Brennen Grey has established himself as a well-respected techno artist who pushes boundaries while honing a sound both dark yet progressive. He’s garnered respect and support for his tracks from big names like Carl Cox, Adam Beyer, Chris Liebingand Pleasurekraft. Grey also appeals to the underground artist community where many have supported his discography. His sets weave a tale of high energy, deep, driving techno. They’re equally at home at festivals heās played like EDC Vegas, Movement Detroit, and ADE or any number of sweat-laden warehouses and clubs. Having been a great friend to the 6AM family he’s brought the energy to many of its warehouse parties. Get an up-and-close look at this artist before he takes the stage at RE/FORM (April 2, 2022) andĀ Ultra’s Resistance Megastructure stage.
https://www.6amgroup.co/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/bgrey-e1647554650871.png10571024Kevin ChingKevin Ching2022-03-23 08:54:502022-03-28 10:26:04Brennen Grey: 'You Can Break Any Rule as Long as You Do It Really F*cking Well'
Highly anticipated Ultra Music FestivalĀ returns this weekend and features a fire lineup across the board. Female techno DJs Nala, Ann Clue, Anfisa Letyago, Amelie Lens, Giorgia Angiuli,Ā Nina Kraviz, and Sama’ Abdulhadiare debuting at UMF’s RESISTANCE Stage. Whether up and coming stars or established names, these women are setting the stage for moreĀ inclusiveĀ representation in the electronic music festival scene.Ā Some share a few thoughts about becoming better artists in a man’s world.Ā
https://www.6amgroup.co/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/84830406_3101251346817616_7148728388495081472_n-e1647712019920.jpg6841024Skylar SchossbergerSkylar Schossberger2022-03-21 12:46:052022-03-21 17:23:45Female Techno DJs Debuting at Ultra Music Festival
Scotlandās young shining, techno talent Frazi.er is pioneering the latest generation of clubbing fanatics. His uniquely raw, energetic sound has led to international recognition, intense touring and seminal releases on world renowned labels such as EXHALE.
Hailing from an industrious town in Central Scotland with a long history of deprivation, itās fair to say there has been no shortage of music hungry admirers. Frazi.erās experience focused club nights have become one of the most hard to grab tickets in his home country. None better tells this story than the Open To Close at SWG3ās āGalvanizerā warehouse selling out two dates in 14 minutes, while fully crashing Resident Advisor.
When not throwing down at the hardest nights in Scotland, Frazi.er can be found at residencies at the infamous Subclub, Terminal V Festival, and SWG3.
Frazi.er is no stranger to big projects having shared decks with the likes of Dax J, Amelie Lens, Floorplan, Speedy J, SHDW and Obscure Shape to name a few. At just 26 years old he’s fast becoming one of the UKās most sought after artists and in the mantra of his very own CONCEPT: āThe Journey Continuesā.
Hi Frazi.er! What and/or who inspired you to get involved in the electronic music scene?Ā
It was back when I was about 16 years old and went to a few house parties with my mate Nickās big brother and his group of friends. I can remember asking āwhat is this music?ā. It turns out it was of course techno and I instantly fell in love with the relentless groove, so I started digging deeper into this sound. At the time I was listening to electro house and dance music.
Listen to Premiere: Frazi.er “No Regards for Humanity” – Crisis Of Man
Raw, dance floor techno. Good combo. What is your most memorable or favorite event to date?Ā
Itās actually my most recent rave, which was Dax J and Richie Hawtin at UNFOLD on a Sunday evening. This genuinely even blew the vibe in Berghain out the water for me. Itās one of the best vibes Iāve seen in a club and great to hear Richie playing around 150bpm, with tons of high energy stompers.
In one sentence, describe what it felt like when the RA website crashed because of your upcoming event.
F***ing crazy!
Your clothing line, OVOSI, is fire! If you had to choose, who are your top three fashion icons or brands?
Stone Island, A Cold Wall and Prada.
Besides running OVOSI, you also work with Chrisās House and The Homeless Project Scotland. Can you share more about these two organizations and your involvement with them?Ā
Where Iāve spent most of my time living was my hometown Motherwell. This region had one of the highest deaths by suicide in Scotland which was and still is pretty scary. I wanted to fully support Chrisās House and help raise awareness as there is a big stigma about guys not wanting to speak up about it. The Homeless project felt fitting as the charity event I was doing was around wintertime and it was important to keep people off the streets and sheltered during these even more life threatening times.
How do you balance your music career with your other interests and passions?
This is something I have always struggled with. My main focus is purely on my music, and Iāve had to make some tough decisions to cut back things on my clothing line to eliminate stress and not spread myself too thin. Working out regularly and eating good food is absolutely essential as well.
Do you have anything that youāre looking forward to in the near future?
Lots of exciting things in the pipeline, and all focused on putting on events with a forward thinking approach. But I canāt really divulge any details at this stage, so youāll have to keep checking back for more announcements soon.
Anything else youād like to share?Ā
My new TRANSPARENCY concept which is a visual show Iām launching in May and will be touring around Europe.Ā We just announced this last week and I am so excited about it. Hopefully I can bring the concept over to the U.S. in the not too distant future.
https://www.6amgroup.co/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/FRAZI.ER_PRESS_PACK_2022_MICHAEL_C_HUNTER-19-scaled-e1647458371363.jpg8191024Skylar SchossbergerSkylar Schossberger2022-03-16 13:10:412022-03-16 13:11:09Scotland's Own Frazi.er Is Taking the Techno Scene by Storm
Anfisa Letyago has positioned herself as one of the most influential DJās / Producers within the dance music industry. After moving from Siberia to Naples at the age of 18, she has since released her productions on a list of high calibre labels including Drumcode, Kompakt and Rekids. Anfisa decided to challenge herself artistically at the beginning of 2021, with the announcement of her new label N:S:DA, a name taken from āNisidaā – the Neapolitan island inaccessible to man. In January she launched the label with her debut EP Listen, followed up in April with āNISIDAā.
https://www.6amgroup.co/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/@TommasoNapolitano1-scaled-e1647458325270.jpg11431024Kevin ChingKevin Ching2022-03-16 12:44:282022-03-28 10:27:21Music Is Pure Emotion For Anfisa Letyago
Avision grew up around the rich club culture of New York City, and is now part of a new wave of artists defining the contemporary techno landscape.Ā He recently released his debut album In My Mind on Maceo Plexās Ellum Audio imprint, and now presents a documentary of the same name chronicling his background as an artist. Avision sat down with 6AM to discuss his new documentary celebrating the release of his debut album and New York City club culture.
You can win a vinyl copy of Avision’s debut album In My Mind by subscribing to his YouTube channel and signing-up for 6AM’s e-mail newsletter. Follow the giveaway instructions below to be entered for a chance to win.
Hey Avision! We canāt wait to learn more about you and your work as an artist. What first got you into electronic music, and at what moment did you decide you wanted to do this as a career?
Hey guys, thanks for having me! My whole life, Iāve always been surrounded by music. I grew up playing the drums and piano by ear, and I started getting into DJing around 12 years old. I was surrounded by electronic music since I was born, and my father who is a singer/musician was into disco and house, so it was inevitable for me to get into it. The minute I decided to start DJing in nightclubs as a teen was when I realized that this was going to be my life.
For you, what makes our dance music community so special?
For me, I always felt our music community is something you canāt explain unless youāve experienced it. Itās a really beautiful moment when you can bring people of all kinds together on a dance floor, and create memories for everyone.
Congratulations on your debut, In My Mind, on Maceo Plex’s Ellum label. Walk us through your inspiration behind the album. Ā
Thank you very much. In My Mind was written during the pandemic, so a lot of emotion was bottled up for me. A lot of the inspiration came from New York in the 90s, along with everything that surrounds me. It was super important to represent where Iām from and the sound Iāve established over the years. Working with Maceo Plex is something I’ve been wanting for a long time, and to be apart of his Ellum family means a lot to me. Being that Maceo gave me the green light to do whatever I wanted to do, I was really on a mission to put out a sound that you haven’t heard from me before – something that plays along with my past and also represents my future. Working with Ellum is a blessing, and I can’t wait to do more with them.Ā
Alongside the album, you were featured in your own documentary filmed and produced by Danny Drew. Thatās pretty sweet. What was the process like making the film? What sparked the idea?
The documentary was something I wanted to put out to show the process behind everything, give my followers the story of how it started for me. A lot of artists tend to just put out music without any background or story, and I felt since this was my album I needed to tell the story that led me to where I am at today. I wanted to show another side of myself. Starting it off in Staten Island where I was born and spent my childhood, was such an amazing moment for me. It made me feel like I went back in time, all of the childhood memories came back to me, and I felt like a little kid again. Those moments transpired to where I am today, especially the moments that I had at the two clubs (Deko, and Club Abyss) that started my career, going back to the rooms that started it all was such an amazing moment.
Watch Avision: In My Mind Documentary (2022)
āThis documentary is all about showing how it started for me.Ā From my first club gigs, to the inspiration of the first track I wrote for my album, it captures the little details that played a huge part for me so far in my career.Ā I wanted to pay homage to my beginnings, and I wanted everyone to know who I am as an artist and a person.ā
In your opinion, why is it important to remember our roots?
Remembering our roots is so important as an artist. Itās a constant reminder to where it all started, why you are who you are. The beginnings of every journey play a part, and for me my childhood made me the man I am today.Ā
Tell us a little more about the new brand collective that youāve launched, Ground Rule.Ā
Ground Rule is a collective I started to be an outlet for clothing, music, art and my party brand as well. The collective features many key parts in my life – youāll see a lot of baseball influence, a lot of New York old school vibes with music, and clothing. My goal is to tie in the fashion, music, the branding and art to all work together but still be its own entity. I wanted an outlet to show whatās inspired me over the years, as well as an outlet to push quality over anything. I feel like this day and age everything is so disposable and I donāt want that with Ground Rule. It will take me time, and Iām going to start off at my own pace for now. There is a really big picture with this, and I plan to approach it differently then the average norm. We just had our first show in New York, and I couldn’t have been happier. Everything just felt right for me, and it makes me excited to start planning the next one!
I think the biggest lesson Iāve learned is thereās never going to be a moment where I feel like ‘I made it’, thereās always bigger, and better.
Stay hungry!
From when you first started to now, what has been one of your greatest lessons?Ā
I think the biggest lesson Iāve learned is thereās never going to be a moment where I feel like āI made itā, thereās always bigger, and better. My career has changed immensely over the last few years and if I told myself where I would be right now two years ago, I would have thought that was it – I finally did it. In all reality though, I donāt ever see myself saying that anymore because there is so much more to do, and so much more I want. At the end of the day itās about staying hungry.Ā
Any advice you have for aspiring DJs and producers?Ā
Stay humble, work your ass off, donāt let anyone ever tell you that you canāt do something. Push your talent, and back it with hard work. Lastly, care about your craft, and learn it to the best of your ability.Ā Do it properly!
Still from Part 4 of Avision’s In My Mind documentary
What are you looking forward to most in the future? Any new music or other projects on the horizon?
Iām looking forward to so much this year. I have a bunch of shows lined up for March, including Chicago, Montreal, New York, Miami Music Week, and in Austin. Iām also headed to India for the first time in the beginning of April for two shows ā one in New Dehli, and the other in Goa.Ā Musically, I just dropped my single āParty Startedā feat Strafe, which is also a part of my EP coming out on March 25th. Iām also looking forward to heading over to Europe this summer, and dropping more music!
https://www.6amgroup.co/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/SzLdZ8Zj-scaled-e1646768424745.jpeg6821024Skylar SchossbergerSkylar Schossberger2022-03-08 12:05:082022-03-08 19:19:20Avision Reps NYC Club Culture in New Documentary
Mary Droppinz has been catching the eye of labels all over. That’s no surprise to those that know her. She lives by a simple truth: music is an out-of-body experience. The artistās fascination with rhythm began when growing up in her native Omaha, Nebraska as a result of her fatherās seasoned skills as a drummer. She quickly started on the piano and carried that musical influence all the way to her current home of Los Angeles.
The artist recently teamed up with vocalist, Rowa, for a blistering breaks track “HOT PANTS”. The track is fused with acid and electro sprinkles for the ultimate escape into sound forthcoming on Insomniac Discovery. With upcoming bookings at Dirtybird CampINN, Lucidity Festival, a headline show at the Monarch in San Francisco, a continued residency at Discopussy in Las Vegas and more, Mary Droppinz is on direct course for the moon! The artist now shares more about her upcoming single and stellar ascendancy within the electronic and digital music universe.
Hey Mary! Welcome to 6AM, howās this year and Los Angeles treating you so far?
Stoked to be here! This year has been going good so far, letting the creative juices flow while balancing with some self care.Ā
What first got you hooked on electronic music, and when did you know you wanted to pursue it as a career?
When I saw Steve Aoki play in Cancun and went to Coachella in 2013, I thought the energy was so epic, Iād really been missing something like this in my life is what I thought! I decided to pursue it as a career in 2015 while watching a woman DJ for the first time and realizing it is possible. Being from Nebraska I hadnāt been exposed to dance music culture so moving out to California really expanded my mind. I listened to emo music and my dad’s favorite oldies at home.Ā
How would you describe your mixing style?
Unconventional, ambitious, and energy boosting.
As technology becomes more advanced, I think itās important to remember that in person connection is what keeps our species alive.
That’s what it’s all about, music is about bringing people together
Tell us more about your Twitch channel. What do you think is the biggest difference when you perform in person vs. when you perform online?
Playing on Twitch was the best thing I could have done when the pandemic hit, it gave me an outlet and also connected me to a supportive community that loves my music. Itās a really cool experience performing online, I highly suggest at least trying it, you never know who you can impact with your music and vibe. The difference is when Iām on twitch Iām engaging, sharing more about the songs I play and my life on the mic. When Iām performing in person, itās all about sharing myself through music and dance only. Nothing beats the real thing. As technology becomes more advanced, I think itās important to remember that in person connection is what keeps our species alive.
Whatās your most memorable show to date?
Thatās so tough, every show has a special memory. Most recently Iād say Desert Hearts New Years Day Rave in San Diego!Ā
Whatās the inspiration behind your forthcoming single, āHOT PANTSā?
I wanted to give tribute to the OG breakbeat pattern that I used called āHot Pantsā. I want to put breaks back on the map, especially from a womanās perspective here in America. I was also inspired by the operative vocals in Papua New Guinea by the Future Sound of London and I felt that my girl Rowa could nail it perfectly in her own unique way like she did. If you know me you know I love my 303 so of course there was going to be acid in there. Ultimately, I wanted to approach this track with a techno edge highlighting breaks as my percussion. All of it combined really created this heavy hypnotic spiritual experience, which is what music is for me.
I refuse to be boxed in as an artist.
Don’t expect the same thing from Mary Droppinz, she serves heat wherever she goes and whatever she plays.
Whatāre you looking forward to most in the future?
Iām looking forward to DJing more festivals and embedding myself into the culture on a deeper level. Also to collaborate with artists around the world and see what beautiful music we can make together.Ā
Anything else youād like to share?Ā
Iād just like to say stay locked. I’ve got more music coming out in the next few months that are genre bending but all still have my energy. I refuse to be boxed in as an artist so you can always expect something fun, fresh and different at my shows that are based off my feelings or curation for that particular party.
https://www.6amgroup.co/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/marydroppinz-e1645217414824.jpg4391024Skylar SchossbergerSkylar Schossberger2022-02-21 07:00:002022-02-18 13:44:16Mary Droppinz Brings Electric Energy Anywhere She Goes
Manchester DJ and producer Mason Maynard has built himself an exceptional reputation since first bursting onto the scene in 2017. Mason Maynard has releases on Hot Creations, Relief and Sola cementing his standing as one of the sceneās brightest young prospects. His performances at clubbing and festival institutions such as Privilege (Ibiza), Parklife (Manchester), Hideout (Croatia) and Space (Miami) have brought his sound to global audiences. In recent times, his “Lookinā At Me” release saw him work alongside USA heavyweight leaders Insomniac, setting the tone for a new musical direction, with tastes of rhythmic Detroit style electro further establishing his ever-growing musical palette. Mason talks to 6AM about his newest EP with Hot Creations and about his artist project as a whole.
https://www.6amgroup.co/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Mason-Maynard-17.12.211337-scaled-e1645034292589.jpg8671024Kevin ChingKevin Ching2022-02-16 10:10:252022-02-16 10:21:19Mason Maynard Returns to Hot Creations & He's Loaded with Heaters
Carl Craig has built a legacy defined by the discovery, amplification, and showcasing of black excellence. Over the last thirty years his iconic Planet E label has acted as an incubator for the wide reaching and globally leading sounds of Detroit, fostering a creative mixing pot built from the unique perspectives of black and brown voices. Now, as the world takes a long awaited stride towards examining global race relations, Carl remains an intellectual leader for the music and arts community at large. Today, in celebration of Black History Month, Carl announces All Black Digital, a series of virtual conversations and performances in support of Bridges For Music and in partnership with Beatport and Qwest TV.
https://www.6amgroup.co/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/ABD-Press1-e1644040017353.jpg7681024Skylar SchossbergerSkylar Schossberger2022-02-05 12:00:032022-02-07 10:37:12Carl Craig Presents All Black Digital: A Celebration of Black History Month
Allma Skneian is the project of DJ, audio designer and producer Djalma, a Brazilian artist increasingly recognized for his far-fetched dark ambient, techno and dub techno sound. The artist has just released his latest hypnotic masterpiece, Obsession EP, which comes with four brand new tracks: “Intro Darkness”, “Dively”, “Obsession” and “La Porte”. Allma Skneian produced all the tracks while living in Berlin and studying Sound Design at HDPK University, an experience that added striking references in his work.
Since his first album debuted in 2013 with Romer-Records, Allma Skneian has had numerous releases and collaborated with fashion designers and photographers for runway shows and editorials. He’s performed at Berlin Fashion Week at Arena Club, and played at many other clubs in the world’s techno capitol. The techno dub and dark ambient don now shares how his unique experiences in Berlin have shaped his latest creative work, Obsession EP.
Hey Djalma, weāre looking forward to learning more about you and your work. When did you become interested in electronic music?Ā
I became interested in electronic music as a teenager. My brother used to buy tapes andĀ CDs of electronic music to listen to at home. When I saw my sister playing the organ, I always tried to sync the kicks with the sounds.
Brazil to Germany is quite a transition. In what ways have both countries inspired your creative process?
I started a DJ course called Dub music at an academy. Some of the DJs told meĀ that I had a good feeling for music. Later on, I mixed progressive house and minimal house when I arrived in Berlin. Some friends gave the softwares and plugins to begin producing my first tracks full time.
Allma Skneian Obsession EP
You practiced Sound Design at HDPK in Berlin. If you could choose one technique that you learned, which one has had the most impact on your work?Ā
Many subjects were amazing, but the one that I use in my productions is dynamic processing. When a sound engineer uses the term dynamics, he usually does not mean the tonal strength in musical performance practice, but the so-called technical microdynamics of a signal. Even if compression is the best known, it is only one aspect of dynamics processing. In addition, one should always be aware of which tools are available for which tasks. I can make more effective kicks in my tracks nowadays usingĀ the compressor.
What is it like to design sounds for fashion editorials and exhibitions?Ā
Itās a hard job, but at the same time I love it because the final result is always amazing. There is the process of talking to the costumer, finding out what is requested and the scenario. There’s also the model transactions and learning the topic of the editorial. After all those materials are in my hands, I produce three samples. Then I show the best of them and make adjustments so that there can be a perfect match.
Can you share more about your project Allma Skneian? What is the background behind this particular name?
Allma was created in the studio by DJs. When I started my DJ course, they connected my real name Djalma, separated ‘Dj’ from ‘alma’ and said: “You have DJ in your own name, letās do it.” Skneian is a unique family name of a friend from Sweden. I told them I was looking for a unique artist name, so they allowed me to use Skneian.Ā
Listen: Allma SkneianĀ ObsessionĀ EPĀ
Talk to us about your newĀ Obsession EP. What inspired you to create an album featuring dark ambient, techno and dub techno?Ā
When I lived in Berlin I used to be in studio all weekend with Tobias W., a Berlin-based label manager. During the winter I started producing music non-stop at my home. I was obsessed with making music. After that I used to get my bike and visit another friend named Patrick, a sound engineer who would listen and work on specific elements in my tracks.
Berlin is mostly dark in the winter. It’s a great scenario, and where I produced ObsessionEP.
Anything else youād like to share?Ā
My years in Berlin were the best experiences and gigs that I had in my life. I could visit all the clubs, especially Berghain and Tresor, and play at Arena Club. I lived the scene to the fullest. I played in clubs and bars every weekend, and I was resident of Bar23 and Zur Fetten Ecke. These were places where people used to drink and listen to music before attending Watergate and other remarkable clubs.
Maxi Meraki is a DJ and producer from Antwerp, Belgium. He’s known for merging raw disco beats and melodic house- bringing the old school sound with a new melodic take. He has releases on such labels as Nervous Records, Artwork, Future Disco, Sudam Recordings and German DJ Tensnake‘s True Romance. Maxi’s tracks are also well supported and played by Claptone, RogerSanchez, Todd Terry, BLOND:ISH and Pete Tong on BBC1. Maxi talks to 6AM about his accomplishments so far as an artist and the Belgium house scene.
https://www.6amgroup.co/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Maxi-Meraki-Press-1-scaled-e1642099924128.jpg9401025Kevin ChingKevin Ching2022-01-14 08:26:312022-01-14 08:37:54Maxi Meraki Doesn't Let Outside Factors Get in the Way
