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via Dot Dash / Remote Control & Anterograde
Danny Serrano is an artist who’s been on the top of his game for some time now. A Madrid man who’s repped the likes of Circus, Saved Records, Truesoul and more, he’s an individual who commands a deep respect in the tech house world. Alongside names like Wally Lopez, he’s also recognised as being one of Spain’s best exponents of a groovy, tech laden sound. Aside from the labels he’s worked with, Serrano also runs his own label — the brilliant Serrano’s Kitchen, which of course, is also the name of his famous studio in Madrid. It’s in Madrid where he crafted his latest work, the exceptional Craft, which just hit shops recently. An interesting time to release an album it may be, but then Danny Serrano has never been one for conventional. We caught up with Danny just as the album dropped to talk about his 2020 so far, the Madrid scene — and much more besides…
How was your lockdown period? And what was it you found most challenging about it all?
It is a really strange situation for everyone, I think no one would have ever imagined living something like this in life.
I think everything will go back to the way it was before, I thought our industry was going to change but I think when a vaccine is found I am sure everything will go back to the way it was before. I hope so anyway!
The scene in Madrid is quite difficult at the moment, the big clubs are closed for now so it’s hard to say. I guess it’s a global issue as much as a Spanish one, but without government support it’s hard to say what’s going to happen.
I have great memories of Space Ibiza, Space of Sound in Madrid and also Ushuaia Ibiza. Space Ibiza was one of the best clubs I have ever played, this place was magical and special for me. I wish I could go back tomorrow!
Of course I have not gone out during this quarantine, I have been at home with my family. But there are several DJ’ that I admire… but if I had to pick one, I’d perhaps say Loco Says… his set in Fabrik in Madrid was simply amazing!!
The truth is that I have thought about not publishing it … we are living a strange moment with the music … but in the end I decided that I wanted to publish this album in my brand Serrano’s Kitchen. This album is special to me.
I currently work in my recording studios Serrano’s Kitchen as a mixing studio engineer and master for other major artists and labels. Thanks to that I am surviving this pandemic but I miss not playing in clubs and festivals.
My vision of the music sector and industry has changed for sure. Now I am focused on my Serrano’s Kitchen study and academy project. I am very happy working as a mix engineer and master for other labels, artists and bands so let’s see where I go with that.
“Craft” is a more personal sound, I was a bit bored of working in the studio and always making the same sound, I wanted to do something different … and Craft is the result of all this. I hope you all enjoy it!
As I have previously commented, my Serrano’s Kitchen project is the most important thing for me at the moment, our studies and music academy is a fundamental part of my life and surely in my career for the future, when I’m locked up I escape from the world and I don’t think about the problems …!
Music from the Beatles, Michael Jackson or Queen are a constant reference for me. The last book I read was ‘The boy with the striped pyjamas’.
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Belgium techno powerhouse Amelie Lens returns with her third release on her celebrated imprint LENSKE. Hot on the heels of an explosive mix CD on fabric last November, her four-hour Essential Mix on BBC Radio 1 in April (the longest one since 1997) as well as a hit lockdown livestream, she delivers a hard-hitting EP entitled ‘Higher’ featuring her usual propensity for dark sounds and haunting vocals. Due to the current circumstances, she has unfortunately had to put on hold a summer full of festival appearances at the likes of Timewarp, Awakenings, Primavera Sound, Junction 2, Kappa Future, Sonus, and an extended tour with her Exhale curated parties with her own stage at Tomorrowland and OFFSonar, to name a few. This EP showcases Lens’ sound and energy while we wait to dance together again.
On the A side we have the euphoric title track, in which melodic synthwork and familiar vocal inflections echo into the far reaches of a cosmic dance floor. Next is ‘L’Obscurite’, which shocks with an hypnotic pulse, combining an appetite for the mystifying with sonic bleeps and booms. On the B side features an emotive sub-bass rework of ‘Higher’ by Berlin’s techno boyband FJAAK, swindling a multi-layered rave version. For the hungry ravers, this will be a fiery treat for the ears.
All tracks written & produced by Amelie Lens B remixed by FJAAK Mastered by Conor Dalton Cat. No. LENSKE013 – All rights reserved ℗ & © LENSKE Records 2020
After only a short few years on the scene – and out of high school for that matter – Yours Truly have earmarked themselves as one of Australia’s most striking rising stars. With tours alongside Sum 41 & Senses Fail, festival offers from the likes of Download UK, Riot Fest, Slam Dunk & Sad Summer and 8.5+ million streams on their recent EP ‘Afterglow‘ already under their belt, Self Care promises to be another breakout moment for the four-piece.
On new single ‘Together’, vocalist Mikaila Delgado says:
“Together is about feeling the stress and uneasiness of imposter syndrome. I had a lot of fear and anxiety coming into this album, having this expectation to exceed what we did with ‘Afterglow’. I remember telling myself ‘you need to write the best songs of your life’ and getting upset about the possibility of not being able to prove ourselves. One night I turned to Lachlan (Cronin, guitar) and said ‘I just feel all the colour has been drained from my brain’ and we both looked at each other with wide eyes, and that’s how the idea of ‘Together’ came about.”
‘Self Care’ finds Yours Truly unravelling the most momentous year of their lives. After the release of ‘Afterglow’ in April 2019, the band found themselves tackling incessant international touring and mounting imposter syndrome. Alongside all the usual challenges faced at 21; uni, retail jobs and breakups, the process of writing their debut album would prove daunting, yet the perfect antidote to the whirlwind they were living.
“There was this almost electric feeling of excitement about getting to sit down and write our first record but also a huge feeling of anxiety at the same time,” reflects vocalist Mikaila Delgado. “We didn’t want to release something and have people say that we’re actually not that good and weren’t worthy of all the success we were getting… it was like we all had imposter syndrome.”
The record’s namesake embodies the crux of what the album meant for the four-piece during their rapid ascension – a healing process, an overcoming of doubt – and would hopefully offer to its listeners.
“We really learnt and lived a lot in one year, and writing these songs allowed me to understand myself on a whole new level throughout it all,” Mikaila adds.
“The experience was a true form of self-care that ended with me feeling stronger, smarter, enlightened and positive after a rollercoaster of emotions. For me, this album was my version of soaking in vanilla candles and that comforting taste of chocolate and red wine under blankets. We hope it brings solace to whoever listens to it and can relate too.”
Yours Truly is
Mikaila Delgado (vocals)
Teddie Winder-Haron (guitar)
Lachlan Cronin (guitar)
Bradley Cronan (drums)
Agoria’s tastemaking Sapiens label returns with a fresh new EP that finds Mulya and Musumeci serve up remixes of Glowal’s ‘Roda’ from 2019, while a new Sweet Mix is also included in this fine trio of tracks.
Hungarian artist Mulya goes first and again shows his ability to create vibes which really make their mark having done so on the likes of Multinotes and Monaberry before now. He reworks that track into tense and high pressure rolling house track with lush melodies and tight drums. The vocals ring out up top with a real sense of soul and the whole thing builds towards a great crescendo. It’s majestic and emotive from start to finish so sure to cast a real spell on the floor.
Next comes a Sweet Mix that is laced with indie guitars and shimmering vocal effects. The sweeping track lifts you off your feet and keeps you in a trance thanks to its glowing pads.
This is a fantastic package that brings new life to this vital track on Sapiens.
‘Roda’ The Remixes package is available via Beatport:
3) Roda (Mulya Remix)
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