Showing posts with label Hard Trance Europe. Show all posts
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02:42:00

 




Pre-order, release date May 9th 2025.

Time to raise the bar also on our successful HTE Compilation Series. Our most ambitious lineup EVER of guest mixers from all corners of the Globe spanning 4 unmissable Discs and over 5 Hours of the finest harder-edged trance sounds. 

Packing in 320 minutes of high energy and harder trance sounds from the likes of Yoji Biomehanika, Gentech, Dumonde, S.H.O.K.K., John Askew, Lab4, Sneijder, Renegade System, David Forbes, Nick The Kid, Jordan Suckley, K90, Wavetraxx, Andrea Montorsi, Sam Laxton and many many more!

Partnering with the almighty Black Hole Recordings for this vast 6th edition compilation, we've invited our very special guest curators to dive deep into our catalogues for 2025, with each flexing their sonic diversity across a whole spectrum of sounds. Months in the making, expect exclusive new music, nostalgic classics from the archives, and a few surprises along the way. We hope you all enjoy this eclectic and exciting addition to your HTE library.

Find on Magik Muzik Shop HERE




Tracklist:

Disc 01 - Mixed by Yoji Biomehanika and Lab4 & Nick The Kid.

Part 01 - Mixed by Yoji Biomehanika
01. Baby D - Let Me Be Your Fantasy (Quinny Remix)
02. Lostly - Causeway
03. D72 & Cresta - This Is Acid!
04. Systembreaker - Inject Power
05. Yoji Biomehanika - Go Mad (20240929 Mix)
06. Yoji Biomehanika - Never End (Novakaine Remix)
07. Emiliano Pavon - Acido y Furioso
08. Peetu S - Mental Component
09. Yoji Biomehanika - Hovering In The Void
10. Yoji Biomehanika - Acid Spunk (20240601 Mix)

Part 02 - Mixed by Lab4 & Nick The Kid
11. Swankie DJ, Pulsar and Chaos Theory - Sync Or Swim
12. Nick The Kid, S.H.O.K.K. and Jan Johnston - Innocent Sky
13. Blade Attack - Waterloops (Nick The Kid, Jake Ayres & Dave Scott Remix)
14. Binary Finary - Invada
15. Beppe Barilli - The Answer 2025
16. The Digital Devil - Ego Destruction
17. S.H.O.K.K. - Folie Á Deux (Lab4 & AlexMo Remix)
18. Lab4 - Creator (Phutek Remix)
19. Lab4 - Sex Drugs Rock’N’Roll
20. Andrea Montorsi & Nick The Kid - Love 2 Keep

Disc 02 - Mixed by Andrea Montorsi & Luca Antolini and Renegade System

Part 01 - Mixed by Luca Antolini & Andrea Montorsi
01. Jordan Suckley - Be Mine
02. John Askew & Lyonheart - Be Careful What You Wish For (David Forbes Remix)
03. Will Rees - Sun Will Shine
04. Adam Reece - Pounder
05. Avaxx and PHD - Acid Rave
06. Wavetraxx - Neid
07. Beppe Barilli - The Answer 2025 (Andrea Montorsi Hard Trance Remix)
08. Andrea Montorsi and Renegade System - 4 Your Love
09. Luca Antolini and Andrea Montorsi - Voice Of Dream
10. SHOCK:FORCE - Infinite (Argy (UK) Remix)

Part 02 - Mixed by Renegade System
11. Forza:Duo - Radiance
12. Allen Watts - Indicator
13. Ed Lynam - Mayhem
14. Renegade System - The Shift
15. DuMonde - Never Look Back (Rework MMXXV)
16. ADM & Renegade System - To the Point
17. Renegade System - Lost In Fantasy
18. Renegade System - Go Insane
19. David Forbes - The Lies
20. Renegade System - Algorhythm
21. MindTrick - I Want Your Soul
22. Renegade System - Wrong is Right
23. TrickyDj - Black Magic

Disc 03 - Mixed by K90 and M-Zone

Part 01 - Mixed by K90
01. Wavetraxx - Without Compromise
02. Thanac - Unearthly
03. Interactive x Sasha Vatoff - Amok 2025
04. Steve Blake - I Get A Rush (Phutek Remix)
05. K90 - One Night In Camden
06. Driftmoon - Moonstruck
07. John Askew - UFO
08. Jaron Inc & Wavetraxx - Forest Of Sound (Wavetraxx Mix)

Part 02 - Mixed by M-zone
09. Sachi Toyama - No Comment 2019 (M-Zone Remix)
10. Space Tripper featuring Kristine Hughes - Dream Within A Dream
11. Dizmaster and Wavetraxx - Legacy
12. Trance-Atlantic and Gray Mentality - The Fly
13. M-Zone & Rusty Nuttz - Adrenaline Rush
14. Cause & Effect 1 - Time is an illusion
15. Out-Cast - Outcaster
16. DJ Nici - We Are One
17. Rufian - Plonk

Disc 04 - Mixed by S.H.O.K.K. & SHOCK:FORCE and Yusef Kifah

Part 01 - Mixed by S.H.O.K.K. & SHOCK:FORCE
01. Wavetraxx - Future Past
02. P.H.A.T.T. x S.H.O.K.K. - Demolition
03. Jake Ayres - Day Dream
04. Binary Finary - Invada (S.H.O.K.K. Remix)
05. SHOCK:FORCE - Infinite
06. S.U.L.L.Y - Mistakes Of The Past 2025
07. SHOCK:FORCE - The Next Life
08. SHOCK:FORCE - The Nexus (Busho Remix)
09. SHOCK:FORCE - Straight From The Underground

Part 02 - Mixed by Yusef Kifah
10. Yusef Kifah - Intrinsic
11. Sneijder x Kinetica x Nicole Cross - Stay The Night
12. NG Rezonance & Boski - Elevate
13. Gentech - Make My Body Move
14. Yusef Kifah - Radiating
15. Sam Laxton - Under Control
16. Yusef Kifah - Private Jet
17. Lab4 - CTRL ALT DESTROY (Yoji Biomehanika Remix)




After our biggest edition to date in Weston Super Mare, we are very happy to announce we will be returning to the iconic Grand Pier in 2025. We will be raising the bar with increased production levels and are pleased to reveal we will be taking over the main Great Hall on both Friday and Saturday night.
Expect some very exciting announcements in the coming weeks and months, with over 75+ of your favourite DJs/Acts from far and wide all converging at this beautiful and iconic location for 3 days of summertime Hard Trance hedonism.

Where else can you party a quarter of a mile out to sea, with access to a whole indoor amusement park, dodgems, go-karts, slot machines, fun house, restaurants, bars and much much more? HTE that's where.
The dates are 6th-8th June 2025, so get it in the diary, grab your discounted early bird ticket and book your accommodation for what is going to be an even larger edition of the HTE Weekender.

FULL LINEUP:
YOJI BIOMEHANIKA • HIXXY • LANGE • ANDREAS KRAEMER presents SCHWARZE PUPPEN • THE MARK EG & M-ZONE EXPERIENCE • LISA PIN-UP • SHARKEY • ROB TISSERA • KEVIN ENERGY • CALLY & JUICE • BILLY 'DANIEL' BUNTER b2b JON DOE • DJ WAG aka YAKOOZA • RENEGADE SYSTEM • LAB4 b2b PHUTEK featuring BRADLEY GUNN RAVER • AMBER D b2b PULSAR • S.H.O.K.K. (Classics) • NICK THE KID • VICKY DEVINE • DARK BY DESIGN • THE MORRIGHAN • FUDALWOKIT • IAIN CROSS b2b WRAGG • SHOCK:FORCE • SWANKIE DJ b2b HEX • JON THE BAPTIST & CHUCK-E • TORMENTOR • ED LYNAM • JAKE AYRES b2b DAVE SCOTT

ENEMY-9 (Switzerland) • JESTER & KOHL • STU GRADY • HEART & HAWK • DAVE SPINOUT & TRICKYDJ • RENNZ & RAYBOLD • DRE & MOTION • NICK MANNING • RICHIE KNIGHT b2b HYWEL MATTHEWS • THE DIGITAL DEVIL • NICK VAN KUKAJ • ADAM SCHOFIELD • JOE BYRNE & SEAN FURLONG • SKIPPY b2b KICKBACK • SPEXX b2b FRANKUE 4 FINGERZ • JONEZ b2b SMILE.E • CARNAGE b2b DJ D • HDQ b2b OUTBURST • BISHOP • SUGARSHAKER • SHAUN ASHLEY • ALEX PALMER • CLARE MARIE • RUSTY NUTTZ b2b DAN OFFSIDE • HAKKA • NATHANIEL SIM b2b NEIL ROWE • JYE FEELGOOD • LE DAMON b2b SCOTTY • TASH TIKKA • THE WRONGUNS • CHRIS NYCON • SPARK-E • TROY WYSE b2b ARRON JONES • WILL MAIZONNIER • FISKY G • JOEY ROGERS.

Hosts:
SI THE SIGH | SHOCKER | FUGITIVE | MOTION | DMC OUTBREAK
Weekend tickets now on sale at just £55 + b/f
£15 Monthly Payment Plan also available. 


Additional info:

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13:19:00


Following on in our series of highly acclaimed compilation CDs, we thought that with the HTE Weekender fast approaching it would make for the perfect opportunity to unleash yet another three disc collection of the finest Hard Trance music from across the globe. Partnering with the almighty Black Hole Recordings for the project, we have an exciting lineup of guest mixers in control for this edition. Swiss legend S.H.O.K.K. joins HTE mainstay Nick The Kid, Hard Dance icon Lab4 and techno-fire champ Phutek hit the studio to converge their styles for the first time ever, London's AlexMo drops a rockin' producer showcase, the man in shades and HTE champion Ed Lynam delivers his first-ever official compilation mix. South West and Counry Club legend Iain Cross joins the party curating his favourite music from the HTE camp and we are also delighted to be hosting 11 year old boy wonder PULSAR"s first official compilation mix, and at 11 years old probably the youngest ever DJ to ever mix an official compilation. 

Packing in 240 minutes of high energy and harder trance sounds from the likes of Scot Project, Yoji, Fred Baker, Lab4, Antolini & Montorsi, S.H.O.K.K, Wavetraxx, Nick The Kid, Renegade System, DJ Wag aka Yakooza, Yusef Kifah, Jan Johnston, Heatbeat, Jam El Mar and many many more, making this the largest edition to date! 

 Pre-Order and reserve your copy now. Shipping Worldwide from April 22nd.


Tracklist:
S.H.O.K.K. & NICK THE KID
Jake Ayres - Voices From Beyond
Opt-In feat Jan Johnston - Middle Of Nowhere (S.H.O.K.K. & Nick The Kid Remix)
Nathaniel Sim & Neil Rowe - Concentr8
MayMarr - Incapacitated (Tempestarii Remix)
Haikal Ahmad & BetaHouse Mafia - Speed Of Light
S.H.O.K.K. Lollo Rosso (SHOCK:FORCE Remix)
Wavetraxx & Nick The Kid - Aeolian
S.H.O.K.K. - Folie A Deaux (Nick The Kid & Wavetraxx Mix)
DJ T.H & Jasmine Knight - Escape (Nick The Kid Remix)
Luca Antolini & Andrea Montorsi - Voice Of Dream

PULSAR
Alan Sharkey - Maya
Sholan - Bring The Noise
Mynax - What Is Life
Trance Atlantic & Gray Mentality - The Fly
Inoblivion - Anaesthesia
Betahouse Mafia - Another Attempt
D10 - The Shadows
Andrea Montorsi & Renegade System - Feel The Music

ALEXMO
AlexMo - SuperNova
Fawzy - Elixir of a Shattered Soul (Weirdo Remix)
Alan Sharkey - The Hidden Path
Chris SX - Retrograde
AlexMo - This Is Mine
AlexMo & S.H.O.K.K. - Mama Cocha
Lab4 - Concept of Love (AlexMo Remix)

ED LYNAM
Mindflux & Evanti - Connection Is Soul
Ed Lynam - La Cuarenta
Ed Lynam - Noradrenaline
Rick Guyez - The Yellow Beetle (Take Me Higher)
Bas & Ram - The Flirt (Ed Lynam Remix)
Ed Lynam & AstroFegs - Machina Ex Inferis
David Nimmo - Help Myself
Fred Baker Presents Dark Alliance - Genetic (Ed Lynam Remix)
Scot Project - C3 (Celestial)

IAIN CROSS
The Elite - 5 Seconds to Terminate (ADM Remix)
Kenny Palmer - Nightfallen
Accelerator - Ventura
Lab4 - Candyman 2023 (Nick The Kid Remix)
Troy Wyse - Kameleon
Nomad - Cloak (Extended Mix)
Trickydj & Shax - Harder
Andrea Montorsi - Special

LAB4 + PHUTEK
Storm - Time To Burn (Jam El Mar Remix)
Pants & Corset - Malice In Wonderland (Phuket Remix)
Lab4 & Nick Van Kukaj - Force 10 Fire
Blashear - Rave Origin
Digital Devil - Switch Up
Yusef Kifah, Lab4, SHOCK:FORCE - Champagne
DJ Wag - The Darkness (Lab4 Remix)
Enemy-9 - Limitless
Lab4 - Candyman (Phutek Remix)
Yoji Biomehanika - Seduction (Rework)

Additional info:
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02:32:00

Switzerland’s Christopher Menzi aka Wavetraxx has been carving out uplifting hard trance masterpieces since ’99, racking up what is hundreds of releases in that time, consistently resonating amongst the who’s who of harder and mainstream Trance DJs alike. An unbelievable ear for a strong and memorable melody, coupled with unique and high-grade production values, has always made him an exciting artist to follow. It’s no surprise that his music has received consistent support over two decades from key players of the scene such as ‘Scot Project, Bryan Kearney, Sean Tyas, Indecent Noise. Andy Moor, S.H.O.K.K. to name just a few.


Best of 2023

1-a) Best track(s) from other fellow artists of 2023. Why you choose this particular track, please share with us the reasons?production techniques & crowd reactions on it.

Wavetraxx: DIM3NSION – Adagio In G Minor

There are many talented artists. I especially liked the song by DIM3NSION with its classic melody and it also inspired me for my own future productions. I love these classic chord changes.


1-b) Best of 2023 personal productions and for what you reasons you choose these particular tracks, is it because of technical challenges, crowd reaction in the club or was it your most successful single/album?

Wavetraxx: The most successful was probably Jaron Inc. & Wavetraxx "Cloudsurfer". Cloudsurfer was at least played by Armin at State of Trance, by Solarstone and other well-known artists. To be honest, I never expected that. Basically, I'm happy (like probably every artist) when my own songs are played. I have certainly improved technically this year and have reached a new level at which I can produce in 2024. Maybe 2024 will be the most important year for me. At least my new album will be released and a few really successful productions.


2) Best Artist of 2023(DJ & producer). Tell us why you believe he/she is the best, the factors that have influence you to choose this particular artist. What you appreciate the most from that artist. 

Wavetraxx: I don't have a particular favourite. There are a few artists I often listen to, e.g. A.r.d.i., Richard Durand, Ferry Corsten, Dim3nsion, A.S.Y.S. And of course I follow all the releases of my music colleagues like Nick Coles, S.H.O.K.K., Jaron INC, Dizmaster, Mindflux, Robbie Swan, Barry Nostic Röhner, Maurice Herzing, Alexmo, Lab4, Lyd14 and everyone I'm in contact with more or less throughout the year.

3) YOUR Best Remix which you have produced of 2023! Why you believe that this is your best remix? share with us the technical challenges or special issues you had during the production of it. 

Wavetraxx: I haven't done that many remixes this year, maybe the current Snowface - Paranoia (Wavetraxx Remix). At least I mixed and mastered the track in a good quality.

4) Best electronic dance music compilation of 2023. Please explain the criteria behind this choice? is the quality and proficiency of the mixing process, imagination/creativity in the choice of the track listing :

Wavetraxx: At first I thought that my 2nd album "Second Wave " would be released in 2023. But now it has been postponed to 2024.


5) Best electronic dance music label of 2023. Please explain the reason behind your choice? what you particularly like or appreciate about this particular label?quality of tracks, great rooster of artists, personal connection?:

Wavetraxx: HTE, Drizzly Music, Hyper Reality Records, Pure Trance, Redux Recording: Because you supported my music in 2023.

6) Best music composition software and hardware of 2023 with short comment. Why you believe this particular software/hardware deserves to be named as the best? great new features, easy to navigate, compose & produce? The advantages of this particular software & hardware that makes it to stand out.

Wavetraxx: Cubase 13 > They have made the DAW a lot more stable, new functions that I can use well, new plugins.

7) Your Best personal DJ Gig & DJ performance of 2023. Where and when did you perform there? any funny incidents happened during particular performance; great crowd reactions. If there is video or sound recording please provide the link.

Wavetraxx: I receive sporadic requests to DJ throughout the year, and there have already been many countries involved: Spain, Switzerland, Germany, England, USA (Miami/Las Vegas), Holland, various Eastern European countries. But I'm more of a producer and don't DJ (at the moment). But of course I really appreciate the requests.

8) Best DJ set from other fellow DJ (actual or online) of 2023. Why you believe is the strongest and best DJ set? great mixing/track selection/development of the mix:

Wavetraxx: I think Solarstone does this quite well with its radio shop. Always nice and varied. I like that.


9) Best technical tips/production skills that you learnt in 2023 in relation to your DJing or music productions:

Wavetraxx: Less is more. I have realised that I have made things far too complicated in the past. 

10) Best piece of personal or music business' advice you got in relation to your career in 2023 and has helped you to progress even further and can help others who will read this interview:

Wavetraxx: Not advice, but a self-realisation: that I concentrated on my music and didn't worry about success. As I do it as a hobby and am not dependent on success, I also make the music that I enjoy. It's not a must, but a want. And because I completely ignore current music trends, my songs sound the way they do. And although I can't keep up with the big-name artists in the music scene, my Spotify numbers have almost doubled in 2023. That confirms to me that I'm not all that wrong.

Dimitris: Do you have any concrete plans for 2024 regarding future releases, tracks, albums, collaborations, DJ gigs? Please provide us the juicy details.

Wavetraxx: My 2nd album in February 2024 on HTE, with very special and different sounding songs. Probably my best productions in a long time. And of course various productions on different labels. Including vocal trance and, of course, hard trance productions.

Dimitris: Your message & wishes for 2024.

Wavetraxx: A little more togetherness, a little less resentment, envy and going it alone. But that's human nature.

In 2024, I'm 200% sure I'll be chasing people less and focussing more on myself and my music.

Thanks so much to Christopher aka Wavetraxx for his answers

Thanks to Al Faris from Drizzly for arranging.

Additional info:
www.wavetraxx.com
https://www.facebook.com/wavetraxx/
https://www.patreon.com/Wavetraxx
https://soundcloud.com/wavetraxx
https://wavetraxx.com/
https://www.blackholerecordings.com/artists/wavetraxx
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04:28:00



Les Elston is multi award winning writer and producer of Electronic, Hard Trance, Multi Media and founding member of Lab4

With a career spanning over two decades and ten studio albums for labels inc Avex, Resist, Tidy Trax and Hard Trance Europe.

Les has also worked on many high profile advertising campaigns for the likes of Bacardi, Reebok (USA Superbowl), Pepsi, BBC, Coca Cola, Auto Modellista by Capcom, Time Lapse The Movie starring Danielle Panabaker (Mad Men, The Flash) as well as appearing on BBC2 John Peel’s ‘Sound Of The Suburbs music documentary and being asked to perform on the legendary John Peel session at Maida Vale studios London.

Lab4 have and continue to tour extensively gaining huge followings in Japan, Australia, Scandinavia the Netherlands, Canada and of course the UK.

Les is currently releasing tracks on various labels including HTE, HQ and his own label AtomikA, as well as hitting the Loopmasters dual number one chart position for Best Sellers and Trance.

2022 saw Lab4 return to the sound to picture composition work and the completion of the upcoming Canadian Sci Fi / Thriller Movie ‘Neurovenge’ produced by Electronic Earth, Paper Padlock.

2023 will see the release of a brand new studio album titled ‘Mechanism Of Resistance’ featuring a plethora of new material and a selection of live sets and remixes of some classic Lab4 tracks along with a brand new Loopmasters HTE vol 2 set for June release. All this along with the exciting prospect of international gigs inc Australia, Ibiza, Canada, Netherlands

We are super glad that Lab4 will share with us some of his thoughts about his latest tracks and forthcoming projects.


1-Dimitris: It would be nice to start by telling us your 3 most important achievements or goals fulfilled in your career so far that you very are proud of.

Lab4: Probably the ones that really stand out are

1) Writing music for the 1999-2000 Reebok Superbowl Advert

2) Being interviewed by the legendary John Peel and doing the BBC John Peel Sessions

3) Getting a major label record deal in Japan

2-Dimitris: Why and under which circumstances did you took the decision to start DJing or producing electronic dance music?

Lab4: I've always been hugely influenced by film and film soundtracks and have always been around music, my mother was a pianist and music theory tutor. I play guitar and that is my first instrument, but the entire spectrum of music and instrumentation has always been fascinated me. I think the pivotal point was listening to the ZTT label and producers like Trent Reznor. It opened up a wider field, not just guitar but production in general.

3-Can you note down the top 3 producers that have influenced your decision to get involved in the electronic dance music scene and you admire and respect them very much?

Lab4: Trent Reznor, Trevor Horn, Hans Zimmer

4-Dimitris: It would be fantastic to talk about your track Afterlife with AlexMo. Please tell us how this track came about and what was the idea behind it.

Lab4: My latest release is through Hard Trance Europe and it's a collaboration titled Afterlife, I wrote it with AlexMo who has recently had some amazing releases out and getting really excellent chart postitions on Beatport and various other download stores. Alex has just finished a fantastic remix of the Lab4 classic "Concept Of Love" which will be coming out around July I believe.

5-Dimitris: How long it took you to produce Afterlife and can u describe the production process in simple steps?

Lab4: Afterlife was pretty easy and straight forward to be honest. Alex sent some riffs and melodies over via dropbox, we agreed on a tempo, vibe, key etc,, I think the initial session when we got together was a whole day, then we sent the stems back and forth a few times, we both work on Logic X and use the same synths pretty much. Nexus N4, Serum etc,


6-Dimitris: Did you had any particular difficulties accomplishing that particular track or any specific technical challenges or obstacles that you had to overcome during its production.

Lab4: No this one was easy as we're both on pretty much the same set up. iMac 27", Logic X, Nexus etc,

7- 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?

Lab4: Logic X on Mac all the way, I started out on Atari ST Notator then went straight to Logic in 2000, for me it sounds the best, what you get for the money is incredible, to be honest I'm not a fan of PC's, i've had them before, Acer, custom built Carilion etc and they always seem a poor second to Apple equipment. I used to have a room full of analogue gear, I love it, Waldorf Microwave, Alesis A6, Access Virus, I still have a Roland D50 & Juno 2, I love the Roland sound and the filters are incredible.


8-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?

Lab4: Both, I love a really catchy uplifting vocal in a tune, I've worked with many vocalists over the years. Then again if a track doesn't need a vocal then I'm good with that as well.

9-Dimitris: If you really like to produce vocal tracks which vocalist/singer or lyricist on electronic dance music you aspire to work with?

Lab4: There are so many great vocalists out there. I think bringing someone in who isn't known for dance music is an interesting concept and can produce really great results. I love Trent Reznor's voice, very distinctive. Gary Numan as well. Love his voice.

10-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?

Lab4: Yes I'm a massive fan of album/single artwork, with my own label AtomikA I always give each release it's own artwork, I'm not into label brand identity. A tiny label logo on the cover is all you need, I'm much into the artist not the label.

Best artwork, probably the artwork Avex Japan made for our releases, I also contributed to the last Avex release we did with them called None Of Us Are Saints,, I drew an Anime style graphic and they accepted it to be included in the final cover illustration.

11-Dimitris: Can you pick your top 3 record labels including the one released the track that we discuss in this interview and give us a short comment about them?

Lab4: HTE (Nick Coles) is amazing, he works so hard and has stuck to his guns with his label concept and ideas, going from strength to strength,,, label, online store, and now international events.

Avex was amazing to work with, being signed to a huge major was a great learning experience. When we toured in Japan you would see our CD's and posters in record shop windows and see Lab4 displays in the doorways and people listing to it on the listening post station things.

Also Fragile which was Lab4's first label, that was also an amazing learning experience, all Vinyl and CD releases, physical products. I still get asked every week for CD's and Vinyl.

Nick and I just released some vinyl, Picture Disks and White Vinyl, it was a really nice buzz getting some fresh vinyl released and out.


12-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 look after from your label.

Lab4: AtomikA, I use it to release all kind of material, slower techie releases, vocal trance, harder style trance etc, I set it up years ago before I started releasing tracks through HTE, I release about four tracks a year through it.

13-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?

Lab4: Yes a brand new Lab4 album is currently in the works, not sure when it will be finished, it'll be a USB release.

It will split into 3 or 4 sub folders,

1) Main Hard Dance/Trance/Dancefloor

2) Live Sets

3) Alternative Material

The "Alternative Material" will be comprised of soundtrack and song related content, ie not dancefloor, actual songs I've co-written with vocalists etc, and soundtrack music I composed for film & TV



14-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?

Lab4: This is my #1 weakness, I painfully fail at this. I should spend a lot more time on Social Media, for various reasons i don't give it the time I should give it.

Number one I hate seeing myself on camera, like really hate it, I can't stand the sound of my voice and sometimes I think are people really that interested in what I have to say.?,

Unfortunately it's an essential part of the process, problem is I don't seem to have the fortitude to be a great big ego filled flapping mouth. I'm not that kind of personality.


15-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?

Lab4: No, just a Youtube channel which I keep meaning to upload content Lab4Official, I will get around to uploading all the back catalogue etc, I know it's insane I have all this interesting history and amazing portfolio of work, it should be up there and available to enjoy.

16-Dimitris: Do you have any gigs/festival performances confirmed so far for 2023 in which ones are you most excited to perform and why?

Lab4: We just played for Esoteric in Australia, that was amazing, ASOT after party in the Netherlands, I've got Ibiza in May, and Bring The Noise in Birmingham. Frantic London, and the amazing HTE Weekender in Liskeard Cornwall in June.


17-Dimitris: Please share your most funny and most serious incident that happen to you during your DJ performance?

Lab4: There's so many .. I can remember one when i accidentally cut my hand open on stage, 'mid performance' and signalled to the security guard by the side of the stage what I had done,, when he came over to see he literally went a really weird colour and ran off.. lol

And another time I fell through the stage, only about 18" but it still really painful, the stage was so old and rotten.

18-Dimitris: Are you enjoying to visit music conferences and do you have any plans to attend any of them in 2023:

Lab4: No no plans as yet.

19-Are you happy with the way that royalties system works particularly regarding streaming revenue? Do you believe that artists get what they deserve from streaming providers/DJs playing your tracks in gigs/radio and selling music in physical formats like CDs/Vinyl or digitally.

Lab4: To be honest it's so low compared to what it used to be, Physical is much better. people seem to be getting bored with downloads, it's soulless.

20-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.

Lab4: Just keep at it, throw as much stuff around as you possibly can, also surround yourself with people you trust, try to be as original as you can. Yes it's great to have big influences and people to look up to. I never in a million years would've thought I'd have people asking my advice on music and production, it still seems strange to me. lol

21-Dimitris: Many DJs who are producers too they offer online masterclasses or teach to music production courses. If you are offering any of these services please tell us about it.

Lab4: Well there will be something coming in the future but we're keeping it under cover for now.

22-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?

Lab4: I've done a few bootlegs.. not of dance tracks, of rock or pop tunes that I've chopped around and made them into dance tunes.

There's a few I have ear-marked for future work outs.. I don't want to say because then I'd be giving it away.


23-Dimitris: Many artist right now attempt to come closer to their fan base and use the various services in order to offer exclusive content to their most dedicated followers. Do you have any plans to do the same by connecting even more with your most dedicated fans?

Lab4: I to chat to alot of people directly through Facebook/Insta etc, but the thing I mentioned earlier about teaching production etc will kind of merge into that.

24-Dimitris: Can you describe your music as certain music genre such as trance, house, techno or your music exempts these categorizations? What is your opinion about hybrid styles and the artists who are attempting to mix influences from various genres in their tracks?

Lab4:  To be honest I just see all of it as dance music.

The closest would be Hard Dance, Hard Trance with modern produstion values I suppose, maybe tech trance as well.

25-Dimitris: Is your music business your full time occupation and are you able to make a leaving out of your music business (DJ/producer/label owner/teaching or mastering tracks)? If not what other jobs are you doing in order to support your income?

Lab4: You have to diversify so much, so I get involved with all kinds of Music, Film related businesses


Dimitris: Your message & wishes for Flux Bpm Online readers.

Lab4: Have an amazing life, never listening to the critics, be positive as much as you can, live to create greatness.

Thanks to Lab4 for this amazing interview, full of depth and great insights.

Thanks to Nick Coles for arranging this interview.

Additional info:



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02:42:00

 


Germany's Opt-In never fails to impress us with every delivery to the label, and "Middle Of Nowhere' is by no means any different! Teaming up here with legendary 'First Lady Of Trance' Jan Johnston (Skydive, Mercury & Solace, Calling Your Name) who lends her incredible and instantly recognisable vocals to Hauke's powerful and uplifting chord structures, driving synths and classy production.





Release date: 28.10.2022


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"] Opt-In & Jan Johnston - Middle Of Nowhere [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Opt-In & Jan Johnston collaborate for the ultimate vocal hard trance anthem called Middle Of Nowhere on HTE Recordings. Jan is loveable and such a gifted songwriter and singer with a voice that resonates inside our souls and is part of the trance DNA. Incredible as always lyrics of the highest quality complex and with deeper meaning and great performance from her side that instantly you fall in love with her sound. Opt-In manages while he has a rough raw pounding beat with heavy solid basslines and great euphoric distorted synths to keep the voice clear and crispy not covering the banging foundation or shadowing the proceedings. The balanced elements deliver the true singalong anthem for your winter parties dancing with the cold winds. #PureGold Love IT [/content]
[/review]

Additional info:
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04:07:00

Hailing from the Southwest of England Nick has Immersed himself into many areas of underground dance music now for 20 years; not only running his successful trance brand Hindsight which celebrates two decades in the game this September but working in many areas of the industry spectrum including DMCWORLD music reviewer, artist management, music producer/engineer, event / tours management.

Nick can be found DJ'ing regularly up & down the country at some of the UK's most respected clubs, events and parties, with previous and multiple appearances for The Gallery @ Ministry Of Sound, Godskitchen, Trance Sanctuary, Clockwork Orange, Goodgreef, Bionic, Volksfest, Hindsight, Uprising and many more. 2013 / 2014 also saw successful & repeat tours of Asia & Australia.

No stranger to Ibiza, over the last decade Nick has graced residencies and main room appearances for the likes of Judgement Sundays @ Eden / Es Paradis, Cream @ Amnesia, Sunk @ Privilege, Connect Ibiza, The Zoo and back in 2011 also featured on the lineup at Carl Cox's closing party @ Space not only demonstrating his enviable versatility as a DJ but musical maturity as he approaches the milestone of 37 years of age.

With a wealth of releases on labels such as Discover, FENology, HeavensGate, Aria Knights, Abora, Critical Uprising, Music Matters, Joyride, Phoenix, Dataless, Tidy & more, Nick has picked up the approval by many industry peers such as Paul Van Dyk, Armin Van Buuren, Aly & Fila, Markus Schulz, Judge Jules, Dave Pearce, Kutski, Jordan Suckley, Craig Connelly, James Dymond, Infdecent Noise, not only with regular club plays but Radio 1 support and mainstream compilation inclusions through the years.

During the weekdays Nick runs Hard Trance Europe (HTE), a label and platform for the very best in European Hard Trance music. With the approval and backing of Black Hole in Holland, and a successful global CD compilation already under the hood, watch this space as HTE is set to expand in 2020 for Nick and the exciting roster of artists attached.



Dimitris: Your biggest music career achievements in 2019:
Nick The Kid: Playing and hosting our own HTE arena at Captured Festival Ibiza this summer, Playing at Amnesia Ibiza for Laserface, hosting our own HTE room at Fabric London, Mixing Volume two of the Hard Trance Europe compilation series via Black Hole Recordings. Reaching 20 years of my SW event Hindsight with a sold out event. It's been a massive year and I'm truly grateful to everyone involved. Also launching my own booking agency Made Artists, with an eclectic pool of well known and in demand artists spanning house, techno and trance.



Dimitris: Please rate your online presence/visibility in 2019 from 0-10?Please elaborate with short comment.
Nick The Kid: Easily 10 lol, my poor friends list, this year I've been on it! Needs must!

1) Best track(s) and short comment for each track from other fellow artists in 2019
Nick The Kid: As far as Hard Trance goes, Shax - Equinox has been a firm favourite of mine, max guaranteed vibes! And of course anything that Scot Project has put out!





2) Best of 2019 personal productions with short comment about them:
Nick The Kid: My collaboration with Renegade System 'Kontrast' is prob my favourite from this year, did well on the Beatport chart and gets max reactions in my sets.



3) Best Artist in 2019(DJ & producer) with short comment:
Nick The Kid: So many, S.H.O.K.K., Wavetraxx, Lab4, Scot Project, Shugz, David Rust, Ram, Tommy Pulse, Renegade System. Anybody who's writing Hard Trance music from the heart!





4) Best Remix(es) from other fellow artists in 2019 with short comment :
Nick The Kid: Wavetraxx remix of Skysurfer - Colors is absolutely huge! Out soon on HTE.



 5) YOUR Best Remix which you have produced in 2019 with short comment?
Nick The Kid: Has to be my remix of K90's Awakening, by his own admission he recently said to me he thinks he may prefer my remix to his original which was a massive compliment, I'm a huge fan of Mark's music.



6) Best electronic dance music album in 2019 with short comment:
Nick The Kid: Really liked Mark Sherry's 'Confirm Humanity' - solid selection of tracks. (If we are talking Hard Trance)



7) Best electronic dance music compilation in 2019 with short comment? :
Nick The Kid: Has to be Hard Trance Europe Volume two right? ' :-) ;-)

8) Best artwork about single / album/compilation or promotional campaign in 2019 with short comment:
Nick The Kid:  Emily Kemper has done a fantastic job with our HTE Artwork, it gets commented on a lot, also Barry Nostic at Hyper Reality comes up with some great imagery on their releases.

9) Best vocalist/singer on electronic dance music track in 2019 with short comment:
Nick The Kid: Always a fan of Rowetta's voice, she's been collaborating with a lot of exciting names also this year.





10) Best electronic dance music label for 2019 with short comment:
Nick The Kid: If we are talking Hard Trance. Outburst, Mental Asylum, Damaged, HTE, Hyper Reality, Hard Trance Revolution, Joyride, Drizzly.






11) Best electronic dance music video for 2019 with short comment:
Nick The Kid: My mates J4CKED did a home grown video for their house track, 'All The People Get Down', it's honestly one of the most enjoyable music vids I've watched this year. It went viral, BBC are all over them atm, check them out!



12) Best online social media for 2019 with short comment:
Nick The Kid: Gotta love Will Atkinson's approach, one funny fucker! Also, FISHER's instagram has me in stitches too.

13) Best social media response you may have received about your music or your DJ performance in 2019:
Nick The Kid: After my set at Laserface, Amnesia this summer, it was lovely to see some props from Andy Moor on my page saying he was in the crowd, and he really liked what I played! I think a lot of A List artists deem it as a weakness to do such things, so hats off to you Andy, you made my week with that one comment.



14) Best music composition software in 2019 with short comment:
Nick The Kid: Logic X, without question!

15)Best Club event /Festival/music conference in 2019 with short comment:
Nick The Kid: Captured Festival, Ibiza - 2020 looks set yo be even bigger on the white isle.



16) Your Best personal DJ Gig & DJ performance in 2019 with short comment:
Nick The Kid: So many to choose from and great for different reasons. Laserface Amnesia in Ibiza, (My fav club of all time). Captured festival Ibiza, Fabric London (Big tick off the box), Hindsight 20th (So much fun), Westfest 2019, and our Hindsight boat party in the summer in Torquay was super special!

17) Best DJ set from other fellow DJ in 2019 with short comment:
Nick The Kid: Flutlicht b2b S.H.O.K.K at Hindsight's 20th, I doubt that will be repeated in a long time! We were very lucky to scoop that!  Was epic too!

18) Best radio show/podcast or Vlog(video blog) in 2019 with short comment. It can be yours or from other artists you respect:
Nick The Kid: Still enjoy a good old Radio 1 Tong session if I'm driving to a gig, FOLUAL's ApogeeCast always hits the spot, ABGT, ASOT, we def need more quality Hard Trance dedicated and hosted shows.



19) Best music related website in 2019 with short comment:
Nick The Kid: Beatport still for tunes, Wunderground for humour!

20) Best production or DJ equipment (a)software & (b) hardware) in 2019 with short comment:
Nick The Kid: Native Instruments Komplete Bundle.

21) Best sound sample that has been used frequently in electronic dance music tracks in 2019 (personal or from other artists):
Nick The Kid: Any classic rave stab from the early 90s, they get me every time! In any genre.

22) Best technical tips that you learnt in 2019 in relation to your DJing or music productions:
Nick The Kid: Always mix down on a new day, never stay up partying for 3 days before a gig! ;-)

23) Best piece of personal or music bussiness advice you got in relation to your career in 2019 and has helped you to progress even further:
Nick The Kid: Be careful who you confide in.

24) Best travel tips in 2019 to survive the long travelling hours and jetlag:
Nick The Kid: I find having good drink does wonders, honestly my last trip to Australia went by in what felt like 2 hours of flying time overall, winning! Wasn't quite so dynamic on the way home though, haha

25) Best ever electronic dance music track(s) of all times with short comment?
Nick The Kid: One of my fav pieces of music of all time is Danny Loko - Coastal (Eelke Kleijn Remix) an absolute masterpiece. It's funky, progressive, trancey, chilled and energetic all at the same time. If we are going way back, Last Rhythm - Last Rhythm or Orbital - Belfast are right up there for me.




26) Best hobby or creative activity except music production in 2019:
Nick The Kid: As I get older I actually like going on walks, anything that gets me outside in good weather, I never ever thought I'd see myself writing these words, but as I spend more and more time against a computer screen, I feel its important if not vital to reconnect with nature as much as possible. me and my girlfriend explored some really nice places over the summer here in Devon, we're lucky to live in such an amazing part of the UK. tbh I took it for granted before I lived and worked in London.

Dimitris: Do you have any concrete plans for 2020 regarding future releases, tracks, albums, collaborations, DJ gigs? Please provide us the juicy details.
Nick The Kid: Hoping to get Hard trance Europe Volume 3 underway for Spring.   I am also very excited to be working on my biggest event project to date, the Hard Trance Europe Weekender, which is being held in Exeter city on the 29th -31st May, featuring 4 venues, 3 nights, 50+ artists, we're attempting the biggest Hard Trance lineup to ever hit UK shores. We are of course taking Hindsight back to Ibiza for Ibiza Trance Event in September. Here too, on the production side of things, I aim to work on lots more original tracks this year and less collabs/ remixes.

Dimitris: Your message & wishes for 2020.
Nick The Kid: Be kind to each other, integrity is everything.


Additional info:
www.hterecordings.com
https://www.facebook.com/DJNickTheKid/
https://twitter.com/djnickthekid
djnickthekid Instagram 
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01:09:00

Encompassing bound-less experience and energy from across Europe, Italian Melodic Techno trio FOLUAL have been working around the clock this year and are now ready to unleash their signature analogue sound onto the global stage. Comprising of scene veterans Luca Antolini, Alessandro Bianchi and Luca Folco, 2019 will see a steady stream of music from this exciting new outfit, all destined for their own new label Apogee Recordings via Black Hole Distribution. From London to Milan, Bologna to Barcelona, there will certainly be no escaping FOLUAL’s presence and music in 2019.

We are extremely glad that Folual have accepted our challenge and we have arranged this top notch interview. FOLUAL in 2019 will get really big so have your ears open for their own brand of cool techno.



Interview is written and conducted by Dimitri Kechagias, Music Journalist and Radio DJ

Dimitris: When did you start your involvement with electronic dance music and which music style you are more affiliated with and why?

FOLUAL: We are 3 artists (Luca Folco, Luca Antolini, Allesandro Bianchi) with over 25 years of combined industry experience, last year we decided to start this project together and from January 2019 we have begun to release our Techno / Melodic productions that have been 12 months in the making.

Dimitris: Did you had the opportunity to attend any kind of music production course or are u completely self taught? Do you consider that is essential for any artist to complete any production course?

FOLUAL: We have had so much experience  with other types of music over the years, such as Hardtrance / Trance / Progressive, every day we try to progress. Studying is certainly good for anyone, but we think also that certain things you just have inside, there’s no escaping raw taelent – you can’t really teach that.

Dimitris: In which label was your first ever release and how did you manage to attract the attention of the label?

FOLUAL: Over the years we have all had numerous releases on stacks of labels of all shapes and sizes. To begin with all our FOLUAL material will be going out on our own label Apogee Recordings, distributed by Black Hole.  For us it is the year zero ... although individually previously we have worked with big labels like Armada, Saifam, Grotesque, Black Hole ect ect

Dimitris: Can you pick for us your Top 5 tracks that you have produced and you consider them as being highly important for the progress of your career.

FOLUAL: It's far too early to attribute importance to 5 productions and in any case it would not be easy to answer, because everything we do we like. We are sitting on around 15-20 tracks that are now surfacing bi-weekly on all the usual platforms. You tell us ;-)



Dimitris: How long does it take you to produce a track? Is it an easy or difficult process?

FOLUAL: Certainly every production requires lots of attention, concentration and decisions until we feel that it is exactly the way we wanted it ... this is the goal for us.

Dimitris: Which is the biggest challenge that you face during the production process?

FOLUAL: Finding the sounds, giving a sound to the mix, give harmony and melody that does not tire, try not to be trivial.

Dimitris: Can you describe to us the steps that you go through in the production of your tracks?

FOLUAL: We look for a kick and a bass, then we get rhythmic. We then look for an idea that we all like and a strong melody that goes with the project. It’s a very natural process really.

Dimitris: Have you had any problems getting your tracks signed?

FOLUAL: This is the advantage of having your own label. We can spend more time concentrating on finishing quality music.



Dimitris: Do you ever use templates to finish tracks more quickly?

FOLUAL: We try to do original things all the time, it can happen that it sounds a little like something else – but that’s the beauty of music isn’t it?




Dimitris: Can you describe to us the studio that you  produce your music? What is your favourite hardware and software set up? Do you have in mind any new gear that you wish to get in order to raise the quality of your production?

FOLUAL: We usually work on 2-3 daw FL, Bitwig, Cubase and then finish the work on Logic, which remains the basic DAW ... We have some external machines like the Virus, Arturia, Roland etc.

Dimitris: Do you master the music yourself or is the mastering a task for specialists in mastering? Do you understand mastering as being essential?

FOLUAL: We master everything ourselves in-house. It’s something that we like having total control over.

Dimitris: There is a growing trend of vinyl coming back for good. Would you like to see your tracks released on vinyl or any other of your future tracks? Do you prefer digital files or vinyl?

FOLUAL: Of course we would love to see FOLUAL on vinyl, we are used to digital that is always faithful, but coming from the oldskool vinyl always has its charm for us all.

Dimitris: Do you have any remixes coming from other artists in your tracks? 

FOLUAL: At the moment we will only be releasing our own productions on Apogee recordings, but expect to see some big name remixers further down the line. Watch this space!

Dimitris: Do you have any future releases planned and when will be released?

FOLUAL: As mentioned above, you can expect two fresh releases per month on Apogee for the rest of this year..enjoy!

Dimitris: Can you note down your favourite Top 5 tracks at this moment?

FOLUAL: There are just too many that we like, to name only 5 would mean to reject others. We did share Spooky – Little Bullet and Nathan Fake – Outhouse on our fan page recently as throwback classics though.



Dimitris: If you are DJs except of producers please tell us here your Top 3 best DJ gigs so far and the reasons that made them so special?

FOLUAL: I think there are too many for us all to mention individuals, we have all played in many parts of the world. Now as FOLUAL the story has just begun and we are looking forward to seeing where the music will takre us this time around.

Dimitris: Do you produce a radio show/podcast or are you in the process of starting one?

FOLUAL: We have literally just come out of a meeting with RadioSync and are launching our very own podcast in March which will be called the ApogeeCast. We are syndicating this on a big global scale and are looking forward to showcasing some of our favourite music each week, alongside a few exclusives from the studio of course. Watch this space!

Dimitris: Best piece of advice you ever got in relation to your career so far, and best tip you learnt recently to make your tracks better.

FOLUAL: There is always something new to learn, we never get there, and we need to remember to remain humble forever.

Dimitris: Can you share with us your tips or more elaborated advice to any new artists who may read this interview and wish to get involved with the electronic music industry.

FOLUAL: Stay true to yourself and what you like doing, the res twill follow – as cliché’ as that sounds.

Dimitris: In 2018 the electronic music talent AVICII died and this has alerted several artists to become more health conscious. Are there any lessons to learn as an artist out from this sad event?

FOLUAL: It's a terrible and sad episode, you should never cancel your life for business and popularity, you need to stop and sometimes understand that life is also made of other things, we have learned these things at our expense too previously .... We do not hide our sympathy for Avicii nad his friends and family. Truly awful.

Dimitris: If you travel very often to perform in various countries, is it possible to share with  us your best travel tips in order to survive happily the long travelling hours?

FOLUAL:  Read, enjoy it as much as possible and live every moment in the here and now! You must be aware of what you always do, our mind can be our worst enemy in these situations, it creates tensions, worries …we think it's always important to remember that we are lucky to have these opportunities to travel and share our music.

Dimitris: There is a big movement for revival of classic tracks and as a result of this retro events have boomed with music policy of solely classic tracks. What is your opinion about the classics revival?

FOLUAL: Everything goes away and ... then comes back, a circle of life if you will, beautiful things are never forgotten. A bit of classic never hurts, but it’s important to keep pushing the music forward also.

Dimitris: Finally do you have any specific message for our readers?

FOLUAL: We wish everyone the best, we advise you to not live your life on a smartphone or tablet ... look around you. 'there are beautiful things everywhere if you look for them ... and if you love music it will always be a true companion in life.

Thanks very much to FOLUAL for taking some precious time to answer this interview in a such an intresting way.




Additional info:
Instagram: apogeerecordings


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