The 100 hour festival that spans a course of five days is currently underway in Bucharest. The organization announced a few days ago via their Facebook that it has lost one of its main venues, Club Guesthouse, due to legal concerns with safety and regulations exacerbated by the October fire at Colectiv club that killed more than thirty people. Read more
Twenty-seven people were killed Friday night when a fire broke out at Colectiv Club in Bucharest, Romania. Attendance at the venue was estimated to be around four hundred during last night’s free rock concert. Witnesses say that fireworks were set off inside the building during Goodbye to Gravity’s performance, subsequently alighting a pillar on fire. The concert-goers thought that the fire show was a part of the performance, however the fire quickly engulfed the interior.
Over one hundred forty people are being treated in the hospital for injuries or symptoms of smoke inhalation and burns.
Prime Minister Victor Ponta will return to Romania promptly to address the unfortunate event that took place. Legal regulations regarding safety are being examined. We hope that the attendees will have a speedy recovery.
A marathon set is a special occasion. It is the ultimate test for a DJ both mentally and physically, but also requires a special crowd and atmosphere in order for the marathon to achieve those special moments. Italian tech house don, Marco Carola, just took things up a level with a legendary 24 hour marathon at Sunwaves Festival in Romania. You read that right…Sunwaves Festival.
We normally hear of such marathons going down at clubbing institutions such as Space or Amnesia, but for this to occur in a festival setting is remarkable. As much as it is a testament to Carola’s endurance, it is also a major tip of the cap to the people and audience at Sunwaves for providing the energy and atmosphere for such a landmark event to take place. Sunwaves undoubtedly had other incredible sets. The festival prides itself on hosting local Romanian talent such as Barac, Praslea, Livio & Roby, Raresh, amongst others, but Marco Carola’s 24 hour set will certainly be the talk of the weekend. Although rumor has it that Rhadoo put down a 35 hour session once upon a time…Romanian folklore? Probably not.
It raises the question as to how something like this happened at a festival where other artists were probably scheduled to perform. Several regular attendees of Sunwaves Festival have stated that this spot is generally reserved for marathon sets to close out the weekend. This weekend Marco Carola provided a plethora of grooves during his 24 hour set, and opinion aside about how it began, one thing is certain and it’s that Carola put forth a set that will not be soon forgotten.
Videos are already starting to flood the internet of the marathon, so for those wanting to see part of the madness there’s plenty of material to watch. This video of Marco Carola dropping the Groovesh Edit of Audio Werner’s Rocket is a good place to start.
Every country has their pioneers that helped shape the original scene and musical environment. Over time, however, it is the dedication and passion of the next generation that will continue to expand on the work of those before them. One such artist is the rising Romanian DJ/producer, Groovesh.
At the tender age of 17, Groovesh is well on his way to making a name for himself on the global circuit. Heâs released on a variety of tech and minimal labels receiving support from Tini, Hector, Enzo Siragusa, amongst others, and has played alongside groove masters such as Ada Kaleh, Praslea, and Valentino Kanzyani. Itâs clear that the Romanian scene is exploding at the moment, and with artists like Groovesh at the forefront of a new generation there is much to look forward to for the scene.
Weâve recently caught up with the budding Romanian artist to discuss his upcoming releases, his nightlife experiences, as well as what his parents think of the journey he has embarked on.
Groovesh: Facebook | Soundcloud | Beatport | Juno Download
When did you start DJ-ing? And what was your inspiration to begin this journey?
My first DJ-ing attempt was sometime in 2010, and my inspiration to begin this journey was the amazing way a Dj can make people feel good through music.
In our emails we jokingly talked about how you wouldnât be able to go to any techno or minimal clubs here in the USA for a few more years! What has it been like growing up in Romania where the scene is so vibrant?
The Romanian scene has so many great artists and this inspired me to express myself musically too. Itâs a great place to be right now and there are so many nice parties every week.
What is your favorite part of a club night?
I love quality club nights, especially when the club is packed with people that understand the music that is being played, regardless of the hour.
Who are some artists you enjoy listening to?
Iâve been obsessed lately with Floating Points, his production skills are amazing and thereâs always that analog feel in every track he creates. I’m also really into the music produced by friends like Silat Beksi, Alan Castro and Amin Ravelle.
Youâve had many major artists support your tracks. Tini, Hector, Enzo Siragusa, and Einzelkind to name a few! Can you tell us some of the tracks theyâve played out?
Both Tini and Hector played my track Midnight Depths, released with Early Morning Records, while Enzo Siragusa has been a fan of my Dope Love remix for iQude.
Can you take us through your production process, as well as the gear and your overall studio setup?
My production process just happens when inspiration strikes. The gear I use at the moment is nothing more than a Macbook with Ableton on it and two Yamaha HS80s in a nice studio room. However, I do have plans to invest some money this year and start making music only on analog gear.
What equipment are you interested in? And what is the motivation behind an analog set-up?Â
What has been your favorite memory since you started DJ-ing and releasing music?
There are definitely a lot of great moments from the parties Iâve played. I have a lot of fun seeing people positively react when I play my own produced tracks.
Can you tell us about your upcoming vinyl release, Slowset?
Itâs a vinyl EP Iâve been planning with Steve from FarFromNormal for a little while. It all started with the remix proposal for Jamie Hausâ âMeioseâ, and we later decided I should make an EP myself for them too. There are four tracks featured, 3 originals from myself and a Silat Beksi remix. It got some very good reactions from the people that already had the chance to listen it in clubs, and it is also early supported by Tini.
How do your parents feel about your musical endeavors?
My parents always had a hard time understanding the message I deliver through my music. However, considering Iâve found my life path and Iâm happy with what Iâm doing, theyâre happy too.
What are your goals for the rest of this year?
My goal for the rest of this year is to go fully analog with my productions and continue developing the âGrooveshâ signature in my musical works. I will just enjoy life and deliver my message to as many like-minded people as possible :)
6,450 miles. Thatâs how far Livio & Roby will have traveled from Romania to be here in sunny Los Angeles next Friday, and theyâre bringing their iconic style of house and techno with them. Livio & Roby are masters of hypnotic music that encompasses all facets of house, minimal, and techno. To say that their music takes the audience on a journey would be an understatement; itâs much more than just a journeyâŠitâs an experience. Read more
