The Parthenon, goddesses, Olympians, Plato, and lengthy engravings in the pages of history are immediate thoughts when discussing the city of Athens, Greece. However, if you scroll past the usual topics of talk pieces regarding Athens, and focus your attention on the creative happenings of the city, what you will discover are artists and musicians redefining a new meaning of Greek identity and modern cool. Fever Kids, the group consisting of singer, musician and songwriter Stella Chronopoulou aka Σtella and Alex, the guitarist for Keep Shelly in Athens, are fostering a wave of polished pop that is undeniably riveting.
To call producer and DJ Rui Da Silva a fixture in the world of house and dance music is an understatement. After all, this is a man who not only created the first dance label in the country of Portugal, as well as produce chart topping records, but his remix discography includes acts such as Jennifer Lopez, Nelly Furtado, and David Morales. Establishing himself as one of the most well rounded artists in the business, he continues to leave his mark as one of the most proficient producers, DJs, engineers, and writers today.
The word "fabulous" couldn’t fit the singer Ulla Nova more perfectly, as her titillating music and striking style creates the perfect marriage between contemporary and luxuriously classic. While the London based singer and performer possesses an air of mystery, her fashionable presentation evokes the very idea of what one would consider the epitome of glamour.
While Sydney, Australia may boast a reputation for its high quality of life and beautiful people, the city has also been a recent focal point for a wave of incredible musicians and artists creating an array of outstanding music and self definition. You can say that singer Sarsha Simone has inherited all of Sydney's shining rays of goodness, packing a voice that of a classic soul vocalist and gorgeously stunning looks that will stop you dead in your tracks. Building a name in the nu soul, r&b, as well as Hip-Hop circuit, Simone's sincere approach to music and fashion unquestionably makes her one to watch out for as a force to be reckoned with.
Sometimes the best music does indeed come from collaborations. In the case of Paskal and Urban Absolutes, their particular production chemistry is a perfect blend. Whether releasing tracks such as “Gotta Make It Right” featuring legendary Chicago vocalist Byron Stingily or the deep, sultry “Still in Love”, Paskal and Urban Absolutes have been responsible for creating some of the most amazing house records in the past few years.
Lea Lea is powerful - not simply because of her soulful commanding voice, her undeniable presence or even her ability to physically transform into a musical warrior. While these attributes are a given, Lea Lea is powerful...because she knows it. There is no selling of sex but her naturally gorgeous appearance makes you overly want her. Instead of crying a river over heartbreaks on her recordings, she sings about social unrest. This is the kind of “first lady” power that can transform decades old systematical structures. This is power with purpose.
There is an organic beauty to the music of Boreals that lie somewhere between maturely sophisticated and youthfully innocent. Sometimes joyously celebratory, sometimes touchingly emotional, it is that ability to pierce points of feeling that the Barcelona based band do so skillfully.
Dave Seaman has a lot to smile at when looking back on his impeccable list of credentials spanning over two decades. It would be easy to add him to the list of superstar DJs and producers considering that as a member of Brothers In Rhythm, he not only produced the chart topping hit "Such A Good Feeling", but BIR's remix list boasts artists such as Michael Jackson, U2, David Bowie, Pet Shop Boys, Janet Jackson, Kylie Minogue, Sting, Inner City, Seal and so many more, that Seaman's resume reads like lengthy holy scrolls. However, when actually examining Dave Seaman's career, which includes former editor at Mixmag and label boss, you begin to understand that it is in fact an important and needed contribution driven by someone whose passion for the music is unquestionable.
If there is to be any conversation on those who have immensely contributed to the musical landscape of Britain spanning the past 15 years, without any questions Rae & Christian would have to be included in this talk piece. As a production team, Mark Rae and Steve Christian have not only crafted what is deemed a classic debut album, but their production credits include remixes for Moby, Jay Z, Bebel Gilberto, Dinah Washington, Public Enemy, Lamb, Omar, Natalie Imbruglia and more. Known for effortlessly weaving together soul, funk, jazz, electronica and Hip-Hop, Rae & Christian are considered to be taste makers of our time.
Sean Tyas ranks as one of the most respected producers and DJs in Trance. That respect goes beyond just the hundreds of thousands of fans who love his music, but also a respect that carries over the way that you respect a dear friend. His love for not only the sound, but for his supporters is astronomical. If close enough to the stage, it is likely for a clubber to get a handshake or a high five from Tyas, even if he is behind the decks. That passion carries over into his production as he is often credited as helping to bring the “true” sound of Trance back into the genre. That strong sense of desire to simply create music that will stand the test of time is why he is ranked as one of the best in the scene.
