Exclusive Artist Interview – Jan Martin Part 1
The Best Trance’s Exclusive Artist Interview with rising German trance producer Jan Martin. Jan has had numerous songs released through labels, has featured on all the top trance radio shows and has recently been signed to noted label Enhanced Music, he discusses all this and more in this in depth interview. Part two will be available soon.
Jan, the past 12 months have been pretty explosive for you, can you comment on your rise in the Electronic Music Industry?
Hello everyone and thank you for having me here! Yes, the last couple of months have turned out bigger and better than anything I had known before. When it comes to the music I never would have expected that a year ago I’d be at this point and it’s very exciting. Still I know that this is all just fun.
What would you say has been the defining moment in your music career so far?
I think there were several milestones. The first release is always something special as you can surely imagine. That was my remix for ‘Shelter’ by Alex Fain feat. Smaz. But also being played by Armin van Buuren, as he was something like a hero to me, when I started following the EDM scene around ten years ago. It all felt like a dream coming true to me. Back in the days I used to listen to ‘A State Of Trance’ and now I take part in it for myself.
Do you feel more pressure to produce top tracks with your rise in popularity and the new level of interest in your work?
Actually no. Pressure is the wrong word. The only demands I try to meet are my own. I totally see the music as a hobby without any obligation or dependence on success. That hasn’t changed! And now that I get a bit more attention the only thing that has changed is my rising enthusiasm. When I think about that deeper, it’s quite the opposite of pressure.
Jan Martin – Luago (Original Mix) by Jan Martin
That’s a very interesting point. Back to the start Jan, where you always musical as a child? And where you always interested in trance and electronic music, or has your musical taste changed over the years?
I have always been into music in a very special way. As a child I got to play some instruments like the flute and the xylophone, while my grandfather used to play the piano, which definitely rubbed off on me. I also played in my first crappy rock and rap bands for fun back in those days.
My musical taste changed a lot over years. My first CD was the remix EP of Erasure covering ABBA, which I got when I was 7 years old, which coincidently turned out to be my first contact with electronic music. Later on I loved the early style of *NSYNC in the mid-nineties haha. After some German rap music and crossover exports like ‘Limp Bizkit’, I got electrified by trance music more and more. ‘Spring’ by RMB, ‘Saltwater’ by Chicane and the ‘L’Amour Toujours’ album by Gigi D’Agostino were some major inspirations for me to take the next step and start producing something on my own.
How did you go about starting to make music? What hardware/software equipment do you use to create these songs? When did you first think, ‘Hey, i’m pretty good at this’?
I’m afraid this moment will never come haha!
It was a long, hard road learning to produce music till this point and I guess it’ll never be over. I started with programs like Magix Music Maker to merge simple premade samples together within minutes. Later I switched to Fruity Loops to gather my first experience with MIDI’s, VST’s, Plugins and arrangement work, that was in 2003.
I started to uploading a few productions on a German online music community. I steadily made my creations public to receive feedback and made progress in that way. After some attempts at working with Logic I finally found my personal tool of joy in 2007, Ableton Live.
At this time, I built up a small home studio with Yamaha HS80m speakers, a Terratec Phase 88 sound module, a t.bone microphone for vocal recordings and a simple MIDI keyboard. Every synthetic sound is generated on the software side. Hardware synthesizers are just not worth the money to me, since software synths are becoming better and better.
The latest VST synthesizers I purchased were Rob Papens Predator and Sylenth1. It all runs on Windows and a cheap hardware mixer is used to gain the control room and headphone volume. You can see pictures of my studio setup on my website.
Do you have any advice for those who would like to follow in your footsteps?
It’s hard to answer this question without using a lot of empty phrases. But I really think that the most important things in music production are talent, originality and patience. If you want to produce good, unique songs and any of these components are missing, then it’s going to be difficult to achieve your goal. It’s clear when your just learning something that you’re not going to be able to move mountains from the very start and you have to be willing to take criticism, to learn and to work hard.
Jan Martin – Lost Tonight (Passenger 75 Remix), played by tyDi at Global Soundsystem 73 by Jan Martin
You seem to have an affinity for remixing tracks, any reason for this? What do you like most about remixing a song?
Well, I like both, producing an original song or remixing a track. An original song is something special, something personal. It’s your own song. A track of someone else on the other hand often comes with a catchy or specific element such as vocals or a melody, which you want to put a different complexion on. So both of them provide attraction in their own way.
How do you go about selecting a song to remix? Do you just pick a track you love to hear and think you can put your spin on it? Or is there something you look for in the style/creation of the song?
A fundamental critera for sure, is originality in any way. In the context of a remix you should be able to reference on something from the original. Personally I love to work with vocals. It thrills me to let the vocals shine in different chords for example. Additionally a remix should somewhat go to another style other than the style in which the original is created.
Some of your remixes, such as the hugely popular, ‘Between Heaven and Earth‘ – Nacho Chapado & Smaz feat Sue McLaren remix, have gained critical acclaim and plays from some of the biggest names in the industry. When you finished this track did you know it would be a hit?
Hell no! I was very glad at the point when the remix made its way onto the release, so everything beyond that felt like a special bonus to me.
This same remix appeared on Australia’s number 1 DJ tyDi’s famous Global SoundSystem Radio show, as well as being the premiere track on Armin van Buuren’s ASOT – episode 470, how does it feel to know that your creations are being enjoyed by the masses, as well as being played by quite literally, some of the most popular and admired DJ’s in the world?
Yes, it’s unbelievable. I mean I have always imagined how it would feel to reach that level. Releases, radio plays, chart rankings. I thought I’d freak out. But as it happens now, it just doesn’t feel that glamorous and dramatic. It’s exciting, of course, but things haven’t really changed that much yet at the minute, which is fine with me.
Part 2 of this interview can be seen here.
For more on Jan Martin visit:
http://www.youtube.com/user/JanMartinMusic
http://www.facebook.com/janmartinmusic
http://soundcloud.com/jan-martin/
http://www.jan-martin.info/en/news/
The Light In Things (tyDi Remix)
The Best Trance’s Top Trance Song Of the Day
BT – The Light In Things (tyDi Remix)
This great track by BT remixed by tyDi just narrowly missed out on featuring in TBT’s upcoming, ‘Top Ten Best Vocal Trance Songs of 2011′. This shows you the quality on this list, as this track is thought by a lot of fans as one of the stand out tracks on BT’s very popular album, ‘These Re-Imagined Machines’ and with a top trance DJ putting his expert remixing ability to the test on this song can only bring this track to another level in terms of progression and production.
This remix was featured on Armin van Buuren’s popular trance radio show ‘A State Of Trance’ – Episode 484, plus was voted as ‘Future Favourite’ by the audience with a whopping 20.7% on Episode 485. This track has inspired people and created ripples in the trance community with it’s big room feel, melodic strings and heavenly vocal.
‘A State Of Trance’ Episodes 175 – 177
Armin van Buuren’s ‘A State Of Trance’ Official Podcast Catch Up Episodes 175 – 177
Every week, top trance producer Armin van Buuren selects his favourite tunes of the wildly popular ‘A State of Trance’ radio show and puts them into his official podcast for all the trance lovers around the globe.
Each podcast is filled with the best, vocal, progressive and uplifting trance songs of the moment and is a must for any trance fans mp3 player.
Podcast 175
1. Orjan NilsenThe Mule (from the album ‘In My Opinion’)
2. Armin van Buuren feat. Nadia AliFeels So Good (Tristan Garner Remix)
3. Orjan NilsenLovers Lane
4. Beat ServiceOutsider
5. HeatbeatAsk the Angels
Podcast 176
1. Orjan Nilsen – The Mule [Armind]
2. Susana feat. Julian Vincent – Fall In Deep (Alexander Popov Remix) [S107]
3. W&W vs Ana Craido – Three O’ Clock [Captivating Sounds]
4. Protoculture feat. Shannon Hurley – Sun Gone Down [Rebrand]
5. Philippe El Sisi feat. Josie – Over You (Heatbeat Remix) [FSOE]
Podcast 177
1. Armin van Buuren feat. Sophie – Virtual Friend (16 Bit Lolitas Remix)
2. Armin van Buuren feat. Ana Criado – Down To Love (Kyau & Albert Remix)
3. Armin van Buuren – Orbion (Max Graham vs Protoculture Remix)
4. Armin van Buuren vs Ferry Corsten – Minack (Orjan Nilsen Superchunk Remix)
5. Armin van Buuren feat. BT – These Silent Hearts (W&W Remix)
MaRLo ft. Jano – The Island
The Best Trance’s Top Trance Song Of the Day
MaRLo ft. Jano – The Island
Fantastic trance producer MaRLo has created a beautiful vocal trance song, featuring the great voice of Jano. ‘The Island’ has an abundance of atmosphere to offer. Exceptionally produced to reach maximum impact on the dance floor.
It has been getting praise from all of the top trance producers and features on the best trance radio shows. Producers like Armin van Buuren, Judge Jules, Ferry Corsten, Gareth Emery, Andy Moor and Ronski Speed have all promoting this great track.
It was this backing plus the strength of the track that landed MaRLo the coveted number one spot on Beatport’s Trance Chart, a great achievement for this rising star.
Guest Trance Mix – Alan Van Sharkey
Exclusive New Trance Mix for The Best Trance by prominent DJ Alan Van Sharkey.
Alan Van Sharkey is a Trance DJ/Producer who was first touched by the electronic music scene back in the late 1980s. Over the years he has had many influences, such as the likes of Jean Michel Jarre, Ben Liebrand, Tiesto, Armin Van Buuren, to name a few.
Through events and public appearances Alan has found his love for DJ’ing. He enjoys blending the multitude of styles and tracks which can be found in this scene, and this made him discover the power that his sets could have and the sensations that he could make the crowd feel.
Trance and its culture has opened many doors for Alan to explore his own creative self. His musical instrument, namely, his decks and home studio has allowed him to be as productive as possible and to find more and more ways to create music. On becoming a popular DJ, Alan thanks his love for the music and also his musical ear, plus his ability to choose the right tracks that are going to hook the public. He prides himself on being a creator and an innovator, and he has taken all these skills and put them into his latest mix for TBT.
Alan Van Sharkey- Tranceformed by Alan Van Sharkey
For more Alan Van Sharkey visit:
http://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/alan-van-sharkeys-podcast/id441529627
http://alanvansharkey39536.podomatic.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/TranceFormed1?feature=mhee
Facebook Groups Tranceformed:
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/home.php?sk=group_200049573366555&ap=1
These Silent Hearts (W&W Remix)
The Best Trance’s Top Trance Song Of The Day
Armin Van Buuren Ft. BT – These Silent Hearts (W&W Remix)
This beautiful tracks was released by one of the best trance producers of all time, Armin van Buuren on his fourth studio album , ‘Mirage’. The pulsating beat and catchy raving lead contrasts perfectly against the fantastically delivered vocals to create one of the stand out trance tracks on the entire album.
The track and it’s remixes have been supported fully by Armin, highlighting them on his iconic weekly trance radio show, ‘A State Of Trance‘. The Ralphie B Version of ‘These silent hearts’ featured on episode 513, while the W&W remix featured on the trance radio show’s podcast spin off, on episode 177. W&W have left their mark on this original, creating a more funky, melodic beat and a more progressive structure, which TBT thinks rivals or even surpasses the original.
Exclusive Artist Interview – Deedfive
TheBestTrance’s exclusive interview with up and coming Brazilian producer ‘Deedfive‘.
Deedfive has been producing electronic music for many years, uploading his successful remixes to his youtube account and soundcloud. He also has a trance single released under Label, Pronto Records available for sale on Beatport, with big plans for the future.
Deed, how did you go about starting to make music? Where you always musical as a child? When did you first think, ‘Hey, i’m pretty good at this’?
D: When I was a kid, I think I was 10 years old, I was very interested in electronic music. I took action to start making electronic music when my brother showed me a video of the very famous DJ, Tiesto. Today he is the big influence on my productions, then, I saw videos of him and his music and thought, “How did he make electronic music?”. Deciding I wanted to create such art, I took action and searched the internet for some music production software. I downloaded a basic demo program and got started, and since then my interest in music has only increased.
Where you always interested in trance and electronic music, or has your musical taste changed over the years?
D: Well, I’m interested in the style of trance, I love trance, but my only interest is not just producing trance music. I like to try to create my own musical style, more melodic and a progressive style of house.
What hardware/software equipment do you use to create these songs? Have you experimented with other types of equipment before you settled with what you work with now?
D: Well, this is a difficult question. Software, for example I use two different programs (Acid Pro) and (Fruity Loops). I’ve also tried using various software like: Ableton Live, Pro Tools, etc. but I know Fruity loops and Acid Pro well enough to use them to produce the tracks that I do.
In regards to hardware, I use:
Roland Juno-106 synth
Sequential Circuits Prophet T8 synth
Native Instruments Reaktor, Kontakt, Battery and Traktor software
How do you go about selecting a song to remix? Do you just pick a track you love to hear and think you can put your spin on it? Or is there something you look for in the style/creation of the song?
D: I try to create remixes of songs with great vocals or tracks that have a musical style like mine!
Deadmau5 seems to be an artist who’s work you enjoy to remix, Do you feel you have a knack for getting that classic ‘deadmau5′ sound? What is your favourite Deadmau5 song?
D: Yes, I quite like his work and the songs he produces. I try to do remixes of his music but, I i’m not sure if i have the capacity haha
What would be your favourite original song/remix that you have created?
D: My remix of Calvin Harris’s, ‘Flashback’
Calvin Harris – Flashback -(Deedfive Remix)- by - Deedfive .
What would you say is the most satisfying type of song to complete?
D: Relaxing music, is my favourite type to create for people to listen to.
Do you have any advice for those who would like to follow in your footsteps and begin to create popular music?
D: Study hard, because many think it’s easy to have the software and a computer and start to produce, but it’s not that simple. To get a perfect song, it takes days, weeks, months of work and practice.
It says on your youtube you are associated with ‘Proto Records’ can you tell us a little about that?
D: Proto Records, was the first and still the only label that has launched my music on Beatport #. With the popular EP “Control”
Track: Deedfive – Dream Of You (Original Mix) Beatport Out now: http://twixar.com/LyXCELkvy
Who would you describe as you major influences?
D: Mainly Deadmau5 and Kaskade, then Tiesto for my trance songs, I’d say they are my biggest influences.
Deadmau5 Strobe – (Deedfive Edit) by Deedfive
Is there any upcoming releases or dates you’d like to promote now?
D: Some good releases are in the works, plus i’d love to launch my own label.
http://twixar.com/LyXCELkvy
http://www.youtube.com/Deedfive
http://soundcloud.com/deedfive
Andain – Promises
The Best Trance’s Top Trance Song Of The Day.
Andain – Promises (Myon & Shane 54 Summer Of Love Mix)
Myon & Shane 54 were voted 62 in the 2010 DJ Mag Top 100 after two years of amazing achievements. Their massive success in the EDM industry is down to their mix of incredible talent and work ethic. Their iconic chart topping productions and remixes, and performing their own defining brand of music and fantastic mashups on the DJ circuit have gained them legions of devoted fans. Myon & Shane have also been kind enough to give the green light on an exclusive interview with TheBestTrance so look out for that in the coming weeks.
This ‘Myon & Shane 54 Remix’ is available from the Andain single on Black Hole Recordings, ‘Promises’.
For more information visit:
http://www.myonandshane54.com/
Top 10 Best Trance Producers of 2011
1 Ummet Ozcan
Ummet Ozcan, The Turkish born producer has been the most consistent and exciting producer of 2011 so far. His releases and remixes can be found in the highest regions of the beatport charts and have been played and supported by the best trance DJ’s like Armin van Buuren, Tiesto and Markus Schulz. He has been the front man for his label, Spinnin’ Records, releasing such hits as ‘Indigo’ and ‘Transcend’, as well as countless remixes of all the top artists. Owning a unique style blending soft synths and heavy melodies, Ummet’s influence is clear on every track he touches and his universal appeal can only keep growing.
Ummet’s stand out tracks of 2011
Ummet Ozcan – Transcend
Sander van doorn ft Carol Lee – Love is darkness (Ummet Ozcan Remix)
2 Arty
‘Arty’, the stage name of Artem Stolyarov, has become one of the best trance producers in the world, despite this young Russian’s tender years. His name has been all around the trance scene since 2009, performing for massive crowds, appearing on compilation cd’s and the biggest radio shows on the globe. 2010 was a massive year for Arty, releasing 25 tracks and having remixes signed to such labels as Armada, Anjunabeats, Vandit, Flashover Recordings and Black Hole. He has continued this success throughout 2011 and many regard him as one of the top trance producers and DJ’s of this year.
Arty’s stand out tracks of 2011
Arty & Mat Zo – Rebound
Mat Zo – Synapse Dynamics (Arty Remix)
3 Above and Beyond
The British trance trio, Above and Beyond have been one of the most popular trance acts of the past 5 years. Their own label Anjunabeats has been wildly successful, releasing popular track after track and the group also run their own weekly trance radio show, called ‘Trance Around The World’ enjoyed by millions. This year has been a prolific one for the trio, producing such eye catching anthems from their hit album, ‘Group Therapy’ such as ‘Thing called Love’ featuring renowned vocalist Richard Bedford and their cross over smash hit ‘Sun and Moon’ two of the 2011’s hottest trance songs.
Above and Beyond’s stand out tracks of 2011
Above & Beyond – Sun In Your Eyes
Above and Beyond – Sun and Moon
4 Orjan Nilsen
With his debut artist album just around the corner, Orjan has been a production machine releasing a stream of top trance songs, fusing one style into another. ‘La Guitarra’, ‘So Long Radio’ and ‘Go Fast’ all swept the global dancefloors with a unique blend of house, trance and progressive. 2011 has been Orjan’s break out year and his tracks have been a staple in all the top DJ’s sets and shows. The sky is the limit for Orjan’s creativity and potential and with tracks like his latest, ‘Mjuzik’ you can expect him to exceed these expectations. Definitely deserving of being named one of the best trance music producers of 2011.
Orjan’s stand out tracks of 2011
Armin van Buuren vs Ferry Corsten – Minack (Orjan Nilsen Remix)
5 Mat Zo
Mat Zo, is one of the most creative and versatile trance artists of the past few years. Impossible to label and has been described as ‘delivering some of the most forward thinking Anjunabeats releases to date’. Quite a compliment, considering the wealth of talent that the Anjunabeats label has to offer. This 21 year old, British artist combines uptempo house beats with an infectious big room, euphoric melodies that make him liked by all sections of the electronic music world and get heavy play from all the best trance radio shows. Remixes such as ‘Be there 4 you’ – Kyau & Albert and top trance tracks like ‘Superman’ tell you all you need to know about this producer and why he’s spoken of so highly by all the top DJ’s and artists.
Mat Zo’s stand out tracks of 2011
6 Eco
Marcello Pacheco, aka, Eco has developed his own style faster than anyone in the industry. His style is so unique and definitive that it could not be mistaken for anyone else. Growing up in New York, he was brought up with the street hip hop scene and his taste and process has changed over the years, but he still keeps components of the music he grew up with, which creates an individual sound that he has become known and loved for. His debut album ‘M(you)sic’ is set for release in early July and if it’s like anything he has produced before, it will be a must have for any music lover. Eco has also been kind enough to grant an exclusive interview with TheBestTrance, so look out for that in the coming weeks.
Eco’s stand out tracks of 2011
Armin van Buuren – Orbion (Eco Remix)
7 Dennis Sheperd
Dennis has launched himself onto the electronic music scene in the past few years with some quality trance songs and world class remixes. The producer from Essen, Germany established himself in 2007 and has continually been producing radio friendly hits. His signing to Euphonic Records has been the pivotal turning point in his career leading to ‘Best New Artist of 2010’ award and numerous accolades from his fellow producers. Continuing his success into 2011, his remixes are quickly becoming the most exciting thing in trance at this moment.
Dennis Shepherd’s stand out tracks of 2011
Gareth Emery – I Will Be The Same (feat. Emma Hewitt) [Dennis Sheperd Remix]
8 Daniel Kandi
Armin van Buuren probably summed it up as completely and as simply as possible. ‘Daniel Kandi has mastered the sound of trance’. Daniel Kandi has a knack for producing top trance song after top trance song. The Danish trance champion has produced another hit with ‘Just For You’ which showcases a heavenly melody that soars off effortlessly. ‘Just For You’ becomes a perfect mid-set anthem with twinkling pianos adding another layer of quality. Daniel has had a productive and special 2011 and you get the feeling the best is still to come.
Daniel Kandi’s stand out tracks of 2011
Aalto – Resolution (Daniel Kandi’s Solution Mix)
9 Andrew Rayel
Andrew Rayel is becoming one of trance’s best kept secrets that is slowly being let out. With each day and each passing release Andrew is developing his style and his tracks are being promoted by the biggest names in the industry. He knows how to harmoniously unite the beauty and energy of music in all his sets and his productions are constantly surpassing the ones before it. His original tracks and remixes are always pushing the boundaries and we can all look for bright things in the coming months from this genuinely talented artist.
Aether’s stand out tracks of 2011
Justin Dobslaw – Cold Snap (Andrew Rayel Remix)
10 Gareth Emery
This English born producer has a distinctive production style which has been described as a ‘fusion of trance and progressive with psy, tribal and techno flavours. He is known for his diversity in both his production and his DJ’ing. His album ‘Northern Lights’ was a huge success and it is being ‘Re Lit’ in 2011, which promises a lot of exciting additions to the already popular album. Gareth, while having been around for many years, is still one of the most intriguing and exciting trance producers today.
Gareth’s stand out tracks of 2011
Ummet Ozcan – Vimana
The Best Trance’s Trance Song Of The Day.
Trance hero Ummet Ozcan was chosen to create a track for a special occasion (the 100th release on the infamous Reset Records imprint). With ‘Vimana’ he proves to be on top of his game once again. It’s a high energy classic Trance record with big synth sounds and a lot of drive to boot. The perfect track, for the perfect event.
Ummet continually impresses with upbeat, sparkling tracks that made him a stand out producer of 2011. With songs like ‘Arcadia’, ‘Trinity’ and ‘Timewave Zero’ he has shown his versatility and dominance of the dance floor.
