Thirty Years of Perfecto Records

 

The dance music world is a wild, wacky and ever shifting place. Trends come and go, specific sounds or styles get pushed to the forefront while others get ditched and ultimately get kicked to the curb. Underground goes mainstream, attaining a place in the spotlight while the current sound or trend, rides the wave of popularity! A phenomenon so natural and common like the rise and fall of the tide of the mysterious kingdom of the deep, blue sea. 

 There have been a handful of record labels out there seeking to make a difference and in the end leave their mark in the scene, altering it and enhancing it, enriching it if you will for the greater good. There is a label out there that has stood the test of time and shaped the way, guiding us like lost souls, educating us like a wise elder on proper dance music all of these years. That label is none other than the mighty "Perfecto Records" founded in 1989 by the legendary DJ/Producer and all around dance music aficionado "Paul Oakenfold". Anyone may look back over the years and remember a favorite track which meant something to them, containing a special memory perhaps, that would trace us back to "Perfecto Records". A record label responsible for such a wide variety of releases, styles and eclectic sounds. It has featured House, Trance, Techno, Progressive and Breaks. It has been a home to artists such as "Jan Johnston", "BT", "Sandra Collins", "Adam White", "Nat Monday", "Susy Del Vecchio", "Kenneth Thomas", "Danny Stubbs", "Swab & Joey Mova" and so many others. The label of course has been cleverly divided into several sub-labels suited to showcase each sound and style accordingly. Along with the main label of "Perfecto Records" we have "Perfecto Fluoro", "Perfecto Black", "Perfecto House" and a relative newcomer dubbed "Perfecto Street". All of these contain the soul and essence of what is "Perfecto" .

 This year we are in celebration mode as we celebrate thirty wonderful years of "Perfecto Records".It was only appropriate to schedule a tour to properly celebrate this marvelous occasion. "Paul Oakenfold" set out on a thrilling Summer European tour which took him from Ibiza, Spain to Glasgow, Scotland, Dubrovnik, Croatia, Prague, Czech Republic, Athens, Greece and the island of Malta to name a few. Each destination as beautiful and as special as the next, all played a huge part in the grand scheme of things, the grand celebration of something that has become much more than a label. An ideology, a global subculture that has gained a large number of followers over these many many years. I discovered "Paul Oakenfold" and "Perfecto Records" many moons ago. There is a reason as to why Paul and Perfecto have remained a force to be reckoned with. A man who has always remained ahead of the game in every step he has made, whose utter passion for proper dance music is evident! A label whose ethos has and continues to remain quality over quantity! No small wonder why so many artists have risen by being nurtured and built up by "Perfecto". New generation heroes of this later years include "Anunnakis", "Glenn Molloy", "Sherpa", "Madison Palmer" all have begun to see their ships come sailing in.

 Let us all rejoice and celebrate! Thirty years of love for the music, thirty years of beloved releases, thirty years of chills and thrills, thirty years of radiance and excellence! Thirty years of Perfecto! Here's to many many more! Keep on guiding the way!    

Carlos De Matos-11:49 Praha [Future Fusion]

 

It is always a rare joy when a dance music enthusiast discovers a new and exciting release! My most recent find led me to the discovery of an upcoming talented DJ/Producer who goes by the name of "Carlos De Matos". His releases pack a solid brick punch with a most riveting approach. His recent release is the magical "11:49 Praha", a real aural delight which is out on the very promising sub-label "Future Fusion" of the relatively new dance music label owned and operated by "MJ Smallman", "Simon Kaye", "Vlad Olteanu" ("Airnova") and singer songwriter legend "Jan Johnston". This label is called "Future Force" so keep on a eye out for it!

 Pumping basslines, ecstatic claps and frantic fills spread through the airwaves while a most thrilling synth heightens the anticipation decorated by acids and squelches fueling the ongoing rush in such an environment. Epic melodies find their way ever so eagerly inwards into the mix while an evident sense of adventure is unleashed like the most delicious scent on the drifting wind. The break arrives, serving as a refreshing gust on a hot summer's day, bringing with it serene, dreamlike melodies and delicate strings with a slight hint of choir segments, painting such an imagery before us. We imagine in our mind's eye our ultimate destination, the fairy tale like vision of our beloved Prague! The build is bursting with endless positivity and joy oh so ready to be set free. When it does escape we are pleasantly engulfed in a cloud of euphoric, joyous leads amidst the rest of the key elements, leaving us all to bask in the rare glory of this vision of sound!

 A sure hit for Carlos who has gone above and beyond for the creation of this fine track! Get this one while it's hot!

Released: 19/7/2024

Label: Future Fusion 

https://www.beatport.com/release/1149-praha/4615849 

Yelow & Susie Ledge-Solitaire [In Trance We Trust]

 So many amazing tunes out there one's head may begin to spin trying to keep of them all. Our job is definitely to highlight the ones that have made an impact on ourselves and perhaps many, many others. My latest find comes to us from two talented artists that have both been letting their passion and hard work be their guides. "Yelow", who has been on the forefront of the scene since he entered the spotlight via his first release on "Roger Shah's" esteemed record label "Magic Island Music" has been on a mission of his own to showcase his fresh and unique sound to the world.On the other hand singer/songwriter known to all of the dance music cosmos, a legend in her own right,  "Susie Ledge" continues to bring the quality and emotionally gripping elements with every release she is called to work upon! These two very gifted artists have got together and created the sublime "Solitaire", which is out now on legendary record label "In Trance We Trust".

 From the very first moment we are pleasantly thrown aback by the sheer goodness of this one. Chugging basslines, metallic synths and chopped female vox serve as our very tasty appetizers before the main course. Amongst the energy fueled atmosphere which continues to build, Susie's ethereal vocal performance rings out, enthralling us all like a fluttering sprite, never glimpsed by the human eye, through this dense forest of sound. Her vocals are perfectly placed against the lush melodic backdrop   created by the expert craftsmanship of "Yelow". The break is an aural vision of beauty to be sure. While the track begins to build it surely hits home, sending shivers down our spine! Feel good energy is unleashed freely as all the elements come together in a perfect harmony, an alliance if you will of sound, letting the euphoric leads take over! 

 Marvelous, majestic, wonderful! A release that captures all the goodness and brightness of our world! Definitely needs to be added to your playlists for the longest time possible!

Released: 31/5/24

Label: In Trance We Trust

https://www.beatport.com/release/solitaire/4561310 

Daniel Wanrooy & Clara Yates-Change Everything [Black Hole Recordings]

 

On a constant search for some of the finest tunes out there it is always a pleasure to discover glorious releases, which in turn I present to you my fellow dance music lovers. My latest find and one I wanted to review for quite some time now, as life got in the way, is the most beautiful and fruitful collaboration between two of the scene's talented and charismatic artists. Dutch DJ/Producer "Daniel Wanrooy", who has been on his own road to stardom for quite a spell and English singer/songwriter and DJ (in case you did not know) the multi talented "Clara Yates" who has been collecting her very own accolades over the years and continues to ascend, sat together and created this wonderful release you have before you. "Change Everything" deserves your undivided attention and is out on "Black Hole Recordings".

A light percussion cuts through the air doubled up by a buzzing bassline acting as our hosts for what lies ahead. Fair amounts of well applied distortion enter the mix, giving the track character and its very own identity, as a melody which could be crafted and come to life from glass wind chimes swaying in the slight summer breeze, makes its way ever inwards, enslaving us if you will with its rare beauty and song it lightly carries. As the tune progresses and the break arrives we are greeted by a lullaby of sorts, complemented by female chopped vox and Clara's enchanting vocal performance, which could easily be plucked straight from an imaginary fairy tale-like domain, such is the power of her singing abilities! Powerful leads dripping wet with raw emotion rush in like waves crashing on the rocky shore, while the rest of the elements fall into their rightful place, complementing each other and the tune while Clara's voice continues to soar on high like adventurous seagulls above the waves. 

 Powerful, emotional, gripping tuneage. I daresay this has the makings of a future classic! A modern day enchantment if you will conjured up by the wizards of sound Daniel and Clara!  

Released: 12/4/24

Label: Black Hole Recordings

https://www.beatport.com/release/change-everything/4494894 

 

Tomcraft-That Beat [Magik Muzik]

 

An artist that surely shaped the scene in 2003 has to be Tomas Brueckner also known as "Tomcraft". I do not think that there was a soul alive who loves dance music that did not experience the magic of his undeniable anthem "Loneliness" and did not find themselves dancing helplessly to the beat. A tune that defined an era to be sure. No small wonder that a huge amount of DJs added it to their playlists and it even inspired like minded future releases. Not one to be at the constant forefront of things, "Tomcraft" did not stay forever in the limelight. It is no secret that when I spotted a new release by him I was ever curious and excited to see and hear for that matter what he now has in store for us all. "That Beat" is out now on "Magik Muzik" and rest assured this track is aurally delicious! 

 We are eagerly introduced to pounding basslines, a most lively percussion and a fine selection of appropriate effects to conjure up the mood that is quickly formulating before our very eyes. An intriguing synth makes its appearance while echo effects are added to that wild and untamed percussion. A turbulent wind brings us to the all mighty break which sports a mysterious melody, buzzing synths and vocal effects to add to the heightened drama that begins to build. Preacher-like vocals dipped in all sorts of effects carry out an impressive yet persuasive new age sermon, catered to the dance music fanatics, goading us all to dance relentlessly to the electrifying, soul shaking beat that follows! Chugging synthwork and semi distorted leads take control slipping in quite comfortably amidst floating vocal effects and the rest of the track's key elements. The preacher arrives once more to resume his now familiar sermon and the energy builds anew, fueling us for another round of uncontrollable dancing while the words "to that beat" thunder all around us like a mantra, keeping the movement going! 

 Definitely a sure hit for "Tomcraft" who surely knows how to keep things interesting and fresh! Get on it!

Released: 26/1/2024

Label: Magik Muzik

https://www.beatport.com/release/that-beat/4382253

DR.DRTY-Oldskool [FCK THT SHT]

 

We may have left 2023 long behind, embracing the promise of the new year but let's not forget the amazing moments we had, music we heard, experiences we went through. In that frame of mind there were plenty of gems that we may not have had the time to discover, especially during the holiday season. Never fear "MusicTalk15"has you covered! One of these fine releases which may have been overlooked has got to be one that goes by the name "Oldskool". Creator of this fine specimen is German dance music aficionado "Dennis Sheperd". Dennis is known for his amazing collaborations with fellow artists on some of the world's leading labels, his very own creations which soared to the highest heights, his straight forward artist albums and his "Soundcation" concept which has brought to the forefront new and promising artists, helping them achieve their goals and ultimately breaking out of their shell. For this release Dennis decided to go under his alias "DR.DRTY", a techier, undergroundish alter ego if you will. 

 An emphasis is quickly demonstrated in the rhythmical percussion and pounding bassline of the tune. Adorned with various effects, a dark atmosphere, fills, explosions and an ecstatic yet addictive melodic groove unlike any other. The break brings forward deep male filtered vocals which add a sense of rave nostalgia to the tune, reminiscent of the golden age of the scene when everything was new and exciting. Nostalgic driven pads play their part to the letter as they come into play enhancing the vibe and shimmer of emotions furthermore. The melodies barely contained within send shivers down our spines, making us all hunger and crave for an era most of us sadly never got to experience. Such is the power and emotion trapped within, speaking louder than words ever could. The build brings forward frantic fills, acids and bubbling synths as the rest of the elements come into play, elevating the track beyond any comprehension. 

Techy, melodic with a definite old school flavor to it. Easily one to pick up and play in all its glory at any event around the globe. Especially during those 3 AM sessions when things tend to get a little bit darker, groovier and wilder than usual! Another amazing and innovating release by the good doctor himself!

Released: 29/12/2023

Label: FCK THT SHT

https://www.beatport.com/release/oldskool/4288743

Exclusive Interview with Somna!

 

The dance music scene is filled with a variety of artists to fill every musical preference and style one may be searching for. There are of course the talented DJs who have the ability to make a room explode with their selections and uncanny sets. On the other hand there are producers that can create tracks that can blow one's mind from the very first beat, due to their creativity and incredible aural landscaping. There are also artists that combine both skills in an equal fashion, thus excelling in all they may set their sights on. One of these artists is without the shred of a doubt Benjamin Leung from Canada, widely known in the dance music universe as "Somna". 

 This  talented individual has gone above and beyond to spread his love for dance music with the world. His first artist album "Beside You" was one of the best albums I have heard in a long time and it was only natural that it was a huge success! His DJ sets at glorious events such as the prestigious "AVA Nights" are ones to fondly remember in our minds, as are his special sessions on "Twitch". He also has played a major role on the success and evolution of "AVA Recordings" over the years, curating the label alongside dance music icon "Andy Moor". 

 I had the honor to conduct an exclusive interview with him a couple years ago when I was a resident writer for "Trancefix.nl". The time was definitely right for yet another interview with the man himself, this time for "MusicTalk15", so we can all find out what he has been up to and of course discuss his second artist album, which has been receiving such high praise! 

Many thanks for the exclusive interview and for your time once more man! Welcome to "MusicTalk15"!

Question 1: It has surely been a busy year for you! Lots of definite highlights to remember and rejoice! Which ones would you select from the whole bunch?

2023 was definitely a year with a ton of exciting things!! I released my 2^nd album and also had my debut guest appearance on "A State Of Trance"!! Definitely got to tick off some of my goals I’ve always wanted to achieve!

 

Question 2: Your first artist album “Beside You” remains a firm landmark in your career and still remains an aural treasure to all true “Somna” fans worldwide! Imagine their thrill hearing about the launch of your second album. How have the reactions been so far by fellow artists, friends and fans?

It’s been very well received! It was hard doing a follow up album to “Beside You” as many of those songs I hold dear to my heart but I’m overjoyed to see that songs from “Satellites” has been very well received by the fans!

 

Question 3: Your second artist album is of course named “Satellites”. Would you like to elaborate a tad about the title, character and in general the concept of this second album?

The album title is kind of my love letter to the fans that supported me during the pandemic. During that time when we were all locked at home I started streaming DJ sets on Twitch and met the most wonderful people online and the amount of support I received was overwhelming. “Satellites” to me signifies us all beaming our love around the globe to each other no matter where we were.

Question 4: For dance music addicts who have not yet had the pleasure of listening to the album, what would you like to share with them about the album and what surprises lay within?

I suppose listen with an open ear as its quite varied and while there’s plenty of trance in there, I tried to create a broad range of styles and challenge myself as a music producer while retaining the core feelings I try to incorporate into my music (which are melodies).

 

Question 5: For myself artwork is always a deciding factor when checking out releases in general. Interesting choice on the anime style artwork selected for the release of “Satellites”. Was this your choice and would you like to share a few words about the artist and are you a fan of anime? If so which ones?

I actually don’t know who the artist is but Deon at "Alpha 5 Design Group" organized it and we had many discussions about the direction. I had some ideas but my original idea actually centered around a wire frame of a satellite but somehow it veered into anime and then this idea came about and I am SO HAPPY with how it turned out. Each character was custom drawn and I just think the artist did such an amazing job. As far as being a fan of anime, I watch the odd one here and there but haven’t really been into many series aside from "Attack on Titan"… before it got all extra weird haha.

 Question 6: “Satellites” is definitely gone out on digital format on all the major platforms. Is it available on physical format as well and if so are there any special autographed editions available for the hyper fans?

Yes!! Its available also as a CD and double disc Vinyl! The autographed versions sold out right away but if you purchase a copy and bring it to any of my shows I would love to sign it!

 

Question 7: Speaking of the album, news has come to our attention that you have begun album tours. How cool is that? How has it been so far and what do these shows contain besides showcasing music from the album?

It’s already underway now and I’ve done some fantastic shows to support the album. Aside from showcasing music from the album, I’ve been able to sneak peak share some of the upcoming remixes and venue dependent, some of my shows include time coded visuals to go with certain songs which creates a super cool experience!

 

Question 8: Word has it that you played at the legendary “Cyberdog” located in Camden, London. Been there twice myself. How was your experience and were the people surprised to see you playing there?

It was super fun!! People were dancing and it got busy and they actually have a pretty intense sound system (I had to wear earplugs when I was wandering around after). Honestly I think only a handful of people knew who I was, I feel like 80% of the people who came through were probably tourists haha.

 

Question 9: Another highlight is your recent guest appearance on “Armin Van Buuren’s” prestigious “A State Of Trance” radio show. Must been rather special gracing the decks of the legendary studio. How did you feel to be a part of it and did you play any exclusives for the show?

It was such a dream come true to be a guest on there! Also extremely nerve wracking playing a set there knowing that millions of people tune in and there’s no room for error. I debut my remix of "Luminn" “Tempus” on there as well as the upcoming "Sam Laxton" remix of my track “Not Too Late” with "Sarah de Warren"!

Question 10: The success of “AVA Nights” has been wild! Are there plans of more on the horizon and if so where in the world can we expect them?

I’m glad you asked!! We had an "AVA Night" in conjunction with the "Unkonscious" festival brand in Bangkok on Feb 4^th for their official after party! I was so excited to be making my Thailand debut and it was at the amazing "Eden Club" with their Void sound system.

 

Question 11: “AVA Recordings” has showcased so many amazing and talented artists on the label over the years! Some of them have even had the pleasure to release an album on the label such as “DJ LTN” and “Sam Laxton”. Are there any plans for any of “AVA’s” artists surprising us with a brand new artist album or perhaps DJ mix compilation?

I don’t know if I should spill the beans but one of our artists is working on their debut artist album (which might not be released on AVA but we’re still so happy for them!)

 

Question 12: It has been grand seeing “AVA Recordings” branching out into some rather fine sub-labels, each with their own unique character and attitude. Will we perhaps see a compilation featuring some of each of the sub-labels finest sounds, perhaps mixed by different artists from the label?

 Our 500^th release on the main label of "AVA Recordings" is coming very soon and we’re planning on releasing some kind of a compilation with new remixes that we’re excited about. It’ll branch across all our sub labels so you’ll definitely a wide range of dance music.

Question 13: October is always an important month in the dance music community. The reason? The massive “Amsterdam Dance Event” (ADE) situated in The Netherlands. Are you or any other “AVA” artists going to participate this year and if so what surprises can we expect?

I’ll be there again in 2024! I missed 1 due to the pandemic and I had the biggest fomo ever so never again shall I miss out (unless for a VERY good reason). Its too early to do a pre announcement for an announcement of big things to come but….big things to come…