Exclusive Interview with Nat Monday!

 

If you have been following "Pefecto Records", the label owned and operated by none other than legendary "Paul Oakenfold", you are certainly aware of the artists that have been invited to showcase their sound on the label throughout the years. One of its most defining artists that has remained firmly in the label family throughout the years is the talented UK DJ/Producer "Nat Monday". Nat started his journey into the dance music world early on and has certainly loads of mental souvenirs and accolades to prove it. As a DJ this globe trotter's passion for dance music has zipped him literally all over the world. Boasting world tours under such brands as "Ministry Of Sound", "Gatecrasher", "GodsKitchen" and "Perfecto Records" he has certainly spread his sound and love of dance music, educating the populous throughout his unique DJ sets. 

As a producer he has churned out a trunk load of releases which were instantly snatched up by the who's who of clubland and spun to their heart's content. Many of his creations have gone on to be dubbed ultra classics and have continued on carrying the title to this day. "Waiting" is a prime example. Living life in the fast lane lead him to greatness and instant recognition by his peers and fans alike. 

A few years later he slowed things down easing the pace and sought out other ventures.The years may have passed blissfully but music was never absent from his mind and soul. The craving to produce stirred deep within his being and it was only a matter of time till he took up his craft once more. People blessed with the gift of music, such as Nat, know very well that there is no escaping the need to express themselves via music thus unleashing the melodies confound in the depths of their soul onto the world. His recent productions "Inside/ Outside", "Slider" and "Lights On" has brought Nat back into the public eye, his hardcore fans rejoicing to see him back in the game. 

It was an honor to have had the opportunity to conduct this exclusive interview with Nat for "MusicTalk15" where we discuss his origins, tales from the past and his exciting plans for the future!

 

Question 1:

What was the key factor that ushered you to fall headfirst into the wondrous world of dance music?

One of the key factors I remember was hearing “The Last Rhythm-Vocal Battle Mix” at University while studying Optometry. It was at a student night and this was the first time I had heard music like it. I kept asking for it to be replayed. One of my good friends, Ian McClay was into dance music and taught me how to mix after taking me to the infamous "Hacienda" in Manchester for a night out.

  

Question 2:

Every artist draws on inspiration from artists before him which ultimately guide him into finding his own sound in the world. How did you come up with that unique sound that defines your productionsand which artists have inspired you along the way?

Growing up I loved listening to pop like "The Pet Shop Boys" and "Blondie". I remember my sister Celeste playing me the Oakenfold mix of "Deacon Blue- Your Town" and thinking this is amazing!

Later I was inspired hearing an "Essential mix" by "Snap" on "Radio 1" and also "The Goa mix" by "Oakenfold" which were truly groundbreaking at the time. My sound has organically evolved over the years from making music I want to hear, not necessarily by following the sound of the moment. At the start of the scene when I first started producing there was limited sounds and equipment, you had to make it up out of your imagination 

  

Question 3:

It’s no secret that one of the first artists to discover you and believe in your potential was the one and only dance music legend himself, Paul Oakenfold. Could you please share the story behind being discovered by him and becoming a part of the Perfecto Records family?

I ran a label called "Flammable Records" together with previous "Perfecto" artists, "Angeles". We used to send "Paul Oakenfold" all our vinyl tracks exclusively in the post before anyone else. He always supported our sound and often played more than one track in his mixes on Radio 1 and out at club nights. He has always been gracious with his support over the years and has been a mentor helping me develop as an artist. Becoming part of the Perfecto family started in a big part the night I met Paul’s tour manager, Tariq Ahmed and Paul in person at "GodsKitchen" in Birmingham 15 years ago. We had gone down to see Paul play and I met Tariq at the edge of the DJ box. We chatted most of Paul’s set and became good friends from there. Regularly talking on the phone and sharing music.

 

Question 4:

It is a solid fact that you have been widely recognized in the scene for your expert remix work, becoming the “go to” artist when needing a fresh and unique perspective on a track. Which remix out of the many you have worked on was your favorite to create and still resonates within you?

“Faster Kill Pussycat” was my first big remix that I was really proud of. This was the start of many remixes to come. 

Question 5:

You had gone silent for quite some time. Many Perfecto fans had noted your absence and have been eagerly awaiting your return to the scene and Perfecto family in general. 2020 is what it is but we are all thrilled to see you back in action production wise. Will we see many more productions from you and do you have any special surprises in store for us?

Yes, I took a long break from music, almost retiring, I thought my music career had come to an end. Somehow, I just couldn’t seem to let music go and out of the blue Paul asked me to remix “Junk Project" and "Waterfall". Finally I felt everything was falling into place with timing and my sound and production. I have several big surprises in store for you all next year. I cannot talk about them yet, but I love them and hope you all will too! 

 

Question 6:

The first lockdown was devastating for the scene in more ways than one. One thing that really has helped artists push their sound and skills while connecting with their fans was performing live on Facebook, Youtube or Twitch. Many of us were overjoyed to see you perform again after all these years and I daresay your sets were flawless and packed with hidden gems. Any plans to make this a regular thing and perhaps we might get to see you performing at events again once all clears up, wowing the crowd as usual?

Thank you, I did a few Facebook live steams and Radio through Lockdown. I played mostly my own productions and enjoyed it. I would like to do more when I have the time and would consider DJing again if the time is right. I would also like to do more producer sets.

 

Question 7:

Many may not know this but you have a back catalog of unreleased material. Originals, remixes, bootlegs. Seeing as we have witnessed a number of forgotten tracks revived and released at last, is there any hope for any of those gems seeing the light of day?

I hope so, but many of my back catalogue is out of my control. I would like to see my mix of “Waterfall” released as I am asked about it all the time. Only "Oakenfold" and "Armin Van Burren" have a copy of it. I have been thinking about updating and also releasing some of my unheard original music on my new website natmonday.com.

 

Question 8:

Years ago you launched your very own label “Flammable Records”. Are there any plans on reopening those doors once more?

No, "Flammable Records" will not be reopened as I sold that Label years ago. It was a great chapter in my life and lead to where I am now. I even met my wife on one of the Flammable Records “Built to Burn Tour” of America. For now I want to concentrate on the Nat Monday productions and website. 

Question 9:

Aside from music do you have any other interests or hobbies that you are passionate about?

We recently got a Tennis Table for keeping fit in Lockdown. When I was younger, I was ranked number one, in the under twenty-ones age group for Northern Ireland and spent many months in China and Spain training before I got into dance music. 

 

Question 10:

What software do you use when forging your eclectic tunes and which are your favorite vsts

at the moment?

Currently my main DAW is "Bitwig Studio", but in the past I’ve used "Acid", "Cubase", and "Ableton" to name a few. As regards to VSTs, there are too many to mention but some of my favorites are: "FabFilter Saturn", "FabFilter Pro-Q3", "ValhallaRoom reverb", "Waves plugins", "Spire synth", "Sylenth", and "Xfer plugins".

Question 11:

On many of your vocal productions you play the part of the vocalist as well as the producer. Do you also write your own lyrics and if so are any of them based on real life experiences? Timeless favorite for me is of course “Waiting”.

Thanks, unfortunately I am not a singer. I wish I could take credit for the singing and song writing skills on "Waiting" but they belong to my Flammable partner "Jay Welsh". He wrote and sang the lyrics. "Waiting" started out as the "B" side to my track "Nucleus" with a female vocal before we got Jay to re-sing it. We then released it through "Distinctive Records". Jay wrote all the Flammable lyrics and has a real God given talent for song writing. He is a true poet at heart. 

 

Question 12:

What would you say was your most special moment throughout your music career and for what reason?

The first time I heard Paul play one of my tracks on his "Radio 1" "Essential Mix World Tour" is a great memory. It was always a dream of mine to be signed to Perfecto. When this finally happened, it was a real-life dream come true. Being asked to remix 6 tracks on Oakenfolds "Lively Mind Album" was amazing. 

 

Question 13: Do you enjoy traveling and if so which are some of your favorite destinations and where would you like to visit once the world resumes normality?

Yes, I enjoy traveling. I have traveled all over the world with DJing and for pleasure. Luckily right before Lockdown my wife and I snuck in a week in the warm sun of Lanzarote and had a fantastic time visiting volcano, cactus gardens and caves. The world has a lot to offer and I hope to see more of it. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      

GXD & Elle Vee-Sail [AVA Recordings]

 

English dance music outfit duo "GXD" are one of the fastest rising stars in the scene today and for good reason. Daley Young and Matt Golledge are the masterminds behind the project and have worked tirelessly over the years with 2020 being one of their most productive and fruitful by far. Having given us a multitude of top notch productions such as "Voices", "Evolution", "Echoes" and "Without You", the duo continue their production frenzy by gaining support left and right along the way. Their newest labor of love is one of the most memorable vocal trance tunes that you will hear this year. Teaming up once more with American singer/songwriter "Elle Vee" they proudly present "Sail", out now on "AVA Recordings". Let your mind take in all that you will witness by pressing the play button on your device of choice. 

 From the very first moment we are thrust into a world populated by grungy basslines and buzzing powered up synths, traversing through a troubled sea while sonic waves wrought with emotion carry us further away from home. In the midst of it all we find ourselves encircled by a surge of cosmic female voices, awakening a certain awe within us all. The voyage is full of peril but wonder as well much like life itself. Like a modern day siren Elle arrives in the break delivering a truly divine performance. Tormented by her inner demons, weaknesses and inabilities she lets her soul bare for all to see while sadness and despair creep over her as things did not work out the way she had quite wished they would. Having being dealt a lousy game of cards at life she recollects her past errors and wishes to obtain her very own place in the sun, living to the fullest, embracing life as a gift. All of this has been portrayed exquisitely through Elle's dark and bitter performance. A beacon of light emanates from within the gloom, beckoning us all to land and faraway from the dark, troubled waters we have been sailing over the years. Redemption and solace can be found for us as we step foot back on dry land.

 Undoubtedly track of the year for "GXD" and "Elle Vee". A magnificent tune that will not depart your mind for months on end.

Released: 23/10/2020

Label: AVA Recordings

https://www.beatport.com/release/sail/3140658 

Adam White & Suzie Del Vecchio-Law Unto Myself [Perfecto Records]

 

If you were sucked into the world of dance music in the late 90s, slowly beginning your voyage into that realm, discovering those sought out tunes played out by some of the biggest names in the scene, you must have come across one of those legendary tracks that were championed by none other than "Paul Oakenfold". One particular track that was hammered away time and time again and has withstood the test of time is undoubtedly the magnanimous "Law Unto Myself" by "Konkrete", naturally released on "Perfecto Records". Critically acclaimed and a firm favorite amongst many it has been regarded as a priceless jewel of yesteryear. English DJ/Producer "Adam White" known for his versatile work on "Perfecto Records" and beyond was more than eager to step up to the task of renovating this classic, supplying his own rendition. To do it absolute justice he sat down and completely reinvented the track from the very foundation up, giving us a glimpse of this tune through his own eyes. Enlisting fellow "Perfecto" colleague singer/songwriter from Mexico "Suzie Del Vecchio" was a must and together they sought out to bring this track to new heights. The hype for this new version has been undeniable and the public has been awaiting it ever since rumors of its inception spread like wildfire. The result is a bombastic version, one that Adam and Suzie can be mighty proud of and of course is out on "Perfecto Records".

 One familiar with Adam's work can easily pick out the signature sound he has become known for throughout the track. Big pounding basslines, spine tingling synths and a cheeky use of Suzie's "Law Unto Myself" one liner morph forever inwards much like a chameleon adapting to its surroundings, over the ascension of the melody and rhythm within serving as a tasty aural appetizer before the main course. A pesky buildup gets the endorphins rushing while Suzie gives it her all, singing her heart out. Emotions run freely here as anger, anguish, disappointment and ultimately determination are evident throughout her performance. As she utters her final words, leads of fury escape their captivity within the soul as mayhem is unleashed upon the world. Reverse vocal effects move graciously through the mix emphasizing on the dynamics of the track itself. Powerful, just and adamant, the sentence has been carried out so prepare to witness the crowd go wild when this one is played out at all the big events.

 Adam and Suzie please take a bow and welcome back to Perfecto! You have been missed!

Released: 9/10/2020

Label: Perfecto Records

https://www.beatport.com/release/law-unto-myself/3127367 

Mind Of One-Kairos/Hypernova [FSOE Parallels]

 

Another successful DJ/Producer duo has sprung out into the open. Taking careful and selective steps while honing their skills along the way, these guys have certainly chosen the right path towards recognition in the dance music scene. Quite often siblings show different tastes in music, interests and so forth. Rarely do they share a common goal, a dream or aspiration. In this case these two could not be better synced. Brothers Chris and Angelos Ekonomakis residing in Canada have come together to form the uncanny duo "Mind Of One". Being twins the name could not be more appropriate. The bros. already have had a steady stream of releases on some of the coolest record labels and gained support by some of the industry giants such as "Ferry Corsten", "Aly & Fila", "Cosmic Gate" and many more. Driven by their passion and united by their creativity these two are back with a fresh E.P on "FSOE Parallels", a "Future Sound Of Egypt" sublabel curated and owned by none other than Santos Torres aka "Monoverse". The E.P consists of two tracks each with their own essence and attitude as you will quickly discover.

 "Kairos":

The brothers' background is evident here as the title is synonymous with "weather" or even "time" in the Greek language, words constantly used in the brothers' distant homeland, Greece. Brilliant title choice as this one is fine tempered yet unpredictable much like the weather itself. It starts off at a somewhat peaceful state, the percussion and bassline holding us at ease. Just when one thinks they know what may come around the bend clouds form over its tranquil state, casting long shadows and revealing an aggressive nature that remained hidden until now. As the track unfolds we are accompanied by moody, mind bending synths and otherworldly melodies. An energy long submerged quickly arises within and unleashes its fury, sending chills down every listener's spine. A fine slice of progressive for us fortunate souls.

 "Hypernova":

Thoughts of infinite space may have had something to do with the inspiration of this track as it is dark, ominous and mysterious much like the final frontier. It has a certain wondrous quality about it, drawing us further inwards, curious to see what may come next. Majestic melodies and solid progressive grooves lay at the foundation of this one while our mind travels through wormholes of space and time via curious synths, alluring female vocal chants and mind boggling leads, allowing a plethora of questions to arise within the depths of our ever curious psyche. Another marvelous track to add to your collection.

 I may go out on a limb here and state that this is one of the guys' finest E.P's. Looking forward to many more thoughtful progressive numbers such as this one in the near future!

Released: 2/10/2020

Label: FSOE Parallels

https://www.beatport.com/release/kairos-hypernova/3109718 

NOMADsignal pres. Isotapes-Thorium-238 [Coldharbour Recordings]

 

 

Fresh face on the wild and crazy circuit of dance music is American Nicholas Andrew Schwab, known under his artist name "NOMADsignal". An artist with a unique approach and mindset towards dance music, he often combines elements from various genres in his productions thus making the end product nothing sort of spectacular. Techno and trance are his usual "go to" themes production wise, as one can easily discover his passion flowing throughout his body of work. Aside from producing he has a talent for djing as well and holds his very own show on "Twitch" platform dubbed "NOMADCity". He there delivers his personal take on techno, trance and everything in between via his own creative way and fresh perspective. Personal highlights include getting signed on "Coldharbour Recordings", "Markus Schulz's" very own label. "Thorium-238" is the name of his fresh single on the label and it was immediately snatched up and placed on the brand new edition of the prestigious "In Search Of Sunrise 16" DJ mix compilation on the disc mixed by none other than Markus himself. 

 "Thorium-238" finds "NOMADsignal" donning a new alias in which he can perfectly present the sound he was going for. "Isotapes" is the alter ego of the artist if you will, the antidote to the techiness and frenzy we all know him for. It begins as one may imagine one of his productions may, a techy infused monster containing the precise amount of elements to amuse and gain one's attention from the very first beat. The percussion and bass are spot on doing all the dirty work up until the glorious melodies arrive full on, clad in hope, radiance and incorruptible light, stealing the show, piercing the fog as it were. Blissful female vocal one liners follow suit, protruding through the mists of melodies as if snatched from the heavens, leaving one at a state of inner peace, one with the world yet at the same time making us feel small and insignificant in the vast cosmos that surrounds us all. The leads that zip in and out like bright rays of sun descended from the mountain tops send shivers down our spine, adding the finishing touches to enhancing the already electrifying atmosphere found within.

A track of rare beauty. Hats off to Nicholas for this one! I salute you!

Released: 2/10/2020

Label: Coldharbour Recordings

https://www.beatport.com/release/thorium-238/3140657 

EL3CTRXX feat. Roxanne Emery-Technicolor [AVA Recordings]

 

American DJ/Producer "EL3CTRXX" has been on a search for the perfect beat for over fifteen years. In that time he has honed his skills as a DJ and producer, seeing his rise to fame. Creating beats with a catchy rhythm is his forte and he has done so once again on his newest creation. Enlisting the vocal talents of English singer/songwriter "Roxanne Emery" it was bound to be a success out on "AVA Recordings", "Technicolor" will bring light into your life. 

 From the very first moment of play our ears are flooded with sheer brightness and joy. Steadfast basslines and a minimalist approach on the percussion complement the joyous vibes which engulf us all. Roxanne shines like an evening star with the clear tones of her radiant voice illuminating the gray and withered world around us. Most of us are used to seeing the world in shades of black and white like an idle, old beaten up chess board but every so often glimmers of hope arise and our whole world can change as our outlook changes and we are surrounded by a palette of colors, as if supplied by the finest painter. A celebration of wonder and positivity, a rejoice of life supplied by the joyous, bright melodies and general hyped up attitude paired up brilliantly with Roxanne's wonderful vocals. A respray of emotions and glee that is much needed in the world of today! 

Released: 25/9/2020

Label: AVA Recordings    

https://www.beatport.com/release/technicolor/3117218 

Paul Sawyer & Jan Johnston-Circle [Krafted Underground]

 

The leaves may begin to change color and fall while the sky turns gray as the memory of summer fades away but don't despair just yet because a brand new release is on its way. DJ/Producer "Paul Sawyer" known for his work on labels such as "Perfecto Records", "Toolroom", "Armada", "Pure Progressive" and many more has joined creative forces with the illustrious singer/songwriter "Jan Johnston", one of the most recognized voices in the world of dance music and beyond. This will undoubtedly be received with loads of enthusiasm and countless cheer by the vocal dance community and as it seems they will be absolutely right to rejoice. Paul and Jan have synced their minds as one and the result is called "Circle". It will be out on Paul's own label "Krafted Underground". 

 Peering within we encounter pounding drums and intriguing yet serene melodies while Jan's luscious vocals float in mid air, surrounding us as if drawn in by a sudden gust of wind. Proggy vibes follow with an evident emphasis on the dramatic strings that unfold alongside the hypnotic groove that emanates from within. Jan herself plays the role of the educator, teaching us all about one of the most powerful forces in our world, the somewhat elusive yet healing power of love. Sought out by many but obtainable by the lucky ones it is without a doubt one of the most precious gifts to humanity. The original mix keeps things at a steady pace, grounded and true with an emotional backdrop and a kind of reminiscence to those golden years of trance and tracks of yesteryear.

 The "4am Mix" on the other hand builds on the winning formula of the original adding an extra dosage of percussion and extending the boundaries while broadening the mix with a somewhat, darker proggier outlook that undoubtedly hypnotizes us all. Jan follows suit doing what she does best, delivering a performance that is both touching and haunting at the same time. Extra effects and vocal samples are also thrown in for good measure keeping the "4am Mix" true to its nature.

 A brilliant collaboration and ode to the cosmic power of love, courtesy of Paul and Jan. Each mix is precious and will resonate within your psyche for months to come!

Released: 9/11/2020

Label: Krafted Underground 

https://www.beatport.com/release/circle/3133240