5 reasons to come to: Digital Sounds w/ Craig Connelly, Suncatcher, Nikolauss, Bogdan Vix & Alexandra Badoi [Trance Events Romania]
The news is out for a while: Craig Connelly is coming back to Romania. This time, for the new Digital Sounds event, powered by Trancecode.
On April 4th, starting 11pm, in club Fabrica, we will all join Craig Connelly, Suncatcher, Nikolauss and Bogdan Vix for a very nice trance celebration.
Just announced: Alexandra Badoi will join the DJ booth as well, for the first time!
Tickets: Regular ~ 11 euros / VIP ~25 euros. Grab yours here.
1. Craig Connelly. He is one of the best names in the scene right now. Releases choon after choon and it is requested on the lineups all over the world. Upcoming release: Tranceatlantic (collaboration with Factor B)[ FSOE] / March 13. And, of course, it is a killer on the dancefloor. His longest set to date:
2. Nikolauss. One of the men to keep an eye on this year, as Armin van Buuren said in his latest ASOT episode. He had a really nice climb in the industry till now and still goes on and on with every release. Regular with labels like Subculture or Regenerate, but also with releases with Amsterdam Trance, Statement!, GO Music, his music is well received by fans all over the world. Upcoming release: Sean Tyas remixed: Now you see / Matter of time [Nikolauss #140 remixes] [Regenerate]/ March 13. Latest set:
3. Suncatcher. Legend in the trance family. A real music man to follow. His unique sound is easy to recognise and his track are regulars in the charts. Upcoming release: Voices of Jupiter [FSOE Parallels] / March 13. Set to be remembered:
4. Bogdan Vix. One of the pillars of the Romanian Trance Family. Regular with Armada and InHarmony Music. Latest release: Snatt & Vix ft. Diana Leah – Soapte (Bogdan Vix & Claudiu Adam remix). Upcoming release: Bogdan Vix & Claudiu Adam feat. Mona Moua – Stay (InHarmony Music) – debuted by Andrew Rayel at #ASOT950.
5. Alexandra Badoi. For the first time behind the decks, Alexandra will debut as a DJ on April 4th. Used to be in front of the decks, singing for us, now she will start delighting the crowd by also playing the best trance tracks. When I saw her in London learning all the secrets of this job, I got really curious. Looking forward to see her play! Latest release: Airborn, Claudiu Adam & Alexandra Badoi – If Only (included in Find Your Harmony Vol. 1 by Andrew Rayel).
Tickets: Regular ~ 11 euros / VIP ~25 euros. Grab yours here.
Time till the event:
000 days 00 hours 00 minutes 00 seconds
STORY OF A TRACK: NIKOLAUSS – Nidavellir [SUBCULTURE]
Nikolauss - Nidavellir is out with Subculture since March 8th. The track received till now some pretty good feedback and I have to admit is one of my favorites from Andrei (Ok. they are all my favorites. ;)) ).
When I first told the story of a track, I wrote about Lifdagar (his first release with Subculture) and beside me having fun, people also enjoyed it. So, I decided to tell one more, because this track has an interesting story too!
Nidavellir is one of the Nine Realms and the place where were forged the most powerful and horrific weapons to ever torment the universe. Nidavellir is strong, rough, but delicate in the same time. Name is inspired from the Marvel universe, but the roots are in the Norse mythology, to whom I am a big fan. - Nikolauss
All started right after Lifdagar when Andrei sent another track to Subculture. John liked and the feedback was nice. There were some suggestions involved and Andrei worked hard on them and sent an update as soon as possible. At that time we were not sure yet if the track found its home, though.
Busy, busy times, all was happening around Amsterdam Dance Event. That meant lots of events to attend, lots of meetings to make it to and few time to check emails. Planets aligned, the Universe was good again and we managed to get to the In Trance We Trust event. It had a pretty mint line-up split in 4 separate rooms. And of course, John. And Neal. And Cold Blue (this last one is for me <3). We said we have to meet up, and somehow, right at the party seemed a good idea at that time.
We were in the crowd, enjoying music so much, when John started playing. We were still in the crowd, still enjoying the music and the people when suddenly Andrei recognized his track. At first Andrei didn't even IDed the track correctly. But hey, when you have so many, it gets confusing (I guess. haha!).
Andrei: Baby, this is it!
Me: (totally deaf). Which one?
Andrei: ID1! (cannot name if for obvious reasons). John is playing it!
Me: Really? ... (listening).. Ohh yes! Let's do a small video of it being played here!
Andrei: Yes. Let's go up on those stairs.
Me: (unlocks phone. Hits record.)
Andrei: (couple of seconds later) Ohhh wait! It is not ID1. Not my track with ID artist. It's ID2.
Me: You silly! Can't recognize correctly your own tracks!
Andrei: Ohhh! And it's the version without the last edits. I guess John didn't check the updated one yet.
Me: Well. I think he is testing it. And maybe he'll have an answer after that. :D
Andrei: I guess so.
I did hit the record button. I did try to stand still and have something decent as a video. But the results are completely different. We ended up with shorter shaky videos and nothing good to post anywhere. So, we decided to have the talks and just enjoy the set. John's set is a very special memory to me. It was magical. When a set makes me enjoy it that much, that I do close my phone, close my eyes and just feel it, I know it will get a special place in my heart.
At that time, the track was still an ID. ID2 in this story. And has been identified as ID long after. Naming it is another journey. It's about asking for deadlines, start panicking (me, of course) and having the Eureka moment at the last moment.
Track was sent around end of September - beginning of October. Track was released on the 8th of March. And a lot of tracks have a similar journey. I would even say Nidavellir's journey till release is a short one :D . A lot of tracks are kept as IDs, tested and crowd teased. There is no magic recipe of releasing a track right after pressing the export button. It needs to sit, to (maybe) be updated and to make the listeners curious with each sound.
Nidavellir had a really nice path till now, reaching no. 21 on Beatport the other days, and still going strong! It is amazing how much support it has from the trance community. It is great to see it played on amazing stages like In Trance We Trust at ADE, Dreamstate Australia and everywhere else around the world!
Hope you grabbed your copy: https://subculture.choons.at/nidavellir and checked its journey through Andrei's socials: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube.
Story of a track: Nikolauss - Lifdagar [Subculture]
How many times you wondered how a producer came up with a melody? What is the inspiration behind a specific track? How much did he/ she worked on it? What were the challenges?
Even if I live with the producer, even if know most of the challenges, a track is still a mystery for me at first listen. I usually replay it for a couple of times, to give it a proper listen. I usually replay it for a couple of times to give some proper feedback. And with Nikolauss's tracks this challenge is the strongest one. He is too close to my heart, so sometimes talking about his work with him can be quite harsh. Or too nice.
Lifdagar means "life" in old Icelandic. And this track means "life" to me too. It is all about what love, joy, energy, pure bliss. It was one of the fastest melodies that took life in my mind, but the most challenging one to put it in a track. - Nikolauss
When I first listened to Lifdagar, I was in a teambuilding with my colleagues and Andrei was home alone for the whole weekend. He sent me the link, and instead of "I miss you', he said "Please, let me know what you think about this track. Before thinking bad of him, for not saying "I miss you", you have to listen to the track again. Also, sometimes, many times actually, this is his way of expressing with no words. Sending a track and amaze me with what he can do. With how brilliant his mind can be.
This is pretty much our conversation about it:
Me: Mmmmmmm. New sounds.
Andrei: Yes. Do you like it?
Me: It sounds interesting. There is a "thing" in the track at the beginning. It feels like the track is going backwards for a moment. Is that intentional?
Andrei: Yes. I tried to to get out of the usual.
Me: Sounds nice. I really like the melody.
Andrei: Sure?
Me: Yes. Thought of a name yet?
Andrei: Lifdagar. Old Icelandic word. Do you like it?
Me: Mmmmm.. It sounds a bit heavy.
Andrei: I don't think so.
(2 days later, still away)
Me: I really like Lifdagar. It sounds amazing!
Andrei: :D So you like the name then?
Me: It grows on me.
Andrei: I love it. It is nothing common about it. It's different.
Me: I fell in love with it. Madly. Like I did with you 5 years ago.
Andrei: Come home.
Me: Coming to pick me up?
Andrei: YES.
That was pretty much it. I hit play and magic happened. I hit play and instantly fell in love with the melody, the vibe, the everything of the track. I put it on repeat, again and again and enjoyed every second of it. Every note of it. Lifdagar means to me, to Andrei , to us a lot. It is something different from him. Something mystical. Something to challenge his career and make him pursue this dream even more.
When he signed it with Subculture, when we saw John liked it, Neal liked it and they want it to the label, that was another special day for us. I usually show my joy like crazy, and Andrei is more quiet. He is happy with the results, but lets me show it. Lets me exteriorize all those emotions and pop the bottle of wine to celebrate.
I always joke with him about this, that I should leave him alone more often, if he does such amazing tracks like Lifdagar. But he always shuts me up when he insists that me being away was not the reason at all. It was the heat of the creative process. The moments, the special ones, when he opens Ableton and everything goes smoothly. All planets are aligned and work seems easy. If only every time would be like that!
Lifdagar had an amazing path till now, reaching no.3 on Beatport the other days, and still going strong in Top 10! It is amazing how much support it has from the trance community. It is great to see it played on amazing stages like Mainstage at Luminosity Beach Festival by John O'Callaghan (I was crying like crazy while in the crowd trying to see how people receive it, and they enjoyed it a looot!), at Subculture Australia by the same music man, and everywhere else around the world!
Hope you grabbed your copy: subculture.choons.at/lifdagar and checked its journey through Andrei's socials: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube.
On the trance road: Romanian Trance Gathering #3 [Cluj]
September 29. Mark the date. Romanian Trance Family is partying again! Romanian Trance Gathering #3 will take place at Moonshine Pub (Cluj, Romania) starting 10 PM. Ticket price: 20 Lei (~ 4,5 euros) until 00:00 / After midnight - 30 Lei (~ 6,5 euros).
As for timetable, they chose, of course, from THE locals:
22:00 - 23:15: GUARD14 (warm-up set) / soundcloud.com/guard14
23:15 - 00:30: SkyDreamer / mixcloud.com/radu-enescu/
00:30 - 01:45: Sundancer / mixcloud.com/DJSundancer/
01:45 - 03:00: Suncatcher / soundcloud.com/bogdan-cupcea
03:00 - 04:15: Nikolauss / soundcloud.com/nikolauss
04:15 - 06:00: George Andreas b2b Exolight (after-party) / soundcloud.com/george-andreas / soundcloud.com/exolightmusic
I literally can't wait. It's been a while since the last trance party, so I need it. I know Untold was only 1 month ago, but one trance party a month is not enough. I need more and more. I am that kind of junkie.
I need to enjoy for the first time a good warm up set from Guard14, a different one from Skydreamer, to dance like there is no tomorrow on Sundancer's, to catch the vibes on Suncatcher's, to get pure goosebumps on Nikolauss's and to end a perfect night with a premiere b2b between George and Exolight.
I need all this. I need it to become myself again. To put the sorrow away again. To be happy again. Happy with nice people around me. Happy enjoying this beautiful music. Happy because some make this possible.
Who will I see there?
Kickstart the summer with Afterhills: more than 150 artists (18 trance), a ton of good music and a field full of dreamers.
Well, this it is. Afterhills is just around the corner. Only a couple of days till we kickstart this summer with 4 amazing days full of good music and beautiful people. Dreamers. 'Cuz this is the focus. Daydreaming of something perfect, night dreaming of goosebumps. They just announced the full line up and it is insane.
From the trance point of view we have a pretty interesting list and I want to see all the names:
1. Vini Vici (I really like the sets I enjoyed till now, looking forward for a new one)
2. David Gravell (I am a huge fan of him, not matter if he is on the right side of trance music or not, as some would say. I am in love with some of his reworks and I am sure I will enjoy his set 110%)
3. Blastoyz (Crazy craziness since I first heard of him. Really really good with what is he doing)
4. Aly & Fila (You cannot say trance without saying Aly & Fila too)
5. Sander Van Doorn (Happy he got back to trance music with his Purple Haze name and looking forward to see what he has prepared for Afterhills)
6. KhoMa (Never seen him playing. Want to experience the end of a great day with him behind the decks)
7. Paul Van Dyk (Paul is my first music crush, and nothing can stay between me and him when he is playing at an event I am attending)
8. Cosmic Gate (Music crush! Music crush alert! )
9. Ben Nicky (I've seen a lot of comments regarding his sets lately, I want to see it for myself too)
10. Bogdan Vix (Pillar fo the Romanian Trance Community. Do I have to say more?)
11. Above & Beyond (They had one hell of a set at Timeshift last year, looking forward for the magic again)
12. Andrew Rayel (I have a lot of good memories from his sets, looking forward to see what else he is doing right now)
13. George Andreas (This little one, the youngest of the Romanian Trance Family's DJ is doing a great job behind the decks)
14. Exolight (One of the hottest names in the trance industry right now)
15. Nikolauss (My forever music crush. My forever life crush. I know a little bit of how is set is going on, looking forward to hear it live!)
16. Suncatcher (Great music man. Amazing DJ and trance producer. )
17. Sundancer (Friend. Never disappoints behind the decks)
17. Starpicker (Friend. Wine buddy. Music buddy. I am sure I will get to hear a lot of pure music in his set!)
I want to see them all. But I need to find out how cloning works first. Because the timetable was announced, and a lot of trance acts are happening in the same time between the Mainstage and The Shed stage. See the rest of the timetable here: facebook.com/afterhillsfestival/posts/2043181182604702 .
I am not sure what am I going to do, I am not sure who I will end up to see, but I am sure I will have the time of my life at Afterhills. Because the team is great, the event is great and the people are awesome. The music will perfectly complete the vibe. The friends will be there. Happiness will happen there.
Looking forward to see old friends, to meet new people and enjoy 4 full days of complete madness. See you there!
More details are on their Facebook page. Check it out!
Also, give a follow to their blog too. A lot if trips and tricks, a lot of interesting things are said there. Be sure you won't be loosing any of it!
Nikolauss: the #140 music man [Interviewing artists]
I did it! I finally did it! Interviewed Nikolauss for Trancers.ro. You already know he is very close to my heart and will forever be my life crush, but I had to do this too. Because he is also an artist, a very good trance producer, an amazing music man. His work in the past years sounds great and I am pretty sure his determination will lead him to a looot of good things. Without too much talking, here it is! I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did.
PS. Press play first. ;)
Hello Andrei! Where in the world is this interview catching you and what were you doing right before starting reading this?
Hi Oana! To be honest I wasn’t doing too much. Some Facebook scrolling, and then the Rome vs Liverpool match in the UCL semifinals.
Who is Nikolauss -the artist? How did it all started? The love for music, the producing, the DJing?
All this started long time ago, during high school. I had a couple of DJ friends at a local club and seeing them doing what they were doing and people enjoying it, I said “how would it be if I will do that myself, be in front of the crowd and lead them to madness’’ and that was it. Even my father in his early days was a DJ for local parties. I inherited the gene, the music gene from him. Music has always been a part of my life and will forever be. It took me through a lot. About producing it all started like every story: I installed FL studio out of curiosity, and I started to play around. I changed to Ableton 6 years ago and playing with samples, later with plugins and so on became more fun. I had a lot of fun experimenting. I think this is the best way to learn something.
Who is Nikolauss in the day by day life? Beside producer, DJ, artist?
I’m just simple human being like everyone else. I am a building services engineer by profession, but a musician by heart. Maybe musician is too much, but this is how it feels. I breathe it, I dream it, I feel it. I am also a friend, a boyfriend. I like simple things in life: playing soccer, boardgames, videogames, cycling, home cooked meals, stuff like that.
Why Trance? What does this genre mean to you? How does it make you feel?
It’s the most complex electronic music genre in my opinion. I love the feeling that this music gives me. Trance because it brought me such many friends, so much happiness, including my love.
What would you say it is your biggest musical accomplishment till now?
Being part of the Afterhills lineup in my hometown. Having the opportunity to play in front of my family and my closest friends.
Which single track that you’ve produced had the biggest impact on your career?
Speedforce for sure. Seeing it played at Luminosity while it was raining pretty hard and people still dancing on it it’s a memory I will not forget too soon. It also had pretty much support from the biggest names in the trance scene. Special mentions to Obscurus and my #140 remix of GoRiel for Giueseppe Ottaviani and Sied Van Riel, for being played on ASOT this year.
How do you actually produce your music? Do your tracks tell a story? What is the inspiration behind your tracks?
Well it depends on the mood, depends on how you feel that day or how inspired I am when i’m starting to work on them. Usually all my tracks tell a story. If you listened to them you can see that every track it’s unique in it’s own way. As for inspiration, it comes from simple things in life: while having a beer with your friends, while listening to others people music, or simply while doing a shower (happened to me once and it turned pretty good haha)
Who influenced your work the most? Simple people, other artists, works, etc.
One of the biggest influence in my tracks is Sean Tyas. I’m a huge fan of him. Also I couldn’t be here without the continuous feedback and help from my good friends and Extrema partners: Astuni and Manuel Le Saux. Beside that, I would give a shoutout to Darren Porter. I always loved his tracks and his style.
What do you think makes a perfect track?
I would call a track perfect, the track that when you listen to it over and over again and it still gives you shivers.
Have you ever experienced the creator’s block? And if yes, how did you snap out of it?
Yes, it happend so many times. The only thing you can do to step out of it is to keep trying and trying and trying until something comes to your mind. Or you can try sound design or layering leads, bassline pads. Or you can listen the tracks you like and try to rework them. These are some things that worked for me. Also, taking a break sometimes works too. I usually take a break by playing a videogame, or hanging more with my friends, or my girlfriend. Remembering to relax is very important.
Let’s go a bit into some technicalities: what’s your studio setup?
My studio hmm, dunno if i would call it a studio, its my bedroom haha. There is a pretty good PC, a Scarlett 2i2 soundcard and a pair of DT880Pro 250 ohm version of Beyerdynamic headphones. Bonus a 5.1 Genius soundsystem (i can call it studio monitors - NOT).
What is the simplest advice you’d give to someone else that is starting this journey?
There are plenty of tutorials on the internet so you can continuously improve your sound. Make comparisons with the tracks you like and the tracks of which sound you aim to have. Try reworking the tracks you like, see how they do it, try to do it yourself and compare the results.
You favorite trance subgenre?
Uplfting. 140 is the way :D
Any favorite artists?
Sean Tyas. I love this man music he’s also a nice guy. Manuel Le Saux and Astuni - love the work with these guys at Extrema, Darren Porter, Giuseppe Ottaviani.
Any artist each trancer should definitely follow these days?
I’ll give a big shoutout out to my best friend Starpicker. He’s a pretty good producer and he can write some nice melodies easily. Also Exolight & Suncatcher, they work well together and always you can expect nice tracks coming from them. More to mention, Matt Thomas aka Asteroid, Amos & Riot Night and Unbeat ( all his tracks are insane, you can’t expect less than quality from him)
Any new projects coming up? What can we expect from you in the next months?
Yep, lots of unreleased stuff, first of them its a remix coming on State Control at the begining of June and many more. Can’t say much now, but just keep an eye on my page for more info.
How was the Romanian Trance Gathering party? What can you say about that night? You had a very special b2b with Starpicker.
Well, this one was a bit special. Not only because I got to see again a lot of my trance friends, but also because of my B2B set with Starpicker. It was the first time we did this officially at an event and it worked pretty well. It was nice to see that people received it so well. They said we combined the melody of trance music with its power very good. I am looking forward to see what is in store for the Romanian Trance Family and I just only good things will happen for the community from now on.
What can you tell us about your work with Starpicker? When can we actually hear something from you 2?
Hmm we’re struggling to finish something together for some time (more exactly since we know each other, how much could it be, like 6 years? or so.. too much time for sure) but, we finally finished something which i can’t say too much about it atm. Maybe I’ll give it a play at Afterhills, who knows :)
Congrats of becoming part of the Afterhills line up. What can we expect from you?
Thank you! Very excited about this. You can’t expect less than only good music. Not different than what I’m doing in my radio show and other shows. Expect the same story and energy I’m giving every time I play.
What do you think about the trance community?
What can i say. It’s a big family. You see familiar faces everywhere you go. You can never go wrong with meeting a trance fan and get along with him/ her.
If you could change your place for one day with another artist, not necessarily trance artist, with whom would you change places and why?
I would go with Giuseppe Ottaviani. I want to experience all the things his doing during his live sets. I want to experience the mastermind he is.
Hardest question of all: Can you tell me the top 10 trance tracks of all times?
- Will Atkinson - Numb The Pain
- John O' Callaghan - Stresstest (John Askew Remix)
- Gouryella - Ligaya
- Mauro Picotto - Lizard
- Armin van Buuren Feat. Cathy Burton - Rain
- Luminary - Amsterdam (Super 8 & Tab Remix)
- Jorn Van Deynhoven & Manuel Le Saux - Nardo
- Paul Webster feat. Amanda - Time (Sean Tyas Remix)
- Sean Tyas - Turbo
- Darren Porter - Spellbound
Do you have a message for our readers?
Thank you for supporting me and believing in my music.
Everyone has a hidden talent. What’s yours?
I’m pretty good at cooking :) [Oana here] I would say you're pretty good (excellent actually) at sleeping. :)
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Follow Nikolauss on Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Soundcloud.
Something to fuel the soul: Nikolauss - Overdrive [Extrema Global Music]
It is very difficult for me to talk about Andrei's work. I say this every time I want to write about his work. I fear I might be too subjective. Because, of course I am Nikolauss's biggest fan. Because, of course, I like each track he releases and I can't wait to see what else the industry has in store for him.
He released last Monday, Overdrive. A very strong track, perfect to celebrate 200 releases from Extrema Global Music. The label is doing great and Nikolauss is the right man for such a milestone. The track is so driving, so powerful and it got a lot if nice feedback from the fans. Grab your copy too here: extrema.lnk.to/overdrive.
Here we are. When we started thinking about who deserved this particular milestone, the answer was immediately clear. Andrei has been one of the most successful, consistent and ever evolving artist we ever had the pleasure to work with, he became a core team member of the Label and ultimately a true friend. We are very proud to introduce you Nikolauss - Overdrive, the 200th. Extrema Global Music release. There's nothing more to say. Just press play and be amazed. - Astuni
I called it "something to fuel your soul" for a reason. The track is one of those tracks to instantly pump you with energy and make your day better. It is a track to wake up to. To dance in the bus station. To run to. To run towards all your goals and dreams and smash everything that might come between you. I listen to this track after I read an email I might not agree with and immediately feel better. I listen to this track after I feel like there is no motivation, and I instantly get up and do better. I listen to this track for a while now to dream it and know each sound of it. To know each goosebump I'll get.
Just hit play and try it too.
Follow Nikolauss on Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Soundcloud.
Romanian Trance Gathering #1 - the beginnings of a fairytale
Romanian Trance Family is something trending right now for the Romanian Trance Community and not only. The Romanian Trance Family is finally something a bit more tangible than just a Facebook group with endless posts. The Romanian Trance Family is the reborn of a community we all thought lost, after the last events.
I discovered the Fb group randomly while looking for something and I was intrigued by it. The first question that crossed my mind was: is this another group, or will this turn into something better? Something that will support the music, something that will support the local artist, something that will forget about all the egos and fight for what makes us happy? I got involved. Of course. Cuz' that's who I am. That's what I do. I want to be involved and help anyway I can something that looks promising and also supporting the music that keeps me alive.
And then, the first official event happened. After weeks of planning and talking about it, I finally went to Bucharest and enjoyed a night full of trance and cool people. This event was special for me for many reasons. I got see some very close friends again, Nikolauss had a b2b set with Starpicker, that was out of this world and I got to enjoy trance for more than 8 hours a night.
The line-up sounded quite nice and interesting: Skydreamer (warm-up set), Sundancer, Exolight, Bogdan Vix, Nikolauss b2b Starpicker, George Andreas and Alkalin. I knew from the start that I will hear good music, but I didn't expect to see 8 people doing such a great job behind the decks.
Skydreamer built the energy up and prepared very well the start for the night. Soft, and emotional. Sundancer did what he knows best: to bring us the best in trance and uplifting with his set. Playing Loneliest Night from Giuseppe Ottaviani was a highlight for me and one of the tracks I remember from the set. You know me: when the set is so good, I just lose myself through music. I do not remember much, but the goosebumps and the happiness I enjoy on the dancefloor.
It was the first time I saw Exolight behind the decks, and I sooo enjoyed what I saw. And what I heard. And experienced. The man looks like he was made for this. So natural, so close to the public and so entertaining. He chose very good his tracks and of course it got me goosebumps from head to toe when he played Footprints on the Moon. The track is so special to me, because of all the memories that it brought back and still feel like I cannot find the right words to describe it. Bogdan Vix had a different set, but different is good sometimes. I got the chance to jump around and lose my voice singing along.
The only B2B set of the night, the most special moment for me, the set of Nikolauss and Starpicker was, obviously, my favorite. Not only because I support the guys with everything they do, but because they worked so good together. I must admit I was a bit (a loooot) nervous about how this will happen, but the guys surprised me. Even though they had a small technical difficulty in the beginning, they surpassed it and din one hell of a job. I lost myself and I found myself in the same time. I knew what they had prepared as in tracks, but I was surprised by the combination these 2 did. The combined very nice the melodic part of trance with the darker, harder more energetic one. Without doubt, this is my favorite moment of the night and I will keep it closely to my heart for a very long time from now on.
George Andreas, the youngest DJ from the team did great too. I knew he was nervous about the set, but he did a very good job. Picked us up right from were Nikolauss and Starpicker left us and build it to the top! He also played Poseidon, one of my all time favorites, so I am grateful for that too. That shows he listens to the audience and cares about some's preferences. That is a good choice and it will help him in the future. A bright future awaits him and he should not stop working to get there.
I saw for the first time Alkalin playing. And I got the honour to experience a vinyl set from him. That is a 2 in 1 happiness. He clearly knows what he's doing, being a veteran in the industry. Some very nice classics made the night complete. Also, hearing Burned with Desire from Armin van buuren and Justine Suissa made me smile and lose the already lost voice by singing along. This is another track with memories, so I couldn't stay away.
Radio DEEA and Trance Energy Radio were also media partners at the even, together with Trancers.ro and they did an amazing job broadcasting the party, both video on Facebook and audio on the radio. You can check for yourself all the sets here and here.
Overall the party was great. Overall the people were happy. I am happy the party happened. I am happy we finally got the see equal chances to all the artists from the Romanian Trance scene. I am happy I got to experience another trance night and enjoy it. I am happy. But I am also a perfectionist and I just hope that all the feedback I gave got the ears of those who'd listen. To those who'd use it to make things better.
The team looks nice and interesting. Challenging to work with, but I like a good challenge. I like working alongside motivated people and I am looking forward to see what else they have prepared. What else they have in plan for the community and how will they make trance strong again. I know our paths will cross a lot. And maybe soon you'll get to see a part of it. Or maybe not. :)
The future is bright, and we can make it even brighter. By working together, and leaving the egos aside. By focusing on what matters and that's MUSIC. The joy it brings. The goosebumps it gives. The artists behind it and their work. Supporting each and one of them. Supporting the fans. Supporting their dreams and considering their opinions. There is no real community without fans, nor artists, nor passionate and determined people. There is some magic, but we just need to find it and use it properly to make this fairytale come true.
New Track: Ronny K. & Ben Ashley - Every Single Moment (Astuni & Nikolauss remix)
First Astuni & Nikolauss remix - a remix for Ronny K & Ben Ashley - Every Single Moment, was just released today, of course on Extrema Global Music. YEEEEES! I was waiting for this collaboration to happen for years! I know they started a lot of projects, but (84 years later...) they finally released something. I really like what they did with the original. You can actually hear Astuni's touches and Nikolauss's #140 power on it.
This remix is driving. It is powerful. It is uplifting. Truly uplifting. I know I may be biased with everything I am saying about it, 'cuz I love both the guys, but tell if I am wrong. Isn't this something you'd listen on repeat? Isn't this something you'd wanna color your morning with?
This is something that gave me energy at the gym, that made fill a little bit invincible and that made me happy Every Single Moment I listened to it. It snapped me out of the ordinary and it brightened my days at the office, on the street, in the bus, at the supermarket, everywhere. I just love it. It is something to hold on.
I already have my copy (perks of having the boyfriend working on it and working with Extrema Global Music), but I will definitely buy one too. Because I like to support artists I like and also buy the music I love. It just got released today and you can grab your copy here: extrema.lnk.to/moment.
Also, support the artists, because they deserve it!
Astuni - Facebook, Twitter, Soundcloud, Beatport
Nikolauss - Facebook, Twitter, Soundcloud, Beatport
Ronny K. - Facebook, Twitter, Soundcloud, Beatport
Ben Ashley - Facebook, Twitter, Soundcloud, Beatport
PS. Follow Trancers.ro too, cause we do work to bring you special projects every time we can: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube
Trance weekend in review: Trance Horizons, Chisinau [on the road]
It's been a while since I last wrote a review for an event I attended, but I have to tell you about this one. Trance Horizons in Chisinau was out of this world. At least for me. It was an event full of emotions, new challenges and amazing people.
Like all my travels to Chisinau, Moldova it all started with the ride there. Well, with the preparations to go there: prepare t shirt, prepare camera, get more sleep (not) to be prepared for at least 24 hours with none aaaand finally with the ride: gather all the friends and drive to the venue. Of course, wait patiently at the customs to cross the border, and so on. I always do the same. It became a tradition.
We first went to the meet and greet. A very nice meet and greet from what I understood close to nothing. Being in a room with moldavians and 2 russians, definitely didn't help. But luckily, Feel (Philip) and Alexander Popov were kind enough to speak a bit of English too. Exchanged a lot of smiles and heard a lot of jokes, kindly translated to me by Mihai (one of the promoters).
This meet and greet has a special place in my heart also, because I finally got to interview Alexander Popov. Since we were to be in the same place for a couple of hours, I couldn't lose this oportunity. So stay close, video (yes, video) interview is coming soon on Trancers's Youtube channel.
After all the greetings and, of course, photos we finally headed to the venue. I must admit: the venue was way too fancy for me. I usually do not go in such places. I wasn't even dressed for "the occasion". Since a trance event for me means T-shirt, jeans and sneakers I felt a bit out like an intruder when we got there. Buuuut, music got to me and I got over it pretty fast.
The line up was pretty well balanced. Deepshader has a very nice warm-up set and also played some of my all time favorites. The Age of Love beeing one of them. Do not ask me if it was the original, a remix, a mash-up, etc, because I do not know. I only heard something I like and I always forget or fail to recognize de right version.
I saw Dj Feel and Alexander Spark playing for the first time, and I must admit, I liked it. Even tough I am not into that sound anymore, he had a really nice set. There were some small technical difficulties at the beginning, but Feel managed to quickly get over them. I do not remember too many of the tracks they played, but I remember having a blast dancing. And that makes a good set for me.
I last saw Alexander Popov around 3 years ago, when he came to Bucharest for Armada Night and I enjoyed every minute of his set. Without doubt, this happened again in Chisinau. Very energetic, very nicely put together. He also played some classics, some new tracks and I coudln't sit down for a second! A lot of vocal tracks too, so I turned in full mode karaoke. I knew I would not have a voice anymore the second day, but that is the smallest of my problems. :)
The highlight of that night was without doubt seeing Andrei (Nikolauss) play again. I will always support him no matter what. That's what girlfriends do. That's what love does. So, even tough it was 4 am int he morning, even tough I was pretty tired, when I saw him at the decks everything stoped and all the energy came back to me. I do not care about technicalities, I do not care about mistakes. I do not care about anything that he was there. And the crowd (few that remained) enjoyed every minute of his set. Sssssserious uplifting(y)! I will never forget him starting the set with Mauro Picotto - Unthinkable (Astuni & Manuel LE Saux Re-Lift), leading the crowd to complete madness on Nikolauss - Speedforce and ending in style with Giuseppe Ottaviani - One Day.
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I had a blast and I will never forget my first talks with Mihai about trance events in Chisinau. Very passionate trance man. I really love how he and Mihail are working together to do more for the community no matter the loses. They started with a small party a couple of months ago, a party I played to (yes, I sometimes play too) and now continued with something bigger. Hopefully all will be ok and they will continue this work. Cheers to that!
I also took some photos, you can find them on the Trancers.ro Facebook page.
Videos and more stories about the trance adventure coming soon!
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