In a collaborative effort that joins two of the most influential producers and DJs on the dance circuit, Benny Benassi and John Dahlback deliver the epic ‘Blink Again’ via Ultra Records on 18th April. Dahlback released his hugely prolific original ‘Blink’ back in 2007, drawing on inspiration from the chart-topping and highly respected Benassi, who of course is acknowledged as one of the most illustrious dance music superstars. With the video racking up millions of YouTube plays, the single launched John’s remarkable career, and remains a testament to his trademark powerful, Electro sound. It seemed only right for John to approach Benny when the idea of reworking the iconic ‘Blink’ came about.
With both Benassi and Dahlback renowned for their production, it's no surprise that ‘Blink Again’ draws you in with a thunderous, rhythmic intro. Switching things up, that subtly addictive, pulsating riff with atmospheric female vocals and accompanying strings strips things back before the commanding, head-banging beat sweeps you along again. Look out for the hugely satisfying tempo drop into a trap-infused section after the second breakdown before a frenzied climax.
Alongside this original single comes a John Dahlback remix, taking the perfectly balanced build up and giving it a techno-fuelled urgency. The combination of the bassline and refined vocal chops make for a hard-hitting dance floor sound.
Exhilarating and distinctive, ‘Blink Again’ is set to provoke the same heightened fan reactions as with the original. As a project created by two artists of such prominence, you expect nothing less.
JOHN DAHLBACK BIO
Label owner, producer, remixer and DJ: there isn’t much John Dahlback hasn’t done during his decade-young career. Now, at just 28, he sits atop the global dance scene with a forthcoming album on one of the world’s leading (and largest) electronic labels Ultra and a diary that defines the term transatlantic as he jets back and forth between America, Ibiza and beyond. Rewind just on eleven years and we find John at the start of his professional journey, signing his first releases at the tender age of 17, which even by the youthfully dominated standards of the world of dance, is remarkable.
“It wasn’t that surprising I signed a track at such a young age,” he humbly explains, “I come from a musical background so it had been a part of my life from day one. Both my parents are musicians, as are many of my immediate family, which includes my cousin Jesper who a few of you may also be aware of!”
But, this debut turned out to be the tip of the iceberg, as the release marked the birth of a four hundred title discography. Whether it was deep house and techno for legendary imprints like Kompakt or Dessous, through to the later expansion of his style to incorporate the energy of big-room electro for the likes of Spinnin’, Protocol, Toolroom, Big Beat, Phazing and Wall there are few - if any - who can boast such a varied and impressive musical CV. However, what makes this achievement even more historic is that he also found time to establish and develop not one, but two labels all of his own.
His first, Pickadoll ran for five years from 2005 to 2010 and featured some of the world’s most cutting-edge producers; alongside his own recordings, which included two artist albums, it notched-up close on fifty releases and provided John with a very clear understanding of what it takes to run a label, a knowledge he admits was invaluable come the launch of the new imprint Mutants.
“I had a real vision about Mutants. I can now hear within a couple of seconds whether a track will fit, which is important because, although I feature some of my more experimental material on there, it’s really a showcase for who I currently think are the most exciting producers in the world.”
And, just in case there was any further doubt regarding his mission statement, John’s summer highlight of 2013 is the first in a label artist led ‘Mutants Presents’ compilation series, which he personally mixed and describes as “... (a) merger of Mutant’s past, present and future... a testament to the skill and talent of the producers we’ve featured and, in some cases, discovered.” So, keep a close watch on this space, there’s no doubt John’s devotion to Mutants will continue to help cement it’s position as one of the planet’s most exciting independent dance brands, although by hid own admission it is keeping him on his toes,
“It’s a good job the process of A&Ring the label is a by-product of my DJing,” he expands,”I’m not sure where I’d find the time otherwise!” This is no understatement; John Dahlback the DJ IS a very busy boy! In recent years his diary has bloomed and taken him around the world. Repeatedly.
Most recently it has paid the ultimate acknowledgment as he secured a residency in the fast emerging clubbing Mecca of Las Vegas at the Wynn XS, which puts him in the rarified company of a handful of notable A-listers who’ve also turned to the city as a residing base.
“I’m honoured and delighted to be one of the few who get to play in America so often,” says John with glee, “Whether it’s Vegas or beyond the crowd’s are always amazing and enthusiastic.” When not acquainting himself with one of the fifty states, John’s equally happy touring the globe, establishing himself at seminal venues and festivals such as Pacha & Ushuia Ibiza; MoS, London; Mansion & Liv, Miami; Tomorrowlands Belgium, Tomorrow World Altanta, Dance Valley, Holland; Green Valley Brazil, EMPO Mexico, Stereosonic Australia and so the list goes on...
Despite the fact John can only play one city in one country a night, he keeps his global fanbase happy (over 200k Facebook likes and counting) with his weekly Mutants Radio Podcast. Whilst John thinks being in front of a microphone ‘feels weird’, he’s fully embraced the importance of digital and social media and uses it as way to interact with his fans as much as possible as he explains,
“Feedback’s really important to me. It helps shape my output and decide on future endeavours. I know it’s been said before, but I wouldn’t be where I am without my fans so their voice is crucial. They’re the future really.” Wise and fitting words indeed: John Dahlback and the future are two things that undoubtedly go hand in hand.
MARCO BENASSI BIO
Milan born Italian DJ/producer stalwart Benny Benassi – real name Marco Benassi – is widely regarded as one of the most charming, down to earth, internationally respected and treasured artists in the music industry. With over a decade to his illustrious career already, the chart-topping megastar has wholly managed to capture the hearts of multiple generations of EDM fans across the world with his flawless trademark tech/electro/house infused sounds and charismatic performance flair. Whether he’s behind the booth or in the studio, there’s never a dull moment when Benny’s around and fortunately for us, he’s showing no signs of slowing down whatsoever. Let’s indulge in a little bit of history di Benassi…
Obviously no account of Mr Benassi’s star-spangled career could pass without special mention of the international hit single that was ‘Satisfaction’. Unleashed on the world back in 2002, this globally celebrated record catapulted Benny from a once humble dance act into a world-famous artist almost overnight. Masterfully conjured up with first cousin and production partner in crime Alessandro ‘Alle’ Benassi (the pair openly work together on all of Benny’s musical output to this day) the record saw huge success especially in Europe, as it shot to #1 in the Official Dance Chart in France for over four weeks, #2 in the Official UK Top 40 singles chart and #2 in the Official Dance Chart in Germany to name but a few. His ensuing debut solo album ‘Hypnotica’ naturally followed suit, reaching Top 20 status in the Official Album Sales Chart in France and remaining there for over a month, peaking at #5. The critically acclaimed LP was subsequently awarded the ‘European Border Breakers Award’ for racking up the most record sales for an Italian album outside of Italy.
2003 saw the irrepressible Benassi go on to win a whole host of accolades and noteworthy recognition. Bagging DJ Mag’s ‘Tune of the Year’, ‘Revelation of the Year’ in the Italian Dance Music Awards, ‘Dance Revelation of the Year’ in the Danish Music Awards – not forgetting his nomination for NRJ Radio’s International Revelation of the Year’ (France) – it started to become increasingly clear that Benny Benassi had arrived in a seriously big way.
Having hit #18 (highest new entry) in the DJ Mag Top 100 poll the previous year, 2005 then saw Benny release his second studio album ‘Phobia’ – another titanic ‘Benassi Bros’ collaboration that instantly hit the Top 20 of the French Album Sales Chart. With 2 albums and some exceptional groundwork already in place, Benny then used the latter part of the ‘noughties’ to further cement his spot as one of the most in-demand DJs in the industry. Headline performances at countless festivals around the globe (Ultra Music Festival, Coachella, Electric Daisy Carnival, Movement, UV Nation and Labour of Love to name just a few); a string of high-profile remixes and collaborations with the likes of Madonna, Kelis and David Bowie; a third artist album ‘Rock n Rave’ (2008); and a brand new radio show on Sirius XM’s Electric Area were just a handful of stellar achievements – all of which bore worthy testament to the might of this truly class act. Most noteworthy of all, however, was on 10th February 2008, when Benny was awarded one of the most coveted accolades in music – a Grammy, for his exceptional rework of Public Enemy’s monster track Bring the Noise. This official recognition, coupled with his steady stream of success and achievement from the past decade would soon grab the attention of the most eminent names in music, and take the Italian to previously unbeknownst heights.
Sure enough, in 2011 Benny Benassi hit the big time. Having teamed up with Kelis, Apl.de.ap and Jean-Baptsiste for the colossal ‘Spaceship’ single – the first to be taken from his 5th studio album ‘Electroman’ – Benny then went on to join forces with R&B megastar Chris Brown to produce one of the biggest crossover records of the year. Reaching the Top 10 in the Official Singles charts in the UK and numerous other territories around the world ‘Beautiful People’ shot the popular Italian maestro to undeniable international recognition.
Just a few months later came the partnership with star vocalist Gary Go that gave us ‘Cinema’. A chart-destroying EP of epic proportions, the original radio edit went Gold in the USA and Platinum in both Australia and Canada, with Skrillex’s thunderous remix occupying the iTunes US Dance Top 10 for over 6 months and swooping a Grammy for ‘Best Remixed Recording’ in the process. The successes continued to flood in as Benny soon received a call up from the queen of pop herself, Madonna. Released worldwide at the end of March 2012, Madonna’s controversially titled twelfth studio album ‘MDNA’ featured 3 tracks produced by Benny and Alle Benassi, including the single “Girl Gone Wild” – a true honour for the Italian cousins.
If we’ve come to learn one thing about Benny Benassi it’s to expect the unexpected. Whether it’s electrifying tens of thousands of EDM lovers with his world-beating skill behind the decks, or conjuring up award winning, platinum-selling productions in the comfort of his home studio with his cousin and producer, Alle Benassi, by combining his innate raw talent with the hard work, diligence and determination to everything he touches, Benny has wholly justified his position as one of the most beloved entertainers the industry has to offer. Rest assured, there’ll be much more where this came from.
Dimitri Kechagias review: When two legends meet in the studio the result can only be outstanding. The Swedish superstar John Dahlbäck & and the Italian power master Benny Benassi deliver on Ultra Music the sure powersmasher Blink Again. We deal here with a thunderous electro meets progressive house banger that has all the ingredients to become summer festival favourite without doubts and hesitations. It starts all chunky and groovy and nicely lands on the first melodic sweet breakdown that the classical music theme is combined nicely with the female vocal that is chopped, squeezed and twisted to the max. From the background comes the hugely distorted electro smashed synthy lead that actually drives the track to the first drop that is anthemic, jumping and sweating. Quality club beats continue on the 2nd longer breakdown with short trap sequence as well combined with the huge euphoric synthy stabs that give you shivers, goosebumps and the ultimate euphoric experience. When that manic mindblowing lead strikes back you can easily guess how the crowds will react to it! Party Banger Guaranteed. Love iT
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John Dahlback
Benny Benassi
