Exclusive Interview with Steve Dekay!

Over the last years Latin America has been providing the dance music world with some of the most consistent, versatile and talented artists out there. From "Hernan Cattaneo" to "Heatbeat" and "KhoMha", all of them attain the raw talent, motivation and love for the music they played. No surprise they all elevated themselves in the dance music cosmos and continue the gradual ascent to further success! Another talented artist to emerge onto the aforementioned scene comes to us from Colombia. 

 Steven Rengifo is known in the world of dance music under his artist name "Steve Dekay". A producer of undeniable talent, Steve has found success in the field under his own brand name and his alter ego "Skender", one suited for the darker, techier sound he has ushered into the world. His creations have found a home on esteemed labels such as "Critical State", "Universal Nation", "Who's Afraid Of 138?", "Suanda", "Future Sound Of Egypt" and "Coldharbour Recordings" among many others. An artist who lives for his craft and continues to push the boundaries of his sound, a fact that can easily be seen in his body of work and pesky bootlegs of favorite tracks of yesteryear. Aside from his production abilities, Steve has conquered the populous' hearts while gaining a loyal following over the years as a prominent DJ as well. His terrific past performances lead him to a wondrous European tour in 2023 through some of clubland's finest landmarks such as "Ibiza", "Prague", "Madrid" and "Zurich". 

 Following his career over the years, it was only natural that I would like to have the honor to conduct an exclusive interview with him for "MusicTalk15". Fate intervened and I was delighted to not only make an imminent to "Prague" in "The Czech Republic", a city of amazing architecture and stunning beauty, but to also witness the magician in action at "Radost FX" for the mighty "TranceNation Reloaded!" So here it is, the interview I have been promising you, exclusively for your reading pleasure! Thanks for everything man!

Question 1: How did you first discover the wonderful world of dance music and what was the key factor that got you hooked?

I discovered the world of dance music when I was a kid, I remember I liked to dance with my brother, jumping in our room listening to those Trance classics.

The most beautiful thing I like of this music is the melody, it is everything!

Question 2: You certainly have a unique artist name. Could you please share the story behind its inception? 

"Steve Dekay" is a project I started in 2014 approximately, all my music skills are completely empyrical. I remember I watched a lot of tutorials and read some forums about how to make dance music. So in 2015 was when I started this project professionally and focused in Trance and Progressive music.

Actually I'm working on Techno music too, using some Trance elements, like melodies etc.

Question 3: You have been working in the studio feverishly, producing loads of new music. What inspires you to create such special tracks and are any of them inspired by real life events or personal experiences?

The inspiration comes from random moments in my life, it could be by listening to other genres, a movie etc. But it also comes from some personal experiences like visiting new cities or countries, meeting new cultures etc.

Question 4: We certainly are aware of your tremendous productions under your main artist name. Really been loving your work under your alter ego “Skender” as well. What is the significance behind it and what led you to conjure up an alias?

As I said before, under "Steve Dekay" I make Trance music, but actually I'm working on more Techno tunes, that's the reason I wanted to create a new alias focused like 'in a dark side' of dance music, in this case with Techno, Melodic Techno. I like Techno very melodic but also dark and harder too. That's what I'm currently working on.

Question 5: You recently came back from your first European tour which included several gigs in Ibiza, Madrid and Prague amongst others. How did you enjoy the whole process and experience and how did it feel to connect with your fans from all over the world?

These experiences were really GREAT! Because I met new people, new places, new cultures and the most important thing, I enjoyed my music with different crowds, every crowd with its passion for music, so every crowd is different and very special, so it's something that will surely remain in my memories.

Question 6: Speaking of recent events your explosive performance in Prague for “TranceNation Reloaded” was a huge success! As one being there I certainly witnessed the crowd loving it and devouring tune after tune. How did you enjoy the event and the marvelous city of Prague in general?

That event was really good! I love the 'intimate' clubs where you are very close to the fans, where you can feel that heat from the crowd, so yes it was really good!

And the city, wow, it's just beautiful! I hope to be there again soon!

Question 7: One of the tunes that stood out for me and the rest of the audience during your performance at “TranceNation” was your remix of the beloved tune “Played-A-Live” by “Safri-Duo”. Are there any plans for an official release in the near future?

I love that remix, it got a really good reaction every place I played this tune and yeah I'm working to release it as an official release soon! :D

Question 8: The latest fashion over the last years is reinventing classic tunes from the distant past. Is there a certain track or tracks that you would like to remix to your heart’s content and for what reason?

There are some classic tracks I always wanted to make my own remix of, like "Home" by "Paul van Dyk & Johnny McDaid", this track is pure gold! The melody, the drums, the vocals! It's just a beautiful tune!

Question 9: Aside from your musical interests do you perhaps have any hobbies or favorite pass times?

I'm a football lover haha so yeah I like watching it and playing it too and also working out.

Question 10: Are you a fan of a specific movie or series? If so have you ever considered remixing music from it or creating a track in tribute to it?

I like series about thriller, time travel and about the universe, I'm a big fan of the movies or series and I want to create my own version of 'Interstellar' the main theme, this melody is epic, one of the best melodies I've ever heard!

Question 11: Do you enjoy traveling and discovering new cities, experiencing the culture and all? Which has been your favorite destination so far and where would you like to visit next?

Very difficult to choose to be honest. But Ibiza is magic, every place is beautiful and the connection with music is really great!

I'd like to visit Amsterdam and the UK, to make my debut there would be really good! But there are more places I'd like to play.

Question 12: What surprises can we expect from you in the near future that you would like to share with us?

Good music! More Trance music, vocal Trance, Melodic Techno and dark-harder Techno :D haha

 

 

Vince Blakk-The Continuum Space Rave Project [Tecnomind Uplifting]

 

"Vince Blakk" is back! 2023 already seems to be mighty promising for this talented artist as he releases a killer new release on "Tecnomind Uplifting". His new single is aptly titled "The Continuum Space Rave Project", a vibrant tune of epic proportions, an ode to the enchanting, miraculous universe we are just a small, insignificant part of! 

 Pumping beats are unleashed with seamless vigor from the mere moment of pressing play. Reversed effects, thumping basslines and uplifting trance synths are all present here, making our adrenaline rush. Mesmerizing melodies follow, playing a game of hide and seek between the intricately action packed atmosphere at hand. Magnificent, intriguing melodies arrive in the break of the tune, invoking the essence of humanity's constant search for answers and thirst for knowledge of what lays out there. All this is fused quite fittingly with a breakbeat attitude before returning the track to its former hyped up nature. Adventurous leads join the dance and the exciting yet perilous journey through the deepest depths of space continues. It may be filled with obstacles, hidden dangers and unpredictable encounters but our everlasting spirit, the love of conquest and the enthralling voyage of discovery of new worlds fuels us furthermore. 

 Seeking the next upbeat, riveting, space oriented track to brighten up your sets and move the masses? Call off the search, you have just found it! Another glorious one for "Vince Blakk".

Released: 3/2/2023

Label: Tecnomind Uplifting    

https://www.beatport.com/release/the-continuum-space-rave-project/3976459 

Drival-Golem [AVA White]

 

The year we left behind was a pretty special one for the world of dance music. Loads of glorious releases saw the light and were worshiped time and time again by the populous on dance floors around the globe. As the year came to a close another gem graced the charts and our hearts alike. That was the last release of the year for Spanish DJ/Producer Jordi Ramio, widely known as "Drival". This versatile artist has dance music coursing through his veins and he proves that fact time and time again through his selected amount of originals productions and remixes on a wide range of esteemed labels such as "Armada Music", "FSOE Fables" and "Universal Nation". His new dance music offering led him to "AVA Recordings" home of renowned artists "Andy Moor" and "Somna". "Golem" is out on "AVA White" beloved sub label of "AVA Recordings" and it is a big one at that! 

 Chugging basslines, tube-like synths and flanged effects are all present here. A distant mystical choir flairs things up while slamming leads take over. Full on energy is ever present here guiding us all towards the big break. The break in the midst of the tune is flooded with an ethereal atmosphere of intriguing melodies, that instill a sense of wonder within us all right before the big blastoff! A fusion of soaring arps and ecstatic uplifting leads is unleashed and the excitement arises within our hearts as the adrenaline courses through our veins! An anthem to fully represent the year that passed. A tune of pure excellence from "Drival" that is guaranteed to get the place jumping when played out loud! Massive!

Released: 16/12/2022

Label: AVA White

https://www.beatport.com/release/golem/3947129

KaNa-Episode 09 [Snow freques]

 

Winter may officially be here, but by no means does it stall the steady blossoming and ultimate fruition of the future works of the many talented artists out there! The latest divine release that has come to my attention comes to us from the land of the rising sun! Japanese DJ/Producer "KaNa" has returned with a fresh E.P dubbed "Snow Freques Episode 09". Her last release was eagerly devoured by the fans, seems this one will take things two steps further!

 "Cosmoclock 21": This is definitely the rowdier sibling of the bunch! Darker synths, stripped back vox and aggressive, semi distorted grungy grooves are all here staking their claim. The break brings forward elements of a clock ticking time away as time appears to always be a force against us, accentuated by lush melodies and playful female vocal fragments that seem to take flight, joining on a slow dance of their very own just as the groove comes sliding in through open doors. Dominated by pounding basslines, riveting leads and grunting synths much like before, taking charge on its never ending race towards the future! Large and in charge! Explosive number for the clubs!

 "Consequence": This one tones things down a tad, being the more tranquil of the siblings. Progressive grooves lay the base of the tune as crystal-like serene melodies shine through like the sun on a winter's day. Buzzing synths add an extra flair and dosage of drama to the mix while our mind wanders off to a long lost forest up high in the mountains while melodies derived from a flute and decorated by crisp vocal segments mesmerize us all, instilling an instant gratification of a newfound inner peace!

KaNa has demonstrated once more why she is the next big thing to emerge from Japan! This E.P contains something for every dance music fan out there!

Released: December 2022

Label: Snow freques   

https://kanaijuin.bandcamp.com/album/episode-09 

Made Of Light feat. Martine Fagerbekk-Calling Heaven [Redux Recordings]

 

Towards the end of the year loads of amazing releases took flight! With December being a month of festive cheer many tunes may have missed the opportunity to catch your attention! My duty lies into bringing some these tunes to the spotlight! 

 "Calling Heaven" by "Made Of Light" was indeed released in December on all music portals by "Redux Recordings". This exquisite tune features the refreshing vocals of "Martine Fagerbekk" and is one not to be missed! 

 Supercharged rhythms take off from the very first seconds of play. Heavenly melodies, pumping basslines and female vocal wails are only part of the equation. As the track builds rather rapidly, we feel and welcome the refreshing state of the break. Martine shines, pouring her heart out among divine melodies before the rush begins anew and the energetic, uplifting leads take control! 

 A definite track to uplift you from a downcast state and make you feel like you are treading on air! "Made Of Light" and "Martine" have succeeded in brightening these bleak winter days!

Released: 2/12/2022

Label: Redux Recordings 

https://www.beatport.com/release/calling-heaven/3921833 

Vince Blakk-The Lotus Healing [Progressive Vibes Music]

 

What a year 2022 has been! A year filled with loads of amazing releases that definitely made us smile even on the darkest of days! The year could not come to a close without us reflecting on the past while looking hopefully towards the future! One of the final releases of the year on Spanish record label "Progressive Vibes Music" comes to us from an artist that always knows how to properly deliver the goods when needed! Argentinian DJ/Producer "Vince Blakk" is back with a totally refreshing single that is aptly dubbed "The Lotus Healing".

 Serene and tranquil aural soundscapes eloquently form all around us from the very first moments of play. Vince enhances and builds stellar imagery through his essential sound design much like a painter forms a beautiful landscape with the use of his palette of many colors and his brushes. Birds chirp excitedly while lush melodies loom all over us alongside an assembly of dreamy pianos, fairy tale-like violins, vibrant basslines and distant chants. Blissful vibes emanate truly from this one while the atmosphere itself lures your further inward within this grand aural forest of sound. This is a tune that builds beautifully, leaving you feeling light on your feet with a sense of spiritual growth as the boulders of our physical boundaries are hurled aside with ease. We emerge from it all as a new and improved version of ourselves. 

 An amazing and most appropriate tune to cast away our problems and anxiety that may have formulated within 2022 and enter the new year somewhat revived and hopeful!

Released: 15/12/2022

Label: Progressive Vibes Music

https://www.beatport.com/release/the-lotus-healing/3944524 

Jo3L-Illusion [AVA Recordings]

 

Many moons ago there was an artist collective that went by the name of "Deepest Blue". Their signature tune by the same name, "Deepest Blue" had a major impact in clubland and was played out anywhere and everywhere. In 2022 we happen to witness the re-emerging of one of the collective's artists, Joel Edwards set to don a new alias "Jo3L" and step back into the spotlight as an independent artist pursuing a solo career as well. His new creation has been well received due to its undeniable versatility and ideology and is out now on on "AVA Recordings", owned and operated by renowned artists "Andy Moor" and "Somna".

 "Illusion" is "Jo3L's" latest labor of love and it is undoubtedly a tune that will speak to the inner depths of your psyche. Repetitive catchy synths and subtle throbbing basslines lay at the core of this musical gem amongst a minimal use of percussion. The vocal eloquence of the singer is displayed in a grand way here, laid out amongst buzzing synths and dream-like melodies. Emotions begin to run wild alongside the playful strums of a guitar and a definite ongoing rush orchestrated by the dramatic strings at hand. An emotional downpour of brightness and fervent glee which gives way and is substituted by a sense of longing and an undeniable melancholy that settles in. 

A rare insight into the soul of an artist who has taken it upon himself to orchestrate all within this track and has succeeded with flying colors! A brilliant look into the emotional voyages of love in a story-like approach that can be found in everyday life.

Don't be under any illusions, "Jo3L" is here to conquer the hearts of many!

Released: 4/11/2022

Label: AVA Recordings 

https://www.beatport.com/release/illusion/3914672