In further testament to the Dutch explosion that has truly overrun global House music, Nicky Romero has continued to prove himself an unmovable asset to the country’s well-received stronghold. With an arsenal of remixes for the likes of David Guetta and a frantic tour schedule for 2012, Romero has excelled all expectations with a smooth run of well-focused tracks for the likes of Spinnin Records and Wall Recordings. As his reputation has continued to soar on a global scale, it seems evident that we have not seen everything that this graciously tipped newcomer has to offer and at only 22-years-old, few producers are leading this generation of House artists with more enthusiasm than Romero.

Dipping into Electronic music’s rich heritage and borrowing the unforgettable charm of Schoolly D’s ‘Gucci Again’, Romero escapes the indolent remix routine by injecting his own furious stamina into an unforgettable piece of Dance music. Infused with acid leads and mechanically tuned rhythmic play, this somewhat unexpected turn for the young Dutchie emphasises not only the energy of his studio output but the variety which an artist amid one of the most hotly stereotyped movements can bring to the equation. Keeping it reassuringly Dutch in spirit but universal in sound, his journey to the high-end appears eminent and with a successful and somewhat brave intrusion on musical history to his name, world domination should prove relatively simple.

Nicky Romero – Generation 303 [Musical Freedom] – Beatport Link

Nicky Romero – Generation 303

Words by Dan Carter

We have heard a lot of positive noise from Sweden over the past year, but one man has shone the light for its diverse Electronic movement since the days when you could see the Swedish House Mafia for less than €55. Boasting stints alongside Defected and a forthcoming compilation for Toolroom Records, John Dahlback has remained a productive member of the global House movement with back-to-back club floor favourites and a glowing presence on the international club scene. Despite outgrowing his hometown of Stockholm after such bangers as ‘Blink’ and ‘Pyramid’ caught the attention outside, his imprint Mutants has continued to invest in pure and well-executed talent from across the board, making even louder noise for Sweden’s worst-kept musical secret.

Sporting a rising array of synthesised leads, Dahlback’s initial launch into Escape is one of anthemic builds and emotive melody, comfortably placing it amid the realms of 2011’s positively strident influx of stadiumesque floor-fillers. But what goes up, must come down. Luckily, Dahlback returns from his euphoric climb in a concise and driving breakthrough of bulky beats and highly tuned synthesisers to bag the Swedish producer what could be the first peek of a fresh faced component to his driving global appeal.

John Dahlback – Escape [Toolroom Records] – Beatport Link

Update: Official video added

Words by Dan Carter

Amid the untimely coupling of Trance and House music, many have found their demise. At the victorious sector of this newfound union stands Progressive Trance visionary Jochen Miller and Armin Van Buuren approved Dutch stronghold Rank 1, three Dutch assets who have proven undeniably conversant in refuelling the Netherlands Trance legacy with back-to-back stormers.

Propped up by a momentous vocal offering from Belgian singer-songwriter Sarah Bettens, the trio’s perfectly orchestrated melodic play and rigid drums mark something of a breakthrough for the genre in terms of its viscosity from start to finish. If this impressive collaborative effort from three of Holland’s hottest Electronic assets is anything to go by then the Dutch are still in firm control of those essential euphoric moments.

Rank 1 & Jochen Miller feat. Sarah Bettens – Wild and Perfect Day [High Contrast Recordings] – Beatport Link

Words by Dan Carter

Since ditching his DJ Funkadelic moniker, Daan Romers has made affirmative progression with his blissful Electronic stylings under the guise of Dannic. Already boasting tracks for Flamingo Recordings and Hardwell’s Revealed label under the guise of his former alias, the Dutch newcomer marks a fresh chapter of his impending musical legacy with ‘Doster’.

In true Netherland style, Romers’ outing of rising synths and excessively rapid lead play mark the perfect induction for his new nom de plume, dealing a potent blast of hard-hitting yet well-structured Electro House that touches on the rich Progressive vibes that his country has become synonymous with. With debut collaboration alongside Hardwell ‘Kontiki’ for the same label and further remix Duties for Dutch peer R3hab’s ‘The Bottle Song’ on the horizon along with a debut stint at infamous London nightspot Ministry of Sound, Dannic is one European newcomer we urge you to keep a very sturdy eye upon.

Dannic – Doster [Revealed Recordings] – Beatport Link

Dannic – Doster

Words by Dan Carter

Responsible for countless chart-worthy offerings and an artist roster that lacks of fame but hints strongly of talent and aspiration, the new year promises to be another big one for Macarize as one of Holland’s finest Progressive House acts prepares to make her debut on the label with a new remix of hers. Where the original saw itself become one of Macarize’s hottest assets last Summer, Amsterdam-residing Kristin Schrot, better known as Miss Nine, saw it fit giving Audible’s ‘Summit’ an even more impressive remodel. Adding a blissful synth progression and a playful break-down to the already summerish original, Miss Nine’s Macarize debut flaunts with its presence as her possibly best work to date.

Audible – Summit (Miss Nine Remix) [Macarize] – Beatport Link

Audible – Summit (Miss Nine Remix)

/Anton

With numerous installments on Steve Angello’s Size Records on the way and an indenture with EMI behind him, Sebjak has secured a nothing but a successful path ahead as far as his studio outlet goes. For the second edition of his fairly new series of mixtapes then, the Stockholm-born Dj blends a few gems from his quite extensive back catalogue with recently released tracks such as the now chart-topping Axwell mix of In My Mind, originally produced by Ivan Gough and Feenixpawl, Afrojack and Shermanology’s widely acclaimed Can’t Stop Me, Nicky Romero’s Toulouse, the single that’s now in the wait for numerous remix treatments, and many more.

DOWNLOAD

Sebjak – February 2012

Tracklist:

01. Style of Eye & Magnus The Magnus – Antidote (Sebjak Remix) [Horehaus]
02. Nicky Romero – Toulouse [Spinnin]
03. Chris Lake – Sundown [Ultra]
04. Ferry Corsten feat. Ben Hague – Ain’t No Stoppin’ (Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano Remix) [Flashover]
05. Afrojack & Shermanology – Can’t Stop Me [Wall]
06. David Guetta feat. Nicki Minaj – Turn Me On (Michael Calfan Remix) [F*** Me I'm Famous]
07. Ivan Gough & Feenixpawl feat. Georgi Kay – In My Mind (Axwell Mix) [Axtone]
08. Full Intention & Haze – Signification (Sebjak Remix) [Strictly Rhythm]
09. Antranig – Spank It! [Sondos]
10. Swiss Offical feat. Kings of Tomorrow – Changes (Sebjak Remix) [Size]
11. R3hab & Swanky Tunes feat. Max C vs. Hard Rock Sofa - Sending My Love (Afrojack Edit) [Wall]
12. Mougai – We Want Your Soul (Sebjak Remix) [Size] w/ Buy Now – For Sale [La'Mode] (Sebjak’s Festival Bootleg)

/Jesper & Anton

Love him or hate him, Skrillex has changed the game as far as the Electro-Step crossover is concerned. From Screamo heart throb to affirmative wobble master, through wave after wave of solid low-end outings Sonny Moore has led the way for a new generation of Electro orientated artists while showing little sign of sheltering the vivacious energy alongside it. Anyone brave enough to take that intimidating soundscope and inject it into the work of The Doors was bound to see a mixed reception, but the postive influx of support for Breakn’ A Sweat suggests that the senseless bitching has been iradicated by a warm sense of industrious respect.

Of a similar mindset is German Electro House newcomer and labelmate Zedd, slamming the door on genre defiancy and ripping the Beatport charts a new one at every possible turn. In a self-fulfilling romp of distored lead work and frantic melodic peaks, the clean shaven fuzz of Anton Zaslavski’s potent remodel extends a clubworthy shelf life to Skrillex’s original, encapsulating the same low-end authority of the original stalemate stand-off to hit home a more Electro orientated offering than that of its 2-step original. We may have heard it all before, but oversubscribed sub genre remains aurally stimulating at the hands of two of its key players.

DOWNLOAD
(Featured as part of Regeneration Music Project’s Soundtrack Album now out for free)

Skrillex & The Doors – Breakn’ A Sweat (Zedd Remix)

N.B. It’s officially released February 7th on Beatport.

Words by Dan Carter

Meanwhile the original has planted itself as a comfortable asset to Nick Littlemore and Peter Mayes’ fourth studio album under the moniker of Pnau, the Tommy Trash remix has made an equally impressive impression as the indisputed headliner of it’s very remix package. Red hot off the Swedish House Mafia-approved remix for Ladi Dadi and with his debut single for PinkStar, titled Cascade, planted firmly on Beatport’s top 10, this decade’s arguably most game-changing character within electro-house continues to make some serious moves towards the créme de la créme of clubland as his playful take on Pnau has finally released. Flipping from clangerous sound combinations and Nick Littlemore’s distinguished vocal into that rugged, signature drop of his, the winds seem to do nothing but continue to favour this Australia-born, London-based DJ and producer.

Pnau – Unite Us (Tommy Trash Remix) [Ministry Of Sound] – Amazon Link
(Worldwide release coming shortly)

Pnau – Unite Us (Tommy Trash Remix)

/Anton

Showcasing a solid mixture of unreleased, recently released tracks as well as some oldies, the latest Main Room by Dylan is one worthy it’s share of recognition. Somewhat influenced by Sweden’s hottest Dance music trio to date, well-oiled mash-ups and well-executed transitions make for this mix to be not only joyful but dance-friendly. Track wise, this one covers the likes of Qulinez’ upcoming debut single on Size Records, titled Troll, Otto Knows’ forthcoming first appearance on Refune, Million Voices, the Axwell mix of In My Mind that is currently doing some serious impact on the Beatport charts and dance floors alike as well as Mat Zo’s uniquely knitted Bipolar to name a few.

Dylan – Main Room – 05-02-2012

Tracklist:

01. Axwell & Sebastian Ingrosso feat. Michael Feiner – Together [Axtone] (The Attic Intro Edit) w/ Alesso – Nillionaire [Refune]
02. Qulinez – Troll [Size]
03. Ivan Gough & Feenixpawl feat. Georgi Kay – In My Mind (Axwell Mix) [Axtone]
04. Otto Knows – Million Voices [Refune] w/ TV Rock feat. Rudy – In The Air (Axwell Remix) [Axtone]
05. Mat Zo – Bipolar [Anjunabeats]
06. Antranig – Shake That Ass [Sondos] w/ Fatboy Slim – Right Here Right Now [Skint]
07. Fedde Le Grand – So Much Love [Toolroom]
08. Dirty South & Thomas Gold feat. Kate Elsworth – Eyes Wide Open [Phazing]
09. Swanky Tunes, Matisse & Sadko – The Legend [Refune] w/ Nervo feat. Ollie James -Irresistible (Acappella) [Zouk]
10. Red Hot Chili Peppers – Otherside (Third Party Remix) [One More Tune]
11. Tim Mason – Anima [Size] w/ Everything But The Girl – Missing (Lite Mix) [Atlantic]
12. Pnau – Solid Ground (Too Much Worth Living For) (Tim Mason Remix) [etcetc]

/Anton

Russia may have an Electronic music scene well worth shouting about, but that hasn’t stopped them lusting over Europe’s refined House stronghold. So when one third of Sweden’s most esteemed Dance export to date agreed to kick-start the latest exciting instalment in Russian broadcasting, hysteria erupted. But with hometown talent and celebrated figures alike gathered, there is little chance of Izvestiya Hall having a quiet night.

High-flying House duo Matisse & Sadko have proven that amid the hysteria surrounding Europe and its Electronic Music assets, they share more than just a surname. As the boisterous brothers turned Russian floor representatives have extended their cunning studio intellect across the globe, their wide appraisal has seen the enterprising collective touch base with the masses at Sensation White and with a collaborative number alongside hometown peers Swanky Tunes for Refune Records just out, their eyes seem solidly set on global domination. As ‘The Legend’ continues to tear apart the digital market, Matisse & Sadko are sure to be looking to turn eyes on their home turf alongside the alternative Mafia man and his adoring fans at Izvestiya Hall.

Outside of the undisputed, Axel Hedfors has remained the more private member of his heavyweight Swedish House collective. With a legacy that shaped the standard of contemporary House music to an all-time-high and the gravitating force of his Axtone imprint behind him, there is little evidence to suggest that Axwell could be one of Sweden’s most highly renowned artists to date. Since bagging the Swedish Government Music Export Prize for 2011 for his work alongside Steve Angello and Sebastian Ingrosso as Swedish House Mafia, Axwell will be looking to extend the country’s firm grasp on eclectic House music with a signature high-octane outing of undeniably potent Progressive House.

Matisse & Sadko

DOWNLOAD (120mb)

Tracklist:

01. Mark Mendes, Paris & Simo – Aura [Starter] w/ Dirty South & Those Usual Suspects feat. Erik Hecht – Walking Alone (Acappella) [Phazing]
02. Barnes & Heatcliff – Punani [Big & Dirty] w/ Fatboy Slim – Right Here, Right Now [Skint]
03. Firebeatz – Where’s Your Head At [Spinnin]
04. Matisse & Sadko – ID
05. Nadia Ali, Alex Kenji & Starkillers – Pressure (Alesso Instrumental Remix) [Spinnin] w/ Adele – Rolling In The Deep (Acappella) [XL]
06. Swanky Tunes & Hard Rock Sofa – The Edge [White Label] w/ Fedde Le Grand – Put Your Hands Up For Detroit (Acappella) [Flamingo]
07. Matisse & Sadko – Hi Scandinavia [Zouk]
08. Dada Life – Kick Out The Epic Motherfucker [So Much Dada]
09. Funkagenda – Shinjuku (Michael Woods Remix) [Funk Farm]
10. Jerry Rekonius – Powahbunga [Spinnin] w/ Da Hool – Meet Her At The Love Parade [Kosmo]
11. House Of Pain vs. Micky Slim – Jump Around [Warner] w/ Dean Newton – Phazin’ (George Acosta ‘South Side’ Mix) [Magik Muzik]
12. Ferry Corsten feat. Ben Hague – Ain’t No Stoppin’ (Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano Remix) [Flashover]
13. Dubvision – All By Myself [Spinnin]

Axwell

DOWNLOAD (280mb)

Tracklist:

00. Intro
01. Axwell – Heart Is King [Axtone] w/ R.E.M – Losing My Religion (Acappella) [Sony] w/ Ferry Corsten – Punk (Arty ‘Rock-N-Rolla’ Remix) [Flashover] (NOT BROADCASTED)
02. Thomas Gold – Marsch Marsch (2011 Rework) [Toolroom]
03. Henrik B feat. Rudy – Leave A Light On (NO_ID Remix) [Axtone]
04. Deniz Koyu – Hertz [Flamingo] w/ Eric Prydz – 2Night [Pryda] w/ Axwell & Sebastian Ingrosso feat. Michael Feiner – Together (Acappella) [Axtone]
05. Swedish House Mafia – ID
06. Michael Calfan – Resurrection (Axwell’s Recut Club Version) [Axtone] w/ Tim Mason – The Moment [Size] w/ Axwell feat. Steve Edwards – Watch The Sunrise (Acappella) [Axtone]
07. Qulinez – Troll (Edit) [Size]
08. Sebastian Ingrosso & Alesso – Calling (Instrumental Mix) [Refune]
09. Avicii – Levels [Le7els]
10. Deniz Koyu – Hydra [Joia]
11. Denzal Park – Nammos [Cr2]
12. Laidback Luke, Arno Cost & Norman Doray – Trilogy [Mixmash]
13. Ivan Gough & Feenixpawl feat. Georgi Kay – In My Mind (Axwell Mix) [Axtone]
14. Deniz Koyu – Tung! [Flamingo] w/ Calvin Harris – Feel So Close [Sony]
15. Nari & Milani – Atom [Size]
16. Cassius – I Love U So [Ed Banger] w/ Michael Woods – Bullet [Diffused] w/ Nero – Promises (Calvin Harris Remix) [MTA]
17. Pendulum – The Island (Steve Angello, AN21 & Max Vangeli Remix) [Size / One More Tune] w/ R3hab & Swanky Tunes feat. Max C – Sending My Love [Wall]
18. Swedish House Mafia vs. Knife Party – Antidote [EMI]
19. Dirty South & Those Usual Suspects feat. Erik Hecht – Walking Alone [Phazing] w/ Swanky Tunes & Hard Rock Sofa – Phantom [One More Tune] w/ Swedish House Mafia vs. Tinie Tempah – Miami 2 Ibiza [Virgin] w/ Mark Knight vs. Koen Groeneveld – Put Your Hands Up (Acappella) [Toolroom]
20. Swanky Tunes & Hard Rock Sofa – Phantom [One More Tune] w/ Energy 52 – Café del Mar (Michael Woods ‘Out Of Office’ Remix) [Ultra]
21. Tommy Trash – The End [Downright] w/ Florence and The Machine – You’ve Got The Love (Mark Knight Remix) [Toolroom] w/ Swedish House Mafia – One [Virgin]
22. Arty – Around The World [Anjunabeats] w/ Axwell feat. Errol Reid – Nothing But Love (Acappella) [Axtone]
23. Diddy, Dirty Money feat. Skylar Grey – Coming Home (Dirty South Remix) [Interscope] w/ Daft Punk – Aerodynamic [Virgin] w/ Hard Rock Sofa – Quasar [Axtone]
24. Nadia Ali, Alex Kenji & Starkillers – Pressure (Alesso Remix) [Spinnin] w/ Coldplay – Fix You [Virgin]
25. Red Hot Chili Peppers – Otherside (Funkerman Bootleg vs. Third Party Remix) [One More Tune]
26. Steve Aoki feat. Wynter Gordon – Ladi Dadi (Tommy Trash Instrumental Remix) [Ultra] w/ Calvin Harris – Flashback (Acappella) [Ultra]
27. Arty, Matisse & Sadko – Trio [Axtone] w/ Dirty South & Thomas Gold feat. Kate Elsworth – Eyes Wide Open [Phazing]
28. Coldplay vs. Swedish House Mafia – Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall [Parlophone] w/ Swedish House Mafia – Save The World [EMI]
29. Swedish House Mafia feat. John Martin – Save The World (Original Mix vs. Knife Party Remix) [EMI]
30. The Temper Trap – Sweet Disposition (Axwell & Dirty South Remix) [Infectious] w/ Adrian Lux – Teenage Crime (Axwell & Henrik B Remode) [Axtone]
31. Cirez D – On Off [Mouseville] w/ Axwell feat. Errol Reid – Feel The Vibe [Axtone]
32. Daft Punk – One More Time [Virgin] w/ Daft Punk – One More Time (Laidback Luke’s ‘Be More Time’ Edit)
33. Steve Angello & Laidback Luke vs. Robin S – Show Me Love [Ministry Of Sound] w/ Axwell feat. Max C – I Found U [Axtone] w/ Steve Angello – Knas [Size]

/Anton, Dan Carter & Jesper

With merely two weeks left until Axwell, Steve Angello and Sebastian Ingrosso are due to execute their second ever Swedish House Mafia take-over of Pete Tong’s prime-time show Essential Selection, the long-time radio host continues to flaunt as another, carefully prepared two-hour episode of the show has surfaced. Kicking things off with David Guetta, Nicky Romero and Sia’s soon to be released Wild One Two as well as world radio premieres of Otto Knows’ Million Voices and Qulinez Troll, last night’s show was most certainly off to a great start. John Dahlback’s long-awaited Life, formerly titled Song Saved My Life, was chosen this week’s essential new tune, Erick Morillo joined in on the phone to talk us through the Sympho Nympho project, his collaborative effort alongside X Factor star Alexandra Burke and give his upcoming single with Eddie Thoneick and Skin, entitled If This Ain’t Love, a spin.

Also, Mark Fanciulli’s forthcoming release on Saved, Sacrifice, saw it’s premiere and Subb-An joined in for a 15 minutes of fame to tell us all about his well-oiled baselines, new releases and more.

DOWNLOAD

Tracklist:

Siege – Roads [Zouk]
Jack Back feat. David Guetta, Nicky Romero & Sia – Wild One Two [Big Beat]
Otto Knows – Million Voices [Refune]
Moguai feat. Polina – Invisible [Mau5trap]
Skrillex feat. Sirah – Bangarang [Owsla]
Goldfrapp – Strict Machine (Jamie Jones Remix) [Mute]
Todd Terje – Inspector Norse [Olsen / Smalltown Supersound]
Qulinez – Troll [Size]

ESSENTIAL CONTENDER 1

Jacques Lu Cont – Church [White Label]

ESSENTIAL CONTENDER 2

Roy Davis Jr. – About Love (Eats Everything Remix)

ESSENTIAL NEW TUNE

John Dahlback – Life [Big Beat]

PETE TONG ON THE PHONE WITH ERICK MORILLO

Erick Morillo & Eddie Thoneick feat. Skin – If This Ain’t Love [Subliminal]

Pirupa – Party Non Stop [Desolat]
Scan Mode – This Is House (Tapesh Remix) [Anhura]
Mark Fanciulli – Sacrifice [Saved]
Azari & III – Reckless (With Your Love) (Riva Starr Remix) [Universal]
DJ Le Roi feat. Roland Clark – I Get Deep (Joris Voorn ‘This Is Not A’ Remix) [Get Physical]
Walden – Brightness [Big Beat]

15 MINUTES OF FAME WITH SUBB-AN

Pleasurekraft – Carny [Great Stuff]
Subb-An feat. Beckford – Take You Back [Spectral Sound]
Jamie Woon – Spirits (Subb-An Remix) [Universal]
The Whitest Boy Alive – Fireworks [ASound]

WONDERMENTS

Scissor Sisters vs. Krystal Pepsy – Shady Love (Riton Re-Rub) [White Label]
Nicolas Jaar feat. Scout Larue & Will Epstein – With Just One Glance You (And I Say) [White Label]
Karin Park – Bending Albert’s Law [White Label]

HOT MIX

Life And Death (Tale Of Us & Thugfucker) – Morgana [Visionquest]
Someone Else – Pillowface [Get Physical]
Shonky – Columbia [White Label]
Sergio Fernandez & Shelvin – XXX (Sergio Fernandez Mix) [Bitten]
Burial – Archangel (Saso Recyd Edit) [White Label]

ONE MORE TUNE!

Alfa Romero – Sunday Bond [Titbit]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/petetong

/Anton

From last year’s release of Lox to the recently given away re-edit of Les Djinns, Sieg Motmans, professionally known as Siege, has built his somewhat small yet promising foundations with a consistent support from a pioneer of the airwaves – Pete Tong. Modelling his signature sound with a personal take on synth-driven Progressive House without touching on the boundaries of cheesiness, this Belgium-bred youthful has proven to hold enough production proficiency to become an essential asset to the evolution of electronic dance music shortly. For his debut on Armada Music’s Zouk Recordings division then, ‘Roads’ and it’s great deal of synth-filled melodic leads, thrilling drum combinations and a set of chunky bottom layers were all seen getting a premiere spin on Pete Tong’s Essential Selection last night for the promise of another hopeful thrust on the global charts on behalf of Siege, now with Armin van Buuren’s world renowned record label onboard.

‘Roads’ is released February 13th via Zouk Recordings.

Siege – Roads

/Anton