Age is nothing but a number when it comes to Spanish DJ James (Borja) De Torres. The Madrid native makes his sophomore production debut on M.I.K.E. Push Studios, a sub-label of Coldharbour Recordings. After spending 10 years mastering the musical strings of the violin, Torres love for awe-inspiring music eventually lead him to develop an ear for the sounds of trance.
Following his first release, “Monumental”, “Poseidon” displays Torres ability to create beautiful melodies that encompass the rhythm of the drum. The track starts off with quick rudiments that are soon engulfed by a revving synth. This creates a series of musical tides that crashes beautifully on the shores of our ears, as the cries of the sea howls in the background. It doesn’t take long for the track to pick up speed as it nears the breakdown. The driving momentum of the song, however, comes from the fluctuating percussions and sharp taps of the cymbal instead of electronic pads and keyboards. Despite all the heavy drum strokes that accumulates towards the climax, the percussions are not overpowering and perfectly compliments the euphoric tones. And unlike most songs with a powerful bass, the release does not lose its momentum after the drop. Instead of a basic banger drop, the snares and tom-tom gracefully transcends the drop into a groovy beat that is sure to get the dance floor moving. The electronic chords are the beautiful like magnificent sea, while the drums are the ripples that create violent waves, crashing with the wrath of Poseidon, emulating a musical tsunami.
Torres unleashes a musical arsenal in his second track; there are a plethora of instruments and synths that are integrated into the song. The combined melodies feels like a musical ocean that washes over you. He does an excellent job using percussions as the backbone of the song that is perfectly balanced. Throughout the track, you can hear, and feel, a drummer working his artful craft on a drum kit, tapping the hi hats and kicking the kick drum. As he sets a high bar after his second release, the trance world is going to have to wait anxiously for his third production as Torres continues to grow into an international DJ.
Markus Schulz got his start as a mover & shaker in Arizona’s highly influential, mid-to-late 90s rave scene. At the start of the current millennium he made the transatlantic move to London, cut his Ministry of Sound teeth as a clubber, before planting the Schulz flag squarely and firmly in the then-embryonic/now front-&-centre electronic music capital of Miami. There he’s stayed, becoming, arguably, the city’s most successful electronic music son. Over that time, career highlights, landmarks and accolades have whipped by at pace. He’s polled 10 years straight in the DJ Mag Top 100 chart, won Best American DJ at the 2008 IDMAs, bagged in 2012 DJ Times’ America’s Best DJ gong and then rang its bell again (for an unprecedented 2nd time) in 2014.
Given his extensive run at the forefront of scene, Markus mixing one of Ministry of Sound’s ‘Trance Nation’ album’s was never really an ‘if’ – only ever a ‘when’. When he became available, Ministry’s once-a-year annual release guideline for the series sailed straight out of the nearest window. The cards had fallen right and Markus – undoubtedly the series’ most requested mixing prospect of recent times – was at the wheelhouse and ready to ‘skipper’ a ‘Trance Nation’.
With those stars in alignment and an exclusive-packed tracklist that had us, frankly, frothing, we decided to collar Markus and get the full lowdown on what he’s been up to of late and what the compilation holds in store…
Photo by: ashyoud.com
Thanks for talking to us this afternoon, Markus. Where in the world do we find you today?
Markus: Hi guys, thanks for having me.
Currently speaking to you from Melbourne, Australia. I had quite the trip to get here; from Hong Kong to San Francisco on Sunday for 13 hours, played Beyond Wonderland Bay Area, flew to Los Angeles and then 15 hours to Melbourne. So my body clock is probably clueless right now!
Well, we’ll take it easy on you! We’re chiefly here to discuss your new mix compilation release, ‘Trance Nation Mixed By Markus Schulz’. As it’s your first in yours and the series’ long, estimable history, it feels like it’s been a long time coming. Do you feel likewise!?
Markus: It’s an incredible honor to be asked. I remember when I moved to London in 1999 and walking around Brixton; there would be flyers plastered all over the buildings and bridges promoting the very first Trance Nation, mixed by some unknown guy named Ferry Corsten.
If you asked me that at some point in the future I’d ever be mixing an edition myself, I wouldn’t have believed you. But now, I regard it as another chapter in a relationship I have been so lucky to establish with the people behind the Ministry of Sound club and brand.
The biggest challenge was producing a compilation worthy to match the prestige of the series.
You’ve been a resident at the Ministry of Sound’s Gallery nights for a considerable while now. How long’s it been exactly and what memories stick out from your earliest nights playing there?
Markus: There’s something truly special when you say the words “Ministry of Sound resident”.
I have been working closely with them since 2008. In February of that year, I played at one of the final ever nights at The Gallery’s former home, and another iconic London venue, Turnmills. There was quite a bit of uncertainty and part of me wondered how long it would be before I had the chance to play at a club in London again.
But the best thing possible happened, with The Gallery taking over Friday nights at Ministry of Sound. So I was booked to play one of the first shows there in May of that year. And honestly, as soon as I stepped foot back into that venue, but for the first time as a DJ, there was an instant chemistry.
That gig in particular was very important, particularly the role played by the fans. A month later I was in Ibiza, having dinner before a night at Amnesia. My mouth was full of bread and the phone rang, and it was right there when they asked me to become their international resident. We haven’t looked back since.
I think the biggest compliment I can pay about the residency is that it was the catalyst for the open to close solo sets elsewhere. People saw what was happening at MOS it helped open doors for me at other respected venues in various worldwide cities.
Your history with Ministry goes back further even than your shows there of course. You used to have studios just down the road from the club in Coldharbour Lane. What initially prompted you to up sticks from the States and move to London?
Markus: By the end of the nineties I felt completely burned out. I was living in Arizona and had just completed a seven year residency at a club called The Works, but it closed down and got converted into a parking lot. The frustrations in trying to succeed outside of the state were enormous, especially in the infancy days of the internet. It was incredibly difficult to feel the pulse of what was going on in the scene worldwide.
So in an effort to rediscover who I was musically, I moved to London and lived on Coldharbour Lane for two years. I look back and think of everything up to that point as “learning” for my career, and my actual career commencing from London onwards. This was where I began to click as a producer, and figured out that if I can make music that is good enough for me to play in my own sets, then other DJs could play it as well.
Of all the DJs you caught at the club at that time, whose set do you remember finding most inspirational?
Markus: That was one of the most important aspects of London – having the opportunity to be a clubber, watch and study the big international DJs performing. I took a lot of inspiration from Sasha & Digweed, Paul Oakenfold, Judge Jules and Carl Cox at the time. Xpander was practically the soundtrack of my early days in London.
I think that’s why the residency at the club is so important to me; because I have been on the other side of the DJ booth and can understand the importance of the connection between performer and clubber.
When you play there nowadays, what set time do you find to be optimal?
Markus: Open to close! Haha. If I had my wish, I’d do that on every appearance there.
The club is quite unique in that it opens at around 10-10:30, and all the other rooms have music up and running, except for the main room, called The Box (hence the Lost in the Box track name). It opens at midnight. So when you’re the first DJ in the main room, there is a sudden rush from the fans to fill the room as soon as the clock strikes midnight. The nights generally run until about 6am.
What I’ve loved most about the residency is that there is an element of trust within the audience, and it is arguably the best setting in the world for road-testing material that no one has ever heard before. I never feel confident releasing anything until I have played it first at Ministry of Sound.
Moving onto the release itself, broadly what approach did you want to take to its compilation & mixing? How did ‘Trance Nation’ differ from the curating & mixing of, say, one of your City Series compilations?
Markus: It was different in the sense that for the city series compilations, it’s a brand that’s deeply associated with me, and all of my own fans will know about it’s development, creativity and build their own anticipation towards the release day.
However, Ministry of Sound and Trance Nation are iconic brands on their own, and there will be a large volume of people out there who religiously collect the Trance Nation CDs, but possibly never have heard or bought a Markus Schulz compilation before.
So the challenge of Trance Nation Mixed by Markus Schulz was twofold – present lots of unreleased exclusive material to satisfy the expectations of the hardcore followers, and to provide a fair snapshot of who I am and the musical passion I represent; so that for the casual fan who follows Trance Nation, it may interest them enough to explore my work further.
With that series moving from a mix-comp to a run of city dedicated singles, this year has been an even more prodigious one on the production front. What of the studio creations under your own name are we seeing on the album?
Markus: Trance Nation features the three that were released between June and August, because the compilation had to be completed and submitted before the end of the latter month.
My mantra with the city series production project has been to feature clubs or events in municipals that have played a crucial role in the development of the scene, and also for me personally.
Because of the Ministry of Sound residency, London was always a guaranteed fixture in the series, and also for the Trance Nation compilation. From London we moved to Belgium and to the biggest European festival of the year – Tomorrowland. I also have a special connection there; due to the open to close solo sets on my own stage. This year was a special occasion, because I was one of the chosen three selected for the Daybreak sessions on the main stage, so naturally there should be a track to reflect that.
And the final track on the album is dedicated to another solo set destination, Avalon in Los Angeles.
You are very well known for being a DJ that’s equally at ease playing the deeper end of the genre as you are with the tougher stuff. Is this something you were able to translate into the ‘Trance Nation’ mixes you’ve done?
Yes, absolutely.
Anyone who follows me closely knows that I have a broad palette when it comes to music; with everything built around the magic of the melodies. And I think that’s well represented when you collate the members of the Coldharbour family.
So hopefully when people are listening to the compilation, there is a sense of progression from first track to last.
Your ‘Destiny’ single had a huge impact earlier this year. To your mind, why do you think that was so and which single track that you’ve produced has had the single greatest effect on your career?
Markus: To be honest with you, I am still overwhelmed by how deeply that track has resonated with everyone, and maybe the reason it has is because it marked the beginning of my proper foray into songwriting.
The aspect of songwriting I feel is the next step in my career. I love the art of creating, and I have a blast working in the studio alone on instrumentals, but there’s something very gratifying about writing.
Destiny was one of the first songs where they’re my words – not just my music, but words – and the singer singing them back to me. It’s a new chapter in my career. I’ve always been into creative writing and helping the songwriters, but this is a special track with personal meaning, and that’s why I spent so many hours trying to get it absolutely perfect; with the old-school arrangement and the ten minute track length.
During every part of the process, we felt we were creating something special, something that touches your soul, and I’m delighted for Delacey that the fans have been so complimentary towards her talents.
To date, I still think The New World remains as the one track, which affected my career the most. It was a watershed moment at the time, because of my association with the Transmission events in Prague. I know that I meet so many fans, particularly those based in the eastern European countries, whose first discovery of me was thanks to that track. That area remains important to me today – Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria etc. – and Transmission is our annual gathering together.
With ‘Cathedral’ having just hit promotion and ‘Twilight of the Night’ featuring exclusively on the album, things look like they’re gearing back up for your Dakota alias too. What plans are afoot in that area? Will we be seeing a new album soon?
Markus: We have the 225th release on Coldharbour coming up, and traditionally for every 25th and 75th release we like to dedicate as a Dakota release, so that will most likely be next, and include Twilight of the Night.
Cathedral was more of a spontaneous decision, but when the track was completed, it was only natural that it should be christened as a Dakota production.
Doing the Dakota tracks is a lot of fun for me personally, simply because there isn’t necessarily that element of pressure to deliver attached. The problem is however that when it becomes an album process, suddenly that pressure from labels, management and so on is intensely cranked up, and right now I’m not sure if I am in a position to fully commit to doing that.
Don’t worry though, the alias is a lot more active than everyone realizes. Many of the IDs that filter through the solo sets are Dakota tracks that haven’t been released. Most of them don’t even have track titles!
One of your two mixes brings both Giorgio Moroder and Sia to the tracklist of the compilation – a genuine first (and possibly only!) for a ‘Trance Nation’. How did your mix of ‘Deja Vu’ come about and what line did you go down with it?
Markus: This is one of the big exclusives on the compilation and an incredible honor to feature them. Thanks to a connection within my management, I had the privilege of collaborating on an original with the pioneer Giorgio Moroder for his album, entitled Timeless. When you think of the bonafide legends who have contributed to the scene of electronica, few have done more than Giorgio. So you can imagine the pride I feel to be able to include his name on a compilation.
While Timeless was going on, I simultaneously had the chance to remix the title track of Giorgio’s album, Deja Vu. This of course wouldn’t be the first time I would remix Sia, having done one for her track Buttons many years ago.
Her vocals on Deja Vu are incredible, and it’s one of those tracks that will captivate you from first listen. It’s full of beautiful layers of grooves and melodies, and is a vital piece of disc 1 one on the compilation.
Hopefully the remix reflects well on the original!
There are also the massed ranks of your dedicated Coldharbour artists’ latest featured on the album. What, in particular, can listeners look forward to hearing from them?
Markus: I am so proud of my Coldharbour family! Whenever a compilation project comes up, they are always there to play their part tremendously with their individual talents.
When I received the details from Ministry that they wanted me to mix Trance Nation back in March, the first process was to contact the producers and emphasise the importance on their next production or two, because I wanted to create something memorable and special for the compilation through the inclusion of their compositions.
So even though the likes of Nifra’s Army of Lights was an important part of Coldharbour’s summer release schedule, the ultimate aim for it was to have it shine on Trance Nation – one of those tracks people will remember when listening in future years.
Doppelbanger – the collaboration between Mr. Pit and Fisherman & Hawkins, was an eleventh hour entry, in that they sent the final version 12 hours before the submission deadline! But I’m glad to have been able to include it.
And I’m so happy with all of the input from our guys really; whether it’s the beautiful lush tones of Gai Barone or Danilo Ercole, or the peak hour power of Ron Alperin or Dave Neven, they should be very proud of their work, and I am certainly grateful to them all.
Do you think that this will be the Markus Schulz Trance Nation, or do you think we might see another one again one day?
Markus: Ultimately that’s not up for me to decide! The final say should be decided by the fans and by the folks at Ministry of Sound.
The history of the scene is very important to me, and I know from my own life experiences and studying the Trance Nation series the names who have resonated throughout.
So to have both Ferry Corsten and Judge Jules; guys that have mixed multiple editions of Trance Nation, in a production capacity on my compilation is an honor. Having legends like Chicane, Giorgio Moroder and Sia is an honor. And to have such a healthy wave of upcoming talent from Coldharbour and beyond represented tops it off.
Whether I do a second edition, who knows, I’d sure love to! But all I can say is that I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity to contribute to the series with this one.
Many thanks for talking to us Markus – it’s been a pleasure! Before we wrap up anything else you’d like to say to the good people!?
Markus: As always, many thanks to everyone who follow me and especially those who have supported and bought the album digitally or on CD.
With everything I do, I have put my heart and soul into the compilation, and I hope that it’s a journey that you will enjoy on your own or with friends for quite a while to come.
Tracklist:
CD1:
01. Marscela – Time Plex
02. Chicane – Fibreglasses
03. Gai Barone – Un-Theme
04. Markus Schulz presents Dakota – Twilight of the Night
05. Sergey Shabanov – Whirlpool (Crystal Design Reface)
06. Judge Jules – Turn On the Lights
07. Giorgio Moroder featuring Sia – Deja Vu (Markus Schulz Remix)
08. Rank 1 vs. M.I.K.E. Push – Juno
09. Rex Mundi – Radiance
10. Markus Schulz – Daybreak (Boom)
11. Nifra featuring Seri – Army of Lights
12. Tritonal – Gamma Gamma (Ferry Corsten Fix)
13. Mr. Pit vs. Fisherman & Hawkins – Doppelbanger
14. Klauss Goulart – Bashert (We’ll Meet Again)
15. Tenishia featuring Adina Butar – Don’t Let Go
16. Dimension – Moments
17. Solarstone – Solarcoaster (Markus Schulz Coldharbour Remix)
18. Markus Schulz featuring Delacey – Destiny
CD2
01. Markus Schulz & Vassy – Tomorrow Never Dies (Markus Schulz Coldharbour Intro Mix)
02. Genesis – Supernova
03. Ron Alperin – Knockout
04. Arkham Knights – Knightfall
05. Danilo Ercole – Format
06. Dan Thompson & Ron Alperin – The Punisher
07. Jes – Two Souls (Fisherman & Hawkins Remix)
08. Dimension – Cima
09. Markus Schulz – Lost in the Box (London)
10. Dawn – The Truth We Can’t Escape
11. Elevation vs. Grube & Hovsepian – City of Angels (Purple Stories Remix)
12. Markus Schulz – Remember This
13. Solis & Sean Truby vs. Harry Square – Concrete Jungle
14. Dave Neven – Drifter
15. Gouryella – Anahera
16. Artisan – Worlds Apart
17. New World Punx featuring Cara Salimando – Memories (Markus Schulz Remix)
18. Markus Schulz – Avalon (Los Angeles) (Trance Nation Outro Mix)
M.I.K.E. Push joined Schulz Music Group in 2013, and since then has been working hard to make the Coldharbour Recordings label a force to be reckoned with. With such a legend on the team, it’s of no surprise when two hot newcomers, Sean Gorey & Alex Lueth (AKA Sean & Xander), emerged from Coldharbour Recordings’ new sub-label, “M.I.K.E. Push Studio” to win our ears with their latest single “Replicant”, recently played on the August 20th, 2015 episode of Global DJ Broadcast.
This fresh track kicks off with a combination of snares and kick-drums that smoothly transition into an uplifting melody that is accompanied by the seductive sounds of a Siren. The vocals echo like the ancient temptress of the sea, seducing us into the track without hesitation by way of nostalgia of classic trance. Once we are fully entranced, a new set of drums takes us off from our epic trance state and into a new speed that is brought forth with fierce drums and a new overpowering minimalistic bassline that pulses perfectly with a new synths. The faultless combination of instruments and electronic sounds are perfectly amplified as the track reaches its closing note. Just like the track began, the smooth alluring sounds of an echoing Siren leads us out of its spell with a fury of snares, drums and melodic synths.
Despite this being their first production that has aired on GDJB, the two men have torn up dance floors all over Seattle and have accumulated quite a bit of experience and guidance. This can be seen in “Replicant”. The song has all the elements of a dark progressive Coldharbour track with a touch of euphoric vocals that are equally captivating and pulsingly powerful. Seeing as how their first bootleg was their take on the classic evil robot franchise Terminator, we can see their love for futuristic robots with the title of this track. You don’t need techno robot ears to enjoy this hit. Quite a debut tune for Sean & Xander; “Replicant” will be their track to bust open the doors of stardom and turn a few heads. In the Wild West of New DJs, these new players are a duo to watch out for.
Dan Thompson has been busy with Coldharbour Recordings recently with his second release on the label. Following his massive hit “Stealth”, the DJs of the Coldharbour family have been finding a home for this UK native’s new single “Mutiny” in their livesets.
Much like Thompson previous hit, his new tune also combines his Coldharbour influences with uplifting trance melodies. “Mutiny” wastes no time in the beginning to establish a sense of dominance brought on by a series of pounding drums and electronic synths. The track really starts kicking it into high gear once the familiar Coldharbour tech sounds joins the progressive bassline. When a comfortable sequence of hard drums is established, Thompson adds an uplifting keyboard melody to the big-room sound. The aggressiveness of the drums, blended with the smooth electronic tones, helps exhibit that sense of rebellious emotions of the track’s title.
It was difficult to followup such a hit like “Stealth”, but this Englishman did it. There are so many different sounds that are pitted against one another in this track, but Thomposon manages to skillfully side-chain every beat and synth to brings out the beauty of each one. Looking forward to see if Thompson will continue this path of Coldharbour influenced tracks or not, but nevertheless, whatever he releases will sure to be a future favorite.
Coldharbour Day 2015 is underway. Make sure to keep your cell phone charged as the AfterhoursFM stream be eating up data limits and cell phone batteries! We’ll be compiling the tracklists and links to the sets here in this post. Some of the sets may be streams or a download, it’s up to the artist. Keep checking back for updates!
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Tracklist
01. Markus Schulz Pres. Dakota – Gypsy Room (Extended Mix)
02. Rank 1 – 7 Instead Of 8 (Original Mix)
03. Rex Mundi – Opera Of Northern Ocean (Original Mix)
04. Grube & Hovsepian – Invisible (Original Mix)
05. Mr. Pit – It Is What It Is (Original Mix)
06. Skytech – Comet (Original Mix)
07. Purple Stories – Hot Harbour (Original Mix)
08. ID – ID
09. Elevation vs. Grube & Hovsepian – City of Angels (Purple Stories Remix)
10. KhoMha – 507 (Original Mix)
11. Markus Schulz – Lost In The Box (London) (Original Mix)
12. Purple Stories vs Fatboy Slim & Ferry Corsten – Praise You Pandorum (Purple Stories Mashup)
Tracklist
01. ID
02. Dan Dobson – Last Run in the Sun
03. Fisherman & Hawkins – Planet Unknown
04. Cosmic Gate & Emma Hewitt – Going Home (Jorn van Deynhoven Remix)
05. Jurgen Vries – The Theme (MaRLo Remix)
06. ID
07. ID
08. Harry Square – Different Day
09. Harry Square – The Pig Hunter
10. Solis & Sean Truby – Armadillo
11. Markus Schulz featuring Delacey – Destiny (Harry Square vs. Solis & Sean Truby Remix)
12. Dan Dobson & Hiddenagenda – Luquina (Harry Square Remix)
13. Harry Square & Leolife – Life’s a Pitch
Tracklist
01. Dash Berlin featuring Roxanne Emery – Shelter (Solis & Sean Truby Remix)
02. Ben Gold featuring Eric Lumiere – Hide Your Heart (Chris Schweizer Remix)
03. Morgan Page featuring Lissie – The Longest Road (Solis & Sean Truby Remix)
04. Markus Schulz featuring Delacey – Destiny (Harry Square vs. Solis & Sean Truby Remix)
05. Solis & Sean Truby – Territory
06. Marcel Woods – Advanced (MaRLo Remix)
07. Beat Service – Cafe Del Mar
08. Arkham Knights – Blackgate
09. Arisen Flame – Fireball
10. Mauro Picotto – Lizard (Solis & Sean Truby’s Ibiza Mix)
11. Solis & Sean Truby – Raccoon
12. Solis & Sean Truby with Audrey Gallagher – Skin Deep
13. Markus Schulz – Seven Sins (Transmission 2014 Theme)
14. Mark Sherry & Clare Stagg – How Can I (Solis & Sean Truby Remix)
15. Solis & Sean Truby – Armadillo
Tracklist
01. Markus Schulz presents Dakota – The Doorway
02. Mike Foyle presents Statica – Shades of Blue
03. Danilo Ercole – Harbour
04. Ilya Malyuev – Jump the Change
05. David Shaw – Arabian Nights (Flash Brothers Remix)
06. Grube & Hovsepian – Palermo
07. Max Graham featuring Neev Kennedy – Sun in the Winter
08. Markus Schulz presents Dakota – In a Green Valley
09. Benya – Dione
10. Lens – Let the Light In (Jaytech Remix)
11. Andrew Bennett – Safe from Harm
12. Alex Monakhov – Roundabout
13. Tucandeo – Nibiru
14. Nifra – Ready
15. Basil O’Glue – Realm of Mind
16. Hammer & Bennett – The Beauty and the Beast
17. Markus Schulz featuring Airwave – Ballymena
18. Carl & Joni – Forsaken
19. Susana & Dark Matters – Home (Mr. Pit Remix)
20. Element One – South Haven (Funabashi Remix)
21. Markus Schulz – In the Shadows
22. Rex Mundi – Steaming Waterfalls
23. Aerofoil vs. E&G – Oslo Anthem
24. Dave Neven – Drifter
25. Markus Schulz & Andy Moor – Daydream (Lemon & Einar K Uplifting Remix)
26. Sonic Divison featuring Spychool – Panta Rhei
27. Wellenrausch – Million Miles to Run (Phynn Remix)
28. Markus Schulz featuring Justine Suissa – Perception
29. Rank 1 – Breathing (Markus Schulz Coldharbour Remix)
Tracklist
01. ID
02. ID (Track 10 from Together We Are 085 Guestmix)
03. ID (Track 01 from Luminosity Beach Festival 2014 Set)
04. ID (Track 08 from Panama Amsterdam 2014 Set)
05. ID
06. ID (Track 01 from Panama Amsterdam 2014 Set)
07. ID
08. ID
09. Rex Mundi – Echo
10. Coldplay – Midnight (Rex Mundi Edit)
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1. The XX – Intro (Solid Stone Bootleg)
2. Solid Stone – Remember Me
3. ID
4. ID
5. Tim Penner ft. Amber Long – Forgive Me (Solid Stone Remix)
6. Cid Inc vs. Darin Epsilon – Outliers (Solid Stone Remix)
7. ID
8. Markus Schulz Feat Delacey – Destiny (Solid Stone Remix)
9. ID
10. Michael & Levan & Stiven Rivic – Painkiller (Solid Stone Remix)
11. Solid Stone – Signs Of The Future
12. Max Graham – Redemption (Solid Stone Remix)
Tracklist
01. Omnia & Luke Bond – Reflex (Original Mix)
02. Ben Gold feat. Eric Lumiere – Hide Your Heart (Chris Schweizer Remix)
03. ID – ID
04. Calvin Harris feat. Ellie Goulding – Outside (Ron Alperin Remix)
05. Jerome Isma-Ae – Hold That Sucker Down (Jerome’s 10 Year Anniversary Mix)
06. Beat Service – Proxy (Original Mix)
07. Radion6 & Neev Kennedy – Nothing Here But Goodbye (Original Mix)
08. Monoverse – Gargantua
09. Ferry Corsten – Reborn
10. Sonic One vs Twoloud – The Drums (Original Mix)
11. Ron Alperin – Knockout
12. ID – ID
13. Solis & Sean Truby – Armadillo (Original Mix)
14. Heatbeat – It’s Killing Me
15. Matt Darey feat. Kate Louise Smith – See The Sun (Dan Stone Remix)
Next Friday will start the best summer festival in the world, Tomorrowland. A little Belgian city of 175,00 people located between Brussels and Antwerp is about to welcome 90,000 people coming from all over the world to celebrate during three days their passion for EDM… and for some of them, trance! Most DJs are playing a 1 or 1.5 hour set, but not Markus Schulz. Two years ago, he was scheduled to play 12 hours and even played an extra half hour more. Last year he played both weekend 8 hours. This year, he will have a new challenge, to open the main stage on Sunday with an extended 3 hour set. This is called Daybreak Session, and it’s the name Markus choose for his July city series track, dedicated to this city of Boom! Markus will also close the trance stage on Friday.
“Daybreak (Boom)” the latest city series track by Markus Schulz has been road tested in his sets for quite some time. It appeared as an ID before its world premiere on the July 9th episode of Global DJ Broadcast.
Transmission the 12th edition will be held on November 21, 2015 at the O2 arena in Prague, Czech Republic.
Lineup includes:
Markus Schulz Aly & Fila Andrew Rayel Bryan Kearney MaRLo Jorn van Deynhoven Driftmoon & Kim Kiona (Live) Transmix by Airwave Thomas Coastline (Warm-up DJ)
Markus Schulz “Seven Sins” | Transmission Theme 2014 official music video
Transmission 2014 Aftermovie
The contest is pretty simple. Each like, follow, tweet gives you one entry into the contest. You don’t have to select them all, it’s just one less entry. One winner will be chosen at random by October 16.
If you are having trouble viewing the contest above, then you can alsoclick here to enter!
Don’t want to take the risk of waiting to find out if you’ve won, thenpurchase tickets here!
Contest rules: One winner will receive free regular admission entry for themselves plus one guest into the event and are non-transferable. Will not receive hard tickets, name will appear on the guest list at the door. Must be 18 and over with valid ID. Winner is responsible for transportation to and from the event as well as lodging and meals, it is not included as part of the prize. Contest ends at 11 pm PT on October 16, 2015. Contest winner will be notified via email and must confirm they can accept the prize by 6 pm PT on October 19, 2015.
Mike Push is probably best known for his legendary trance classics “Universal Nation”, “Strange World” and “Legacy” which were first released in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Today you can still find him in his New York based studio continuing to produce some massive trance tracks.
Over the past couple of years I’ve been lucky enough to catch some of M.I.K.E. Push’s live sets in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Miami. A little while back before one of his shows, I had some time to chat with him and found out that some of the music he enjoyed listening to back in the late 1980s to early 1990s were some of my favorites from back then too (Industrial music including VNV Nation, Front 242 among others). So I was really excited when I got the opportunity to ask him some questions about his music background, new tracks he’s recently released, plus more!
When did you know that music was your calling?
It all started when I was really young. I loved buying records at the local vinyl shop and getting home and playing it for hours. I would make mix tapes and fell in love with the thought of how one could make or create music.
Who were some of your earliest influences when you first started producing and DJing?
Actually, what really inspired me was the synthpop of the ’80s. The image, the sounds. From Depeche Mode to New Order. And then when I first heard dance music coming into the ’90s, I started doing my own projects under M.I.K.E., Push, Plastic Boy, Solar Factor and many other aliases!
How would you define your style when you first started producing to where it is today? When did you start to think of yourself as a trance DJ/producer (I read somewhere that you started producing before there even was “trance”)?
I started early into the ’90s. Music for me was started off as a hobby. I thought I would become a football (soccer) player someday. But I had to choose. And music was my calling. I made so much music from dark techno to acid in the earlier times, but I soon found more melodic sounds and I just let go from there! How music evolves plays a big part in how a music producer evolves in his own productions. But I always say that the foundation shall always remain.
Most recently you’ve been known by M.I.K.E. Push , but you’ve had many different aliases over the years (M.I.K.E. , PUSH, Plastic Boy, etc.). How did some of those aliases come about?
Many of these aliases have a different sound. I love experimenting with different types of trance. So many aliases come with a particular sound. Sometimes I have trouble naming them all.
You’ve been in the music scene for a while. What’s it been like to watch trance, and dance music in general, evolve from when you first got started to where it is today?
When I started producing trance in my earlier days, it was ALL about the music. Going out to hear that new sound and music. Buying it for the first time on vinyl. It was special. People didn’t have all the easy sources they have today in order to get their hands on that new song. The internet went so fast with music. A lot of bad came out of it, but also good being, like being exposed to new markets.
I’ve noticed the trend in the past year or so there are more and more DJs are starting to play extended or open to close sets. Also there seems to be a resurgence of trance classics being played and even classics only sets. What do you think is driving this change?
I believe there is a desire for the real reason why trance was made. Why people would go out to hear music. Why the excitement for their favorite artist coming to play at their favorite venue was so exciting. People want this feeling back. Today a DJ will typically play a one hour set. Extended makes it more intimate. It’s almost like going into the underground. And I’m down with that. I produced by music coming from my heart and not aimed at radio air play.
Are there other genres besides trance or even outside of dance music that you listen to just for enjoyment or to find inspiration?
Yes. I enjoy ’80s synth pop very much. I also appreciate jazz, Latin and classical music. It’s important to listen and appreciate all kinds of music as a musician. It inspires me in the studio.
Recently you’ve released “Starcraft”, “Pushed Away” and “Visions Become Reality” on Coldharbour Recordings. (Great tracks by the way!) Do you have any other new tracks in the works?
I have a big release coming up on July 20th called “Juno” [High Contrast Recordings] with Rank 1, which I’m sure you’ve already heard on every radio show from A State Of Trance to my own radio show Club Elite Sessions! It’s a BIGGIE! You can check out the teaser on my SoundCloud at https://soundcloud.com/mikepush. There’s always something brewing in my Bayside Studios.
How does your track selection differ on your weekly radio show Club Elite Sessions on di.fm to when you’re playing a club or festival?
The music you hear on my sets is to create an entire experience. I want to see people with their hands up, dancing and feeling the trance going through them. My radio show is aimed to give exposure to up and coming artist with a blend of my live sets and exclusive goodies.
Since you’re originally from Belgium, Tomorrowland must hold a special place in your heart. What are some of your favorite memories playing that festival?
Well being a resident I was one of the first artists way back for its first edition. We closed out the festival together with Sasha. I’ll never forget it. We danced together on stage to “Universal Nation” and fireworks went off. The crowd went nuts! A very intimate moment with no more than 2,000 people at the time. I’m very proud of the organizers and I love it all these years later. Each year is a different experience.
When you’re not in the studio or on the road how do enjoy spending your time?
I love spending my time with my two boys. Some football (soccer) play, family trips or just a good movie makes me feel recharged from the madness that is the touring/DJ lifestyle. My family keeps me grounded.
Check out all my websites and socials at mikepush.com.
Listen to tracks from M.I.K.E. Push’s ‘Starcraft’ EP available on Coldharbour Recordings
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Have you heard this song? If you have been following Markus Schulz or any Coldharbour DJ then I bet you have. Chicago native Dave Neven’s track “Drifter” has recently been a Coldharbour favorite with DJs like Markus himself, Fisherman & Hawkins and KhoMha featuring it in their sets. Other DJs like Ferry Corsten and Blake Jarrell have also shown this track some love.
Right in the beginning, there is this consistent snare that starts off the tune. Not long after the kick-off do we hear an echo in the background that is accompanied with electronic synths. Soon, as our ears are warmed up, different electronic sounds starts to join together to rev this whole track up, shifting it into full-gear. There is already so much energy before we hit the climax. When the song could build up no more, there is a release of perfectly composed noise that explodes into a euphoric melody that transports us in a drifting state. Then it slowly starts to bring us down with the sounds of the same snare that welcomed us. Once it feels like we have hit the ground, the song revs up again to have us drifting to the beat once more for another feel-good-trance-sensation.
Neven does a great job manipulating our sensations through our ears. There is a consistent beat that is guided by a fluxuation of a memorable snare throughout the song. The basslines are strong but doesn’t overpower the melody. Yet, if feels perfectly crafted when the bass decides to jolt up. Neven does a great job combining all of these elements of electronic sound for a track that is hard-hitting but simultaneously uplifting. It’s a well-balanced track of big room and trance that will work in an intimate club or a big festival. You will surely be confused to keep your hands up or jump around when you hear this beautiful tune. With such a successful hit, Neven is one Coldharbour DJ to watch out for in the future.
Since Nifra kicked off her DJ career back in 2008, she has played alongside and supported such acts as Markus Schulz, Armin van Buuren and Tiesto to name a few, which lead to her becoming quickly recognized as a massive talent. This progressive trance mastermind has really exploded after signing with Coldharbour Recordings. Recently, I had the opportunity to ask the “Queen” of Coldharbour a few questions.
What has been your most memorable show so far that you’ve played with other artists from Coldharbour and Markus Schulz? What made this show stand out to you more than the others?
Definitely the Coldharbour Night at Club Space in March during the Miami Music Week. You know, all of the Coldharbour guys were there and Markus as well. It was like a family gathering. It was my debut and I remember sitting in a car on my way to the club driving through beautiful Miami at night and it felt a little surreal. At that point I didn’t even know how good the gig was going to be. I was completely surprised by the crowd, really amazing energy and was just really grateful that I got to be part of such an amazing night.
You have reached episode 100 in your ‘Be Progressed’ radio show. How does it feel to hit a milestone like this? Will you miss this project since deciding to end it?
It’s crazy, I started the radio show when I just turned 19 so I felt that after 8 years its time for something new and fresh. Eventually I decided that the 100th episode would be the last one. I will definitely miss it, as it represents a lot of important years in my career but I will be also busy with a new project. 😉
Recently “Rampage” was released, what was the inspiration for this track? Are there any new tracks or collaborations you are working on now?
Danny (from Tucandeo) and I were talking about doing a collaboration for quite some time. We started to work on something 2 years ago but I guess the timing just wasn’t right. They were into more deeper prog trance so now that Danny started a new project called Artisan with a more aggressive sound it was just a matter of time till we make a track together. When Danny sent me a demo of what eventually became Rampage I was like, yeah this is the one. I asked him for parts and immediately started to work on it. I really enjoyed collaborating with him and this is probably not our last one as the feedback on Rampage has been totally overwhelming. I have a lot lined up, some more secret collabs, singles and a remix. Stay tuned 🙂
Your sound is very unique, can you describe what’s included and what is not included that creates your Coldharbour sound?
My sound evolved throughout the years just as the Coldharbour sound did and I tend to describe it as progressive trance with balls. I just really like energy in combination with the deeper basses and huge leads and that’s what I always try to achieve in my productions.
What was the dance music scene like in Slovakia when you started compared to how it is today?
Just like everywhere else the dancing music blew up into the mainstream in the recent years but when I started to go to clubs when I was 16, there was already a pretty good underground scene, mainly techno and house events with a couple of thousand of people in attendance. Trance was not popular at all, usually we got side stages at parties, if we were lucky. Nowadays trance and house events are filling up the halls and clubs and techno is nowhere near its peak like it was in the past. I’m glad I have experienced both periods in Slovakia.
You’ve been touring a lot this year, what’s it like to be on the road so much?
Honestly I love it! I’ve always enjoyed travelling anyways so performing, seeing different countries and meeting people from all over the world is really inspiring and I’m really thankful for all those experiences. You know there are jetlags and long hours in the airplanes but you forget it all once you get up on the stage and see all the smiling faces.
What club and festival would you like to play that you have not yet?
There is so many places I haven’t visited yet. I’ve heard a lot about the crazy South American crowd, so this is on my to do list, China would be cool to experience, Japan, Australia. So probably clubs or festivals in those countries.
Have you attended any music schools to learn how to produce, or you are self-taught? What program for production do you prefer to use?
Unfortunately I haven’t attended any music school. Back when I started to dig into music production there were no schools in Slovakia and I think there are still no schools for electronic music production down here. So the only option I had was to just learn it myself. I’ve always been a nerd since i was little when it came to education so I enjoy learning new things and I don’t give up. A couple of years back I attended piano classes for one and a half years, but that’s about it as far as the education goes, everything else is self taught. For production I use Ableton 9, and it is my go to software for basically everything including mixes and edits.
Obviously you have a huge passion for trance, are there any other genres that you enjoy?
I’m a music lover and I try to have open mind because if you don’t you might miss a lot of great music out there. I love electronic music in general (and not just electronic) and the artists that I usually play on my iPod besides trance are Guy J, Kolsch, Com Truise, Nero, etc. So its really a fusion – vast spectrum of different genres from progressive house through synth pop to drum n bass as long as the music expresses some kind of emotion.
What was the reason you began producing music and DJing? Who has been your biggest inspiration so far through out your career?
It all started with ATB when I was 13 years old. You know music channels like Viva and MTV were full of the euro trance videos and ATB stood out because of the emotion in his music, I was totally captivated by it. It eventually developed into obsession with electronic music. Step by step I discovered a lot of artists and got trapped in the progressive trance genre which was obviously ruled by Markus Schulz. It somehow just felt right for me and consequently my production has been inspired by Markus Schulz and the Coldharbour sound ever since.
I know this next question may be difficult considering how many talented artists there are, but who would you say is your favorite artist at the moment?
I really can’t say one favorite artist. If you check my live sets you will know who are my favorites immediately. 😉
