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What was once dubbed “gay people’s music,” house/dance music is the signature sound for mainstream America as top artists and performers incorporate its high, synth tempos, deep bass, heavy drums, syncopated melodies and funky rhythms into hits that are driving pop-culture. From hip-hop to pop and R&B, dance music is raking in millions for artists and DJ’s. Everybody is getting paid, and the fans are only getting bigger as many are crossing over to experience the hype. No one would know that more than the EC Twins who not only have been credited “for the boom in Electronic Music in the U.S.A.,” but they have had many successes including a remix for super-duo LMFAO (“Champagne Showers”) and the resurgence of 90s Dance star CeCe Peniston, who was at the top of her game with smash hits like “Finally,” “We Got A Love Thang” and Keep On Walkin.”

 When you experience an EC Twins set, their deejaying skills and selections are rivaled only by their own personas. And to top it off, “you don’t often see doubles in the DJ booth. Not just DJ’s and producers, they are trendsetters with an attitude and style many would interpret as bitchie. But when you get to know them, you would realize that the attitude comes from self-determination and years of struggles. They’ve had to prove themselves over and over again. Life didn’t come easy, they were poor and finally crawled their way to success. So why should anyone else get off lightly?!

 Now that they’ve reached a pinnacle of success, the Twins know that keeping that success takes constant practice, re-inventing themselves and staying way ahead of the “trolls,” as they would put it. So, “I chose to give them a cover feature because they were two good-looking twins who were not only talented, but they know what struggling means and have talent to back-up the B.S. that constantly try to rival true artistry.”

Most people can explain explicitly what their love or passion is for why they do what they do. For example, a dancer could say “when I dance, I transcend into my own state of euphoria.” What experience do you feel when you’re at the height of your game (artistry)?

Honestly, we’re just relieved that we don’t live in the projects anymore and are finally doing what we love for a living instead of the dead end jobs that have been our only alternative. Our 2 most identifiable emotions are infinite gratitude to the fans for making everything we do possible and fear that we could end up back where we came from.

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How would you describe your style of deejaying?

High Energy, Emotional, improvisational and interactive.

So how’s the love life? What’s your type? What peaks your interest?

It’s hard to decipher a real connection from a potential DJ groupie or a gold digger nowadays, so it’s safest to love the music first and the personal stuff is way down on the list of priorities for us. House music is our bitch. We do like exotic brunettes though… Different races are interesting to us!

If you weren’t getting paid to DJ or create music, would you still do it?

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Yes of course, we’ve done this our whole lives and only recently made a career out of it. Music has a very cathartic effect on us, it helps to heal old wounds or find reason in them. Everyone loves music, but we love it with a passion that is reserved for only the true obsessives. After Eye Candy (our club night) we had a period of time out of the scene, trying to get legal immigration status in the USA, we lost everything in the process and became homeless. We still managed to produce a track thanks to friends and practiced in one way or another every single day.

We know that sometimes entertainers create a persona that’s not their true self… What are the elements that make up who you are and is the persona and you as a person one within the same?

It’s a good question. The truth is The EC Twins and Marc & Allister Blackham are the same people, but in private Marc & Allister are very low key. The EC Twins are like our evil quadruplets, they just come to life the minute the music starts. It’s not a conscious decision, once the beat starts, something inside shifts gear and those two lunatics take over. It’s not a choice; it’s not a created persona. It’s probably a symptom of schizophrenia.

Were there ever a time when you doubted who you are or what you wanted before your current successes?

Everyone doubts themselves; every single person has their own Demons. Because of our personal journey and our humble beginnings, our insecurities are probably exaggerated a million times more than other artists. But that’s why we work so hard and why we connect so personally with our fans and appreciate our careers and what house music has given us. It’s the reason why we approach every performance as if it is our last. Our whole lives we’ve dreamed of being involved in the music industry, we never decided to be DJ’s; that part was organic, but now it’s here and we don’t ever want to do anything else. This is everything to us.

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What is your most memorable experience while deejaying at nightclubs and events?

 For us the memories all began whilst running our first ever club nights Eye Candy in Edinburgh. They shaped our understanding of the entire industry from an artistic perspective and from a business perspective, so they’ll always be cherished. Other than that, the connections with the crowd that can’t be tracked down to one moment or even one night are all fond memories. It’s like a universal connection between us and all these beautiful strangers, some of whom don’t even speak the same language, yet somehow through the music you connect on a deeper level. That’s the memory that we fall asleep to every night, which wakes us up every morning. It’s much more fundamental than one particular superficial moment, it can happen whilst playing to 100 people or 100,000. It’s the same feeling that leads to the same memory; a feeling of unity. We live and die for that sh*t.

Of all the acts you’ve worked with… who can you say was or is the most enlightening as far as artistry is concerned?

It wouldn’t be fair to pick one, because we’re surrounded by so many talented artists right now, with diverse and inspiring personalities. Paul Oakenfold and Dirty Vegas were the first big boys to reach out to us and it’s nice to have friends like Dimitry Vegas and Like Mike too, because we’re in a similar peer group. Other than that, look to the answer to your next question for all the great artists we’re currently collaborating with.

Tell us about your upcoming projects?

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Our next release is an EC Twins remix on Ultra Music for Black Boots “Sex Cult” and we’ve been through a huge period of collaborations recently. A few things are coming up with some of our personal favorite, underrated producers that we managed to stalk down to work with us. Projects with Bass Kleph, Dmitry KO, Plastik Funk, Reece Low, Darrigo and so many more are in the works. We’re in the zone right now! It used to take us a month to finish a track, whereas right now we can bang one out every day. We’re really excited for our 2014 releases.

What is your perception of the progression of dance and electronic music in North America? Where do you see it in the next 5 or 10 years?

It has become the biggest cultural shift in modern times. The current electronic music scene is “Flower Power” for the ‘Millennials’ and it’s not going anywhere any time soon. The kids are all in to it and will carry it in to their adulthood, so it’s a long, fun ride ahead. We’ve been credited with playing a big part in the US growth that has led to the global phenomenon and we intend to play a pivotal role in shaping the next chapter. In terms of the sound, we see a shift in to real songs right now, but it really won’t matter. Good music is good music and we’ll be at the forefront until our last breath.

Remixes and nightclub appearances are the bread and butter for any DJ. And successful remixes help build a DJ’s status, provide more work and opportunities. Which of your projects would you say was the most successful (in overhaul experience), and what was the most important lesson learned from that project?

There are three different projects and three different lessons: One, “Little White Doves” – Dirty Vegas (EC Twins & Remy Le Duc Remix) – The Success: It’s still the cult classic for die hard EC Twins fans. Lesson Learned: A big room progressive track won’t get relevant exposure on a deep house label. Two, “You’ve Never Seen” – EC Twins & CeCe Peniston – The Success: It introduced us to a global audience and garnered respect from Hardwell, Tiesto, Chuckie, Snader Van Doorn and more. Lesson learned: Have a follow up ready to go! And three, “Set The World On Fire” (Groove Cruise Anthem) – EC Twins & Kalendr Feat. Koko Laroo – The Success: This record is still growing and finding an audience and is being added to radio station playlists every day. Lesson learned: It’s great to put stuff out on your own label, but the exposure from a big label is always helpful if you can get a chance.

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What are your top 7 party venues and why?

 We like the Marquee in Las Vegas because it started the “Electronic Music Only” policy in Vegas clubs. Create in LA is our current favorite venue in our hometown. Of course Eye Candy in Scotland because it was our baby and saved us from a life spent living in the projects and working in a dead end job. We like Tommorrowland in Belgium because it represented hard in Europe. We like Osheaga Festival in Montreal because of the fact that it’s a fresh indie festival with room for huge growth, Hard Rock in San Diego because we’ve spent so many pivotal dates playing there (including Halloween and New Year Eve) and anywhere we play in the future because we’ve only just begun our journey.

If you could mentor any young man or woman out there wanting to get into the music business, what are five things you would tell him/her to look out for?

If we’ve noticed one mistake from a lot of our colleagues whose careers had not lasted as long as ours, it’s trying too hard to please the critics. One minute they’re smashing big rooms with their sounds, the next they’re in a back room playing “Afro Latin Tech” or some sh*t because the trolls got into their heads and turned them into snobs. Not that there’s anything up with “Afro Latin Tech” if it’s in your heart, there’s something up with changing what’s in your heart to please a bunch of tossers. F#ck the critics and f#ck the experts. Go out there, work really hard, don’t feel entitled to anything, be unarguably great at what you do, hold your head high and please yourself. Don’t apologize for doing what you love. The crowd will speak with their attendance and the trolls will hop on board when you’re a big success because they’re f#cking sheep’s beneath it all. Beware the trolls!

 

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Connect with the EC Twins:
Twitter: @ectwins
Factbook: ectwinsmusic
Instagram: @ectwins
Web: www.ectwinsmusic.com
Interview By Patrick Kelly
Twitter: @PrettyboyPK

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BLUCKTHER AND MARTIN TREVY TEAM UP FOR ‘YOUR BODY’ ON WARNER MUSIC!

Recently awarded the prize for ‘Best Artist House Revelation’ by the CDA (Colombian Dance Awards) in his native Colombia, Bluckther now teams up with fellow Colombian DJ/producer and singer Martin Trevy.

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Artists: Bluckther & Martin Trevy
Title: Your Body
Label: Warner Music Germany
Release date: Out Now

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For some years now, Colombian DJ/producer Bluckther (real name Juan Felipe Lopez Gomez) has been releasing house tracks that have been played all around the world on big stages such as Tomorrowland Mainstage, ADE Amsterdam, Encore Las Vegas, Ultra Miami, and many more. His Music has also gained support from some of the biggest names in the industry, such as Tiësto, Don Diablo, Afrojack, Fedde Le Grand, Steve Aoki, Diplo, Laidback Luke, and The Chainsmokers.

Recently awarded the prize for ‘Best Artist House Revelation’ by the CDA (Colombian Dance Awards) in his native Colombia, Bluckther now teams up with fellow Colombian DJ/producer and singer Martin Trevy. Martin is best known for his 2019 remix of Dermot Kennedy’s hit ‘Power Over Me’, which picked up airtime on multiple radio stations across Europe such as JAM FM, NRJ, Bayern 3 und Kiss FM. Together, they have crafted a song about burning desires, burning sensations, and a nocturnal jaunt through LA.  

“Feeling going crazy / Waiting for you baby / Until tonight “– right from the start, we’re drawn into the song’s
blistering atmosphere. Martin Trevy’s smooth vocals take us to the scene of events: a lover counting the hours until he finally feels, sees, and tastes his flame again. Over brooding soundscapes and thumping beats, the production gathers momentum – and so does the car: “Hop into my fast car / We’re taking it way too far tonight”, the story goes, and by the time we’re approaching the first drop, one can only hope the two hot lovers have their car parked somewhere safe with the engine switched off…  
Bluckther x Martin TrevyYour Body’ is out on Warner Music Germany.

Follow Bluckther:
www.facebook.com/bluckther
www.instagram.com/bluckther
 
Follow Martin Trevy:
www.instagram.com/martintrevy

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ALUNA RELEASES NEW SPOTIFY-EXCLUSIVE SINGLE “TROUBLE” FEAT. MICHAEL BRUN & ALICAI HARLEY

Aluna releases a brand-new original song “Trouble ”featuring Michael Brun & Alicai Harley as the third installment of Spotify’s mint Singles

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Artists: Aluna
Title: Trouble
Label: Spotify Singles
Release date: April 23, 2021

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Following the release of her debut solo album Renaissance and companion-collection of remixes from the album, Aluna releases a brand-new original song Troublefeaturing Michael Brun & Alicai Harley as the third installment of Spotify’s mint Singles – a companion to its flagship Dance playlist, mint, and a spin-off of the popular Spotify Singles series.


“Trouble”
is a dancehall-infused electropop jam that builds on Aluna’s signature sound, blending soaring vocal harmonies with infectious beats to create an incendiary anthem just in time for this summer’s dancefloors. Working with Haitian DJ Michael Brun and Jamaican-British singerAlicai Harley, the song is an extension of Aluna’s collaborations with Kaytranada, Lido, SG Lewis, and more on her latest album Renaissance.


Says Aluna about the new song: “The thing I love most about collaborating is the surprise factor-it’s like Christmas. The song is about when you have a connection with someone on the dance floor – even if you’re not talking from some silly argument, you end up back together, locked in because your bodies just know how to live together. Alicai Harley knows all about that so it was incredible to watch her dive into the concept and then just lay down the sickest verse I’ve ever heard (and I recorded her on a boat in London!). The production started off pretty traditional but I wanted to pull together the euphoria of house with the sexiness of dancehall so I reached out to Micheal Brun because his ability to beautifully weave originality with straight dance floor power is what I love about him. I cried when I heard the final track, musicians’ tears (the same ones come out at weddings).”

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Haiti’s Michael Brun worked with Aluna to help transform “Trouble” into a house-inspired dance hit, a return to Brun’s roots in dance music. In 2020 into 2021, Brun expanded his influence as one of Haiti’s most prominent cultural figures and musicians. He became a Grammy winner for his contributions to international superstar J. Balvin’s Coloresalbum, spearheaded the music industry’s first geofenced digital live tour in three cities, lent his voice to the campaign to remove the term “World Music” from the Grammys, and released his MelaninEP, featuring Nigerian artist Kah Lo, Benin’s Shirazee, and fellow Haitian singer/songwriter Naika.

More info on Aluna:
OFFICIAL WEBSITE| INSTAGRAM| TWITTER| | TIKTOK| FACEBOOK

Content provided by: Mad Decent Protocol
Photo By: Connor Wiegmann

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Full Coachella 2016 Lineup Released: Calvin Harris, Guns and Roses…

Coachella 2016: The festival announced its full lineup Monday night for the 2016 iteration, which will feature electronic musician Calvin Harris and reunions from LCD Soundsystem and Guns N’ Roses as…

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The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival has brought a lineup of artists to stages in Indio, California nearly every year since it was founded in 1999. The festival announced its full lineup Monday night for the 2016 iteration, which will feature electronic musician Calvin Harris and reunions from LCD Soundsystem and Guns N’ Roses as… (more…)

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Steve Aoki Just Became An Honorary Mexican With This Remix

Steve Aoki added a touch of Regional Mexican Music to his set during a concert in Mexico and we are not complaining! The acclaimed EDM DJ changed his repertoire a little bit during a performance in Aztec ground and pleased the crowd

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Steve Aoki added a touch of Regional Mexican Music to his set during a concert in Mexico and we are not complaining! The acclaimed EDM DJ changed his repertoire a little bit during a performance in Aztec ground and pleased the crowd with a remix that included some of the Nation’s greatest hits such as, Vicente… (more…)

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