Ultimately I produce songs I want to hear and if you’ve listened to enough of my work I think my sound describes itself.
What are you listening to now? Who should we look out for?
I’ve been so focused on electronic, down tempo, and dance music lately that I have been forcing myself to listen to “bands” just to break the cycle. I’m really into The Black Keys, Beach House, Mayer Hawthorne, Lee Fields, Sharon Jones, and a whole slew of other proper musicians that have a throw-back kind of vibe. I have to mix up my music, its never a good idea to just listen to one style or genre. I can’t limit myself to such restrictions. I think you should look out for whatever moves you. Wether it be new or old. Listen to what you want to listen to.
What’s the wildest moment you’ve experienced in your career so far?
I don’t think I’ve had a “wildest” moment yet. I’ve had great gigs where I’ve played in an abandon warehouse to 300 people and I’ve had equally amazing gigs where I play to a bar of 10 people. For me it’s about the atmosphere and the overall experience. I play what I want and have been lucky enough that most crowds get into the down tempo side of things, they just need to be eased into it. However, my most proudest moment so far has been my first solo record on Diner City Sound. “Honey Sugar” on the A-Side was, to date, my biggest song. It definitely pushed that record to sell out. I’m still in awe of being able to release my music and the opportunities I’ve been given.
What is your favorite word?
What sound or noise do you love?
Silence. Seriously… Living in NYC my senses are constantly bombarded with heavy white noise; car horns, gargled subway speakers, loud neighbors, crying babies, street musicians, and a million other auditory distractions. I revel in the peace of silence. Give me a good book and a quiet place to read and I’ve just found Nirvana for the next 3 hours.
What is your worst addiction?
Technology. I’m always on my laptop, the interweb, or checking email. I make it a point to “unplug” for a few hours a night or sometimes a whole day. But then when I plug back in my inbox is flooded and I have to start the addictive process all over again.
Name 3 of your favorite records old or new?
Miles Davis – Kind of Blue, Portishead – Dummy, Interpol – Turn On The Bright Lights
Whats your favorite website?
Soundcloud. I wouldn’t be where I’m at if it wasn’t for SC
What’s the one thing you can’t live without?
My best friend. She know’s who she is…
Any dream (remixing) collaborations you’d like to take on?
I would love to work with (or remix) LTJ and Eddie C.
Matthew Kyle – LAZY DISCOVERIES AT NIGHT
Fudge Fingas – What Works (Vakula Mix)
Ponty Mython – Sunshine
Francis Inferno Orchestra – All Up In This Shit
Kastil – Lazy Beats
Memoryman – Soul Drops
Memoryman – Sleepless Disco Nights (Nicholas Remix)
Fritz Zander & Chopstick – How The Fuck Did I Get Home (Dub Mix)
Francis Inferno Orchestra – Go Easy On Me Girl
Stephen Day – Discovery
Luminodisco – Too Night
Lurob & Madina – Dancing Persuasion (Dave Allison Sunday’s Calling Remix)
Sebastian Davidson & Enthousiaste Gasten – That Song (Huxley Remix)
++ Check out more Matthew Kyle on Juno , Juno UK, Soundcloud & In the woods
Today’s mini interview is one very close to our heart. If you haven’t already heard about our very good friends, Hamburg’s LOVEGANG then today is the day to get the fuck up-to-date! ;-) Julia, Katja, Frank & Nadja are the four beautiful Germans that make this gang of loves heart beat! This gang is special (in every way), and it’s because of this, that putting this introduction together has been a bit tricky as we don’t want them to be seen as anything less than AMAZING!!! The LOVEGANG have been there for The Number 20 since our humble beginnings, professionally and personally and we are so proud to be apart of their family aaaand we’re even more EXCITED!!!! to introduce them to you! :-)
MINI INTERVIEW
How did you start getting into producing your own music?
We did not start yet to produce music, but we will! It’s just a matter of time, after producing photos, music documentaries and Fashion…
How would you describe your sound?
It’s got the heart of 70s/80s Disco and Pop Music and the Soul of mid 90s R&B. Mixed with some Wave, Rave and Synth flavored champagne bubbles! Tasty! Try it! ;-)
What are you currently working on?
We just have been Djing at Tel Aviv’s Pride Parade! Amazing vibe over there… Amazing people too! Mid July we’ll have a Berlin excursion with our little stepbaby ‘Kann denn Liebe Synthie sein?’ as an exhibition of Katja’s Synthesizer stills at Achteinhalb Concept Store and followed by a party in beginning September with wonderful guests. Mid August we’ll be Djing and hosting at the Dockville Festival next to Hamburg.
What new projects are in store for 2011?
Launching our shop on LOVEGANG.NET.
We love our logo, it’s all about Lovegang, it can’t be better! So we’re working on a fashion collection with the logo too!
Name three of your favorite records old or new?
Julia’s 3 faves with LOVEGANG: Fleetwood Mac – Dreams + Loose Joints – All over my face + Roxy Music – Love is the drug
Nadja’s 3 faves with LOVEGANG: Noel – Silent Morning + Madonna – Get together + Q Lazzarus – Goodbye horses
Frank’s 3 faves with LOVEGANG: Nathalie – My Love Won’t Let You Down + Billie Ray Martin – Sweet Surburban Disco (Vince Clark Remix) + Chantay Savage – If You Believe (E-Smoove Remix)
Katja’s 3 faves with LOVEGANG: New Order – Blue Monday (Original) + Shades Of Rhythm – Sound Of Eden (Original) + Loveland – Let The Music (Lift You Up)
What’s the story behind your name?
LOVEGANG. LOVE is a Gang. We are gangstars of LOVE. LOVE is unique, LOVE is the drug, LOVE is all we need. And most important we LOVE music…!
What’s at the top of your shit list?
Rainy Summer in Hamburg, J-Lo covering Lambada and people buying this shit ;-) plus bad sound systems.
What turns you on?
When the bass kicks in! Intense vocals. Pianos. A good hook line and LOVE.
What is your favorite word?
LOVE
What sound or noise do you love?
Screams of JOY!
What five words best describe you?
Classy. Hilarious. Sophisticated. Devine. Georgeous. Hysterical.
What are your musical influences?
Musikladen – German TV Music program with girls dancing half naked ;-)
Any musical family links?
My mother is Madonna and I’m Lourdes = LOVEGANG ;-)
Any dream remixing collaborations you’d like to take on?
Lovegangstars – ‘Now Scream’ (Frankie Knuckles Remix)
What’s the funniest thing you’ve seen or experienced while on tour?
Getting booked for a hairdressing convention (over thousands) as LOVEGANG… They thought we were a band, not a DJ Collective and they were a little bit surprised! We kind of did a band performance in the end, dancing and partying on the huge stage…! :-)
What is your favorite destination?
LOVELAND, Tel Aviv, Manchester, Paradise Island
What’s on repeat this week?
Eli Escobar feat. Nomi Ruiz – Desire
What are you most excited about right now?
Having a brand and launching the collection!
Find LOVEGANG here:
Dates:
12.08.11 – Dockville Festival
02.09.11 – “Kann denn Liebe Synthie sein?” @ Golem, guest Dj’s – The Mirrors
03.09.11 – Photo Book Days Hamburg
08.09.11 – ”Kann denn Liebe Synthie sein?” Exhibition finissage / Achteinhalb Store + party @ Super Sonic Club in Berlin – Guest Dj Sarah Blackwood (Client)
01.10.11 – LOVEGANG @ Golem
Bonus:
Loveland & Rachel McFarlane – Let the Music (Lift You Up)
Aki Bergen – Feel So Good (Original Mix)
We have been big fans of Downtown Party Network since their debut release Days Like These back in 2008, which won us over instantly. Since then they have just continued to do so, not just with their own production and remix work but also their Dj mixes. We are really happy to have them on board The Number 20 and straight into our hall of fame. DPN are a duo from Lithuania consisting of Bradka and Saulty. Two very talented guys, we have now officially crowned them the kings of Balearic Disco ;)… They really have their own sound and they just cant seem to do anything wrong. The boys have also been so cool to make us an exclusive mix and trust us, this is beyond good! They just know how to put a mix together, such a sweet luscious sound floating through out the whole mix. We love it. Also keep your eyes open for their debut full length album, it will hopefully be coming out next Spring and we’re really looking forward to this.
Downtown Party Network – The Number 20 Mix
MINI INTERVIEW
How did Downtown Party Network come about?
Saulty: Me and Mario Basanov with Vidis were celebrating there release “Test” 3 years ago and Mario said I have to meet his studio colleague Bradka. So we met :)
Bradka: Mario & Vidis are responsible for that. Seems like we were already friends of friends for a long time :)
What is it like working with each other? What do you both bring to the table creatively?
Saulty: It’s a mutual experience. I bring fruits, Bradka cuts it.
Bradka: Working together is really good, otherwise we wouldn’t. Saulty knows music structurally and stylistically, me – technically.
What are your earliest musical memories as a child? (Any musical family links?)
Saulty: I always remember this track of legendary Lithuanian artist Vytautas Kernagis (r.i.p.). I used to listen a lot to this one when I was a child, I don’t why, probably it’s because of it’s super mega funky lyrics which is impossible to translate in English as it’s a mixture of Lithuanian and Russian slang.
Bradka: I remember a big music center with loads of vinyls. Lithuanian and foreign records, which I used to listen to with my older brother.
What’s the wildest moment you’ve experienced in your musical career so far?
Saulty: Meeting so many funky people around the world.
Bradka: Everytime I come to studio with a new synthesizer i experience a wildest moment :)
Out of your body of work what is your favorite track and why?
Saulty : My favorite is Days Like These for sure, it was our first track from which we started all this adventure. Regarding remix – so it’s our remix of Deadstock 33′s – Golden Twilight.
Bradka: Days Like These, because that was the reason to start everything.
What are you most excited about next?
Saulty: Summer vacation! Last year was super busy, so I’m thinking about those 2 weeks when I will do nothing :)
Bradka: Really excited and looking forward to our album.
Any dream (remixing) collaborations you’d like to take on?
Saulty: We’re doing so many remixes at the moment, that the only dream
now is to have our album asap ;)
Bradka: Would really like Dimitri From Paris to remix our tracks.
How do you see today’s music scene in Lithuania?
Saulty: There are a lot of talented producers like Mario Basanov, Few Nolder, Leon Somov, S13, Brokenchord etc.. and it’s growing everyday. Party wise, sometimes it’s too boring..
Bradka: Regarding electronic music our scene is growing very fast. And I believe that in the near future Lithuanians will have their own sound as french do.
What’s been on repeat lately?
Saulty: Mario & Vidis – Ryyk, Max Essa – How Do You Feel, Alex Israel – Walking To Gunterville
Bradka: New album by Pompeya
Name 3 of your favorite records old or new?
Saulty: These come first to my head: Metro Area – Metro Area (Album), Groove Armada – Black Light (Album), E-Dancer – Heavenly (Album)
Bradka: You should look out for new DPN tracks :) it will be more than 3!
Favorite website?
Saulty: Google
Bradka: Google
++ Check out more DPN on Juno & Soundcloud
