Author Archives: Samantha McCallum

About Samantha McCallum

http://www.maxumi.co.uk

Cedric Gervais and Cid - Playa Cedric Gervais and Cid – Playa

House Ultra Records

Cedric Gervais brings the rare Marseilles/Miami combination to you, that is perhaps the main source of inspiration when he created Playa. As a veteran on the Ibiza circuit and having one of his tracks as Pete Tong favourite, it’s no wonder the warmth and sweet melodies flow smoothly down the ear canal. And if you’re an Ibiza veteran like Cedric, you will most likely hear this on the Space terrace.

Ibiza nostaligia aside, the track begins with pumping and jacking synths, attention to detail on basslines, kick and snare drums. Alluring synthetic organs flow beautifully in the breakdown. Post breakdown, the pumping continues. A great sense of warmth continues to sustain throughout.

Cedric’s main strength on this production was to create a melodic funky fusion without a cheesy formula. And incorporating elements of world music in to his tracks, generates a multi-cultural fusion of house music from different continents. Playa is great for listening everywhere and will the one to look out for this summer.

Playa is available to download from Beatport

 http://www.beatport.com/track/playa-original-mix/3317533

Listen via Sound Cloud

 

Jonas Kopp- Anklad Jonas Kopp- Anklad

Anklad

Fresh out of Argentina, comes fresh tech house to our ears. If you have been overloaded with sugary chart-friendly house, simply starved of the dark side, or forever addicted to dance music, fear no more. Jonas Kopp’s minimalistic approach shows off the mix of all instruments in the song.

The wide spacing and amount of emphasis of low equalising on the kick drum, creates depth, whilst the hi-hat layers over like a thin sheet of ice on a frozen lake. Complimenting both parts are distorted strings that phase in and out and synthetic effects that echo.

Anklad demonstrates that Jonas has a flare for filling as much space of a rave with hypnotic grooves. It’s as though he has focused on sound engineering and acoustics aspects, in order to capture peoples minds. Maxumi was fascinated to learn that Jonas uses the same approach in live shows. For Jonas 2012 has kicked off  with remixes. In May, he will be touring Europe. It is predicted that 2012 is his year.

Listen to the track 

Jon Gurd- "One" Jon Gurd- “One”

The fast evolving techno music is not just a musical genre, but a massive tribe. And to compliment that tribal feel is DJ and Producer Jon Gurd. The drums are industrial, as though they were recorded inside a large warehouse, creating nostalgic memories of Warehouse Parties and basement clubs that closely resemble the set of Hellraiser. The bassline is so deep, it could cause a tidal wave strong enough to empty out the Pacific Ocean. And the icing on the … Continue reading

Benny Benassi Vs Marshall Jefferson "Move your Body" Benny Benassi Vs Marshall Jefferson “Move your Body”

You’re in for a treat from the Italian producer that brought you “Satisfaction” and “Cinema”. Benny has tastefully created uplifting house music for decades, and now he is back with remix of a house classic.

Marshall Jefferson’s 1986 hit, ” Move your Body” is an iconic house music track that brought life to the underground parties, at the beginning of a rave revolution. Since the beginning, future generations of DJ’s and Producers have been inspired by tracks like this. Now that dance music is stronger than ever, and with new artists bursting in the scene almost faster than the speed of sound, we can’t help but wonder how the classics would sound  if they were written almost 26 years later.

The piano section at the beginning has been replaced with a collective of strings and brass synths, the track eases in smoothly. A longer and digital reverb has been added to compliment the polished re-work of the backing track. Some of the original elements of track were incorporated in to the remix such as the main hook, 808 sounding drums and the piano. More bass has been added to emphasise the bass drum, whilst sounding plucky. Benny Benassi has always brought fresh ideas to the table. Having been in the music industry since the late eighties, Benny doesn’t only move the times, he is one step ahead.

Kid Massive Kid Massive

A Little Louder

Nothing can prepare you for the full on music that’s about to hit the airwaves. What’s surprising about Kid Massive is that he doesn’t restrict himself to one music genre. This is what makes the album exciting. Expect a wide spectrum of dance music, from Techno to House and expect this album to play on repeat all night.

The Album Corkers

“A Little Louder” is a funky party track on the album that emits a euphoric energy and creates warmth. Although the vocals in the mix sound a little artificial, people will be still belting out the tune at 4am, and successfully turning the dance floor in to full on round of karaoke. The bassline is catchy and pumpy and the combination of instruments are tasteful.

“Don’t cry” is formed by an eclectic combination of digital synths and sexy edgy male vocals to match beautifully. The lyrics to the track are soulful and infectious.

” Yawn” is an action packed track that has a catchy bassline, punchy snares, MCing and singing. This track is guaranteed to filter itself in to the charts. Although MCing and Vocals have been added to a monster of a backing track, it’s no where near as cheesy as dance music purists expect. Kid Massive is the artist to look out for this year.

 

 

Social Media and the Underground Corkers Part III Social Media and the Underground Corkers Part III

Warning! Naughty language and explicit content.  After being plagued with the flu virus the third instalment finally emerges with some “sick” music. Us Maxumiers are in love with the underground as we are the mainstream. As we dig deeper in to the underground, like a Meerkat digging its burrow, here are some crazy tunes that have been discovered along the way. This instalment focuses on the ultimate Facebook group for promoting underground music.   A.R- Future Problems Maxumi takes a … Continue reading

Avicii- Levels Avicii- Levels

Avicii has been on the circuit a while and adds another corker to his collection (this track has been hitting the airwaves a while prior to its release). This cheery electro anthem will have us on our feet, in a euphoric state of mind. The main element of the song is a happy melody consisting of synthetic brass synths, combined with what happens to sound like muffled strings or woodwind (even after the 2 millionth time I still can’t decide). And if you combine these with a clean, free and flowing bassline and drums, it really does sound beautiful. What’s also mesmerising about the song is the breakdown. Organs and strings join together with a powerful vocalist and is so catchy, that the dance floor joins in with karaoke session.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Levels is available to download at Beatport.com