INTONENATION PRESENTS: MEET THE ARTIST SERIES - DJ MELODIE

In this week’s MEET THE ARTIST series we are proud to present American-Vietnamese international electronic music DJ & record producer, DJMelodie. Based in San Francisco, she's played at venues across the globe such as "Avalon Hollywood" Los Angeles, "Halcyon SF" San Francisco, “1015” San Francisco, “Ruby Skye” San Francisco, “Insanity Nightclub” Bangkok just to name a few and appearing in a line-up with artists such as Paul Van Dyk, Ferry Corsten, John Fleming, Dj Shogun, Kyau & Albert, Protoculture, Orjan Nilsen, JES, Kristina Sky, Aruna, Betsie Larkin, and more. She also held a residency at San Francisco #1 Afterhour NightClub, The EndUp.

Her latest release with Yelow “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?

In the early 2000s, I fell in love with Trance Music, especially Vocal Trance. I would listen to songs like Delirium feat. Sara McLachlan - Silence, Motorcycle - As The Rush Comes, ATB - 9 PM (Till I Come), and many more. Inspired by many of these legendary Trance artists, I became a Trance Dj and Producer. I wanted to play and create emotive and meaningful music that would touch people and hopefully make a difference in their lives. I began to be more serious about it after recovering from a traumatic injury to my neck, which left me with chronic pain. Music has been the main factor in my healing journey. From Djing, live streaming, producing music -- all have been therapeutic and a lifesaver. I find joy in knowing that I can bring happiness to others through my music and mixes. It's given me hope, purpose, and above all else, re-ignited my passion. I do what I can to help others through my own experiences.

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

In the next 5 years, I see more female artists and producers bringing their style and individuality to the Trance scene that will help evolve the scene and the music style. I hope I will be able to contribute to that evolution.

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

‘Crystal Clear’ is our first collaboration together and my first collaboration with anyone. We first met on a Trance Retreat that Edwin hosted in Phuket, Thailand in February 2019. We became good friends and teamed up to work on a track together. I had a vocal I wanted to develop into a track and we decided to use it for our collaboration. I work on Logic Pro X while Edwin works with Ableton, so initially we each came up with our concepts/version on our own DAWs. Later, we pulled parts, ideas, arrangements, etc from each project and worked with the main project in Ableton. We wanted to do a trance track but wanted to bring something different and created a baseline that is known to be popular in Vietnamese crowds. We did all this through Zoom and WhatsApp. We had several versions of the track but settled with the final one after JES and the Intonenation Axiom team helped guide us to a version we truly loved.

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

This track has an important meaning to me. The song is about seeing yourself through 'Crystal Clear' perspective, learning to accept yourself, and seeing yourself as you truly are, instead of looking at yourself through illusions and expectations, which can bring a real turning point and an opportunity to overcome your fears and doubts. For me, the fear and doubt I had was being gay. All my life I hid that from everyone. I was not myself and it made me miserable but meeting Krystal was the turning point in my life. Love brings clarity. I learned to accept myself, had the strength and courage to be me. It's only when we can look through crystal clear lenses that we become who we are and overcome and achieve anything. If I can inspire anyone to be who they are, to not be afraid, and to follow their dreams that would be the best thing in the world for me.

5. What’s is next for you in 2021?

I’m currently working on a couple of vocal projects that I look forward to sharing with everyone. What the pandemic showed me is that working together with others can create magical and unique things, like the track I made together with Edwin. And in 2021, Krystal and I made our debut, as “Melodie & Krystal” and we want to continue to share our love of music to the world by performing more together either on Twitch or in real life.

Dj Melodie and Yelow Have Shown That Their Futures In The Electronic Music Scene Are “Crystal Clear.”

Listen/Download https://InToneNation.lnk.to/CrystalClear

When two creatives join forces during a chance meeting through their shared love of music, anything can happen. Delivering what will surely be one the freshest progressive trance cuts of the year, American-Vietnamese Dj Melodie and Canadian Edwin “Yelow” Tsui have shown that their futures in the electronic music scene are “Crystal Clear.”

Drawing on strong lyrical themes, the track opens up with a catchy bass break which sets the tone for the emotive vocal layers which follow. Dropping into the verse, the intensity level rises and continues to build all the way to the breakdown’s rousing vocal refrain and synth build. As the drop surges in and the theme expands, the track grows, reaching a climax with the return of the inspiring vocal hook.

The song has a universal significance, as DJ Melodie pointed out when asked about the lyrics:

“This track has an important meaning to me. It’s about learning to accept yourself and how that can make your life change for the better. Seeing yourself as you truly are, instead of looking at yourself through illusions and expectations, can bring a real turning point and an opportunity to overcome your fears and doubts.”

Rising UK Trance Producer Kelvin Rowlands Releases "Arrival" On Intonenation Axiom

Listen/Download: https://InToneNation.lnk.to/Arrival

Drawing inspiration for his new release from the renewed global interest in space travel is fast rising UK trance producer Kelvin Rowlands. In the dawn of a new era, "Arrival" is a sublime slice of uplifting trance that is sure to inspire and take you on a musical journey. The ingenious use of theme and structure play well with Kelvin’s shining production style. As the opening of the song unfolds, it hints at the unforgettable energy to come. The breakdown layers subtle synth arpeggios with classical guitar melodies before giving way to an epic drop that hits like a tidal wave. So get ready for impending interplanetary travel and extraterrestrial visitation with the perfect soundtrack, "Arrival", from Kelvin Rowlands.

Moroccan Native Jeef B Releases The Progressive Offering "Symphony" On Intonenation Axiom

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

Like finding a rare piece of sea glass on a perfect beach, JeeF B’s understated gem "Symphony" is rich with mysterious layers and colors that reveal an inner depth and history. The Moroccan native’s latest progressive offering reaches a state of emotional tantra, fascinating the listener and transporting them on a journey of understanding and unity. A deeply house-influenced beat and bass line, supporting the enchanting string and plucked themes, make this the perfect calm before the storm in any set. As dynamic as it is melodic, Symphony is a voyage to an unknown destination of promise. So ride the wave of "Symphony" with Jeef B, and take a step closer to yourself.

Out Now On Intonenation Axiom Aamos vs. Miikka Leinonen - rEvolver

Buy/Stream: https://intonenation.complete.me/revolver

Continuing Intonenation Axiom’s run of notable collaborations is Finnish trance cohorts Aamos & Miikka Leinonen, setting their sights high with a new progressive offering called rEvolver. This dynamic duo has brought back the feel-good, danceable aspect that trance has for too long been missing. rEvolver is as rhythmic as it is melodic, as impulsive as it is informed, and it can’t wait to liberate. Centered around a massive, infectious melodic drop that will animate even the most reluctant party people, rEvolver looks set to bring its own unique redemption to trance fans everywhere.  So pull the trigger now with rEvolver, and see if you can’t feel the freedom!

Intonenation Axiom Releases An Emotional & Epic Track From Behind The Sunset "Change"

Buy/Stream: https://intonenation.complete.me/change

Behind the Sunset are as mysterious as their name suggests. The reclusive Polish duo has been flying just under the radar of mainstream dance since their last release Actus Secondus. That, however, is about to "Change". Dropping their first single on JES’s new Intonenation Axiom imprint, BTS has conjured up a magnificent slice of emo based trance that won’t be able to avoid shattering their formerly peaceful existence.

Combining a quasi androgynous vocal hook with a sea of deep synths, breakbeats, and 303’s, "Change" brings together a host of clublands favorite styles into one dance floor leveling tornado. Sounding like the perfect collaboration between Above and Beyond, Fatboy Slim, and Underworld, "Change" is set to bring truth and authenticity right into a decade that needs it so very badly. All at once, emotional and epic, personal and expansive, Behind The Sunset have ripped a hole in the fabric of the club scene, a hole that might just lead to somewhere new, somewhere better. Get Behind The Sunset now, and make the "Change".

UNIMI Releases "Between Darkness", An Inspired And Enormous Slice Of Prog-Lifting!

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

Continuing Intonenation Axiom’s stellar run of releases in 2020 is Between Darkness, an inspired and enormous slice of prog-lifting genius from mysterious Dutch bootleg champion, UNIMI. Combining the sound of progressive trance, with the pure energy of uplifting trance, UNIMI has broken through the final frontier, creating a new genre in the space between progressive and uplifting trance. 

Opening with a hypnotic beat, the epic energy is apparent right from the start. As Between Darkness drops into its first breakdown, the mesmerizing piano theme appears, and grows with layers of synths and snares. When the leads hit, you’ll be reaching for the air as energy grows with electronic wash, after electronic wash. A huge pitch-bending builds cause exactly the right type of anxiety, and you know there’s only one place we can be going. The drop crashes down with a deep sense of satisfaction, bringing order and chaos in equal measure and turning the dance floor into a mosh pit. As the power subsides, the melody lingers on in the air, and the ride begins again.

Between Darkness creates the bridge between progressive and uplifting, and with it, UNIMI has delivered the perfect DJ tool for every peak time set. 

Levekar Drops His Playful Gamer Inspired "Rift Herald".

Buy/Stream: https://intonenation.complete.me/riftherald

Launching 2020 with an early release on JES’ new Intonenation Axiom imprint is Egyptian Emeer of trance Levekar, who drops his playful gamer inspired Rift Herald. Following on a breakout last year, with releases on notable labels like FSOE Fables, Emergent Cities, and Statement, Levekar once again ups his game and brings a new level to the dance floor. Bringing an infectious groove from the outset, the track opens with a wash of emotional texture, dropping into a bass groove of monstrous proportions. Layers of arpeggios and sublime pads fall into the bass groove from nowhere and the energy begins to rise. As the breakdown hits an expectant euphoria grows in the vocal textures as the drop melody awakens. The build doesn’t disappoint, bringing a flirtatiously melodic drop that will have you hoping that this moment never ends. Get ready for some next-level fun and get yourself immersed in the game with Levekar’s awesome Rift Herald.

JES & Dan Thompson New Collaboration "Here With Me" Out Now!

Listen/Download: https://JES.lnk.to/HereWithMe

A new year brings new beginnings, and 2020 is already delivering more than anyone could have expected. Releasing on Grammy-nominated Intonenation Records’ newly initiated sister label, Intonenation Axiom is “Here With Me,” a brand new collaboration from two of the most formidable names in dance, JES, and Dan Thompson.

Building on the massive success of the Dan Thompson remix of JES’ allure collaboration, Show Me The Way which first brought their talents together last year, Here With Me adds fuel to a fire that simply won’t stop burning. Slabs of majestic synth rise from a pounding beat that echoes like the pulse of a million stomping feet while JES’ trademark vocals float like a dream through billowing clouds of atmosphere, revealing a hook that at once charms and intoxicates. An emotional rollercoaster of epic proportions and a huge slice of pure trance energy, it soars to the highest peaks and plunges to the lowest valley. Here With Me is a tribute to the unity that we find on the dance floor and reminds you of all the reasons you fell in love with dance music in the first place. 

So start the new year by reconnecting with JES and Dan Thompson because when you're Here With Me, anything is possible.

New Prog-Groover "Lofti" Out Now By Jon Bourne

Stream/Download: https://InToneNation.lnk.to/Lofti

Jon Bourne, the quickly rising one to watch of the progressive movement returns to all dance floors near you with “Lofti,” his latest prog-groover on the esteemed Intonenation Records.

Bringing the emotion and the groove together, “Lofti” is an inspiring 6 minutes of highly charged groove and bass. Walking a fine line between melodic techno and progressive house, “Lofti” also draws on elements of progressive trance giving it a compelling cross-genre appeal. Rising continually through breakdowns and rolling plateau drops, textured layers of vocals and synths effortlessly build in intensity. As the pounding groove keeps’ your feet moving, the ever-expanding energy wave moves your hands skyward and “Lofti” has caught you in its subtle grasp. So get down with Jon Bourne and “Lofti” this summer and you won’t know what hit you, until it's too late!