Sultan + Shepard's brand new 'Forever, Now' album lands this Friday 17th February on This Never Happened.
Their previous offering 'Something, Everything' released in the grips of the pandemic in 2021 has amassed over 45m cumulative streams. 2022 has seen the duo rack up some incredible collaborations with Le Youth, Shallou and more recently Jon Hopkins & Kelly Lee Owens.
As the world opened up around them Ned + Ossama in their own words "...felt like the great thawing of pent-up feelings and emotions were being released from not just us, but all over the world. Some of these feelings were beautiful and emotional, others darker and more messy. Most of this album was written during breaks between shows when we were back in our studio but we still had this sense of energy moving, flowing, and being allowed to trickle into new places with new feelings."
The momentum these two have been building over the past 18 months is effervescent. 'Forever, Now'
"...grew out of this familiar feeling of being grounded in a place of creativity despite being in new places sonically or physically. Things were always moving and changing, as we ourselves were too."
The sonic journey of this record emanates a tangible amalgamation of positivity and contemplation, collaborators including Julia Church, Delhia de France & Andrew Belle effortlessly ask
"deeper questions about longing, separation and time passing". 'Forever, Now' "...was [written at] a time of growth and positivity amidst general change and often chaos for the world but also for us personally."
Dimitri Kechagias review: [review top="1"] [item value="10"]Beat and Rhythm[/item] [item value="10"]Basslines and Groove[/item] [item value="10"] Melody [/item] [item value="10"] Synths [/item] [item value="10"]Breakdown[/item] [item value="10"]Climax / Drop / Crescendo / Pay off moment[/item] [item value="10"]Intensity, Drive and Energy[/item] [item value="10"]Sound-design and Arrangement[/item] [item value="10"]Overall Atmosphere[/item] [item value="10"]Goosebumps / Shivers moments[/item] [item value="10"]Emotional affinity and heartfelt moments[/item] [item value="10"]Originality and Inventiveness[/item] [item value="10"]Radio Friendly[/item] [item value="10"]You can’t get this memorable track out of your head[/item] [item value="10"]It has potential to become an anthem or a classic[/item] [item value="10"]Sultan + Shepard Forever, Now [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Sultan + Shepard have produced Forever, Now, an excellent album of tranquil wishful melodies, warm deep basslines, organic percussion, cinematic moving strings and most importantly great vocal collaborations with excellent inspirational singers who offer outstanding memorable performances. Forever, Now is an album that you should enjoy uninterrupted from start to finish to feel its full potential. The vocal numbers are balanced well with the instrumentals which are blessed with excellent sound design, fantastic floating direction and smooth silky sonic environment that will quickly attract you and absorb you in its own small ecosystem. For the fans of dreamy eclectic deep melodic prog house fans will be on repeat for many months for sure as in winter sounds warm and tender but in spring and summer blooming and refreshing! [/content]
Turkey's Erdi Irmak is back on UV following 2 wonderful remixes in the back end of 2022. This time he delivers his debut EP, 2 tracks of beautiful organic vibes which have become Erdi's trademark sound.
Dimitri Kechagias review: [review top="1"] [item value="10"]Beat and Rhythm[/item] [item value="10"]Basslines and Groove[/item] [item value="10"] Melody [/item] [item value="10"] Synths [/item] [item value="10"]Breakdown[/item] [item value="10"]Climax / Drop / Crescendo / Pay off moment[/item] [item value="10"]Intensity, Drive and Energy[/item] [item value="10"]Sound-design and Arrangement[/item] [item value="10"]Overall Atmosphere[/item] [item value="10"]Goosebumps / Shivers moments[/item] [item value="10"]Emotional affinity and heartfelt moments[/item] [item value="10"]Originality and Inventiveness[/item] [item value="10"]Radio Friendly[/item] [item value="10"]You can’t get this memorable track out of your head[/item] [item value="10"]It has potential to become an anthem or a classic[/item] [item value="10"] Erdi Irmak - Afloat / Mirage [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"] Erdi Irmak presents two stunning tracks Afloat / Mirage on UV that will become instantly part of your digital collection. Mirage is organic house at its very best with Middle Eastern ethnic flavor, tribal percussion, deep haunting driving basslines, cool vocal samples, traditional instruments, violins and strings playing in the breakdown the melancholic moody melody that will haunt the rest of the track to create that chillin sad atmosphere. Afloat is full of great tribal organic percussion, deep pulsating basslines and melancholic violin melody that this time is balanced with the more optimistic playful xylophone and whistle melody, piano chords and the interesting male vocal speech sample. Two class A productions for the eclectic ears. #PureGold Love iT [/content]
Dimitri Kechagias review: [review top="1"] [item value="10"]Beat and Rhythm[/item] [item value="10"]Basslines and Groove[/item] [item value="10"] Melody [/item] [item value="10"] Synths [/item] [item value="10"]Breakdown[/item] [item value="10"]Climax / Drop / Crescendo / Pay off moment[/item] [item value="10"]Intensity, Drive and Energy[/item] [item value="10"]Sound-design and Arrangement[/item] [item value="10"]Overall Atmosphere[/item] [item value="10"]Goosebumps / Shivers moments[/item] [item value="10"]Emotional affinity and heartfelt moments[/item] [item value="10"]Originality and Inventiveness[/item] [item value="10"]Radio Friendly[/item] [item value="10"]You can’t get this memorable track out of your head[/item] [item value="10"]It has potential to become an anthem or a classic[/item] [item value="10"]Luke Chable & Ivan Gough - Orange Theme 2023 [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Its always going to be a challenge to remix such a massive classic like Cygnus X - Orange Theme. As it sounds though Luke Chable & Ivan Gough have a gold ticket in their hand as they have done the update perfectly. They respect the original main theme and build a magnificent journey of nearly 8 minutes that slows down the original to 123 BPM. Pumping pulsating basslines, deep throbbing kick and superb atmospherics lead the track to the very first breakdown when the trancy themes are slowly unleashed and the well known theme comes to the surface to drive the track to its hands in the air climax. You close your eyes and you feel its professional feel good vibes as it brings back memories but in a totally different way. We are so glad about the result that is destined to be played all through the year for sure! #PureGold Love IT [/content]
Classic track Universal Nation is a piece of art like no other. The impactful melody leans itself perfectly for a melodic house and techno take and that's what Minos One brings with great elegance. The familiar melodies of the original are present and accounted for and the updated production values give them a deep and groovy feel.
It pays homage to the original while bringing its own fresh perspective and is sure to be a hit for a long time to come. One of the standout features of this new version is the expansive soundstage, which really allows the various elements of the track to shine. The bass is deep and powerful, the drums are crisp and punchy, and the synths are bright and vivid. The overall effect is a track that is both highly danceable and emotionally resonant. Another notable aspect is the expertly crafted breakdown, which manages to be both suspenseful and uplifting at the same time. The tension builds slowly but surely, culminating in a drop that is sure to send any crowd into a frenzy.
Dimitri Kechagias review: [review top="1"] [item value="10"]Beat and Rhythm[/item] [item value="10"]Basslines and Groove[/item] [item value="10"] Melody [/item] [item value="10"] Synths [/item] [item value="10"]Breakdown[/item] [item value="10"]Climax / Drop / Crescendo / Pay off moment[/item] [item value="10"]Intensity, Drive and Energy[/item] [item value="10"]Sound-design and Arrangement[/item] [item value="10"]Overall Atmosphere[/item] [item value="10"]Goosebumps / Shivers moments[/item] [item value="10"]Emotional affinity and heartfelt moments[/item] [item value="10"]Originality and Inventiveness[/item] [item value="10"]Radio Friendly[/item] [item value="10"]You can’t get this memorable track out of your head[/item] [item value="10"]It has potential to become an anthem or a classic[/item] [item value="10"]Minus One - Universal Nation [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Minus One attempts successfully to recreate in his own style the all-time trance classic and even can become Belgium's National Anthem Universal Nation. His version is around 5 minutes long and beautifully brings those epic anthemic melodies in the deep haunting direction. It's calming, soothing, dreaming, tripping and imaginative perfect to make everybody scream when they will become aware of the classic riff that moves and shakes inside the very impressive sound design that Minus One did for us. It will be played often in the coming months as it hits all the right spots and places. #PureGold Love IT [/content]
French DJ, producer and live act Romain Garcia returns to Anjunadeep with a new four-track EP, entitled ‘Everybody Dreams’.
Romain was welcomed to the Anjunadeep family last year with his well-received EP ‘Before You Go EP’. His label debut received support from Sian Eleri on her BBC Radio 1 Chillest show and the EP’s title track was the most-played on SiriusXM Chill across the month of February.
On ‘Everybody Dreams’, Romain’s uniquely joyful take on progressive house is on full display, and the additional elements of strong arpeggiated synths, and moving vocal samples combine to make this a standout release for the young French talent.
After appearing at Anjunadeep’s label showcase at Printworks in December 2022, Romain is set for a busy year of touring, kicking off with a string of European shows, including supporting Anjunadeep label favourite Marsh in Paris, before Romain makes his American debut in the second half of the year.
Dimitri Kechagias review: [review top="1"] [item value="10"]Beat and Rhythm[/item] [item value="10"]Basslines and Groove[/item] [item value="10"] Melody [/item] [item value="10"] Synths [/item] [item value="10"]Breakdown[/item] [item value="10"]Climax / Drop / Crescendo / Pay off moment[/item] [item value="10"]Intensity, Drive and Energy[/item] [item value="10"]Sound-design and Arrangement[/item] [item value="10"]Overall Atmosphere[/item] [item value="10"]Goosebumps / Shivers moments[/item] [item value="10"]Emotional affinity and heartfelt moments[/item] [item value="10"]Originality and Inventiveness[/item] [item value="10"]Radio Friendly[/item] [item value="10"]You can’t get this memorable track out of your head[/item] [item value="10"]It has potential to become an anthem or a classic[/item] [item value="10"] Romain Garcia - Everybody Dreams EP[/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Romain Garcia returns on Anjunadeep for an exquisite EP of the highest caliber. Everybody Dreams starts the proceedings in the most cheerful way with spoken vocal samples of children who talk about their dreams and aspirations. Uplifting synths make the perfect intro and then the track goes for a full on melodic dreamy progressive house direction with stomping dominating grooves and feel good synths definitely this is the anthem of the end of dark period of the pandemic leading to the new optimistic direction. Night Memory is driving, emotional and highly infectious with big euphoric climax for the large festivals for sure. Lophorina moves and grooves with deep moody pulsating basslines and warm piano chords and nice sensual synths for that very special drive into the unknown. Soon the big uplifting layers are added for the stunning blissful final hands in the air part. Finally Pave Your Way adopts the twisted wonky bass and kick for that mau5trap style foundation. The breakdown is joyful and the distorted strange synthy wave that runs the track all the way to the climax can raise the hair in your back and does the trick for that esoteric hypnotic effect. #PureGold Love iT [/content]
Above & Beyond's Jono Grant remixes his JODA project, with his 'Stadium Mix' of 'We Find Ourselves'.
2022 was a big year for Jono Grant and Darren Tate, aka JODA. Grant is one-third of Above & Beyond who, throughout a two-decade career, have established themselves as one of the biggest electronic groups in the world. In 2019, Above & Beyond received an offer to score an environmental documentary, ‘The Last Glaciers’. He enlisted classically trained musician, songwriter, producer, hitmaker and close friend Darren Tate, and the duo got stuck into composing together.
It became a dream project all around – not least because it sparked further ideas. JODA was born. Working in Tate’s studio in suburban north London, and A&B’s south London HQ, the pair were in a creative bubble during the early days of the pandemic. And the partnership proved fruitful. Their self-titled album ‘JODA’, celebrating the musical influences that Jono and Darren grew up with, was released on Anjunabeats in August 2022 – to a rapturous reception from the Anjunafamily and beyond.
'We Find Ourselves' was released in April 2022 as the lead single from the JODA project, featuring Jono on vocals. His 'Stadium Mix' was premiered at Above & Beyond’s sold-out Group Therapy 500 celebrations in Los Angeles last October.
JODA ‘We Find Ourselves’ (Jono Grant’s Stadium Mix) is out now on Anjunabeats. JODA's self-titled debut album is out now, and is available to pre-order on black vinyl from the Anjuna Music Store.
Dimitri Kechagias review: [review top="1"] [item value="10"]Beat and Rhythm[/item] [item value="10"]Basslines and Groove[/item] [item value="10"] Melody [/item] [item value="10"] Synths [/item] [item value="10"]Breakdown[/item] [item value="10"]Climax / Drop / Crescendo / Pay off moment[/item] [item value="10"]Intensity, Drive and Energy[/item] [item value="10"]Sound-design and Arrangement[/item] [item value="10"]Overall Atmosphere[/item] [item value="10"]Goosebumps / Shivers moments[/item] [item value="10"]Emotional affinity and heartfelt moments[/item] [item value="10"]Originality and Inventiveness[/item] [item value="10"]Radio Friendly[/item] [item value="10"]You can’t get this memorable track out of your head[/item] [item value="10"]It has potential to become an anthem or a classic[/item] [item value="10"]JODA - We Find Ourselves (Jono Grant’s Stadium Mix) [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]JODA is the common project of Jono & Darren who both have many years in the electronic dance music scene gracing their audience with eternal classics. Now is the turn of Jono to put his hand on his self-vocalised anthem We Find Ourselves to provide his crowd pleasing Stadium Mix. Punchy pulsating dark basslines merged with edgy kicks and stomping beat to drive the track forward while on top the emotional melodies are layered teasing us of what is coming in the breakdown. The long and pleasing break allow the heartfelt emotional Jono's vocal to shine with its simplicity and authenticity followed by massive synthy hooks that will be perfect for fireworks of course. The intensity is build and when the demanding dominating beat groove is back packed with synths and strings then u are in heaven for some moments and you wish all together to stay there for a little more. Happiness and euphoria will be reflected in our faces when we will dance with this anthem for sure. The package includes the equally energy radiating and very enthralling JODA single feat. Robyn Sherwell called Closer. Beautiful playful vocal performance and hi-nrg disco groove to pump these muscles and let the diva comes out from your soul. #PureGold Love IT[/content]
When a track sets you on fire, every cell of your body, from toe to head, you know it's something special.
Chris Bekker and Orkidea sent such a track to VANDIT Alternative and it got us trembling with excitement. MIND RAVE is exactly what it says on the tin.
Anticipation, Tension and release. Anticipation, tension and release.
The build up of rhythm, harmony, melody and dynamic changes ending up in a hot and heavy climax, releasing the tension with a feral scream... it's too good to be true.
It'll make its audience scream with excitement.
Dimitri Kechagias review: [review top="1"] [item value="10"]Beat and Rhythm[/item] [item value="10"]Basslines and Groove[/item] [item value="10"] Melody [/item] [item value="10"] Synths [/item] [item value="10"]Breakdown[/item] [item value="10"]Climax / Drop / Crescendo / Pay off moment[/item] [item value="10"]Intensity, Drive and Energy[/item] [item value="10"]Sound-design and Arrangement[/item] [item value="10"]Overall Atmosphere[/item] [item value="10"]Goosebumps / Shivers moments[/item] [item value="10"]Emotional affinity and heartfelt moments[/item] [item value="10"]Originality and Inventiveness[/item] [item value="10"]Radio Friendly[/item] [item value="10"]You can’t get this memorable track out of your head[/item] [item value="10"]It has potential to become an anthem or a classic[/item] [item value="10"]Orkidea & Chris Bekker - Mind Rave [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]VANDIT Alternative is releasing classy progressive and melodic techno with tracks that soon will be considered classics. The extremely gifted producer Orkidea meets the equally top artist Chris Bekker for the absolute progressive hit Mind Rave. Rolling driving deep basslines, thumping kicks and steady beat that drives the proceedings forward while the melodic content is added masterfully with emotional strings and haunting synths to enter your mind on that particular rave. The breakdown unleashes the show throbbing acid riffs to create mayhem and get some instant crowd reactions followed by the crescendo moment that you were waiting full of warmth, intensity, darkness and moodiness building something epic and must play on repeat mode to absorb more and more of it! #PureGold Love iT[/content]
For our next main label outing, our A&R manager Matt returns for a remix of the incredible ‘Daring To Love’ by Ciaran McAuley & Susana. This huge number 1 hit has been given the tech-lifting treatment by Asteroid, leading us on a journey through interesting sound design, and of course, those big vocal moments. Add this to your playlists, and turn it up loud! Massive!!!
Dimitri Kechagias review: [review top="1"] [item value="10"]Beat and Rhythm[/item] [item value="10"]Basslines and Groove[/item] [item value="10"] Melody [/item] [item value="10"] Synths [/item] [item value="10"]Breakdown[/item] [item value="10"]Climax / Drop / Crescendo / Pay off moment[/item] [item value="10"]Intensity, Drive and Energy[/item] [item value="10"]Sound-design and Arrangement[/item] [item value="10"]Overall Atmosphere[/item] [item value="10"]Goosebumps / Shivers moments[/item] [item value="10"]Emotional affinity and heartfelt moments[/item] [item value="10"]Originality and Inventiveness[/item] [item value="10"]Radio Friendly[/item] [item value="10"]You can’t get this memorable track out of your head[/item] [item value="10"]It has potential to become an anthem or a classic[/item] [item value="10"] Ciaran McAuley & Susana - Daring To Love (Asteroid Remix)[/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]The timeless vocal trance classic by Ciaran McAuley & Susana Daring To Love receives the Asteroid Remix treatment and the result is more than satisfying. Asteroid is currently on great form delivering quality productions and on this one he did his best to impress with headbanging rough and edgy slightly psy tech basslines, thumping drums, crushing kicks and magical breakdown where Susana shines with her outstanding performance followed by outburst of euphoric colorful feel good epic synths. The climax comes after an intense build up that ensures maximum anticipation for the full on flight to the moon and back! #PureGold Love IT [/content]
Scottish trance DJ and producer Sonar Zone is taking the electronic music scene by storm with his unique sound and electrifying performances. Known for his high-energy sets and captivating stage presence, Sonar Zone has amassed a dedicated following around the globe.
But it’s not just his live performances that have fans talking. Every two weeks, Sonar Zone streams the latest trance tracks connects with the Twitch Trance Community.
Sonar Zone’s talent and dedication to his craft have also earned him recognition in the industry. He’s one of the managers at Reason II Rise record label, and his upcoming release, “The Return,” on Deepsink Digital Records is highly anticipated by fans of all kinds of electronic music. The track is set to drop on January 28th, and it’s sure to be a hit.
His live performances have also taken him to some of the biggest clubs and festivals around the globe, including Detroit, Atlanta, the Netherlands and Scotland. He has played in packed crowds in Edinburgh, The Mash House, The Liquid Rooms, Magnetic Festival at the Biscuit Factory and many more.
But that’s not all. Sonar Zone has also made a splash in the world of virtual events, performing on Nowhereworld Virtual events using Unreal Engine, offering fans a unique and immersive experience. These events have allowed him to reach even more people with his music and showcase his talents to a wider audience.
With his skill and versatility, it’s no surprise that Sonar Zone has become a sought-after performer in both the physical and virtual realms. Don’t miss the chance to experience his high-energy sets and top-notch production, whether it’s live on stage or on a virtual event. January 28th was the release of his highly-anticipated track, “The Return.”
With his talent and dedication to his craft, it’s clear that Sonar Zone is one to watch in the world of electronic music. Keep an eye out for his new release and don’t miss the chance to see him live on his Twitch stream or at a venue near you.
1-Dimitris: 2023 just started but it will be cool to let us know how was 2022 for your career. Let us know about achievements or goals achieved that you are proud of.
Sonar Zone: Last year (2022) I spent a lot of my time working on Reason II Riser label. I also did a remix of a track by Jhonny Vergel - Atalaya and commissioned a remix release of my original track
'Resonate.'
2-Dimitris: Do you have already some concrete plans for 2023 and if you are allowed to announce them to our readers please tell us what you are preparing for us in the coming months regarding releases and performances in gigs/festivals.
Sonar Zone: This year (2023) started with the release of my new track 'The Return' 0n 28th January. This is the first original track I have released in over a year as I have been busy as a husband, father and at my full-time employment. There will be a remix release of The return coming out soon, so watch this space. I also have started work on a new track which should be out in the summer of this year.
3-Dimitris: It would be fantastic to talk about your latest release The Return. Please tell us how this track came about and what was the idea behind it.
Sonar Zone: The Return was my first original release in about 12 months. It took along time to get it to completion due to work commitments, but I am really pleased with the end result. I wanted to created an uplfting track but with an emotional breakdown. The vocal sample "Gazing at the ocean. I dream of your return. My heart and my soul. Dream of your return" is not only about people wanting to meet friends and loved ones but also it has a deeper more spiritual meaning where I believe God will come back and end all the wars and fighting, hunger and pain.
4-Dimitris: How long it took you to produce it and can u describe the production process in simple steps?
Sonar Zone: This track probably took the longest for me to produce, but I feel it was worth the time as this is my best production yet. I started off with a chord progrsseion I really liked and then built the melodies around that.
5-Dimitris: Did you had any particular difficulties accomplishing that particular track or any specific production challenges.
Sonar Zone: The main issue I had with this track, is the same as most producers, Constantly tweaking things and never totally sure it's 100% finished :-)
6- Dimitris: Which music composition software or hardware you prefer and why? What is your opinion of the latest movement to produce music with more analogue equipment and with less or without any digital software?
Sonar Zone: I use FL Studio 20 for my productions. I find this is a great DAW to use and they are constantly putting our great new upgrades to it.
7-Dimitris: Do you prefer instrumental dance tracks or you adore vocals? Please explain to us your position and if in your latest production you have vocals tell us how did you choose the specific singer and if it was great to work with her/him?
Sonar Zone: I love all trance, whether it is vocal or instrumental.
8-Dimitris: If you really like to produce vocal tracks which vocalist/singer or lyricist on electronic dance music you aspire to work with?
Sonar Zone: Wow, this is a tough question. There are so many amazing vocalists, all with their own unique styles. To name a few though... That Girl from South Africa, Haliene, Emma Hewitt, Katty Heath, Natalie Gioia, the list goes on...
9-Dimitris: Do you believe that artwork on your latest track is good and do you believe that artwork can attract listeners or record buyers? Can you mention the best artwork of a track ever released?
Sonar Zone: I really like the artwork for this release and I do think the artwork can attract people to the tune if they are scrolling through social media/Beatport and see a nice piece of artwork. I really like the artwork for Mark Sherry - Take Me although there are a lot of great art on Kearnage label as well.
10-Dimitris: In which label your latest release The Return is? Tell us your opinion about that particular label and your connection with them.
Sonar Zone: The Return is released on Deepsink Digital which is run by DJ and Producer Karl Forde from USA. I have been friends with Karl for a long time and played at a music festival alongside him in Detroit.
11-Dimitris: Do you have your own record label? if yes tell us when did you set it up, the reasons behind this decision and your top 3 releases on the label so far plus 2 or 3 releases that we should have our eyes and ears on from your label.
Sonar Zone: I am one of the team at Reason II Rise Records, since our launch we have had so many great release. The most recent was a collab with Ronski Speed, Bixx and That Girl which did really well, and our latest release from Angelus - Roll the Dice has just been released. Looking forward to seeing that hitting the dance floors.
12-Dimitris: Are you planning to complete an album or mix compilation soon? if yes please give us all the details about regarding tracks and how will look and sound like?
Sonar Zone: Reason II Rise has launched a REASON II RISE - BEST OF 2022 which is available NOW at beatport and will no doubt be releasing a Best of 2023 nearer the end of the year.
13-Dimitris:How much time do you spend promoting yourself in your social media and you see this as essential tool for self promotion and getting bookings too? Which social media is the one that seems to work better for you?
Sonar Zone: I spend a lot of time on social media. I find it's hard for fans to see my messages on social media though as there are so many adverts and spams my messages can get lost. I use a service and Bandsintown which I find really good for direct connection with my followers and I also find fans connect well on Instagram.
14-Dimitris: Do you have your own radio show/podcast/twitch stream or Vlog(video blog)? If yes please give us a comment about it and how long it take you to prepare for it and if you are always excited to produce it?
Sonar Zone: I stream twice a month on a Thursday on Twitch and have almost reach 1k followers. I have been working hard on getting a good visual experience for my Twitch followers and really enjoy putting the graphics/video loops etc together. I stream live from the utility room in my house with a green screen and the second I put my headphones on and see the visuals on the stream I feel like I am actually live on stage <3
15-Dimitris: Please share your most funny and most serious incident that happen to you during your DJ performance?
Sonar Zone: A while back while in US and I was still using a controller and laptop...I had my computer plugged in with an adapter as I have a UK plug socket. The adapter was under the DJ booth and as it was so big it wasn't properly connected, so half way through my set the laptop ran out of charge. Fortunately the MC of the event manage to keep the hype while we got the plugs all in properly.
16-Dimitris: Do you have an agent that organize your performances and gigs or are you taking care of them? If you do have one agency please tell us what is so special and you work with them.
Sonar Zone: I don't currently have an agent so do all my own management and bookings.
17-Dimitris: Please note for all the new talents that read this interview to get some inspiration from you any technical tips in relation to your DJing or music productions. Also any piece of personal or music business' advice that has helped you to progress even further and is worth telling to the new upcoming talents.
Sonar Zone: The first piece of advice is to never give up. Keep making the music you love and don't try and copy other styles that may seem more popular. Stick to what you love to produce. For dj'ing just keep practicing and when you are performing.. always remember to smile. If the crowd see you are enjoying it and feeling the music, you can take them on the musical journey with you.
18-Dimitris: Is there a club classic that you would like to remix or rework in 2023? Do you attempt often to do your own bootlegs of classics?
Sonar Zone: There are so many great trance classic from way back and it's good to see a lot of producers reworking them. I haven't made any bootlegs but would like to do some of that this coming year.
19-Dimitris: Vinyl sales are rising and there is strong demand for vinyl releases? What is the reason behind that trend and do you see it as a positive development?
Sonar Zone: It's interesting to see vinyl sales making a come-back and of course there is something special about putting on a track on the turntable however I don't think it will ever become as popular as before because digital media is much more versatile and can be played anywhere but yeah, great to see more vinyl released.
20-Dimitris: Many artist right now attempt to come closer to their fan base and use the meta verse in order to offer exclusive content to their most dedicated followers. Do you have any plans to do the same and what is your opinion about this plan to grow on metaverse?
Sonar Zone: I have a vr headset and have enjoyed playing about with it, but I don't think the technology is quite there yet for a fully immersive trace experience. I have been working with Nowehereworld doing virtual events. They use the latest Unreal Engine software to create amazing 'worlds' and stages to perform on.
21-Dimitris: Do you believe that music genres or styles are still relevant today? What is your opinion about hybrids and artists attempting to mix influences from various genres in their tracks?
Sonar Zone: When I first starting clubbing music was just called 'rave' and the night had all styles of music from Italian piano, breakbeat to techno and everyone just enjoyed the night. Now there are so many sub genres it has kind of split the music scene.
22-Dimitris: Finally tell us if you are able to make a leaving out of your music business (DJ/producer/label owner/teaching or mastering tracks) and if not what other jobs are you doing in order to make a decent leaving?
Sonar Zone: Unfortunately, I don't make a living from my dj/producing so have a full-time job as a conference centre manager.
Dimitris: Your message & wishes for Flux Bpm Online readers.
Sonar Zone: Great to be able to share some of my background with all the readers at Flux BPM and would like to thank you and Dimitris for all your love and support.
