Lay-Far, On Taking Communication To A Whole New Level, With His New Album – “How I Communicate”.

 

The wait is over, the long anticipated 2nd album, “How I Communicate”, from Lay-Far, released on Local Talk records, dropped into your ears with a devastating splash. You know the saying “made to make your mouth water”?! In this instance it’s a perfect example of the truth, with Lay-Far’s productions there is always music to nourish the soul.

“How I Communicate”, is a stunning arrangement exploring the many ways an artist can communicate with it’s listener.The album plays like a story, with Lay-Far as the story teller, he weaves intricate tales with each track. Interspersed between the ethereal lightness of House and the Disco explorers tales. It lays the foundations that reflect the current changes within dance music by exploring deep soulful rhythms. To complete the story, Lay-Far has enlisted the help of several well known characters from the likes of; Ashley Beedle & Darren Morris, Sean McCabe, Mark De Clive Lowe, Magic Number and Ricky Reid to name just a few. Each character takes a bow after lending their unique qualities to the tale. The entire album is held by the carefully selected narrations that adjoin the tracks.

If you are looking for a stand out track, there are plenty to chose from; whether it be the devastating beauty of ‘Like The First Time’, featuring the raw talent of Ross Hillard, Magic Number, or deep sea dive into ‘Slope’, with its uplifting groove and aquatic melodies.’Mystical Rhythms’, resurrects the love of the Broken Beat, both Lay-Far and Sean McCabe drop the realness on this one.

‘How I communicate’, is one of those albums that comes around every once in a while, that restores faith in the music scene. Do you recall your favourite story as a child? Take that same joy and excitement, place it into adult ears, press play and there you have it. Well that’s my humble opinion.

Written by Angel Mel – tune into Angel Mel Spread Love show on 1st February from 8pm until 10pm to listen to many tracks featured on the album – www.soultrainradio.co.uk

For information on events and bookings go to www.ammpromotions.co.uk

Listen here: https://soundcloud.com/lay-far/lay-far-how-i-communicate-album-preview

You can buy and enjoy the album from the following digital stores: The vinyl version coming out in March.

iTunes
https://itunes.apple.com/…/a…/how-i-communicate/id1062827507
Amazon
https://www.amazon.co.uk/…/p…/B018O62NY2/276-2494713-2867939
Google Play
https://play.google.com/…/…/album/Lay_Far_How_I_Communicate…
Junodownload
http://www.junodownload.com/…/lay-far-how-i-com…/2952923-02/
Traxsource
https://www.traxsource.com/title/584078/how-i-communicate
Boomkat
https://boomkat.com/products/how-i-communicate…
Wasabeat
https://www.wasabeat.com/r…/245974-lay-far-how-i-communicate

 

 

 

 

Edinburgh’s Finest Craig Smith In The Mix On Angel Mel’s Spread Love Show

Join Angel Mel this Tuesday 16th February for another exclusive guest mix. The Spread Love show is proud to announce special guest mix by Edinburgh’s finest DJ / Producer Craig Smith, (6th Borough Project, Fifty Fathoms Deep), to celebrate the launch of AMMPromotions. To find out more on Craig Smith & bookings go to www.ammpromotions.co.uk

Tune in: www.soultrainradio.co.uk or via the Tune In app.

 

Craig’s, DJ career has been on the go for fully 20 years, from his own famous night, ‘Audio Deluxe’ to numerous gigs at every major club across the globe. His 10 year residency at The Honeycomb in Edinburgh saw him play, host and gain the respect of all the players on the dance music scene. Guests at his club nights have included: Masters At Work – Kenny “Dope” Gonzalez and Lil’ Louie Vega, Terry Hunter, Phil Asher, John “Jellybean” Benitez, Bugz In The Attic, Domu, Mr V, Paul ‘Trouble’ Anderson, DJ Deep, Osunlade, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Teddy Douglas, Dave Camacho, Ashley Beadle, Kenny Carpenter, Kerri Chandler, Frankie Feliciano, DJ Spinna – all of whom have rated Craig’s parties as one of the best to play in Europe. Always listening to, and collecting music as a kid, Craig started searching out club nights that would quench his musical thirst, and in the early 80’s it was parties like the capital’s Manifesto that really inspired and turned him on to a fresh and exciting scene that none of his school friends were even aware of. A stalwart on the scene from a young age this eventually lead him to make his DJ’ing debut in 1987 at Edinburgh’s legendary club night The Hooch. His initial influences were boogie, jazz funk, soul and the emerging sounds of rap and house and for him it was a natural progression into the modern production techniques and sounds of dance music. He is known for his non-compromising attitude for the music he loves and has always refused to be categorised preferring to be known for playing “quality dance music”. This has lead to an impeccable international reputation with gigs and radio appearances worldwide, and in his own hometown he is notorious as Irvine Welsh’s favourite DJ with a mention in his books. So far all of Craig’s recording work has been met with great critical acclaim. He has had records out on various labels such as EMI, Virgin, Hush Hush, In Demand, Maxi, Five20East and Soul Heaven under his own name and various guises, such as Harden Soul Project, The Wayfarers, The Soul Renegades and The Shaw Height Assembly and more recently 6th Borough Project. He has remixed tracks for the likes of Cevin Fisher, Roland Clark, Afro Medusa, Beverly Knight, Soul Providers, Moloko, and the Hong Kong Micros amongst others. Currently working on new music with production partner Graeme Clark (The Revenge) on their popular 6th Borough Project and Craig Smith & The Revenge guises, recent releases/remixes on Five20east, Soul Heaven and Jimpsters new label Delusions Of Granduer (as Craig Smith & The Revenge) and Jisco, Less Productions, Instruments of Rapture, Soul Heaven (as 6th Borough Project) have been gaining mad props/ radio/club play from such heavy hitters as Kenny Dope, Giles Peterson, Simbad, Karizma, Jimpster, Terry Hunter, Danny Krivit, Chris Duckenfield, Joe Clausell, Quinten Harris, Phil Asher, Todd Terje, Mad Matts and a host of others! Keep your eyes peeled as there are more tracks on the way with forthcoming releases on Soul Heaven, Instruments of Rapture, Freerange, Future Classics and Delusions Of Grandeur Craig has also been busy in the studio with Ricky Reid as they breath new life into the Soul Renegades production moniker. This exciting project has being gaining serious attention from the get go and with their debut release out now on the much respected Phil Ashers Restless Soul Music gaining heavy praise and with further releases due on UK label Fresh Minute, US deep house don Anthony Nicholson ‘s Circular Motion imprint and a Stephanie Cooke remix for Soulful Beats ready to follow the future looks rosy.

 

 

 

 

 

Angel Mel Presents Opolopo On Soultrain Radio’s Spread Love Show

On Tuesday 4th February 2016, the Spread Love radio show welcomed the brightest star on the horizon, Opolopo to do an exclusive guest mix.

Opolopo is a name that needs little introduction after scoring a tidal wave of successful with his live DJ performance; productions and remixes for countless artists such as: Nina Simone, Gregory Porter, Lisa Standfield, Michael Jackson et al.

Over the forthcoming weeks the show will be celebrating the launch of AMMP – (Angel Mel Music Promotions), by featuring a selection of guests mixes from the artists.

For more information on the artist bookings & AMMP go to www.ammpromotions.co.uk

Also on featured on the show is music from the likes of Al Hudson, Brian Johnson & Gil Scott Heron, Masters of Work Ft India, Ashley Beedle, John Morales and many more.

Angel Mel’s Spread Love show is held fortnightly on Tuesday 8pm until 10pm and Sunday 2pm until 4pm for Soultrain Radio, www.soultrainradio.co.uk

Follow the link to hear the show in full
https://www.mixcloud.com/widget/iframe/?embed_type=widget_standard&embed_uuid=61118d3d-54bd-460c-bcd1-7cdf2cd4ad97&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mixcloud.com%2Fangelmel79%2Fangel-mel-presents-opolopo-deep-in-the-mix-on-the-spread-love-show%2F&hide_cover=1&hide_tracklist=1&replace=0

Angel Mel Presents Opolopo Deep In The Mix On The Spread Love Show by Angelmel79 on Mixcloud

AMMP – Spread Love Promote Music

AMMP was borne out of a genuine desire to ‘spread love and promote music’.
We pride ourselves on being more than your average music agency; our aim is to nurture the talents of our artists, to provide support to the promoters and develop long lasting relationships on both sides.

Our current roster represents the finest in established and rising talent on a national and international scale. We are proud to represent the following artists: Kev Beadle, Rainer Trueby, Lay-Far, Opolopo, Gabriele Poso, Craig Smith, Jo Wallace and Mixjah.

Our first passion is music, we understand the importance of marketing your music. We are always looking for and finding opportunities to nurture and develop your talent. We strive to provide a holistic yet professional and friendly approach to working with our clients.

Stay tuned in for updates on interviews, music releases, events.

For more information on bookings go to http://www.ammpromotions.co.uk

Love & blessings Angel Mel x

My love for the Suncebeat Festival and the Children of the Sun.

Suncebeat. Children of the Sun

This is a piece I have written especially dedicated to all the Suncebeat family or as I affectionately now call them ‘Children of the Sun’.

There are several stages of being when it comes to the Suncebeat festival simply put, before, during and after. I will now attempt to give a brief description; If you are discovering Suncebeat for the first time, read on this may just tip the balance in your favour to book up for next year. On the other hand if you have already sampled the delights, then join me as we relive the memories.

Before – Did you hear whispers amongst your friends about a festival somewhere in the Dalmatian coast that was more beautiful than you could have ever imagined? Not just aesthetically pleasing to the eye, but a festival full of like minded souls who had gathered together for the love of music. Such places exist and are your for the taking.

Once you have stepped into the realm, you will never view life in quite the same way again.

During – Were your mind and body prepared for the delights that lay in store for you? Having reached your destination, taken your first tentative steps in a country that was mainly unfamiliar to you. Did you look across Tisno, up to the mountains and along the calm blue sea in wonder? 

On site there is a palpable rush of euphoria, this place is unlike anything you would have ever experienced before. Is this what togetherness feels like? You look from left to right, to faces turned towards the sun with an expression of sheer happiness on their faces. At that moment in time you surmise there is no better place than this and nowhere else you would rather be.

Hot summer days follow warm summer nights, this is hedonists groundhog day without the monotony. The world blossoms before you with the visions of boat parties, intimate gathering of DJs and music lovers, all thrust together out at sea. You may cry tears of joy, it happens to be true, for there are few greater experiences in life that evoke such deep emotion.

For me the Mindfluid boat, with Kev Beadle firmly at the helm and followed closely by Rich Medina, Rainer Truby, Lefto, took proceedings to a whole new level. Until you have experienced nearly an entire boat moving in unison directing energy from the ‘souls’ of their dancing feet towards the DJs, it is a feeling like no other. On the Yoruba Soul boat, Osunlade, Rainer Truby, Craig Smith and Eddie Ramich; gathered our spirits and invoked the gods and goddesses of dance. Such were the vibrations pulsating through the boat, that several dolphins joined the party and jumped with joy alongside us. Revellers flocked to side of the Argonaught to catch sight of these magestic creatures, all at once causing the boat to lean precariously to one side. Occurrences like these are rare, they are what I call a world appreciation moments and are to be cherished. Just when you think you can not take any more happiness, you discover how to dance on the beach stage! Wide wild steps, sweeping arms as you sassay across the dance floor. All is right with the world the DJ is spinning your favourite tune, whilst the disco ball showers in you in an iridescent glow. Where else could you experience a plethora of DJs from Osunlade, Andrew Ashong, Lay-Far, Floating Point, DJ Spen, Dean Sunshine Smith, Lil Stevie, Gavin Kendrick, all displaying a kaleidoscope of the finest soulful underground dance music around?!

I will take this opportunity to salute my dear friend Neil Pierce, who is one half of Rhemi, whose track ‘Diamond’, must be the winner of anthem of the week, not a day passed with out the lyrics ‘Just be the diamond that you know you are’, cascading across the beach stage. All who are in agreement with me say I!

But wait there is more Barbarellas! Here you become the mistress or the master of keeping the vibe alive as the coach takes you to your destination. Barbarellas is a world within itself, an out door arena, free from walls allowing you to be free. Time moves slowly we dance for hours to an assortment of; Disco edits, Deep South African House, Soulful and uplifting grooves, to the ancestral tribal Afro House. We dance until the first light creeps it’s way over head, the morning sun makes it way to greet us, (haven’t you gone to bed yet) it whispers.

I must not forget to mention the pleasure of seeing the live acts Roy Ayers and Brand New Heavies and how we swayed and sang along to the songs that have provided the soundtrack to our lives. Or the Soul stage with Terry Jones & Ronnie Herel, as it throbbed to the sound of happy singing voices.

Make way for the DJ Queens, Natasha Kitty Kat Probert, Simmone Black Fox and Blonde Flash, who displayed greatness behind the decks.

As the days progressed and with the greatest ease, you find you have became a member of Suncebeat family. Never has it been so easy to connect with people from the worldwide community in one small place. Facebook will light up with the clicks of new connections and shared experiences.

After – Is the stage of utter exhaustion but only as a result of having the best time of your life. Most of us at some point have lost our voices, some folk have temporary lost our minds, lack of sleep can do that to you. All forgiven and after a good nights sleep is forgotten.

The most profound realisation of what you have just experienced can not be found in words, it hits you between the 2^nd and 4^th day of being at home. When the slow trickle of Facebook statuses become a torrent of adoration and love. Video clips and photos topple across the screen, confirming that yes this is your life. The revelation hits you square in the heart and mind, that you now belong to something deeply powerful and moving. Suncebeat is more than a festival, it is a way of being with one another and a way in which we connect with our spiritual selves. Since the dawn of time our ancestors have joined together under the sun and moon, we have danced in unison sending our earthly bodies into the heavens. For those 7 days we have followed in the footsteps of ancestors celebrating lives bounty.

I end my review with a quote by Ptolemy an ancient Greek geographer and astronomer, I read this quote and thought of us.

‘I know that I am mortal by nature and ephemeral, but when I trace at my pleasure the windings to and fro of heavenly bodies, I know longer touch earth with my feet. I stand in the presence of Zeus and take my fill of ambrosia’.

I would like to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt blessings and love to Alex Lowes, Dave Gardener, Nick Connelly, Gavin Kendrick, Kev Beadle, Ben Brophy Yasim, Ceri Ann and to all the people in front and behind the scenes who help this extraordinary festival possible.

Give thank the DJs, for their energy, for keeping us dancing and for being the conduit in which unifies us: Roy Ayers, Brand New Heavies, Louie Vega, Tony Humphries, Kerri Chandler, Osunlade, Sandy Riviera, Miguel Migs, Black Coffee, Dimitri From Paris, Floating Points, Andrew Ashong, Motor City Drum Emsemble, Marques Wyatt, Rich Medina, DJ Spen, Reverend P, Late Nite Tuff Guy, Lefto, Rainer Truby, Eddy Ramich, Lay-Far, Djeff Afrozilla, Craig Smith, Dean Sunshine Smith, Ronnie Herel, Souldynamic, Phil Asher, Kev Beadle, Gavin Kendrick, Mark Stone, David Fiorese, Luis Radio, Jonny Miller, Ben Brophy, Steve Butler, Lil Stevie, James Morgan, Natasha Kitty Kat Probert, Simmone Black Fox, Blonde Flash and Colin Williams.

To my roomies Jan and Karen, here’s to our nudist apartment, Benny Hill sketches, Prosecco and life long friendship.

My business partner Laila – welcome to the family we the world is our oyster.

Last but not least children of the sun always keep the love of Suncebeat in your hearts. Until next year big love,  Angel Mel x

To relive the whole experience tune into my Suncebeat 6 soundtrack, just follow the link below.

Southport Weekender – Celebrating 28 Years Of Life, Love and Music at One of Britain’s largest & longest standing indoor dance events. Collection Of Music and Memories

We are family.

Back in October 2014, the organisers of Southport weekender brought Southport back home to it’s original humble beginnings at the Pointins site. I made it my mission to interview and record as many of the SPW family, in celebration of our 50th anniversary. My aim was for people to share their first time and most cherished memories of the Southport Weekender. Since starting out on my mission, the recording of people’s stories was the easy part, but editing and putting it all to music was quite a different kettle of fish. I had to learn how to use the audacity program from scratch! So please excuse the all the ambient sounds in the background,and the imperfections. All the stories were recorded live from the event as it was happening. I’ve been holding on to this project for months, I was uncertain whether the finished product was good enough to share with my beloved Southport family. That is until I received the news on Wednesday 20th March that would no doubt change not only my life but the lives of those around me, when I heard that this years Southport Weekender would be the last. I wasn’t prepared for the overwhelming since of loss, I felt bereft. Hearing the news was like losing a dear friend. Selfishly I could only think of life never being quite the same again, and that there could be nothing to fill the hole that it left behind. For Alex Lowes, Dave Gardner and the team to come to this decision must have been heart breaking for them. But I can not dwell on the sadness or sense of loss, when belonging to the worlds most friendliest music event has brought me and many others so much joy. Nothing can take away our memories, or the life long friendships and experiences that we all shared together. We belong to a unique community, fueled by our passion for music and togetherness which has ultimately changed our lives for the better. Remember there is no Southport without you, us or them. With every dance move we ever made, when we wiped the tears of happiness from our eyes, from the collective call of ‘Good Morning campers’, the infamous chalet parties, the mind blowing performances, our pride as we display our collection of SPW lanyards, the intensity of the build up as the event approaches. We have all be touched by the magic and it has left it’s mark like indelible ink right across our hearts. This isn’t the end it’s just the beginning of a brand new chapter in our lives. Lastly I want

to thank all the amazing people who contributed to this podcast and to everyone single one of the SPW family for having such a profound affect on my life. I hope by listening to this podcast it makes you smile and to bring back your own special memories. Special thanks to Corina & friend, the brilliant Antony Elson, Susie, Steve Smith, Rebecca Wann & Champs, Simon Schooly Philips, Fitzroy Da Buzzboy, Siobhan & Tracey, Adeva, Marcia Carr, Jean Carne, Rob Lawrence, The Beast, Annie & Alan Kenny Arscott from Mucho Soul, Mike Dirguid, John Stewart, (my soul sista Jan Whalley, Peter Borg, William Loonen Thanks to Colin Williams for the image. Music 1. George Benson – You can do it baby 2.Cheryl Lynn – Got to be real 3. Masters At Work – To be in love 4. Armand Van Heldon – You don’t know me (instrumental) 5.Sounds of Blackness – I’m going all the way 6. Maze – Twilight 7. Nu Colours – Greater Love 8. The Rebirth = This journey in 9.Jean Carne – Was that all it was 10.Omar – Dancing (Zed Bias remix) 11. Roy Ayers – Liquid Love 12. Kerri Chandler – Rain 13. Louie Vega – Cerca De Mi (instrumental) 14. Gregory Porter – On the way to Harlem

http://angelmel1979.podomatic.com/entry/2015-03-22T08_47_41-07_00

Osunlade – Age of the (Aquarian Moon) Review

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Age of the Aquarius.
Aquarian Moon was originally released by BBE back in 2006. Now re-released in 2014, several new tracks have been added to this Deluxe edition.

Osunlade is a man that needs no introduction, revered and adored by his dance floor believers, known to many as the ‘Black Messiah’. With a style that is fluid as the water that flows from the Aquarian star sign. Osunlade latest offering is an ode to his beloved adopted home Santorini in Greece, each track is a unique love letter detailing the many ways in which it has become his spiritual home.
Sculptured and shaped like wood made by the skilled hands of an devoted artisan. Rich, with a bounty of ethnic percussive elements which are the roots of the tree. At the core, Osunlade never loses sight of the importance of a his spirituality, to invoke the listener into experiencing a shared existence. Like the branches of an oak tree, each track holds it’s own by thrusting outwards an array of musical influences in it’s garden of earthly delights. The track, ‘Aquarian Moon’, fuelled by the beat of bongo drums, hand claps, melodic strums of the guitar and rhythmic slaps of bass; while ‘Twophish’, is a funk infused flute fest. ‘Circles’, is a beautifully orchestrated piece, with a broken jazz components. ‘Sokinsikartep’, is a track that is deep as it is wide, an electronic pounding thunderous storm, while ‘Casablanca Soul’, is the polar opposite, the sweetest sounding horn sections, fingers tips that skip across the piano keys in sheer delight, happiness in a love letter.
The Age of Aquarius is believed by some to herald in a time of peace and harmony, if this is true ‘Aquarius Moon’ would be the place that we all gather together in love and appreciation for the places we call our spiritual home, where ever that may be.

Artist: Osunlade
Title: Aquarian Moon Deluxe Edition
Label: Yoruba Records
Release date: Out now
Available from: Bandcamp
Listen again: http://yorubarecords.bandcamp.com/album/aquarian-moon-deluxe-edition

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tone Control Music  delivers another mighty dance floor blow.

Elevate is a master class in electronic deepness delivered with uplifting intention. Inspirational lyrics  by Fyza, deliver the lines “You’ve gotta get up. Style it out “!  The true to heart vocals motivates not only the mind but the body too. Elevate mixes: classic 4×4 drum patterns, mesmerising  electronic  swirls and melodic bass. Creating the music  equivalent to the release of daily  tensions, as the track suggests lose yourself and elevate your mind.

Dub version

This is deep house in it’s purest sense. Elevate is stripped back to the basics, raw and unforgiving. This track was made for the dance floor, it was meant to lose the listener and reappear when your feet touch the ground.  Floating strings and synths  pay their respects to the old skool classic Chicago house sound.

I like to call this eyes wide shut, a track that moves you from the inside out.

Artist: Tomson & Fyza

Title:  Elevate

Label: Tone Control Music

Release date: 10th March

Available from: Traxsource

Listen: http://www.tonecontrolmusic.co.uk/?p=673

5 Years of Deeper Shades by Lars Behrenroth album review. Spiritual Deepness.

Lars Behrenroth is a name that is synonymous with delivering ‘real’ house music to the masses. The 5 Years of Deeper Shades album is global collective of up and coming and established producers who have mastered the art of creating deep house blends. The album is a master class, it charters a five year journey through; from, Afro,  tribal, jazz infused to hypnotic drum loops, spiritual deepness, and inspirational samples like the use of the Martin Luther King I have a dream speech in Pete Blas Promise Land.

This album consists of the songs that you would hear on the dance floor, the type that stays in your mind, the songs you look for but are not easy to find. It is like being given 31 exclusive dub plates. There are too many tracks that will strike cords with the listener; for me the fore mentioned Pete Blas Promised Land, I miss the things with it’s haunting vocals send a shiver of delight up my spine, and the previously unreleased Happy Days by the 60 Hertz Project which radiates organ filled joy and yes happiness.

An album with integrity, there are no compromises here just the best quality music made by people who have nothing but love for the scene.

5 Years of Deeper Shades is a reference point for all of those who are passionate about  music, and who are looking for something out of the ordinary.

http://five.deepershades.net/

It is already receiving  acclamation from well respected DJs and Producers here are some of the comments.

Osunlade “A solid collection of deepness, not a filler in sight!”

Ralf Gum (Gogo Music) “If you are into real deep House music, which does not necessarily follow the usual current trends, you should by now know Deeper Shades Recordings, as it provides you with exactly this since 5 years!”

Kiko Navarro “Lars, it’s been a long time since I know you and your passion for music. You and your label have been since then faithful to what you have inside and you believe, true deep house. Keep doing your thing because you do it very well and we enjoy it and appreciate it, always on the deep side!”

Eric “Eman” Clark “I’d like to send my heartfelt congratulations to Lars Behrenroth and the whole Deeper Shades staff for 5 years of service to the House Music Community. Keep fighting the Good Fight. You continue to bring us this high quality of dance music from all around the world and we love you for it…”

DJ Simbad (Brownswood) “A label that’s been releasing real deeeeep vibes from fresh artists worldwide, growing stronger & stronger, thanx to Lars Behrenroth. I discovered nuff good peeps too, so here’s for another 5 years of essential quality !! Full respect”

Andy Compton (The Rurals / Peng Rec) “Well done with the 5 years Lars! Always top quality deepness, and loving the new comp….RESPECT!”

Compliation: By Lars Behrenroth – 5 Years of Deeper Shades

Record Label: Deeper Shades Records

Type of music: Afro / Deep House

Released on: 13th December

Available from: iTunes, Traxsource, Amazon

Julian Gomes – The Gift The Curse

“It takes two to make a thing go right, it takes two to make it outta sight”! Which is certainly the case when it comes to Julian Gomes & Atjazz. I interviewed both ahead of their new album release, The Gift The Curse back in October. Julian is a producer and DJ in his own right and has been creating music for a decade, firstly with the G Family Project and then deciding to fly solo in 2012. Since then he has experienced success with his collaboration with Atjazz on the Overshadowed track and more earlier this year he was awarded best video for “Lovesong28″. So what happens when the two people who live across the globe from each other, who both share a passion for music come together? The result The Gift The Curse and this interview.

Q. Growing up in South Africa who were your musical heroes growing up?
A. I was influenced by a lot of music growing up, So its hard to point out one of my heroes when you think of so many musical forms, Especially when you growing up in South Africa. All I can say is that I’m grateful to have come across so much music from a young age.

Q. For all the people who may be unfamiliar with your style, how would you describe your sound?
A. Pure & Honest House Music

Q. There appears to be a special relationship emerging between British and South African artists, producers and DJs why do you think this is? And what if any, impact does this have on the current music scene?
A. I think universally that there are a lot of collaborations happening, I think the internet has helped DJ’s, Producers and general creative & exchange ideas and explore there ideas together, Which is great because Art is universal.

Q. You have collaborated with the likes of Omar, Black Coffee and of course Martin Atjazz. How does working with different artists influence your sound and creativity?
A. I’m Grateful to have collaborated with these artists because I’m a fan of their sound first and foremost. Collaborating is always exciting when the energy is on the same page, You learn a lot of things from each other and at the end of the day its all about putting out good music.

Q. Speaking of collaborations, you have been working together with Martin Atjazz on the new album The Curse The Cure, what can we expect to hear from this album?
A. Yes, The Gift The Curse, Is a project that is close to Martin and Myself. Its been a year and a half in the making. Martin and Myself came together and decided that we wanted to get into studio and write and Organic and Honest album. We happy that is officially available and people are getting to hear ”us on a plate” like martin says.

Q. There are many people who are keen to see you both play together. Will you be touring in the UK to promote the album?
A. I really like the sound of that, Need to talk to Martin about it.

Big love going out to Julian for taking the time.