“"Tesoro" by Steve Luck, is a delicate and romantic neoclassical theme inspired by a newborn baby, gently performed and well recorded on a Kawai piano, catching the full warmness of key dynamics, offering a calm, out of stress listening experience. ”
-Nagamag.com
https://www.instagram.com/steveluckmusic/
Nagamag:
What are the genres that describe better your music style?
Lonely Faces:
Acid, Techno, EDM
Nagamag:
Few words about your musical background and career?
Lonely Faces:
I have been interested in instrumental electronic music from a very young age. Originally playing piano and then bass guitar, i made the change to synthesizers by means of my first set of keys when i was in high school. Having always been fascinated with pattern and repetition, it was natural for me to gravitate towards dance and club music. During my late teens and 20s, i was heavily influenced by what was going on here in Melbourne-it was the 90s- there was a thriving rave scene and the music was very fresh and new. You could go out just about every night of the week- it was a very Inspirational time and i feel very honoured to be part of a very exciting era in music.
It was really a decade later that i really became serious about production and really started to build my studio and learn my craft. I had a strong leaning toward analog synthesizers and classic technology form the 80s being a prolific user of many of the Roland instruments from that era, namely the x0x series of devices that we all know and love.
My association with Tempest Recordings and more recently, it's subsidiary Slice Records, began around 5 years ago with the release of some work under the name Guilty Hero (a duo)- a name i no longer use. I decided to forge ahead with Lonely Faces, as this satisfied my various creative desires, and this is where I find myself today....Happily working in my studio, experimenting and exploring.
Nagamag:
Do you remember your first connection of love to music that was the right impact to be a music artist now?
Lonely Faces:
Music has always been a combination of escapism and self expression for me. From a very early age, i had an interest in the process of electronic music making- even long before i knew the techniques, i was compelled my the musical result of sound design and sequencing. I listened to a lot of krout rock and decided that one day I was to create my own technology based art.
Nagamag:
You talk about 80s Synthesizers. Can you please elaborate about the uses of this technology.
Lonely Faces:
I think a lot of people would assume that technology based music would use the most up-to-date equipment at the time....Not so for me, as most of the sound sources i use really have there roots in previous decades. As with many of my contemporaries the TR series of drum machines and of course the 303 are very important devices. The way these instruments sound has always intrigued me, both in use and result.
Nagamag:
Most artists have a favorite song from a different music genre than the one they are producing music for... Which is yours?
Lonely Faces:
Mike Oldfield "Ommadawn Pt1"
Nagamag:
Of Course Nagamag would love to listen also which track from a similar artist you admire?
Lonely Faces:
Thomas P. Heckmann "Himmel & Hoelle"
“What a positive track to end your week and prepare with the best mood for weekend. Sir Ivan invites us to Get Together, as one we do more than move alone and through these good vibes and beautiful harmonics, Sir Ivan with his signature voice lifts up our energy.”
-Nagamag.com
Earning a prestigious award held also by the likes of film titans Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg is certainly not what International recording artist Sir Ivan set out to do, but due to his incredibly unique concept, that is precisely what happened. Sir Ivan’s remake of the 1967 hit song “Get Together” by The Youngbloods, as a dance song, has had incredible success and now the official music video will premiere on Wednesday, September 9th at 11am EDT.
The video, prior to public release, has already won a Gold Remi in the category of “Video of the Year”. This award gave Sir Ivan the top honor out of nearly 5,000 other entries, from 53 countries, including strong international competition; especially from the USA and England.
Responding to this huge achievement, Sir Ivan says “In my almost 20 year music career, the two greatest ideas I’ve had yet, have been: 1) Remaking John Lennon’s iconic peace song ‘Imagine’ into an electronic dance record and 2) Coming up with this video concept where I assembled the world’s most famous peace leaders in history, to act as my ‘backup band’, with me as the lead singer. Neither of these ideas had ever been done before”.
In the video, character actors portray five of the most recognizable advocates of peace in the history of the world. In the second half of the video, the “backup band” moves inside Sir Ivan’s penthouse where they sit around the table, as great friends, sharing a “peace pipe”. Meanwhile, people from all walks of life are just steps away from “Sir Ivan & The Peacemen”, dancing and having a wonderful time, celebrating peace, love, and life… Together.
The music video is presented in satirical form as political speech, for the purpose of spreading the message of peace, during the current civil unrest…
Sir Ivan is donating all net proceeds from “Get Together” to The Peaceman Foundation, a charity he created to raise awareness and help those that suffer from PTSD.
More about Sir Ivan Sir Ivan aka Peaceman has dedicated his recording artist career to remaking the iconic peace songs from the 1960’s, and was the first to take a Beatles or John Lennon ballad and turn it into an Electronic Dance Music (EDM) song. “Imagine” launched Sir Ivan’s career and all his songs since have gone on to top the charts on Billboard, DJ Times, and Music Week. The passion that Sir Ivan has for spreading peace, love and equality to all humankind comes from losing 59 relatives in the Holocaust and hearing those stories from his father, Siggi, who was an Auschwitz survivor.
On April 6, 2021 the world will finally get to hear the full story of Siggi B. Wilzig. Available now for pre-order on Amazon, by author Joshua M. Greene, is “Unstoppable” – The Incredible Journey of Siggi B. Wilzig, the Auschwitz Survivor Who Over-came All Odds and Became a Wall Street Legend.
Connect with Sir Ivan
Facebook: https://facebook.com/sirivanofficial Twitter: https://twitter.com/sirivan Instagram: https://instagram.com/sirivanofficial YouTube (Peaceman Music): https://youtube.com/user/PEACEMANMUSIC YouTube (Sir Ivan TV): https://youtube.com/c/SirIvanTV Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/sirivan Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/sirivanofficial Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/sir-ivan/id445639852 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/65Es5dYCk8l5Vvaf4dbjvs Website: https://sirivan.com
Nagamag:
What are the genres that describe better your music style?
Sbeady:
I never thought about my music in genres or at least subgenres, because it's obviously hip hop, that I make most of the time. Nevertheless, I would never limit myself to a genre. I'm influenced by everything that hits me and gives me emotions in whatever mood. But to be honest, currently I'm all into this lofi hip hop and chillhop thing. I really began to love this sound and I want to dig deeper into it, while keeping and pushing my own unique style and recognition value.
Nagamag:
Few words about your musical background and career?
Sbeady:
I started in the early 2000s after I were exposed to music production through a friend of mine. I was a huge hip hop fan, listening to non Phixion, Necro, Mobb Deep, Nas, Cage, Beatnuts and many others all the time, but also German acts like Kool Savas and Azad were running through my headphones frequently.
Over the time, the love for music got bigger and bigger. I made beats 24/7, skipped school to make music together with my friends which used to rap. We hung out and wrote songs as a crew in our own self made studio. Seriously the best time of my life. From time to time, I worked together with other underground acts. For example Millionadi, Peat38, Favourite and Casper. The last one became a bit more known some years later.
As time went by, the old crew drifted in different directions, people lived their own life. We stopped making music together. I took years off from music.
In 2016, I decided to make a beat album. Some turbulent private stuff came along, I needed a break again, so that I eventually finished it at the beginning of 2020. The kind people at the independent label "Vinyl Digital" gave me a chance, agreed to release it in May and I signed a contract there. To work with them is great and uncomplicated (Shout out to Julius).
Only after all that, I really came in contact with lofi hip hop and now here I am!
Nagamag:
Do you remember your first connection of love to music that was the right impact to be a music artist now?
Sbeady:
The first real connection was in my early days as a rug rat. Hardly able to walk, my favourite thing to do at home was putting my dad’s headphones on and listen to his vinyl records. We lived in the former GDR - East Germany - and my dad used to buy his records on East Berlin black markets. He collected music, you normally couldn't get there, because it was forbidden. Blues, Rock and Metal bands were his favourites like Canned Heat, Deep Purple, Genesis, Metallica, Motörhead and Scorpions.
Since I was a small child, I loved to listen to these vinyl treasures and I still do to up until this very day when I dig samples out of the crackling and warm sounding records from the good old days.
Nagamag:
How do you aproach a new Song? Do you start with a beat or do you come with melody first and how do you go on from there?
Sbeady:
I always always start with the melody. Regardless if I start from scratch, have something in mind and begin to write some chords into the piano roll or if I listened to some vinyl records, found a lovely sample, chopped it and played around with the slices on my Maschine MK2. I always start with the melody or chord progression. Then I would add synths or other instruments and the bassline of course. The drums are usually the last thing I write into the song. I know many producers out there that start with the drums, but I never did because I have to feel the vibes the melodic parts give me, before I play the drums. Sometimes I write the whole song arrangement before I even choose the drum sounds.
Nagamag:
Would you ever consider having a feature on one of your tracks?
Sbeady:
As I used to produce beats for rappers and singers for many years and just started with lofi hiphop in 2020, I’m excited to work on my own and don't have to wait till vocals are written and recorded. I can just write the song, finish it on my own, produce the sound design, and release it whenever I want. I enjoy this freedom. But of course, when an artist catches my attention and we have somewhat of a connection, I'm happy to work with him. No matter if it's a rapper, singer, beat producer, pianist or other instrumentalist. If we click, we will rock!
Nagamag:
Most artists have a favorite song from a different music genre than the one they are producing music for... Which is yours?
Sbeady:
Journey "Don't Stop Believin' "
Nagamag:
Of Course Nagamag would love to listen also which track from a similar artist you admire?
Sbeady:
Turnawai "honeymilk"
“We dont know if John Famaey finally does a “Moon Touch” but certainly this goes far and deep, touching the heart! Starting emotive and soft, pushing you into an emotional diving and when you have set your self free, floating in his key harmonies, then it comes the passion on 01:40 and you explode like the birth of a new star. ”
-Nagamag.com
Belgian composer and pianist Johan Famaey performed and composed countless works with and for different ensembles in Europe and China. He has won the ‘Verdi Keurmerk’ and ‘Cantabile Piano’ composition contests in 2019.
Photocredits: George Tatakis
Nagamag:
What are the genres that describe better your music style?
Lumiere:
I believe that my music style moves constantly inside a square the 4 tips of which are a) Modern classical b) Minimalism c) Indie d) Electronic
Nagamag:
Few words about your musical background and career?
Lumiere:
Apart from 3 years of piano lessons when I was in elementary school and some lessons of sax some years ago, I am basically a self-taught multi-instrumentalist and composer. I formed an indie rock band ("Serpentine") when I was studying Physics in the University of Patras in the early 00s and later I released a couple of dream pop albums through 2 independent Greek labels. Since 2016, I am focused on composing instrumental music, releasing my debut album as Lumiere in 2017 and now looking forward to the release of my second album, "Phases" on the 18th September 2020.
Nagamag:
Do you remember your first connection of love to music that was the right impact to be a music artist now?
Lumiere:
I think the first album that I really loved in its entirety was "Morning Glory" by Oasis, being also one of the first albums that I bought, in my teens. Listening to that album tens of times made me want to write my own songs.
Nagamag:
How does the new album display your growth as Lumiere?
Lumiere:
In my new album, for the first time, I have used extensively percussion and generally rhythmic structures along with the melodic elements for which I have used strings and brass. Apart from that, in almost half the tracks, there are drums and electric bass, creating a music combo of orchestral and indie elements, which is something I have never tried in the past.
Nagamag:
Was there an inspiration behind the rhythmic nature of “Doppler”?
Lumiere:
The Doppler effect in Physics is the change in the frequency of a wave in relation to a moving observer. My inspiration for the music of the song came from this natural effect and as a result came the pulsating drums, marimbas, and the beating of the horns (representing the waves) and the bending notes of the strings (representing the change in frequency).
Nagamag:
Most artists have a favorite song from a different music genre than the one they are producing music for... Which is yours?
Lumiere:
Piero Piccioni "Right or Wrong"
Nagamag:
Of Course Nagamag would love to listen also which track from a similar artist you admire?
Lumiere:
Per Störby Jutbring "The Thief Bunny Society"
“Tambourine from Lil Seyi is a sweet catchy afrobeat theme with sexy vibes and a blend of many r&b influences most of us love. The perfect vibes for a great pool party with good friends.”
-Nagamag.com
From Maryland to the world, artist, producer and Cheverly born Lil Seyi is becoming one of the most resounding and authentic young voices in the cutting edge of hip-hop. His debut release which boasts both title track Deciduous and Evergreen (co-signed to Kitsune Music), draws similarities to the likes of Tyler, The Creator, Kendrick Lamar and Anderson Paak. Seyi, a 19 yo Stanford Scholar, began producing music from an early age and had worked across several projects as a producer before taking the leap into his own solo career. Rather than churning out throwaway projects, he opts for a more timeless route, crafting projects layered with creativity and positive messages that encapsulate his distinct personality and background. Check out Tambourine the latest single from Lil Seyi.
Nagamag:
What are the genres that describe better your music style?
Mark Sutton:
Spiritual
Orchestral
Easy Listening
Cinematic
Nostalgic
Nagamag:
Few words about your musical background and career?
Mark Sutton:
My family are mainly all musicians and music and theatre were encouraged growing up. I've not played live too many times, but one of my highlights was accompanying a ukulele player for the Cheltenham Jazz Festival a few years back.
My main aim is to get my music distributed to as many ears as possible. The positive feedback I receive about my tunes always spurs me on to do more.
Nagamag:
Do you remember your first connection of love to music that was the right impact to be a music artist now?
Mark Sutton:
When I was around 10 years old I remember starting to play the piano. I started creating some small tunes and my parents decided they would send me to have some piano lessons but after 6 months the teacher decided she could not teach me as I played by ear and once I had the tune in my head all the fingering was wrong.
Elton John, Scott Joplin and James P. Johnson were all great inspirers for me growing up.
Nagamag:
How has your music progressed over the years?
Mark Sutton:
Over the last 15 years in particular, my music has more or less been channeled. I sit at the piano and literally tune into my higher self and the tunes seem to flow from my fingers. I've also dabbled with orchestrating my tracks using Logic Pro and these seem to have been widely well received, although my first love and inspiration is from the piano.
Nagamag:
Do you favour a particular type of piano?
Mark Sutton:
At the moment I play a baby grand K.Kawai GL-30. I love the tone and speed of the notes from the way the keys are weighted, they seem to encourage me to play. I've had quite a few pianos over the years, Yamaha, Kaps and a Kemble/Mozart limited edition. All of which have played their part in helping me do mine.
Nagamag:
Most artists have a favorite song from a different music genre than the one they are producing music for... Which is yours?
Mark Sutton:
Supertramp "Logical Song"
Nagamag:
Of Course Nagamag would love to listen also which track from a similar artist you admire?
Mark Sutton:
Randy Newman "God's Song"
“Greeks still remember the notorious vibes of Steve Aoki on his performance at Bolivar with FSI Events. In this collab with Norwegian producer duo KREAM we revive these moments. A solid production of deep/electro house where both artists signature “fight together”, until explode its dance energy, released on Big Beat Records.”
-Nagamag.com
Norway’s notorious production duo KREAM has steadily been churning out hit after hit since 2016, but today sees the release of the brothers biggest single to date – in the form of a superstar collaboration called “LIES,” with the 2x GRAMMY-nominated DJ/producer luminary Steve Aoki! The single is out today through Big Beat Records and embodies the sound of both artists. You can hear KREAM’s signature soulful, forward-thinking production style set against the electro-house/trap style (and massive drops!) of Steve Aoki, making for a major collaboration all around – LISTEN HERE!
“Vibes!” says Aoki, “That’s how it all starts for me. Working with KREAM started with a great vocal vibe, and then we built out the song the way it was intended. This one leaves you in a special groove and won’t let you go. Enjoy the ride.”
KREAM shares their excitement for the release: “It’s wild to finally see LIES out in the light! The goal for all three of us was to make something to bang out in the clubs. Although nightlife has changed this year, we are still just as excited for everyone to finally hear LIES. It’s a harder, darker House track all about that moment when you realize someone isn’t who you thought they were.”
Hailing from Bergen, Norway and comprised of brothers Daniel and Markus Slettebakken, KREAM got an early jump on honing their technique, having started producing at a young age and never slowing down. KREAM stands out from the pack due to the true songwriting and musicianship behind their craft, putting an emphasis on using real instruments – their use of pianos, elastic basslines and live percussion are a hallmark of their sound. Originally discovered through their popular remixes, the duo has now eclipsed 400+ million career streams of their own, and their single “Taped Up Heart” reached #21 on Billboard’s Hot/Dance Electronic Chart.
Steve Aoki needs no introduction. The GRAMMY-Nominated DJ/producer has billions of streams and 250+ tour dates per year to his name, with Billboard calling him “one of the most in-demand entertainers in the world.” Aoki has taken on the role of renaissance man over the years; he’s also a fashion designer, author and entrepreneur, not to mention one of the most successful cross-genre artists. Over his career, Aoki has solidified his reputation through dozens of multi-platinum releases, multiple awards, billions of music and video streams and innovative cross-platform projects. At the core of it all, Aoki is a visionary, a road he’s traveled since the humble beginnings of Dim Mak Records, the trendsetting record label, events/lifestyle company and apparel brand he founded in 1996. For over two decades, Dim Mak Records has remained one of the leading independent record labels in modern music, having served as the launch pad for global acts like The Chainsmokers, Bloc Party, The Bloody Beetroots, The Gossip and The Kills, among many others. Just last month, Aoki announced the launch of his new Latin music imprint, Dim Mak En Fuego, with the support of Christian Herrera, co-founder of California reggaeton party Gasolina. The first signed act is Monterrey-based pop-R&B group AQUIHAYAQUIHAY.
With star power like Steve Aoki and KREAM coming together on one massive, hook-laden single – we can’t help but look forward to the day we can hit the clubs again and dance to this. Until then, we’ll be grooving in our living rooms.
CONNECT WITH KREAM:
https://www.instagram.com/wearekream/
CONNECT WITH STEVE AOKI:
https://www.instagram.com/steveaoki/
“A wonderful vocal synthwave track for all the retro hunters out there. World Away Remix by Andrei synth layering touches with the sweet warm vocals of Vanela which tickles your ears gives you quick back all the innocence of 80s. ”
-Nagamag.com
Andrei Busuioceanu first met Vanela while touring the UK with his band, RDGLDGRN, back in 2013. They sparked a connection through their mutual love for European Pop, a genre which they are both heavily influenced by; Vanela being Italian and Andrei, Romanian. In February, Vanela released her debut single ‘World Away’, a sweet yet quirky pop song about long distance love. Andrei had the idea to transform it with a synth-wave feel, particularly inspired by the soundtrack from the movie ‘Drive’. The remix brings out the depth of the lyrics and takes the listener on a retro yet futuristic journey. This collaboration may be unexpected but it’s the nostalgic dive we need right now.
Andrei Busuioceanu’s musical portfolio has never quite fit into any category. From electronic, to indie and hip-hop, the Romanian-born artist has been bending genres in the same ways his biggest influences taught him. A member of RDGLDGRN, alternative hip-hop group championed by fellow Virginians Pharrell Williams and Dave Grohl, Andrei branches out with his solo project, exploring a unique sound.
https://instagram.com/andreibusuioceanu