TunnelĀ is a Chicago producer, DJ, label-head and Noisefloor party curator that has been sculpting a new wave of techno in Chicago āĀ a city best known for its house music roots and legacy.
Unlike many other DJ and live acts, Tunnel exclusively performs his own original material or that of the ever-growing electronic music label he launched in 2013, Webuildmachines. The imprint has been the home of some fantastic releases, with support and high praise from established members of the techno community the likes of Ā Paula Temple, Dave Clarke, Surgeon, Ben Sims, Tommy Four Seven, drumcell, Electric Indigo, and Claude Young. A Tunnel original track was also featured on Richie Hawtin’s Essential Mix recorded live at Exchange in Los Angeles last year.
Engrave LTD is a record label based in Southern Italy launched in 2013 by Dodi Palese and Musumeci.
On March 3rd the imprint is releasing its first compilation entitled Engrave Ltd Vol. 1, nine tracks that mirror the label’s varied soundscape offerings with workĀ from artists such asĀ Zopelar,Ā Ekz,Ā Rancido,Ā Enzo Elia,Ā SisioĀ and Dodi Palese himself.
Our premiere today, Enzo Elia presents Gallo ‘Zutaten’, is a composition rooted into the balearic sound with an electro touch addition. We present it to you below as well as an interview with label founders Dodi Palese and Musumeci.
Saeed Younan is one of the United States’ top acts, a DJ and producer that enjoys prolific tour and release schedules alike with tracks out on Incorrect Music, VIVa Music, Suara, his own Younan Music, and of course Carl Cox’s iconic Intec label, a brand with which he has been associated for a couple of years now.
Based in the nation’s capital of Washington D.C., Saeed is a popular headliner with gigs around the world, from Ibiza to Tokyo and countlessĀ countries in between, where he delivers high-energy performances that marry tribal sounds with techy synth work and alluring vocal hooks.
Saeed returns toĀ Cox’s Intec for his upcoming release, having debuted on the imprint back in 2015. HisĀ Annihilate EPĀ begins with the title track, a bassline-heavy affair carried over by a rolling groove that leads to a crescendo of hi-hats and ultimately the vocals that give the track its name. The second track that completes the package, “Pimp Slap,” is more along Saeed’s famed sound, filled with synth sounds and captivating vocal snippets.
The EP is available for purchase on Beatport and streaming via SoundCloud below. Read on for our interview withĀ Saeed, where we discuss the release, his relationship with Carl Cox, the war in Iraq he fled to come to the States and plenty more.
https://www.6amgroup.co/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/IMG_0030-Edit_Saeed-Younan.jpg13652048Marco SgalbazziniMarco Sgalbazzini2017-02-22 10:12:352017-02-22 10:12:36Saeed Younan Discusses His New "Annihilate" EP, His Relationship With Carl Cox and the War in Iraq He Fled
Romanian producer and DJ Marius Popa, artist nameĀ Arseniu, is known for his deep fusions of techno, able to blend the minimalistic sounds of his home country withĀ deeper fusions of deep tech and dub.
His latest release comes in the form of a two-track EP entitledĀ Just MeĀ being released on Pool House Black, a sub-label of Chicago’s Pool House that focuses on the darker techno sounds to come out of the imprint. The title track is a 14-plus minute minimal deep techĀ affair, driven by a drum loop, intermittent drawn-out noises and sparse vocals. The second original in the release, “Soul,” is a deeper 9-minute production filled almost entirely by percussions and a reinvigorating, soulful chord. You can pre-order the EP, scheduled for release on March 13th, via Beatport.
On top of premiering the EP exclusively, which you can listen to below, 6AM had a talk with Arseniu, to discover more of his roots and approach to music production:
https://www.6amgroup.co/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/PHB002_V2.png10001000Marco SgalbazziniMarco Sgalbazzini2017-02-21 14:18:302017-02-21 14:20:48Q&A and Premiere: Arseniu Releases "Just Me" EP On Pool House Black
Alexander Aurel is one of the cutting edge new school producers hailing from Frankfurt. He hasĀ released onĀ Anja Schneider’s Mobilee and Monika Kruse’sĀ Terminal M label, among many.Ā Alexander is about to drop his first collaborative single with Danny Serrano on Leena, his second personal release on the label which has so far received early support from John Digweed, Richie Hawtin, Monkia Kruse, Damian Lazarus, Nicole Moudaber, Nic Fanciulli, Claude Von Stroke and more.
Scheduled forĀ Beatport Exclusive release on January 20th and full release on February 3rd,Ā CollapseĀ is a three-track EP containing a collab and a solo production each from Alexander and Danny.Ā 6AM checked in with Alexander to find out more about his forthcoming work and more:
https://www.6amgroup.co/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Alexander_Aurel-Press_20141_04.jpg20481536Marco SgalbazziniMarco Sgalbazzini2017-01-16 12:10:542017-01-16 12:14:25Q&A: Meet Alexander Aurel, Frankfurt's Cutting-Edge New School Producer
The subject of ghost production has been a controversial one for years now. With electronic dance music reaching the mainstream over the past six to seven years, there have been plenty of tales of internationally-known artists using ghost producers to release music under their own name.
It took a few years, however, before industry professionals began to really talk about it. It was certainly hinted at before 2013/2014 but artists weren’t coming out admitting to using ghost producers or being ghost producersĀ themselves. Since, things have changed, with established artists calling out those who bought their music careers and some openly admitting to using ghost producers to kickstart or prop up their careers.Ā In the past, Hardwell, Dirtycaps, Ashley Wallbridge and Maceo Plex, just to name a few, all admitted to being paid to ghost produce for others. More recently, Funkagenda took to Facebook to openly sell services among Ā which “ghost producing” was featured prominently to the ire and surprise of some of his fans.
This past week we had the chance to talk with a ghost producer to dive into the exact mechanics and mindset that drive a producer to offer such services. Have you ever wondered why a ghost producer would rather be paid a smaller amount of money to make a track for someone else than become a millionaire world-touring DJ with that same hit release? Find the answers to that question and many more below!
https://www.6amgroup.co/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Ghost-Producer-Crssfdr.png538958Lee TrotterLee Trotter2016-08-23 17:13:152016-08-23 17:20:29Q&A: An Interview with a Ghost Producer
While his name conjuresĀ fond memories of childhood heroes, Teenage Mutants is jet set for the high life in the upcoming year following his recent release titled Fall For You on the Ultra Music/Sony label. The German DJ and producer who hails from Mainz has made the rounds withinĀ the deep house scene over the recent years, pushing out releases on independent labels such asĀ Suara, Stil vor Talent, Light my Fire, Kittball, Katermukke and Nervous. Read more
https://www.6amgroup.co/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Screen-Shot-2015-11-27-at-11.11.34-AM.png645968Jennifer LiuJennifer Liu2015-11-30 10:58:262015-11-30 13:23:22Q&A: Falling For Deep House with Teenage Mutants
Through rising support from industry heavyweights, and through her imprint In The Loop, Lupe Fuentes is making her mark on the dance community. In The Loop is currently building it’s early discography with releases from Lupe herself, as well as releases from Francis Kasibante, Jack Cousteau, and Skywalker. As the year comes to a close, Lupe Fuentes gears up for another release coming in the form of the tech house roller that isĀ 1,000 Watts.Ā Complete with feelings of dance floor elation, the track employs a unique vocal sample that plays off the crisp percussion that is designed exactly for the dance floor.
In light of her new release, we recently caught up with Lupe Fuentes to discuss a few things such asĀ the label’s journey and her recent set at the Mixmag Lab LA. Read the full Q&A below, andĀ be on the lookout forĀ 1,000 WattsĀ when it becomes available December 4th.Ā Read more
https://www.6amgroup.co/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lupe-Fuentes-Featured-.jpeg19191919Lee TrotterLee Trotter2015-11-24 20:55:152015-12-02 17:34:23Q&A: In The Loop with Lupe Fuentes
With over twenty years of experience manning the decks at parties from BPM to Coachella, the New Orleans born and Los Angeles based DJ Trent Cantrelle is something of an unsung legend along with the predecessors of the electronic music scene. Trent has an established presence in both the mainstream and the underground, a feat that only a select and talented few have the power to achieve and to maintain in the current state of affairs.
Trent Cantrelle has pulled the trigger with a hot newĀ release titledĀ Android Bordello EP on Nicole Moudaber’s techno imprint Mood RecordingsĀ as a follow up to theĀ serendipitousĀ pre-summer release of his original deeper than thouĀ All of Them EP on DC’s Yoshitoshi Recordings. The support for the release has been overwhelmingly positive, receiving support from A-list DJ’s such as Adam Beyer, Carlo Lio, Jon Rundell, Monika Krause, Joseph Capriati, among many others. Read more
https://www.6amgroup.co/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/719982da-6cdb-47d2-ba39-d66574435369.jpg479720Jennifer LiuJennifer Liu2015-10-16 12:03:262015-10-22 17:24:59Q&A with Trent Cantrelle - Otherworldly Techno with "Android Bordello" on MOOD
āI know where I am now, but also where I was yesterday. This helps me always; to keep my feet on the ground and be the same person I was beforeā ā Marco Faraone
Appropriately fitting with the title of his new EP on Moon Harbour, Italian producer Marco Faraone has certainly achieved the next level in his artistic career. Since his early influences in Tuscany until now, Marco Faraone has expressed an uncompromising passion for electronic music that has landed him releases on many prestigious labels, as well as world tours at the most respected venues and festivals. As a result, the humble Italian DJ has taken his passion and lifestyle, and turned it into a very special career.
Marco Faraoneās success can be attributed to a multitude of things. He has sculpted and refined his sound with releases on labels such Holic Trax, Get Physical, Sci+Tec, Desolat, Drumcode, and Tenax Recordings, and proves that he is a versatile craftsman in all areas of electronic music. Approaching the music with a remarkable amount of sincerity, itās only natural that each record label has a special place in the story of Marcoās life. But one label that has had an especially profound impact is Moon Harbour.
His first release on the label came back in 2010, and was a catalyst in the musical momentum that was to follow. āStrange Neighbors was the release that opened the market, and gave me the chance to let the people discover more about me as artist and my music,ā states Faraone.
Five years later and we still see the Italian artist releasing fresh and unique tracks for the dance floor. The Next Level EP on Moon Harbour couldnāt represent this statement better. The title track is a chunky slab of tech house goodness with gritty percussions and a resonate lead that entrances the dance floor, while Old But Gold sees Marco Faraone pay homage to the classic house vibes with chopped vocal samples, vinyl spinbacks, and of course a deep percussive workout.
We recently caught up with Marco Faraone to ask about everything from the strange neighbors that influenced his first release on Moon Harbour to his experience and progression in Italy.
Next Level EP is available September 16th on Beatport.
Ciao Marco, thanks for taking the time with us! You had your first release on Moon Harbour 5 years ago, correct? Was it the āStrange Neighborsā EP? What was the story behind that? What made your neighbors so strange?!
ahahaha Itās a very funny story. Many people ask me about that title.Ā The track was named that because when I was producing it in my studio at six in the morning, and I was playing the music very loud. I would say VERY, over the limit loud! My neighbors got very mad with me, almost fighting, and from that day they asked me to move my studio somewhere else because they didnāt wanna hear music anymore or jump from the bed during sleepā¦
Well, they were right, but five years ago I didnāt want to understand that and I just wanted to follow my passion against everything and everybody.Ā So guys, if you have neighbors, be careful if youāre playing music too loud, or they will get mad hehe.
My first Vinyl EP was released in 2008, so two years before.Ā But for sure Strange Neighbors was the release that opened the market, and gave me the chance to let the people discover more about me as artist and my music
How did growing up in Tuscany influence your music?
Well, in Tuscany we always had a nice club scene for many years; clubs that made the history of the Italian club culture such as Tenax in Florence, the club where Iāve been a resident for 3 years. In my opinion, itās one of the best clubs in the world.
I started DJ-ing when I was very young. I was 14, so since then when I discovered house and techno music, and I was going to the best clubs every week in my area like Tenax, but also KamaKama or FrauMarleen. Clubs like that also created the movement in the past.
Iām curious about your history and experiences in Italy. What were some of the clubs or events you visited early on?
When I started I was visiting all the clubs I just mentioned. I would go to listen and watch the DJs, trying to learn some tricks from them and understand how to do it.
I was still playing hip-hop and drum and bass, then after a while I fell in love with house and techno. I said to myself, āthis is the style of music I want to do and to produce in the futureā.
Iāll tell you something – at the beginning I was not even thinking about playing outside of my small hometown. It was a dream even to have a chance to play in one of the areaās clubs. I know where I am now, but also where I was yesterday. This helps me always; to keep my feet on the ground and be the same person I was before. Imagine a 14 year old boy, that after more than 10 years realized his dream and started to do what he lives forā¦music.
I hear that there was a very large progressive/techno community in the early 90ās. Can you tell me a bit about the dance community in the early to mid 90ās in Italy? Ā
The scene in Italy was very big in the 90ās as I heard. Iām 27 so Iām from ā88, and of course I didnāt have the chance to live and enjoy those years. But from what I heard from some older colleagues the movement was huge! Parties everyday, seven days a week, good vibes and great people. The atmosphere was totally different than it is now, and people were going to LISTEN to the music and not WATCH the DJ! This is the most important thing that is missing. Everyone was playing just vinyl, the only way to play music, so the music research was absolutely more difficult, but at the same time unique for every DJ. Not just downloading the weekly Top 10 and playing it.
Who were some of your musical influences?
For sure Laurent Garnier. Heās for me THE DJ; an artist that is able to play everything with very high class. What are your thoughts on the house/techno scene in Italy today?
The scene is still one of the best ones in the world. Every week artists from all over the world are coming to play in my country, and are super satisfied. We have so many amazing clubs so we donāt have to envy others very much.Ā The crowd is one of the warmest ever, and Iām very proud of our club scene. The only thing is that we must learn is to collaborate and be more united, and appreciate all the amazing talents we have at home. Unity is strength.
How did your history begin with Moon Harbour?
My history with Moon Harbour became super natural.
Like many unknown producers, I was sending my demos to labels trying to find someone to trust me and my sound. I say that because I also get demos everyday from people and I remember myself when I was doing the same, so I always try to answer everybody.
Itās not amazing when nobody cares or answers you. Me and my friend Arado sent Matthias the track Broken Keyboard released on the Strange Neighbors EP. That was my first step when Matthias told me that he loved the track. Straight after that I was sending him many other demos trying to create a full EP. After a while that happened, and this is how āstep by stepā we started to collaborate and also be friends.
However it goes, Iāll always say thanks to Matthias for the big opportunity to release that EP. He was one of the first people who supported me and gave me the chance that so many people are dreaming of today. Thatās why Iām still working and supporting the label continuously with admiration and respect.
What is your approach when recording a track or EP?Ā Does your method change when you record for various labels? Ā Ā
Well I donāt really have a scheme in my mind when I start to produce something. It depends on the day – if Iām happy or sad for something. I just get involved with the flow. I go to the studio and do what I feel in that moment. Ā Every time the result is different and then I collect all the tracks and decide the correct label that can appreciate them.
Iāve been releasing on many different labels such as Moon Harbour, but also Desolat, Drumcode, Be as One, Get Physical, and of course with different kinds of tracks.
When I started I liked to listen to everything and different styles of music, that is how I grew up. So this is also reflected into my sets and my music productions. I love to produce in different ways, and always have different results. Music must always surprise the audience and those who support me.
Do you have a favorite piece of studio gear at the moment?
For sure my new 303.
Weāre really enjoying the āNext Level EPā! Can you tell me a little about the title track and Old But Gold?
Old But Gold really has a nice vintage house feel with some driving energy. I love the vinyl spinback samples and the broken vocals. Have you been playing this one?
Yes, the idea was to create something that reminds me of the old school house sound from the 90ās with jam recorded breaks and dirty analog drums. The first time I played it the reaction was crazy, and I decided to send it to Matthias because I thought that Moon Harbour was the perfect platform to release it.
How was XL Day with Marco Carola, Dixon, Philipp, Cole, Tale of Us, and Alex Neri?
It was for sure one of the best parties of the summer.Ā It was amazing to share the stage with these amazing artists on my birthday and with all my best friends. The stage was something incredible, comparable with a super big festival. The peopleās vibe was super and Tenax did an amazing production, like always.
What have been some highlights of your summer?
Oh, I had so many good parties this summer. For sure the Drumcode Showcase at the Extrema Outdoor Festival in Belgium, Tenax ā Xl Day, El Row in Barcelona, Watergate in Berlin, my first North American Tour visiting Verboten, Stereo Montreal, and Treehouse Miami, the Russia tour, and for sure my event āMarco Faraone & Friendsā on August 29 where we played 11 hours on the beach in Catania with 3000 people.
Do you have any plans and projects for the future?
Iāll keep working with the labels who supported me and my music.Ā Iāll also debut my new label in October called āUNCAGEā – a project where I can express my idea of music without limits and restrictions and maybe give a chance to support some new undiscovered talents.
The first released planned is a new EP by myself including two amazing remixes by Radio Slave and Markus Suckut. Keep your ears open for it! :)
https://www.6amgroup.co/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/MF-Tomorrow1.jpg8521514Lee TrotterLee Trotter2015-09-15 01:12:122015-09-15 15:59:44Q&A with Marco Faraone - Reaching the "Next Level"
What are your thoughts on the house/techno scene in Italy today? 
