An inspiring character with a career built on resilience, creativity, and an unshakeable passion for music, Ian G returned to the scene after a short hiatus to pursue his true calling; the timeless melodies and energy of piano house. Performing at such iconic London venues as Ministry of Sound, EGG and Studio338, Ian can command the decks and captivate crowds, making him a fixture in the capital’s clubbing scene.

Ian G’s piano house revolution is already making waves with his latest single ‘Diamonds’ on Perfect Havoc. In collaboration with Ruff Loaderz, Diamonds saw an impressive wave of early editorial support from Apple Music (DanceXL & Future Dance Hits) and Spotify New Music Friday (UK), proving this sound is more than just a personal fave, but a genre with mass appeal.

For every artist out there, each has a personal collection of tracks that define the key moments of life, the tracks that when played evoke a vision, a scent or an emotion that shoots them right back.  

We caught up with Ian G to take a personal look into the soundtrack to his life.

The Track That Got Me into Dance Music : Livin’ Joy – Dreamer

This is the track that truly got me hooked on dance music. Whenever I hear it, I can’t help but smile, it’s just one of those tracks that lifts my entire mood. If I’m in a club or anywhere with a dancefloor, it gets me up and moving. It’s the one track that has always had that power over me and still does to this day.

The Track that Inspires me Daily: Chapter 9 – Roller Coaster

This is one of the first tracks that made me fall in love with piano house. To this day, it takes me straight back to my roots and reminds me why I’m so passionate about bringing this sound back. The feeling I had when I first heard this track is what I want to give back to the industry; pure energy and joy, through music. Finding out later that the person I now produce with created this track (Julian – Ruff Loaderz) is a dream come true. We’ve since become great friends.

The Track that Defined my First BIG Gig: Short Silm – Never Thought

My first big gig was at Ministry of Sound in 2001, playing in the Baby Box. During my set, Dean Wilson came into the DJ booth and handed me this vinyl, saying, “You have to play this record. I’ve just been given this by Jeremy B, who’s playing in the main room!” So, I dropped it, and the crowd absolutely loved it. It was one of those moments that’s stuck with me ever since.

The Track that Reminds Me of Childhood: Dire Straits – Sultans of Swing

This track always takes me back to my childhood and reminds me of my parents. It was one of those songs that seemed to always be playing in the background, shaping my early connection with music. Even now, it brings back those moments and reminds me where my journey with music began.

The First Track I Ever Dropped in a Club: Freak Nature – Free (Soundscapers Dub)

When I first started DJing, I was a warm-up DJ for many years. One of the tracks I’d use to get the floor warmed up was “Free (Soundscapers Dub)” by Freak Nature.This track became a bit of a signature for me during my warm-up sets. It was slightly different from the norm as it has a unique energy that sets the tone for the night.

The Track That ALWAYS Makes me Cry: Samuel Barber – Adagio for Strings

From watching the American war film Platoon in 1986 as a teenager and hearing this piece for the first time until now, it never fails to move and affect me. There’s something so powerful and emotional in the way it builds; it’s almost impossible not to feel it deeply. It’s a track that captures both sorrow and beauty, and every time I hear it, it stops me in my tracks and makes me reflect.

The track that Defined a KEY Moment in my Life: Ian G – Have Your Lovin

Producing “Have Your Lovin” and having it signed to a label (Cleveland City) the very next day was a huge personal milestone for me. It marked the moment my journey as a DJ and producer truly reignited, giving me the drive to follow my dream and passion at a later stage in life. This track is a personal milestone, but it’s also a reminder that it’s never too late to chase what you love, whilst inspiring others to do the same.

Ian G & Ruff Loaderz ‘Diamonds’ is out now on Perfect Havoc. Stream / download via your preferred platrform here.

The post Ian G: The Soundtrack to My Life appeared first on Data Transmission.

Enhanced Mental Clarity and Creativity

Running is a powerful tool for clearing the mind and reducing stress, which is crucial for creative professions like music production. During a run, the repetitive motion and focus on physical activity help to clear the mental clutter, allowing for a free flow of creative ideas. The endorphins released during physical exercise not only boost your mood but can also elevate your creative thinking, making it easier to devise innovative beats and harmonies.

Improved Focus and Concentration

Long hours in the studio require significant mental stamina and concentration. Running can help strengthen these faculties. Cardiovascular exercise like running has been shown to improve brain function, including enhanced memory and focus. These benefits are vital when you need to stay sharp for long studio sessions and detailed sound editing.

Better Stress Management

Music production can be a high-pressure job with tight deadlines and demanding projects. Running is an effective stress reliever; it helps in managing anxiety and maintaining emotional balance. With lower stress levels, you can approach your music production tasks with a calmer mindset, which is essential for productivity and creative exploration.

Increased Energy Levels

Regular running can significantly boost your overall energy levels, helping you feel more awake and alert. This increase in energy is beneficial for music producers who often work at odd hours and need to maintain high energy levels, especially during intensive recording or mixing sessions.

Improved Sleep Quality

A good night’s sleep is crucial for cognitive function and creativity. Running regularly helps regulate your sleep patterns, promoting deeper and more restorative sleep. Better sleep leads to improved cognitive functions, including enhanced problem-solving abilities and creativity—key components in music production.

Physical Health Benefits

Maintaining good physical health is essential, not just for your well-being but also for sustaining the energy and stamina music production demands. Running helps improve cardiovascular health, boosts the immune system, and can help keep you agile and physically active, reducing the likelihood of fatigue during long periods of sitting or standing in the studio.

Incorporating running into your daily routine could be transformative for your music production career. Not only does it bolster your physical and mental health, but it also enhances your creative output, making it a worthwhile addition to your lifestyle. Whether you’re crafting intricate melodies or mixing down tracks, the clarity, energy, and focus gained from running can elevate your music to new heights.

The post Why Running Will Improve Your Music Production appeared first on Data Transmission.

Issey’s vivacious spirit has earned her the intrigue of bass lovers and pop connoisseurs alike. 2024 was packed with live dates spanning a debut tour of New Zealand and Australia, performing in front of 15,000 partygoers at Shy FX and Wilkinson’s takeover at Drumsheds, and a main stage appearance at the mammoth MADE Festival 10th anniversary.

Festival season isn’t over yet for the young talent with the ever-changing hair colour. Issey Cross now prepares to head to the French Alps for Rise Festival’s 10th birthday bash where thousands of ravers are in for treat of global DJ talent – Sammy Virji, Chase & Status and Hedex to name a few – and a week of snow, music and adventure.

Ahead of the event, we caught up with Issey to ask what tracks have soundtracked her year and what would make the ultimate apres-ski playlist. Find out her choices below.

K Motionz & Songer – Beamin’

This song is so fun to listen to and just gets me hyped up to go outtttt! 

KETTAMA – Pretty Green Eyes (Sunset Ibiza Mix)

This song reminds me of good times in the summer with friends hanging round the pool in Ibiza.

Fred again.. x The Japanese House x Scott Hardkiss – backseat

This makes me feel sad and happy at the same time. I love songs that give you that feeling. Also, I love The Japanese House! I remember listening to this on the way back from a show this summer and looking out the window reflecting on how much has happened this year.

BL3SS x CamrinWatsin- Kisses (feat. Bbyclose)

I find this song sooo fun to listen to and it’s so catchy! Banger.

Monrroe & Emily Makis – Never Too Old (Friction Remix)

This one really takes me away in my mind and feels so euphoric to listen to. Every time I hear it, it makes me wanna scream the words! 

Nia Archives – Cards On The Table

I bloody love Nia. Such a big inspiration to me as a woman and I absolutely how artistic this song feels to me.

Sammy Virgi – If U Need It 

I heard this song played everywhere this summer at festivals and it still pops off now. Love Sammy.

Joy Orbison – flight fm 

Something about this song is so satisfying. I was quite late to hearing it, but I remember being on the way to a festival driving past Stonehenge and saying to the driver, turn this upppp! 

Charli xcx – Sympathy is a knife

For some reason this song feels so nostalgic to me and gets me in my feels.

Issey Cross – Sleepwalking (feat. Songer)

I love this song as I wrote it about a hard time in my life so it’s one of my more emotional songs that I love performing live. It’s also been so fun performing it along with Songer this summer at festivals.

Catch Issey Cross at Rise Festival, 7-14 December at Les 2 Alpes, France. For more info, visit www.rise-festival.com

The post Issey Cross Apres-Ski Playlist: Rise Festival Special appeared first on Data Transmission.

As resident DJ at SNEAK from the very beginning 10 years ago, Jess Bays has seen it all, and boy has her career rocketed since. She went on to host a weekly show Capital Dance and release on such credible labels as Defected and Good Company, with notable releases including ‘Real Love’ with Kelli-Leigh and Temptation with Poppy Baskcomb.  

Ahead of the mammoth 10 Years of SNEAK at XOYO on 29 November 2024 – its first ever Friday night slot at the venue – we caught up with Jess to look back at her time at SNEAK to find out what tracks have smashed the dancefloor over the past decade.

Crank up the volume and get stuck in below to Jess Bays’ Top 10 SNEAK tunes off all time.

Armand Van Helden – I Want Your Soul

This record has always been a staple moment in my SNEAK sets at XOYO. It’s usually something I play towards the end of my sets to really give the crowd a big moment towards the end.

Flashmob – Need In Me

One of my favourite classic deep house records of all time. The big vocal moment in the breakdown just sets the dance floor on fire.

Patrick Topping – Forget

Something from my earlier days sets at XOYO for SNEAK. It’s an absolute anthem from Patrick Topping and it works every time.

MD Express – God Made Me Phunky (Jess Bays Remix)

This remix from my back catalogue is always something that works, especially with the younger crowd. It’s really blowing up on TikTok, so they recognise it super well from there. I love it so much for the original record by Mike Dunn is as old as me! And now the remix really helps educate the next generation of ravers to music that they not necessarily have heard.

Sammy Porter & Jess Bays – Devotion (Jess Bays VIP Mix)

Here’s my VIP edit of a record I wrote with my lovely friend Sammy Porter back at the very start of my production journey. It’s a classic vocal from Soul2Soul that we managed to get cleared. I love it! I’ll defo be spinning it on the SNEAK 10th Birthday.

Weiss – Feel My Needs

This track is a proper summer anthem that always brings an injection of feel-good vibes to any dance floor. It’s always on my playlist for SNEAK parties!

Roberto Surace – Joys

Easily one of my favourite records from the last few years. It really had a big moment when it was released via Defected a few years ago and the bassline on it paired with a great sample hook just works every time.

Nightcrawlers – Push The Feeling On (MK Dub remix)

One of the records that really pushed MK to the top of his game and I struggle to find a raver or music enthusiast that does not LOVE this piece of music! 

MK & Sonny Fodera – One Night (ft. Raphaella)

When two heavyweights collide only special things happen! Two of my favourite DJ/Producers in the world only means magic is going to happen and ‘One Night’ really does achieve that.

Beyond Chicago x Majestic x Alex Mills – Million Dollar Bill

One of the greatest Whitney Houston vocals ever brought into the current times by three of my very talented friends teaming up. Alex Mills’s huge vocal talent on this one just bring the Beyond Chicago lads and Majestic’s production to an extra level! 

Catch Jess Bays at SNEAK 10 Years alongside Gem Precious, Jay Forster, Janika Tenn and more at XOYO on Friday 29 November. For tickets visit  xoyo.co.uk

Main picture credit: Dan Reid.

The post Jess Bays playlists a decade of killer tracks to mark 10 Years Of SNEAK appeared first on Data Transmission.

Over the past year, Will has teamed up with artists like Baltra, Otik, and Catching Cairo, while also lighting up stages at venues like Brooklyn Mirage, Elsewhere, and Surf Lodge. Known for his high-energy shows and genre-blurring sound, he’s shared the spotlight with talents like Barry Can’t Swim, shallou, and Amtrac.

Now, Will Sass is back with his new single ‘Into The Blue’ featuring Grammy-winning songwriter Kamille. Following his debut ‘Alicia (feat. Alvin Risk),‘ this track pulses with vibrant beats and Kamille’s soulful vocals, co-written with the artist behind hits for Fred again.. and Stormzy. It’s a dancefloor anthem that shows Will is just getting started.

Reflecting on the creative process behind the new single, Will shares, “It started with a simple room recording, capturing the atmosphere around me, which is often how I begin. As I added layers, I was inspired by the acid house movement that swept the UK in the late ‘80s and the nostalgic Ibiza vibes of the ‘90s. That blend of energy drove the song’s direction.”

Reflecting on her collaboration with Will, Kamille shares, “Will is one of the most talented people I’ve ever met and it was such an honor to work with him on ‘Into The Blue.’ Every time I hear it, it feels like an escape, and I hope it does the same for everyone else.” 

Will echoes her sentiment, “I love working with Kamille. Her energy is contagious, and I’m so grateful to collaborate with someone who brings that spark to the studio. Her lyrics perfectly capture the feeling we were aiming for, and for me, that’s the pinnacle of songwriting—when the music and the mood are perfectly in sync.”

We sat down with him to talk about his journey so far and what’s next!

Hey Will Sass, welcome to DT. How’s your year going?

The year is going great! Excited to get this new music out in the world. 

Can you introduce yourself for anyone who doesn’t know you?

My name is Will Sass

Where are you based currently?

Currently based in NY, born and raised!

What inspired you to get into music?

I’ve always been surrounded by music growing up. Whether that was listening to music in the car as a kid— I remember a lot of Linkin Park and Snow Patrol. Also going to nightclubs and raves in NYC, definitely led to my spark to start producing electronic music. In terms of making music, I always had feelings that I wanted to chase, I just had to wait for my technical abilities to catch up! 

Who are your biggest musical influences?

I’m inspired by savants like Mark Ronson, Kevin Parker, Kaytranada. They have their own sounds but are genre-less and timeless. 

How would you best describe your sound?

Atmospheric, warm, at times…emotional. 

What is your best advice to anyone starting out, in the industry, as a producer?

It took me a while to get to my first release. I spent a lot of time refining my craft. With modern-day technology, it’s become a lot easier with YouTube and Mix With The Masters! And I would say make the most of what you have, you don’t need a lot of equipment to get started.  Listening to my favorite producers and artists speak and explain their processes and craft always helps and is inspiring. Also, every time I work with someone new, I pick up a new trick I add to my arsenal. 

What are your hobbies outside of music and production?

Photography, fashion, and collecting things such as rare books. Living in NY I spend a lot of time exploring in the streets. It’s very easy to get inspired living here. I’ve made a lot of music after a night out at 6 am. And even when it’s during the day, I find it’s helpful to put myself in that vulnerable, emotional 6am state while creating. 

Are you working on any new material?

Of course, I’m just getting started! I have 4 EPs to come out this year, which will be worked into an album at the end of 2025.

What can we expect from you, in the next year?

A lot of music. A lot of collaborations, remixes and alternative versions of my original tracks. I did two remixes for each original, which will come out on the deluxe versions of the EPs!

What’s been the highlight of your career so far?

Probably playing Brooklyn Mirage. That was a really fun opportunity that shed light on what this could turn into. I’ve been going to that venue as a fan for years, so it felt special to play music on that iconic stage. 

Thanks for taking the time to talk to us!

With hundreds of unreleased tracks, a debut EP on the horizon, and shows lined up across the US and Europe, Will is gearing up to make a big impact. This rising star is just getting started—watch this space!

Will Sass ‘Into The Blue’ (feat. kamille) is out now! You can grab yourself a copy here!

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

The album, released as part of a 30th-anniversary tribute to Ayrton Senna, brings together electronic music icons like Armin van Buuren, Alok, and MEDUZA, blending Senna’s inspirational speeches with powerful beats. Bianca shares insights into the project’s mission to inspire global audiences by highlighting Senna’s values of courage, resilience, and unity.

In a personal twist, we also talk about my own unforgettable childhood memory of meeting Ayrton when I was just eight years old.

Beyond the music, we delve into the Senna family’s impactful work with the Instituto Ayrton Senna, which has changed the lives of over 30 million children in Brazil by supporting their education. This heartfelt conversation reveals the Senna legacy’s ongoing influence, both on and off the track, in music, philanthropy, and inspiration for future generations.

Watch the full interview to explore the magic of Senna Driven and the profound legacy Ayrton Senna continues to leave.

Link for full Senna Driven album: https://umusicbrazil.lnk.to/SENNADRIVEN

The post Interviewing Bianca Senna, CEO of Senna Brands! appeared first on Data Transmission.

Representing the globally renowned Defected Records and fresh off another epic summer, Sam dives into her journey, D-VINE Sounds and her award win, and gives invaluable advice for up-and-coming artists looking to make their mark.

Sam Divine reflects on the vibe of Ibiza this season and also collected the award for Defected Croatia which won. Defected Records continues to be a leading influence in house music worldwide. Sam offers a glimpse into what it takes to thrive in today’s industry, from her favourite memories of the summer to key tips for DJs and producers aiming to break through.

Whether you’re an artist or a fan, Sam’s insights are inspiring—hit play for all things Defected, Ibiza, and beyond!

The post Interviewing Sam Divine at The DJ Awards appeared first on Data Transmission.

With the highly anticipated release of his new album, Pavement Nosedive, HardtraX is once again set to make waves in the techno world. In this interview with Kruger, he opens up about his creative process, influences, and what’s next for him.  

What first inspired you to get into techno music? Was there a particular artist or track that sparked your passion?

This is too hard to nail down. I cannot pinpoint a single, particular techno track that has led to me getting involved in the music. As a matter of fact, it was the extensive media coverage about the back then new techno rave phenomenon in Germany which drew me to this fascinating music as a kid. In the early 90’s it would not have been easy to escape the omnipresent TV-documentaries, nightly techno radio shows, newspaper and magazine articles etc. which were all about the new rave movement. Techno music was just about everywhere around you and all over the country.

Around 1992/1993 I was still a little boy, but I started buying techno and house tapes and CDs, listened to FM radio shows showcasing techno music and watched all the documentaries that, like stated before, were just very hard to avoid on popular media. My fascination for techno mainly derived from the unconventional nature of the genre, just breaking boundaries and using sounds people had never heard before.

Who are some of your biggest influences, both within and outside the techno scene?

The very early tunes of the harder techno styles in the very early to mid-90’s have most definitely had a huge impact on me.

Are there any non-electronic genres or artists that influence your style?

Pretty much everything around you can be an inspiration and an influence. Your life, your emotions, your worries, your struggles, things you love or hate, written words, paintings, movies, funny moments, sad losses, best friends… Just about anything and it does not matter whether it is something beautiful and great or a horrible thing that made you feel blue. Music is always there for you and music reflects life. Why? Well, because music IS life. I never really listen much to non-electronic music at all, so the impact on me is really, really limited. Instead I draw inspirations from just about anything in life with pretty random results sometimes, but hey… I guess this is art and art is free, right?

When producing a track, where do you usually start?

At home. No, seriously… I do not have a specific starting point actually. At times I start with the lead synth, sometimes with a kickdrum, a bassline, percussions or just with vocals and then build a track around that. It is very much varied and depends on whatever crosses my mind first. Often I start by constructing the mid-section of the track, but I may also start producing a track right at its beginning or commence with a break and continue from there. It depends.

Do you have any favourite gear, software, or tools that are essential to your production process?

After I made the switch from Protracker 3 on the Amiga to PC-based systems in the new millennium, Fruity Loops by Image-Line became essential to me. I was not too fond of FL Studio at first, which is the DAW that emerged from Fruity Loops, but later versions were actually really good and I still stick with the software. The Akai Fire controller is a helpful piece of kit to use with FL Studio, too. Nowadays I would actually love to collect old grooveboxes which I drooled over as a teenager in the 90’s, but I think it just would not make too much sense. I lack the space anyway and I am moving away from hardware, as I plan to get rid of my remaining gear. The truth many producers do not wish to hear is that software has become so powerful and accurate, that it not only renders a lot of expensive hardware devices obsolete, but software also offers more flexibility in many use-cases and nowadays it can actually even sound a lot more precise. In the end it really does not matter what you produce your music on, as long as you stay creative and enjoy what you do.

What’s the most challenging part of creating a track for you? And what’s the most rewarding part?

The most challenging bit is always not to become too impatient. I always want to complete tracks pretty quick (and I manage to do so reasonably well I think), because the next idea is often already on my mind. Finally getting your tune ready and subsequently feeling very satisfied about how your ideas translated into sound is always a great reward. People messaging you about how they feel about the track and recognising that the feeling you tried to bring across actually translated to your listeners… Well, this is most likely the ultimate reward. Each track is always something very personal that is based on your own (sometimes crazy) ideas, inspirations and emotions. When people contact you, enthusiastically revealing how they felt the exact same way about your music you felt when you created your track, you have got a magic moment.

What’s your take on the current state of the techno scene? How has it changed since you started?

A lot of younger people in their early 20’s romanticise the hardtechno/Schranz scene from the early 2000’s which we gradually built up over here in Germany, often telling me that they were born to late and would have wished to have experienced what we did. In really it was much more of a challenge and a struggle than many would believe. While it was a great time without a doubt, I would actually not call the current industrial techno scene worse at all.

Without the slightest doubt, many different things are a lot easier and better now, for example accessibility of technology, structures like agencies and artist managements, easily obtainable informations on any given aspect of DJing and music production, ways to connect directly with fans etc. I would not say that the scene of today is better or worse. It is in fact just different. Both good and bad aspects do repeat though, including the constant phenomenon of many artists just wanting to follow a single artistic direction that is popular at the time, for the sole purpose of pleasing people – which eventually suffocates creativity. When there is less creativity and everything sounds the same, the whole scene shrinks again as people lose interest and turn towards other styles of music. Once they are bored of those (where basically the same thing may happen), the next generation in return gravitates to something similar like they had before as it suddenly sounds “fresh” again and the cycle repeats.

What advice would you give to up-and-coming techno producers and DJs trying to break into the scene?

My most important main advice is not to rush your productions out to the public as quick as you can! This is super important and very much underestimated. Just take your time, set yourself some quality standards and check whether your productions are really on par with the other stuff out there in terms of arrangement, mixdown, mastering, originality etc. I see so many folks doing their own music (thanks to how easy it is nowadays to get started) and rushing all their tunes out the door super fast, so they can chase their dreams of becoming famous and getting booked more frequently. Many of them only create music since merely a year or two and drop tons of sub-par releases on as many equally sub-standard labels with zero quality control as quick as humanly possible, and in my personal opinion this just leads you nowhere. First impression counts, right? So better go with a slower pace instead of flooding the market, release only the music you are absolutely happy and confident with and if you need advice, please do not only turn to people who are your close friends, family or whoever may just say everything you did so far is great anyway. You need honest feedback and constructive criticism in order to improve. Nobody is instantly born a top-notch music producer with years of experience and it takes time to get there. Please do not chase overnight fame and turn this into your main objective, because many times this will lead to complete and utter failure.

What’s next for you in terms of releases, performances, or new ventures?

New EPs and LPs are coming to my label Dark Force Recordings soon, including the next part of the series of “The Worst Of…” retrospective albums, which kicked off with a great selection of classic works created by the label’s co-founder and awesome friend Jackhamma last summer. This time I it is my turn to bring some of my old tunes of the past two decades into the age of digital distribution and since my back-catalogue is so huge (it spans several hundreds of productions in need of digital distribution for the first time), there will be several parts dividing a fraction (!!!) of my tracks onto many different albums in the series with about 20 tracks each. This includes some tracks that have never been available in digital format, tunes that once have been vinyl-only, freshly remastered versions or even a couple of unreleased productions from the past.

Moreover, new music with lyrics by my friend Dunkelkammer is in the works as we plan to release a third album after “Es ist alles wie immer” (Definition Of Hard Techno) and “Es ist doch nicht alles wie immer” (Dark Force Recordings).

Another notable EP of mine coming up this year is “Distorted Perception” which I have been playing out since a year and a half already – and it is finally being released with a very strong remix by my old friend O.B.I.

Speaking of O.B.I., his successful event series “Wir Sind Die Nacht” at the Fusion Club in Münster/Germany sees its next edition in early November with myself as one of rave’s headlines besides Nina Bender, Juliana Yamasaki and many more.

And my work as a sound designer continues as well with the launch of “Hard Mechanical Rhythms Volume 3” amongst several other sample packs coming up soon. Available as always through the industry-leading TLM Audio (which now also offers an exclusive hardware range for fans of modular synth setups).

To put it short, I always make sure I keep myself busy.”

Pavement Nosedive drops on Digital Fragments on October 25th Pre Order: https://www.beatport.com/release/pavement-nosedive/4698842

The post Getting to Know: HardtraX appeared first on Data Transmission.

Featuring collaborations with Leo Stannard, Chelou, Gabrielle Aplin, Dwara, and Aaron Smith, the album seamlessly blends melodic house, indie, ambient, and acoustic textures with cinematic depth. Each track exudes Kidnap’s refined songwriting, made to resonate on both the dancefloor and in moments of quiet introspection.

To celebrate the album’s release, Kidnap dives into the inspiration behind each track in our new feature, Soundtrack of My Sound.

Here, he discusses the stories, emotions, and influences that shaped each song, offering listeners a rare glimpse into the creative process that birthed this evocative album. From the uplifting piano riffs of ‘Starling’ to the introspective tones of ‘Lost Without You,’ Kidnap’s insights reveal the heart behind Something Lost, Something Gained and the personal journey he invites his listeners to share.

Overgrown ft Leo Stannard

The album is designed to be a journey – moving from nostalgia about the past to excitement about the future. I wanted to start the album with Overgrown as it is the most intensely nostalgic. It’s a song about missing the days when we were young and carefree. Ultimately it is a letter to my friends to let them know that I miss them. I wanted the production to feel tender at moments during the chorus but also develop into a powerful beat that had a strong intensity of emotion. 

Alive ft Aaron Smith

I wrote all the melody parts for Alive on the piano before taking them to my friend Barrie who is an excellent guitar player. We recorded him playing the melodies and then added some additional rhythmic and textural layers. I tried to give all the earlier tracks on the album a slightly degraded feeling, as though the listener is watching back their memories on faded tape. Later on in the album I then mixed the tracks to feel a little sharper and more clearly in focus. 

Lost Without You ft Gabrielle Aplin

Continuing with the theme of nostalgia, Lost Without You is another song about being lost in the past. My aim with this song was to find a way to have punchy synth chords playing what is quite a subdued and reflective set of chords. I really enjoy the contrast between the two elements – it sort of works and sort of doesn’t but in a pleasing way. 

Feels Like Home ft Gabrielle Aplin

Feels Like Home is a song about the moment you run into an old friend and a rush of memories come flooding back. This was one of the more challenging tracks production wise as there were so many layers. I wanted the track to have quite a raucous feeling when the chorus kicks in so I ended up using quite a lot of live drums to give it extra punch. 

Ghost Dance

Ghost Dance is a haunting interlude designed to be a bridge into the more subdued section of the album. Although it is only a minute or so long, it became one of my favourite parts of the album. I made it using automated filters on sections of my own vocals that were pitched up high and then covered in reverb. I layered in some cello parts and an audio recording of a creaking wooden ship for extra spookiness!

Something to Say ft Chelou

I think of Something to Say as a tone poem, rather than a song. Chelou and I wrote it at the piano and guitar initially before creating the full production. We thought about adding lyrics to the hummed melody part but I felt just leaving the melody unadulterated by words was a purer expression of what we wanted to say.

Looking Back

Looking Back is a short melody idea that fills me with nostalgia each time I hear it. 

It doesn’t move anywhere musically and is intended to be a reflective moment rather than a story. To me it feels like the sound of being lost in thought.

Starling ft Dwara

As we reached the later stages of the album, I wanted the music to feel more forward looking than reflective, and so my aim with Starling was to write a piece of music that felt like hope. Once I had the main melody written, I could hear how the track should develop. I wanted to write a lush instrumental number that constantly evolved and featured a simple vocal hook. Once the music was finished I worked on the lyrics with Dwara and our friend Sinai. We took inspiration from Emily Dickinson’s poem ”Hope” is the thing with feathers’.

Fortified ft Dwara

With Fortified, I wanted to write another track that felt optimistic and looked to the future.

The lyrics of this song (written again with Dwara & Sinai) are about perseverance and a commitment to moving forward. To mirror this idea in the music, I wanted to write synth parts that felt like they never quite concluded and were always moving on. I used a lot of suspended chords in the harmony to achieve this feeling. This gives the track a restless energy which I really enjoy.

Vision of a Floating World

Once the rest of the album was finished, I wanted to write an instrumental track with total creative freedom – leaving aside considerations about track length, structure etc. So to do this I wrote about 12 distinct sections using the same sound palette and harmony ideas without worrying about how they all fit together. Once I had them all made I started trying out different combinations and eventually arrived at the final structure. It moves quite unpredictably and I don’t think I could’ve achieved this if I’d written in a more traditional method. As the final song on the album, I was trying to capture a feeling of acceptance at the end of the journey.

Kidnap ‘Something Lost, Something Gained’ is out now on [PIAS] Électronique. Get it HERE

The post Soundtrack of My Sound: Kidnap appeared first on Data Transmission.

This is the sound to put a smile on your face in Summer ’24 and is a testament to Russell Small who is still bringing you those feel-good summer moments 25 years after Phats and Small’s ‘Turn Around’, together with the original electronic music prodigy of the Brighton scene, DNO P.

We invited them on 5 Facts and 5 tracks…

5 Facts – Russell Small

1. I started DJing at 13 years old and loved it from the get-go. I was paid really well, but it certainly wasn’t a career then. It was just something I thought I was quite good at and I had access to an extremely broad spectrum of a music through my family who were all music mad and this helped me entertain different age groups. I obviously didn’t expect to still be doing it now. 

2. I had my one and only son Brett when I was 17 years old. By the time my career took off, he was 11 years old and it meant I missed a lot birthdays and special occasions when he was growing up.  He’s just had his first child – a boy – and I’m just glad to now be in a position to be able to spend time with them both. 

3. Before this, I had a lot of different jobs – paperboy, working on the roofs with my dad’s firm and space cadet…My first job after leaving school was with a meat packing company and I also worked at Brighton Meat Market.  Most of my early jobs I was sacked from, as I was not the best at going in on a Monday after clubbing and partying all weekend…

4. During UK lockdown, I had a late diagnosis of ADHD and combined Autism. I’ve struggled with it for most of my life. At school, I was written off as disruptive, as a daydreamer, and I lacked concentration in everything I had no interest in – which was quite a lot back then. I thought I wasn’t quite right in the head… what a relief when I finally had the balls to speak to someone, at least I can now understand my ‘madness’ and some of my special powers…

5. I’ve travelled to more than 110 different countries, largely thanks to my DJ career. I can honestly say I only remember around 50 of them in any detail. Most were in a period of my life I call the lost years (During the Phats and Small dynasty).  I’m now retracing my steps at a more leisurely pace and soaking up all the delights they have to offer that I missed the first time around…. 

5 Tracks – Russell Small

1. Russell Small, DNO P Ft Amanda Wilson – ‘To Be Real’

From our ‘Earworm’ album, a cover of the Cheryl Lynn Classic with a top vocal performance from Amanda Wilson which is starting to get traction and has been supported by the big man himself, Carl Cox, in his house sets.

2. Pawsa – ‘Too Cool To Be Careless’

Fantastic cover of Dennis Edwards and Siedah Garretts ‘Don’t Look Any Further’ which was getting hammered by a lot of DJs this summer.

3. Jaegerossa – ‘The Big Red’

Lush disco house track that gives me that readybrek glow

4. Oden & Fatzo ft Poppy Baskcomb – ‘Tell Me What You Want’

One of my tunes of the summer. A catchy vocal over a cool disco sample taken from Alexander O’Neal and Cherrelle ‘Saturday Love’.

5. Next Phase ft Helen Bruner & Terry Jones – I Ain’t Got Time (Richard Earnshaw Remix)

Originally released in 1996 on Sub Urban Records and produced by Tommy Musto, it now gets a beautiful soulful house update from Richard Earnshaw.

5 Facts – DNO P

1. My first professional DJ gig abroad was for Primal Scream’s Screamadelica European Tour, playing alongside Andy Weatherall and Paul Oakenfold . 

2. Tom Gandy from Caged Baby and myself used to play together when we were kids. We are related from my mother’s side of the Family. 

3. I once got arrested at an Acid House Party my brother was putting with Carl Cox in Lewes, around 1989/90. A friend of ours pretended to be a lawyer and told them I was a minor and got me released while he himself was on curfew.

4. I played at the first party to feature electronic DJ sets at the Burning Man’s festival. It was a rock festival for years run by The Grateful Dead, and they were militant that it should be only a rock event. My friends from San Francisco were making parties at the time and paved the way for all the dance stages they have today. 

5. My favourite thing ever is watching my 16 year old son grow up. He’s 6ft 6 and I always told him he would never be taller than me…He is now. Fact!

5 Tracks – DNO P

1. Bootsy Collins – ‘I’d Rather Be With You’

I love that track particularly because the style influenced so much of the Snoop Dogg and West Coast hip-hop sound and style. 

2. Africa Bambaata – ‘Planet Rock’

I saw Africa Bambaata & The Soul Sonics Force in Brighton, when I was 14 at the Top Rank Suite. Epic tune. 

3. Russell Small & DNO P ft Ultra Nate – ‘Happy Feeling’

It’s such a great vocal. Ultra really knows how to sing on a big house tune. 

4. Willie Nelson – ‘Everybody’s Talking’ 

Love that song from the film Midnight Cowboy. Classic.

5. Beloved – ‘Sunrising’

So, this track was the soundtrack of every rave I went to in the 80s through to the 90s. Great time for house music. 

Russell Small & DNO P ‘Earworm’ Album is out now. Buy / Stream at https://bfan.link/earworm-fm030 

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