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Charlotte de Witte’s KNTXT label opens for demo’s for first time ever!

Charlotte de Witte

Charlotte de Witte’s unstoppable KNTXT label is opening itself up to demo submissions for the first time ever.

Between March 15th and March 21st 2021, anyone will be able to send in their music, with the best of the best being selected for a full release on the label. This will be the first in what will become a much anticipated and potentially career-changing annual tradition and full details can be found at the link.

Until now, it has been Belgian powerhouse Charlotte who has carefully curated the entire output of the label. Despite the global pandemic, this continued at a fine pace in the last year, with standout EPs from the boss including Rave On Time and Return To Nowhere, as well as music from red hot new signings Alignment and long time innovator Monoloc.

All of this has helped quickly establish the label at the forefront of the techno scene. KNTXT is now known around the world for a focussed, stylish sound that is immediately identifiable but never derivative. Now, for one week only each and every year, you are guaranteed the full attention of Charlotte as she looks to add the most standout talents to the KNTXT roster.

She says of the annual competition, “KNTXT stands for purity, strength and progression, within a vibrant and ever evolving techno scene. It’s very important to us to offer a platform for other artists. There are so many exciting talents around and they deserve to be heard.

Alignment and ONYVAA are artists who have recently been signed by the label, so know the impact it has had on their career. Alignment says, “KNTXT is a great platform for fresh upcoming artists who deserve extra visibility. My releases worked out great and I am pleased how it could expand my listener circle. Can’t wait for the next one!

ONYVAA adds, “KNTXT is definitely one of the most professional and on point techno labels out there with huge impact. Only amazing things to say about these guys! Really excited with how my release went with them recently and was definitely my most successful release so far. Straight fire.

Demo submissions will be accepted from 10:00 AM CET Monday March 15th until Sunday 21st March at 23:00 CET. All you have to do is fill in the online form, upload 320kbps mp3s to Soundcloud, full tracks, no snippets. Demo submissions by email are not accepted. The label will only reply to those who are selected.

This is a rare opportunity to get right to the heart of one of techno’s foremost labels. Have you got the skills and the sound to get signed? There’s only one thing to do to find out…

Tom Staar and Cedric Gervais reveal first of two collaborations: ‘Playing Games’

There’s something elusive about magic that sparks when two artists hit it off in the studio. But even though you can’t quite put your finger on it, you just know that the end result will blow you away.

And that’s exactly what happened when Tom Staar and Cedric Gervais indulged in a creative get-together. Their new single, ‘Playing Games‘, is the first of two tracks they made together, and it underlines how often the sum of such a collab is greater than its parts.

An emotion-laden crossover collab between Tom Staar and Cedric Gervais, ‘Playing Games‘ is a more delicate tune than you’d normally expect from these dance music mainstays. Touched by crystalline vocals, reflective lyrics and chord progressions that soothe the soul, this record once again underlines how incredibly versatile its creators are.

Tom Staar: “Cedric and I had been talking about doing a track together for some time. We got a vibe going during lockdown on a more chilled note with clubs not being open. The end result was Playing Games.

Cedric Gervais: “I’ve played a lot of Tom’s records in my sets over the years, so collaborating felt totally natural. We’ve created two tracks, and the first is ‘Playing Games’, which I love. It’s definitely on a more mellow vibe for me and something to play poolside, but we’ll be returning with a naughty peak-time club record later in the year.

Listen to the track below.

‘Music, Makers & Machines’ Launches on Google Arts & Culture

Key members of the electronic music community from across the globe join forces with support from Google Arts & Culture and YouTube to create ‘Music, Makers & Machines’.

This interactive collection celebrates the history and legacy of electronic music and is an important recognition of the crucial role this music plays within our wider culture. Music, Makers & Machines is a permanent online exhibition accessible by all from 10th March 2021 on Google Arts & Culture, Google‘s not-for-profit platform.

Music, Makers & Machines has been created through the collaboration of over 50 international cultural partners spanning 15 countries, including museums, archives, festivals, educational establishments, industry experts and pioneers from the electronic music scene.

Contributors include XL Recordings (UK), Innervisions (DE), Kompakt (DE), Kitsuné (FR), Moogseum – Bob Moog Foundation (US), WDR – West German Broadcasting (DE), Museum of Youth Culture (UK), Clubcommission Berlin (DE), Deutsches Museum (DE), Visit Düsseldorf (DE), SMEM – Swiss Museum for Electronic Music Instruments (CH), Amsterdam Dance Event (NL), Philharmonie de Paris (FR) Barbican Centre (UK), Black Cultural Archives (UK), Hayward Gallery (UK), Chicago History Museum (US), Sydney Opera House (AUS), Nakamura Keith Haring Collection, Hokuto (JP) to name but a few.

Together these institutions capture the vital part electronic music has played in influencing movements, places and technology. Whilst lockdown restrictions have left dancefloors empty, many assets featured in the platform will transport viewers back into the clubs, institutions and studios that have helped shape the community that it has become today.

The result is a highly immersive resource, presenting Augmented Reality features, over 13,000+ archived photo and video assets, 200 online exhibitions, 360° tours and 3D scans along with bespoke editorial features delving into scenes, sounds and iconic cities – highlights of which can be found below. Music, Makers & Machines will also come with lesson plans for schools and students for classroom or online learning.

Electronic music brings people together from all walks of life and from all over the world. Its community has always been one of creativity and shared experiences. As a result of Covid-19 many venues have had to close their doors, yet fans and musicians have remained connected through new online forums and formats.

In this spirit, important cultural archives, museums, collections, record labels, festivals and some of the music industry’s leading experts and pioneers galvanise on Google Arts & Culture and YouTube to offer a gateway to learn about electronic music: Music, Makers & Machines.

The entire Music, Makers & Machines online exhibition can be accessed on the Google Arts & Culture app on iOS or Android or online via the link.

Music, Makers & Machines – An online exhibition about electronic music on Google Arts & Culture

Star DJ Burak Yeter goes fully-immersive for March 20 gig at TheCLUB.tv

World-renowned DJ and producer Burak Yeter brings his highly-distinctive electronic dance music to a global audience in a fully-immersive virtual gig, backed by augmented reality effects, on Saturday, March 20, hosted by new virtual streaming platform theCLUB.tv.

Burak Yeter has redefined perceptions of electronic dance music, staging gigs in historic sites like the ancient city of Patara. His symphonic project mixes classical sounds from a 100-strong orchestra and DJ styles. He is also renowned for collaborations with Benny Bennassi, Emie, and Danielle Sadoval as well as remixes for Black Eyed Peas, Alicia Keys, Bruno Mars and Beyoncé.

Having tried out TheCLUB.tv’s immersive AR effects, Burak Yeter said: “I’m actually able to perform in front of a crowd again!

TheCLUB’s virtual streaming platform sets new standards in immersive, fan-based virtual dance music gigs by adding AR effects track by track and putting fans on screen in the middle of the DJ’s gig itself, so fans are once again at heart of the dance music experience.

One lucky ticket buyer will win a free 10-minute zoom call with Burak Yeter after the concert.

The gig starts at 21.00 GMT and ends at 22.30pm GMT.

Tickets are £3.09 (US$4.30) from theCLUB.tv site.

DMNDS have dropped a massive rework of ‘Seven Nation Army’

DMNDS

Signalling another sure-fire release from Strange Fruits, the trailblazing label headed up by DJ and producer Steve Void – this time presenting the epic DMNDS take on, ‘Seven Nation Army’.

Hot on the back of ‘Stay High‘ (Habits) and ‘Rise Up‘ (ft. Tny), DMNDS are no strangers to international success and are now returning with their latest single, featuring vocals from KOYSINA and re-working a much loved, classic dance floor anthem.

As a brand, Strange Fruits are true music lovers in every sense and in turn – are dedicated to the service of both creators and listeners alike.

Continuing to revolutionise the industry and how their loyal community of fans discover new and classic songs, they innovate at a relentless pace and in doing so – are currently hailed as one of the fastest growing, independent labels in the world.

Stay tuned, as ‘Seven Nation Army‘ continues to build heat worldwide.

Listen to the track below.

Steve Void returns with his latest studio output titled ‘Sweet Dreams’

Revered Dutch producer and Strange Fruits label head; Steve Void returns with his latest studio output – titled ‘Sweet Dreams’ (Are Made Of This).

Paying homage to another classic record, Steve Void brings his signature sound to the track – whilst retaining the Original’s unmistakable vocal hook.

To date, Steve has notched up in excess of 250 million streams, garnered a multitude of A list DJ support and picked up radio plays across the likes of BBC Radio 1, Kiss FM & beyond.

With his industry ambition starting from a young age and having studied at the Herman Brood Academie (a notorious music production school in Utrecht, known for producing Martin Garrix), it wasn’t long before the trajectory of his career took a rapid ascension and the dutchman has never looked back.

Also, the head of Strange Fruits – his brand continues to innovate at a relentless pace, with the label currently hailed as one of the fastest growing imprints in the world.

Hold tight, as ‘Sweet Dreams’ (Are Made Of This) lights up in the coming weeks.

Listen to the track below.

Carl Cox drops the uplifting Balearic house anthem ‘Sand, Moon & Stars’

Carl Cox

12th March sees the world-famous DJ and king of Ibiza Carl Cox continue his fine form and return with the uplifting Balearic house anthem ‘Sand, Moon & Stars’, released via BMG.

This vital new single boasting sun-drenched beats, rousing synth arpeggios and an abundance of lush strings first aired as the exclusive title track to the global sports streaming platform DAZN‘s 5-part football documentary series: ‘Club Ibiza: The Sessions‘.

Carl says: “I am delighted to be to be a part of this Ibiza story. It’s a magical place where the islanders have always made me feel very welcome. This original track was made with the Ibizan football team in mind. The spirit, power and soul of Ibiza is the sound of celebration, which brings people together. That is Sand, Moon and Stars.

Surrounded by iconic clubs, the world’s best DJs and the most stunning Balearic beaches, ‘Club Ibiza: The Sessions‘ takes you on a season-long journey into the heart of the most famous island in the world.

Through the eyes of Ibiza’s most passionate football fans, the series captures an exclusive look into the rise of UD Ibiza (a football club unlike any other), combining exclusive interviews with behind-the-scenes access and the wonders of the island, all set to incredible new music from Carl and Ibiza-born DJs Anna Tur and Manu Gonzalez.

Furthermore, several compelling high-profile remixes are also in the pipeline and due out in the coming weeks, including a re-rub from Carl himself – more details coming soon!

Club Ibiza: The Sessions‘ is a DAZN Originals production in association with Cielo Azul, executive produced by Grant Best, Tom Markham and Rob Fulham, and co-directed by Jon Alex Dennis and Grant Best . It is now available on DAZN across 200+ countries and territories.

Listen to the track below.

Cat Dealers remix Gryffin and Two Feet single ‘I Want Love’

Cat Dealers

Brazilian electronic favourites Cat Dealers have remixed Gryffin and Two Feet’s collaborative smash ‘I Want Love’.

Characterised by euphoric sirens and a mammoth drop, the Cat Dealers remix of ‘I Want Love‘ is a big room club weapon that loses none of the raw emotion that makes the original so special. A certified hit, ‘I Want Love‘ debuted at #198 on the ‘US Spotify Daily’ Chart and has racked up 4.5 million Spotify streams since its February release.

Made up of Brazilian brothers Lugui and Pedrão, Cat Dealers are one of the biggest names in the international electronic scene, reaching #48 in the 2018 DJ Mag ‘Top 100’ and amassing hundreds of millions of streams across their sprawling back catalogue. They kicked off the new year with ‘Scars‘, a collaborative single with newcomer HAVENN.

The Cat Dealers remix of ‘I Want Love‘ turns the anthemic track into even more of a dancefloor weapon.

Listen to the track below.

THE BEAT GOES LIVE announces stellar lineup for their special fundraising event

3LAU, Gramatik, Luciano, Andrea Oliva, Umek, Yves V and many more to headline a weekend-long  fundraising livestreaming/NFT event uniting world’s top electronic venues for the launch of first of its kind hybrid events platform Paarti.

Paarti is a revolutionary platform that connects people through the power and joy of music. Designed to function and feel like the world’s largest venue and with unique features for social connectivity, Paarti unites the active experience of real-world events with the innovation of best-in-class digital entertainment.

DJ, Producer, and NFT pioneer 3LAU will kick off THE BEAT GOES LIVE with a 30-min special performance bringing together top electronic artists and venues around the world. Gramatik, the first music artist to “tokenise” himself back in 2017 will end the event together with Luxas with a special performance under their collaborative project Cyberpunk.

Privilege Ibiza – the world’s largest music venue according to Guinness Book of Records – will be joining the special fundraising event alongside Cavo Paradiso, Versuz, Noa Beach Club, Tenax and others.

The Beat Goes Live

Hosting the event is Paarti, a revolutionary new livestreaming and social networking platform that empowers music fans to make real-world connections on a venue-like interface where they can meet up on the dancefloor, buy drinks, network with insiders, talk gear with artists, and more –– offering clubs and artists new ways to elevate and monetise their online performances.

Ticket sales and live donations will be made available on both fiat and crypto, with proceeds going directly back to getting live events back up and running. Paarti will also be dropping exclusive NFTs to award top donors at the event.

Here’s what Raluca Cherciu, CEO, Paarti had to say about the event:

“With the world’s most inclusive, engaged audience we are committed to give music lovers, artists, and industry players a more meaningful, more magical way to celebrate live music and the human connections it empowers. Because at Paarti, live isn’t just an in-the-moment experience — it’s the unforgettable connections that last long after the house lights come up.”

Luciano, Chilean-Swiss DJ and producer, one of the artists headlining the upcoming weekend-long event says:

“We live in such a strange world due to COVID-19, and it is very important for us artists to keep the music loud. By joining this livestream, we can keep the arts alive together by reaching out to people around the world to support our community. This is our resistance, and we will keep active, even with every intent to shut us down. No matter what, we will continue to turn the volume up and continue what we’ve always done –– connecting and inspiring people over the power and joy of music.”

Versuz Dance & Nightclub, a 1200-capacity nightclub in Hasselt, Belgium and one of 13 top international venues participating in the event says:

“During the past year, it became clear that the importance of getting together and enjoying music and life together cannot be underestimated. Of course, nightlife has a top layer that’s all about partying, big effects, and a crazy atmosphere — but under that layer, there’s a uniting vibe that can create friendship, love, and community.

And it’s exactly that vibe that is missing in so many peoples’ lives and live-streaming platforms right now. Any initiative to bring people together, like this event, is something we gladly support, because it is what everyone really needs right now.”

Watch the official teaser below!

Mind Against unveils incredible new remix of Monolink latest single, The Prey

Mind Against

Riding a huge wave of success off the back of his latest single The Prey, internationally celebrated German artist Monolink now looks to expand on the merits of the third single from his forthcoming sophomore long player, as he procures Milanese, Berlin-based duo Mind Against to explore a dynamic dancefloor-oriented interpretation of his reflective, down-tempo masterpiece.

Due for worldwide release on March 12 via Embassy One, Ultra Records (N&S America) and Sweat It Out (Aus & NZ), Mind Against‘s spellbinding remix sees Italian brothers and globally in-demand production partners Alessandro and Federico Fognini transform Steffen Linck‘s beautiful melancholic cut into an altogether different animal, adding their mesmerising spin to his sultry vocals and down-beat rhythms to deliver an emotive techno beast.

A consistent favourite on some of the biggest techno labels in the industry (Afterlife, Hotflush and Life And Death to name a few) and with a slew of iconic remixes clocked for the likes of Roisin Murphy, Camelphat, Art Department and Green Velvet over the course of their illustrious decade-long career, Mind Against’s innate gift for creating raw emotion through the analogue synthesizers and percussive instruments of their studio translates uniquely onto the dancefloor, where their slick, moving take on melodic techno makes for a special kind of peak in the club.

Outside the walls of their studio, the Italian brothers have become consummate and globally recognised DJs, dazzling at many of electronic musicʼs leading clubs and festivals. Their instinctive, fraternal understanding of one another plays out in the dynamism of their joint DJ sets, where their refined selection and intricate mixing forms a sonic journey like no other.

Mind Against‘s remix of The Prey comes off the back of Monolink‘s hugely successful recent livestream event, where Steffen was joined by close friends and special guests Shawna, Armen Miran and O/Y for an extra special four-hour virtual concert, live from his home studio in Berlin. Broadcast via Beatport’s Twitch channel on Wednesday, February 25, you can re-watch all performances now via Monolink’s YouTube channel.

Monolink – The Prey (Mind Against Remix) will be released on March 12 via Embassy One.

Listen to the preview below.

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