Sikdope unleashes his 2019 festival gem 'Raindrops'
Following tremendous DJ support, including Marshmello playing the track during his Ultra Miami mainstage performance, renowned Polish DJ/producer Sikdope now officially releases his 'Raindrops'. It's a record made for peaktime plays, laying down a strong, uptempo house groove along with cool drum fills, catchy vocal samples and sweet sound effects. Once the track drops, the rave is on with incredible, swirling synth stabs and high energy electro vibes - this tune is for real!
A sure shot crowdpleaser right here, besides Marshmello also receiving support from Tiësto, Afrojack, R3hab and Firebeatz.
John Digweed Announces 'Last Night
John Digweed Announces 'Last Night at Output' 6xCD Compilation Album - Out May 3, 2019
Available on 6xCD and 4xVinyl via Bedrock Records 
Sikdope curates an Exclusive Spotify playlist in honor of this year's Phoenix Lights
Sikdope curates an Exclusive Spotify playlist in honor of this year's Phoenix Lights
Spotify playlist
Festival season is upon us, and the lineups are overflowing with mind blowing artists from all over the world. Phoenix Lights is less than a month away, bringing producers off their own tours to reunite with their peers and play to the masses. This year, Sikdope is one of the ridiculously talented producers bringing the bass to Phoenix for the festival’s fifth anniversary. If his latest release “Rave” wasn’t enough, he also curated a Spotify playlist of fifteen bangers that will make you wish you knew how to shuffle. If this is any indication of what is going to be at Phoenix Lights, then I congratulate you on getting one of the hottest festival tickets of the year.
The high energy that Sikdope creates with his music had an influence on his selections for the rest of the playlist. This collection has a handful of his own tracks (“Rave”, “Snakes” and “Bubblegum” to name a few) mixed with tracks from Jauz, RL Grime and Zeds Dead, then an energy shift to slower, heavier songs from Rezz and Ookay. Sikdope’s “Unicorn Zombie Apocalypse” does not make it to this playlist, but with 27 million plays on Spotify, chances are you already heard it.
The first song on the playlist is Sikdope’s newest release “Rave”. This track really is an homage to the late 90's rave scene. O.G. ravers will appreciate this nostalgic throwback, as it will stir up memories from “back in the day”. This soon-to-be festival anthem will be the song to play as loud as you can to fuel the excitement for festival season. Earlier today, Sikdope released the official music video for “Rave”, using warehouses and cassette players to emphasize the era of EDM that this song is made of.
Sikdope is performing at Phoenix Lights this year, sharing the stage with Excision, Whipped Cream, Party Favor, Subtronics and other big names over the April 5th - 6th weekend so be sure to check out the playlist he put together exclusively for Phoenix Lights on Spotify. 2019 is going to be a huge year for Phoenix Lights, and another epic year of new music, new artists and new friends made on the festival grounds.
5 minutes with Manovski...
Hey Manovski! Tell us a little about yourself and your music!
I’m an Australian born, London based producer that spends most of his time in a studio usually not seeing much daylight ..
How has 2018 been for you? What have been your highlights?
2018 has been my favourite year to date, I got married and my wife gave birth to our baby boy ‘Sonny’ a little over a month ago. Also I recently released a new single called ‘Gotta Be You’ via RCA/Sony Germany that has been received extremely well!
And what about favourite live shows, have you had a chance to play on or is this something you’d like to expand on in the new year? What made this year different for you and your career?
I’ve been lucky enough to spend most of my time creating new music in the studio this year, I got to collaborate with some really talented people and have got some real great music in the works!
Tell us about your new track ‘Gotta Be You’! How did that come about and how has the reception been so far?
I wrote ‘Gotta Be You’ with my buddy Sam Gray who is also singing on the track. Sam and I always have fun in the studio with so much laughing involved that I’m surprised we get any work done at all! Although that usually leads to some great songs. Also I think we really compliment each other in what we bring to the session. So far I’ve had nothing but positive feedback for the song and the video which my amazing wife animated.
Finally, what is next and upcoming for you?
I’ve got some really special tracks in the works for 2019... also a really cool collaboration with a British DJ and an amazing song with a top American artist (can't say much as right now I’m sweared to keep it secret!) .. Stay Tuned!
Interview: Delusive Relics Top 10 Tracks
Delusive Relics’ music can only be described as a complex blend of Electronic, Synth Pop, Industrial and Dark Ambient influences. Made up of Frank Nik and Anis Oveisi, the duo is currently working on their debut 11-track album ‘Chaotic Notions’. Below they talk us through their top 10 tracks.
1. Precious, by Depeche Mode
Anis: When I was in Tehran Conservatory this song came out. Whenever I listen to this song, I remember those years. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hPCzFUmeas
2. Shape of my Heart, by Sting
Anis: I love this song and especially its lyrics, they’re just so powerful. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QK-Z1K67uaA
3. Copy Of A, by Nine Inch Nails
Frank: This song is very strong because of its analogue arpeggiator. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yA281OuU3rk
4. Black Star by David Bowie
Frank: When I heard this song, it sounded so eccentric and pretty. I love the electronic, progressive and horn parts in this song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kszLwBaC4Sw
5. Bohemian Rhapsody, by Queen Anis:
I think everybody loves this song. It is made up of Freddy’s passion for music and touches your soul. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJ9rUzIMcZQ
6. Bent Cold Sidewalk, by Tangerine Dream
Frank: This song is built on amazing Vocoder and when you listen to it, it takes you to a different place, amazing song! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tR6Z6Sratvg
7. What’s love all about, by De/Vision
Frank: This song has touching lyrics and amazing electronic atmosphere, which is nicely composed. This song is one of my favorites. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QRWkP6Hfac
8. Sitting by the Moon, by Enigma
Anis: I love the lyrics and atmosphere on this song. Great composition and amazing imaginary story behind it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnA3sW8JzBw
9. Invisible Man by Marillion
Anis: This song is brilliant, thirteen minutes of pure adventure. Amazing modulation between tonalites and lots of eccentric sounds. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeG5c5y8IpY
10. Summer Night Symphony, by Eloy
Anis: I feel this song is magical. It takes you to a wonderful journey with nice lyrics and beautiful back vocals. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoSuzwpjVm4
Delusive Relics Online
www.soundcloud.com/delusiverelics
www.instagram.com/delusive_relics
www.twitter.com/delusive_relics
Behind the scenes of F!RE with Znas - Interview
After working in publishing for many years and now running his own label, Znas has a world of music industry experience under his belt and is now producing his own tracks and perfecting a multitude of genres such as Trance, Electronica and more recently Deep House. Znas has been producing some excellent tracks recently such as ‘I Just Can’t Get Enough Of You’ and ‘F!RE’, find out some behind the scenes info about how F!RE was made from one of Spain’s favourite producers.
- Can you talk us through your creative process?
It’s complex and not always the same. First I look for a synthesizer and bass sound that I like, and I start to create. There are times when I come to a dead end and I no longer continue. I have projects that have been left unfinished and I will probably never finish them, and others that are finished but I will never publish them. I am my biggest critic.
- What was the main idea behind ‘F!re’
When I released my previous EP ‘Where You Go’ it reached #6 in the North American Music Worx charts so my main goal was to top that and I decided to produce a Deep House track with a greater vocal presence. It was a big step for me as only the top dance music is featured in this chart so everything was against me for this release.
However, I love a challenge and went for it anyway, unfortunately, it didn’t hit number 1 but it did get to number 3 so I’m very proud of that. I was totally sure it would top the charts but this has helped me to realize that success is sometimes not fair.
- If you could describe ‘F!re’ in 3 words what would they be?
Vocal Deep House. Hahaha! I'm joking, I would describe "F!RE" as a hot track, very catchy and also falling in love.
- What’s your dream studio set up?
I would like to have a modern, futuristic and avant-garde design studio with all the essentials. Very wide, all white, because that way you can’t see the dust, hahaha! I’d love lots of coloured LEDs. I think my dream studio would look something similar to the interior of a spaceship but obviously with all the necessary equipment to create music.
- Is there a place that you go or thing that you do to find inspiration?
Yes, it may seem silly, but when I'm walking the dog is when inspiration comes to me. In music and in all creative professions you have to take your time. There are days of blockage and others of great inspiration. If I need inspiration I look for long walks, or in the gym practising CrossFit and, of course, always listening to the music you like and the style of music you produce. Listening to music from other artists is what inspires me the most It gives you new ideas about what you hear, urges you to make your own versions.
- Is there anyone who you would love to collaborate with?
Without a doubt with Lane 8, Jan Blomqvist, Cubicolor and Rüfüs du Sol. Right now they are my musical references. I’d also love to collaborate with Solomon Gray and Hannah Reid from London Grammar, I love their voices and the way they sing, they're great. I like to look for new opportunities and also offer them so I’m open to working with all sorts of artists.
- What software did you use to make this track?
Cubase Pro. I have always worked with Steinberg's Cubase. It’s not the most used DAW by producers but in my opinion it’s the one that gives better sound quality.
- How long do you normally spend making each production?
Well, the last few months I've been working very hard. I’ve started publishing with my label Znas Music and I try to release an EP per month with two versions in each one (Radio Edit and Club Mix version), with the exception of the EP "Where You Go" which also included an instrumental.
- How do you know a track is ready for release? Is it a feeling?
More than a feeling, it’s like a sixth sense. It tells me what I have to change, what I have to improve and ultimately guides me. When the track is finished, I listen to it from one day to the next to continue polishing any small details, until you don’t hear anything else that needs modifying. That's when it's finished and ready for release. In this process I always look for the track to transmit feelings, make you vibrate, this is something very important to me that must be fulfilled so that I consider it ready for release.
- Can you let us into a secret about your next release ideas?
It's so secret that even I do not know! I’m joking, it’s very soon, on November 30th I have a new EP coming out called "Just A Fool". It’s a vocal Deep House track that incorporates Melodic Techno sounds. It is an EP that’s been made to complement the two previous EPs: "F!RE!" And "I Just Can’t Get Enough Of You", they’re my Vocal Deep House trilogy. I also have something in store for February 2019 so keep an eye out for that too.
Purchase 'F!RE' here
https://www.beatport.com/track/fire-original-mix/11048675
Znas Online
Instagram: www.instagram.com/znas_official
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Znas_pm
Soundcloud: www.soundcloud.com/znas-pm-1
Introducing Vincent R
We caught up with fast-rising talent Vincent R to get a unique insight into his career to date, influences and much more!
Hi Vincent, how are you and what’s going on in your world at the moment?
I’m doing very well! Excited for what’s in store for the future with the direction my music career is heading.
Where are you currently based?
Currently based in Chicago, the home of house music.
How would you describe your sound?
Chameleon...not sure I want it to sound the same all the time. When I sit down to create I try not to force that creativity a certain direction. When shopping around for music I do listen for a certain type of sound and feeling from tracks I’m looking to play out. I don’t really want to be classified or lumped into a particular sound either as there is also so much music pulling influences from other genres that to classify as a single type of sound seems silly. The ability to create music using influences from other types of music is the very essence of creativity.
Has your style gone through any changes along the years?
Oh of course it has. I used to play more big room and electro style, then really dug into more underground styles of music and now coming back around to where I currently am in part due to some of the acceptance of house genres becoming a bit more mainstream. One thing I like about music is trying to connect with your audience. I may play tracks that I can build their trust with and connect and by the end of the night they have been taken on a journey.
Who were your influences growing up?
Man this is really going back for me and thinking about the music I listened to when I was growing up. But I grew up in a very rural part of Indiana. We listened to hard rock and then hip hop/rap came on the scene and so I’m a late bloomer to house music itself. And I love so many varieties of music I can’t say one influenced me more than another, but yet they all had some impact on me and resonated on some level for me. I mean had The Smashing Pumpkins, Madonna, Depeche Mode, Guns n Roses, AC/DC, MC Hammer, and the list goes on. The era of music I grew up in seems to have been an amazing time for music creation and expansion. What a time to be alive and exposed to all these great artists.
How did you get involved in the Dance music business?
Music has always been a part of my life. I grew up playing the trumpet in grade school and through high school before foolishly giving it up. But I can vividly remember a high school dance and hearing the music play and remembering how it influenced us kids and thinking man I think I would love to be able to affect people that way. As it happens life can take you another direction and so it wasn’t really until later that I was introduced to house music when I settled in Chicago after serving in the military. That's when I was exposed to the club scene and my love for the infectious vibe of dance music really captured me. Then came the turntables and vinyl....and the adventure began.
Where would you like to see yourself in the months ahead?
I d like to see myself continue to grow as an artist and a mentor. Things are moving in a very nice direction with the momentum from my releases and getting into the business side of music more so with helping run Careless Records.
Which is your ultimate career dream?
To share my passion with you all...to travel the world sharing that passion and connecting with people. I'd like to look back and see that I was able to travel and meet some amazing people along the way. People that help inspire and encourage you to keep moving forward.
Who’s inspiring you in 2018?
I find myself really identifying with him in several ways. He has really blown up recently after shifting his focus from the Underground scene to making it big on the more Commercial side of house music. Being that we are close in age and seeing what he has been able to accomplish has been inspiring for me.
If you could choose, who would you like to collaborate with?
I would say Tiesto. Looking back at his career over the years and how he has managed to stay relevant even in today’s age of music.
Tell us something not many people know about Vincent R.
As involved as I am with music most don’t know what I really do for a regular job. I actually am an Athletic Trainer working in a health clinic and teach/work with the employees of a major airline teaching them about best practices in lifting mechanics and overall health. I just don’t talk about it much if at all on my social media outlets. So most people are surprised when it comes up in conversation.
Vincent R Online
https://djvincentr.com
https://www.facebook.com/djvincentr
https://twitter.com/djvincentr
https://www.instagram.com/vincent__r