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SXM Festival announces 2nd wave of artists for its 2023 edition

By
Marco Di
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SXM Festival

SXM Festival returns from March 8-12, 2023 for a musical and cultural experience like no other. It is the only festival in the world that takes over an entire island – the Caribbean gem of Saint Martin | Sint Maarten – and is the ultimate destination experience.

Prepare for a week of world-class electronic music immersed in stylish, sumptuous, and often surreal locations dotted around this idyllic island. Beach, villa, and boat parties, hilltop sunrise sessions and peak-time boho parties are all featured alongside French style champagne sipping afternoons by the pool, incredible food, boat activities, and culturally diverse explorations. Define your own unique adventure and rest assured that every day will be different – one never to forget.

Since its debut in 2016, SXM Festival has proven to be so much more than just another festival. This life-enriching experience quickly became one of the most talked about musical gatherings in the world. It’s a mix of Caribbean, French and Dutch culture, with an audience of worldly adventurers from over 35 countries and local enthusiasts gathering for some of the best underground electronic music talent on the planet.

SXM Festival is a 5-day and 5-night electronic music escape and breeding ground for musical experimentation and discovery – eclipsed only by the beauty of the festival’s host location.

SXM Festival 2023 lineup

SXM Festival‘s Phase 2 lineup adds a new batch of talented names to the fold, starting with Grammy Award-winning South African artist Black Coffee and Desolat label co-founder Loco Dice, plus Puerto Rico’s own Natalia Roth, the stylish sounds of Moody Jones, and Anthony Middleton of Audiofly.

Highlights on the Phase 2 lineup continue with Moroccan electronic music ambassador Amine K, members of the Scenarios collective and label Emanuel Satie and Maga, and respected French export Oxia, along with a diverse mix of veteran and rising names including Jean Pierre, Layla Benitez, Paolo Rocco, Ms Mada, Paso Doble, Underher, Airrica, Wahm, and more.

These phase two additions join an already packed lineup featuring previously announced names including Grammy-nominated, triple platinum production duo CamelPhat, Music On leader Marco Carola, pioneering electronic producer Dubfire, and the musical experience of Astra Club – a b2b set from DJ Tennis and Carlita.

Additional highlights include beloved Italian artist Francesca Lombardo, the reinvented house sensation Gordo, Brazilian stand out DJ and producer Mochakk, the return of Swiss favorite Sonja Moonear following her memorable 2022 performance, and a live set from visionary melodic house and techno veteran Rodriguez Jr.

The lineup’s global depth extends further with emergent West African DJ and producer AMÉMÉ, Palestinian DJ Maher Daniel, French exports Apollonia and YokoO, Berlin-based DJ and producer Gene On Earth, and German producer and co-founder of the Common Sense People event series Konstantin Sibold. A diversity of styles round out the lineup from the likes of acclaimed selector Doc Martin, Moscow Records and Moss Co. imprint head Archie Hamilton, the mystical melodic sounds of Deer Jade, and psychedelic house producer Mita Gami among others.

The party venues are simply incredible, starting with the legendary Happy Bay. The secluded private beach nestled in the jungle serves as the main evening venue and is home to the iconic Arc Main Stage and the immersive Ocean Stage. Other highlights include Boho Beach Club, the perfect place to chill out and escape during the day, and the infamous Villa Party, accessible only with a VIP ticket.

Experience a revival of the luxury only bygone movie idols of the 60s jetset have lived, combined with modern-day luxury and design. This party is definitely one of the highlights of the festival. This exclusive estate, Sandyline, is a showcase for the chic, a day time rendez-vous for your inner rock star.

VIP Ticket holders receive access to exclusive areas with lush amenities at Happy Bay, priority table service, a chill-out area, a dedicated VIP bar and special cocktails, pop-up bars, VIP washroom, surprises and more.

VIP Ticket holders are also guaranteed first access to tickets for the ultra-exclusive limited capacity Satellite events; The Panorama Party and Boat Party. The Panorama Party gives attendees the chance to party at the peak of Sint Maarten’s highest mountain with breathtaking 360-degree views of the best Caribbean sunset. That Venue has been used for the Cercle live stream and has to be seen to be believed.

Other Satellite Parties include the Boat Party, setting sail on the largest lagoon in the Caribbean with the most colorful sunset. Also this year, a new Catamaran Cruise will take 100 people to the most beautiful spots with food, drinks, swimming and a surprise DJ. VIP Tickets also allow advanced table bookings for each venue.

Those seeking the best possible experience should book their Villa directly with SXM Festival for added benefits such as Private Airport transfer, Admission directly in the Villa, Ultra VIP parking at Happy Bay, Dedicated VIP Host & Concierge Services, Priority Table Service, Photo Shoot, Pre-Festival styling sessions, hosted backstage visit and more.

For the 6th edition, the event will continue to build upon its deep connection with the cultural and ecological fabric of the beautiful host locale of Saint Martin | Sint Maarten. SXM Festival is also dedicated to leaving a smaller footprint and helping replenish natural environments.

With initiatives that include going paperless, planting palm trees, saving energy with LED and solar lights, and eliminating plastic waste throughout the festival while collaborating year after year with local talents, it is the mission of SXM Festival to become increasingly sustainable throughout their growth. The festival also has a no-trace policy: every venue is transformed to be more beautiful at the end of each event.

Whether you are a returning vet or a first-timer, SXM Festival and the beautiful island of Saint Martin | Sint Maarten holds rich cultural surprises behind each twist and turn. It is truly a sum of its parts and a voyage of a lifetime.

Exclusive Interview with DJ & Producer Aeon from Cafe De Anatolia

By
Metodi Gogovski
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With his unique approach to production and passion for music, Ashish Ganguli, also known as Aeon is making an impact in the electronic music scene lately. Our team had the chance to catch up with him and he was happy to answer all of our questions.

Check out the full interview below!

Tell us more about yourself & your music career?

I am DJ and music producer based in Toronto, Canada. After honing my skills as an engineer, I decided to pursue my dream of music production. I produce Ethnic Deep House, Progressive House, Deep House & Melodic Techno and my goal is to grow and develop high-quality music for DJs and listeners worldwide. I believe that music is an expression of the universe and that engineering sounds are the method of bringing it to life. 

How would you describe your style of music?

Melodic, emotive, creative, deep house. There’s also an ethnic touch included to touch the soul.

Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration in ancient chants, rituals, cosmic cycles and melodies of past, present and future. Each note and beat combines to come up with a pattern that can fulfill the soul.

Describe how music is important to society?

Music is an expression of the Universe and it can unite people to stay connected to each other in society. Cosmic structures from living things to rocks all vibrate to certain frequencies and music is the outcome that shows society to be connected.

What is the best time of the day to create?

Early morning and late night when things are quite.

Who are your musical influences?

David Guetta, Miss Monique, Kishore Kumar and R.D Burman.

What is the most difficult thing about being a musician?

The most difficult thing would be to find the perfect balance between chord changes.

What has been your biggest career highlight so far?

Bringing my music through the Cafe De Anatolia label after joining one of the best-growing major labels in Canada called Reckoning records.

Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration in nature, natural sounds and modern technology as well.

What are your latest releases?

OM coming up March 22, 2023. And “Hypnosis” EP coming up March 31, 2023 on Reckoning Records.

Tell us more about your connection with Cafe De Anatolia?

After developing my track “OM” I wrote to Cafe De Anatolia and got accepted to release. I am a newcomer to Cafe De Anatolia and I am honored to be part of the group. 

Are you working on something new?

Yes, I am always working on new tracks. Currently I am working on developing a new EP and would like to release it through Café De Anatolia in Summer 2023.

Where and when is your next performance?

Currently, I am focusing on music production only, so I’m spending most of my time in my studio.

What’s the best piece of advice another musician ever gave you?

The best advice I received was to have an original idea which has helped me a lot in creating new tracks.

What’s your process for dealing with performance anxiety?

I don’t really have any performance anxiety, I like to perform and love the atmosphere.

Do you have any advice for aspiring musicians?

My advice is always to be original, never try to copy someone, just get inspiration from nature and people around you and create something that’s your own. People usually love good music when it’s original.

Asher Shashaty and Dani King collab on euphoric Future Bass single, ‘Feeling’

By
Alex Gelevski
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Mind-bending electronic artist Asher Shashaty is continuing to heat up via his new collaboration with singer Dani King on their single “Feeling”, a prelude to Shashaty’s highly-anticipated album “Astral Spring”.

The track opens with celestial soundscapes and King’s captivating vocals, followed by a fusion of gospel-inspired chords and melodic hooks. As a result, “Feeling” packs a powerful instrumental and impactful lyrics, making it the optimal Valentine’s Day tune.

From the start of “Feeling“, Dani King‘s musical talent is evident . Originally from Chicago, she now resides in Los Angeles and began her musical journey at 12.

Her love for EDM has only grown, resulting in performances at prestigious festivals like Electric Zoo and Lost Lands. Additionally, King has collaborated with artists like Whales, Bear Grillz, and Swarm, showcasing her skilled singing. Her style complements Asher‘s sound design perfectly in “Feeling“.

Also embedded in this bass-fueled anthem, Asher‘s signature production style shines bright. He blends personal experiences, musical influences, and experimentation in his work, telling an imaginative story throughout “Feeling“.

With the ability to merge genres, Asher is gaining momentum with his recent hits like “What I Need“, featuring Strung Along and Misdom, and “Urban Forest” with Miyoki. These tracks, including “Feeling”, will be on his upcoming album “Astral Spring”, highlighting its vast prospect.

Listen to the track below.

Check out the interview below!

What type of mindset do you manifest internally that helps energize you toward your goals? What keeps you going?

Dani: I’m not going to lie to you – my energy and mindset comes from raging ADHD and an extreme excess of energy. I’ve always had a positive and sunny outlook on life, which is bolstered by the fact that I love music so much it’s hard to stop working sometimes.

I have an incredible team behind me too, pushing me to be the best artist I can possibly be. Every step forward with them makes me want to write 20 more songs! I’m so passionate about the music that I am writing currently and it only feels natural to keep pushing for more.

Was there an ‘a-ha’ moment when it comes to how the final version of this release, ‘Feeling,’ would come out?

Asher: When I finished the instrumental, and pitched the song to Dani, she sent back vocals that blew me away. Dani wrote the song with her good friend Max Hurrell, and it fit the vibe of the instrumental perfectly. When writing the instrumental I had a feeling this song was going to be special, but since I got the vocals back from Dani, I know that the song is special.

What type of vibe do you hope listeners will pick up on from ‘Feeling?’

Dani: “Feeling” is not a sad breakup song by any means – it’s actually about a guy I dated for a long time that ended on good terms. I wrote this song with a great songwriter, Max Hurrell, and we were reminiscing about the people we dated before we met our “person” (respectively, his beautiful wife and my current partner). We both had these experiences with our exes that taught us valuable life lessons in order to build the happy, healthy, and stable relationships we both have today.

There’s a really important line in the second verse that reads “you were too uptight to get your way, you taught me how to fight but not to stay.” For me, that line sums up all of the relationships that lead to “the one” that sticks. Whether you’re in the middle of a breakup, you’ve already met the one, or your journey in love is just starting, I hope that this song resonates with you in some way.

What do you think 2023 has in store for you?

Dani: A LOT. I am so stoked that I get to start the year off with this release, but without giving too much away….March is going to be crazy. We have a lot of releases, and a lot more live performances coming this year as well!

Are you happy with where you are at in life at the current moment?

Asher: Being happy is a choice that needs to be made on a daily basis. There isn’t a day I wake up that I don’t have to choose to be happy over being down. Healthy day to day lifestyle choices, in every area of my life is how I maintain a healthy and happy mind.

Music is very important to me, but neglecting my mental health for music isn’t a trade off I am willing to take. Mental health always takes priority and productivity, plus healthy living, trickles down from there for me.

What are you most excited about coming up in relation to your music career?

Asher: I am most excited for the release of my debut album Astral Spring and the mini tour I’ve got going on with it! It has been a long time since I performed live and I am very excited for that! I am excited to collaborate with other talented artists, and expand my brand.

Benny Benassi links with Chris Nasty & Constantin for succulent club track, ‘Make Some Noise’

By
Marco Di
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Benny Benassi

Building on the momentum from a standout 2022, Italian dance icon Benny Benassi is fusing his impeccable production and renowned sonic approach with Chris Nasty and Constantin for the new single “Make Some Noise”.

A nod to Benny‘s clubbing sound that set the world ablaze in the early 2000s while also serving an electrifying dose of modern dancefloor heat, the new single is a testament to the timeless nature of Benassi’s electro-infusing club sound. Grab your earplugs on February 3, when Benny Benassi, Chris Nasty, and Constantin‘s new single drops through the exalted Ultra Records.

From mainstage-ready festival hits to infectious dance spins on commercial beats, Benny Benassi has long proven his ability to adapt his style, but it’s hard to deny that raucous-inducing electro has long been the Italian producer’s bread and butter. Equal parts tumultuous and downright dirty, his new single with Chris Nasty and Constantin is unapologetically rave-inducing, a stark contrast to Benassi‘s radio-friendly releases to close out 2022.

Discussing the upcoming release, Benny Benassi comments:

“Old school techno has always amazed me, and has become an increasingly bigger source of inspiration in my productions. During a recent studio session with Christ Nasty and Constantin we tried to use an emulator of the dominator and immediately a few classic techno tracks came to mind, which formed the ideas behind “Make Some Noise”.

Chris came up with this amazing riff and we built the rest of the track with only one goal in mind: make ravers dance! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do and I can’t wait to see you on the dance floor”

Chris Nasty says: “I’ve always loved the old school rave sound because of the energy it unleashed on the dancefloor. So I thought about recreating that same mood but in a new and fresh track! That’s exactly what we tried to achieve with ‘Make Some Noise’ by mixing old synths and analog outboard gears with modern production techniques. The result’s a track that does not compromise, the perfect tool for a dj with the unique purpose of making people dance!”

As fresh as the new collaboration may be, neither Chris Nasty nor Constantin are strangers to joint musical efforts with Benny Benassi. Chris Nasty’s history with Benny goes all the way back to his seductive 2014 debut on Ultra Records, “Aphrodisiak,” but has remained steady with follow up hits like “2 My House” and 2019’s “Inside.”

An equally proven creative cohort, fans may recognize Constantin from his work among the BB Team, or his standout single from last year, “No More” (feat. Domino). Stemming from a trifecta of lauded musical talents, “Make Some Noise” is the much needed rave hit to set the tone for 2023. Don’t miss the stomping new single out now via Ultra Records.

Listen to the track below.

Tensteps is ready to hit the road later this winter!

By
Alex Gelevski
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Tensteps is ready to hit the road later this winter! The gifted DJ and music producer released the dates of his Winter 2023 Tour; the 5 scheduled live shows will see him joining Andrew Rayel’s ‘Lifeline’ album tour across the US; the artist is taking his signature sound and style to LA, Orlando, Houston, Chicago and Portland.

In the past years, Tensteps has been making a name for himself, with smashing hits, some in collaboration with influential names like Standerwick and the very own Andrew Rayel, as well as, powerful performances all across the US, conquering dance floors and stages with his unmissable sound and style that blends elements from Trance, Psytrance, Progressive House and Melodic Bass, to name a few.

His impressive sound has already received the support to VIP names in the Electronic music world, like Armin Van Buuren, MaRLo, Ferry Corsten and Jeffrey Sutorius, to mention some.

This time, Tensteps is set to take his impressive live show to 5 iconic venues and cities. First stop, Academy Los Angeles, on February 2nd, next date is at Vanguard, Orlando on February 11th, then it’s Houston’s turn at RISE Rooftop, on February 17th.

The next two dates are at PRYSM in Chicago on February 18th and the last one, at 45 East in Portland the 18th of March.

This tour sets the stage for Tensteps upcoming remarkable releases scheduled for the upcoming months, that will surely keep his name high on the list of DJs not to miss, as his mighty performances and releases prove he’s an artist to follow.

Jaison Silva and BRØWNS team up to bring a sensational hit ‘Coming Home’

By
Alex Gelevski
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Jaison Silva and BRØWNS team up to bring a sensational hit ‘Coming Home’ via Future Rave Music.

Hailing from Brazil, these two DJs and music producers are ready to share their sound with the world as the join forces with leading Electronic Dance music label Future Rave Music, who continues to prove its name as a reputable label in the Electronic music world, only releasing hard-hitting bangers with exquisite taste and high-quality, from talented artists from all over the world.

Jaison Silva, known for his unique style that merges elements of Techno, Synthwave and Progressive House, is certainly a proud exponent of the Future Rave genre in Brazil; his releases have received the praise of the likes of VessBroz, Monroe and Markhese, to name a few.

BRØWNS, on the other hand, displays his skills and sound with releases on labels like Big Smile Records and Blvckbox Records, to name some, experimenting with genres like Future House, Dance and Mainstage.

Now, these two artists blend their love for Electronic Dance music, primarily the Future Rave genre, to bring this exceptional production.

‘Coming Home’ features an energetic beat, growling pads, bouncy synth lines, and catchy processed vocals that set up the stage of this incredible dance anthem. The uplifting pads and the intoxicating vocal melody in the breakdown announce the powerful and heavy-hitting drop guided by a signature revved up Future Rave synth line.

The intense drop lets the energy of the beat flow with an impressive combo of exhilarating sonic elements, squelching pads and powerful sequenced synth lines. ‘Coming Home’ truthfully presents itself as a matchless banger, worthy of the attention and praise of listeners worldwide; a true Future Rave hit.

Make sure to follow Jaison Silva and BRØWNS as they ensure more impressive releases in the future.

Listen to the tracks below.

Spacey Gray introduces his latest production ‘Will Powah’

By
Metodi Gogovski
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Australian DJ and music producer Spacey Gray introduces his latest production ‘Will Powah’. The gifted DJ is ready to share the powerful music he has been working on, pushing boundaries and displaying his sound and style with this new release.

With more than 10 years of experience behind the mixing decks and in the studio, Spacey Gray unveils mighty bangers that showcase his passion and love of electronic music, having as a result an eclectic yet signature sound and style that merges elements from different genres, bringing one-of-a-kind productions that can’t be missed.

Now, he’s ready to start the new year with an impressive release that is set to reach new heights for this talented artist.

With a hard-hitting and shuffled beat, this powerful track unleashes its intensity, keeping the pace and submerging the listener into the Spacey Gray sound. An arpeggiated and uplifting synth line appears throughout the song giving it an ethereal break from the otherwise groovy and intense beat and bassline layers.

The chopped synth layer stays, as panned playful pads add a new color to the soundscape. A truthful listening journey of its own, this track will take listeners on an impressive unprecedented experience.

The track develops from an intense to an uplifting vibe, displaying Spacey Gray’s vision and talent in all its glory.

This track proves that Spacey Gray’s vision and consistent work shows no signs of slowing down, as with each release, he puts his name higher on the list of DJs to follow. While his mission to make uplifting and blissful music is evident, as his productions take dance floors and stages by storm, and will continue to do so this new year.

Be sure to keep an eye out for Spacey Gray’s releases as he promises to unleash new bangers in the coming months.

Listen to the track below.

Turbo-D is here with a fresh hard-hitting banger ‘Gonn’ Get It’

By
Andry Bosk
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German DJ and music producer Turbo-D is here with a fresh hard-hitting banger. David Hesse, otherwise known as Turbo-D is ready to present ‘Gonn’ Get It’ through Play Records.

Following the exquisite release of the bass house track ‘How You Like It’ as part of Play Records ’NYE 2023’ compilation album, the DJ strikes back with a tech house production that will definitely make a ripple in the electronic dance music scene worldwide.

With influences like Bijou, Bassjackers and Malaa, and with more than 20 years of experience as a live performer; this impressive DJ and music producer shares his highly energetic and mighty sound and style through his powerful releases that have received wide support from audiences across the globe; making his underground leaning yet groovy sounding productions a certified success.

Following the success of his previous releases through labels like G-Mafia, Play Records and his own Turbo label, now, he introduces this fresh stimulating track ‘Gonn’ Get It’ as a new addition to his impressive catalog.

An energetic beat kicks off the track, that soon meets a bouncy bassline that joins the party, as processed vocals rhythmically play with the rhythm. The intensity builds up to reach a hard-hitting drop where the party is released in full force. Synth lines and pads add new colorful layers as the track develops while keeping the energizing and refreshing vibes going.

This track is surely one for tech house lovers looking for a banger to add to their playlist. With this new release, Turbo-D certainly proves why his name deserves to climb to the top of the list of DJs to follow, as his impressive productions serve as proof of it.

Don’t forget to follow Turbo-D and Play Records, as they continue to release stellar productions.

Listen to the track here.

Flymeon is here with the first installment of his EP ‘Paris Under Control’

By
Andry Bosk
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Flymeon is here with the first installment of his EP ‘Paris Under Control’. He introduces the first track of this stellar production titled ‘Paris Acid City’.

The French DJ and music producer, is ready to share his hard-hitting music and unprecedented music project that blends his love for techno and metal music, having as a result, an unprecedented sound and style that pushes boundaries and places his name at the top of the list of innovative acts in the electronic music scene worldwide.

With an uncompromising and groundbreaking sound and disruptive attitude, Flymeon is set to reach new heights with his trailblazing project.

This first single out of the EP is ‘Paris Acid City’; a hard-hitting banger that features chopped vocals, pads, and sonic elements that turn the intensity up, as the beat drops with a powerful and driving Techno sound. Revved-up synths and growling, distorted guitars, keep the energy of this impressive track at a high level.

Making space for signature Flymeon guitar riffs, the vocals and the beat continue to aggressively push the intensity, which finds a constant peak with the exhilarating underlying beat. ‘Paris Acid City’ presents itself as a one-of-a-kind listening experience that displays Flymeon’s matchless sound and style in all its glory and might.

The track is released alongside an unmissable music video directed by Flymeon alongside Antoine Keene, produced by Plug Inc, with post-production by Marcelo TNS, and an exclusive remix done by DJ and music producer Vizionn.

Flymeon unveils the first single from this 4-song EP and sets the bar high, with an impressive and energetic techno track that proves why he is an artist to watch closely, as he slowly introduces this stellar EP packed with hard-hitting and unrivaled bangers, along with official music videos and remixes that promise much more to come from this innovative artist.

Listen to the track below.

Interview with multi-talented DJ and Producer Tim Kari from Cafe De Anatolia

By
Metodi Gogovski
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Our team had the chance to catch up with the extremely talented DJ and producer Tim Kari to find out more about his music career.

Check out the full interview below!

Tell us more about yourself & your music career?

I am a dj, musician, and producer born in Tashkent Uzbekistan, the vibrant and culturally unique heart of Central Asia. My love to music began when I was 13, I tried to compose melodies with piano and later with my first keyboards.

I have worked with many Uzbek, Kazakh and Russian artists as a ghost producer in the past. Today my focus lies on my own career as a DJ and producer of electronic music, where I create a fusion of folk instruments during my live performances, which gives a more organic face to my recent work.

How would you describe your style of music?

I experiment with different tones and textures of Folk instruments and electronic sounds. I enjoy combining them and try to enrich my music with emotions. This unique combination highlights my taste and develops my original style.

Where do you find inspiration?

As I mentioned before, my inspiration often comes from emotions. I try to transform that into the sound. I am not using reference tracks or templates. I really like to see where emotions and feelings can drive me.

Describe how music is important to society.

Music is the source of emotions and life energy. It exaggerates good feelings and at the same time it can take bad emotions away. For centuries, people used folk music as a way to share and communicate their emotions. Along these lines, my music is aimed to create new breath to this precious ancient type of art.

What’s the best time to create?

I don’t think there is a perfect time to create music. The main elements are a fresh mind and a fresh ear. It is also to have plenty of time.

Who are your musical influences?

My main musical influence was my father. He used to play guitar and sing songs. That influenced me to become a musician and composer. It is also important to mention that I grew up listening to the music of my favorite artist Dj Pilgrim (IY). Because of that, it was a huge event for me that we released a collaborative album “Moon taxi Ram” back in 2021.

What is the most difficult thing about being a musician?

Lack of stability and a wide range of things that we have to do, such as composing music, recordings, mixing & mastering, as well as looking for opportunities to make a music video, promoting our music, planning gigs, and work in collaboration with other musicians.

Which is your biggest career highlight so far?

In the summer of 2022, we held a gala concert with the Philharmonic Orchestra of Kyrgyzstan and the Liberty Choir in Bishkek. There were about 4k people and we performed a 3 hour concert based on my own tracks and exclusive remixes. At the same time I released a collaborative track with Pandora on the Art Vibes label.

What is your latest release?

“Huma” on Cafe De Anatolia

What is your connection with Cafe De Anatolia?

“Huma” is one of my favorite tracks that has an amazing solo on a folk instrument Sato, an Arabian flavor created by orchestra strings, and catchy electronic beats. I named it “Huma” because it gives the listener a feeling of flying and euphoria. I wished to release it on one of those labels, which had introduced me to the world of ethnic deep and organic house music. I was very glad to get a reply from Cafe de Anatolia that they like my track.

Are you working on something new?

I have two new EPs coming out in near future. I have time to think of my future music development. I am focused on something new and bigger, maybe a full album or new concert program with folk instruments.

Where and when is your next performance?

This year I am aiming to travel with a gig to neighboring countries. At the same time, I am hoping to organize a festival in my hometown.

What’s the best piece of advice another musician ever gave you?

One of my friends, a good violin player from Iran, Payman Molayee, told me a while ago that, at the beginning of their music careers people create simple melodies. Then they start developing their skills, try to make difficult and over-produced melodies and arrangements. It takes a long time to understand all concepts and philosophy of music. After all, they come back to create simple, but at the same time perfect melodies. “The definition of genius is taking the complex and making it simple”.

What’s your process for dealing with performance anxiety?

I face it often, especially when I have many instruments and equipment connected to my live shows. I forget it all as soon as my first track starts playing. It takes some time to feel the crowd and get comfortable.

How Covid 19 changed the terms of the music industry? 

People started listening to different types of music. It brought special value to ethnic music and helped it to gain popularity. At that time I finished my debut album “Gate of Ishtar” and I was waiting for its release on the German label Monada. For me it was good time to develop skills in other areas.

Do you have any advice for aspiring musicians?

There is no magic thing, piece of equipment, or strategy that will simply bring you to your goal. The only thing that can support you in difficult times is believing in yourself. “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard”.

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