Alex M.O.R.P.H
Alex M.O.R.P.H.
Purple Audio
We hear you are working on your new album, what can you tell us about that?
Yeah I'm in the state of heavy production at the moment, and I'm really loving what I have right now so far. It will be released later this year on Armada Music. I have a name already, but I'll keep it a secret yet, ha! A release date has yet to be confirmed. We are in talks with Armada right now to find a nice date.
You’ve worked on over 100 remixes in your career – why so many? What are the challenges?
I think it's way over 200 now throughout the past years. Why so many? I don't know, our mailboxes are full of remix requests and I love putting my hands on some productions. I always put all my quality into my remixes, and the people just seem to love those mixes. The challenge in remixing is to take the original idea of the song and transform it to the signature M.O.R.P.H. sound. Sometimes it's easier, sometimes I wish it would be easier, haha...
2011 was an amazing year for you both production-wise and on tour – what were the highlights?
Throughout the year I received absolutely mindblowing feedback about my "Hands on Armada" Remixalbum, that was one of my highlights. Of course I had amazing gigs, ASOT500 was a thrilling experience and my singles and remixes really set the roofs on fire. We had a great year with HeavensGate as well, hosting many great shows on some of Germany's biggest events and broadcasting live from Ibiza etc etc... — And finally being #2 on the A State of Trance "Tune of the Year" voting with my single "An Angel's Love" was the cream topping of my year!
Who have you been collaborating with recently?
Besides my single with Sylvia Tosun on "An Angel's Love", I hadn't have any artist collaboration in 2011, not when it comes to own releases.
Any big names you’d like to work with in 2012?
People ask this questions all the time, hahaha. I mentioned some wishes during the past years, and I still do have some co-op wishes on my list, but I kinda decided not to talk about it that much anymore. You know, some collaborations might happen soon, others could stay a dream forever. Time will tell. What I can tell is that we are collecting ideas to do another "Triple A" release together with Armin van Buuren and Ana Criado. Ain't that a big name? Our first single "Winter Stayed" went really well, so why not continue with this project? Looking forward!
Trance seems to making a huge come-back, why do you think that is?
Come-back? I don't think it was gone, to be honest. It was on a pretty good level the last few years. "Trance" is a very colorful genre with loads of bandwidth of styles, sounds and weight. In fact I think it's the most colorful genre in electronic music — constantly evolving, bringing new and fresh impulses. Plus, as a DJ you have incredible possibilities on how to do your work.
Why have you stayed so loyal to this genre of music?
Well, other than the things I just mentioned, sometimes it's not even possible to tell if it's Trance or not. Some borders already blurred, if you listen to a few tracks and analyze them. "Where does Trance begin? Where does House end? When exactly is it becoming Tech-Trance? But hey, it has a lead sound which is originally home in commercial hands-up music!", so you see, it's not possible anymore to have a few genre names and exactly assign them to this or that.
You’re playing alongside Paul Oakenfold, guess you’ve played with Paul before, any memories you can share?
Actually this will be my first gig with Mr. Oakenfold! I always respected him as a DJ and I'm really looking forward to that! He's quite BACK at the moment...
What can we expect from your set at Gatecrasher?
Always a hard question, because I don't have a masterplan. It will depend on the people and atmosphere in the club. I might road test some new productions and remixes, but I don't promise. When I think it's the right time to play song x or y, I will do it. If not, then I'll step into another direction ;-)
Hardwell Interview
Nicky Romero
Q & A
January 2012
2011 was a phenomenal year for you pick a few highlights?
Working together with Tiesto, being #24 in the DJ Mag list, several big tours abroad and my first Revealed Label night.
You played the Creamfields main-stage this year, tell us about that?
Yes 2011 was the first time mainstage for me, it was a total madness and the party was awesome. The crowd in the Uk always parties hard and I love that!
And you played the amazing Sensation in 2011, that must have been amazing?
Yeah, that was phenomenal!
At 23 you are already no. 24 in DJ Magazine top 100 DJs what is your secret ?
There is no secret.. it’s all by dedication and big love for music.
You toured a lot with Tiesto last year, how was that?
It was a big honor to go on tour with world’s greatest DJ. I learned a lot from him and it was a great experience for me.
And you’ve been working in the studio with Tiesto?
Yes that’s right we did track zero76, which was #1 on Itunes and Beatport. There is also a lot more coming.
Any other big names you’d like to work alongside?
Avicii, I would love to work with him.
You seem to constantly be in the Beatport Top Ten with your releases, do you have a specific formula that works?
No, there is no formula. It just happens and I’m happy, so many people like my music.
Your production output is really high, why is that important?
It’s a good thing to keep your sets fresh and new, because of that it’s important to keep producing and keep the people interested and want to come to your gigs.
Can we expect an album soon?
No, not in a short period of time. That’s really something for the future.
What’s the next release on your label?
Spaceman. It releases on the 23th of January.
You also collaborated with Nicky Romero in 2011. You seem to have a lot in common? Are you looking forward to playing alongside Nicky at Gatecrasher?
Yes, definitely. It’s always nice to play alongside Nicky Romero.
You’ve had phenomenal success for one so young, what advice would you give to other producers/DJs trying to break into the scene?
Be dedicated and original and keep on making tracks.
The Dutch are taking over the dance music scene yet again, what makes the Dutch so incredibly talented when it comes to the electronic scene?
In Holland there are so many party’s, so for DJ’s there are a lot of ways to get some experience and to grow.
This is your Gatecrasher debut, are you looking forward to it?
Yes ofcourse. I’ve heard a lot about Gatecrasher and I find it really cool to finally play there myself.
What can we expect from your set?
You can expect a lot of new tracks and one big crazy madness.
Romeo
CELEBRITY BIG BROTHER STAR ROMEO JUMPS INTO BED
FANS GET THE CHANCE TO GET UP CLOSE & PERSONAL WITH SO SOLID RAPPER.
SO SOLID and Celebrity Big Brother finalist Romeo hits Gatecrasher Birmingham this Saturday (28th Jan 2011) fresh from his stint in the house. The south London rapper, who reached the number one spot with the garage collective in 2001 with hit 21 Seconds hosts Gatecrasher’s Penthouse room Bed. There’s also the chance to purchase VIP tickets to get up close and personal with the star in Gatecrasher’s champagne bar – The White Bar. Romeo heads up Gatecrasher’s new weekly urban night Fabulous in Bed which aims to set the standards for aspirational urban clubbing. The vibes filled atmosphere of Gatecrasher’s pent-house club Bed attracts sexy and stylish individuals who know how to party! And who better to party with than Romeo!
Best known for his time with urban pioneers So Solid Crew, Romeo also had a solo career with top ten hits "Romeo Dunn" and collaboration with US artist Christina Milian "It's All Gravy". Soon after, he was chosen to represent the UK on the Murder Inc tour alongside Ja Rule and Ashanti.
He’s back with So Solid with new tracks due out in 2012. This event is a unique opportunity to witness MC Romeo in full effect before he hits the road once again.
One of the biggest, fully formed and established brands in UK urban music, So Solid Crew rose from a strong-hold over UK underground music and pirate radio into mainstream recognition in 2001.
The South London crew who took Garage to the mainstream laid much of the foundation that UK Urban Music thrives on to this day. Nicknamed a british Wu-Tang Clan, hype and press attention followed and the crew won two Mobo awards, a Brit and released a bestselling debut album.
Five years since their last release, Mega, Lisa Mafia and MC Romeo recently returned with new single Since You Went Away with more tracks due for release later this year.
So Solid paved the way for UK garage and the club scene that gave birth to two British urban styles that have dominated the 21st century so far – grime and dubstep. British underground urban artists such as Tinchy Stryder, Chipmunk and, Dizzee Rascal are crossover success stories, meanwhile American superstars such as Rihanna and Jay-Z look to Britain’s dub-step scene for ideas. None of this would have happened without So Solid Crew.
In 2012 the crew are back together to take their rightful place at the helm of the urban scene. Tickets from www.gatecrasher.com
Nicky Romero
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Nicky Romero 1. Dutch DJs seem to be taking over the world right now, what do you think is the secret to that success is?
Hi :) Do you know this is one of the most popular questions i get in interviews nowadays :) To be honest I could not tell you why there is so much dutch talent around at the moment, I guys we are an ambitious bunch and hard work pays off :)
2. The Dutch seem to back each other up, you've worked with Tiesto & Sidney Samson? Yeah I guess this is because Holland is so small and we all know each other, I am releasing a track on Tiesto's label called Generation303 and it looks like we will be working together in the near future, so fingers crossed eh. I have remixed Sydney's Dynamite track, which I am very fond of and still play a lot.
3. And Fedde has become a mentor for you? Yeah, Fedde is a good buddy of mine and someone I have tremendous respect for as an artist and a human being. He has helped me a lot throughout my career and I am very grateful for that and hope we can get together again soon to make some new tunes!
4. You had a great year last year, you really seemed to establish yourself at the Ultra festival? Well I played in the Heineken dome area at Ultra last year, which was awesome and an experience in itself. But I think my remix for Flash was played by almost everyone there :) and that put me on the map with the punters in the US. This year we are coming back with a vengeance and I am sooooo looking forward to it.
5. Your remix of "Flash" from Green Velvet got a great response? see above
6. In 2011 you also released ' Camorra' on Calvin Harris's Fly Eye Records? Calvin has really been championing you? Yes! Calvin is great, i love his work!! We are supposed to be getting together somewhere this year to work on some tracks and this something I can't wait for either. I thought it was an absolute honor that Calvin asked me to do Camorra on Flye Eye, to my opinion it is one of the strongest labels around nowadays.
7. The track also received great critical acclaim how did that feel? My tracks are like my kids you know, so when I send them out into the world I only wish for them to do well. When something I produce is successful this is the biggest rush in the world for me.
8. You've had amazing success for one so young, your big break came after Ministry of Sound heard your David Guetta bootleg? I don't get the question
9. What would be you're advise to aspiring DJs and producers? I would say work hard, keep your focus and enjoy yourself first and foremost
10. You've remixed for the likes of David Guetta , Alex Gaudino , Erick Morillo, Ben Liebrand who do you want to work with next? i would love to record a track with Usher, would think we could do great things in the studio
11. You're playing with fellow Dutchman Hardwell at Gatecrasher, have you played with him before? Yes a few times, we always have a great time and it works well when we feature on the same line up I think
12. What can we expect from your set at Gatecrasher? You can expect an evening with loads and loads of my own tracks and remixes and I am bringing full on energy all the way. I am really looking forward to playing Gatecrasher I heard that this is one of the best clubs in the UK so I am ready and I for sure hope you are hehe
13. What can we expect from you in 2012? Anything and everything :) I am working on starting my own label, loads of touring, some awesome collabs and of course loads new Nicky Romero beats
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Roger Sanchez
THE S MAN RETURNS
ROGER SANCHEZ
GATECRASHER BIRMINGHAM
With support from NERVO
After a sell out Gatecrasher shows in 2011, the legendary, Grammy award winning Roger Sanchez jets to back to the club for a 2012 reunion on the 25th February . Touching down in Birmingham fresh from tearing it up in superclubs all over Europe this night promises to be insane. Sanchez is joined by the stunning acclaimed DJs/producers/artists and models NERVO - the feisty twins best known for their song-writing collaboration with David Guetta on his smash-hit "When Love Takes Over”
Already a global superstar Roger Sanchez, also known as Roger S or The S Man is worshipped by the masses for his classic party anthems like number one hit single ‘Another Chance’ and his Grammy award winning remix of No Doubts ‘Hella Good’.
Release Yourself has grown from the name of a record (Sanchez’s 1996 classic Release Yo Self) into a globally recognized brand that is synonymous with quality house music and damn good parties. Events around the world, his hugely successful radio show, podcast and of course his long-running compilation series all bear the same name – a hallmark for all things classy, grooving and feel-good.
2011 proved to be a hectic and exciting year for The S Man with countless appearances in Europe’s party hotspots, the release of his album ‘Release Yourself ‘11’, the 10th anniversary and landmark 500th broadcast of his Release Yourself Radio show, storming summer season at Space Ibiza, his monthly Release Yourself residency at Marquee in Las Vegas and dates far and wide across the globe, including parties at London’s Ministry Of Sound and Miami’s Mansion
Sanchez commented;
"I love that house music has re-asserted itself across all spectrums of dance music. From tech to electro, to crossover to mainstream radio play, it's all about HOUSE music. Get ready to release yourself again!”
And 2012 is shaping up to be just as busy! Roger will be unleashing some new club bangers to accompany the 2012 tour, there is a new compilation planned plus the return of Roger's deeper and darker alias, The S-Man with 2012 release “Animalz”.
Whether overwhelming a frenzied crowd at Miami WMC or pushing musical boundaries on the White Isle, Roger’s love of connecting with a crowd ensures that he keeps his status as a true citizen of the World amidst a continuous whirlwind of global touring. At every gig, the S-Man’s relationship with his international network of fans is evident in the mutual energy and appreciation between Roger and the crowd:
“One thing that’s very important to me is to take into account what the people on the dance floor are feeling - to reach out and connect to their emotions allows me to share what’s in my mind with them. I always have a strong connection with my fans and their dedication and love has allowed me to thrive”
From his legendary performances at the world’s most exclusive events, his chart-topping hits, award winning radio show and acclaimed compilation series Release Yourself, Roger is still soaring at the top of his game, spanning 3 decades on a meteoric journey from underground cult figure to master of the global club stage.
Joining Sanchez are super-sexy, super sassy, soon to be superstar twins NERVO. A feisty tag-team, best known for their song-writing collaboration with David Guetta on his Grammy winning smash hit "When Love Takes Over" (performed by Kelly Rowland)..
NERVO are fast emerging as the most sought-after DJ duo in dance music. They may be outrageously beautiful but that's overshadowed by their sheer talent. They are also hit songwriters, producers and artists, a feisty sister tag-team that is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with on the club scene worldwide with their infectious blend of chunky, dirty, sexed-up electro-house. They've toured with Paul Oakenfold and Chuckie on the acclaimed 2010 "Facelift" tour and have played around the globe including festival gigs at Lollapalooza, Winter Music Conference, Ultra, IMS in Ibiza, Tomorrowland, Summer Daze and more . They make their Gatecrasher debut fresh from supporting Britney Spears and Nicki Minaj on the Femme Fatale arena shows and their Las Vegas residency
NERVO emerged as hit songwriters; Kesha to Kylie; Guetta & Rowland; Pussycat Dolls and more. They've remixed Katy Perry, 30 Seconds to Mars, Cobra Starship, topping club charts worldwide. In counter-contrast with their feminine image - NERVO's style is bold, sassy, with in-your-face beats that beckon a dance floor to its knees. The sound is loud, dirty, which has won them respect from the most serious music lovers. They rocked Lolopolooza, Tokyo, and Sydney opened for will.i.am in Ibiza - and dropped in on Richard Branson at Necker for a Halloween party with the Victoria Secrets models.
Tickets from £10 via www.gatecrasher.com
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