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Where are you currently based?
Aveiro, Portugal.
How did you first start playing music?
I started my journey as a producer. Back in 2012, a friend of mine presented me a music production program, something I’d never heard of. So, I started experimenting and taking the first steps in FL Studio, which is the DAW I still use these days. I started producing hip hop beats, then I went to drum and bass and I ended up in minimal techno. Then in 2015 I created Hozho. Over time, I improved my own music style, in order to create something unique. Starting to perform as a DJ was a consequence of music production.
What’s been happening recently?
Recently I’ve been focusing on the release strategy for my upcoming EP together with my team. Also, I’m going to start a world tour soon and I’ve been getting ready for that. In the midst of it all, I try to find some time to produce songs for my next album.
What or who influenced your latest single ‘Troubles in Paradise’?
This track was developed from one of the dozens of projects I started in FL
Studio but I never finished. One day I was listening to the unfinished projects I had and this one stood out from the others, it had a bassline that I loved. At the time, the name of the project was Troubles In Paradise so I decided to keep that track ID and create a story around that name.
How did this single come about?
Well, one would think that now that I have gigs all over the world, tracks with millions of views and streams on digital platforms, that everything is fine and that I live a good life. But it’s not always like that. We all have everyday problems. This particular track focuses on the problems of a romantic relationship and that’s the main message of the track.
Where and when did you record/produce/master and who did you work with?
After the release of my single Honey Trap in February 2022 I started working on Troubles In Paradise. I think by the end of March I already had the track done because I played it for the first time in Bangkok on April 9th. The track was produced in my home studio and was mastered by Pobla Studio with whom I have been working for a few years now.
How did you approach the production process?
It’s like writing a book: you’re not gonna start putting random words on a paper and hoping they make sense. I had a clear idea in my mind about the story I wanted to tell and the emotions I wanted to transmit in Troubles In Paradise, related to breakup, that even when everything seems to be going well, problems end up happening. The challenge was to try to reproduce this message in an electronic music track, with just a few vocal lines, using the power of basslines, melodies, pads, groove, etc. The instruments, the samples, the VST’s… all of that is secondary. What matters is that at the end of the day, the music manages to awaken the emotion I was looking for. Because for me music is not just music, it’s a story. In the same way that the Mona Lisa is not just a woman smiling. There is something else.
Please tell us about your love for the Breaking Bad series:
What can I say… for me it’s the best TV series ever because it has a message that I identify with. Aside from the drugs and all that, the series focuses on a man who knows he’s going to die because he has cancer (spoiler alert). It’s interesting how we start to live our lives when we’re given an “expiration date”. We start doing today what, in a normal situation, we would only do tomorrow (or never). What Breaking Bad tells me is that we should start living the life we deserve, stepping out of our comfort zone, doing things we’ve never done before, to truly enjoy life and live it in accordance with our own terms, before it’s too late.
You’ve risen fast as an emerging act in the melodic techno/house scene, what do you attribute to this fast success?
As Charles Bukowski said: wherever the crowd goes, run in the other direction. I truly believe that the music I produce is different, unique and I think a lot of people can relate to it. When your music is good and you work with a professional team that supports you, that helps you promote your work and gets you the best shows, your name and your music starts to be recognized worldwide.
How do you feel now as a prominent emerging artist?
It feels good to be recognized across the world. It feels good to be able to make a living on music. It feels good to be able to travel the world, visit amazing places and meet amazing people, doing what I love. For all this I am very grateful. But let’s not make a big deal about it. I’m still Joel, that boy who grew up in a small village in Portugal and who had a knack for music. I’m still a working progress and I want to believe that the best days are yet to come.
Please tell us about your self-styled genre ‘Melodark’ and what it means to you:
For me Melodark goes beyond being just a music genre. Since its inception, it has become an artistic movement with an emotional, motivational and overcoming message. For me it’s a lifestyle and a philosophy. Musically speaking, Melodark is characterized by the symbiotic contrast between the beautiful melodies (melo) and the darkness surrounding the synths and basslines (dark), mostly based on a minimal techno beat.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
Hozho. He’s a great artist!
What do you like to do away from music?
I like to read, watch TV series and movies, play tennis, travel and be in contact with nature.
Where and when are you playing next?
At the end of August I will start my tour in the United States and Latin America.
What’s planned for the remainder of 2022 going into 2023?
In 2022, I plan to release my second solo album – Psychological Issues – and recorded my fourth DJ Mix. A collaboration with my friend and artist Droplex will also be released, a single track called Sitting In This Cage. Apart from the releases, I expect a big tour until the end of the year, with nearly 30 shows all over the world.
Favourite food and place to hangout?
Favourite food: Pizza.
Place to hangout: Any place nearby the beach.
Where are you currently based?
Gadigal Country (Sydney).
How did you first start playing music?
I started singing and playing the piano when I was 10 then picked up cello soon after. I was mostly studying classical music and playing in orchestras which I’m eternally grateful for but I found the strict parameters of classical music to be uninspiring so I studied sound and audio engineering after school whilst playing cello in a few local bands. It took some time for me to figure out my love for writing, performing and teaching music but I’m glad I got there..
What’s been happening recently?
I’ve been writing and working on a LADY KING record whilst teaching and performing in a bunch of different projects including Velvet Trip and EJ Worland. Staying busy (maybe too busy) and really enjoying collaborating with new people 🙂
Your latest single ‘Play It’ will be out on August 18, what influenced the sound and songwriting?
I’m a sucker for old soul records where stacked vocal harmonies, big arrangements and live instrumentation are non-negotiable like Aretha Franklin, Bill Withers and Al Green. I can’t hide the classical geek in me so I made a point of capturing big strings and harmonies. This track blends classic soul with a neo-soul twist similar to Raveena, Joy Crooks and Snoh Aalegra.
How did Play It come about?
I wrote this song a few years ago after I was slut shamed by a friend. The situation was made more difficult as this person had more feelings for me that I did not reciprocate. Rejection hit him deeply and as a result I was villainised. My sexual receipts were used to divide and pit my community against me. It took a while for me to come to terms with it all but through healing I realised that gender roles perpetuate harmful sexual double standards in society. Traditionally men are granted more sexual freedom than women and women are often penalised for being sexual so I wanted to highlight this issue and the effects this has on women. I also felt sorry for my friend for not being able to express his emotions in a healthy way so this song was how I processed it. I hope this song can open up conversations about sexual double standards and the damaging effects of slut shamming.
Where and when did you write/record/produce/master and who did you work with?
I recorded this song at Forces and Fury studios in Marrickville in 2020 before the pandemic and then covid put a pause on everything. Plans changed and the song landed in the hands of my dear friend Glenn Hopper (aka LEN20). Glenn is a seasoned multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, producer and has been doing incredible things, making sound beds and unique loops. In recent years Glenn has been working closely with Take a Day Trip, producing cuts for artists including Mary J Blige, Kid Cudi and Lil Nas X to name a few.
In the past year, Glenn and I have worked on producing and mixing the track. It’s been through many incarnations with lockdowns and life obstacles but we’ve managed to bring it together and I’m super proud of how it’s all come along.
How did you approach the recording process?
I usually track my songs live and then work with a producer adding layers and sound design etc. When this song was first recorded it featured horns but we eventually replaced them with strings from Lydia Swaries (violin), Ida Warhole (Harp) and myself on cello. The guitar solo worked seamlessly with the rest of the band but was in fact recorded from a separate session with the incredible Hilary Geddes (The Bouys) before I got the band (Midground) in the studio.
I sat with my friend IMI (Joseph Liddy and the Skeleton Horse) to write and record backing vocals and between the two of us we layered the vocal harmonies. Both IMI and I appreciate gospel and choirs which prompted the idea of more voices so I brought in Annalina and Ellen Mara to sing some harmonies before sending it off to Andrew Edgson (Studio 301) for Mastering. These wonderful collaborators each provide extra warmth and colour to the track and I’m inspired by all of them.
Any shows coming up?
I’ve got an exciting show at the end of the month at one of my favourite Sydney venues, Ramblin Rascal. Come through on the 27th of August. Did I mention it’s free?
Who are you listening to at the moment?
It’s always so hard to decide one – I like listening to a broad range of music from baroque to pop and everything in between but my top three artists this month Eddie Chacon, Francesca Fulmini and LOONY
What do you like to do away from music?
I love making food, playing pool and getting out – big nature fien.
What’s planned for the remainder of 2022 going into 2023?
Finishing this record. I’ve also got a bunch of shows lined up with a few tours to come and hopefully I’ll tick off my London dream and head over in 2023.
Favourite food and place to hangout?
Roti from the Thai queens at the Marrickville markets and hanging out beach side by any shore that meets the ocean.
Title: Weekend On A Tuesday
Label: CYB3RPVNK / anotherblock
Purchase “Weekend On A Tuesday” NFT
Download / Stream “Weekend On A Tuesday” single
In a powerful joining of forces, the dance music heavyweights R3HAB and Laidback Luke drop their debut collaboration “Weekend On A Tuesday.” The track showcases signature styles from both artists with Luke‘s groovy house influence and R3HAB‘s slapping basslines, paired with some velvety vocals packing plenty of soul. “Weekend On A Tuesday” hits just right for those weeknights or weekdays when you just need to get out and let loose. The release also launches anotherblock – a transparent music royalty NFT marketplace, where every holder of “Weekend On A Tuesday” NFT will get a share of streaming revenues from the single.
How?
250 NFTs, each giving the holder a 0.02% share in streaming revenues, available at a democratic price of around 87 USD. NFTs can be purchased via credit card or using a decentralized wallet such as Metamask. On anotherblock, unlike other music royalties NFT platforms, fans will be able to see what their NFT is worth, what to expect in terms of payouts, and other helpful information, making anotherblock one of the most transparent NFT platforms of its kind.
“After many months and many versions back and forth, Luke and I are excited to share ‘Weekend On A Tuesday‘ with the world. This is a song about breaking away from the norm and choosing to follow your own beat. Sometimes you need to bring the energy to the start of the week – this song is made to get the party started, and we are happy to be part of the launch of anotherblock platform” – R3HAB
“I’m super thrilled to have finally landed this track with R3HAB. Him and I go way back! R3HAB came with this amazing bassline, and I poured a bit more of a housey sound over it. And let’s be honest, ‘Weekend On A Tuesday‘ is how it often feels for us touring DJs. And it’s so exciting we combine this track with the launch of anotherblock” – Laidback Luke
“Music NFTs should combine the amazing worlds that artists create, the color, feeling, emotional connection, with a whole new approach to music purchases, royalties, and fan experiences. NFTs with clear, easy-to-grasp, real-world value promise to transform the music business from its current, sometimes frustrating state into a more artist-friendly, fan-engaging community” – Michel D. Traore (anotherblock co-founder and CEO)
R3HAB
Multi-Platinum DJ and producer Fadil El Ghoul, better known as R3HAB, has been trailblazing his way through dance music for the past fifteen years. From his breakthrough remixes for Rihanna, Drake, Taylor Swift, Calvin Harris, to anthems such as Platinum-certified “All Around The World (La La La)” and “Lullaby,” to his collaborations with the likes of Ava Max, ZAYN, Luis Fonsi, Sean Paul, and more, R3HAB has proven to be one of the most forward-thinking artists in the game. His work has collected over 8B streams to date, including 1.1B in 2021 alone. R3HAB founded his label CYB3RPVNK in 2016, which has passed 4B streams across platforms since its inception. R3HAB continues to evolve and diversify his sound by working with artists around the globe, pushing the boundaries of dance music as he collaborates across genres and languages. He is Spotify’s Most Discovered Artist, one of Spotify’s top 200 most streamed artists, ranked #12 on prestigious DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs chart, and has earned over 70 Gold and Platinum certificates. R3HAB has embarked on multiple sold-out worldwide tours and was the first dance music artist to sell out 15 consecutive shows in China. On top of that, he performed at the world’s top festivals, such as EDC, Ultra Music Festival, Tomorrowland, Balaton Sound, Coachella, Summer Sonic Festival, DWP Jakarta. With his combination of innate artistry and innovative attitude, R3HAB has earned his place as a household name in dance music.
Laidback Luke
From his origins in the house and techno underground to his current more eclectic style, Laidback Luke has always been a leading light in music of the present day as well as the future. The Dutch hero continues to enjoy a hugely varied and consistently noteworthy career in the game. With a reputation as a serious talent scout and for being one of the nicest guys around, he has built himself a mightily impressive musical empire that has touched the highest reaches of the music industry. Recent times have seen him continue his dancefloor domination by producing a slew of killer tracks with both the world’s biggest names and newcomers alike, including Afrojack, Dubdogz, Will Sparks and Good Times Ahead. His commitment to discovering and nurturing new talent is key to his ethos, with his reputation as a mentor proceeding him. For him, it’s only natural to share his wisdom and support in the same way his peers did when he was coming up. His popular bi-weekly vlog gives an insight into his intense life and maintains a direct connection with fans, while his healthy lifestyle sees him extol the virtues of tai chi, yoga, healthy food, and his beloved kung-fu (in which he’s participated in the World Championship in Hong Kong) over hedonism and excessive partying. All this combined makes him a truly unique and inspirational figure in the dance music industry and one who will continue to play a vital part in it for years to come.
anotherblock
anotherblock is a community of music lovers building music rights catalogs. The company was founded in 2021 by the entrepreneurs Michel D. Traore, Sebastian Ljungberg, and Filip Strömsten. anotherblock was built upon the idea that accessing music rights should be easy and democratic. By connecting music rights to NFTs, anotherblock creates a smooth and easy way to both buy and sell music rights – a community of music lovers building music rights catalogs together with artists. The company’s founders created anotherblock to increase the value of music by introducing it to a free and open market. This will solve the institutionalized imbalance of power within the industry. Launching on Ethereum to enable greater transaction volumes, secondary market viability, and security, anotherblock has created a truly web3-native way for artists and creators to share royalties via NFTs. Once fiat royalty payments arrive at anotherblock, the payment process is completely on chain and automated. anotherblock executes payment, not the rightsholders, ensuring that payment goes out accurately and transparently, something near impossible before blockchain. All this means that anotherblock NFT holders will get the royalty shares they’re due.
LADY KING is back in full force with her latest single Play It. Accompanied by enchanting harmonies, harp, strings and her distinctively smooth-as-butter vocals that we’ve all come to adore, this Sydney soulstress invites us to join her as she recounts her journey dealing with slut-shaming and the harmful effects this has on women.
Play It is a first-time collaboration with Sydney producer LEN20 aka Glenn Hopper; a seasoned multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and artist. Hopper has recently been making waves by producing unique loops and sound beds with cuts alongside Take A Daytrip (Kid Cudi, Lil Nas X).
The song features an eclectic cast of Sydney musicians including Annalina, Ellen Mara and IMI (backing vocals), Ida Warhol (harp), Hilary Geddes (guitar), Lydia Swaires (violin) and LADY KING aka Lara herself on cello, all backed by her usual comrades Andrew Chara (keys), Ally McMahon (bass) and Hugo Rumore (drums).
In her words: “This song is special for me and my journey in reclaiming my power and reconnecting with my femininity so I wanted to make a point of including some of my favourite women in the Sydney music scene.”
This release is an expression of Lara’s inner turmoil after being confronted with the sexual double standards within our society. Traditionally men are granted more sexual freedom than women. As a consequence, men and women are treated differently for the same sexual behaviour and women bare the brunt of slut-shaming for simply being sexual.
In her words: “I often write songs from my own personal experiences. This situation affected me and my self-worth deeply, and ultimately took years to overcome. It was made all the worse because it was a close friend of mine. Amidst the chaos of his rejection and heartache, my private relationships and sexual receipts were publicly displayed and weaponised against me – all of this because I didn’t love him back…”
Lara’s musical influences include a wide range of styles embedded in classical, soul, R’n’B, jazz and pop roots. Her love for live instrumentation, harmony and arrangement is displayed in Play It, drawing comparisons to her contemporaries, Raveena, Joy Crookes, and Snoh Aelegra.
LADY KING has received praise from local radio stations with her previous single Tease Me being spun on Triple J, FBI and 2SER.
“Lady King lords over this breezy groove so nicely. I love the lite funk vibes that’re all through this.” – Triple J.
Earlier this year she hosted a sell-out show at Oxford Arts Factory and has since opened for artists including Donny Bonnet, Miiesha, Rainbow Chan, Wallace, Iluka and Natalie Slade to name a few.
Be sure to catch LADY KING at Ramblin Rascals on 27th August.
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Follow BeOn1x on socials:
Double Trouble Blues Sessions
Supported by Kaliopi & the Blues
The event is set in the St Andrews hotel in St Andrews, Vic, an historical blues venue, with the sounds of Dutch Tilders, Chain, Chris Wilson echoing from the walls. The venue has installed new production for these Double Trouble Blues
Double Trouble Blues Sessions
Tickets to the event and those following are available through Eventbrite
Each event performance format will start with our feature artist opening with solo set followed by a second set to unearth a new vintage blues support act through to the final collaborative set where our feature guest artist will lead our seasoned session band directing a world-class session jam in the traditional spirit of the blues.
ZZADE is a 20 year old Industrial Pop artist from Meanjin, Brisbane. Some may know ZZADE as the former lead singer and bassist of alternative punk band The Blockades. With 10,000 plays on their single “Ease”, Triple J airplay and a notorious reputation of playing high energy politically driven shows, including the School Climate Strike march of 5000+ people, The Blockades were the most popular underage rock band when active. ZZADE took a break from the band in 2020 to focus on experimenting and creating a new sound.
ZZADE is now more ready than ever to introduce her matured and hard hitting sound to a wider audience. With energetic live shows and a live band, ZZADE’s latest shows are not to be missed.
ZZADE’s first single ‘Hollywood Ending defies the genre of pop, combining signature fuzzy bass lines with high tempo industrial drum sounds and dynamic synths. Her distinct, compelling vocal style and cut throat lyricism brings this anti-scumbag anthem to life. With lines like “I hope you get your Hollywood ending” and “I never trust a man with a secret like yours”, the song is guaranteed to resonate with those who draw from similar experiences of deceit. With influences ranging all the way from pop queen Charlie XCX to 90s industrial acts like Nine Inch Nails, Hollywood Ending is the perfect potion of 90s angst and pop inspired melodies. Empowered and hopeful, listeners are left in a world where everyone gets their deserved Hollywood Ending.
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Where are you currently based?
I am based in Meanjin (Brisbane), Australia.
How did you first start playing music?
I have been pretty musical all my life. My early home videos are of me banging on pots and pans and singing to hi-five. I first started writing songs when I was about ten and then started learning to play bass when I was eleven for the primary school band. My Dad played bass and I wanted to be just like him. I used to jam with my Dad and started writing songs and riffs on bass shortly after I started learning to play.
What’s been happening recently?
A lot! I have been busy planning and organising for this release, shooting a music video and making sure everything’s up to my perfectionist standard. I have also been recording new music and am in the process of finishing my next single as we speak. I’m always plotting and scheming something.
Your debut single ‘Hollywood Ending’ will be released on August 19, what influenced the sound and songwriting for this track?
I first had all the lyrics written for this song but no melodies or riffs yet in mind. I remember sitting down and purposefully trying to tell myself to be open minded to whatever ideas may come because usually I am quite judgemental of them. I didn’t have a specific sound in mind writing this song other than the “ZZADE” electronic pop but still heavy sound I had been trying to curate. I think production and the main bass riff really transformed the song into something I really liked.
How did Hollywood Ending come about and what is the meaning?
Hollywood Ending came to life from two things – a therapy session and a bad dream. Out of feelings of “life is unfair” and “life sucks” bla bla, I remember telling my therapist that I wished life could be like a Hollywood movie – where the good guys always win in the end. I remember saying the words “Hollywood Ending” and thinking to myself that it sounded like a great line for a song. That night I had a dream…more nightmare…about a boy I used to (unfortunately) be involved with. I woke up confused but inspired to pick up my bass and write a song about how I hoped he got his “Hollywood Ending”. The brain is a funny thing and although that dream was a shitty reminder of that person, I couldn’t be more proud to release this song.
Where and when did you record/produce/master and who did you work with?
The original demo of Hollywood Ending was produced by Aaron Shanahan who I was working with at the time. He helped curate some of the poppy production elements and the base of the song. A couple of months later I took the song to my good friend and current producer Tom Megalos for the finishing production touches and mixing. It was then mastered by Matthew Gray.
How did you approach the recording process?
I walked into the studio with the song written and a few notes on some of the ideas I had for production. The whole song came very naturally and after about three hours, Aaron and I had drums, synths, bass and vox down. That original vocal take is the same take you hear now in the song. Tom and I tried to re-record another take but I couldn’t top my first one. My overall approach to recording the song was to once again keep an open mind and try new things. I tried not to limit myself by thinking things like “it’s too poppy” or “it’s not ____enough”.
Please tell us about your early days in alternative punk band The Blockades and how it developed your songwriting and stage energy from such a young age:
I had played in The Blockades from ages 14-18. In that time I probably played over 100 local gigs, a few sold out shows, and the climate strike rally of 5000 people. I think playing so many shows so young really helped me develop a strong onstage persona. I learnt early on to be able to feed off my own energy. Whether the crowd be 5 people or 50, I would be able jump around as if it was Madison Square Garden. I also learnt to observe the crowd and how different songwriting styles would be able inspire different crows behaviour. I now always keep that in mind when writing, I ask myself “Will this be fun to play live?” or “Can this be sung along to?”
Who are you listening to at the moment?
I feel extremely late to the party but the Yeah Yeah Yeahs have been on repeat this week because they just released two new singles that I love. I’ve also been vibing with locals Full Flower Moon Band and a couple of their new singles.
What do you like to do away from music?
I currently work in childcare and babysit so when I’m not making music I’m hanging out with toddlers. My class I like to think is pretty musical because of me. I write songs for them and play my guitar while they each shake little egg shakers I made for them. I also like to ride dirt bikes on the weekend with my family and am working on my jumps. Other than that, I really don’t do much of anything else but music.
What’s planned for the remainder of 2022 going into 2023?
I have a few more gigs planned already, including supporting SOAP this Saturday at Black Bear Lodge. I’m also already in the process of recording and planning another single release.
Favourite food and place to hangout?
Fav food is definitely nachos or anything from Netherworld. I have a lot of food allergies so Netherworld is always a safe bet for me. Fave place to hang out would be Black Bear Lodge or the studio.
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