Since 1983, a DJ, since 1990, a label owner of Evosonic Records, and a lecturer at the VibrA School of DJing from 2004 to 2018, he was awarded the German Dance Award in 2000.
He has released seven albums, over 80 singles and EPs, and over 50 remixes. As of 2024, he has released three DJ mix CDs on labels such as Harthouse (Frankfurt, Mannheim, Berlin), BluFin Records, Evosonic Records, City of Drums Black Label, Volume Berlin Records, Valhal Records, Vorwärts Musik, and Holy Chaos Records.
He achieved No. 1 and No. 2 rankings on the UK Underground Dance Charts and multiple Top Ten rankings on the iTunes and Beatport Charts.
Since 1997, he has been the driving force behind Evosonic Radio, the world’s first 24/7, 7-day-a-week electronic music radio station. Evosonic has since expanded its reach globally via the internet since 2015.
He has performed live and as a DJ in various countries, including Hungary, Great Britain, Switzerland, France, Austria, South Africa, Denmark, Russia, the Czech Republic, Croatia, the United States, Spain, and Italy.
He has also performed at numerous festivals, including those in the following countries (selection): Hungary, Great Britain, Switzerland, France, Austria, South Africa, Denmark, Russia, the Czech Republic, Croatia, the United States, Spain, and Italy.
**Notable Events and Clubs that he has performed through the years:**
* Christopher Street Day 2022
* Zug Der Liebe 2022
* Loveparade 1993, 1997, 1998, and 1999
* Omni 3
* Unity Rave 2
* Transmission Rave
* Union Rave
* Heart of Gold
* Eskalation II
* Hardtrance Experience
* Space Woodstock
**Legendary Clubs (Selection):**
* Der Weiße Hase/Ritter Butzke/Exit/Tresor - Berlin
a) Identify the most exceptional tracks from other artists released in 2024.
Mike S. : Mathias Schaffhäuser - Fancy Grey (Sonimun Remix) - Ware Records
Michelle Gurevich - Party Girl (Sainte Vie Remix) - Sainte Vie
Sandhog - Berlin - Exploited Club
Avision - Good Time - Ellum
Leon Capeta - Escandaleza (Original Mix) - Brise Recordings
1-Best self-produced/personal tracks of 2024
b)Explain your choices for the best 2024 personal productions.
Mike S. : 1zimmerapartment - Eternelle (Break of Dawn Mix) - BluFin Records
Chris Maico Schmidt - Luderichstrasse 31 - BluFin
Mike S., 1zimmerapartment - Tanzen (Liebe Mix) - Evosonic Records
Chris Maico Schmidt, Noah Levin - Herniated Disc - Dicular
2) Best Artist of 2024 (DJ & Producer)
Mike S:
Mathias Schaffhäuser
Timo Maas
Avision
Barry Coleman
Mikerobenics
3-a) Best Remixes of 2024
Mike S.:
Fleetwood Mac - Dreams (Budakid's Hyper Dream Edit) - Bootleg
Mikerobenics - The Cat and the Canary (Noah Levin Rework) - Blufin Records
Psycho Weazel - Mains D'argile ft. Curses (Marvin & Guy Remix)
3-b) Your best self-produced remix of 2024
Mike S: Mark Enchanty - Loving Peter (1zimmerapartment Remix) - BluFin Records
3-c) Best Remixer(s) of 2024:
Mike S. :
The Electronic Advance & DJ Nasty Deluxe
Mike S.
4) Best New Talent of 2024 (DJ or Producer):
Mike S:
Noah Levin
5-a) Best Electronic Dance Music Album of 2024:
Mike S.: Underworld - Strawberry Hotel
5-b) Best Electronic Dance Music Compilation of 2024. Please elaborate on the criteria used to select this compilation. Are the mixing processes of the tracks high quality and proficient? Is the track listing imaginative and creative?
Mike S.: Mike S., 1zimmerapartment - Tanzen (The Remixes Part 1 & 2) - Evosonic Records (EVO1001 & 1002)
5-c:Best artwork of 2024: singles or albums.
Mike S.:
Mike S., 1zimmerapartment - Tanzen (The Remixes Part 1) - Evosonic Records (EVO1001)
Mike S., 1zimmerapartment - Tanzen (The Remixes Part 2) - Evosonic Records (EVO1002)
6) Best Electronic Dance Music Label of 2024
Mike S.: BluFin Records
7)Best music composition software and hardware of 2024. Explain your selection.
Mike S.: Ableton Live 12
8)Share your most valuable technical advice and production techniques from 2024, specifically related to DJing or music production.
Mike S.: Take more time for your productions
9)Share the most valuable advice you received in the personal or music business that significantly contributed to your career advancement in 2024. This guidance can help others grow professionally.
Mike S: Always keep going. Always reinvent yourself and pursue the goal of becoming the best DJ and/or always reaching the top 5 in the Beatport charts.
10)Could you share your plans for 2025, including future releases, tracks, albums, collaborations, and DJ gigs? We’d love the details.
Mike S: To find the joy of music again.
Less trivial music productions.
New album.
Evosonic Radio with studio in Berlin.
Dimitris: Please send your message and wishes for 2025 to our esteemed readers.
Mike S.: Don't take yourselves too seriously, practice more tolerance and respect for others and have a lot more fun and humor.
Suncatcher's journey began in 2003, when he discovered LEVEL magazine and the demo version of Fruity Loops 3.5. His first release, Solaria, came five years later, but it was Epic that really launched his career after Above & Beyond played it multiple times on Trance Around the World. This led to signings with top labels like Enhanced, FSOE, Amsterdam Trance, Euphonic, AVA, and Subculture, plus remixes for iconic artists like Tiësto, Adam Nickey, and John O’Callaghan. His tracks quickly made their way into the sets of Armin van Buuren, Above & Beyond, Aly & Fila, Paul van Dyk, John O’Callaghan, Sean Tyas, and many more.
He’s since performed at major festivals like Untold, Luminosity Beach Festival, Afterhills, BeeFree, and in countries like the Netherlands, Spain, the UK, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Slovakia, and Romania.
In recent years, Suncatcher has teamed up with Exolight, releasing countless bangers together and launching a new project, Sunlight State, with a bass-heavy, energetic style. He’s also exploring new sounds in the progressive realm, continuing to push his creative boundaries.
Best of 2024 with Suncatcher
1-Best of tracks from other artists in 2024.
a) Identify the most exceptional tracks from other artists released in 2024. Explain your selection, highlighting production techniques and audience reactions.
Suncatcher: This year, more than ever, I’ve been listening to A LOT of progressive. And it’s been showing in the episodes of Critical Exposure Radio that I’ve been putting out. There are many of them that are 100% progressive from the first track to the last. So it only feels fair that I give the #1 spot to Hel-sløwed & Amber Revival - If You Only Knew. This song has everything I’m looking for. Great melody, standout vocals and is just overall an amazing track.
But of course there are a lot of amazing songs released this year, like Andrew Bayer, Rob Tirea - Fear Of Losing You, Ashley Wallbridge & John Grand - Echoes or the brilliant Daniel Kandi Remix of Ruben de Ronde & Farius feat. David Frank - Radiant. Solid productions, all of them, and each unique in its own way.
1-Best self-produced/personal tracks of 2024
b)Explain your choices for the best 2024 personal productions. Were they due to challenges, crowd reactions, or success on download shops/streaming services?
Suncatcher: I’ve gotta go with Change the Horizon here. Exolight’s brilliant melody coupled with Ana Criado’s amazing vocals, it’s just a winning combination. Super solid production from us and I dare say even better that Water Colour Memories. 😁 And releasing a song with Ana Criado is definitely one bucket list item that has been checked!
2) Best Artist of 2024 (DJ & Producer)
Analyze why you consider the selected artist the best in their genre. Explain the factors that influenced your decision and highlight their most appreciated aspects.
Suncatcher: You know what, I’m gonna give this to Exolight. And I’ll tell you why. Every song that we released this year has his melodies. And this year, we have had some really solid releases. So I can say with certainty that he’s the machine driving this duo! 🍻
3-a) Best Remixes of 2024
Provide a detailed explanation of your remix selection, including your reasons. Consider factors like production proficiency, technical aspects, creativity, and imagination.
Suncatcher: I’ve gotta come back to the brilliant Daniel Kandi Remix of Ruben de Ronde & Farius feat. David Frank - Radiant. Of course, super track, but you wouldn’t expect anything less from Mr Kandi. But it’s just that drop, oh man!
3-b) Your best self-produced remix of 2024
Explain why you believe your 2024 remix is your best work. Include any technical challenges or unique difficulties you faced during production.
Suncatcher: No remixes this year, I’m afraid. It’s getting harder and harder to remix songs these days.
3-c) Best Remixer(s) of 2024:
Provide a concise commentary on the best remixers of 2024, supporting your assessment with specific reasons highlighting their exceptional talent and expertise.
Suncatcher: Well, if the #1 remix is from Daniel Kandi, then it’s only natural that the #1 remixer spot goes to him.
4) Best New Talent of 2024 (DJ or Producer):
Explain your award selection in detail. Do you personally know or collaborate with the artist?
Suncatcher: Honestly I’m not really following who’s new and who’s old. If you release a song that I like, you’re going in my playlist 😁
5-a) Best Electronic Dance Music Album of 2024:
Provide a detailed explanation of the criteria used to select the best electronic dance music album of 2024. Also, highlight the standout tracks that showcase its exceptional quality.
Suncatcher: Farius - Synapse. I love Farius’s tracks! There have been episodes of Critical Exposure Radio where I play 2 or 3 tracks from him.
5-b) Best Electronic Dance Music Compilation of 2024. Please elaborate on the criteria used to select this compilation. Are the mixing processes of the tracks high quality and proficient? Is the track listing imaginative and creative?
Suncatcher: Anjunadeep Vol 15. All of the deep compilations are brilliant, and this no exception!
5-c:Best artwork of 2024: singles or albums.
Suncatcher: Above & Beyond - Crazy Love. I love the artworks that they put out for their singles.
6) Best Electronic Dance Music Label of 2024
Explain your choice. What appeals to you about this label? Is it the high-quality tracks, the impressive roster of notable artists, or something else?
Suncatcher: Gotta go with Enhanced Progressive. They generally release amazing tracks and I end up playing a lot of them in our radio show. I’ve been mentioning a lot of releases from them throughout this interview so it’s only fair to give them this title. 😉
7)Best music composition software and hardware of 2024. Explain your selection.
Suncatcher: FL Studio is getting better and better, and they have lifetime free updates. How can you not love it?
8-a) Your Best Personal DJ Gig of 2024:
Suncatcher: Definitely Singapore. Such awesome people, from the organizers to everyone who came to see us. You don’t see so much love for the music in many places. We’ve also received some awesome anime-style portraits of ourselves from an amazing fan! 😁
8-b) Best DJ set from another DJ (real or online) of 2024. Explain why you think it’s the strongest. Highlight exceptional mixing, track selection, and overall mix development.
Suncatcher: Hel-sløwed @ Untold Festival. Amazing set and just beautiful melodic songs throughout it.
9)Share your most valuable technical advice and production techniques from 2024, specifically related to DJing or music production.
Suncatcher: Don’t be afraid to look for guidance. Even if you’re an experienced producer, you still have things to learn. Also, don’t be lazy. Quality music requires a lot of work.
10-Share the most valuable advice you received in the personal or music business that significantly contributed to your career advancement in 2024. This guidance can help others grow professionally.
Suncatcher: You do you!
11-Could you share your plans for 2025, including future releases, tracks, albums, collaborations, and DJ gigs? We’d love the details.
Suncatcher: We’ve got a new release coming out January 2nd, so right after new year’s. I’m super proud of this one as well. Also, Sunlight State will be back, and we have plenty of vocal tracks and remixes coming.
Dimitris: Please send your message and wishes for 2025 to our esteemed readers.
Happy holidays, happy new year and let’s make 2025 at least as great as 2024 was!
Thanks so much to Suncatcher for his fantastic interview.
Summary: [review top="1"] [item value="10"]Best of 2024 Interview with Suncatcher[/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Suncatcher highlights the best tracks, productions, and artists of 2024, including Hel-sløwed & Amber Revival, Exolight, and Daniel Kandi. Suncatcher also shares their favorite DJ gigs, production techniques, and plans for 2025, including a new release and Sunlight State’s return. The interview concludes with holiday wishes and gratitude for the opportunity. [/content]
Cristian Moga, known professionally as Exolight, is a renowned trance music producer based in Romania. Renowned as “The Romanian Uplifting Wizard,” he has achieved international acclaim for his compositions featured on esteemed labels such as FSOE Fables, Always Alive, and Pure Trance. His music consistently ranks on prestigious playlists, including Armin van Buuren’s “A State of Trance,” Aly & Fila’s “Future Sound of Egypt,” Ferry Corsten’s Countdown, Paul van Dyk’s Vonyc Sessions, Solarstone’s “Pure Trance Radio,” Alex M.O.R.P.H.’s “United Nation,” and numerous other radio shows. Additionally, he has performed at various renowned trance festivals worldwide, including the globally recognized Untold festival in his home country. Access his exclusive interview featuring his top 2024 tracks, artists, and labels from the global trance scene. His insights are both informative and inspiring, so it is highly recommended that you commence reading.
Best of 2024 by Exolight
1-Best of tracks from other artists in 2024.
a) Identify the most exceptional tracks from other artists released in 2024. Explain your selection, highlighting production techniques and audience reactions.
Exolight: It’s always hard to choose from so many great tracks. I think the track I like the most this year is Digital Drift - You Don’t Mind. It’s a very solid production with amazing vocals. I remember listening to this one for the first time when I was in Greece earlier this year. Sitting on the beach and listening to this track was just amazing.
Another track that caught my attention this year is Lostly - Freedom of Movement—this is exactly the type of uplifting trance I like: simple and super melodic.
1-Best self-produced/personal tracks of 2024
b)Explain your choices for the best 2024 personal productions. Were they due to challenges, crowd reactions, or success on download shops/streaming services?
Exolight: I think it’s Change the Horizon with Suncatcher and Ana Criado! Although I really like all of my productions this year, as I focused on quality rather than quantity. I have always wanted to collaborate with Ana Criado because she is my favorite vocalist, and this year it finally happened. I had the privilege of playing the track at Untold Festival, and the reaction was wild—even from backstage, haha. One of the DJs actually asked me and Suncatcher while we were playing if he could do a remix of the track. So stay tuned—you might hear a remix of it in the future!
2) Best Artist of 2024 (DJ & Producer)
Analyze why you consider the selected artist the best in their genre. Explain the factors that influenced your decision and highlight their most appreciated aspects.
Exolight: It’s hard to pick just one artist, to be honest, but I’ll mention two of my favorites this year.
One is Lostly—I only discovered his music this year, and I think it’s amazing. His productions are very clean and powerful.
The other artist would be Farius. His music is so good, and his album this year is just amazing.
3-a) Best Remixes of 2024
Provide a detailed explanation of your remix selection, including your reasons. Consider factors like production proficiency, technical aspects, creativity, and imagination.
Exolight: My favorite remix this year is definitely the one made by Numind for my track with Suncatcher, On The Run. While we are really proud of our original version, I think the guys from Numind took the track to another level. I was surprised to receive such amazing reactions to the remix, including support from Armin van Buuren on A State of Trance (ASOT) and Tomorrowland’s One World Radio show.
3-b) Your best self-produced remix of 2024
Explain why you believe your 2024 remix is your best work. Include any technical challenges or unique difficulties you faced during production.
Exolight: I didn’t release any remixes this year, although I did finish one. It probably won’t ever be released—but who knows? I’m currently working with Suncatcher to remix a beautiful vocal track for Amsterdam Trance. I can’t share any details about the track just yet, but stay tuned!
3-c) Best Remixer(s) of 2024:
Provide a concise commentary on the best remixers of 2024, supporting your assessment with specific reasons highlighting their exceptional talent and expertise.
Exolight: For me, Daniel Kandi is one of the best remixers ever. Ruben de Ronde & Farius & David Frank - Radiant (Daniel Kandi Bangin' Mix) is one of my favorite tracks this year. I think Kandi did an incredible job remixing this amazing track.
Also, Marsh created a stunning remix of Estiva - Via Infinita. Another masterpiece this year! Or maybe it was from last year? I can’t remember exactly.
4) Best New Talent of 2024 (DJ or Producer):
Explain your award selection in detail. Do you personally know or collaborate with the artist?
Exolight: I would say my friend David Jovian. He had his first release this year, Embrace, which was a collaboration we did together. He has more tracks coming in the near future, so make sure to follow his music. He’s a very talented lad, and he reminds me of myself when I first started my musical career.
5-a) Best Electronic Dance Music Album of 2024:
Provide a detailed explanation of the criteria used to select the best electronic dance music album of 2024. Also, highlight the standout tracks that showcase its exceptional quality.
Exolight: I have two choices here: Digital Drift - Droids—a really good album with beautiful tracks.
You Don’t Mind is one of my favorite tracks this year. My second choice would be Farius - Synapse. This album is simply beautiful. I’ve always loved albums that tell a story, and this one really feels like it does so exceptionally well.
5-b) Best Electronic Dance Music Compilation of 2024. Please elaborate on the criteria used to select this compilation. Are the mixing processes of the tracks high quality and proficient? Is the track listing imaginative and creative?
Exolight: I think In Search of Sunrise is the pick for this year. I've been listening to this compilation series since 2003, and I still think it's a solid one. The Super8 & Tab CD is my favorite—it’s like a journey, blending some great old tracks with new and modern productions.
5-c:Best artwork of 2024: singles or albums.
Exolight: I really don’t look at the artworks that much haha. I only listen to the music.
6) Best Electronic Dance Music Label of 2024
Explain your choice. What appeals to you about this label? Is it the high-quality tracks, the impressive roster of notable artists, or something else?
Exolight: I think Dan Stone’s Argento is the pick for me this year. The label consistently delivers solid productions—tune after tune after tune.
7)Best music composition software and hardware of 2024. Explain your selection.
Exolight: FL Studio for life. I don’t say it’s the best but it’s the perfect one for me.
8-a) Your Best Personal DJ Gig of 2024:
Exolight: Definitely the one I had with Suncatcher in Singapore earlier in May. It was my first gig outside of Europe, and it exceeded all our expectations. The crowd was absolutely amazing, and we honestly didn’t realize we had so many fans and friends in Singapore. They were vibing with our tracks in a way that left us speechless. Just wow. I want to thank Daniel, Brandon, Joshua, Haszalii, and the entire Singapore crew for all the support and for the amazing memories, and of course for making this possible.
8-b) Best DJ set from another DJ (real or online) of 2024. Explain why you think it’s the strongest. Highlight exceptional mixing, track selection, and overall mix development.
Exolight: I think Ahmed Romel's set at Untold Festival is my favorite. I love his music so much—it’s very melodic and emotional, and I believe he delivered an amazing set at Untold. His tracks resonate deeply with my style, and his mix was absolutely on point.
9)Share your most valuable technical advice and production techniques from 2024, specifically related to DJing or music production.
Exolight: Don’t overlayer your leads and basslines. Keep it simple!
10-Share the most valuable advice you received in the personal or music business that significantly contributed to your career advancement in 2024. This guidance can help others grow professionally.
Exolight: Keep doing what you love and follow your own style. Don’t try to copy other producers, and don’t follow current trends just because labels want that.
11-Could you share your plans for 2025, including future releases, tracks, albums, collaborations, and DJ gigs? We’d love the details.
Exolight: I have a few tracks already scheduled for 2025, including two vocal tracks and an instrumental one with my bro Suncatcher, under our alias Sunlight State. Yes, Sunlight State will be back next year! I also have some other tracks planned for 2025, but they aren’t finished or scheduled yet. It’s going to be a great year. Stay tuned!
Dimitri: Please send your message and wishes for 2025 to our esteemed readers.
Exolight: Thank you all for the amazing support this year! I wish you all Happy Holidays and a wonderful New Year! See you in 2025. :-)
[review top="1"] [item value="10"]Best of 2024 Interview with Exolight[/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Exolight, a renowned Romanian trance music producer, shares his top picks for 2024, including tracks, artists, and labels. He highlights his favorite productions, collaborations, and performances, emphasizing the importance of following one’s style and not copying others. Exolight also reveals his plans for 2025, including new releases and collaborations, and expresses gratitude to his fans for their support. [/content][/review]
Thanks so much to beloved Exolight for his wonderful answers.
In the 1990s, Dutch entertainer Woody van Eyden gained widespread recognition as a DJ, producer, and television presenter. Today, he remains a highly successful artist, as evidenced by his accolades, including being described by Armin van Buuren as “one of the most amiable individuals in the industry.”
Woody van Eyden’s presence in the electronic dance music scene is undeniable. For several decades, he has captivated audiences globally with his exceptional productions, such as “Nangulan,” “Embrace The Rainbow,” and remixes for renowned artists like Armin van Buuren, Aly & Fila, Paul van Dyk, and many others. His captivating stage performances, characterized by their entertainment value and artistic flair, have solidified his status as a crowd-pleasing entertainer and YouTube sensation. His unpredictable presentation style adds a unique element to any radio or television show.
Best of 2024 by Woody van Eyden
1-Best of tracks from other artists in 2024.
Identify the most exceptional tracks from other artists released in 2024. Explain your selection, highlighting production techniques and audience reactions.
Woody van Eyden: I always have been a big fan of alex M.O.R.P.H. ´s production and his new alias MRPHLNDR is no exception, outrages productions in a more deeper cooler jacket
2) Best Artist of 2024 (DJ & Producer)
Analyze why you consider the selected artist the best in their genre. Explain the factors that influenced your decision and highlight their most appreciated aspects.
Woody van Eyden: MRPHLNDR
3-a) Best Remix of 2024
Provide a detailed explanation of your remix selection, including your reasons. Consider factors like production proficiency, technical aspects, creativity, and imagination.
Woody van Eyden: Maarten de Jong remix of When my heart bleeds ( Benjamin Duchess and Victoriya) the best you can expect from a dance floor vocal monster production
3-b) Your best self-produced remix of 2024
Explain why you believe your 2024 remix is your best work. Include any technical challenges or unique difficulties you faced during production.
Woody van Eyden: My salty skin remix of my own release...it has the sexiness this song needs
4) Your Best Personal DJ Gig of 2024:
Woody van Eyden: My best gig still needs to come ,hopefully 2025 :)
5)-Share the most valuable advice you received in the personal or music business that significantly contributed to your career advancement in 2024. This guidance can help others grow professionally.
Woody van Eyden: Be humble, thankful and patient
6)Could you share your plans for 2025, including future releases, tracks, albums, collaborations, and DJ gigs? We’d love the details.
Woody van Eyden: 2025 I already have about 15 releases scheduled , I am going a bit back to my roots, more dance then trance :)
7)Please send your message and wishes for 2025 to our esteemed readers.
Woody van Eyden: Sincerely hope we dance together next year in good health with great moves
Thanks so much to Woody for always finding some precious time to reply on our interviews.
WELCOME TO THE THRILLING WORLD OF THE EUROPEAN PRODUCER & DJ KENN COLT
Where music becomes a transformative experience that sticks in the hearts and minds of audiences.
PREPARE TO BE IMMERSED IN AN ATMOSPHERE PULSATING WITH BOUNDLESS ENERGY AND INFECTIOUS JOY.
Kenn Colt’s high-energy performances radiate with an irresistible blend of Tech House and Afro House music. With feel-good beats, catchy melodies, and heartfelt lyrics, he creates an electrifying ambiance that gets people moving and grooving, transcending the ordinary to reach new heights of exhilaration. At the core of Kenn’s artistry lies a deep passion for processing important life moments and conveying his feelings through music. His songs are not mere compositions; they contain a strong message that resonates with listeners on a profound level. While reaching 50.000.000 streams on his tracks on Spotify only, Kenn launched his own record label and publishing company Feels Like Home.
Kenn Colt, resident at Club Versuz (55th best club in the world–DJ Mag Top 100 Clubs), played already on world’s biggest festival stages: such as Tomorrowland Belgium, Tomorrowworld United States, Ultra Music Festival South Korea, Sunburn Festival India, Pacha Cape Town in South Africa, among many others. and had the honor to be the support act of David Guetta in concert and Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike show multiple times.
KENN COLT'S CREATIVE PROCESS IS METICULOUS, HEARTFELT, AND AUTHENTIC.
Drawing inspiration from his own life experiences, he carefully weaves his unique mindset and personal stories into every beat. His music possesses a genuine quality that touches the hearts of his listeners, making his performances a true artistic expression that leaves a lasting impact. But Kenn Colt’s music is not solely about the beats; it’s about the powerful message behind it all. His songs carry an uplifting and inspiring narrative that speaks directly to the souls of those who listen.
“WHERE MUSIC MEETS EMOTION, AND EVENTS BECOME EXTRAORDINARY.”
Best of 2024 by Kenn Colt
1-Best of tracks from other artists in 2024.
a) Identify the most exceptional tracks from other artists released in 2024. Explain your selection, highlighting production techniques and audience reactions.
Kenn Colt: Without doubt that would be Adam Port - Move from keinemusik. They are dominating the whole electronic dance scene at the moment with their strong afrohouse productions. It's not a peak track, but it's been such a big hit that you can basically play it on every moment at the clubs. The audience knows the lyrics, it's an easy to remember song with an overal good vibe.
Mau P - Merther, is a remake of the "Welcome to Jamrock" from Damian Marley, Mau P used the vocal and gave it an powerful remix with pumping bassline on the drop.
My most played song would be "It's not Right (but it's ok)" from the dutchies Mr Belt & Weezol. this remake works every time.
1-Best self-produced/personal tracks of 2024
b)Explain your choices for the best 2024 personal productions. Were they due to challenges, crowd reactions, or success on download shops/streaming services?
Kenn Colt: My best production for 2024 will be Mueve Ese Booty, based on the reactions of the crowd and as well did the best on the streaming platforms. Everywhere i played this song the crowd start moving, in Latin America they understood the lyrics and especially the girls went crazy on this one.
2) Best Artist of 2024 (DJ & Producer)
Analyze why you consider the selected artist the best in their genre. Explain the factors that influenced your decision and highlight their most appreciated aspects.
Kenn Colt: Adam Port and keinemusik, without doubt dominating the afrohouse scene this year. Nearly all the songs they did reached high notes and the keinemusik parties were sold out worldwide.
3-a) Best Remixes of 2024
Provide a detailed explanation of your remix selection, including your reasons. Consider factors like production proficiency, technical aspects, creativity, and imagination.
Kenn Colt: Swedish house mafia - Finally (Eran Hersh & Shooma Remix) - I know Eran for many years when he did a remix for my song Sun Goes Down and now he did an official release of "Finally" from the Swedish house mafia, such a beauty.
3-b) Your best self-produced remix of 2024
Explain why you believe your 2024 remix is your best work. Include any technical challenges or unique difficulties you faced during production.
Kenn Colt: This year I focussed more on own releases or remakes, but if you count the remakes as well as a remix than it would be "Chan Chan", it's a remake of the "buena vista social club" classic and was released on my own label Feels Like Home Records.
3-c) Best Remixer(s) of 2024:
Provide a concise commentary on the best remixers of 2024, supporting your assessment with specific reasons highlighting their exceptional talent and expertise.
Kenn Colt: Best remixer this year would maybe be Fisher, he did somebody (from gotye), Waiting for Tonight from Jennifer lopez and "Jamming" from Bob marley. all these remixes work so well on club but even on festivals so for my point of view that deserves this point.
4) Best New Talent of 2024 (DJ or Producer):
Explain your award selection in detail. Do you personally know or collaborate with the artist?
Kenn Colt: The Belgians Samm & Ajna - they have been making waves for a while now but 2024 was definitely their year. both production wise, remixes and their own party concept and label magnifik.
5-a) Best Electronic Dance Music Album of 2024:
Provide a detailed explanation of the criteria used to select the best electronic dance music album of 2024. Also, highlight the standout tracks that showcase its exceptional quality.
Kenn Colt: Well this is a surprising question because for tech house or dance in general I don't see much albums passing by (if none so far i know). Only big pop stars did some albums this year.
5-b) Best Electronic Dance Music Compilation of 2024. Please elaborate on the criteria used to select this compilation. Are the mixing processes of the tracks high quality and proficient? Is the track listing imaginative and creative?
Kenn Colt: Same as previous question
5-c: Best artwork of 2024: singles or albums.
Kenn Colt: PAWSA - PICK UP THE PHONE (feat. Nate Dogg) - shoots me right back to my youth when i got my first phone (which was a Nokia 3310)
6) Best Electronic Dance Music Label of 2024
Explain your choice. What appeals to you about this label? Is it the high-quality tracks, the impressive roster of notable artists, or something else?
Kenn Colt:I would say because of the immense success of their tracks, keinemusik probably won this year.
7)Best music composition software and hardware of 2024. Explain your selection.
Kenn Colt: For me Studio One. i have been producing with Logic Pro for years, but i felt like it's more a big boat which moves slowly. Studio One has best of both worlds, it looks a bit like Ableton (fast way of producing) but has the look and feel of Logic. I hardly switch back to Logic, unless there is a project i want to check or reuse which i've made in the past :-)
8-a) Your Best Personal DJ Gig of 2024:
Kenn Colt: Alchemist, Kenya August 31, 2024, It was my first time performing in Kenya, and I didn’t expect the crowd to welcome me with such incredible energy and love. The vibe was electric, and it’s a moment I’ll never forget. It was a great introduction for Afro House music as well!
8-b) Best DJ set from another DJ (real or online) of 2024. Explain why you think it’s the strongest. Highlight exceptional mixing, track selection, and overall mix development.
Kenn Colt: That's such an hard question. i've seen so many this year, maybe Anyma this year at Tomorrowland mainstage. that was a very powerful experience, especially to see him after all the afterlife shows also perform like that on the mainstage. big up!
9)Share your most valuable technical advice and production techniques from 2024, specifically related to DJing or music production.
Kenn Colt: I had the chance to be in the studio with fellow producers and learned small new techniques, but the best one would be the "Studio One" DAW tip that I got from my friends.
10-Share the most valuable advice you received in the personal or music business that significantly contributed to your career advancement in 2024. This guidance can help others grow professionally.
Kenn Colt: I was making all kinds of music in the beginning of 2024, but the best advise is to narrow down your style so people in the music business, but also your fans know what to expect. And be unique in your sound and productions!
11-Could you share your plans for 2025, including future releases, tracks, albums, collaborations, and DJ gigs? We’d love the details.
Kenn Colt: I’m excited to share that I’ve got a new track dropping in March 2025 on the African label My Other Side Of The Moon! It’s afrohouse track that I've premiered back in august and the label boss came to me and wanted to sign the track right away, so I hope everyone will enjoy, so stay tuned. Aside from that, I have a few more in the works, if you’ve been following my socials, you might have caught a few previews already. 😉 For shows, i'm planning to do a new tour in latin america and especially Paraguay, Ecuador and Mexico! I’m definitely revisiting my favorites from this year as well as Africa and China will be back on the menu.
Big news: I’m relaunching my record label "FEELS LIKE HOME Records" from beginning of 2025! If you’re an aspiring artist looking to collaborate or release music, don’t hesitate to reach out. There’s a lot more to come, and I can’t wait to see where 2025 takes us. Let’s make it another year to remember! 🎶🔥
12-Please send your message and wishes for 2025 to our esteemed readers.
Kenn Colt: Hey everyone! Thanks for tuning in to this interview. Thanks for being such an amazing part of this community that’s all about good vibes and good music. Electronic music has a way of bringing people together, and it’s inspiring to see how we all connect through the beats. Keep the music alive, see you all in 2025!
Thanks so much to Jack Meredith at Urban Rebel for arranging this interview.
