Showing posts with label Music First Agency. Show all posts
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23:05:00

 


Originally released on Discover Records, 'Restricted Motion' quickly became a staple of the golden era. Now in 2025, Lostly rebuilds the classic from the ground up, carrying it into tougher, more modern territory.

The original melody remains, but here it’s reframed with that unmistakable Lostly power and cutting-edge production: driving, relentless, and primed for the late hours. Since June, the remix has been a fixture in both John O’Callaghan and Bryan Kearney’s sets, always drawing a reaction.

A Discover classic reborn. This is trance at its finest.





Dimitris Kechagias Review:
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"] O'Callaghan & Kearney - Restricted Motion (Lostly Remix) [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Lostly’s 2025 remix of O’Callaghan & Kearney’s “Restricted Motion” is seamlessly bridging the golden era origins of the track with today’s cutting-edge sound design. From the very first beat, the track asserts itself with a robust 140 BPM drive, its sharp kicks and formidable low-end basslines immediately establishing a floor-shaking presence. The percussion is meticulously engineered, with crisp hi-hats and layered snares interlocking to create a relentless rhythmic momentum that powers the track forward without ever feeling crowded. The melodic content retains the soul of the original, yet Lostly’s treatment elevates the harmonic layers into a higher plane of intensity and emotional impact. Each synth line is carefully sculpted, with warm pads and sparkling arpeggios weaving into a rich stereo field, creating an immersive environment that envelops the listener. The long, teasing breakdown is a highlight: the main lead slowly emerges from spacious, reverb-laden atmospheres, building tension with dynamic modulation and subtle filter sweeps. By the time the climax erupts, the layered synths and driving bass coalesce into a euphoric explosion designed to send festival crowds into a frenzy. Production-wise, Lostly demonstrates a meticulous understanding of modern loudness and clarity. The dynamic range is preserved, allowing the drops to hit with maximum force while the quieter passages maintain depth and breathing room. Effects and spatial design are utilized tastefully: delays and reverbs open up the mix without washing out the central motifs, and stereo imaging provides a sense of movement and three-dimensionality across the frequency spectrum. Every detail, from the subtle risers to the percussive flourishes, contributes to a coherent narrative flow that makes the track a journey as much as a peak-time weapon. In terms of arrangement, the remix keeps DJs in mind, offering clean intro and outro sections for seamless mixing and well-defined cue points for creative looping. The energy flow is expertly calibrated: builds and drops land with precision, ensuring both club and festival suitability. Even without vocals, the track’s emotional resonance is undeniable, with its soaring lead and perfectly timed transitions delivering both nostalgia and fresh excitement. Lostly’s artistic identity shines throughout, transforming “Restricted Motion” into a piece that feels simultaneously like a respectful homage and a forward-thinking powerhouse, guaranteed to remain in heavy rotation for any trance set seeking pure euphoria. #PureGold Love IT [/content]
[item value="10"]Rhythm, Groove & Drive[/item]
[item value="10"]Melodic Hooks & Harmonic Layers[/item]
[item value="10"]Transitions, Drops & Build-Ups [/item]
[item value="10"]Energy Flow & Momentum [/item]
[item value="10"]Sound Design & Production Quality[/item]
[item value="10"]Originality of Arrangement & Structure[/item]
[item value="10"]Use of Effects & Spatial Design[/item]
[item value="10"]Dynamic Range & Loudness Balance[/item]
[item value="10"]Atmosphere & Immersion[/item]
[item value="10"]Emotional Resonance[/item]
[item value="10"]Creativity & Artistic Identity[/item]
[item value="10"]Cohesion & Storytelling[/item]
[item value="10"]Vocal Performance & Lyrical Impact[/item]
[item value="10"]Catchiness & Replay Value[/item]
[item value="10"]Club / Festival Suitability[/item]
[item value="10"]Track Intro/Outro Structure[/item]
[item value="10"]BPM Consistency & Sync Ease[/item]
[item value="10"]Cue Points & Loop Potential[/item]
[item value="10"]Dynamic Energy for Set Flow[/item]
[item value="10"]Crowd Reaction Potential[/item]
[/review]





Additional info:

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18:24:00

A touch shy of its tenth anniversary, John O’Callaghan gives an awing glance back to one of the classic offerings from his ‘Never Fade Away’ album. Written by Jaren (Cerf), lent voice by the lyricist’s sister Josie and originally given the most stirring of melodic treatments by JOC, today the Subculture boss lines ‘Out Of Nowhere’ up with a masterful reworking. 

Giuseppe Ottaviani made his own mark on ‘Never Fade Away’, collaborating with John on ‘Liquid Fire’. Now the Italian returns to make another, remixing out its angles in his trademark powerfull elevating style and finding a new place in the night for it. 

On the remix Giuseppe again acquits himself with artistic and creative energy you’ve come to know and love. He sits Josie’s opening verses atop some full-frequency bass and warm, embracing sub-melodies. Her cool mid-western tones bring the heart, and as Giuseppe’s mix opens up into its full-beam synth radiance, her soul-touching chorus’ reaches every corner of the club.

John O'Callaghan Feat Josie – ‘Out Of Nowhere’ (Giuseppe Ottaviani Remix) is out now. Check it out for yourself here today: https://subculture.choons.at/nowhere-giuseppe



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"]Vocals and Lyrics[/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"]Dancefloor Efficiency / Festival Arenas Effectiveness[/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"]John O'Callaghan ft. Josie - Out Of Nowhere (Giuseppe Ottaviani Remix)[/item]
 [content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]John O'Callaghan collaboration with Josie for the already vocal classic Out Of Nowhere gets the absolutely incredible Giuseppe Ottaviani remix that really deserves and the result can only be super satisfying for any trance follower who appreciate superb driving basslines, thumping drums, energetic kicks and top magnificent airy synths and the heavenly vocals that are simply gorgeous and will be impossible not to start singing along while you fly the night away in your favourite trancefloor. Vocal uplifting trance as it should be done with the right dose of Mediterranean sunkissed sounds and heavy bouncy groove to keep the fire burning! #PureGold Love IT [/content]
[/review]

Additional info:
johnocallaghan.net
facebook.com/johnocallaghanofficial
instagram.com/joc81
soundcloud.com/johnocallaghan

blackholerecordings.com
soundcloud.com/blackholerecordings
facebook.com/blackholerecordings
twitter.com/BlackHoleRec

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13:20:00

In-studio, Craig Connelly’s been grappling with a big idea of late. It’s one whose seed began during production of his July club hit ‘The Universal’ and now goes atomic through ‘The Creator’.

Specifically Craig’s been doing the big-think on how to create a track that fulfills both the atmospherically underground yin and - in a single swoop, the floor-rushing yang. 

Not possible right?! Well that hasn’t deterred Mr. Connelly. So for Subculture Recordings 150th release, to nail it, he went to the outer limits.  

Naturally balance is the key and in pursuit of it, ‘The Creator’ walks the finest of production tightropes. Its intro plays a classic long game, amassing an intense array of blacker elements to build it out. Craig allows greater time for its ether to brew, modulating those over a lower, lengthier, flowing, growing ascent. The drums speak loud while the bass resonates low and ‘The Creator’s FX bias lies unflinchingly at the moodier end. 

For every synth shaft that breaks through, he counterweights with a darker element. For every melodic strain, Craig answers with a boomier drop or an even-more-thunderous-than-the-last, bass-heavy sequence. Even as the notes climb at the business end of the drop, he’s applies darker ballast and cooler vocal harmonics, ensuring its tone unwaveringly walks that line. 

A track that’s all things to all men & women?! Find out for yourself here from today



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"]Dancefloor Efficiency / Festival Arenas Effectiveness[/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"] Craig Connelly - The Creator [/item]
 [content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"] Craig Connelly is one of the hottest UK properties in trance scene. His ability to deliver tracks with melodies that stand out is recognised and praised. Another opportunity to praise him arises from his latest Subculture outing The Creator. Here you got a powerful euphoric uplifting feel good trancer that its main foundation is aggressive fat stubborn drum and kick along with a bit of acid flavouring. The breakdown is smooth and heavenly with hints of the main theme and the brilliant build up towards the euphoric drop that simply rocks and shakes without any excuses or precautions. If you love the clubbier uplifting side of UK trance then The Creator awaits for your multiple plays this autumn. #PureGold Love IT  [/content]
[/review]

Additional info:
craigconnelly.net
facebook.com/craigconnellymusic
twitter.com/craig_connelly
soundcloud.com/craigconnelly
http://instagram.com/craigconnelly 

blackholerecordings.com
soundcloud.com/blackholerecordings
facebook.com/blackholerecordings
twitter.com/BlackHoleRec
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18:57:00

Sporting Roxanne Emery's heavenly vocals and a melody that can only be described as 100% uplifting, 'This Life' sees Craig Connelly tap from his bottomless well of inspiration again. Beautifully colored and sure to make the crowd go wild, this phenomenal offering is an unparalleled Trance essential for fans across the globe.



How has Trance changed your life? Craig Connelly's brand new vocal record featuring Roxanne Emery explores the genre itself and discusses their love affair with the sound over the years.

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"]Vocals and Lyrics[/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"]Dancefloor Efficiency / Festival Arenas Effectiveness[/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"]Craig Connelly feat. Roxanne Emery - This Life[/item]
 [content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]If you adore trance music like me then you should be big follower of Craig Connelly who stands out and turns anything he touches into gold. This Life is a magnificent slice of straight to the point euphoric feel good trancer with pumping basslines, pounding grooves, massive synthy plucks and superb touching emotional strings creating the perfect soundbed for Roxanne Emery to sing her incredible lyrics with her stunning voice that seems so perfect when is combined with fat stomping energetic foundation of colourful fly to sky sounds that carry your soul up and away. True trance beauty no doubts and deserves beatport trance n1. #PureGold Love It [/content]
[/review]





Additional info:

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01:33:00

Interview by William Daniels
Cold Blue is the fast rising standout act to look out for, delivering quality music by way of some of the leading labels in Trance including Subculture, Kearnage, Future Sound of Egypt and Damaged. His unique brand of Uplifting and Tech Trance has projected him to being one of the most talked about artists in Trance this year.

Building on this he has an already solid set of releases forthcoming over the remainder of 2017 including new original music on Subculture and Future Sound of Egypt as well as remixes for Subculture, Pure Trance, Armada and Outburst. Already supported by John O’Callaghan, Armin Van Buuren, Aly & Fila, Bryan Kearney and Solarstone, the next level for Cold Blue is conquering the touring circuit. With shows already confirmed at Ministry of Sound, London, Coloursfest Glasgow, Subculture, Argentina and Victoria Warehouse, Manchester, Cold Blue has everything in his arsenal to build on his critical acclaim to become the breakout act of the year.



William: Hi Tobias, thanks for taking the time out to answer these questions for Flux BPM Online readers.

Cold Blue: Thanks for having me, hello! :-)

William: Whereabouts are you in the world right now and what can you see out of your nearest window.

Cold Blue: Sitting in my attic flat studio room in the old town center of Mainz, Germany. Seeing blue skies outside, it's going to become a hot summer day today!

William:  For those who may not know you, how did it all start for you in the music industry.

Cold Blue:  I've spent my whole life making music, since the earliest childhood, as I grew up being surrounded with music instruments. In my teenage years I finally got a computer and all the music software needed to really start producing my own music which lead to the first record deals with small trance labels about 12 years ago from today. The first breakthrough came in 2007 with “Seven Ways / 11 Days” (feat. Pedro Del Mar) on In Trance We Trust / Blackhole.



William: You have been producing music for over ten years now with your early releases being picked up by the legendary In Trance We Trust label. In what ways has the music industry changed from then and where do you see the scene headed.

Cold Blue: One of the most significant changes is the mass of releases these days, which raises the bar a lot for every release. It's way easier to release music these days and at the same time it's probably as difficult (or even more difficult) as ten years ago to get noticed and build yourself an audience.

The passion in the scene has been great ever since, people just love the music and are very grateful listeners and followers, which makes me a very grateful musician.

I'm very happy to have such a passionate family of trance lovers as an audience for my music. :-)



William:  How would you describe the Cold Blue sound.

Cold Blue: I would describe it as high energetic, forward driving, very emotional and rich in contrast. 

I try to tell a story, create a journey through different emotions, leading the listener to wonderful places, to dark areas, trying to provide the whole range of feelings that life has to offer for us.

I also try to deliver a good amount of energy, to get yourself through all this! :-)

William: What is it that you love about Trance.

Cold Blue:  I feel like no other genre represents my feelings and personality the way like Trance does. As above, it's the combination of the powerful energy and the emotional range that makes it very 'complete' for me.



William: Can you give us an insight into your studio setup, what programs do you use and do you prefer Hardware over VST softsynths.

Cold Blue: I work on a PC setup with Reason as my only all-in-one software. No hardware, no VSTs... a little extraordinary perhaps. It works very well! :-)

William: You have recently been signed by Music First Agency and as a result your profile has risen quite dramatically this year, how does it make you feel to be on an agency with such respected artists.

Cold Blue:  It makes me feel very proud and lucky, that they believe in me as a person and in my music. They put a lot effort in pushing me as far as possible while still giving me 100% musical freedom, which is the perfect combination for me to shine in what I do.

The team around Music First and JOC's Subculture label created a comfort zone around me that let me focus on my art and helped me to make music as authentic as never before.

It's still like a dream and I think I need more time to realise all this and really feel all the emotions in this new situation. :-)



William: 'On The Outside' on Subculture is very different from the signature 'Cold Blue' sound. Can you give us some background on your inspiration for this unique track.

Cold Blue: That's a very interesting question, because I feel that 'On The Outside' is 100% me, and it is as signature as it can get, following my earlier work such as 'The Pessimist', 'Lucidity' or 'Gold Rush' last year.

It's just a different chapter of the whole journey, where tracks like 'Once In Time', 'Wonderfall' or 'Black Rock' are more on the bright side of life. :-)



William: If you were to travel back in time, what advice would you give to yourself when you were first starting out in the music industry.

Cold Blue:  Music is a very emotional thing and most probably my preferred channel to express my feelings, way more accurate than I could ever do with spoken language.

At the same time I often used to take an intellectual approach to music creation, rather than only using my brains as a tool to translate what I FEEL into music. 

Only recently, 1-2 years ago I started to explore the power of emotions as THE guide through my creative process. And as THE guide through life in general, by the way.

Cold Blue
So maybe my advice would be: Let your emotions guide you the way and use your brain only as a tool, to get through it.

Other than that: Just enjoy the creative journey and don't worry about goals at all. 
All this might be very subjective and is the way that works best for ME. So no general advice given here. :-)



William: Your favourite night out as a DJ, and as a clubber.

Cold Blue:  Tough question! There's LOVE everywhere! :-)

William: What is one mistake that you see a lot of up and coming DJ's / Producers making and what advice would you give to them.

Cold Blue:  I think there are no mistakes, unless you DON'T learn from them. :-)
For me it's important to consciously feel what I feel and know what I want. Authenticity is the key, I guess. That's the real success.



William: Where can we catch you over the next few months.

Cold Blue:  Scotland (Coloursfest Glasgow) and Ireland (Affinity & Beyond, Galway) in August, 
Birmingham, Manchester, London in September and October, and Subculture Argentina in November!

There'll be much more to be announced shortly, so it'll be worth checking the social media. :-)



William: Tell us something that not a lot of people know about Cold Blue.

Cold Blue:  I'm an expert in Irish sayings!

William: Finally, tell us your best joke.

Cold Blue:  I don't know any jokes, I'm a very serious guy! Just kidding...

William: Thanks very much for taking the time out to answer these questions and we wish you the best of success in the future.

Cold Blue: Thank you! :-)

Thanks to William Daniels for contributing to Flux BPM Online with such an interesting interview. Thanks to Cold Blue for answering them so nicely. It's definitely worth reading!

Additional info:

Check the latest William Daniel presents Fu2ra - Machine Language out on Damaged



Additional info:
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17:27:00

Shugz (Christopher Kirkpatrick) is a name that has appeared to come out of nowhere on the Trance scene. Combining youth, energy, electrifyingly impressive deck skills and a notable production ability, it doesn't take long to realise why there is such a fuss around this exceptional talent.

Interview by William Daniels
Picked up by Irish Trance star Bryan Kearney and later hosting the "KEARNAGE" podcast, it was then that Shugz got his opportunity to truly shine. Unleashing a blistering remix of Kearney’s 2010 Tech-Trance anthem "Mexican Rave" exclusively for Bryan's set at FSOE 400 Mexico, achieving the number 1 spot and sat atop of Beatport's Trance top 100 chart for ten consecutive days. 

Shugz' DJ skills are arguably where his real talent lies. From a very young age he obsessed about learning the technological side of DJing. Relentless practice for years has lead to an astounding array of deck wizardry, comparable to a very rare few in the scene. Often seen in sets using a 3rd deck, scratching, cutting & using layered effects, combining fast mixing and unexpected tune drops – Shugz is fast becoming a fan favourite. Having achieved local hero status in N. Ireland, Shugz recently debuted at the famous ‘Luminosity Beach Festival’ and was highly acclaimed as having the ‘set of the night’.

With regular support from trance giants like Paul van Dyk, John O’Callaghan, Aly & Fila, Bryan Kearney & John Askew, there is a feeling amongst many that Shugz is a trance star waiting to happen.




William: Hi Shugz, Thanks for taking time out to speak to us here at Flux BPM, let’s jump in & get started.

We have seen your gig diary go from strength to strength in the last year playing some amazing shows in Australia, Indonesia & Holland, how do you prepare for big gigs like that? Do you get nervous leading up to those shows?

Shugz: Keep cool & always focus on the job. I get nervous for every gig whether it’s 50 or 5000, the nerves are the same. The one thing I always focus on in my head is once you hit them decks it all goes away, it’s like being transformed back to my room in Belfast. Game on.
Shugz

William: Most djs always have a funny story to tell from their touring, can you fill us in on any funny stories?

Shugz: There was one just recently but I’m not sure you could post it here put it that way haha. I can tell you a brutal joke that might make you smile. 

Why did David Hasselhoff get rid of the first part of his surname? He couldn’t be bothered with the hassel anymore…. My taxi is ordered.

William: You have released on some well-respected labels in the last year, Subculture, Kearnage & Blackhole Recordings, can you tell us how you approach a new track in the studio & how does this approach differ for you when doing a remix?

Shugz: I always start with my Kick & Bass in a track. For my tracks, it’s the driving force & once I get those nailed I can always build everything else around them very quickly. In regard to remixing I always try & make the remix completely different from the original in every single way, so kind of like my own original track with a few elements from the original (melody, vocal etc.). It’s the same process for both most times.  



William: Following on from production, can you give you fans a little insight into your studio set up?

Shugz: Recently got myself a new set of Monkey Banana Turbo 8 monitors, amazing sound. I adore them. Soundcard is a Focusrite USB6, had it for 5 years or so & has never let me down. Plugins I’m loving now are XFER Serum & OTT, MagEQ & Glitch Bitch from Vengeance Sounds. 

William: Last year you were named one of the top newcomers in the Trancepodium awards, you’ve certainly lived up to the moniker, have you any advice for all the up & coming djs & producers looking to break into the scene?

Shugz: It was nice to see that. I’m not one for votes or polls. Let the music do the talking is my motto although to be voted for & to do well on there was humbling indeed. The best advice you will get anywhere is to be unique. It’s been a cliché saying from day 1 but it’s true. Break the mold, do things different than the norm.

William: Speaking of newcomers or breakthrough artists who are the ones to look out for this year?

Shugz: Hard to name just one but I think David Rust, Maria Healy, Stephen Kirkwood, Jak Aggas & Project 8 are all supplying the goods & will have a big 2017. 



William: You have played some b2bs in your career, who would be your ideal b2b & also given the opportunity, who would you like to collaborate in the studio?

Shugz: Eddie Halliwell or Jordan Suckley. I’d be happy with either haha. Studio, I’d love to work with John O’Callaghan, Bryan Kearney or Will Aktinson. You’d learn a mountain of knowledge working with any of those 3 in just one day!



William: You are signed to Music First Agency, how does it feel to be part of such an elite roster of artists?

Shugz: It’s a great feeling, yeah. It’s the one that gets you up in the mornings & getting to work. All my life I have wanted to be part of a proper DJ agency, it was the biggest goal for me growing up so to be finally involved on such a prestigious roster is a dream come true of the highest degree. Still feels unreal. 

William: How is the rest of 2017 looking for Shugz, can you give us a preview what’s coming gig & music wise?

Shugz: Musically there is going to be a LOT. I’ve just finished a track which is a heavy hitting Tech Trance number. A little less going on than my usual style but no less banging. I’m almost finished the follow up to End Product, same style but MUCH bigger, it has me excited. I’m also working on a big remix as well which will surface soon too.



Finally quick fire round

William: Dance/No dance related, who would you like to check out this year ?

Shugz: Would love to see Hans Zimmer at some point before the year is out. Class act.

William: Essential tour items ?

Shugz:  Phone, Toothbrush & a portable Speaker.

William: Cats or Dogs ?

Shugz: Dogs all day man.

William: Favorite film?

Shugz: Predator.

William: What is your guilty pleasure tune ?

Shugz: Sash – Ecuador 

William: Brilliant, thanks for taking the time out to speak with us Shugz. Good luck for 2017 & we will catch up again soon!.

Many thanks to William Daniel and Shugz for this brilliant must read interview.



Additional info:
https://soundcloud.com/shugo_srd
www.musicfirstagency.net

William Daniels will release soon his awesome anthem William Daniel pres. Fu2ura - Machine Language



Additional info:
https://www.facebook.com/WilliamDanielMusicOfficial/
https://soundcloud.com/williamdaniel
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