Interviews
Unveiling The Inspiration: Niel Degas’ New EDM Track “Braveheart”
Originally from Maryland but now kickin’ it in South Florida, Niel Degas has been in the game since 2010, and we had a rad chat with him about his upcoming drop called “Braveheart,” set to hit on July 28th. You can pre-order this release right here, so don’t miss out!
1 — As a versatile artist who enjoys blending different genres, how does “Braveheart” compare to your previous work?
It’s hard to compare, but I guess I took a little more subtle approach on this one than I did with one of my previous releases “Sahara” (It’s the Vibe) with Dan Diamond which was an Electro House track with a heavy Arabic influence. I listen to pretty much everything under the sun and pull a bit of inspiration from all of it.
I have been told that some people can hear some of my Rock and Metal stylings from my early music career within my songs as well. Although a lot of it is trial, error, and not everything works out like the tracks I mentioned and have put out, but I feel like the experimentation helps keep me creative and fresh.
To keep long with the blending theme, I am working on a track right now that’s a bit of a combination of Techno and Future Rave, and I also want to pull some from my locale of Miami, Florida, and do something Caribbean/Reggeaton influence, something whether it be straight Reggeaton/House or Merengue/House. I am unsure as of yet, but sure it will come to me. As for versatility, I have made Hip-Hop beats for people currently finishing up a Dancehall/Reggaeton fusion project for a friend of mine, and even have a Drum and Bass side project I am developing.
And at the end of the day, music is about feelings and emotions no matter which side of the coin you are on, artist or listener. After all “it’s a vibe.”
2 — What was your inspiration while working on this new single?
I was listening to some classic House and a bit of Tech House at the time and was thinking about what would happen if I tried to make those styles bigger. I started with the drums and the swing percussion and built the rest of the track around that, also thought it would be cool to have a little bit of a fake-out build right before the vocals came in.
3 — Can you shed light on the equipment, instruments, or software utilized to craft this track?
On the original version I used a combo of hardware and software, generally a hardware guy but software can be a little more versatile. For this track, the drums were a combo of Dave Smith Tempest and Maschine. Pianos/basses/pads Komplete, and synths Massive X and a Yamaha Modx. Sequenced within Studio One.
4 — Are you influenced by current musical trends?
Slightly, I have gotten into Future Rave lately but believe music is about emotions, feelings, and being in the moment and they do not always follow trends.
5 — In which locations did you compose this song and where were the recording sessions carried out?
The composition happened in my home studio based just outside of Miami, Florida. The vocals were recorded in L.A. at Scarletts studio. The Internet is a wonderful thing, being able to collaborate with people all over the world.
6 — What are your ambitions or expectations with the release of “Braveheart”?
Really all I could ask for or hope for rather is for it to hit that one person who just needs that powerful positive message about staying true to yourself and not letting people puppet you around or dictate your life for you, especially in this day and age. If it does more than that great but that was always the goal for this track.
7 — Tell us more about how you connected with other producers for the remixes. What steps did you take?
I met Dark Intensity during Miami Music Week and hung out with him a bit at the EDMA’s from there we developed a friendship. I sent him over a bit of the raw cut of “Braveheart” to get some feedback on it, and after listening to it, he expressed his interest in hitting a remix, originally I wasn’t 100% sold on having remixes done on this track even though I like his work but he ended up sharing a preview of his idea and was floored, from there I was like if there’s going to be one remix might as well get a few more done, so asked my friend/co-collaborator and Arietis Records artist Ricardo Geldres if he wanted to hit a take on it, he and I had a few late nights Zoom calls working on it, lol. The Original “Braveheart”, Dark Intensity’s, and Ricardo’s were so big I decided to hit a little more subtle take with my V.I.P. remix. As for the Block and Crown remix that was a bonus surprise mix brought on from Tazmania Records.
8 — Could you pick a favorite one among them?
That’s hard because I feel they all turned out great, and they all have their strong points like Ricardo’s second drop is epic, the piano melody in Dark Intensity’s is so pretty I am a sucker for some great piano, the good old House groove Block and Crown through down is jamming, and, of course, the original love that those big kicks paired well with the swing percussion and the synths and Scarletts vocals. If I had to pick one though I think it would have to be my V.I.P. remix love that chill vibe with her vocals and how it plays well together.
9 — Are you open to the idea of bringing your tunes to life through music videos?
I have a music video in the works for this release, won’t be out on release day, but not long after. And I do have a few music videos out on other releases just not everyone as of now.
10 — Finally, what is the most valuable advice you have ever received, and how has it influenced your music career?
Many moons ago, back when I was a Metalhead and musician, a friend of mine told me sometimes you have to reinvent yourself, to me that meant keeping an open mind while staying true to yourself if I didn’t receive that advice, I highly doubt I would be sitting here talking to you right now.
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In a candid interview, Notaker talks about the most important details behind his debut independent album, ‘Echoes In Eternity.‘ He offers his fans a glimpse into the inspiration and emotions that fueled its creation. Happy reading!
1 — In your words, how would you describe the sonic atmosphere of this new album, ‘Echoes In Eternity’?
I would describe it as otherworldly, outrun retro, or dimensional. Those are the kinds of ideas I really aimed at for this project.
2 — ‘Echoes In Eternity’ is an interesting album title. Can you share the story or concept behind choosing this name?
I’ve always liked the famous quote from Marcus Aurelius “What we do now echoes in eternity”. It parallels what I wanted to do with this album which was to make something timeless that I could look back on many years from now and feel proud to have created.
3 — How do you think this album engages listeners on an emotional level?
As it hasn’t been released yet I’m not quite sure. It certainly holds a lot of myself in the music and hopefully, those emotions that I felt creating the music will shine through to listeners when they hear the album.
4 — What steps did you take to connect and work with Danyka Nadeau and Eric Lumiere?
I knew Eric from a collaboration we created previously so it was very easy to reach back out to him and work again. Danyka and I met through her manager Daniel who thought we could create something awesome together, and he was very right. It was a true treat to work with both, they are amazing artists.
5 — How does this material differ from your previous work with mau5trap and Anjuna?
It’s much less confined to any parameter a label might impose upon my work. This is truly a raw and unfiltered look at my music. The most “me” thing I feel I’ve ever created.
6 — Is there any particular track in the album that holds a special meaning to you?
In a way they all are, it’s tough to choose. I think the “Illusion of Time” is very special as I got to make that with one of my friends Kyu who played the hand pan which I sampled for that song. Always great to create things with friends.
7 — How would you describe the evolution of your artistic style and sound as reflected in this album?
In a way it’s cyclical. Finding new things that sound nostalgic to me and then creating them in a new and interesting way. Hopefully, people can hear that in my sound, something new but also familiar.
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Closing out the festival season with a bang, Brazilian talents Öwnboss and Selva team up on anthemic dance hit “RIOT” for their debut on the respected label Monstercat. Not only a mainstage monster, “RIOT” gears up to take on the virtual world as the official anthem in the latest Brazilian-themed season of the sports-based video game Rocket League.
We caught up with Öwnboss and Selva to go behind the scenes on the making of “RIOT.”
1 — First of all, how do you maintain a balance between staying true to your own unique style while collaborating and complementing each other’s musical style?
Selva: I think the fun part about collaborating is to mix things up and see what happens. That being said, presenting ideas with context, staying true to yourself, and respecting the collaborator’s input is the formula to create something interesting that you wouldn’t come up with yourself. For example, Öwnboss has his famous lead synth, but we never forced it in. The progression choices and the energy that builds up until the drop made that synth not only essential but also brought the power we needed for the drop!
Öwnboss: I would say that I don’t have much of that balance because I’d say I don’t follow only a single style, you know? My sound is what I like to play, what makes sense at the moment, and what makes me happy. Of course, “Move Your Body” is a track that defines me in a way and I’m very proud of it, but I always try to evolve and improve my productions, as happened here with Selva. “RIOT” had more than 10 versions that went through various musical styles, which speaks a lot to my trajectory as a producer as well. The final version was our favourite, and it brings a lot of who we are as musicians.
2 — “RIOT” is set to debut in Rocket League’s battle arenas. Is this the first time you have produced music for video games?
Öwnboss: That’s a good question because we didn’t really produce the song thinking about having it in a video game, but that’s exactly what happened in the end. I had the pleasure of having “Move Your Body” on the Formula 1 2022 soundtrack, I believe for the size the track has taken by playing on the stages worldwide. With “RIOT,” I think we were able to produce such an exciting, rebellious song…. almost like a generational anthem, that seeing it as a soundtrack for such an important and young game like Rocket League turns out to be a perfect fit. “RIOT” really has a feel of action and adrenaline.
Selva: Yes, for me it’s the first time. I still am getting used to hearing my kids across the house turning on Rocket League and hearing my song!
3 — What qualities do you like the most about the vocals on ‘RIOT’?
Selva: I think the vocals are the soul of this song. We built the song around it, and we worked really hard for the production to play the role of enhancing the power of those lyrics.
Öwnboss: I agree. I really like the contrast between the vocals of the children singing in a very high-pitched tone and Brian’s voice, more serious. I think it’s a very good balance since the sonorities complement each other. Another thing that catches me is this “battle anthem” vibe of hers, it feels half revolutionary, like… Pink Floyd. It had been a while since I’d received a vocal with this strength, and I believe that’s why this track became so important to us.
4 — Imagine you could incite a riot for change. What goal would you inspire people to stand up for?
Öwnboss: That’s a tough question to answer because the world needs a lot of change, so how do you choose the most important one? Or the most urgent. What comes first in my mind is a riot for people to be themselves, without being ashamed and without worrying about what others will think. Be yourself. I think it is a path of no return to freedom and happiness. Probably the world would be better and lighter if everyone could follow that.
Selva: Interesting question! I think once you create a song and put it out into the world, the meaning of it is no longer yours to choose. Everyone has a different life experience and people digest ideas and messages in a very singular way. At first, this song didn’t have a political angle, but it can absolutely have. I’d say: start a riot in your heart, soul, and mind.
5 — Öwnboss, your busy 2023 World Tour is currently underway. How does the release of “RIOT” fit into your tour’s momentum?
Öwnboss: The release of “RIOT” in the middle of my tour was very important because I was able to play the track on various stages around the world without it being released. People don’t know it, but the music captivates almost instantly, which makes it an important reinforcement for my sets. I see the audience eager to learn the lyrics. I can say “RIOT” certainly arrived at a good time.
6 — Selva, as a platinum-certified songwriter and producer, you have worked with prominent names in the EDM scene. What new things did you learn from this collaboration?
Selva: I think of myself as a songwriter above anything, and I’m blessed enough to work with so many different accomplished and talented artists, including Öwnboss whom I have written a number of songs. “RIOT” is a special one for me, and it just felt right to represent this one by his side. I personally learned to trust my gut more than ever.
7 — Can you capture the essence of “RIOT” in just one sentence?
Öwnboss: RIOT is energetic, revolutionary, and catchy.
Selva: All revolutions start in the soul.
8 — Were there any specific elements that made the creation of this track particularly challenging?
Selva: The chorus. We knew the chorus was potent and strong, but it was challenging to “dose” it through the song. We did a bunch of versions in order to land one that we felt delivered the chorus without being repetitive and enhanced it.
Öwnboss: Yeah, the vocals, for sure. And the collaboration with a children’s choir, which is the “extra touch” and makes it different from anything that I’ve ever produced before.
9 — What specific role did you play while working on “RIOT”?
Öwnboss: The lyrics were written by Brian, so my main role was to help set the musicality of the track, creating a climax on the chorus and the revolutionary footprint we wanted for it. Then, another challenge of ours was to integrate the high-pitched voice of the children’s choir with the other elements of the track, so that it would be dense, dynamic and keep the rebellious tone.
Selva: As mentioned I was on the songwriting. I dove in on the production as well later on, but I’d say I mainly focused on melody and lyrics and let my main man Öwnboss do his thing and create the whole context and drop.
10 — If a future collaboration opportunity arises, what new things would you be interested in exploring?
Selva: I’d like to have another go at exploring a RIOT-like anthemic chorus again, maybe in a higher BPM.
Öwnboss: Each collaboration is the reflection of the moment that I’m living. After that everything changes, so I think it’s hard to answer this question. I will always explore what is true and meaningful to me in that moment, so my music can speak to others.
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Paul Mayson‘s first-ever album, ‘One Life,’ is like a special mix of his love for House music, blended with different kinds of sounds and cool collaborations from artists all over the world. You definitely don’t want to miss this interview!
1 — With the release of your debut album ‘One Life,’ what are your expectations for how listeners will connect with the music?
My goal was to showcase my story and my sound. And for it to be an uplifting, positive, and summery album. Hopefully, it feels like that! It’s a collection of songs made at the moment, to make you feel happy and free. It’s about embracing life, the good things and the bad. And about doing what makes you happy.
2 — You’ve teamed up with a diverse range of international artists on this material. Please let us know how these collaborations came to be.
It was really exciting taking elements from different genres, working with a group of great artists who come from very different backgrounds, and bringing all of these sounds and flavors together on one project. A lot of artists I meet myself, reach out to the people I’m interested in. I often travel abroad to work on music together and do sessions in London or LA. Sometimes collabs can also happen through the label or the publisher, but ultimately it’s great to have an artist-to-artist relationship.
3 – What compelled you to emphasize the themes of life, freedom, and diversity in this album?
I’m very passionate about House music culture and the way it started. Which was all about positivity and celebrating life together. I love that message and think the soulful, feel-good element of House music is what always really attracted me to the genre. And to music in general, including other genres like Soul and RnB.
4 – Can you share more details about the process of integrating experimental elements into the music production of your album?
A few of the songs (like “Tell Me How” and “I Want You”) were basically made during one big jam session. It’s me just trying out completely different sounds, textures, and rhythms and experimenting with live drums, guitars, and whatever I feel like. Letting go of any rules connected to dance music allows for a really fresh approach to the album songs.
6 – How does the artwork complement the album’s concept?
It emphasizes the feel-good element and the overall message of the album. Life is in front of you, it’s there for the taking. You’re in the hallway, step into the light and embrace life.
7 – Will there be another amazing music video like “Have It All,” dropping in the near future?
We released a really cool art piece and visualizer for the album which I’m very excited about!
8 – Given your ambition to push boundaries within the Dance genre, do you think the bunch of producers already out there could make it tough for you to really stand out?
I think individuality is key. Doing something you’re passionate about. Telling your own story. If you go into that process, the outcome will be unique. Not following trends and doing my own thing is what helps me stand out and allows me to be ahead and I try to keep pushing myself.
9 – Among your studio essentials, what’s the item that you consider the cornerstone of your setup?
Quite a lot of my work is digital. I carry my laptop around and can produce and write anywhere with it, whether it’s my home studio, the studio in Amsterdam, a hotel, or even an airport. That’s what makes it flexible and international! Just being able to work anywhere and get the creative process going. At home I also love my Adam A77x monitors and I also use a Prophet synth.