Artist Profile Archives

Deep House Sound of the Iberian Peninsula

October 31, 2017 by PrimeEV

Chus & Ceballos, deep house, Iberican Sound, stereo productions

Deep House Sound

Chus & Ceballos were always well aware of the underground house music scene in Spain and Portugal. This sound of the Iberian Peninsula, which includes not only Spain and Portugal but also Andorra and the British Crown colony of Gibraltar, became the foundation of their hallmark, Iberican Sound.

“It’s a very groovy sound, very rhythmic and percussive, that is always looking at the dancefloor. It has an electronic touch, but with soul, sometimes a bit housey, sometimes harder, but never cold. It’s hot, ‘Caliente’! This is the ‘Stereo Sound’, our sound”

This quote was given by Chus & Ceballos to Resident Advisor in 2005. The Madrid duo of Jose Lopez Esteban (DJ Chus) and J. Pablo Ceballos formed over ten years ago with the distinct purpose of bringing their “Stereo Sound” to the worldwide masses. Since no man is an island, (but some are peninsulas), they knew however they could not accomplish this alone.

The Stereo Group Collective

They formed an artist collective of world-class talented DJ producers who also shared the duo’s vision for their iconic Iberican Sound and formed Stereo Productions Group. It has become the finest Spanish electronic music label in Spain, and arguably produces the hottest sound on the planet. It includes the sub-labels: Stereo, Stereo Cool, Iberican Encodings, Almibar, and Solar Music.

The Stereo Productions roster include Oscar L, Oscar de Rivera, Rafa Barrios, Patrick M, David Herrero, Fernando Campo, Dennis Cruz, and Pakito Baeza. Not only has Chus & Ceballos collaborated with their fellow Spaniards, but they have also worked with other like-minded artists from all over the globe.

There is an excellent article by Angelo Castaneda from Talent Rising, DJ Chus The Father of Iberican Sound, that dives deeper into the origins.

Deep House Track

One of our favorite tracks is the deep house, “Abisinia,” featuring GIGI, from their debut album, Nomadas, out on Stereo Productions. The ancient female atmospheric vocals of GIGI take hold of you from the beginning and bring you deep inside the production minds of Chus & Ceballos. The sub-heavy, mid to low pumping bassline adds that perfect Iberican groove that only Chus & Ceballos can render. The mesmerizing synths pulsating to the four on the floor flow ensnare the senses and entangle the mind, trapping the dance music enthusiasts in the middle of the dance floor.

ABISINIA

(Chus & Ceballos feat. Gigi, Ejigayehu Shibabaw, Leondardo Gonnelli)

EDM and Trance DJ Producer Mark Sixma

October 31, 2017 by PrimeEV

EDM and Trance DJ Producer Mark Sixma

EDM and Trance music DJ Producer Mark Sixma, aka M6, was born in Breda, Netherlands in 1983 and studied classical piano as a child. The name Breda derived from the convergence of two rivers, the Mark and the Aa. Breda as a result of its location, made it strategically important to the Holy Roman Empire, both politically and militarily. It is known for its stunning medieval castles and the Gothic cathedral, Church of Our Lady. It is also known for being the home of some of the top DJ/Producers on the planet, including,

Tiesto
Hardwell
W&W
R3hab

Mark recently gave an interview to EDMIDENTITY where he described his music as,

I’ve always enjoyed multiple genres of music, electronic and otherwise. For instance, I listen to classical music quite a bit and that definitely inspired some of the more anthemic tracks I produced. For me combining different (sub)-genres in one track is always a creative challenge which I enjoy a lot! For instance, ‘Requiem’ combines a classical choir with EDM elements and trance music.

Mark began his DJ career at 13 and in 2007 released ‘Destination 6,’ which became Tune of The Week on A State of Trance episode 322. Mark signed with Armada Music shortly after. In 2008, Mark released ‘Fade 2 Black,’ and it also became Tune of The Week on ASOT episode 353. These two tracks secured Mark’s place in the world of trance music.

In 2008, 2009, and 2010 Armin van Buuren chose three of Mark’s tracks released under the alias M6. They are respectively,

Amazon Dawn
Paradise Lost
Days of Wonder

In 2010 Armin van Buuren released his fourth album, Mirage. Mirage reached number 5 on Billboard’s Dance/Electronic Albums chart. Armin collaborated with Ferry Corsten on the track, ‘Minack’, and allowed Mark to remix it in 2011.

Mark continued his success with releases on labels such as,

Armada
Armind
A State of Trance
Who’s Afraid of 138
Perfecto
Blackhole Recordings
Revealed
Mainstage Music
Vandit
Ultra
Spinnin Compilations
ArisaAudio
Metanoia Music

Mark has toured the globe with the biggest names in trance,

Armin van Buuren
Ferry Corsten
Gareth Emery
Judge Jules
Markus Schulz
Paul van Dyk
Sander van Doorn
W & W

Mark has performed at several festivals including,

Stereosonic
A State of Trance 550 & 650
Nature One (two times)
Electronic Family
Escapade Music Festival
Ultra Music Festival Miami

In 2013, Mark released ‘Requiem,’ which became the most played trance track of the year. His three releases, ‘Character,’ ‘Refused,’ and ‘The Saga’ scored in six of Beatport’s Top 10 records. The other three were remixes of Orjan Nilsen’s ‘Mafioso,’ Cosmic Gate’s ‘Crushed,’ and Jorn van Deynhoven’s ‘New Horizon.’

Mark held the Beatport number one spot in 2014 for his remix of ‘Adagio For Strings.’ He lost his number one spot to himself, an uncommon accomplishment for sure, for ‘Falling Back,’ which supplanted ‘Adagio For Strings.’

In 2015, Mark toured North America for the first time. He collaborated with Armin van Buuren for ‘Panta Rhei,’ which appeared to solidify his position in the trance music elite.

There are many reasons why Mark Sixma has continued success, but I’ll point out only two. First, he loves the journey of producing music. Second, he maintains an intimate relationship with his fans via social media.

His latest collaboration is with Emma Hewitt for ‘Missing’ by Everything But The Girl first released in 1994.

MISSING
Mark Sixma and Emma Hewitt

The Tech House Spaniard Dennis Cruz DJ

October 31, 2017 by PrimeEV

Dennis Cruz, Iberican Sound, tech house

The Tech House Spaniard Dennis Cruz DJ

The Tech House Spaniard Dennis Cruz DJ began his career at the age of 17, like many of his countrymen, while also studying to be a sound engineer. By his early 20’s, he had experience in the studio producing tracks for hip-hop artists and rock bands.

He honed his musical style over the years by molding his many diverse influences. He channeled his style, influences, and experiences into his Iberican Sound. He takes his fans on a musical journey in each of his DJ sets that brings emotions to life on dance floors across Europe to Russia, the Mediterranean, the Americas, and Australia.

In time, he became a pillar in the tech house world, setting trends and creating sounds. He earned accolades from Beatport, Resident Advisor, and Vicious Music Awards in 2015 and 2016. 2017 looks to be another exciting year for him and his fans.

He has tracks with some of the hottest labels in the scene, including but not limited to,

Stereo Productions
Snatch!
Moan
Deeperfect
Suruba X
Solid Grooves
Glasgow Underground
Suara
Lemon-Aid

One of our favorites is the tech house track, ‘Mad,’ out on Stereo Productions. A catchy vox intertwine in and in between the percussion on this monster track can be quickly deemed as pristine and bright as the Blue Lake of South Australia. The new offering from the musical mind of the incredibly diverse Dennis Cruz has a driving force behind the drum patterns that can steer a locomotive off its rails. The layers of white noise embedding this piece have enough tension to make the bravest of late-night alumni surrender.

MAD
(Oiginal Mix)
(Dennis Cruz)

Spanish House Music DJ Producer Fernando Campo

October 31, 2017 by PrimeEV

Fernando Campo, House Music, Iberican Sound

Spanish House Music DJ Producer Fernando Campo

Spanish house music DJ Producer Fernando Campo, like his compadres at Stereo Productions, started djing at a young age. He was a resident at the tender age of seventeen. Even though he did not have the tools to produce, he overcame that lost time and has released tracks on such labels as:

Defected Records
Strictly Rhythm
D-Vine Sounds
SVS Records
Ole Music
Deep Rising Records
Suruba

He finds his Iberican Sound in the moments he creates. Which is to say the portal to inspiration and love of the music opens when he’s spinning to a crowded dancefloor or producing a track.

One of our favorite tracks is “Feel The Bass.” The sum of this outing with its smooth deep edges and groove is the complete realization of Fernando’s Iberican Sound. He tailored the lead vox in mesmerizing fashion, taking us into a labyrinth of sound. Feel the synth and percussion grab hold of you and release. And those with high aural skills will appreciate the crafty push of a deep mid end bassline from all angles.

Defined as deep house, arguably tech house. It is, however, Iberican Sound, furthering the movement that is taking the world by storm.

FEEL THE BASS
(Original Mix)
(Fernando Campo)

Tech House Artisan Oscar de Rivera

October 31, 2017 by PrimeEV

Iberican Sound, Oscar de Rivera, tech house

Tech House Artisan Oscar de Rivera

Tech house artisan Oscar de Rivera exemplifies the characteristics of what’s known as the Iberican Sound. Constancy is a word used to describe Oscar, which I found fascinating. Constancy is the,

quality of being unwavering as in purpose, love, or loyalty; firmness of mind, faithfulness.

His love of and commitment to are the motivating factors in producing the Stereo Sound. And this is a common theme among the artists close to Chus & Ceballos. Their sole focus is finding a distinct sound incorporating all expressions of house music and techno. It’s as if Iberican Sound is a genre.

House music is the core of Oscar’s sound. He summons his years of experience, creativity, technological expertise, and love to produce the music fans have come to know and love. Even after twenty years, he is still evolving as an artist, not content to do the same thing over and again.

We chose to profile the tech house track, ‘Who I Am,’ out on.

Oscar de Rivera shows no mercy to his avid followers with his monstrous tech house offering, Who I Am, out on Stereo Productions. He turns all knobs to high heat, blending down the groove and vox to the perfect auditory perception. His prescription for those primed and ready to destroy the dance floor is the four to the floor kick drum and deep percussive innuendos. The low-end bassline groove is sophisticated and complex. It’s elusive, but still, augments each beat giving us a glimpse inside the mind of this brilliant producer.

WHO I AM
(Original Mix)
(Oscar de Rivera)

Belgian Techno Prodigy Amelie Lens

October 30, 2017 by PrimeEV

Amelie Lens, techno

Belgian Techno Prodigy Amelie Lens

Belgian Techno Prodigy Amelie Lens was born May 31, 1990, in Antwerp, Belgium. Antwerp is known for having the second largest port in Europe as well as being the center of trade and culture. Antwerp is also the second most multicultural city boasting 170 different nationalities. In time, we shall see if Antwerp will also be known for being home to one of the greatest techno DJ Producers of all time.

I found a quote from Amelie on her Facebook page which demonstrates her positive mindset and what motivates her to work hard;

“When people try to bring me down it gives me energy to work even harder, focus even more and feel extra happy about what is going on in my life right now. Life is too short to feel sad or angry, to bother about what other people think of you. I just wanted to share this little something with you today, don’t let anyone bring you down!”

And work hard she does. By the end of October 2017, Amelie will have performed seventeen times in thirty-one days.

Amelie Lens released her debut EP in February 2016, under Lyase Recordings. The title track, ‘Exhale,’ is a sick hypnotic techno masterpiece. The combination of the whispering sultry vocals, percussion, and bass ensnare the mind but leave the listener wanting more and unable or unwilling to escape.

Exhale
Amelie Lens
(Lyase Recordings)

Amelie’s career since ‘Exhale’ has skyrocketed. Her talent set off the radar of Berlin duo Pan-Pot (Tassilo Ippenberger & Thomas Benedix). They contacted Amelie and asked her to join their label, Second State. The Second State artists share a familial love for each other and each other’s work, which should make for the perfect environment for her to reach critical mass.

Amelie continued on her techno journey by maintaining a blistering touring schedule that included not only nightclubs throughout Europe, but many festivals as well, including;

Awakenings
Tomorrowland
Dour
Sea Dance
Floor Filler,
Helene Beach
Festival Les Nui Secretes
Feel
Montreau Jazz
Extrema Outdoor Belgium
Impact Presente Hast
Chamonix Unlimited
B My Lake
Pukkelpop
Marvelous Island
Fcknye

Amelie’s successes include her ‘Exhale’ party at Labyrinth Club in Hasselt, Belgium. Named after her debut single; ‘Exhale’ exemplifies the beauty of techno. ‘Exhale’ showcases established artists but also gives up and coming artists a fantastic chance to display their talent.

Another great piece from Amelie I had to include is ‘In Silence’ released on Drumcode A-Sides Volume 6, the first track, Aug 28, 2017.

In Silence
Amelie Lens
(Drumcode)

Trance and Progressive DJ Producer Andy Moor

October 25, 2017 by PrimeEV

Andy Moor, AVA, EDM, Progressive, Trance

Trance and Progressive DJProducer Andy Moor

Trance and progressive DJProducer Andy Moor is one of the most revered names in EDM. He is a pioneer in the progressive trance scene, introducing vocal chops and syncopated bass lines. Two production techniques now commonly used by other trance music DJ/Producers.

He crafted his signature sound aptly described as,

finely tuned, beautiful melodic soundscapes floating above prominent, clever basslines.

His style of progressive trance is easily recognizable though not simple. He has remained at the forefront of an ever-changing music scene and has remained loyal to his brand of progressive trance and to the fans who love his music. While many others succumb to the whims of a fickle public, Andy Moor has shown high integrity and loyalty to trance and trance music fans.

The Musical Prodigy

We can describe Andy Moor as a musical prodigy and an actual musician. He played his first perfect piano piece when he was five years old. By the time he reached the ripe old age of ten, he had learned six more instruments. Three years later, he spun his first record. By nineteen he signed his first label release, and by twenty-one, he was spinning to massive crowds of adoring fans.

Andy Moor combined his genetic musical ability, innate drive, integrity, and loyalty and became one of the biggest names in progressive trance both as a DJ and a producer. This perfect combination is why he will always be an icon in EDM.

The Productions

Andy Moor’s productions catalog spans back to 1999, with ‘Explorer’ with the UK trance act, Tilt. He worked with Adam White as half of the duo, “Whiteroom” earning praise from Armin van Buuren and Above & Beyond as having the best trance production of 2004. His collaboration with Above & Beyond, “Air For Live,” was named ‘Tune of the Year’ by listeners of Armin van Buuren’s ‘A State of Trance’ radio show as well as ‘Best Underground Dance Track’ at Miami Winter Music Conference and ‘Best Trance Track’ in 2006.

Andy’s co-production work as Leama & Moor, a UK melodic progressive house duo on remixes includes Britney Spears, Avril Lavigne, Nelly Furtado, Orbital, Starkid, Brian Eno, Paul Oakenfold, and Tiesto. Their cross-genre sound made them the top-rated remix team of the time.

Andy’s collaboration with Somna and singer Amy Kirkpatrick in 2015, “One Thing About You,” marked the 100th release on Andy’s label, AVA Recordings. The track topped the Beatport Trance Chart and dominated dance floors globally.

Another 2015 success was Andy’s “All Gone,” released on Armin’s, ‘Who’s Afraid of 138!’ label. This collaborative effort included the uplifting trance master RAM and the sultry vocals of Christina Novelli.

All Gone
RAM Uplifting Mix
Andy Moor & RAM, featuring Christina Novelli

Andy Moor, aka, Dub Disorder, Dwight van Man, and Sworn, has an impressive library of solo productions. Released on AVA/Armada, “Breaking the Silence Volume 1” is a beautiful compilation of melodic trance released in 2009. Volumes 2 and 3 followed in subsequent years.

“Zero Point One,” the highly acclaimed debut solo album by Andy Moor released in 2012, included artists Meredith Call Carrie Skipper, Sue McLaren, producers Orkidea and Ashley Wallbridge. A genre crossing symphonic journey of mysterious ambient, vocal melodies, melodic trance to break beats and the thick bass of progressive.

In September 2014 Andy Moor reunited with vocalist Betsie Larkin for yet another crowd-pleasing collaboration titled ‘Not Afraid’ following the massive success of their tune, “Love Again.” Andy found the perfect combination of uplifting vocals, euphoric melodies, and thick progressive bass lines.

Not Afraid
Original Mix
Andy Moor & Betsie Larkin

Andy’s talent, hard work, and dedication to music have resulted in his productions, which in turn has lead to a loyal fan base spanning the globe. He has performed in such countries as Hungary, Lithuania, Slovakia, Ukraine, China, Singapore, Russia, Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia, Canada, the United States, as well as the UK.

Moor Music and Ava Recordings

On August 9, 2007, the Moor Music radio show began, and Episode 1 was released. Andy releases an episode on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month. “Less Talk, More Music” is the motto and he delivers the best in trance and progressive. June 23, 2015, marked the milestone Episode 150 with three hours of beautiful trance.

Andy founded AVA Recordings in early 2006 under the parent label Armada. The members include Andy Moor, Somna, Ashley Wallbridge, tyDi, Ben Nicky, David Forbes, Masoud, Jonathan Martin, Sunny Lax, and Joseph Areas. The label focuses on trance and progressive and nurturing new up and coming talent. The AVA Nubreed EP series focuses solely on new talent.

Andy Moor Dreamstate July 4

Andy Moor was a resident DJ of Night Shift at Eden Terrace atop Nocturnal Nightclub in Miami. His Andy Moor & Friends at Winter Music Conference in 2010, AVA Takeover WMC 2011, and AVA Takeover WMC 2012 were also very well received.

Asturian Tech House DJ Producer David Herrero

October 25, 2017 by PrimeEV

David Herrero, Iberican Sound, stereo productions, tech house

Asturian tech house DJProducer David Herrero was born in Asturias, an autonomous principality in the northwest region of Spain. Asturias is Spain’s best-kept secret known for its Swiss-like mountains, rugged coasts, fishing towns, beaches, and religious history. Like the diversity of its terrain, David Herrero finds his Stereo Groove by adroitly combining various sounds from many sources into his tonal palette. Each of his tracks inspired by a moment in his life makes his music heartfelt and personal.

I live for music. When I go into the studio with the same excitement as the very first day.

“Superstar of Hearts” is an apt description of the man who is wholeheartedly dedicated to bringing joy to the people who listen to and appreciate his music.

David is usually at the forefront of electronic music. From funky house to organic tribal deep house, as David goes, so does the scene.

One of our favorite tracks, ‘Alanka’ out on Stereo Productions, is a tech house masterpiece. The four to the floor mid bass uniformly accented in unison with its vox grips hold of you to its first breakdown. After the breakdown, David’s organic house sound comes into focus with a twist of tribal and tech. Your cup of Iberican flavor floweth over to the last beat.

After listening below, please share your thoughts with us and include anyone who may enjoy being part of the conversation.

Alanka
Original Mix
David Herrero

« Next

Artist Profile

Deep House Sound of the Iberian Peninsula

Deep House Sound

The Stereo Group Collective

Deep House Track

EDM and Trance DJ Producer Mark Sixma

EDM and Trance DJ Producer Mark Sixma

The Tech House Spaniard Dennis Cruz DJ

The Tech House Spaniard Dennis Cruz DJ

Spanish House Music DJ Producer Fernando Campo

Spanish House Music DJ Producer Fernando Campo

Tech House Artisan Oscar de Rivera

Tech House Artisan Oscar de Rivera

Belgian Techno Prodigy Amelie Lens

Belgian Techno Prodigy Amelie Lens

Trance and Progressive DJ Producer Andy Moor

Trance and Progressive DJProducer Andy Moor

The Musical Prodigy

The Productions

Moor Music and Ava Recordings

Asturian Tech House DJ Producer David Herrero

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