Siskin-Never Alone [Black Hole Recordings]

 

Over the years we have seen many artist duos making their appearance in the dance music scene. From established brand names such as "Cosmic Gate" and "Gabriel & Dresden" to relative newcomers such as "GxD" or the "Arkham Knights". On the other hand there has been a kind of shortage of female power on the front with artist duos such as "NERVO" taking the lead. 

Along to right some wrongs and in turn inspire more to do the same are female dance music duo "Siskin". This dance music outfit consists of singer/songwriter "Sue McLaren", (known for her explosive collaborations with artists such as "Aly & Fila", "Andy Moor" and "Paul Van Dyk") and producer "Suzanne Chesterton", who has had her very own fair hand of success over the years with enough singles to prove it. This relative new formed alliance has gone from strength to strength as these talented ladies have been shaking up the scene while undoubtedly leaving their proverbial footprint on the soil of dance music's core itself. "Beautiful Lie", "Villaneve" and "Electric Love" are all tunes that have been receiving a tremendous amount of love from the audience as well as some of the biggest names in clubland. Another recent highlight was their epic debut performing as "Siskin" on an all star lineup at London's iconic venue "Ministry Of Sound". The duo are on fire as of late and they are back with a tremendous new single on "Black Hole Recordings" dubbed "Never Alone".

 Ethereal melodies grab hold of the listener early on while the riveting bassline chimes in accordingly. Hypnotic female vocal segments dance freely like a welcoming breeze, all the while complementing the electrifying yet tantalizing atmosphere that begins to unfold, much like the slow gathering and formation of storm clouds on a previously clear night. Adventurous grooves with a progressive-like backdrop carry us further on through the deepest depths of our soul. An array of sad, almost melancholic melodies join us in the orchestral-like background amongst the bittersweet, ever clear vocals, beautifully laid out by Sue herself. The groove that follows after the break, substitutes the previous melodrama quite eloquently with a sheer feeling of  hope and therefore determination through an assortment of tough beats and glorious leads. 

A marvelous change of mood, emotion and feelings throughout this brilliant tune. "Siskin" have once again proven their worth, separating themselves from the flock. Unique, upfront dance music that gets your mind tingling while your feet get busy on the dance floor below!

Released: 14/1/2022

Label: Black Hole Recordings

https://www.beatport.com/release/never-alone/3609153 

Exclusive Interview with The WLT!

 The forever vast field of dance music is more often than most blossoming with new and diverse talent, sprouting out of the soil like the most rare and exquisite flowers. One of these emerging and exciting talents is an artist known under the riddlesque name "The WLT". Dana is a female artist from Romania, on a mission to spread the love she has for trance music with her fans through her vigorous live DJ performances at uncanny events such as Romania's leading dance music event "Untold" or via her very own string of aural delights. You may in fact already be familiar with her sound if you have heard the excellent remix she provided for none other than dance music heavyweight "Markus Schulz" and "Christina Novelli's" collaboration "Not Afraid To Fall", turning the beloved tune into an instant supercharger. Constantly striving to ascend that ever winding staircase of success she frequently finds herself at the forefront of all things dance music. Receiving infinite support by some of the industry's finest and in constant creation mode, this passionate artist has loads more tricks and surprises up her sleeves! 

It is my absolute pleasure to welcome her on to "MusicTalk15" for an exclusive in depth interview, having the opportunity to share her story with the world!

 

Question 1:

 

When did you first discover trance music and what was the key factor that got you hooked?

I discovered trance music in 2008 because of Tiesto’s music back then. It was out of this world! 

 

Question 2:

 

You have done an exquisite job on putting your touch on “Markus Schulz’s” collaboration with “Christina Novelli”- “Not Afraid To Fall”. How did that come about and would you love to put your touch on yet another track of his and if so which one would it be if you could choose?

Thank you! Well, I took a guess that Markus will want to release “Not Afraid To Fall” as a single (out of  the “Escape” album) and I thought Coldharbour might be interested and open for the idea of an uplifting remix so I asked the ques­tion if it’s possible to give it a try and so it came to life. 

Well, if I would have to choose an other song from Markus to remix, that would be his collab with "Ana Diaz - Nothing Without Me".

 

Question 3:

 

There is often confusion about your artist name and who is behind it. Could you share with us all the story behind the choice of your artist name?

Well, my artist name is "The WLT" and my real name is Dana Bordeianu, I’m from Romania. WLT (pronounced in the same way like ATB) stands for "We Love Trance" and the story of choosing this name is not complicated. I just wanted to find a name that can speak for all trance lovers, because in the end it isn’t just about myself, it’s about me and all the people out there crazy about trance music.

 

Question 4:

 

You recently hosted a contest where you had the courtesy of handing out some custom “WLT” caps. Is this the start to a new “WLT” merchandise brand and if so how did you come up with that cool idea?

Last year I also had two contests to give away a few WLT t-shirts and then after, the WLT caps contest happened. I am always trying to stay close to my followers, replying to every sin­gle message, story, comment and this was a special way to thank them with such giveaways, engaging them to just drop a comment or answer to a very simple question to win one of "The WLT" limited edition merch items. Just to see them proudly wearing one of the WLT t-shirts/caps and feel their love and support for my music, it means so much to me!

Question 5:

 

Out of all your productions so far which holds a special place in your heart amongst all others and for what reason?

At this moment, my latest new single “Waiting Here For You”, that was just released on "Find Your Harmony", is a special one to me, because it marks my first release of 2022 and the second time working with Andrew Rayel’s record label. 

 

Question 6: 

One of your recent highlights is definitely performing for Romania’s leading dance music event “Un­told”. How did the crowd respond to your performance and did this in turn bring forth many new fans for you?

Untold festival is amazing! I wasn’t expecting such a big crowd during my set and great live feedback counting the fact that I was closing the Untold Fortune stage! I’m stoked to have gained a lot of new fans and friends at Untold and the funny thing about this, was that many of them didn’t know I am from Romania and that the The WLT is actually a woman.

 

 

Question 7:

What software do you use when in the studio and which are your essential “vsts” that you frequently use in your productions?

Well, I started with Ableton and never changed that. Spire and Serum are my favorite vsts.

  

Question 8:

 

You recently had a guest mix on “Trance Energy Radio” which is based in Romania. Would you be in­terested in obtaining your very own radio show and if so what would the general concept be like?

Yes, I am one of their guests once in a few months. Of course I would love to host my very own radio show and probably the concept will be based on the same idea as I did till now with all those radio guest mixes I recorded so far. A pilot episode test run is already uploaded and available to watch on my YouTube Chanel named simply "We Love Trance 1st Edition". Oh, by the way, the second episode will follow soon.

 

Question 9:

Besides your obvious love for dance music what other interests or hobbies do you perhaps have?

I love to read, travel and I love to spend time in nature.

 

Question 10:

Producers from time to time have collaborated with fellow artists which in turn led to some marvelous tunes. Who would you like to work with if you had the chance?

There are way too many artist names on my collab wish list and I don’t know where to start from, so let’s ask the trance fans that get to read my interview here to let me know. (You can send me a private message to my FB page or my IG profile) with which trance artist(s) they would like to see me collaborate with. I promise that I’ll try to make the most realistic ones happen! 

 

Question 11:

Could you please name five tunes from past to present that are a constant must in your DJ sets?

Besides constantly showcasing some of my own music, so the exception to the rule, I don’t really use older tracks much in my sets nor do I use a certain song more than twice, because there is so much good music re­leased every month that I want to test, enjoy and play in my DJ sets.

 

Question 12:

It is great to see a plethora of artists recognizing your potential and thus featuring your tunes quite often on their radio shows. “Andrew Rayel” has done so time and time again on his “Find Your Harmony” radio show. How would you like to assume guest mix duties on his show?

Absolutely!! If Andrew would ask me to do it, I would be crazy happy about such an invitation!

 

Question 13:

Speaking of which you just had your first release on “Andrew Rayel’s” label “inHarmony Music”. The majestic “Waiting Here For You”. How has the response by the fans been so far and what other projects do you have in the works?

Yeah, like I’ve already mentioned about, “Waiting Here For You” is a special one at the moment and the feedback from the listeners was, and still is, amazing! “Waiting Here For You” is already one of the most loved, played and supported tracks of mine. Thank you all!

I’ve got a lot of new music, most of them are already signed and about to be released soon!

 

 

Quincy Weigert-Ad Astra [Nethertape Records]

 

One of dance music's most exciting attributes is the fact that it is never stagnant. Constantly reinventing itself with new ideas. The appearance of new and promising artists who give it their all, telling their tale through the music medium is another glorious thing we love about the genre. One of these artists is an up and coming producer that goes by the name of Quincy Weigert. This talented artist has been steadily riding the wave of success over the years, as he has been frequently supported by some of the scene's finest including "Paul Oakenfold", "Markus Schulz", "Cosmic Gate", "Ferry Corsten" and many more. His new release is out now on all major dance music portals via "Nethertape Records" and it is a riveting one at that. 

 "Ad Astra" kicks things off like a locomotive in full force. Growling basslines, rhythmical percussion and a wondrous otherworldly theme is eloquently been laid out by the artist. Female vocal wails add an extra bit of flair to the emotional charged atmosphere that begins to form all around. A medley of melancholic melodies sweeps in as tiny droplets of luscious melodies and overpowering synths give the joyous listener the tendency and feeling that time is rapidly running out, much like the sand in an hourglass, precious and valuable like life itself.

A powerful, adventurous tune that will easily gain a place in the audience's hearts and the DJ's digital crates! Majestic and euphoric!

Released: 15/1/22

Label: Nethertape Records

https://www.beatport.com/release/ad-astra/3614595 

Kalbee & Raimer-Reaching [Coldharbour Black]

 

  

We have had quite a number of artist duos over the long and prosperous years of clubland. Some rose to greatness but later went on their separate ways. Others followed the road ahead, despite the many hurdles and obstacles in their path. The fact remains though that quite often, mathematically speaking, two minds can be better than one.They can easily exchange ideas back and forth, while at the same time motivate each other thus keeping their musical vibe alive and well. One of these rather new founded duos are American artists "Kalbee & Raimer". These two musical prodigies have left a rather successful year behind them and what better way to demonstrate that than with a new offering to the dance music cosmos. These two have gained loads of attention from well known dance music icon "Markus Schulz", whose gift for discovering and nurturing talented artists is uncanny. He invited them to share their sound with the world more than often on his label "Coldharbour Recordings". Their new release finds them on the harbour once more, the "Coldharbour Black" imprint to be exact. Fitting place for these two as their single "Reaching" has just the right stuff to be part of the darker, techier, more sinister part of the label.

 Through the thick mist that forms from the very beginning of the track, pounding basslines and distant horns can be heard. Eerie, mysterious melodies emerge, pairing up marvelously with the distinct darkness of the main bassline, guiding us all along a treacherous journey through the deepest, unexplored chasms of the Earth. Seeing is usually the first sense but in this case, our ears play the leading role as our definite guides throughout the ongoing darkness that surrounds us all. Alert, vigilant, with an ever rising sense of adventure brooding in the very core of our soul, we charge on with faith as our protector. Shades of grey loom in from every angle while faint noises can be heard from afar. The hazy, mesmerizing melodies in the midst of the tune give us a moment of temporary clarity, right before the subterranean leads take off, with a kind of hidden wrath boiling from within. 

A tune of exceptional purpose. Dark, mysterious and hauntingly beautiful. It will definitely sit well with those craving the more furious, edgy and underground side of dance music. Well done guys!

Released: 19/11/2021

Label: Coldharbour Black

https://www.beatport.com/release/reaching/3569308 

HORIZONS-Night On Fraser Island [Landscapes Music]

 

In the final month of last year, one of dance music's upcoming and most promising labels "Landscapes Music" ushered in a final release to bid farewell to a most fruitful year music wise. This release was created by none other than the founder and owner of the label himself, Shyamol Maracci. Best known under his artist name "HORIZONS", he is an artist known for showcasing beautiful scenery and landscapes for that matter, throughout his aural productions, the artist name he chose for himself could not be more fitting. Surely one familiar with his work can recognize his expertise in all of his eclectic releases. His latest musical outing is on home label "Landscapes Music" and is dubbed "Night On Fraser Island" part of the "Australia EP".

 An air of evident mystery can be found encircling this majestic offering, as darker undertones solidify the tune's stunning presence. Ethereal melodies ascend with the highest grace from the tune's grave foundations. A perfect harmony of layers in which every element complements its siblings accordingly, thus forming a window through the sound barriers, a glimpse into an isle of infinite beauty. "Fraser Island" appears to be a truly magical place wrought with joy, heart stopping scenery and breathtaking views. The splendor of nature and the awe factor are ever so present here, demonstrated exquisitely through the artist's musical touch.

 Another beauty of a tune crafted from the "Landscapes Music's" main man. Great way to send off the year and usher in the new one full of promise and hope within one's heart!

Released: 6/12/2021

Label: Landscapes Music

https://www.beatport.com/release/australia/3574059 

 

Hit The Bass & Taygeto-Daidalos [AVA Recordings]

 

One of the producers on the rise in the European dance music scene is an artist that goes by the explosive name "Hit The Bass". Dimitris from Greece has been pouring all of his heart and soul into the vast array of his very own productions and collaborations with fellow dance music artists such as "Danny Cullen", "Taygeto", "Gid Sedgwick" and many more. The populous and artists alike have definitely been responding positively to his talent of forging those eclectic trance beats. He can proudly boast on having releases on esteemed labels such as "Reaching Altitude", "AVA Recordings" and "Armada Music" among others. Aside from feverishly assembling his own creations in the studio he also coaches and trains the next generation of music producers in his very own school "Grey Studios". One of his newest creations finds him teaming up with Italian artist "Taygeto" once more as they make their way together towards familiar turf: "AVA Recordings". "Daidalos" is most definitely inspired by the well known Greek myth of "Icarus", the youth that tried to defy his mortal boundaries and fly as high as the sun. In said myth "Daidalos" was the inventor/engineer if you will of flight itself and "Icarus's" beloved father.

Grimy basslines paired up with ecstatic rhythms lead the way as intriguing melodies surface through the laid atmosphere at hand. Female chopped vox are included bringing forth an ethereal wind of change to the epic atmosphere that begins to unfold. An air of positivity, glorious adventure and infinite potential emerges while the listener is pleasantly flooded with feel good vibes, courtesy of the higher than air leads that take instant charge. A euphoric tune of epic proportions that perfectly encapsulates the beloved myth, clearly stating that the human spirit can work wonders when flooded with ingenuity in the hardest of times, much like our heroes in their adventurous flight from their captors. A thrilling dance music offering by these super talents that will surely remain in your playlists for months on end!

Released: 10/9/2021

Label: AVA Recordings

https://www.beatport.com/release/daidalos/3485698 

Anske-Suncatcher [Coldharbour Recordings]

 

One of Lithuania's leading dance music icons is without any doubt Andrej Anskinas, better known to the dance music populous as "Anske". This talented music producer and DJ has realized many of his dreams already by performing at some of the world's biggest events such as "Luminosity" in the Netherlands. A creator of catchy yet intricate tunes with lots of emotional depth "Anske", continues on in full force constantly on the move. If you are familiar with tunes such as "Space Howl", "Epika", "Xplorer" and "Blue Lagoon" you definitely know the vast potential of this artist. His latest tune brings him to "Coldharbour Recordings" shores once more with the incredible "Suncatcher". It was such a hit that "Markus Schulz" included it in the latest edition of the illustrious DJ mix compilation "In Search Of Sunrise", bestowing this grand honor on "Anske" for the third time!

 The listener is instantly captivated from the very first moments of play as they are surrounded by tough, edgy basslines, rhythmical high strung percussion and upbeat harmonies. When we reach the break in the track we are gradually overcome by a feeling of wonder, awe and splendor. Uncanny melodies emerge, casting an aura of positivity all around as visions of tropical landscapes, hidden waterfalls and lush vegetation capture the heart of our very imagination. When the leads kick in pairing up quite eloquently with the rest of the key elements, our hearts shore with joy much like the fiery red sun rising in the distance as the dawn of a promising new day approaches. 

Magical tuneage once more by "Anske", who lives up to his sheer potential and will definitely see loads of love from the fans and his peers alike for this one!

Released: 1/10.2021

Label: Coldharbour Recordings

https://www.beatport.com/release/suncatcher/3530169