London-born former DJ and human potential expert, Christopher Dines, has been busy public speaking. Having DJed at legendary club nights such as Defected in the House at Pacha, Ministry of Sound and City Loud at Turnmills in his early twenties, Dines has made the transition onto the global human potential platform as a rising star gaining applause in Hollywood. Dines has been endorsed by Hollywood’s Celebrity Image Consultant Daniel DiCriscio, Former Led Zeppelin, Ossy Osborne, The Who tour manager Richard Cole, 24- Emmy Award winning journalist Michael Cogdill, Hollywood Emmy award winning screen composer Michael J. McEvoy, music business personality Eddie Gordon and, former BBC Radio 1 DJ Danny Rampling. Christopher’s brand new book “A Ticket to Prosperity” is released on Wednesday 7th July 2010.

We see that you’ve been busy Christopher. What have you been up to?

I’ve been creating a positive organic energy for the launch of my book, “A Ticket to Prosperity,” and have also been talking at human potential events.

How does it feel speaking to a crowd rather than playing music?

Playing music and talking to people are totally different. But I see them both as healing people. I used to heal people through my music, playing and remixing records. Now I do it by talking and sharing spiritual principles that can help people.

You’ve attracted wide spread attention by gaining applause in Hollywood. Tell us more?

This was not planned. At 23, when I was travelling the world as a DJ, I had no idea that I would write a book and talk at events on spiritual principles. It’s mind blowing. As for the endorsements, it just came together organically. It’s beyond my wildest dreams!

Who is your favourite DJ?

I haven’t a favourite but I could give you a list of names off the top of my head: Tony Humphries, David Morales, Paul “Trouble” Anderson, Chris Samba and MAW. I am a young old school kid at heart.

Although you are not DJing on the circuit anymore, what is your favourite club and do you still go clubbing?

Club Deep in LA is my favourite club night. It’s a deep, soulful night that runs every Sunday evening. I am a big fan of Garage City too.  I love dancing but it has to be the right energy, DJ and venue. If someone like Frankie Knuckles is in town, then chances are I’ll attend.

Who are your heroes?

Honestly? I would have to say Mickey Mouse. I love Disney!!!

Do you or would you DJ anymore?

I have no desire to be DJing in nightclubs every night. I DJ at the occasional private party but that’s as far as it goes.  However, my focus is to help people through writing, talking and television.

What’s in the pipeline for Christopher Dines?

Lot’s of speaking, travelling and television appearances. I am teaming up with Mr Daniel DiCriscio in Los Angeles, creating a spiritual event to encourage people to flow with life. We want popular culture personalities talking to and sharing their experiences with the kids.  It’s essential that people believe in themselves and have a clear understanding of their spiritual nature, which is all knowing and all powerful.

And finally what message do you have for the kids out there?

Create something positive in life that can help and serve people. Always seek to improve and of course, believe in what you do. There is a power much greater than you that can bring you an incredible life, if you let it. Dream your dreams and understand that you’re a winner.

Written by Stevie Calm

Visit http://www.christopherdines.com for more info.

Dave Dresden is most notable for his DJ collaboration with Josh Gabriel, which he formed in 2001 – Gabriel & Dresden. The pair went on to have a huge impact on the world of trance with remixes of their tracks by Tiësto, Way Out West, and Above & Beyond. Gabriel & Dresden scored 18 #1 positioned singles and remixes on Billboard’s Club Play Chart including the worldwide smash “As the Rush Comes”. By 2007 the duo was recognized by the IDMA’s as Best U.S. DJs, and then again the following year.

As a solo artist, Dresden has worked with superstars such as the The Killers, Annie Lennox, Sarah McLachlan, Paul Oakenfold, Madonna, and Radiohead. Now, he has a new collaboration with former Mephisto Odyssey frontman Mikael Johnston. Already releasing several successful remixes for the likes of Lily Allen, BT, and Crystal Method — Dresden & Johnston are now hard at work on their first full-length album. Their club smash single “Keep Faith” has been steadily climbing the Beatport charts and they are set to release their latest double A side “The Cove/Redhead” on their own Problem Child Records, inspired by Rick O’Berry’s moving and critically acclaimed dolphin conservation documentary — The Cove. In addition, their work with vocal powerhouse Nadia Ali has been generating serious buzz with inclusions on upcoming compilations from Armin van Buuren and Menno de Jong. The duo is also set to unveil a new live show incorporating elements of DJing, remixing, and live instrumentation in support of their new material.

TheMst.com tracked Dresden down to find about how he got started in the business, his rise to international fame and his new musical partnership.

Benjamin-Émile Le Hay: How did you start off? Not many internationally recognized DJs come from Stamford!

Dave Dresden: Actually it was Moby from Darien, CT who was my first influence in DJing and the music industry. He used to play at all these small clubs in and around lower Connecticut and Westchester counties. When I was 16 he played in a juice bar in a church in Greenwich, CT and from going there every weekend, I got the bug to be a DJ. It was also really inspiring to watch him go from local DJ hero to big New York City DJ, to international superstar playing alongside the biggest names in music.

How did you learn and perfect your skills? Did it always come naturally?

Practice, practice, practice. Once I was taught the basics of beat matching, I would lock myself in my basement and experiment with different tracks over each other. I would try to play songs over other songs for as long as I could so that I felt confident about my mixing. I gradually progressed to learning basic music theory and that’s when I wanted to start making music.

At what point in your career did you realize the success was happening? Is there a city where you feel like you most blossomed?

I have had many points in my career where I felt that success was happening. From going to a club to playing in a club, to having a mix show on the radio to traveling around the world and making records that connected with people. The biggest highlight of my career, the moment I felt I made the biggest impact was when Gabriel & Dresden performed “As The Rush Comes” with Jes Brieden live at a Gatecrasher show at the Birmingham (UK) NEC Arena and the entire 20,000 people in attendance were singing along!

Tell us about the 2001 formation of Gabriel & Dresden?

I had befriended Pete Tong from the BBC UK while I was working as the music director at Grooveradio.com in LA. Once we got to talking he hired me on to be his antenna for new music in the US. I was feeding him music to play on his Essential Selection show while also looking out for new talent for his FFRR imprint. One of the artists I found for him was Josh Gabriel, who had floored me with his demo when he handed it to me at WMC 2001 in Miami. Forward nine months into the future, Pete offered me a spec remix for New Order and I asked Josh if he would collaborate on the remix with me. We immediately hit it off in the studio and saw that maybe there was more than just met the ear during that session and that we should make a go at it for real.

You’ve collaborated with top-notch talent – what is something you learn and apply to your own music production in working in partnership with great artists?

I’d say first and foremost I apply my A&R skills when starting a new project with a collaborator. I think about the music they make and where it fits into what I want to make. I find a few things I really like about their production style and really hone in on making those work with the song we are making. I think there are quite a few commonalities that can be found in almost all of my collaborations. I really like to make music that pulses on the 8th note. It really helps the groove and gives your track the space it needs to rock a dance floor.

Tell me about this new venture with Mephisto Odyssey’s Mikael Johnston?

It’s an interesting musical meeting of the minds. We both have extensive backgrounds and have a common goal we want to achieve in music. Combining pop hooks with cutting edge dance music production and trying to make an album that will rock the dance floor but doesn’t sound like a collection of singles.

What are some of your personal favorite tracks and why?

For my own work, I am still partial to the song “Beautiful Things” by Andain — I love the lyrics, the vocals, the arrangement, the beat…9 years later and I still can’t find a fault with this track.

Where do you enjoy touring the most? Where do you see your music most appreciated?

My favorite places to play are actually the smaller towns and less known scenes. It just feels like the crowds appreciate you more when you took the time to come to their city.

If you were to choose a totally new occupation what would it be? You use to be a writer to eh?

Everything I’ve done in my life has been in and around music. Yes, I was a writer and used to do music reviews and interviews of well known DJ’s for a host of electronic and dance music publications. I’m not really qualified to do anything else. I’m kind of a lifer.

What are your other passions?

I really love to listen to and go to stand-up comedy shows. I know the comedy scene pretty much as well as I know the music scene and can talk for hours about the differences between David Cross, Patton Oswalt, Greg Giraldo and Bill Hicks.

What’s planned for the rest of your summer? (Touring? Holiday?)

Finishing up recording this long promised album with Mikael. We were very lucky to have worked with some amazing vocalists on this project. In particular Holly Brook who has recorded with Linkin Park and was signed for an album to their label. We also worked Nadia Ali on a song and Jan Burton who has also lent his vocals to both the Gabriel & Dresden album and my collaboration with Morgan Page (“I’ve Had Friends”) which is the next single from his album “Believe”. Mikael and I are really excited to finally get this album out and get on the road and play all over the world!

Cielo
18 Little West 12th Street
New York City
Doors at 10pm
21 and over with valid state issued photo ID
$15 advance tickets while supplies last @ www.MadeEvent.com
Tickets also available at
Rebel Rebel, 319 Bleecker St NYC 212.989.0770
Event Info Line: 917.723.9381

www.MadeEvent.com
www.davedresdenmusic.com
www.dresdenandjohnston.com
www.myspace.com/davedresden
www.cieloclub.com

The French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF), New York’s foremost French cultural center, continued its World Nomads Lebanon literary series with acclaimed actor, director, writer, and nomad, Wajdi Mouawad. Who, on May 21st, was joined by the iconic French actress and singer Jane Birkin for a special reading at Florence Gould Hall (55 East 59th Street, between Park and Madison Avenues) at 7pm. It was Birkin’s second appearance at FIAF; this February, she took the stage and performed her dynamic repertoire in an intimate concert as a part of her Enfants d’Hiver World Tour, which she sold-out both of her performances. The proceeds benefited the Mae Tao clinic, which provides free heath care for Burmese refugees on the Thai border.

The evening performance featured Mouawad’s work, The Sentinel, written personally for Birkin. It marked the first time the pair collaborated since they performed at the Festival d’Avignon in the summer of 2009. The FIAF program included, “Je t’embrasse pour finir” read in French by Mouawad with English supertitles, as well as “La Sentinelle” read in English by Birkin.

Birkin is well known as the lover, collaboratrice and, later on, friend of legendary singer Serge Gainsbourg. Gainsbourg served as a muse and lyricist for Birkin’s nearly 25 years as an artist, until his untimely death in 1991. His inspiration still runs deep inside her – since his death she has completed six studio albums.  In addition to her music, Birkin achieved worldwide fame and icon-status for her roles in Passion Flower Hotel, Blowup, and Daddy Nostalgia. Her status in the world of glamour was immortalized, when Hermès named its très-luxe Birkin bag after her.

The MST was fortunate enough to catch Birkin on her previous concert stop to learn more about her passions, impressive achievements, her fascinating life, and thoughts on New York City.

Benjamin-Émile Le Hay: What inspired you most about Serge Gainsbourg?
Jane Birkin: His humor, melancholy, sincerity, candor, gloom, and fun !

Do you have a favorite song? Why?
“La Javanaise” people sang it like a hymn with candles when he [Gainsbourg] died..

What are some of the fondest experiences you’ve had in life?
My babies! Kate Charlotte [Gainsbourg; also a famed artist, actor and musician] Lou [Doillon; downtown “it” girl and actress]; the joy, the adventures, the beaches, the travels; and now the laughs, the time of warm fires and their giggling, their children; the chance of going back to childhood with them, starting it all again; scratching their backs–telling stories; off to make sand castles, getting caught in the storms, like with Andrew and Linda in my blissful childhood; Mama looking so smashing dark glasses in her mauve sports car, picking blackberries; Pa and his tobacco smoke reading him Dickens, oh how I loved them …

You passionately and quite effectively use your performances and music to promote social cause– do you feel artists do this enough today?
Aung San Sue Kyi [Burmese opposition politician and activist] is in danger, her life is in danger, Chevron covered by Total give that military junta just so much money, 5 billion dollars (and that’s only since 2000, they’ve been at it since 1970!) in a Singapore bank account, 2000 tortured political prisoners, just heard news of « negotiations for the atom bomb, via North Korea, and still we trade with Burma, if anything happens to that Nobel peace prize winner, imprisoned since 1990 having won the general elections, if that lady dies, we will ALL be to blame …so I sing march rally do sit ins …. For my conscience, I care passionately about state hospitals schools prisons, will fight, visit try and work for better conditions if my name helps I’ll use it … I’m only doing what my father did; “social work” in a rather easier, and sometimes fulfilling way! it’s my life …I’m doing things my way, don’t care about death, and have a rather vague knowledge of danger, therefore there is no credit to this!

What inspires you most about living in France?
The French

What are two things that you couldn’t travel/live without?
It’s sad without my bull dog, mais bon, she comes most places… ear plugs, sleeping pills, baby wipes, a shirt, a tooth brush, and I can camp up anywhere … if it’s a cushy trip, vast suit cases and a lot of useless stuff, but I come back loaded with goodies, one Turkish carpet in flea market New York, with an umbrella and a picture of the Titanic on glass! Two meat grinders, four saucepans, a sugar bowl–like in restaurants; wondrous and dangerously exciting whole sale shop on Bowery; a second hand jersey…

What do you like to do in New York? Where do you eat, shop, visit and drink?
I simply love New York. Thanks to Lou, I lodged in Bowery street that I didn’t know, and hotel of that name in its most humble top room… For the show we were in a hotel off Broadway. I had two days off, so I saw a musical a night, central park sledding in the snow; the zoo: Snow monkeys, seals and a polar bear, Guggenheim Museum for Anish Kapoor, Tim Burton; the National Art Gallery; a discrete Viennese art house of Klimt and Igon Scheller… erotic drawings of great beauty. I ran to a vast kids’ shop–thus four battery run helicopters and bouncing glittering balls…. Titanic museum; securing second class cups for the children from gift shop; had lunch in Bowery canteen; and a second hand clothes shop. I looked for the Chinese kitchen store for old fashioned steel meat grinders; my lighting guy searched for light bulbs and so we ended up in china town mesmerized by chandeliers and electric dazzles, then we ran to the Jewish take away for dinner before another musical … Sketching people …drawing book time; the water reserves on the roofs; Gotham City; complexity of the wondrous fish scale Chrysler building… The people! Sort of nice when people chat … Cab drivers, waitresses—make one feel happy; you miss it when you get home!

Marco Verkuylen, better known to the dance music world as Marco V, is embarking on a huge North American tour this week. Praised for his ability to create addictive tunes that border on progressive trance, electro and melodic techno/house, Marco V has established himself as a pioneer in the genre. The Netherlands-native has continually been listed in DJ Magazine’s Top 50 and plays at the world’s most respected festivals including Sensation White, Innercity, Creamfields, Trance Energy and Sunrise. Marco V recently released the fourth album in his successful V.ision series and in the fall is slated to release Propaganda V2. He has closely collaborated with all-stars Sander van Doorn, Filo & Peri, Christopher Lawrence, Trentmøller, Robbie Rivera, Blank & Jones, Rank 1, Coldplay, and Paul van Dyk (to name a few) on over a dozen studio albums. A regular fixture in the Ibiza club scene, Verkuylen won the Best Tech House DJ at the 2009 DJ Awards in Ibiza. TheMST.com grabbed the opportunity to speak with the talented producer/DJ to learn more about who he is and how he got where he is today.

Benjamin-Émile Le Hay: How did you get interested in dance music production and DJing?

Marco V: I’ve liked dance music ever since I was a little boy, so to start DJing was very logical for me. After DJing many years I wanted to do something more with music, so I started to produce my own stuff.

What about Dutch (and German) culture, do you think, leads to such impressive talents be produced from these countries?

Yeah that’s something that’s been asked many times… I don’t know really. Maybe we have some creative people over here

Who helped jump-start your career? Influenced you most as you developed?

[It was] my own records that became big over here, from there on I got more gigs all over the world. It’s a snowball effect.

What new talent inspires you most these days?

Everything that’s going on at the moment—not just one person in particular

Your music is always progressive and at the forefront of the industry. How do you achieve this?

Maybe it’s because I never produce or play one style of music. I always have many influences from different styles and blend it all together.

What are some of your most memorable success and triumphs? Any regrettable life choices?

I am one of the lucky ones that got golden records for my songs; this was in the days that people still buy records. Nowadays it’s impossible to get golden records. I’m still really happy with that success.

What have been some of your favorite sets and events that you’ve DJ’d?

The Sensation White parties are always great to play at.

Yes, I saw you there. Sensation White is incredible! Now you’re embarking on this massive new tour, what should fans expect from you? What’s new? What do you most anticipate?

I am starting a new record label. On this label I’m gonna release new stuff that’s slightly different then the sound I have on my IN CHARGE label. It’s very melodic stuff and energetic.

Where do you see the future of dance music going?

I wish I knew, would make it a lot easier!

What lacks in the industry today?

It’s a bit too commercial for my taste, but that will change hopefully.

Any other plans on the burners—after your tour?

Yes, I’m going to tour with a club concept. Something with visuals and extended DJ sets. But more about that soon…

Where do you like to spend your free time? What are your other hobbies?

I like Asia a lot, but I can have a good time anywhere as long as there is great food! I don’t have any real hobbies. I play tennis now and then and I ride my race bike when I have the time for it.

Marco V kicks off the tour at San Francisco’s legendary dance temple, Ruby Sky. For more information on the tour or his latest beats head to: www.marcov.nl.
Verkuylen posts a weekly top 10 list on the site, which is definitely worth a glance.

Marco V’s tentative North American tour schedule:

May:
5/21 – Ruby Sky
5/21 San Francisco, California
5/22 – Fusion Dreams
PNE Colesium
Vancouver B.C., Canada
5/23 – MGM Grand
Las Vegas

July:
7/21 – Cream Stereo Lounge
Phoenix
7/22 – Barfly
Minneapolis
7/23 – Last Supper Club
Seattle
7/24 – Audiostistic Festival
NOS Events Center
San Bernardino
7/28 – Opera
Atlanta
7/29 – Lima
Washington
7/30 – Gryphon
Hollywood
7/31 – Lizard Lounge
Dallas

Ferry Corsten, a powerhouse electronic dance music artist, began producing music in his mid-teens. By 1999, the then 27-year old, Rotterdam native had scored a top 20 hit, “Out of the Blue,” on the UK charts. Since then Corsten has easily matured into one of the most successful DJs of his genre: He’s been steadily ranked in the top 10 of DJ Magazine’s Top 100 DJs; nabbed over 10-gold certified singles on charts around the globe; and played sets at many of the most prestigious dance clubs and festivals worldwide. Corsten’s discology and collaborations have involved U2, Tiësto, Armand van Helden, The Killers, Moby, Faithless, BT, Nelly Furtado, Shiny Toy Guns, and Public Enemy.

B ack in March, Ferry Corsten headed back to Miami’s legendary Winter Music Conference to present the North American launch of Once Upon A Night: The Experience, his new concept tour, a six hour interactive journey in three parts (sunset, night and sunrise). 2009’s Winter Music Conference saw over 60,000 crazed dance music fans, from 70 countries, flock to Miami, this year that number allegedly increased.

The saga of a show, took place at Karu & Y and was produced by Made Event and featured Cosmic Gate, Solar Stone, and Sied van Riel. The touring-show highlights the magic of the compilation visualized by a never-before-seen, state-of-the-art, living backdrop and production– emulating sunset to sunrise; from dusk ‘til dawn; pre-party through after-party.

Corsten set aside time to shed some light on his ambitious tour concept, Miami’s WMC and himself, before it all got started.

Benjamin-Émile Le Hay: Once Upon a Time is some of your best stuff yet! Very thorough. Tell us how you’ve progressed as an artist?
Ferry Corsten: Thanks for the compliment. I’ve always been very open minded to music in general and nowadays, it’s  “more allowed than ever before” to blend all of these different genres into a unique concoction. This has allowed me to progress as an artist.

What was it like to be back in the studio?
It’s always great to go back to the studio after touring consecutively for a number of weeks. I start getting that itch to go back to my own little world and work with ideas that I’ve been playing with on the road.

Now you started–at what–age 16 producing music? How did you fall into your talent and passion?
Yup, I guess I was one of those lucky ones that knew at a young age where my passion lay. I taught myself to understand the music that I liked and somehow figured what made the music I like different from the other music that I would listen to on the radio.

You’re also an electrical engineer, correct?
Yes, I am. I’ll tell you now though, if you asked me to draw up a design for a building, house, or a studio for that matter… I wouldn’t know where to start.

What was it like to work with Tiësto as Gouryella? Certainly one of the best collaborations of its kind ever.
They were good times, a lot of fun, and no pressure. Thanks!

You’ve seen quite a lot of chart success– most notably in the UK– This isn’t always the norm for electronic dance music artists. To what specifically do you attribute your commercial success?
You know what? I wish I knew! If I did I’d probably have more hits.

Corsten’s Countdown has been a huge success. What do you think the significance of programs like Podcasts or XM radio is for industries leaders today?
I think that these programs and Podcasts have influenced the scene greatly, and have changed the dance scene as we know it. It is an amazing tool to promote music to the masses.

Does any music or art inspire your own originality?
No music or art inspires me specifically…It tends to be a combination of things.

You’re launching this massive US Tour — we were fortunate enough to catch you in NYC — how do you balance a heavy schedule with your personal life? Do you set time aside to relax?
It’s great to have a team around me that understands what I need and help give me the balance to enjoy my job, and at the same time, allow me to enjoy my private life.

What are some memorable sets and/or festivals that you recall?
I’ve just finished my last artist album concert in Kiev Twice In A Blue Moon: The Experience. I remember getting nostalgic after getting off the podium. I guess it was closing another chapter in my life.

You’re heading to Miami again. Why do you look forward to WMC?
WMC has become a great hub for hook ups and a great place to present your latest music and concept for shows.

Can you elaborate at all on this new tour concept? What can we expect specifically? What’s a “living backdrop?”
You can expect a massive visual interpretation of Once Upon A Night as a show – I will play all the tracks from the new album OUAN, which will be combined with state of the art visuals. The living backdrop is what you are looking at the DJ booth and everything behind it – the living aspect refers to the crazy visuals you will see during the show and interactive character with the audience.

How did you decide on it?
With these type of shows, I am allowed to present my productions on a show level and since I am part of the creative process in the show as well, in terms of production, visuals etc… I find it fascinating to have my music interpreted in another way.

What is the atmosphere like at WMC?
There are people from all around the world, especially North and South America and they are there with one purpose only: to have a good time and enjoy the best dance music in the world for one concentrated week!

Any places in particular that you enjoy in Miami?
I love comfortable places, and there’s this one little restaurant called Nemo on Collins Avenue. It has a nice little garden and it’s just a nice little place where we always go, every year.

Aside from music and ruling the nightlife scene, how else do you enjoy yourself?
I really love spending time with my 1.5 year-old daughter Gabriella.

Corsten’s fresh compilation series similarly entitled Once Upon A Night is out! Sprint to Corsten’s website for details: www.ferrycorsten.com.

On the back of finishing the Balance 016 mix (released March 16th), Agoria is off to the Miami Winter Music Conference to celebrate its release on March 26th with Will Saul, Joris Voorn, Chris Fortier and others TBA. He is also set to play at the infamous MadeEvent Sunday School For Degenerates 24 hour party, March 27-28th.

Before Agoria set off for the States, TheMST.com had a chance to talk about the exceptional album Balance 016, the Winter Music Conference, growing up in the harsh political climate of nineties France, and his dream of working on movie soundtracks. Enjoy.

Christian Pielow: Going back a while, your first full length release was blossom in 2004 leading to huge success, including being voted no.1 French DJ for 2004/5/6. How did it feel to receive such respect from your French listeners?

Agoria: Yup obviously after 2006 they stopped the award.

CP: Oh yeah of course.

Agoria: Joke (he laughs)

The awards are not that important to me, it is good to know, but when you are not releasing albums, the media no longer pays attention to you. I mean I wouldn’t say I am this amazing star…

CP: Similar to what Etienne De Crecy told me when I asked the same question, why are French DJ’s so modest?

Agoria: Modest?? (He laughs). Usually the French are known for being arrogant. But then I don’t like cheese, perhaps I am not proper French… Oh but I do like wine…I love wine!

If later in my career I have made some soundtracks for movies respected by my friends and family, I will be happy and proud. In fact I just made one soundtrack for Luc Besson’s ‘Go Fast’. It is a mainstream movie, so it is not my first choice but it was really a great experience. If I had the choice I would prefer an avant garde film, something more arty.

CP: Yes that would definitely fit in better with Balance. When I first listened to balance 016 it literally made my day. The first CD is beautiful and the disco was a nice surprise. What was the process of getting yourself into the correct frame of mind? What is your working style?

Agoria: Thanks! I like it when my music evokes emotion – I prefer people to say its shit rather than just say ‘it’s alright’.

I began working on Balance 016 last year and didn’t feel ready to work on a full techno album after finishing the ‘Go Fast’ soundtrack, so thought I would take a different approach. At first I thought, why would my mix be relevant, so I spent 5 months looking for new tracks and artists, and then the old things we have forgotten – everything is going too fast and it was good for me to stop, have a break and think about what I wanted to show.

So we organised a contest in clubs around Europe and on websites around the world to find new artists and I found 20 really good tracks from talented new artists. I also asked all my closest friends for records that I may have missed that I should know – I really trust their opinions.

For example, many of my friends mentioned Aphrodite’s Child and their album, 666 which I had never heard of but now features on Balance 016. It was made during the seventies but is still so fresh, if I had never taken a moment to stop, I would never had discovered them.

From the experience it really opened my eyes to how lucky DJs are nowadays with so much accessibility to music there is more opportunity to be completely open and diverse.

CP: Yeah I agree, most DJ sets I hear now never stick to just one style and audiences are so much more open to switching it up.

Agoria: Yeah I hope so. When I was a child you had to be the first one in the shop and if you weren’t with the UPS or FEDEX guy you couldn’t get it.

CP: Sounds like a hustle!! So how was Lyon for supporting electronic artists and what’s the scene like now?

Agoria: Well actually it was very hard for us. The politicians in the nineties were cracking down on electronic music because they thought it was a cause for many of society’s problems. And it seemed like they were trying to make an example of my town, Lyon, making it almost impossible to organize parties, with the majority getting shut-down or canceled.

We knew we couldn’t continue without the support of those in power so we decided to speak with the mayor of the Lyon, to show him what happens with electronic music in our town. So during the beginning of 2000 we brought him to some bars and clubs, and let him meet all the people making music in my town. He literally met everyone. By the end of the night he understood that electronic music was about bringing people together to have a good time, rather than the negative image, and said we really need to do something with you guys. At the time we knew that there was event sponsorship so we applied. In the end he chose us for the sponsorship and now it is the 8th edition of Nuits Sonores, the biggest electronic festival in France that started in 2002.

CP: 2006 saw the beginning of your record label InFiné, with such diverse signings, what was your idea behind its creation?

Agoria: I created InFiné with 3 friends – I didn’t want to release my own label and have the focus on me – I want the focus to be on the ones I sign. In fact, we limit the number of artists we sign to make sure we can build the career of everyone on the label. From Francesco Tristano (Luxembourgian pianist and composer) to Danton Eeprom (accomplished master of minimal Techno) we are a very open-minded label, and never sign the same type of artist. We just hope you will trust our taste and keep open-minded to new styles.

CP: So we are just seeing your Miami debut at the WMC 2010 – what excites you about coming stateside?

Agoria: Yes it is my first time in Miami – I am very excited to meet all the people from balance. We managed to pull the whole album together through emails and Skype, and now it will be so great to meet everyone and celebrate what we have accomplished.

And you know, I see the US as a virgin field, there is so much R n B and rock music it gives us a lot of chance to bring something new to the audiences. Like many DJs from Detroit are stars in Europe but no one knows them in the US.

CP: Yeah totally, I think electronic music is building in the US though, so hopefully a stronger platform for artists will emerge. So with your appearance at the Winter Music Conference and the creation of Balance 016 are you hoping to move further into the US scene?

Agoria: Yeah I actually have a proper North American tour during the last two weeks in May; I will be at the Detroit music festival, New York, San Francisco, possible Montreal and many other dates to be confirmed.

CP: Great news! So without ruining the idea of art as interpretation, what is your take on the cover art?

Agoria: Well it is something related to the theme of balance but I prefer everyone makes up their own minds.

CP: Agreed. Finally, have a great time in Miami and I will see you in Lyon for your performance at Nuit Sonores.

Agoria: Yes you have to come to Lyon, our festival has everything – from old factories and warehouses to normal dance clubs, and the only thing missing is the sea.

For more info on Agoria, WMC and Balance, see:

Christian Pielow: Starting out on the Rebel Rave tour, who are you most excited to play with?

Seth Troxler: With this tour I’m really excited to play with everyone, it’s so nice to have the whole family together, but if I could choose one person, I would say Deniz Kurtel it’s her first real tour and I want to see how she’s going to play. Can’t wait.

What country / venue are you most excited to play?

I’m doing two tours right now, partially with the rebel rave tour and partially with my own stops for the Boogy Bytes. As far as places I’m most excited to go, I would say Brazil. It’s going to be during carnival, and I’ve never been.

I’m going to be seeing you in NY, what have been your best experiences of playing here?

So many good times in NYC, I loved all the events I did with Save the Cannibals. But I would say the afters in NYC are always my best experiences. Or the first Blood and Thunder. What a night.

Have you had much time to vibe with Deniz Kurtel, the exciting new signing to Wolf + Lamb? What does she bring to the label?

Deniz is an amazing person and artist. She is so smart and adds a new real edge to the whole Crosstown tour. Her music is deep and sexy, and I feel she’s got a bright future in dance music.

How does 2010 look for your own releases, I feel a buzz this year, you feel it?

Well I have some tricks up my sleeve, but I think the first bomb to drop is a new single I did with Deetron called “Each step” HEAT!!

Do you plan to return to Berlin after the tour? Will you ever return to the US?

I’m never really in Berlin, but I’ll be in Europe after Miami. Summer is a crazy time for me. Home becomes a distant memory.

If you were to do a State of the Union address like Obama recently did, what would you say?

Change has come. (But I don’t think Obama was able to say that just yet)

Big final Question man. How do you find the dance crowds in Berlin / Europe compared to the US? I am from London and find the UK crowds more mixed, but feel the dance revival is truly coming to the US and multicultural crowds will come forward, what do you think?

I think you hit the nail on the head, in regards to the multicultural crowd, as well as the fact that the people in the US are really looking for a good event rather than them just being part of everyday night life make for a huge difference in vibe between the US and Berlin or Europe. However I do think that the UK has the most up for it crowd at the moment and it’s my favourite place to play. London town is where I love to get down.

See the Rebel Rave tour dates at Resident Advisor.

BoogieBytes Vol 5

Tracklist
01. Seth Troxler – Intro / Ryan Crosson – Amb 1
02. The Royal We – Party Guilt (Dinky’s Arp-A-Pella)
03. Luciano – Fran Left Home / Mike Shannon – Sweet A Pella
04. Craig Smith & The Revenge – The Soul Part II
05. Baeka – Right At It
06. Dinky feat. Update – Westoid
07. N/A feat. Rosina – Fables and Fairytales (Deniz Kurtel Remix)
08. Spektrum – Freakbox (Richie Hawtin’s Uncontrolled Edit)
09. Alexi Delano – Molar One
10. Jabberjaw – The Connie Shake
11. Heartthrob – Signs (Thrill Cosby aka Seth Troxler Remix)
12. Birds And Souls – Birds and Souls
13. Roman Flügel – Stricher
14. Fever Ray – Seven (Seth Troxler Remix)
15. Kiki – Cinema Obscura
16. Nicolas Jaar – Time for Us

Just before Freelance Whales embarked on a show-intensive start to 2010, I caught up with Doris Cellar to learn about the record Weathervanes and what to expect from a live show. On Wednesday Jan 20th they play Mercury Lounge with Animal Tropical and Still Life Still - Grab your ticket here.

Christian: Ok so I am coming to see you at the Mercury Lounge, what can we expect from a live show? How do you interact with crowds differently from your infamous street shows?

Doris Cellar: For us regardless if we are on the subway or on the stage, we try to share an experience with one another as a band.  It’s not that we are disregarding the crowd or anything but if we can explore the songs at the moment with every ounce of concentration, then we can get lost in our songs and hopefully the experience we are sharing is entertaining or compelling to watch.

Christian: You have a load of ‘proper shows’ coming up, what are you most looking forward to about your Jan tour?

DC: Surfer blood, Animal Tropical, Bear in Heaven are all bands we admire, so we are definitely looking forward to hearing them and hopefully getting to hang out with them.

Christian: I see your off to London (my home town) have you played there before? How did you get that hookup? Excited to play to the crazy British crowds?

DC: We have never played London nor did we know that the crowds were particularly crazy. What should we expect? We were lucky enough to get some radio play early on in the bands development and some how we got some show offers even though we never been there before.

Christian: Your record is very eclectic, like the seriously creepy interlude tracks Hallways and Danse Flat working in the haunting theme…How did you come up with this idea?

DC: Those songs we’re meant to be specifically haunting but Kevin was messing around with his loop station and his electric guitar and we really liked the sensation that they evoked so we decided to fit them into the record.  It was a nice way of rounding  out the record to evoke an over all dream scape that is a big theme of the record.

Christian: If I did not hear you before I don’t think I would have guessed NYC, you seemed to have escaped disillusion from the harshness here.. Do you think place has influenced your record a lot?

DC: The setting  behind the record is inspired by a more rural place than NYC and in some cases you need to be in an urban space to feel nostalgic about the country side. So in that sense New York did inspire the record.

Christian: If you wanted a listener to get one thing out of the record what would it be?

DC: We hope that the record encourages people to dream more frequently and with more lucidity.

Christian: Whats after the January show dates? More touring?

DC: Well we won some free hours at grand street recording studio so we hope we can book some time there  to lay down some acoustic tracks before we hit the road again.

From progressive trance, to electro, and house– Darey covers all the bases in a provocative and cut-edge style. TheMST.com

Benjamin-Émile Le Hay: Tell us about how you got started as a DJ, musical artist and producer? Did you have any role models growing up that lead to your career?

Matt Darey: I was a singer/songwriter in a guitar band at school; we stayed together for a few years and toured the universities in the UK.  Just a fun thing, but it got me into the whole making music thing.  Then when I was studying for my degree I went to my first rave and, pretty much overnight, dropped the band and started to make electronic dance music…seemed like a lot of fun.  I was really lucky that I got to play my first EDM (electronic dance music) record to Seymour Stien, who is actually from NYC; he was the head of Sire Records at Warner Brothers (the guy famous for signing Madonna).  He gave me a 6 album deal on the spot…and a ton of money!  So I moved to London from my small town and started making house music.

BL: Your work on the Euphoria compilations is epic! How was that experience for you? How did it affect you as an artist?

MD: They approached me to mix there Euphoria series cause 1/4 of the tracks on the next double album were produced or remixed by me (either under my own name or one of my various aliases) I never mixed a record in my life…DJ-ing was something I always shunned, i preferred to be out there on the dance floor on the weekends.  Anyway, worked out a new way of mixing on CDR’s which were just coming into use…the majority of the album was mixed using musical keys…and it worked so well, a lot of people used the same technique; ‘till this day.  I guess it influenced the way I DJ to this day but not really affecting my music that much.

BL: You’ve worked with the best talent in the industry– who have been some of the music producers and artists that have inspired you the most and why?

MD: With regards to electronic dance music, I’ve been influenced by too many different artists to mention.  One guy who I regard as one of the true pioneers in the art of being a DJ was [Paul] Oakenfold; we kind of grew up musically at the same time.

BL: The Matt Darey sound is always progressively evolving and constantly setting new industry standards, how do you challenge yourself to produce better and new music?

BL: It’s more a case of I get bored with making the same sound and have to move on to remain inspired.  The latest project being a massive departure from my last record with my guitar based band Urban Astronaut.  Of course the remixes sound pretty cool in one of my sets.

BL: We’re huge fans of the “Beautiful (Matt Darey original mix) with Marcella Woods” – as well as your work with Agnelli & Nelson, PVD, Oakenfold and Tiësto. What are some of your favorite tracks and why?

MD: I guess “Beautiful” was the last big trance record I made before I retired for a few years from making music back in 2002. I loved that record even after hearing it a thousand times.  I thought the lyrics were some of the best I have written at the time. Kind of, spiritual with undertones of my clubbing experiences at the time.

BL: What do you like most about performing in New York City?

MD: The people in the club; they really feel where I’m coming from and I can take the music anywhere i want, which is refreshing…. I guess NYC clubbers are pretty well educated in EDM and I have a lot of fans of Nocturnal in the city.

BL: What are some of your most memorable sets or events that you’ve participated in?

MD: Too many to mention, I have a blast most of the time when I’m playing out…and surprisingly to some, it’s the more intimate shows where I have the most fun cause you get to meet clubbers and hang out.  At the big fests you’re kind of far removed from the audience.  First DJ set was NYE 2001 in Malaysia, which will always be the most memorable.  I played for 4 hours and got hooked on DJ-ing.

BL: Nocturnal sessions are a huge undertaking, how has it enhanced your career?

MD: Most people I play to know me for Nocturnal first and foremost.  I think it’s a great accompaniment to my DJ-ing because it means I can take the time to explore all kinds of musical genres and keep my sets interesting.

BL: You’ve got your first release in just over two years! What do you hope listeners get out of Matt Darey presents Urban Astronauts – “See the Sun?”

MD: “See the Sun” has gotten so much positive feedback.  It’s a beautiful song.  It makes it so worthwhile when people say such nice things about something you’ve created.

BL: What else is on the horizon for Matt Darey?

MD: More DJ touring, and a lot more making music. I just started a new label Nocturnal Global. I’m aiming to release a record of my own every 6 weeks or so…you won’t be waiting another 2 years (laughing).

BL: You tour extensively, what do you like to do in your spare time?

MD: Well I like to check out the places I travel to… I guess that takes up most of the weekdays….off to Aspen next week to go snow boarding…you kind of have to make the most of where you are at the time.  When I’m back in London, I get time to make music.

The fun at Cielo (18 Little West 12th Street New York City) starts at 10pm and will surely go deep into the night. Tickets start at $15, for more details head to the Made Event website: http://www.madeevent.com/121109.php?REFID=madeweb

Darey concludes his grueling US leg with upcoming dates in Denver, Aspen and Fort Lauderdale. He then jets off to the Mediterranean to welcome in the New Year, with gigs in Cyprus and Malta. To check out other upcoming Darey gigs head to his website: http://www.mattdarey.com/v3/tourdates.html. Or to subscribe to the epic Nocturnal podcast: http://www.mattdarey.com/v3/nocturnal.html.

Having kicked off his career with stints under Phonica Records and Sony International, Saul went on to establish his own imprints, Simple and Aus Music. Additionally, Saul took key residencies at memorable London hotspots such as The End and Cable.

TheMST.com recently caught up with Will Saul to ask him to divulge his experience of mixing Balance 015 and find out what’s on deck in the near future:

Benjamin-Émile Le Hay: Being tapped to take the mixing reins for Balance 015 is quite an honor. Tell us what a Balance collaboration means to you? What do you hope to convey through this project to your fans and Balance music lovers?

Will Saul: It’s an amazing opportunity. I wanted these mixes to be more than just a snapshot of how I DJ now, instead, more like a window into my record box over the last ten years, carefully edited and selected so that they sound fresh and current now. I’ve touched on the majority of styles of electronic music (and beyond) that I love, but I wanted to make the mixes as timeless as possible. Many of the tracks I’ve selected are not available digitally (and are now out of press on vinyl) so hopefully there will be some tracks that people have never heard. The records I’ve chosen for this mix have undoubtedly inspired my productions, label’s and A&R decisions over the years, so it’s a genuine insight into my musical DNA.

BL: The styles of tracks on this compilation run the gamut, but there seems to be a theme… What thematic approach did you take?

WS: My goal was to make each CD sound unique and very different from the other. I wanted each CD to be able to stand up on its own but also flow together as a 3 CD combination if anyone ever bothers to listen to them in one sitting [which theMST.com did, twice!] I definitely wanted there to be different moods, sections almost, within each CD to keep the listener interested – it was quite a challenge to achieve this without loosing the flow of the mix.

BL: Each CD is significantly different in tone, musicians and sound. Was this done on purpose? Is there a progression from disc 1 to disc 3? If so, why?

WS: CD 1 could be loosely described as disco, only ever going above 120 bpm at the very end and starting off at 100bpm. This is probably the most linear of the three mixes. I was never a massive old disco collector so it’s only really something that I’ve come to over the last 8-10 years and the tracks selected represent this time period for me. CD 2 is a more ‘techy,’ trippy, melancholic and finally euphoric house/techno/dubstep journey. CD 3 is supposed to feel more organic (in terms of beats and percussion) and overtly soulful. It touches on dub, dubstep, soul and house, in that order.

BL: I’m a huge fan of CD1 with the tracks by the Chromatics, Sally Shapiro and Bat for Lashes. What are some of your favorites? How did you select which artists to collaborate with/remix?

WS: I trawled through my extensive music collection and narrowed the short list down to about 350 of my favorite tracks from the last 10 years. It’s difficult to pick favorites from the CDs, as they are all really special for me. Then I spent a month in the studio with my Pioneer CDJ1000’s playing about with different combinations of records. Obviously from DJing most weekends, I have combinations of records that I know work really well but as I was trying to create something timeless with this CD, I tried to focus on combinations of tracks that will work at home, in the car and on headphones. The devil is hopefully in the detail.

BL: How is it to own Simple and Aus Music? How did you decide and go about establishing them?

WS: It’s a lot of hard work and tons of admin! No in all seriousness I wouldn’t trade what I do for anything else in the world. I’m very lucky to be able to do what I love and earn a living from it. I initially set up Simple with 3 other people (who I bought out about 5 years ago) that I’d met while working at Sony Music. You need to have a good core of friends around you who are making music and a vision for the sound of the labels. Once you’ve got the first 5 releases together, and your audio concept/sound and visual identity, then you can approach a distributor for a distribution deal. Then you need to promote the releases and keep everything crossed that they sell…The rest is all just the standard business admin that goes into setting up any company. Obviously this is a very basic outline…

BL: What is your upcoming tour plan? Any other music projects in the near future?

WS: I’m off to Brazil this week! Then I’ll be in the US for dates in San Francisco, LA, and NYC in Jan—then just touring Europe as usual. I’m currently working on some new singles, and early next year I will start writing my next artist album. I have a single with Mike Monday coming out on the Dutch label, Clone, early next year called, ‘Small Moments’ and I’ve also done a remix of a Cortney Tidwell track that we’re releasing on Aus at the end of Jan next year.

With Balance 015, Will Saul proves his vast grasp on various musical styles and genres. This compilation is indeed a testament to the Balance Series’ commitment to forward-thinking, multipurpose tracks that combine numerous sounds, beats, moods and artists. It will surely bring together a diverse range of fans, be they listening in a lounge, on their iPod during a daily run, or at a dance party driving into the early hours.

For information on Will Saul, Balance 015 and previous compilations, check out http://www.stomp.com.au/press/balance-series/balance.html
or www.myspace.com/willsaul.