INTONENATION PRESENTS: MEET THE ARTIST SERIES - YELOW

In this week’s MEET THE ARTIST series we talk with Canadian trance producer Edwin ‘Yelow’ Tsui. A fast rising breakthrough producer based out of Calgary, Alberta. With over a decade of event hosting & club DJing experience (having opened for acts such as Paul van Dyk, Aly & Fila, Gabriel & Dresden, Mark Sixma, Vini Vici and more), he set his sights on music production in 2017 by co-founding the Soundcation Trance Retreat with Dennis Sheperd.

His latest release with Dj Melodie “Crystal Clear” is out now on all digital platforms. Stream/buy here https://InToneNation.lnk.to/CrystalClear

1. How did you start making music and what were your early inspirations? 

I started taking production seriously in late 2017, after hosting a production-based ‘Trance Retreat’ in Bali with Dennis Sheperd. I was inspired by the talented instructors at the retreat including Mark Sixma, Protoculture, Dennis Sheperd, and Sied van Riel - it was so exciting and interesting to take a look at the behind-the-scenes on how music was produced! Aside from learning as the Soundcation / Trance Retreat organizer, I also signed up for Sonic Academy, watched plenty of YouTube videos, and took 1-on-1 lessons to supplement my personal development.

Early inspirations stem from my discovery of A State of Trance in early 2005 and include Armin Van Buuren, Menno de Jong, and Sean Tyas!

2. Where do you see Trance music in 5 years?

I think trance will have a bit of a return to its roots with longer, slower developing tracks - the pandemic allowed many artists to explore music outside of clubs or festival sets. Sound design will also evolve significantly (you can already see it happening with the similarities between melodic techno and progressive trance!).

3. Is this your first collaboration together? What was the process like?

‘Crystal Clear’ is indeed our first collaboration together! We first met on a Trance Retreat I hosted in Phuket, Thailand, back in February 2019 and we became good friends and kept in touch. At one point DJ Melodie mentioned to me that she had a vocal she wanted to develop into a track, and we came up with a few initial concepts. I worked on the main project in Ableton, we bounced ideas and parts back and forth and also worked over Zoom! It took us a while to get it to a state we were both happy with, but with the guidance of JES and the Intonenation Axiom team, we’re really happy with the final product.

4. What was your inspiration for “Crystal Clear”?

I’m typically an uplifting trance producer so naturally, I had to go for a trancey, arp style main melody for the climax, but we wanted to have a very groovy, catchy bassline that would be effective and accessible for both DJ Melodie and myself to play out for a more commercial crowd. For the baseline, we drew on some inspiration from our shared Asian backgrounds with some inspiration from music that is popular with Vietnamese crowds (to which we have both played extensively!).

5. What’s is next for you in 2021?

It's been a very productive year for me with a recent Beatport top 10 remix of Sunlounger which was released on FSOE in June, and aside from Crystal Clear, I’ve got releases lined up on FSOE, Deep in Thought, AVA White, Magic Island! I’ve been working closely with Roger Shah and helping him run his Magic Island label and we’ve collaborated on several tracks which I think will be very well received by the broader trance community! As travel resumes in parts of the world I'm also looking forward to hosting Soundcation Trance Retreats once again with our first one in October before ADE!

Follow Yellow:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/djyelow

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djyelow

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/dj_yelow

INTONENATION PRESENTS: MEET THE ARTIST SERIES - JEEF B

In this week’s MEET THE ARTIST series we introduce Moroccan native Jeef B. Like finding a rare piece of sea glass on a perfect beach, Jeef B’s understated gem "Symphony", out now via Intonenation Axiom, is rich with mysterious layers and colors that reveal an inner depth and history.

Listen/Download: https://intonenation.complete.me/symphony

1. How did you start making music and what were your early inspirations?

I started producing music in 2011 and was a huge fan of electronic music. That’s is the reason that I started producing, and my early inspirations were Above & Beyond and Armin Van Burren.

2. How does the Moroccan culture influence your music?

The Moroccan culture is very rich, especially in music. It helped me a lot to develop my melodies creation and the vibe and the atmosphere I look for while making the song.

3. Your music has been supported by some of the superstars in the dance world like Aly & Fila , Above & Beyond , Markus Schulz , Cosmic Gate , BT and of course JES (just to name a few). What has been your landmark moment so far?

I appreciate every support I get and think each support has a unique taste. I think all of them mean something to me or meant something at some points in my career.

4. Which do you prefer, producing in the studio or DJ’ing?

Definitely, I like producing more.

5. What’s in store for Jeef B in 2021?

I have some originals and remixes coming for 2021 so many things are coming.

INTONENATION PRESENTS: MEET THE ARTIST SERIES - NISHIKUSHI

In this week’s MEET THE ARTIST series we introduce underground Japanese trance hotshot Nishikushi. His new track on Intonenation Axiom Bring It All Back is a non-stop rollercoaster packed with shameless euphoric energy.

Stream/Download: https://intonenation.complete.me/bringit

1. How did you start making music, and what were your early inspirations?

I started making music when I was 10 years old, and when I was 14 years old I heard trance music for the first time on the internet radio and was struck by its futuristic sound. At the time, there was a compilation album called "Cyber Trance" in Japan, and the melodic Dutch trance music like System F and Rank 1 was very popular in Japan, and that hurt me. Before trance, I was in a band and made pop and rock music, but after I discovered trance, I've been making trance music for most of my life.

2. Could you describe your sound, and what makes it unique?

Beautiful, memorable melodies, I think that's the best part of my sound. Every time I'm making a track, I've made a number of different melodies, and adopted the ones that have made the most impression on me. "Bring It All Back" is a very unique melody, don't you think? I also make sure that the songs don't get boring for the listener. Club music tends to develop in the same way. Of course, it's stylistic and exciting, but I try not to get stuck in it.

3. How did you get started in the business, and what was your first landmark moment?

I've always wanted to release my own music on labels I've admired since I was a teenager, so I've been making tracks and sending them out to some very high level labels. But of course they didn't get picked up. So I stopped being picky and sent the demos out to various labels. Then I heard from a label right away and I released my first tune on that label. And then another famous label A&R heard this track and gave me a chance. From that time, I did a couple of releases and here I am. But this time, releasing my track on Intonenation Axiom is the biggest landmark for me!

4. Which do you prefer, producing in the studio or DJ’ing?

Definitely I like producing better! I also like DJ'ing but listening to some good music makes me really want to make music! I feel the most happiness when I'm making music.

5. What’s next for Nishikushi?

I haven't released anything in the last few years, so I'll be bringing a lot of trance music to you this year! I already have a few songs scheduled for release. They're all really good uplifting trance, so you're gonna love it!

INTONENATION PRESENTS: MEET THE ARTIST SERIES - SPECTRAL

In this week’s MEET THE ARTIST series we introduce Israeli producer Spectral. Fostering a passion for Trance, DJing and production from his early teens, with early influence from Ferry Corsten, Paul Van Dyk and Scooter, Spectral joined forces with Chris SX for the massive release on Intonenation Axiom "The Angelcy".

Listen/Download: https://intonenation.complete.me/theangelcy

How did you start making music, and what were your early inspirations?

I fell in love with electronic music when I was about 11 years old. I was my class's resident DJ, switching cassettes when we wanted to have dance-offs outside. My gateway DJ was Scooter, but my hands-down idol was Ferry Corsten. Once I heard 'Out Of The Blue', I just knew this kind of music would have me locked for life.

Could you describe your sound, and what makes it unique?

Melodies first and foremost. I have a hard time composing something that does not revolve around the melody and the harmonies. They need to have a soul and need to be unmistakable. Right now I'm infusing my original tracks with Psy-Trance elements, particularly the unmistakable kick/sub combo. I think the hard edge, coupled with the powerful lead synths, reflects my 'I want it all' personality and fits me.

How did you get started in the business, and what was your first landmark moment?

My break-in to high profile releases came at a very late stage of my production. Production was way in the background for me for over 15 years, when an old friend reminded me of something he really liked that I made back in 2003. It reignited my confidence and made me commit. I start taking things more seriously and judge my music by sound quality and appeal, sought out colleagues, and good instructors. It took another year and a few good words to land me my first signed release with Redux Recordings!

My landmark moment is so far easy to pick: The first time I saw a video of my music played to a live crowd. My current absolute idol. Sean Tyas, played my track 'Reborn' at Luminosity Beach Festival 2019 and I can't describe the feeling I got from that.

Which do you prefer, producing in the studio or DJ’ing?

I have not DJed for quite a while and really focused on making music the past two years. Making music is my #1 love. But I miss a crowd, I miss the feeling and hope to rekindle the Jockey flame soon.

What’s next for Chris SX/Spectral?

Chris and I are not done and will be delivering more music together. I may have 1 or 2 more releases by the end of 2020 but will have lots more in 2021. I have never had more unsigned and in-progress works as I do right now, with quite a few collaborations with other producers and amazing vocalists. I'm going to branch out and put out a few prog-housey tunes as an outlet to my laidback side, but for my core work: I intend to keep taking my sound to harder, faster regions while maintaining my heavy, melodic, emotional signature.

FOLLOW Spectral:

FB: https://www.facebook.com/SpectralMusic

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/spectral.music

Twitter: https://twitter.com/spectral_listen

Mixcloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/odeddrori

INTONENATION PRESENTS: MEET THE ARTIST SERIES - AAMOS

In this week’s MEET THE ARTIST series we are excited to introduce Aamos. A Finnish trance producer whose latest collaboration with Miikka Leinonen “rEvolver” has brought back the feel-good, danceable aspect that trance has for too long been missing.

Listen/download: https://intonenation.complete.me/revolver

How did you start making music, and what were your early inspirations?

When i started producing it was 2011 and I was very shy and nervous high-school kid, who wanted to be noticed somehow. I downloaded a Cracked FL studio and started practicing. Trance (and especially progressive trance) was a genre I was interested in. It had emotional feel, massive atmospheres, very polished sound and groovy. It felt right genre to me at that point.

Could you describe your sound, and what makes it unique?

I would describe my sound very detailed and polished. I love making electro house inspired intros/outros, emotional breakdowns and melodic drop with lots of grooviness. I also tend to add some textures and small details on my project that you are not able to hear, but definitely feel when they are not out there.

How did you get started in the business, and what was your first landmark moment?

"Amo R" was my earlier alias. After 2 Years of producing I won a remix contest (but thankfully that remix never got officially released). That made me more self confident and I started shooting my tracks to labels until i got my very first release back in 2013. It was quite bad to be honest, but still another label A&R contacted me and told me he liked my work and wanted me to make remix for him. After that I got multiple releases on different labels and my tracks, remixes and collabs got supported by many big artists, such as Armin van Buuren, Paul Van Dyk, Ferry Corsten, Above&Beyond etc.

Which do you prefer, producing in the studio or DJ’ing?

Simple answer: I love doing both! But originally i’m a producer.

What’s next for Aamos and Miikka Leinonen? 

No plans yet. We are not a duo and I’m kinda quitting full time Trance producing and starting a more popular House based duo with friend of mine who moved to the same studio room. However, I’m not completely quitting my alias and I’m occasionally still concentrating on my own trance work. I’m also always open to trance remixes, producer&mixing help and most importantly trance gigs in the future!

FOLLOW Aamos:

FB: https://facebook.com/Aamosofficial

Twitter https://twitter.com/aamos_official

INTONENATION PRESENTS: MEET THE ARTIST SERIES - BEHIND THE SUNSET

Intonenation is proud to present Behind The Sunset for our MEET THE ARTIST series. After a 6 year break, Behind The Sunset has just dropped a massive single “Change” out now on Intonenation Axiom. “Change” is a magnificent slice of emo based trance that won’t be able to avoid shattering their formerly peaceful existence.

Stream/download here: https://intonenation.complete.me/change

How did you guys meet and start to make music with each other?

We met on a music forum. Each of us led a modest solo career. Even then we were strongly associated with trance music. We remixed a few songs to each other and then decided to create a joint track. It turned out that by joining forces, our music took a new level. Our first single was released physically and digitally on Arnej Music. Then we decided that we would work together under the name Behind The Sunset. Our friendship at that time was only online. Each of us lived in a different city. Music, however, meant that our relationship moved to real life. We are currently musical partners and privately good friends.

Could you describe your sound, and what makes it unique?

Our music is one big chaos. We don't limit ourselves to one style, that's why some of our songs are very different from the others. However, what can be found in each of our songs are emotions. We are big fans of euphoric melodies and deep sounds. Each of our tracks will have a place for a reflective moment, even if the whole song is strongly tech.

How did you get started in the business, and what was your first landmark moment as a group?

As we mentioned earlier, our first single was released on Arnej Music. It was a song called Painting Heaven Together. Shortly after that, we released our second single, Chameleon, which enjoyed great interest from popular DJs. The song was supported by such personalities as Armin van Buuren, Markus Shulz, and Richard Durand. It was a turning point in our careers. We have gained a lot of new fans and interest of music labels.

Which do you prefer, producing in the studio or DJ’ing?

To be honest, we're not experienced DJs, so it's hard to tell what we like more. However, we can confidently say that we love everything that is related to music, so being a DJ is our next step to the fascinating musical world. Let's hope that in the nearest future we will be able to present our DJ skills. Who knows, maybe we'll get an invitation to some guest mix.

What’s next for Behind The Sunset?

In addition to Change, we have another upcoming single. The release date is scheduled for mid-June. The track will be released in Phatbull Records. We are also currently working on some new songs. We are planning to invite vocalists to cooperation. We hope that it will be successful work and new music from BTS will satisfy our current listeners and we will gain new fans.

CONNECT WITH BEHIND THE SUNSET:

Website: https://behindthesunset.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/behindthesunsetpl

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/behindthesunsetpl

Twitter: https://twitter.com/official_bts

Intonenation Presents: Meet The Artist Series - UNIMI

In our first “Meet The Artist” interview series, we introduce mysterious Dutch bootleg champion, UNIMI. His latest track out on Intonenation Axiom, Between Darkness, creates the bridge between progressive and uplifting. Listen/download here https://intonenation.complete.me/darkness

1. What inspired you to start making music?

Back in 2009, I received A State of Trance Yearmix by Armin van Buuren. Yearmix of 2008 if I am correct. Fell in love at the first second. At that point, I got interested in Trance music and imagined myself playing this kind of music for such a crowd that comes especially for Trance/Bigroom. I found my passion for music right here!

2. How did you get started in the business?

After I listened to the Yearmix a million times, I met a friend in my neighborhood which already produced dance music. Hooked him up and he learned me the basic’s in Fruity Loops 8 back then. After I knew the basics I started to watch tutorials, spend all my weekends and nights off by producing music. Never stop learning!

3. Could you describe your sound, and what makes it unique?

This is a kinda funny story; my name “UNIMI” actually came alive by the word “UNIQUE” and my real name “Michael”. Which I split up. UNI - MI. Back to the question: my sound is based on different genres. I don’t want to think in boxes and stick to one sound or genre. I always try to find or create a sound or kind of energy where you can remember my track. For instance: in the track “Between Darkness” I used a crashing radio-ish sound through the whole track. This added a kind of energy and a reminder point. Most of my tracks are made between 134 and 150 BPM. The genres I’d like to produce the most are tracks that are energetic, emotional, and fits on festivals or clubs. So be prepared for hard banging tracks!

4. Between Darkness is a great track! What was the inspiration for the song, and how did you come up with the name?

Thanks for the support guys! The track is made back in 2018 and never saw daylight because I was not sure about the track. In November 2019 I found the project file somewhere on my “Backup Drive” and decided to re-produce the track. I started with the melody of this track, added the radiocrash-ish sound to it. And from there it really all came together real quick. The name of the first project was “Between” and the second project I made of this track I called “Darkness”.. added those names together and came up with “Between Darkness”. I think the name really fits the track because its a kind of dark track, but energetic at the same time.

5. If you could collaborate with any other artist(s), who would you pick, and why?

This is an easy one! Armin van Buuren and MaRLo!

6. What’s next for UNIMI?

Currently, I am working hard on new tracks and crafting my own sound. I’ve got an official remix for MaRLo his label “Reaching Altitude” (Sublabel of Armada Music) coming up. Next to that, I have a few tracks that I am working on, varying from 134 BPM Trance to 150BPM Reverse Bass combined with emotional Trance chords. Don’t be a prisoner of your own style!