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Stephen Disario

Work 2022 Resident Stephen Disario Captivates Listeners with His Signature SoundïżŒ

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Joining the WORK Resident 2022 roster, Stephen Disario is a multifaceted producer and DJ. Disario’s tracks have been featured on labels such as Planet Rhythm, Liberta Records, Say What, Trau-ma, and many more. His techno sounds take dancers from the genre’s deep and hypnotic realm to the high-octane and peak-time hours.

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Hi Stephen, welcome back. You’re part of the newly launched WORK Residency Program and as part of it, you’ll be playing at selected events throughout the year. What does it mean to you to be invited to be a part of it and recognized as a standout talent?

It is truly an honor to be a part of the WORK residency, alongside like minded peers in this industry. I have worked with the crew since 2018 and it has been such an amazing journey for us all. So much has changed since then, but our passion for this scene stays the same. I couldn’t be happier to officially be on board with the WORK team. Everyone is very professional, easy going and we all check our ego at the door, which I think plays a vital part in creating such a pure and genuine vibe for our events.

Why do you think the WORK Residency program is an important initiative?

The WORK residency is a great opportunity for Los Angeles and surrounding based artists to get a bit of recognition in our city. With so many local artists it really helps shed light on the producers and DJ’s doing something special in our hometown.

Living in these cement walls we call Los Angeles, it is essential to get away and connect back with Mother Earth and remember the planet we are actually living on.

Nature inspires Stephen Disario’s creative flow

Is there a specific moment that made you realize you wanted to pursue music more than just a hobby? 

The spark for me was NYE of 2014; Some friends and I decided to throw a desert rave in the Mojave Desert. Hundreds of people showed up despite the little promo we did. The energy was electric! The feedback after the event was absolutely mind blowing. At that moment, I knew that this was something I wanted to pursue professionally with my entire heart and soul. 

Listen to WORK Residency Program: Resident Stephen Disario Mix

Are there any artists who’ve really inspired your work as an artist?

There are so many artists that I take influence from, and it’s constantly evolving. In the early days I was in love with artists like Recondite, Rþdhad, Maceo Plex, Noir, and others within that realm of deeper techno back in the day. As I got deeper in the rabbit hole, I met Brennen Grey who has been a huge staple in my journey. He truly helped me navigate the industry as well as in the studio. I am extremely blessed to call him my brother! From there, I started to develop my own sound and these days I am inspired by many artists; I am lucky to call friends like Marcal, Vinicius Honorio, Arthur Robert, Rene Wise, and many others. I am always discovering new artists and that is probably my favorite thing about music. There’s an endless world of inspiration out there!

Read Next: Brennen Grey: ‘You Can Break Any Rule as Long as You Do It Really F*cking Well’

Name a track you’ve had on repeat recently. 

Arthur Robert “Kinship”. This track brings out so many emotions. Arthur is a very refreshing take on techno and really locks the listener in on a journey from start to finish.

Listen: Arthur Robert “Kinship”

You’ve said that going out in nature is inspiring to you. Do you have any dream nature escapes or ones planned for the future? 

I am always plotting new places to explore. Living in these cement walls we call Los Angeles, it is essential to get away and connect back with Mother Earth and remember the planet we are actually living on. It’s easy to get consumed by the fast pace of life out here, and in that regard it is extremely important to hit the reset button from time to time. Yellowstone is on the top of that list currently, I also really want to explore South America and the Amazon.

I am my own biggest critic and with that comes a double edge sword. The solution: don’t stop and continue working. It’s all a matter of being consciously in tune with yourself and knowing that this is a part of the journey. It’s all about the passion of creating music, and if more opportunities come out of that then that is wonderful, but I think a great piece of advice is to create without expectation.

Stephen Disario balances work with play

What has been the most challenging aspect of your career, and how have you managed or overcome this challenge? 

Covid-19 was the most challenging time for me, as I had my biggest releases to date during the pandemic, which was bittersweet. It was amazing to get some recognition in times of doubt, although I didn’t get the gig opportunities that may have come with those releases, had it been pre-Covid. The pandemic has completely reshaped me as an artist and revamped my sound. I had a handful of burnout moments with extreme self doubt, but continued to work through it. I am my own biggest critic and with that comes a double edge sword. The solution: don’t stop and continue working. It’s all a matter of being consciously in tune with yourself and knowing that this is a part of the journey. It’s all about the passion of creating music, and if more opportunities come out of that then that is wonderful, but I think a great piece of advice is to create without expectation.

Anything else you’d like to share? 

Thank you so much for the opportunity, I am forever grateful for the love and support by the WORK team and community. This collective is one of the most special ones coming out of LA and I could not be more grateful to be a part of it. Cheers to the amazing future ahead! Also there will be new music soon and even bigger news to come toward the end of the year so keep your eyes peeled!

Connect with Stephen Disario: SoundCloud | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Beatport | Spotify | Website

ben sims

Premiere: Ben Sims Contributes “EMDR” for Source Artists’ NFT Various Artists Compilation

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The likes of Adriana López, Alessandro Adriani, Alienata, Anthony Rother, Ben Sims, Bloody Mary, Cardopusher, CONCEPTUAL, Kessell, Kwartz, Lewis Fautzi, NÞrbak, Oscar Mulero, P.E.A.R.L., Psyk, Tripeo, Umwelt and Zadig have provided a signature track for the Unique Exercises compilation. The sound spectrum of the Unique Exercises compilation covers each corner of electronic music, precise and hypnotic techno exercises, robotic electro pulses, acid infused atmospheres, cold and harsh EBM or industrial and rude experiments. The compilation will be released April 7 alongside 18 unique NFTs. You can get Unique Exercises here.

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Listen: Ben Sims “EMDR”- Source Artists

Multidisciplinary graphic artist Patti Hazel has been in charge of the art design of the complete Unique Exercises collection and created 18 unique pieces for each song. Visual artist Efren Mur digitally adapted and animated the audio and art pieces creating 18 unique audiovisual NFTs.

You can already view the complete NFT collection at the Source Artists Open Sea page. It will be available for sale starting April 7 and will sell three NFT’s per week. If you complete the 18 NFTs collection, then you’ll get a printed edition collage with all individual artworks on high-quality printed poster.

On top of that, be sure to tune into an exclusive mix by Alienata will also be broadcast on April 7 at 8PM CET to celebrate the release.

Connect with Ben Sims: SoundCloud | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

sam shure

Malfunction EP By Sam Shure Proves a Tour De Force

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A true driving force of the Stil vor Talent fold since the landing of his debut EP “Nandoo” in 2018, Sam Shure has cemented his position as one of today’s finest names when it comes to shape shifting , polyamorous soundscapes. Using his background in traditional music to take club music into unheard directions, Sam keeps carving out a lane of his own, and his newest four-track delivery for Stil vor Talent. Malfunction proves a new tour de force in his quest for time and space-transcending material.

Listen: Sam Shure “Permutation” – Stil vor Talent

Having started his love affair with music from a young age onwards, Sam Shure’s native talent and his ever-evolving skillset dot him one of the stand-out artists making their mark on the global scene since 2016. Pairing adventurous electronic sound design with highly harmonic, melody-driven songwriting, Sam’s output is continuously developing as he adds new textures and layers to his signature, pushing his own creative boundaries.

Sam grew up in central Germany and started playing the piano at the tender age 4. His acoustic upbringing was under the tutelage of his father, the Egyptian Jazz musician Basem Darwisch, who cultivated his appetite for musical creativity and artistic expression. After relocating to Berlin, Sam initially channeled a variety of world-music influences into a string of downtempo productions released on MUKKE, before he found a permanent home for his tracks on Stil vor Talent. Here, Sam quickly established himself as a rising voice with the breakthrough releases “Kasra” and “Nandoo”. His 2019 debut album Lanconia showcases his impressive maturity as a songwriter and keen ear for sound design, while representing a shift from the organic lower tempos of his first tracks to a more energetic, club-focused sound.

“333”, which followed in 2020, further emphasized that shift into next gear. While his tracks tend to create ‘that one moment’ on the floor when played by the likes of Dixon, Damian Lazarus, Âme or Patrice BĂ€umel, seeing Sam himself behind the decks really encapsulates the essence of his artistic endeavor. When it comes to his DJ style, the charismatic Berliner channels his creative diversity into versatile sets, playing the likes of WooMoon in Ibiza and Tulum, ADE for Gardens of Babylon, Epizode Festival in Vietnam or hometown gigs at Watergate, KaterBlau and Sisyphos.

From Berlin to Moscow, London to Bangalore or Cairo to Cape Town, Sam has put a spell on the crowd with his very own definition of contemporary club music. Looking back at the leaps he’s made in the short space of five years and knowing his passion for pushing the envelope, it is anyone’s guess what comes next. One thing’s for sure though: Sam is always ready for more.

Connect with Sam Shure: SoundCloud | Facebook | Instagram

marhu

Premiere: MARHU “Nothing” (D.A.V.E. The Dummer Remix) – Arkham Audio

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Brussels-based DJ and producer MARHU brings her dark, energetic and powerful sound to the forefront of her debut EP titled Obsession on Arkham Audio. The project is centred around thumping kick drums, obscure and aggressive sounds, all tied together by intoxicating acid synths with D.A.V.E The Drummer and Cri du Coeur both contributing remixes to the EP.

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Over the few past years MARHU has been honing her skills and focusing on her music production. Originally a Swiss rider for the dressage team, MARHU later transitioned to a music-oriented career. With the discipline she developed throughout years of sports she has demonstrated her creative ability to not only break the rules – but create her own rulebook entirely. MARHU’s music combines the force between dark energetic and powerful techno.

Listen: MARHU “Nothing” (D.A.V.E. The Drummer Remix) – Arkham Audio

Influenced by Dax J, Ben Klock and many more, MARHU’s dynamic style is crafted from both obscure and aggressive sounds which brings an extensive and innate sense of rhythm, and compositional elements which burst forth with relentless energetic expression on every set.”Nothing” is the second track on her Obsession EP and has a bit more depth and groove to it. The massive low end grooves beautifully with the flowing acid synth as well as the bright variations of hi-hats.

D.A.V.E. The Drummer rains down pure destruction in his remix of “Nothing”. Waves of noise wash around you as the drums and acid synth continue driving you forward. As the filter on the acid synth gets turned higher, the track becomes more intense by the second, resulting in pure dance-floor devastation.

Connect with Marhu: SoundCloud | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music | Website

Connect with D.A.V.E. The Drummer: SoundCloud | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube Beatport | Bandcamp | Spotify | Website 

Keith Carnal

Premiere: Keith Carnal “Ape Shit Crazy” – BPitch

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Amsterdam-based DJ and producer Keith Carnal is a tastemaker in today’s world of techno. His own style of techno has a strong emphasis on melodies, groove, and percussive elements. The artist returns to BPitch with a rousing excursion into the visceral side of techno. Stocked with deadly drum arrangements, thumping kicks and imposing bass lines, Keith Carnal’s armory is well equipped to cause maximum impact on the dance floor.

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Listen to Premiere: Keith Carnal “Ape Shit Crazy” – BPitch

“Ape Shit Crazy” takes listeners straight into the depths of Keith Carnal’s wild mind. It’s a bombastic cut that utilizes a pitched down spoken word vocal. The storyteller takes its listeners into the world of after party excess and “ape shit craziness” as the beats pump relentlessly. It’s debauched, heavy and utterly alluring.

Connect with Keith Carnal: SoundCloud | Instagram | Facebook

female techno DJs

Female Techno DJs Debuting at Ultra Music Festival

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Highly anticipated Ultra Music Festival returns this weekend and features a fire lineup across the board. Female techno DJs Nala, Ann Clue, Anfisa Letyago, Amelie Lens, Giorgia Angiuli, Nina Kraviz, and Sama’ Abdulhadi are debuting at UMF’s RESISTANCE Stage. Whether up and coming stars or established names, these women are setting the stage for more inclusive representation in the electronic music festival scene. Some share a few thoughts about becoming better artists in a man’s world. 

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frazi.er

Scotland’s Own Frazi.er Is Taking the Techno Scene by Storm

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Scotland’s 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, it’s fair to say there has been no shortage of music hungry admirers. Frazi.er’s 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 SWG3’s “Galvanizer” warehouse selling out two dates in 14 minutes, while fully crashing Resident Advisor.

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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 UK’s most sought after artists and in the mantra of his very own CONCEPT: “The Journey Continues”.

Hi Frazi.er! What and/or who inspired you to get involved in the electronic music scene? 

It was back when I was about 16 years old and went to a few house parties with my mate Nick’s big brother and his group of friends. I can remember asking “what is this music?”. 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? 

It’s 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. It’s one of the best vibes I’ve 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 Chris’s House and The Homeless Project Scotland. Can you share more about these two organizations and your involvement with them? 

Where I’ve 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 Chris’s 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 I’ve 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 you’re 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 can’t really divulge any details at this stage, so you’ll have to keep checking back for more announcements soon.

Anything else you’d like to share? 

My new TRANSPARENCY concept which is a visual show I’m launching in May and will be touring around Europe. 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.

Connect with Frazi.er: SoundCloud | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Beatport | Website

 

HeĂźk

Premiere: HeĂźk “Marathone”

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HeĂźk is a Latin American artist steadily forging a reputation for a innovate deep underground melodic techno. Co-founder and ex-former artist from the duo “ØOSTIL”, he starts his own path with an impressive CV that already includes Reinassance, Atlant and Ødd:ity. You can download his track “Marathone” for free on SoundCloud. Want more? Don’t forget to check out HeĂźk’s mix for Global Vibe Radio.

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Slam

Global Vibe Radio 305 Feat. Slam (Soma Records)

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Scottish duo Slam, Stuart McMillan and Orde Meikle, are a tour de force on the global techno circuit. Their unique, six deck, back-to-back DJ performances have seen the duo play leading clubs and festivals across the world. They are renowned for both their experience and their powerful, contemporary sound. Listen to Soma Records’ head honchos signature high energy and peak-time mix for this week’s Global Vibe Radio. 

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The last few years have seen some of Slam’s most prolific studio output as they continue to innovate and keep things moving forward, most recently with the Louder Than Chaos project. Louder Than Chaos was a series of five releases on 12″ vinyl and digital. Each volume released monthly via Soma Records.

The project kicked off with Vol. 1 featuring collaborations with 999999999, Hector Oaks and Keith Tucker (AKA Optic Nerve). Vol. 2 features collaborations with UK techno legend Perc, and Vol. 3 features long term Soma affiliate Rebekah. Vol. 4 with Belgium’s finest export Amelie Lens. Vol. 5 concluded Lounder Than Chaos, featuring the enigmatic Mancunian AnD. Each EP features specially commissioned artwork from German based artist PPP Panic, which consolidates into one constructive piece over the five releases.  

Listen: Global Vibe Radio 305 feat Slam (Soma Records)

Besides heading Soma Records and spearheading projects, McMillan and Meikle are co-directors and co-curators of Glasgow’s Riverside Festival. The festival showcases the best emerging local talent alongside some of the most established names in international techno. Scotland’s premier electronic music festival returns on the Jubilee Bank Holiday Weekend, June 2 to June 4. The party will take place at the iconic Zaha Hadid-designed Riverside Museum on Glasgow’s Clydeside. The program features international heavyweights to some of the most exciting, emerging talents. 

Riverside Festival

Riverside Museum

Tickets for Riverside Festival are on sale here.

Riverside Festival Glasglow Lineup

This summer the legendary Slam Tent in Edinburgh also returns after a six year hiatus as Slam Events and Edinburgh promoters FLY join forces. Across one unmissable three-day May Day Bank Holiday Weekender, April 29 to May 1, legions of music fans will once again be welcomed back to what has become globally renowned as one of the biggest dance tents on the European festival circuit. Slam is thrilled to reveal the full line-up which showcases sets from across the spectrum of electronic music inside the hallowed walls of the original Slam Tent as they recreate the greatest dance floor that Scotland has ever seen. 

Tickets for Slam Tent are on sale here.

Slam Tent Lineup

Connect with Slam: SoundCloud | Facebook | Instagram | Website | Beatport | Bandcamp | Youtube

Mutual Rytm to Release V/A Featuring New & Established Talent

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Stuttgart-based pairing SHDW and Obscure Shape celebrate the launch of their new label with a powerful eight-track V/A, Federation Of Rytm I. The pair launched their first label From Another Mind in 2014 and released material from themselves alongside remixes from RÞdhad, James Ruskin and Dax J. Early December welcomed the arrival of a new project and second imprint to the fold, Mutual Rytm.

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