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 Read on for Matt's latest updates. This month with a huge exclusive interview with Paul Oakenfold, along with a great list of reviews, and news.
I just got back from a Boarding holiday in the alps all battered and bruised!! So it's back in the studio to continue to work on my forthcoming nocturnal album which I hope will be ready by June this year. I’ll be hitting the road again in April to road test some of the new tracks so keep an eye on the website for dates near you.
On the live front, First up, fantastic news for this summer. The Loveparade is back in Berlin on July 15th, and Paul van Dyk and Vandit are hosting their annual party ‘The Love from Above’ on Friday 14th. Sander Kleinenberg is among the big names already confirmed. This month PvD has gigs in Prague and Washington. Armin van Buuren is also racking up the air miles, with sets in Wroclaw, Guadalajara City, Mexico City and Sao Paulo. As if we needed any more proof of the universal appeal of trance, TrackItDown, the Trance Awards organisers, have been receiving votes from such far-flung places as Mongolia, Bermuda, Syria and even Uzbekistan. Closer to home, Marcel Woods is touring Europe this month, with gigs in Poland, Greece, Switzerland, The Netherlands and Germany.
In London, Eddie Halliwell’s Fire It Up tour reaches Turnmills on May 12th, recent trance convert Lee Haslam appears at The Gallery with Ferry Corsten on May 5th, and sorely-missed Knowwhere has an event in June. Other highlights this month include Slinky's 9th Birthday at The Opera House, and ‘Yes’ at SE1’s Blue Rooms, featuring Airwave’s first UK set for 2 years, and the London debut of Holland's Jochen Miller.
You can now hear Above & Beyonds Trance around the World show followed by the new format Matt Darey Nocturnal every Tuesday which includes a bonus second hour each week with guest mixes from a Top DJ each week and classic sets from the archives. ATB, Judge Jules and Ferry Corsten kick off the Nocturnal proceedings for the first 3 weeks. Watch out for more top DJ sets on the show coming soon. You can also listen to nocturnal in Belguim on top radio, Cyprus on Mix FM, Canada on club 246
I have to say this month there have been so many great promo’s flying around I’ve been totally spoilt for choice. If you notice the reviews section is double the normal size. I’ve tried to cram them all in to my nocturnal Radio show so keep your ears to the ground!! Listen online at: http://www.mattdarey.com/mp3player/nav2.htm
In other release gossip, Christopher Lawrence launches his label Pharmacy Electronic Music this month with his first mix CD in four years - 'Subculture', plus a new single - a collaboration with John 00 Fleming. The label will showcase tough underground trance. Brand new re-release of the 2 classics Lost tribe Gamemaster and Angel get a release from dp with some brand new mixes from Mark Sherry, DJ Kristoff, Sensorica and Adam white’s mix being PVD’s fav tune of the moment. Headstrong release new mixes of the follow up to Close your eyes titled “Show me the love” already massive with the top jocks and radio. Headstrong are working on an album including co productions & Co writes with Filo & perry, Tiff Lacey, Kirsty Hawkshaw and many more. Mike Koglin is currently putting the finishing touches to his forthcoming debut album 'VS', featuring collaborations with some of the world's best producers and DJs, including Above & Beyond, Alex Morph, Lange, Pulser and Darren Tate. 'VS' will include all his recent club anthems like 'Sequential', '1:1.618' and 'Bermuda' as well as rarities such as the infamous 'Sasha vs Mike Koglin - Enjoy The Gravy' bootleg which blends the Matt Darey remix (Who’s he!!) with Sasha’s. Mike’s track with Mark Pledger (of Smith & Pledger) is released soon on Anjunabeats as 'Mike Koglin vs Mark Pledger - ‘Ultraviolet'. UK producer Michael Woods releases his Electro Jazz Hybrid track “Dancing in the Dark” later this month to follow up on his last hit “So Special” With BBC radio 1’s Judge Jules.As a break from all the bang bang bang of the dance floor I decided to release a collection of chill out tracks this month including some excellent ambient moments and down tempo versions of Lost Tribe Gamemaster, Eternity, Lost Tribe – Angel and my new single Always with Tiff Lacey. I was absolutely blown away by the remix of Always by Floris De Haan. Check it out for yourself right here. http://www.mattdarey.com/mp3player/nav2.htm
Ernesto vs Bastian are working on a album and follow-up single to electro smash ’Dark Side of The Moon’. Ronald van Gelderen’s new single ’This Way’ is also released this month, with a remix courtesy of Rank 1. Ronald has a new radio show on ETN.FM called R.A.W. You can tune in on Saturday from 19:00 till 20:00 CET. PVD has been supporting the latest two Graham Gold tracks both in his sets and on his weekly Radio Fritz show, and Graham’s next track is a collaboration with LA based Nicholas Bennison, due this month.
Next month: A brand new insight into the world of the digital DJ.
Interview with Paul Oakenfold (By Matt Darey & Josie Harral)
Matt Darey: Among other accolades, Bunkka was the recipient of ‘The Best Album’ award at USA Dancestar Awards in 2003. The first track from your album 'Faster Kill' has gone straight in at number one in the Cool Cuts and DMC Buzz Chart. Is that kind of success important to you or is it all about artistic integrity?
Paul Oakenfold: It’s always nice when something you’ve worked on sees a lot of success but what’s always been most important for me is that I’m proud of the material and I feel that I’ve done the best job that I can with it. That’s what you get to take home with you because after that it’s really not in your control how people will respond to it.
Matt Darey: Back in the day you did A&R for London's Champion Records, signing among others Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince and Salt n’ Pepa. When you hear someone who's going to be huge, can you tell? What's it like?
Paul Oakenfold: I don’t know if I can necessarily tell that an artist is going to be huge but there are certain characteristics that give me a good sense of whether they have the potential to be huge such as their drive, determination, the way people respond to them and of course, if they really have the talent to make it to the top.
Matt Darey: It's said that you, Danny Rampling, Nicky Holloway and Ian St Paul were responsible for the birth of the modern club scene, by founding the 'Balearic house' sound in this country following spending summers in Ibiza. Are you proud of that? Have there been any other revolutions in contemporary music of that size? Do you think there ever will be again?
Paul Oakenfold: I’m honored that people feel I’ve contributed to such a great era for dance music. I don’t know if I would consider it to be a revolution but rather the right time to give the scene something new. I think it’s essential that music re-invents itself over time. When you find yourself opening new doors as an artist, there’s a strong sense of gratification that goes along with that.
Matt Darey: What was Ibiza like back when it all started? Do you miss those days? What are your fondest memories from those times?
Paul Oakenfold: I think the island has become more commercial over the years but that’s not a bad thing in my eyes. It shows that people are hearing good things about it and they want to travel there and discover it for themselves. It still has a great vibe, exciting clubs and amazing sunsets and that will never get old.
Matt Darey: Along with studio partner Steve Osbourne you produced and re-mixed major artists including U2, Simply Red, Happy Mondays, New Order, the Cure, Massive Attack, The Rolling Stones, Stone Roses and Snoop Doggy Dogg. That's some list. Which was the best buzz?
Paul Oakenfold: They were all great for very different reasons. I love the experience of learning from other artists and seeing how they work. For me, working with U2 is always special because I have such a strong liking for their music. I find it very inspirational.
Matt Darey: You're allegedly the highest paid DJ in the world. Can you tell us what the most you ever got paid for one gig? Go on we won't be jealous!!
Paul Oakenfold: Alright… A cool million dollars for a two hour set - I’m thinking about raising my fee this year….. know of any offers… it’s all gone a bit quiet?? Do you believe me??
Matt Darey: How do you spoil yourself with all that cash!!
Paul Oakenfold: Aston Martins, Private jets, Hotel Parties, the whole package!
Matt Darey: What's the best thing about DJing besides the love of music?
Paul Oakenfold: Getting to see the world through a box of records. All the great places that you get to see and the different groups of people and friends that you meet along the way.
Matt Darey: What's the worst thing about being a DJ?
Paul Oakenfold: It’s funny because the best thing is also the worst thing and that’s the traveling. As much as I enjoy it, after a while it gets really hard. Your body just gets tired and you really have to push yourself so keep as much balance in your schedule as possible.
Matt Darey: You've worked on the scores for “The Pink Panther” from MGM Studios, “Shrek 2”, the Warner Brothers movie "Swordfish", “Golden Eye”, “Planet of the Apes”, “Austin Powers”, and “Matrix:Reloaded”, among others. Again, that's a very impressive list. You made a conscious decision to move towards scoring films and away from DJing. What attracts you to scoring films?
Paul Oakenfold: It wasn’t a desire to move away from DJing as much as it was the pursuit of a desire to become more involved with the film world. I’ve always enjoyed film and scoring was a great way to make the transition. I find it very challenging but also very exciting to put a piece of music over a scene because it dictates so much of what the audience feels when they watch it. It can be a tedious process but when you see the finished cut of the film it’s amazing to see all the elements come together.
Matt Darey: Is there anyone in the world that you'd be nervous to meet, or are you a big enough celebrity yourself that you're not phased by big names?
Paul Oakenfold: I was always a little nervous to meet you Matt! I heard all the stories about your celebrity lifestyle and your big ego but then when I met you I found you to be a very nice and humble guy! Ever since then I haven’t been nervous around celebrities so thank you.
Matt Darey: You featured in the US TV series "The Club", following the story of a nightclub as it undergoes a makeover to compete with the gaming hotels on the Vegas Strip. Did you have fun making it & What's being on TV like?
Paul Oakenfold: I did enjoy working on the show because the whole situation was new to me. I don’t particularly enjoy being in front of the camera but the process was very interesting and I took a lot from it.
Matt Darey: How do you find life in LA? Will you ever live in the UK again & what do you miss about Blighty?
Paul Oakenfold: LA is a great city if you’re here with a goal and you stick by it. It’s very driven by the entertainment industry which is a very cut-throat world. If you take it too seriously it can really have its ware on you but if you have plan and you believe in yourself, it can be the most exciting city to find yourself. I don’t know if I will move back to the UK down the line but it will always be home and there are times when I miss it tremendously.
Matt Darey: You've kept your British accent. What have you embraced about American life?
Paul Oakenfold: The LA sunshine. I didn’t think there could be this many sunny days in a year.
Matt Darey: Your now ranked No 11 in the DJ mag top 100 but some still regard you as the biggest DJ in the world. Do you think the DJ top 100 is representative of what people really think or have the computer nerds have taken over the voting?
Paul Oakenfold: I think that there’s a mixture of truth and politics that go into it. It’s great that people are out there voting but those people might not be the ones who frequent the clubs and who know the music so it’s tough to get an accurate sense of who’s considered the top.
Matt Darey: So... the 'Southern Sun' video - hanging out with all those hot chicks - it's a hard job but someone's got to do it?
Paul Oakenfold: Exactly but I’m up for it!
Thank You!
Latest Reviews
Falkon & Nebula - “So Lost” (W/L)
This is the new offering from Danish producer and DJ Michael Splint. Totally magical vocal with a new style of trance beats and bass line. The beats remix in my eyes comes from Under Sun. Kicks off fairly light then toughens up half way through the breakdown and kicks back nicely into a more pumping style.
Aspekt - “Hijack” (Anjunabeats)
The guys behind the Aspekt alias, Smith and Pledger are back with a light and fluffy female vocal trancer. Quite a commercial vocal underpinned by Markus Shultz style blines and beats. One for the chicks and will be big with the Above and beyond punters.
ATB - “Summer Rain” (Kontor)
Andre goes right for the summer market with this funky and catchy pop tune. I’ve been giving it some spins on my radios show and getting great feedback. Male vocals and house beats in a very “Deepest Blue” style and sure to be big with commercial radio across the globe.
Matt Darey ft Sunscreem - “Animal” (Darey Products)
This is one of the tracks from my forthcoming Nocturnal album which will be released in September. The original mix sounds like a cross between the prodigy, thrash rock and house with a female Goth style vocal. I decided to team up with man of the moment in Tech Trance Mark Sherry who has been responsible for some of the biggest hard floor tunes over the last year. Driving Belgium style tech beats and bass lines underpin the main theme of grunge guitars with some mentalist breaks and builds. Hear it first in my nocturnal Radio show online at www.mattdarey.com
Piminov - “Rockstar” (Oven Ready)
Brand new offering from one of the pioneers of the Russian party scene and member of the hit act PPK who brought us the massive “Resurrection”. Sergey ditches the trance sound and goes for big room house with phat beats and guitar riffs. An excellent original mix and a superb Electro mix from Mashtronic. I think its massive. If it had a vocal it would undoubtedly cross over big time. Listen in the mix at www.mattdarey.com
Blank & Jones - “Catch” (Kontor)
Martin Roth on the remix of this remake of the Kosheen track. In typical Roth fashion the music drives the vocal nicely. Gave it the road test and it got the big thumbs up. On the fine line between club and crossing over onto the more commercial floors. Sure this will be big in Both Europe and the north of the UK. Listen in the mix at www.mattdarey.com
Sander Van Doorn - “Pumpkin” (Spinning)
Another Spooky hard trance offering from Sander who recently brought us the massive SOS track. This guy is consistently producing a string of great club tracks and this is up to the usual standard. Listen in the mix at www.mattdarey.com
Scott Mac - “Darkstone” (W/L)
Dark and moody synths with pumping beats from the man who brought us the massive “Damager” a few years back. Definitely on form with this one. Would love to see a remix from someone like Sander Van Doorn. Listen in the mix at www.mattdarey.com
Super 8 v DJTab - “Hellsinki Calling” (Anjunabeats)
I’m hooked on this. Markus Shultz / Andy Moor style production into sidechain heaven with a lounge trance feel. The beats drive along and it kicks back sounding fat as F**k from the breakdown. Cool tune!! Listen in the mix at www.mattdarey.com
DJ Bobina - Trance for Cowboys (W/L)
Russian trance superstar Bobina blends some acoustic guitar with driving progressive trance. Loving the production. Also comes with a vocal version entitled “Beautiful Friend” for the more commercial trancefloors. Listen in the mix at www.mattdarey.com
Armin Van Buren - “Watching” (Armada)
I already reviewed some mixes of this a couple of months ago but now there’s a new twist coming from rising Armarda star Perry O Neil. While retaining the full female he puts it on a sound bed of cool proggy grooves. Great alternative for the cooler jocks. Listen in the mix at www.mattdarey.com
Hiver & Hammer - “Deep Blue Ocean” (W/L)
Nice bit of spaced out atmospheric breaks from the boys. Kind of Way Out West meets trance. Great on a chillout or a warm up. Sounds like the kind of track I wouldn’t mind hearing an album of. Listen in the mix at www.mattdarey.com
Kyau V Albert - “Walk down” (Euphonic)
Another blinding tune from the Euphonic boys. There last big tune with me was “Made of Sun” which I hammered for months. This is a most excellent follow up keeping the beats tough enough and sandwiching a nice bit of vocal euphoria in between. Listen in the mix at www.mattdarey.com
JK Walker - “AntiChrist” (Precision)
Mr Walker is knocking out some real corkers of late. Last was “Sawfish” and now he returns with those hard beats and hard floor resonant riffs sure to get the lads rockin on the dance floor. Huge Euphoric phazed out breakdown compliments the hardness. Keep em comin!! Listen in the mix at www.mattdarey.com
Lange V’s Gareth Emery - “Back on Track” (Lange Recordings)
Something a bit different from Lange with a housey proggy feel. Kind of remindsa me of an underworld tune with the distorted male vocal for a hookline underpinned with some cool grooves. Nice change of direction. Listen in the mix at www.mattdarey.com
Mac Zimms - “Listen” (Spinnin)
Another techy stomper from Mr Zimms. Driving beats and bass line with clips of the classic Shades of Rhythm vocal “listen to the Rhythm” Listen in the mix at www.mattdarey.com
Paul Oakenfold - Faster Kill Pussy Cat (Perfecto)
This is the title track from Oakenfolds new album. Deep dish “Flash Dance” influences with an electro style production and kitch female vocals. The song and the production are really strong and will undoubtedly be massive on radio.
Ferry Corsten - “Whatever” (Positiva / Purple Eye)
Definitely on his own tip. Ferry brings us his new offering with the now trademark sound. The main version from Ferry sports a female vocal with the main hook being “Blah Blah Blah”. Also comes with some great remixes from Marcel woods which is my favorite along with Coburn which has a male vocal on a much cooler tip with overtones of “We Interrupt this program”. The funky house mixes isn’t bad either.
BoomJinx - “Come & Play” (Anjunabeats)
Sounds like a blend of the cold Harbor label sound with a bit of Andy Moor. Very chilled, melodic and grooves along with elements of electro and described as the new generation of Disco Trance.
Unknown - “Out of Grace” (Hi Contrast)
Chunky intrumental harder edged trance tune with driving beats and synth stabs. Kicks in like a freight train with fists in the air factor for the lads. Listen in the mix at www.mattdarey.com
Thomas Bronzwaer - “Shadow World” (United)
Great bit of serious and pure instrumental trance. Energetic, Uplifting and comes with a couple of big breakdowns to get the hands in the air.
Albums Reviews
Residency One mixed by Jon O Bir (Baroque)
On the mix albums front Watch out for the new mix comp from rising star Radio 1 & Gods Kitchen Resident Jon O Bir. Its the first in a series called “Residency” featured tracks include Luminary - Amsterdam, Purple Haze – Eden and Super 8 v DJ Tab – Helsinki calling. More info www.baroquerecords.com
Hernan Cattaneo – Sequential (Renaissance)
Another mix album that is worth checking out is the brand new Renaissance release entitled “Sequential” mixed by one of South America’s biggest DJ’s Hernan Cattaneo which is to be released on May 8th. Its a perfectly blended mix of progressive hypnotic grooves featuring new tracks from Way Out West, Bushwacka, Slam and Paolo Mojo as well as exclusive mixes from Hernan himself.
Mr Sam – Lyteo (Maelstrom)
Finally French producer Mr Sam has just released his debut album with a mixture of styles from the beautifully crafted “Spilt” which reminds me of Craig Armstrong to the more trancey title track “Lyteo” which I hammered last year. Also some interesting tracks like “Flying Around” on a progressive house tip and “Lodestar”. For more info go to www.mrsam.tv
Above and Beyond – Tristate (Anjunabeats)
One of the big success stories and flying the flag for trance over the last few years are the trance trio from London with there amazing productions and remixes. The new album is out now featuring tracks like the anthem of last year “Air For Life” with Andy Moor, the beautiful chill out track “Good for Me” and one of my favorites “Can’t Sleep”....oh and not forgetting there last big release “Alone Tonight”. More info www.anjunabeats.com
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