With a career that’s spanned the best part of a decade, CDJ aka “The Godfather” is widely recognized for his smooth swag, making full use of his storytelling abilities. In this new interview, he talks about his career and the new single, “Mama”. Recently, he’s focused to put social consciousness at the forefront through music. Learn more below.

1 – Were you always a natural singer or did you get trained?

I’ve always loved performing in front of a crowd from a very young age. Back then I enjoyed imitating different rappers and singers that were quite trendy, you know the likes of Prince, KRS, etc. It’s something that came naturally to me, however when I decided to become a full-time artist I took some coaching to polish my skills because I felt that there were some aspects that were still raw.

2 – Why people call you “The Godfather”?

The moniker was given to me by one of my fellow musicians after a gig. He’s like, “why do you always act like you’re the godfather”. I think he meant my mannerism and how I deal with my band members. Whether it’s true or not I can’t say, but nevertheless, the name has stuck.

3 – As an artist, have you achieved financial security in the music industry?

Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to achieve financial security. There was a time when I was pretty close to reaching that goal, but at the moment with this pandemic, it is almost impossible for artists to have some kind of economic stability. I hope things get better soon as we are all finding it difficult to make ends meet.

4 – What is the most rewarding thing about your career?

Working with people from different walks of life, especially the creative exchange with people of different backgrounds. You never stop learning from others, it’s about feelings and emotions put in the right perspective, plus having the chance to send a positive message and to accept all living entities on this planet with all the different value systems at hand. I get a chance to raise my voice against injustice, discrimination, and all those stifling isms, last but not least, the overwhelming love and support from my fans.

5 – Who inspired you to become CDJ?

Revolutionary individuals like Mahatma Gandhi, Bob Marley, or Allende were inspiring. Critical minds that stood and made themselves count in a society full of inequity. Musically, a childhood friend who could play different instruments with ease – I looked up to him. My parents were not in the entertainment business, nevertheless, they inspired me subconsciously by introducing me to great music of the flower power generation; jazz of the highest quality; sweet soul, and David Bowie.

6 – Is your music influenced by contemporary trends or is it something else?

My music is shaped by modern trends in the music scene and our society in general. It is also influenced by modern trends in electronic, hip-hop, and house, at the same time the mind-set of the musicians in the ’60s has left a mark. Sometimes, I feel I’m guided by some abstract fountain of energy.

7 – What keeps you motivated when it comes to writing lyrics?

Lyrics are something like my mouthpiece, they give me a chance to reach an incredible number of people. My environment, my surrounding, and the people I interact with on a day-to-day basis also fire me up. Fact of the matter is that as an artist you have lyrics on your mind 24/7, it comes naturally without giving it much thought. I simply observe what’s happening around me, this kick starts a process of lyrical exploration.

8 – Why people must listen to your new single, “Mama”?

To reflect on the present situation in the world, this is something we just forgot to do too often. It’s about the changes we are going through and how we interact with ourselves and nature.

“Mama” talks about the need to respect our ecosystem, in other words, all that has been presented to us by the universe. The slow destruction of our planet is at the heart of the song and the dawn of the era of the Anthropocene.

9 – Who is this song dedicated to?

It is dedicated to “Mama,” meaning Mother Nature, which is actually where it all starts. If you like, some kind of a reminder that we have been given all we need, but we still haven’t learned how to allocate our resources, instead we have created an imbalance on the planet. “Mama” is also about the mothers of the world including mine, those who give life and illuminate the world.

10 – What’s next for CDJ in the next months?

We have an album in the pipeline with the working title ‘The Source’, so we need to put the final touches on that. I’ll release a track or two on my various platforms to keep my fans engaged.

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I had the pleasure to interview Norwegian electronic artist and producer Maybon about his radio-friendly Dance-Pop number “Joyride,” which is a collaborative effort with Rainage and Skylike. This new track provides a surging dose of ear-worm inducing, feel-good vibes in mere seconds. In addition, he opens up about his music production preferences and more. Continue reading below.

1 – When you started producing music?

I was so young the first time I played around with production. I think the very first time I opened some music production software, I was maybe around 10 years old. I didn’t understand much, but I managed to create some simple melodies. It was not until later when I was 14-15 years old, that I started more seriously with music production.

2 – What different emotions evoke your new single “Joyride”?

“Joyride” is a song that gives me a feeling of happiness and it takes me back to good memories during the summer. This is really nice as we enter these darker and colder times here in Norway.

3 – What did you learn from this collaboration with Rainage and Skylike?

I learned a lot about their workflow, as well as the techniques they use when they’re working. Like how to create different patterns and rhythms on the guitar, from the initial chord progression.

4 – Is there a message behind the lyrics of “Joyride”?

The message in the lyrics is to think back to better days when you are feeling down.

5 – Where was this new song recorded?

The song was written at our school (Limpi) in Lillehammer and was later recorded properly at Need Music in Oslo.

6 – Do you have any favorite set of equipment, tools or software in the studio?

This switches once in a while, but right now I’m really enjoying Roli’s Seaboard. This is a keyboard that is unlike no other, and you can get unique music progressions right away. It works flawlessly with Logic Pro X, and other plugins like Pigments, Equator, and more. Also, I have my trustworthy Roland JU-06, to give me those smooth and warm synth patches.

7 – What’s the process you go through finding the perfect sound?

For me, it’s always a lot of tweaking, but I also believe that if you end up tweaking for too long, the foundation is not good enough. So to me, it’s about knowing when to change the melody or idea, and when to settle with the sound that you have made.

8 – What’s an unexpected collaboration you dream of? Why?

I’ve been listening to a lot of Calvin Harris lately, and seeing the way he manages to switch between styles and still making bangers is really inspiring to me. A session with him would be CRAZY!

9 – How do you see yourself in the next 10 years?

During the next 10 years, I hope to see myself as a well-established producer with a nice studio, and a vast range of songwriters to work with.

10 – What makes you want to keep producing music?

The endless inspiration from the endless opportunities! A lot of songs look alike these days, but you can really dig deep and create something new by experimenting without boundaries.

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Nathan Daniels is a brilliant composer, producer, and musician based in the Balearic Islands. The new single “I Choose” walks a fine line between modern RnB and Soul with Pop nuances. In this exclusive interview, you will discover the way this South African artist works and essential information about his instantly-catchy anthem that recently topped the UK iTunes R&B Charts. Happy reading!

1 – For newcomers, how would you best describe your sound?

I offer feel-good-music with influences of Soul, R&B, Motown, Funk, Sophisticated Pop, and Jazz.

2 – What do you think motivated you to write a song like “I Choose”?

I came to realise that not only is there more gratification in giving than receiving, but even if you do decide to do the right thing, it does not exempt you from life’s challenges. I think that these challenges are designed to help you become a better you.

3 – How would you interpret the story behind the music video?

The music video aims to speak about the obstacles one faces when taking on a project, or setting in motion a strategy for reaching a goal. Once we start we are fired up and much sooner than later we hit obstacles that leave us frustrated and demotivated. But if we keep our eyes on the prize it helps us to refocus, and we find what we need to overcome them and we come out better on the other side.

4 – Who are your main inspirations?

My wife (she has a killer attitude for staying positive no matter what), John Legend and Lionel Richie (Composing & Songwriting), Brian McKnight (stage presence) & Michael Bublé (how he manages his career).

5 – Do you have a favorite place to write your songs?

I would exactly say I have a favourite place but my favourite time to write is in the middle of the night when everything is quiet in the house.

6 – Despite the global pandemic, have you been able to perform your music live?

Yes. I have been fortunate to have quite a few weeks of daily shows back to back.

7 – How is life in sunny Spain? Is there an active music scene?

Spain is a fantastic place to live. The Mediterranean cuisine is exactly what the body needs and sunsets are breathtaking. Living on an island makes all the above even more amazing. The music scene is quite active and if Latin music is your style then it’s definitely the place to be.

8 – Can you tell us more about your band, The Brothers Of Soul?

The Brothers Of Soul started performing around 2003. Since then we’ve been entertaining tourists of all ages. We have some followers that came when they were kids, bringing their kids to see our shows and I find that really wows me when I think of it. Of course, the music we offer (Motown and Soul hits) does the job of putting everyone in a fantastic mood, but I sincerely think that the connection we make with the audience is a wonderful experience that makes them come back for more.

9 – What plans do you have for the rest of 2020?

I’ve started on my next single that should be out around the end of November and then I’m enjoying the holiday season with my family. I’d like a beautiful snowy destination… maybe even learn how to ski.

10 – If you weren’t a musician today, what else could you see yourself doing?

Studio 54 Music’s label boss reveals interesting details that will positively surprise Disco fans. I won’t deny there’s a certain degree of anonymity behind this project, however, he shares the basic information to meet all your wishes. The new single produced by hitmaker Greg Cohen and The Crush Boys titled “Salt In The Air” is a must-listen. I must confess my parents partied once at the legendary club, and I’m glad to see they’re finally rising up again with this cool initiative. Learn more below.

1 – Whose brilliant idea was it to launch the Studio 54 Music label?

The label is keeping it a secret until further notice. 😉

© [John P. Kelly]/Getty Images

2 – What’s the vision of this record label?

Disco is back in the mainstream music circuit and has never left the underground, so the vision for the label is to continue fueling this fire, by releasing and promoting an array of modern funky dance music by key players in the 2020 dance music scene.

3 – Is there a team of old-school producers and DJs working behind this new project?

There are old producers involved, but the label is a cross-collaboration between Disco music’s new generation and original veterans.

4 – In recent years, I have discovered emerging artists and interesting Nu-Disco releases. Are you currently accepting demos?

Yes! Send demos to info@studio54official.com

5 – Besides the record label, did you unveil a radio station? Please tell us more.

Yes, we are in direct partnership with Studio 54 Radio on Sirius XM which launched in November 2008, is executive produced by former resident Jellybean Benitez, features weekly shows by him and another resident, Robbie Leslie. In addition, every Friday we have the Nu-Disco Hour hosted by Danny Valentino which highlights the new school music scene, and Sunday nights at 10PM ET, check out the Mark & Myra show, hosted by original Studio 54 doorman/gatekeeper, Mark Benecke, an original head of PR, Myra Scheer.

6 – Why people must listen to the label’s latest single, “Salt In The Air”?

Dropping this Friday, it’s the feel-good Disco-Pop vibes that people need during these unprecedented times, mixing up new school R&B and Hip-Hop vibes with tightened up Disco sounds.

7 – What’s the next release of Studio 54 Music?

TBA soon – save the date – November 4th, 2020.

8 – It seems Disco never died, do you agree?

Disco is with us forever; it’s this soulful, uplifting, beautiful type of music, where if produced right, is timeless. There simply would be no House Music & Hip-Hop if it wasn’t for Disco, so it’s rooted and present in those genres forever.

9 – Due to the pandemic, virtual zoom parties became the norm these days. Are you keen on this strategy?

Not opposed but not super keen. Disco can be listened to anywhere, but it’s best enjoyed on a funky dancefloor with a big sound system. We want to make a little more special than just having a stream of one of our DJs playing in their living room.

10 – Do you have plans of re-opening the legendary nightclub again?

You will have to wait and see! 😉

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I really enjoyed this interview with Beca. Currently, she’s promoting an original single called “Calm Before The Storm”. Indeed, the title says it all. It is meant to motivate listeners to break past the limitations that they or others have put on them. This is one of many tunes Beca has released throughout her career along with 4 EPs and an album. Discover more exclusively on Electro Wow.

1 – Thanks for your time, what makes your new song “Calm Before The Storm” different from your previous singles?

Thank you! “Calm Before The Storm” deals with bigger picture issues, while most of my previous songs have been more inspired by my inner world. We’re living in a very chaotic time, and I think this track gives voice to a lot of relevant issues. The song is a call to action and asks the listener “are you coming with us?” It’s about the never-ending quest to stand up for what’s right and never back down, no matter how hard that can be.

I co-wrote this song with Danny Ross, who I also worked with on my previous single “Taking Time For Myself” which came out earlier this year. Little did we know we’d soon be facing a pandemic, increasing social injustice around the country, wildfires close to home and other major climate change issues, and an imminent threat to our country’s democracy all at the same time. On a personal level, I’ve had to overcome some mental health challenges this past year and this song serves as a reminder to keep going.

2 – I think it has a good narrative, what gave you the idea to come up with these lyrics?

Danny was in town from NY and we wanted to write about having inner strength and resilience in the face of self-doubt, with all the crazy things going on in the world. And that was before all hell broke loose! I’d been feeling really drained and wanted to find a way to express something uplifting. And today more than ever with Covid, being confined, and all the stress of our political landscape, it continues to be an ongoing battle. We were improvising ideas on the keys and I came up with the bridge idea that depicts a hopeful light peaking through the clouds. The rest of the words flowed pretty seamlessly.

4 – Every single seems to get positive feedback, what do you want listeners to take away from this song?

I want people to listen to this song and feel more confident about overcoming whatever challenges they’re facing. I want women (myself included) to speak up when they’re not being listened to or respected. A lot of us are more stressed and exhausted than ever, and it can be especially hard to find our power. But it’s more important than ever so we can show up for ourselves and for others.

5 – I’m loving those infectious synth-based sounds. Was Danny Ross responsible for the sound design?

Yes, he was, and he absolutely killed it on the production! He’s a tremendous talent and it’s been a joy to work with him. We have a great time and don’t take ourselves too seriously while also being creative.

6 – Can we expect a new remix?

Yes! I’m so excited to be releasing a remix on 10/23 by NICOLAAS, a producer out of Winnipeg who’s worked with the likes of Kitsune, Chela, and Kraak & Smaak. He reached out to me last year about wanting to collaborate and this is one of the gifts that came out of that interaction. I’m a big fan of his music and you’re all in for a treat.

8 – Is fashion still an important part of your music project?

Always. Earlier this year, I composed and produced a song for fashion designer Asher Levine for one of his campaign launches which you can watch below. He creates otherworldly LED outerwear that is completely mind-blowing and has dressed Doja Cat and Lady Gaga. I’m lucky to have such talented and fabulous friends.

9 – When the songs are recorded do you tend to play them the same way on stage or do you adapt them?

It depends on the situation. In the past, I’ve had a lot of fun integrating other versions of my songs such as remixes or stripped down instrumentals. Other times I’ve performed the tracks as on the record in a theatrical way with dancers, lights, and costumes. I like to go big or go home. Though lately with the quarantine, I’ve been spending a lot of time composing in my home studio.

10 – What are your plans for the future once the pandemic is over?

At this point, I’m taking things day by day. I miss traveling and seeing my family and friends who live far away so I plan to visit them as soon as possible. I’m also looking forward to working more with bigger creative teams and live musicians in the same room like we used to. It’s always more fun interacting with people in person. In the meantime, I’ll be here in my bubble doing projects that are meaningful to me and trying to make a positive impact, however, I can.

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