Beatjunks

Dutch duo Don Alexandro & Rico Morello from the coast town Scheveningen are working their way up in the scene. With a smooth combination of Latin & stylish house music which makes girls go wild they rock the dancefloor every chance they get. A while ago we presented you the first Maricruz mixtape and today we’re back with the sequel and an interview with the boys themselves. As a bonus we have some teasers of tracks they’ve been working on!

The interview

Who Are DA & RM? And how did you end up as a duo?
We’re Don & Rico, both from Scheveningen in The Netherlands. We’ve been friends for 10 years now and have always been into music. When Rico bought a Dj set we both started practicing at home and got better each day. Pretty soon we got some solo gigs but after 6 months we’ve decided to team up and have been together for 2 years now.

In those 2 years, what have you been up to?
Right from the start we’ve been playing in clubs and in these 2 years we’ve been all around the country. Besides that we’ve released some bootlegs and mixtapes like the “Maricruz” series and organised some parties of our own.

Sounds like you’ve been busy, and what are you up to at this moment?
Lately we’ve spent our time at the studio which resulted in some upcoming releases. Offcourse we’ll keep on doing the Maricruz tapes.

Do you have anything else going on next to your spinning & studio work?
We’re training real hard to become the new Backstreet Boys haha. (NOT) Most of our time we try to spend in the studio, quality is a big thing for us and that takes time. Our other big thing is our own Maricruz parties. Negotiations are in progress so keep an eye out!

If you could make a wish how the future would like in 5 years for you, what would it be?
Our dream is to make a living out of spinnin’ & producing. Catch a flight to antoher place every week and get recognition for our work both national as internationally. Offcourse we realise it takes a lot of hard work and time.

You’ve probably noticed our readers love a good piece of music, what have you got for them?
The Beatjunks readers are the first to get our new mixtape Maricruz vol. 2 and check out some teasers from our upcoming tracks.

Download Maricruz vol. 2

Don Alexandro & Rico Morello – Maricruz vol. 2 by darm-music

Don Alexandro & Rico Morello ft. Ryan F. – Roeberate (Snippit) by darm-music

Don Alexandro & Rico Morello ft. Ryan F. – Morituri te Salutant (Snippet) by darm-music

The boys have also launched their new website! Congrats on that guys! Check it out at www.DA-RM.com

Oi!
Art

With releases on labels such as Stealth Records, Blackbird, Sneakerz MUZIK and Selekted Music, the Dutch energetic house duo Gabriel & Castellon has gained a respected name in the national and international house scene. For me a big reason to have little interview with them! After the read, make yourself comfortable to dance on some quality house beats from Gabriel & Castellon’s new mixtape. Enjoy the read!

1. First of all, for the people who don’t know you guys. Who are Gabriel & Castellon?
“We’re two guys (Gabriel is half Italian and Castellon is half Nicaraguan) who spinned in the Rotterdam scene and met each other during one of our gigs. We both we’re frustrated by the overhyped bleep sound and the fact that so many producers made that shit. As we’re always searching for musicality in the tracks we play out we decided to hook up in the studio and make our own stuff. We soon only took gigs where we could play together and we never stopped.”

2. One is the studiogeek and one mixmeister, or you do everything together?
“We’re both the geek and both the meister ;) We have created our own sound the last couple of years which was possible because of the chemistry we have in the studio and behind the decks. If we would do one without the other it would be noticable that it isn’t Gabriel & Castellon. We’re always working in the studio together and we always perform together.”

3. What is the best Gabriel & Castellon-production till now?
“Shut your eyes is our best known track for a lot of people, but our latest commercially released single Soul would ring some bells too we recon. We don’t have a defenitive best one. We put all our heart and soul in every track so we’re proud on everything we do.”

4. What kinds of music you guys listen beside house?
“We listen to all kind of music from Blues, Rock&Roll to Classical music. We try to keep an open mind for all music because you never know where the inspiration might come from.”

5. Who is the best overall producer from The Netherlands in your opinion?
“Holland has alot of really strong producers. So it’s a difficult question.
We do have a soft spot for Chocolate Puma because they really have their own sound and it’s always sexy as hell.”

6. How does your top-5 chart look like?
1. Gabriel&Castellon – El Chupa Choclo (PROMO CDR)
2. Gabriel&Castellon – Got Blues (Stealth PROMO )
3. Gabriel&Castellon – Neo Funk (Stealth PROMO)
4. Demoro – Marakech
5. Roger Sanchez – Turn on the music (Thomas Hensbroek reboot)

7. Which releases can we expect real soon from you and what tracks/remixes are you now working on?
“We just released our track “ Hit the Bottom “ on Adapt Recordings. That label is runned by Jorgensen. Its Exclusive now this week on Beatport, so check it out !
Our Gabriel&Castellon – Breaking Barriers e.p. on Stealth Records containing the tracks ( Got Blues, Neo Funk and Dada) will be released soon.
So keep an eye on that one ;-)

Also our remix for Roger Sanchez – 2gether will be out in a few weeks !
Besides that we just remixed a track for the legendary track Blow ya mind by Lock & Load which will be released on Selekted music.

And our “On The House” e.p. will be released on Nervous records containing the tracks Olympic Complex and Jefferson Street. We dont know the release date yet, but will keep you posted ;-)

Oh, there is also that remix for Steven Lee (Lee Cabrera) and Granite – Everybody, which will be released on Star 69 records. It contains a very cool sample of an old 80’s track J. We often play it in our sets.”

8. Are there any cool parties or festivals this summer where we can hear the real Gabriel & Castellon-sound?
“We have some cool parties coming up on the beach like Perfection, Glamorous and Gekkehaus, the 18th of july we have Free Festival at Almere beach. There are also some nice Gigs abroad which are coming up, but that isn’t in the summer. Check our website for dates and hit us if there is a party coming up you would like to visit.
Maybe we can arrange you some guestlist tickets ;-)”

9. Any shout-outs?
“Shout out to everyone who enjoyes good house music and is not afraid to follow and discover their own taste in music instead of following the hype as many others do. Peace!”

As mentioned above, their new mixtape, Gabriel & Castellon – ‘On The House July 2010′, a great set full of exclusive bangin’ tunes!

On the house july 2010 by gabrielcastellon

Tracklist:
1) Gabriel&Castellon feat Jerrique Allen – Soul (Original mix)
2) Demoro – Sofia
3) Pirupa – New Choice
4) Cassius – 99 (Tim Green rmx)
5 Gabriel&Castellon vs Raymundo – Tension
6) Ian Pooley – La Mania ( David Herrero rmx)
7) Belocca, Soneec – Bla Bla (Muzzaik rmx)
8) Paul Thomas & Ant Brooks – Pavlova (Paul Damixi rmx)
9) Gabriel&Castellon – Tramp (Original mix)
10) Lock ‘ n Load – Blow ya mind 2010 (Gabriel&Castellon rmx)
11) Gabriel&Castellon – El Chupa Choclo

Direct download / SpeedyShare mirror

Make sure you add them at: Hyves, Twitter, MySpace, SoundCloud and Facebook!

Do you believe in Reincarnation?

Almost 19 years ago in the Dutch town Enschede the Amro family gained a new member. This new member had an interest in music and the talent to make his own. These 2 elements, plus the ambition to something with that, resulted in “Kenquo”. For 3 years now Kenquo has played the game called “Electronic music industry” but the time has come to say goodbye… But this is by far not the end. In some religions people believe that after this life you will return to earth. Reincarnated that is. The unusual thing about Kenquo is that he reincarnates to how he started out 19 years ago. As “Bas Amro” The music lovin’ boy from Enschede. Only now more mature and ready to go to the next step in the music industry.

For the complete interview & download link please *CLICK*

Do you believe in Reincarnation?

Almost 19 years ago in the Dutch town Enschede the Amro family gained a new member. This new member had an interest in music and the talent to make his own. These 2 elements, plus the ambition to something with that, resulted in “Kenquo”. For 3 years now Kenquo has played the game called “Electronic music industry” but the time has come to say goodbye… But this is by far not the end. In some religions people believe that after this life you will return to earth. Reincarnated that is. The unusual thing about Kenquo is that he reincarnates to how he started out 19 years ago. As “Bas Amro” The music lovin’ boy from Enschede. Only now more mature and ready to go to the next step in the music industry.

The Interview

What made you decide to switch from “Kenquo” to “Bas Amro”?

Because Kenquo sounds too much like “Kandoo”, the baby wipes!!!
No but really, when I joined i! Records last year I was asked to use another alias. In order to keep a close relation to myself I decided to use my real name. Ever since that moment I’ve had to put twice as much effort in my career. If you want to grow in this scene, you need to keep being active and let people know you’re still around. Keep producing, keep remixing or after a while you will fade into the background. Doing this for both names is quite a task.
When a friend asked me one day if I would release some new track I made that day as Kenquo or as Bas Amro I started thinking. Keeping up both was double the worries and I kinda started liking the idea of using my given name. So after some consideration and talking to colleagues I chose to go on as Bas Amro in the future.

What is going to happen with your releases on short term?

This was a bit of an issue. I am rather careful about what I want to release as Bas Amro. So I considered each upcoming release separately.  For the “New Period” Ep, which will come out shortly, I’ve asked Katchuli Records to change the name into Bas Amro. Most others will still be on Kenquo, these will of course be the last going by this name.

What are your plans now?

Quite simple! I want to give it a more serious and professional approach. Only the big labels, the best opportunity’s. The time when I did things as a favor for friends and people who are nice to me is history.

Does this have any effect on the up/down-stream mixes?

No, I enjoy this project too much to give it up. It’s quite fulfilling when I receive reactions and messages from people who like the mixes. When I check the download numbers on them and see that even old mixes are still being downloaded quite often I’d be insane to stop doing them!

Is there any other news worth mentioning?

Well actually… quite a lot! First of all the “New Period” Ep on Katchuli that I mentioned before will be released shortly. Besides that another Ep will be released on Neurotraxx Deluxe, containing 3 tracks plus an Aki Bergen remix. What I’m most excited about myself is an upcoming release on Darko Esser’s Label “Wolfskuil Records”. This is a dream come true for me! I actually finished the last track today. And of course I’m always working on releases for i! Records, but I can’t tell you much about that right now. Because well, you know… it’s super secret and all…
The next up/down-stream mixes will be online in about 3 weeks.

And as promised… here’s a taste of what Bas will bring us in the future. He made an exclusive  mix of a selection of his unreleased tracks for all of you BEATJUNKS!

Download

Wanna keep track of Bas?
Myspace / Twitter / Hyves / Facebook

This time I got in contact with the one and only Robbie Taylor! I guess you’ll all know him from “Black Bamboo” and “Wait Forever”, and more recent from his remixes on Spinnin’ and Sneakerz Muzik. Show some love and add him to your social networks and buy his releases!;) Have a nice read!

Website / MySpace / Hyves / Twitter / Beatport / Dance-Tunes / SoundCloud

The Interview

Q: Why is your name Robbie Taylor, is it your real name, or did it just sound nice?
A: My Name is Robbie Taylor, my artist name is inspired by my favourite band: Queen. The name of the drummer of the band is called Roger TAYLOR… So that’s why…

Q: When did your interest in dj-ing/producing became a fact?
A: When I was six years old, I started to play saxophone. When I was nine years old I started dj’ing. Later I started producing with programs like “Music Maker”. When I became 18 years old I found Fruity Loops and try to bring my music on a higher level.

Q: Who are your main music examples and influences?
A: I’m inspired by different styles of music. From pop till jazz, and from R&B till techno. But if I may call some artists: Maynard Ferguson, Deadmau5, Herbie Hanock, Queen, Pharell Williams, Rene Amesz etc…

Q: What distincts you from the rest spinning- and producingwise?
A: My sound is most of the time a bit more musical and warmer than the most of the Dutch DJ’s are spinning or producing. But my sounds got also energy at the same time.

Q: Recently you did a few remixes for some international artists, works this positive for your international bookinglist, or is it just on a beginning level?
A: It’s coming up now, I had spinned two times In the UK the past months with my brother in crime: Benny Royal, it was great. Now I got some bookings from Vienna, Albanie, Spain and Miami.

Q: Are there any big stars you shared the DJ booth, and how did that feel?
A: That’s all ready a big list, but I must say that I don’t give a thing about it… I worked for years in a records store called Mid Town Records and big names like Michel De Hey, Ferry Corsten, etc visit it every week… I got my respect for some DJ’s/producers, but we all are just DJ’s… If you know what I mean….

Q: What is your personal top 5 of this moment?
1: Robbie Taylor & Marc MacRowland – Paseos (Original mix)
2: Enzo Siffredi – Come Together (Robbie Taylor mix)
3: Dirty South – Alamo (Robbie Taylor & Benny Royal mix)
4: Benny Royal – It’s A Jungle (Original mix)
5: DJ Wady – Uganda (Robbie Taylor Afrobeat dub)
+
6: Tom Budden – The Tree Dance (Original mix)

Q: On what big (dance-) event you still want to perform in your life?
A: Mysteryland, Extrema, Lowlands and The Love Parade.. I want to play at parties all over the world where people know how to party.

Q: What is your opinion about Beatjunks?
A: In the beginning I got my issues about this kind of websites, cause of the free (illegal) music you can download. But at the same time you can promote your own tracks on the site. This is great for the upcoming dj’s and producers, so… keep up the good work!

Q: What can we expect from you real soon if we talk about releases?
A: A New track is coming up on the label of DJ Chus: “Stereo Productions”. The track is made together with Marc MacRowland and there is another track of me and Marc featuring Zawdi MC. Beside that there are coming a several remixes and new stuff made by myself.

Q: Any shoutouts?
A: Big Up for: Benny Royal (Big fun at the “brighton” hotel :P ). Marc MacRowland (We need some PASEOS), Carl Cox (u know why), DJ Chus (thnx for everything), Ercy Mirage & Boris Rush (u guys rockzzz), Vincent Maganaro (COME TOGETHER HE HE ), Alessandro Stasi (Crocodile), Gabriel & Castellon (Whoop Whoop), Down the river bookings (thanks for believe in me) and everybody who support me and again and again… PEACE!!

Support

Here’s a freebee:
Ralvero VS Sidney Samson – Run On the Riverside (Robbie Taylor & Marc MacRowland MashUp)

And here previews of his latest releases, buy them all if you want!;) Robbie’s remix of Uganda receiving support from ATFC(!), so make sure you check out and buy that one!

DJ Wady – Uganda – Robbie Taylor Afrobeat Dub BUY!

DJ Chus, The Groove Foundation – That Feeling – Robbie Taylor & Marc MacRowland Mix BUY!

DJ Jose – Stepping To The Beat 2.0 – Robbie Taylor Remix BUY!

I hooked up with SonicC for an exclusive small interview about his future and his upcoming releases!

Info

Born and raised in Miami, Florida, SonicC started producing at the age of 16 when he wanted to make exclusive remixes for djing, he ended up becoming addicted to creating music and started buying VST’s, Monitors, and a Midi controller. Influenced greatly by his Latin roots he also draws inspiration from Hip Hop and Disco. At the young age of 17 SonicC is seeing his work being played by the likes of Laidback Luke, Diplo, Crookers, Annie Mac and other top djs around the globe. This is the boy to watch in 2009, sure to be a big year for SonicC.

Support

soniccmusic.com
myspace.com/soniccmusicofficial
twitter.com/Soniccmusic
Facebook

Buy

Beatport
Juno
Dance-Tunes

Interview

Q: For the people who don’t know you (omg, impossible!), who are you?
A: I’m just your average american teenager who makes house music (and dubstep and techno).

Q: Where did the name “SonicC” come from?
A: Well I originally got into production with 2 cousins, and we picked the name Sonic Children….
eventually I branched off by myself because they were lazy bastards… and I just went by Dj Sonic…
then into Sonic and into SonicC since I don’t want to fuck with copyright laws.

Q: Who are your main musical influences, who are your examples?
A: Laidback Luke, Afrojack, David Guetta and Swedish House Mafia.

Q: Your name at MySpace is “SonicC STICKIN OUT SEP 11 ON BEATPORT!”, but the Stickin’ EP is still not released, what about that?
A: That’s intresting…. I don’t even know what’s going on…. I’ve been emailing the record label (Laidback Luke’s Mixmash) though so no fear! It’ll be out soon, can’t give an exact date yet though.

Q: What do you think of beatjunks.com?
A: It’s a great site for producers to promo out tracks, and for the public and dj’s to check out stuff and support their favorite artists.

Q: Which tracks you play like every set, give us your top 5 of this moment?
A: Hmm alright this should be a bit difficult of the top of the head.
1. My G*O*D*(SonicC Remix)-Laidback Luke
2. Unicorns On Acid-SonicC
3. Black Celebration(SonicC Remix)-Kick-Oh
4. Judas(SonicC Remix)-Mom&Dad
5. Dreams(Demo Mix)-SonicC

Q: Any producers you want to coorporate with in the future?
A: Diplo, Laidback Luke, Avicii, Paul Van Dyk and Armand Van Helden.

Q: Careerwise, where are you in 5-10 years? Still producing and spinning at club all over the world like Laidback Luke or got a boring job at the bank/your local grocery store?
A: Without sounding over-confident… I will definitely be producing and spinning all over the world…. I just got into the game less than a year ago and already getting signed by some of the biggest labels in the scene, signed to Windish Talent Agency… when I do something, I go hard until I succeed ;-) I want more than that though, I want a brand that includes everything from clothes to clubs to radio stations. I have a secret master plan and right now I’m ahead of schedule.

Q: What can we look out for from yourself, any upcoming releases?
A: Look for an EP on Diplo’s Mad Decent, no release date there yet… look for remixes of Mimo’s Will You Be There, Exit EP, a Kid Sister remix on A-Trak’s Fool’s Gold Records, more stuff I can’t talk about yet ;-)

Goodies

Cuz of the interview, SonicC provided me 2 exclusive tracks and gave me permission to post 2 official remixes;)
If you wanna see more exclusive SonicC tracks here at beatjunks, support his latest release on Mixmash, he wants to see it in the Beatport Top 100 Electro!!

Laidback Luke – My G*O*D – Guns On Demo – SonicC Remix BUY IT HERE!!!

SonicC – Gaia (Original Mix) worldwide exclusive, only here available!!

SonicC – Dreams (Demo Mix) worldwide exclusive, only here available!!

Swanky Tunes – Harmony Of Life (Digital Lab & SonicC Remix)
Little Boots – Remedy (SonicC Remix)