11 april 2014

GEORGE MOREL - Let's Groove

When I saw George Morel - Let's Groove it didn't ring any bells at first, but when I pressed play I realised I've bounced to this. It's a banging garage house classic released back in 1993 on Strictly Rhythm, which did releases for DJ Sneak and even Armand van Helden. Remember Armand van Helden - My My My? After all these years "Let's Groove" still sounds fresh and powerful. Of course Morel has been remixed endlessly and all the remixes barely touch the characteristic groove. For me, it's the original version that's made out of pure anthem material. 

9 april 2014

KEREM AKDAG - BEARLY SESSION #5

Kerem Akdag is a 23 year old producer from Istanbul who knows no musical boundaries. It's hard to pin Kerem down within a certain genre because he plays anything as long as it has a groove. Garage, house, hiphop, RnB and the list goes on. He never recorded one of his sets before because he's always had his main focus on producing so we have a real première here. Plus Muziekbeer just went international so that's a double première.

I had a small talk with Kerem about living in Istanbul as a producer, what it's like to release an album at the age of 23 and where his refined taste in music comes from.


Hey Kerem, can you tell me how and where this mix was recorded? And what your thoughts were behind it?
This mix was recorded in my house in Istanbul, on Ableton. I am not really familiar with Ableton so it was a learning process for me. But I have tried to keep it spontaneous like I was in a club or something and had the freedom of not having any crowd haha. So I was brave enough to play a lot of my favourite tracks from different genres. 

How is living in Istanbul for a producer like yourself?
It was really tough before when I first started, because the "producer" title was not being used in the way Western people use it. So therefore there weren't many producers that I know. But with the internet I've realised there was a scene that many producers, like Sarp Yilmaz and Kaan Duzarat, were involved in and somehow I have managed to get into it. 

There are not many clubs that you can play unusual or underground soulful house vibes but there are some so it's a progress that'll hopefully be better in the future. 

You say that there are not a lot of clubs that allow you to play the music you played for us in the BEARLY SESSION. Do you feel your taste in music is holding you back?
Locally yes, but ever since we use social media I don't think it holds me back anymore. Because everything is now global so I'm not tied up in Istanbul. And like I said, there's not really a big club scene here so I don't mind. 

Throughout the set you show that you have a broad taste in music. How did your taste in music develop?
Well I was very lucky to have a family that listens to all kinds of music. My father had a large collection of vinyls which included everything from Stevie Wonder to Led Zeppelin so I have always been exposed to different types of music.

How did your first release on Apparel Music get received and what do you have in store for us in the future?
I got a lot of feedback from established and talented producers so that was enough for me since it was my first release. I learned a lot from it and as a result I met some producers and label owners that have opened up doors for me.

I have a release coming up on vinyl (and digital) on Petra Digital which I am very excited about. There are gonna be two tracks and two remixes from Kaan Duzarat and Moodymanc. And I am producing an LP (album) which will be released on Apparel Music. I'm really pumped about that project too because its gonna be interesting. I don't do much singing much but I will sing this time haha. By the way, the opening track for Nachtbraker's Heist podcast is going to be on my album.

Let me get this straight. You're 23 years old and are about to release an album? What does that feel like?
Man, I feel very blessed and it couldn't have happened at a better time. I just started to think that I won't be able to put out the music I really want to. And now this happens, so it's going to be a very interesting journey.

Final question. What's your favourite kind of bear?
Haha let me try to translate because I don't understand wait... You ask for the brand or the kind of the beer?

I mean the kind of bear species like brown bear, black bear or giant panda.
Draught beer. Is there a bear like that because I have looked it up in the dictionary and this came up haha. Oh wait, let's go with brown bears.

That's a safe choice. Would you like to say anything for the ending of the interview?
I especially want to thank Nachtbraker and you for giving me this opportunity to express myself and for giving me this interview! I'm sorry for my English and I hope you all enjoy the podcast.

XHIN - Else

























Spine-chilling soundscapes by the producer from Singapore. Can't imagine what this must sound like on a proper sound system. Big swooshy kick drums with scrappy percussion is the perfect recipe for disaster on the dance floor. Impressive release by Semantica Records.

04LM - M Place (James Ruskin remix)

























James Ruskin is the kingpin of techno. He originated one of the biggest labels to date, Blueprint Records, and has been producing music for about two decades. His remix of "Place" is an instant classic. The colossal kick drum bangs away at a steady pace with fantastic soundscapes to keep it company. A haunting and eerie track, but it makes you want to stomp your feet like an elephant.