Nowtrax December Featured Artist:- Cressida
At a very young age German producer Matthias Baumann was instantly amazed as he sat in front of a piano and discovered that only three little notes put together in the right direction and played with a certain sound are sufficient to evoke emotions. Even more, those same notes could trigger different emotions in different people, depending on so many different factors. Take this still existing childlike exaltation, add a never ending curiousness for diverse and unique sounds and musical styles, mash it up with a distinct fondness for groove in every sense, and you got Cressida.
Cressida never stopped growing and so did the list of labels they worked for, including Lost Language, Baroque Records, Afterglow, Ava Recordings, Somatic Sense, Alter Ego Records and Enhanced Records, only to name a few. Run by Matthias alone since early 2008, that year marked the most successful for Cressida. Take this still existing childlike exaltation, add a never ending curiousness for diverse and unique sounds and musical styles, mash it up with a distinct fondness for groove in every sense, and you got Cressida. This progressive trance act was launched in 2005 by Matthias together with Roland Geringer, who shared the same musical background the same passion for EDM back then. Working together for almost three years and gaining instant recognition for their tracks and remixes, the project Cressida never stopped growing and so did the list of labels they worked for, including Lost Language, Baroque Records, Afterglow, Ava Recordings, Somatic Sense, Alter Ego Records and Enhanced Records, only to name a few. Run by Matthias alone since early 2008, that year marked the most successful for Cressida. The track 6AM on the well established German label Euphonic Records hit the nail on the head with its beautiful melody and the amazing club interpretation by Euphonic label owners Kyau & Albert. It was featured on the well-known compilation In search of sunrise by Dj Tiesto.
The follow up EP to 6AM, called Never Mind / Onyric, was equally succesful, being picked up by all the major players, with “Onyric” being one of the most played tracks in the epic A state of trance 400 show. With the following “2010 EP” and the main track “Two-o-Ten”, Cressida set a big exclamation mark behind their recent success, as the track was yet again supported by all key players. 2011 will be an interesting year: Besides continuing to tour the globe as the dj act Cressida, Matthias has just finished shooting a music video for an upcoming vocal single on euphonic records (release Feb/March 2011). Meanwhile, Roland is taking steps to get back into the project, so the boys will be back in full force to unleash more music for the trance and progressive scene! Keep your eyes and ears peeled !
http://www.nowtrax.com/#!/artist/12886/cressida/about-me/
http://www.myspace.com/cressidamusic
http://www.facebook.com/Cressidamusic?sk=info
http://twitter.com/cressidamusic
http://www.myspace.com/cressidamusic
http://www.cressida.de
Music as an Experience
In 2000, the recorded music industry was an elegantly simple business built almost entirely upon sales of little shiny discs. Revenues were buoyant, the construct of the multimillion-selling artist was still common currency, and most pertinent of all, digital hardly featured in the equation. After just 10 years of the 21st century, it is clear that those days are gone for good and that the music industry will never be the same again. The 1990s were the recorded music industry’s high-water mark, with the CD at its height as a product. The CD now finds itself in terminal decline and with no heir apparent, and 21st-century music revenues have declined year on year as consumers have fallen out of love with the CD and struck up a whirlwind romance with free music. This is an affair that has changed forever how people perceive music as a product.
In general it is obvious for all to see that the center of gravity for Music sales is increasingly shifting from physical to digital. We don’t Know many friends that Buy Physical Music anymore apart from the Vinyl Scratch junkies, and to be honest we know a lot of them.
As a general concept we believe that music piracy will not subside unless consumers have a legal alternative that has a greater value proposition than free downloading. With value-added features like cross-platform usage and advanced recommendation engines, cloud music providers such as Nowtrax stand a realistic chance of being that alternative. Our Aim is to make using the Nowtrax platform as simple as possible for our users anywhere anytime across all devices.
Nowtrax Music Industry News Update
Nowtrax will provide you with Music industry News every week. We will talk about the Internet, Music as a business, Piracy, Social Media, Competition, Cloud Music, Technology and the Future of the Music industry at large. Share this Blog www.nowtrax.com/news with your friends and family and stay up to date.
Nowtrax is a revolutionary Music portal that is designed to bring together music lovers with artists. In designing this platform we have tried to get back to the essence of what Music is about for us; – the joy and excitement received through finding a new track or artist. We wanted to bring back the intimate feelings you got when entering a music store in your local village and the excitement that was provided through searching for new music. In the physical world, of days gone passed, you would be sifting through records and when you found something of interest you would ask the store owner to play it for you. This process was often coupled with a few choice pointers and recommendations from the knowledgeable store owner eager to sell his music about other artists that were similar and that you may like. Nowtrax looks to provide that feeling of discovery, sharing and swapping legal music with your friends. The closest thing yet to a friendly neighbourhood record store online. Designed with love for clubbers and DJs because we know you deserve better.
Today we live in the “experience society” where the steady and abundant flow of information, data, communications, and “content” reigns supreme, but also the entertainment experience of each individual. Remember that special moment when you first heard a song that would stay with you for the rest of your life, what it felt like, and all the things that it stood for? Creating these experiences is Nowtrax’s most important value proposition. Nowtrax embraces the digital age but we try to bring back that feeling you got in the good old days when you entered your local record store with cool vibes, trendy people and excellent music.
The advent of digital technology at the beginning of the 1980s is regarded as a crucial moment of transformation in the history of music. It is the latest episode in a history of developments that have changed the way music communicates: musical notation in the ninth century, movable types in the sixteenth, the phonograph at the end of the nineteenth century and digital technology in the 1980s. The current crisis that the industry is undergoing, due in part to the effects unleashed by the possibilities of digital technology, cannot be viewed simply as an economic matter but rather as a profound change in the way music is stored, produced and consumed. Perhaps the most drastic change is that consumers are becoming producers.
In the Next Blog post we talk about ‘ the experience society’ and how the industry has changed over the past 30 years.
Video: Sonny Wharton playing Nowtrax DJmag Party in Macau
Check out the footage from our recent Nowtrax / DJ Magazine party at Club Lotus in Macau.
Sonny Wharton rocks the state-of-the-art club, located in the vast Venetian Hotel at the party which also featured Nowtrax competition winner, Re-Zone from Russia.
More news on forthcoming events at Club Lotus
Read the full review of the party in the current 20th Anniversary issue of DJmag, out now.
Download the DJmag app.
Label Profile: Wetshake Records
Wetshake Records is an exciting Korean label that supports the country’ small but passionate electronic music scene. The enterprising team behind the label aim to serve the role as an youth culture leaders in Korea. Therefore beyond the music, Wetshake create all their own design, video and promotional materials, keeping them free from outside pressures and allowing them to be as experimental as they wish with their art.
Key artists include Aerial Infection and THERIOTZ!
We spoke to them about music in their country, their label and where it’s all heading.
How is the electronic dance market in Korea?
It’s a small size compared to others in the Asian electronic dance music market. In Korea there is no classification between dance pop music and electronic music, but there are a variety of music genres being enjoyed such as reggae, psychedelic, synth pop and dubstep. Club parties are held in numerous venues from 10pm to noon the next day, so it is enough to feel the urge and thirst for music.
So what is the club scene in Korea really like?
Korea has a much bigger club scene than the size of its electronic music market. There are 10 clubs about a size of the ones in Ibiza. Usually places open at 10pm till 6am and now after clubs are opening later at night till noon are getting popular. Popular genres are electro house but techno, minimal, progressive, breakbeat, dubstep and French house parties are also popular.
What are distinctive characteristics of Wetshake Records?
Most of the producers in Wetshake are in their mid 20’s. Thus they tend to pursue in a more adventurous and experimental way. As an indie dance party label we tend to have no boundaries between music genres. We are producing everything from ambient tracks to electroclash. Recently we have been trying to combine turntablism and electronic music with great passion.
What are the future plans for the label?
Clubs and festivals are about it for electronic music in Korea. Branching in to advertisements, film, or the Korean-pop market is very tough. We came to a conclusion to pursue helping people understand about electronic music first rather than jumping into other fields. So we try to communicate and introduce electronic music in a different format than just the usual clubs and festivals. However we also do our utmost to introduce our music to the clubs and festivals too!
Buy/listen to Wetshake Records on Nowtrax
Artist Interview: Cristian Poow
Hailing from Buenos Aires, Argentina, producer Cristian Poow has released tracks for labels including Dbeatzion, Bikini, Endemic Digital, Type Six Recordings and BigRoom Records. He’s the subject of today’s Nowtrax Artist Interview…
Tell us a bit about your new tune on Nowtrax.
My latest EP entitled ‘Ioann’ covers those songs where you want to express a bit of “melodic love”, far beyond the common music. I mean, it was a special moment in my life, and that’s the result: two tracks; two situations. And of course really glad to have reached the Top100 of Nowtrax!
Who or what has been the biggest influence on your music?
Jean Michel Jarre and Michael Cretu, who created sounds that most people in the world nowdays still can’t recreate. Specifically in house music would be Eric Prydz on top, followed by pioneers like Marshall Jefferson, Frankie Knuckles and Farley Jackmaster Funk.
What do you see as your main strengths as a producer?
Creativity, patience. Creativity is necessary to make your point, never making music in vain or being overcome by anxiety (even though that personally plays on me a lot). And patience for what will come, to accomplish the expectations.
What can people expect from you DJ/ play live?
Surprises and more surprises. I always prefer to play with at least 4 channels, in order to have a good mixture between the normal played songs and my own collection of loops, samples and bootlegs, which is the real strength of each gig.
When and where was your best ever gig?
December 31, 2009. The New Year’s gig was here in Buenos Aires, but unbelievably without Argentines. People from France, Denmark, Belgium, England, Brazil, USA. I though, is there anything better? 10 hours full of music, from deep tech to progressive, from vocal to hip house. I’ve no words to describe it.
What makes a party good, and what makes one bad?
A good warm up DJ is a good start. Music is psychological, the rhythm has its own psychological process. During your set as a DJ, you own the minds of people with your music, and your only mission is to be a constant serotonin factory. You’ll give happiness, amusement, sympathy and if all goes well, leave them wanting more.
What is more important (and why) – the mix or the next tune?
Both. A shift in the mix is never good. And the next tune usually must make sense with the previous one. I mostly like to do what people aren’t expecting and change the song in the middle. If I’m gonna do the classic mix “fading”, and I have 30 seconds of a kickdrum, instead of that I prefer to have a loop and sample over, doing a non-stop rhythm, or surprise with my own weapons. Just check my videos on YouTube.
What’s the most ridiculous promotional activity you’ve undertaken?
Back in 2006 I had to paste party posters on the streets with my own hands. No regrets, I’d do it again if I need to. I’m used to doing everything alone, so although it bother me, I’ll keep doing it.
Do you have an all-time favourite track that you wish you’d produced?
I wish I’d be in the pants of Michael Cretu and create Enigma. For the love of God! An example for the whole world.
If you could have anyone remix one of your tracks, who would it be and why?
I will not talk commercially, but musically. Claes Rosen, Richard Grey, Eric Prydz. They really know what to do with a tune.
What’s going to be the next big thing in music?
The actual big thing is the work I’m doing with groups such as Sirens, Groove Coverage and Farahri, coming soon on Nowtrax, and brand new awesome vocal remixes. I’m also involved in other projects outside house music, as producer of Heavy Metal, Hip Hop.
What are your favourite production tools/gadgets?
I ain’t ambitious with my tools. My main gadget is my mind. I work with Ableton Live 7, with no need to update it. My keyboard is for composing or playing songs I like, but not too much for producing. Just Ableton and me. Nothing more.
If there is one rule in life to live by, what is it for you?
As we say in Argentina: to live and leave to live. Respect, consideration. Regarding to music, share feelings, without distinction. Music connect us, is the best way to show what the world wants to express. In my humble opinion.
What else can we expect from you in the coming weeks?
Well, some top DJs are involved in my own new projects, so it’s got to be kept a big surprise. The past summer in Argentina was a lot of fun, playing music for people from the whole world, which has inspired me to make the hottest music ever. My latest single is called ‘Give Me Your Hand’, which will be available on Nowtrax very soon, showing off a few changes through my melodic style. The big bet of the year, ‘Dreamt Paris’, with remixes by Lissat & Voltaxx and Manuel Baccano, planned for the next month and already being supported worldwide, which makes me more than happy. For the people who cannot wait to listen, please check the Video Teaser on Youtube. Finally, the ‘Best Of, Remixed’ is coming with new versions of my best-seller songs, but I prefer to preserve the surprise…
Listen/download Cristian Poow music on Nowtrax
James Zabiela Interview: Club Lotus, Macau 14th May
He’s arguably the most technical DJ on the planet, and he’s coming to show us exactly what he’s renowned for as Nowtrax brings James Zabiela to Club Lotus, Macau tomorrow night (Saturday 14th May).
We’re expecting a roadblock for this very special guest appearance, so make sure you get to the Venetian Hotel early, the club is up on Level 5. Here’s what James had to say when we caught up with him today…
You’re touring right across Asia at the moment, where have you been so far and what has been the highlight?
I’ve only been to Seoul and Shanghai so far. The ‘Highlight’ was being lowered down from the rafters on an elevated DJ booth!
This is your first visit to Macau, what do you expect from an entertainment location that’s already making 5 times more money than Las Vegas?
I don’t know what to expect but Vegas is a weird enough place in my opinion. Now you’ve told me that I’m expecting it to be er, weird. Haha! Hopefully ‘good weird’.
Club Lotus is a really hi tech place, so you should feel right at home – what new technical gizmos and surprises are you using in your sets at the moment?
I use an SD card for the majority of my set now, interspersed with Ableton and various controllers, one with a template I made for my iPad. This is the fun one!
What have you got coming up next?
I’m away for a month and have Australia and the USA next. When I get home I have three days to chill before hitting some European gigs. I am not complaining in the slightest!
Listen/download James Zabiela music on Nowtrax
Ant Brooks: Nowtrax Artist Interview
Today we speak to Coventry (UK)-based producer Ant Brooks, who has heavyweight releases for the likes of Toolroom, Size, Cr2 and Strictly Rhythm to his name.
As one of the scene’s fastest rising stars, he’s turned his hand to a range of different styles, but at the heart of every production of DJ set is Ant’s love of house music with a groove…
What do you see as your main strengths as a producer?
Versatility. I’m quite lucky to be able to adapt to any type of sound I put my mind to.
What can people expect from you DJ/ play live?
Lots of groovy house music and dancing with plenty of antics going on!
What’s your take on the current health of the dance scene? What’s the most exciting thing at the moment?
I think it is stronger than ever. I’m really pleased to see house music becoming more and more popular over in the USA too. It opens up so many more opportunities for a touring DJ.
Do you have a favourite place to play or somewhere where you get the best reaction?
Mint Club in Leeds is definitely up there amongst my favourites. The vibe of the place was really good and everyone was so into the music.
Do you have an all-time favourite track that you wish you’d produced?
Fast Eddie – ‘Acid Thunder’
If you could have anyone remix one of your tracks, who would it be and why?
D.Ramirez. His productions are amazing and he is a producer that has inspired me so many times over the years.
What are your favourite production tools/gadgets?
I love Logic. I wouldn’t swap to anything else. I’m also a big fan of the Camelphat and Sonalksis filters.
Who would you have throwing shapes on the dancefloor in your fantasy crowd?
Carl Cox, Dubfire, D.Ramirez, Fast Eddie and not forgetting of course.. Megan Fox.
If there is one rule in life to live by, what is it for you?
Smile and have fun!
Listen/download Ant Brooks music on Nowtrax
Free Downloads via QR Code at Korea’s World DJ Festival
You know we like to innovate here at Nowtrax, be it with our new HTML5 version of the store, Liveperson chat, multiple languages… and this week we’re at it again.
Party people attending the 5th World DJ Festival in Seoul, Korea will see Nowtrax QR Codes appearing on everything from huge balloons to the giant video screens behind the DJs.
Point your smartphone QR Reader at any of these to be taken instantly to a page where you can receive a free download, courtesy of Nowtrax!
We love the immediacy and convenience of this technology, which is whay we now also feature a QR code on every Nowtrax page, for artists and labels to use wherever they see fit.
Embracing the digital era and looking forward to one heck of a party with 50,000 people at the WDJF tomorrow and Saturday. Are you ready?!
Avicii World DJ Festival Interview
The 5th World DJ Festival takes place in Seoul this Friday and Saturday and Nowtrax will be there (look out for our balloons and QR codes for free downloads – more on that later this week)!
Bright DJ newcomer Avicii is making his debut performance in Korea at the event, so we caught up with him to see what he’s looking forward to about the event..
What have you heard about the dance music scene in Korea?
Not that much to be honest but I have heard it’s a great place to party and I really want to explore the Asian market, Korea being one of the priorities on that list.
You made your debut when you were a teenager and now you are a world famous DJ in your early 20s. How do you cope with it?!
I try not to think of it like that! I’m just trying to enjoy the moment and not be too serious about stuff. I guess I’m just lucky to have the right people around me.
You travel the world to perform, so what’s the most memorable performance you’ve had and why?
I would have to say Sound Academy in Toronto. We had a New Year’s Eve show there that got cancelled due to too many people showing up and lack of security. Luckily we managed to get back and do a make up free show that was just completely amazing!
We saw on your twitter that you unveiled some track at Ultra Music Festival in Miami last month. Are you working on any awesome tracks that we will hear this weekend at the World DJ Festival?
Oh I’m always working on loads of stuff! I don’t know how much I can say but I’ll definitely showcase some of those new tracks in Korea…
What are your inspirations when you produce a tune?
It varies a lot. Music-wise I get inspiration from all genres, nothing in particular really. I guess my mood and people around me inspire me lots too. I always got my most important feedback from my manager.
What do you have to say to the fans who will come to World DJ Festival to see you?
Im reeeaaaally looking forward to my first visit to Korea and to see what the world famous Korean crowd is all about!
More info on the World DJ Festival
Official site (in English) for tickets etc