Amidst this incredible lineup, we’re excited to sit down with IMANU—an artist whose unique fusion of Drum & Bass, experimental beats, and electronic soundscapes has made him one of the most innovative names today. Known for pushing boundaries, IMANU is gearing up to deliver an unforgettable performance at Boundary Brighton. Ahead of his set, we catch up with him to talk about his musical evolution and what he’s got in store for the festival and dig a little deeper into the life and times of one of the scene’s most intriguing talents.

What’s the story behind your stage name, IMANU?

It comes from my middle name, Immanuel! I wanted it to sound and feel more personal than a moniker.

You used to release music under the name Signal. How has your musical journey evolved since transitioning to IMANU, and what inspired the shift in your artistic direction and sound?

I feel like I’ve let go of many boundaries, and found a sound more true to myself. I was inspired by many artists who just do not seem to care about what genre or sound they’re perceived as because everything they make is them. 

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How do you balance maintaining your signature sound while pushing boundaries in electronic music?

Pushing boundaries is my signature sound.

You’re performing at Boundary Brighton Festival this weekend. What can fans expect from your set?

As it’s a B2B with The Caracal Project, a lot of our music, collaborations we’ve done, and a bit of fun stuff! Our B2B sets are usually a bit less serious than our solo performances.

You’ve produced a lot of music with The Caracal Project and played shows together in recent years. Tell us a bit about your relationship.

Someone I met through the internet, like honestly most of my current friends! Good friendship leads to good studio sessions, and thus we created good music.

Your productions cover many different genres. One of the genres you’re best known for is DnB. How do you see the Drum and Bass scene evolving, and where do you fit into that landscape?

I don’t really feel like I fit in the scene as it is right now, but I’m very okay with that. 

What’s the most challenging aspect of producing electronic music for you?

I’m not very good at mixing vocals, so I just have someone else do that for me instead  

How do you stay inspired and avoid creative burnout?

I listen to a ton of varied music, and watch videos on music theory very often. Experimenting with the things I’m taught in the realms of the stuff I listen to often leads to me coming up with ideas to use in my own. 

What advice would you give aspiring producers looking to make their mark in the electronic music scene?

Be different.

Can you tell us about any upcoming projects or releases you’re excited about?

I’ve got a big string of music coming out soon! Very excited for it  

You can catch IMANU at Boundary Brighton Festival this weekend alongside a heavyweight lineup of dance music’s finest names. For set times and more info, follow Boundary Brighton on social media or visit https://www.boundarybrighton.com

The post Getting To Know: IMANU appeared first on Data Transmission.

On this, his fourth long player in a career spanning over two decades, Mason once again demonstrates his quirky versatility, craftsmanship and disregard for the musical zeitgeist.

Journeying through an assortment of indie tinged house, sprinkled with funk and soulful downtempo vibes, the LP features 14 tracks and guest appearances from Sweetie Irie (Gorillaz), Sophie Barker (Zero 7), The House Gospel Choir and many more. 

“Making an album really suits my needs to just create anything I want without being constrained to boundaries, genres or tempi. I love DJ-ing with all my heart, massively, but as a producer to only write music for dancefloors I find a bit limiting. I just like to do more. I’ve been really enjoying diving into the deep end of the song writing process and just going with the flow. I have to say, I’ve been one lucky bastard being able to work with such a talented bunch of artists as I have on this album.” 

Mason

Not many dance music artists had such an unusual career path, stretching from being a kid TV star to Tiesto’s touring violinist to pop chart hit maker to guerrilla party organiser to one of the most productive and collaborative producers of the lowlands. Mason does it all, becoming one of the true gems of the European electronic music scene. 

This guy has created chart topping records, music for Dior and Hugo Boss and countless underground bangers. Whether laying down sweaty club DJ sets around the world to touring his live ‘Mason & The Masonettes’ show, this musical polymath is always shifting colours, and blurring boundaries. In short, Mason is always keeping things interesting for himself and his audience. 

If you’re in London on 17th November, be sure to drop by Ministry of Sound where Mason will be hosting one hell of an album launch party. For info and tickets visit www.ministryofsound.com.

Chroma Panorama is out now on Mason’s own imprint, Animal Language. Stream / buy here: https://snd.click/MEOW016.  

The post Mason releases fourth LP Chroma Panorama  appeared first on Data Transmission.

“This project has been a long time coming, and we are very proud to have accomplished this together,” says José. “We wanted to create a concept that was different to anything else out there. We felt combining vocal-led underground house and commercial sounds would create a unique and captivating result.”

Maritime Yacht Club is the creative brainchild of renowned UK tastemaker artist/Origins Rcrds label boss Josh Butler alongside longtime friend, talented singer/songwriter and fellow producer José Rosa – who co-wrote and provided the vocals for Josh’s iconic hit record ‘Got A Feeling’.

Since meeting in 2012, Josh and José’s friendship has remained a continuous platform for creativity. The pair have continued to absorb nightlife together in Leeds and Liverpool and work closely on projects throughout the years – leading to the birth of Maritime Yacht Club.

Their first major project together, ‘Got A Feeling’ in 2013 (which has been a vital component of Josh‘s success over the years), celebrates its tenth anniversary this year and has received an almost unimaginable level of accolades in that time. The record won an award for the biggest-selling track of 2013 on Beatport with Bontan’s remix, which was the overall number one for six weeks straight and is still one of its highest-selling records of all time on the platform.

Maritime Yacht Club began to grow into something tangible during the lockdown in 2020, helping José through one of the most challenging times in his life and providing an outlet for himself and Josh to throw themselves into during a period of stagnation for many in the music space. What ensued over the months that followed slowly began to take shape in the form of a diverse body of work, ready to share with the world in all its stylistic glory. 

With a 12-track debut LP in the pipeline for 2023, including a wave of single releases from the album, you can expect the underground-influenced yet commercial-focused flavours of Maritime Yacht Club to flood your daily listening rotation and fuel your standout dancefloor moments this year and beyond.

Maritime Yacht Club’s ‘Floating On A Star’ is available to stream/buy HERE.

Maritime Yacht Club: Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Soundcloud

The post Josh Butler & José Rosa drop their latest Maritime Yacht Club single appeared first on Data Transmission.

OXYMORE is the first commercial release of this scale which fully utilizes multichannel and binaural sound (spatial 3D), with Jarre not just producing, but also composing and recording and mixing in audio 360 in the “Innovation” studios of Radio France. It is also a homage to the late French composer Pierre Henry.

Jean-Michel Jarre has always been a futurist in his field. Throughout his illustrious career, the composer, performer, producer and cultural ambassador has continued to break new ground with his music and his mastery of creative innovation. Jarre’s current catalogue, which now includes 22 studio albums, has generated sales of more than 85 million worldwide to date and earned him countless awards and nominations.

OXYMORE is a tribute to the French roots of electronic music which has had a significant influence on the music production of the genre over the years. OXYMORE is also an homage to the late French composer Pierre Henry, at the origin of Musique Concrete with Pierre Schaeffer, with whom Jarre had been intending to collaborate for Jarre’s GRAMMY-nominated project album Electronica. Henry was an iconic figure in electronic and classical music, and one of Jarre’s influences at the Groupe de Recherches Musicales (GRM) where he studied. Since his death in 2017, Henry’s widow provided Jarre with original sounds which had been intended for use in this collaboration.

Jarre explains, “In real life stereo does not exist, our audio field is 360 degrees. Today, technology allows us to explore composition in spatial audio and that opens a whole new experience for us musicians in the creative process. Music will be more easily experienced by anyone with regular headphones or the new generations of sound systems, offering a more physical and natural way of listening to sound and music in full immersion.”

OXYMORE is a musical journey back and forth between analogue and digital sounds. Says Jarre, “Pierre’s work inspired me for Oxymore and working around some soundbites of his led me down a creative path that I may not have taken otherwise. I chose some of his sounds precisely from one track to another. Oxymore is also a tribute to the French way of approaching modern music, electroacoustic music, and my early studies at the GRM (Groupe de Recherches Musicales) where Pierre definitely influenced the future of electronic music worldwide, along with Pierre Shaeffer.”

As part of the immersive project, Jarre is also launching ‘OXYVILLE’, a VR world which accompanies the album release, providing a digital stage for him to perform the album live in VR. “OXYVILLE is a virtual music city where I am going to perform from time to time. And in the future I wish to invite other artists to be a part of it, as well as hold masterclasses and other events. I also want it to become a sandbox for new music experiences,”

Jean Michel joins me on Twitch from 1pm on twitch.tv/grahamefarmer

OXYMORE is out now. The album is available as CD, Double Vinyl and digital in Stereo, Binaural, 5.1 and Dolby Atmos. The physical product includes a code to access the highest quality Binaural master as intended by Jean-Michel Jarre when producing the album. 

The post Jean-Michel Jarre releases his 22nd Studio Album ‘OXYMORE’ appeared first on Data Transmission.

The album is a celebration of self-empowerment, owning your right to pleasure, and liberating yourself from outside constraints. The title itself is an acronym: When Everyone Tries to Evolve, Nothing Negative Is Safe. It’s about leaving behind lesser fears and vices in favour of pursuing joy. Whatever challenges the duo face throughout the album, it isn’t long before they return to defiant positivity; it’s a story of ecstasy undoing human error, of delight outdoing our inevitable fallibility. Written over the past three years, WET TENNIS is a testament to the duo’s durability and their commitment to their fans, TheFreak Fam. 

When in-person events became impossible, SOFI TUKKER’s live streams were a daily ceremony. Sophie and Tucker were able to interact in real-time with their community, experimenting and getting feedback on ideas that would eventually become WET TENNIS. These are songs made for their fans but perhaps more significantly, with them. Tennis features prominently in the album’s iconography. The game itself represents Soph and Tuck always hitting ideas back and forth to each other in their writing process, and the overlapping tennis rackets represent the venn diagram of their brains. They both have very different interests, but where the rackets intersect is that sweet spot that’s SOFI TUKKER.  

Today, they join us on the podcast for the first time. Listen to it below, on Mixcloud or iTunes here.

Sum up this mix in 10 words…
This is a sexy mix that also can get the party to a peak. 

What’s your personal favourite track on it?
Summer in New York  

What’s the special ingredient in this mix? 
It has a nice flow, takes you to a super high energy moment and then brings you back down.

Tell us about your new album?
The album is called WET TENNIS and is an acronym for “When Everyone Tries to Evolve, Nothing Negative Is Safe”. We on purpose made songs that were optimistic and vibrant, and made most of it during lockdown, when we were dreaming of the world post-lockdown. 

What have you got coming up? 
We’re in the middle of the WET TENNIS world tour!

And finally, do you have a special message for our readers?
When everyone tries to evolve, nothing negative is safe  

Tracklist

Summer in New York – Extended Club Mix – SOFI TUKKER 
Italove – Emmanuelle 
Temptation ft. Poppy Baskcomb – Jess Bays
Sun Came Up – SOFI TUKKER & John Summit
The Rhythm – Earth n Days 
Glass – Deetron
Party Starter – Matt Guy
Hold – SOFI TUKKER & BOII
Garden – Emily Nash
Otherdisco – HIGHLITE
Stamina – Millero
Original Sin – SOFI TUKKER 
Dame Mas – Badwolff, Sof 
Larry Bird – SOFI TUKKER

The post DT794 – SOFI TUKKER appeared first on Data Transmission.

Your latest EP ‘Fire’ is out now. Can you tell us a bit about the tracks on it and their creation? 

‘Fire’ brings new beginnings. In a time where resilience is more necessary than ever, there is strength to draw from the embodiment of this element. This project explores themes of healing, purpose, and exploration of identity. 

Who did you work with on the tracks? 

The tracks were written by myself, Adrian X & Ryan Ashley and mixed by Michael Freeman. 

Have you got any plans for a full length album or a collection with all these elements on them?

I’m planning to leave the elemental projects in 2020. My debut full length, which is well on its way, will be all new tracks next year. 

Have you been working on any other new music recently? 

Lots of new music ready to drop in 2021. It’s been a really creative and collaborative time for me… I’m producing more of my own stuff on Ableton these days too…which feels good! 

Your music has a big electronic music feel to it, do you always envisage putting your soulful vocals over the top of music like that? 

To be honest the upbeat electronic vibe is a newer extension of my sound. I really tried to tap into the characteristics ‘Fire’ on this project which felt kind of experimental. I can promise the vocal will always be soulful but it won’t always be over electronic moods. 

What other music have you put out in the past that you can tell us about? 

This year has been all about elemental projects for me. I started the year with EARTH, then moved onto WATER, and now it’s culminating with FIRE. The concept came from the idea that we’re all searching for balance. There’s so much to learn from the natural world and that’s what I tried to embody with this trilogy.

Who are your biggest influences as a vocalist? 

Alicia Keys, Sade, Amel Larrieux. I’ll always sing their praises. 

What was your musical upbringing like? 

My dad booked live entertainment in Dublin, so he’s always known about the business side of things. My mom was an Indian dancer, singer and performer in Trinidad for many years. Her mother (my grandmother) was famous for her contribution to the arts in Trinidad as well. There’s definitely a rich lineage in the arts to draw inspiration from. 

You have worked extensively with Adrian X. How did you first start working together and what has the experience and highlights been? 

It’s hard to find people in this industry that will stick by you no matter what. We’ve been working together for years and it’s amazing to see how both of our projects have grown since the beginning. We met through my vocal coach, Brandon Brophy here in Toronto. I’d say the highlights have been our trips to London where we’ve met some of the best collaborators and played shows for hundreds of people. 

Who else would you love to work with in the future? 

I met Alicia Keys at a Grammy party this year… next time we link will be at the studio. Definitely have dreams of working with MIA as well. More badass women in the studio please & thanx. 

What music have you been listening to and enjoying recently? 

My girl VIAA just put out a track called ‘Animal Style’ that I can’t stop listening to. If I’m being honest a lot of instrumental and meditative vibes that just give me space to think and breathe deeper. The world is crazy… but I’m grateful that music provides a space to process all that. 

What have been some of the highlights of your career been so far? 

Last year I wrote a song for a film, that opened my mind to the possibility of scoring something one day. Also thinking about every opportunity I’ve had to play shows for a crowd of people. Those moments seem so much more valuable to me now. I can’t wait to get back on stage… there’s nothing better than feeling the energy shift in a room when the beat drops. 

Follow Liz Lokre’s Instagram here

You can grab yourself a copy of Liz Lokre ‘FIRE’ from here

The post From The Start: Meeting Liz Lokre appeared first on Data Transmission.

R3liks latest offering, ‘On You’ is out now and we caught up with him to hear all about it and its creation. We also spoke about his music career and inspirations, as well as how he has been keeping busy during these difficult times. 

You have just released your new single ‘On You’. Can you tell us about the track and its creation?

‘On You’ is a funky bass driven electro house track with a catchy vocal that will get any party/floor moving. It came together quite quickly (my most popular tracks seem to be the ones that come together like this). I started with the bass line and the vocals just fit perfectly on top. I always find if you can listen to just the bass and kick looped on there own and not get bored you’re onto a winner. I had that feeling with this track.

What has the reaction to the track been like so far?

I’ve had some great feedback. It seems to be going down well. I’ve not had the privilege of hearing played out live yet as the live scene is on lockdown but I have a good feeling about this one!

You have released the tracks ‘Something Blue’ and ’28 Hartnell’ this year too. They are quite different in style but recognisably your sound. Do you always want to have that blend of different sounds but also familiarity with your music?

Well, to be honest nothing’s intentional. I think I just get influenced by sounds I hear or songs I listen to on the radio which might explain the varied styles. My production method following that may be similar enough to give me the R3liks sound so to speak but yeah, I never set out to write music with anything in mind.

Where do your inspirations come from when you are making music?

Everywhere! I mean I listen to a variety of styles of music from rock to classical. Something probably sticks in my head like an ear-worm then influences the choices I make in the studio. I’ve hummed something in my phone before if an idea comes throughout the day then I’ll try to make something out of it when I get the chance. Most songs are happy accidents though and just seem to end up finished.

What equipment do you use when you are making music?

Just standard stuff really. Nothing crazy. Computer synths and a keyboard. I get more productive when I limit my choices. Some of my songs are completely in the box. I have Moog phatty which I absolutely love though. You can t beat a bit of analogue warmth!

What would a typical day in the studio be like for you?

Always starts with a cup of coffee. I’ll send a few emails then I’m away. Always start with a black canvas and just start making noises. You can’t beat it when you have the kick drum pounding away, you turn one knob on the synth to create some awesome bass and then your foot starts tapping! Best feeling ever! Once you have that the rest seems to flow.

Have you been making any more new music during this lockdown period?

Yes I have loads of new stuff! Some great stuff packed to go as we speak. Some need a little work. The ones that come together the fastest seem to be the best though! I think ‘On You’ was written and mixed in 5 hours!

How else have you been keeping busy during this time?

I started skateboarding! No Joke! I don’t bounce off the floor like I did when I was a kid though…. It’s great exercise and really fun. I had a few people laugh when I first told them but I secretly think they think it’s cool!

Who are your biggest influences and inspirations when it comes to making music?

Just wanting to do something different really pushes me on. I have a great support network that gives me encouragement. I couldn’t think of a better job than one that involves making noise. I can’t imagine doing anything else.

How did you get into electronic music in the first place?

I used to listen to a lot of electronic music when I was younger. I had Zombie Nation’s ‘Kernkraft 400’ on repeat when that came out. I then played bass in metal bands. I loved all music from there on out, but it was only after that project ended I started making electronic music. I wish I’d have started earlier!

How do you think things are going to change when it comes to live events when the lockdown eases?

I have no clue… I just hope there is going to be venues left in the aftermath of it all. I can imagine a lot more underground style festivals going on. I think that will be across the board not just electronic music. There will still be the audience but the venues might be something totally different. We’ll have to wait and see I suppose.

How difficult a summer and year has it been with no festivals or events on at the moment?

Really difficult. I mean It’s not been so bad for me because I am fortunate enough to be able to hunker down in the studio and write music but I certainly feel for the industry as a whole. I just hope there’s going to one left after it all. It’s painful to watch. I’ve not heard of anyone in the industry who hasn’t had some sort of impact on their livelihoods. I just hope everyone gives all the support they can.

If you had to curate a festival, who would you have playing it?

I’d have to have three huge acts to pull the crowds because I’d want the festival to be huge! Go big or go home I say. Kshmr would headline Friday. He would totally get everyone pumped for the weekend ahead. Calvin Harris could do Saturday because well…. It’s Calvin Harris and Deadmau5 would finish off headlining Sunday bringing an epic close to the weekend. What do you think? Do you want a ticket?

What tunes (both by R3liks and by others) get the biggest reaction when you play them out?

’28 Hartnell’ has certainly been a popular one. I’ve had videos sent to me on socials of people dancing to it. Maybe I should aim to start a Tik Tok trend! I’ll also say anything by Tom Staar seems to get a great reaction. He really knows how to write music that gets the floor moving. I love ‘Bird Flu’ off of his Cartel imprint. Real party vibes!

What are your top three tunes at the minute?  

‘On You’ by R3liks… I’m joking of course. I love i_o’s ‘Revolution’ and the way he uses delay is great. I’m well into the acid sound of Love Generator at the moment. It made me run out to buy a Roland Tb03! Real retro vibes. Finally I’d have to say The BSOD e.p. ‘No Way, Get Real’. Love that at the moment but I couldn’t choose one. It’s a tough question!

What was the first piece of music that you ever bought and what effect did it have on you?

Can I skip my first one… I think that was Spice Girls at the age of 10! My second piece was Zombie Nation’s ‘Kernkraft 400’. I had that on repeat! It was dirty and catchy all at once. I think that’s what really started my love for electronic music. Also Chicane’s “Saltwater’. That song still hits me today.

What is your favourite album of all time and why does it resonate with you so much?

I’d have to say Pink Floyd’s ‘Dark Side of the moon. It’s an album that introduced me to progressive music, chillout music and experimental music all in one. A total concept album that changed the way I thought of music from the second I heard it. Brilliant!

R3liks ‘On You’ is out now make sure you grab it from here

Follow R3liks:

Facebook

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SoundCloud

Spotify

The post From The Start: Meeting R3liks appeared first on Data Transmission.

Deadmau5 resurrected in late 2016 with the electric album release of W:/2016ALBUM, plus news of a Spring 2017 tour. The mau5, not so much on our recent-tour-radar, is packing his bags for ‘LOTS OF SHOWS IN A ROW‘ Tour which kicks off in NYC on March 29th, and he’s not packing light.

Lots of shows in a row will make 13 stops from coast to coast starting with four shows at New York City’s Hammerstein Ballroom, March 29th through April 1st. The mau5 will hit multiple locations in Boston, Detroit, Los Angeles, and Oakland, before ending his tour with two shows at Aragon Ballroom in Chicago on May 4th and 5th.

Lots of shows and lots of LED lights — the mau5 is packing heavy with his upgraded Cube2.1. The elaborate, multi-dimensional creation is bigger, brighter, and more bad-ass than earlier cubes. Expect maestro mau5 to orchestrate from higher altitudes with complex LED facets in your face!

Deadmau5 was in the studio nonstop last year working on W:/2016ALBUM and orchestrating a mau5trap to lure us back in. We expect a futuristic 3D immersive unlike any other, so get your tickets before they sell out!

Purchase Tickets: www.lotsofshowsinarow.com

The post Deadmau5 hits the road for ‘Lots of Shows in a Row’ appeared first on Data Transmission.

Brooklyn Electronic Music Festival (BEMF) announced it will return for its ninth year, kicking off its music programming November 4th. The 2016 edition of BEMF will feature nightly weekday twilight panel discussions, movie screenings and immersive art installations, with the two weekends serving as the musical anchors of the festival.

BEMF’s goal is to showcase the music and creative community intertwined with Brooklyn’s electronic music scene, and highlight its place in the global community. The ever changing milieu of Brooklyn, the influence it wields given its place in one of the world’s most exciting and dynamic major cities and the rapidly changing landscape of American dance music, provide BEMF a unique position to foster a dialogue around dance music that extends beyond any dancefloor or Borough delineation.

Last year in partnership with THUMP and Novation, BEMF presented expert-curated panels on voguing, gender in dance music, streaming and technology, yielding productive and powerful discussions on topics that remain hotly debated today. In 2016 gentrification, emerging cross-sections of dance music genres, community and technology are issues globally and locally, and BEMF’s expanded panel series will allow it to delve further and deeper into these and other topics.

This year’s musical programming will see a renewed focus on the underground and emerging talents while continuing to showcase local artists and collectives, genre nights and the artists shaping the sound of the world’s best dancefloors. As ever BEMF will feature a cross section of live shows, DJ club sets and after-hours events and a return to the roots of club culture with unique spaces and warehouse parties in Brooklyn. Check out the full lineup announced in Phase One, below!

BEMF 2016 Phase One Artist List (Alphabetical Order):

Amtrac

Asquith

Barnt

Ben Sims

Benji B

Danny Daze

DJ Qu

Function

Greg Gow

Gunnar Haslam

Honey Dijon

Infinity Ink

Jey Kurmis

Jimmy Edgar

Jon Fay

Jubilee

Justin Cudmore

Kerri Chandler

Kidnap Kid

King Britt

Mike Servito

Roisin Murphy

Route 8 (Live)

Silent Servant

The Black Madonna

Truncate

Turtle Bugg

 Stay tuned for the next wave of artists and venues as well as BEMFs expertly curated panel program, movie screenings and art installations!

The post 9th Annual BEMF Boasts Expanded Schedule + Killer Phase 1 Lineup appeared first on Data Transmission.

The Los Angeles based experimental indie-electronic group, Overjoy, has just put out a mesmerizing music video for their hauntingly seductive new song, “Holiday”. The light percussive elements provide a delicate yet driving rhythm over the ethereal pad-work which sculpts the soundscape. Lex’s echoed vocals lull the listener into the groove of the pulsing toms punctuating the thick, sustained bassline. Effectively juxtaposing spaced out and dancefloor vibes is no easy task, in spite of how natural Overjoy may make it seem with their stellar writing.

The music video does a great job of visually representing the essence of the song; The kaleidoscope and deep space imagery evoke notions of psychedelic escapism.

Take the full journey with the music video below and add this instant classic to your collection by going here to get your free download!

The post Overjoy – Holiday [Video + Free DL] appeared first on Data Transmission.