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.
Anyone who has remotely been clued in to electronic music within the last 7 years or so has heard the name Kissy Sell Out. Whether wowing spectators with his rapid fire, four-deck mixing, producing varied styles of dance music and remixes for acts like Gwen Stefani and Mark Ronson or breaking cutting edge sounds on his popular “Kissy Klub” show on BBC Radio 1, Kissy Sell Out remains one of the most charismatic and in demand DJs/producers in electronica.
Named after the Edo State capitol in Nigeria, and consisting of vocalist Joshua Idehen, saxophone/synth player Tom Leaper and drummer Theo Buckingham, Benin City's multifariousness extends to each member’s individual contribution to the music scene around London. Idehen has been a fixture on the UK spoken word circuit since the mid-2000s, creating the group A Poem Inbetween People, as well as the popular poetry night and brand Poejazzi. He has recorded with producer LV, not to mention his work has been published in an anthology collection with the legendary Linton Kwesi Johnson. Teacher and performer Theo Buckingham has played with different acts including Groove Warriors and IOTA Group. Having studied at the Belfast School of Music and the prestigious Brit School, the drummer is also endorsed by the Sonor Drums. Multi-instrumentalist and composer Tom Leaper has planted his seeds in the London jazz scene, as well as worked with various Hip-Hop artists in the city. The musician’s forté also includes flute and samples. All three continue to remain active - working on multiple music projects throughout England.
Luca Bacchetti isn’t concerned with “titles”. What matters most is the artistic merit and the final execution of what was created. In other words, is it a great work of art? It is that creative love that keeps this producer and DJ continually touring the world and releasing intricate electronic music that captures crowds throughout.
Barcelona may boast warm weather, a champion Spanish football club and a non-stop party atmosphere, however, the city is also home to one of the bands who are responsible for creating some of the sexiest 4x4 driven based music in the country. Lasers have been pumping out some of the most sophisticated house and disco with sheer class.
Music is a vessel allowing the artist to channel limitless creative energy through sound. The best musicians are able to erase all boundaries and explore depths not only through instrumentation but verbally. Understanding the power of wordplay with a complimenting musical backdrop behind each song is what Bronze Medallists does overtly well. Comprised of Oliver Price, Oliver Sheppard, Ben Ferrari, Luke Roberts and Valerie Balligand, the East London based band’s organic approach to their craft reflects through highly visual and poetic lyrics married with frankly, musically whatever the group feels will fit the vibrations of the track.
A true musician will aim at making a recording that qualifies as a timeless work of art and in the process, touches our hearts and soul. Artist, producer and Wah Wah 45 label head Adam Scrimshire humbly took that position by drawing from his eclectic canvas of musical inspirations, successfully bridging them into carefully woven pieces that escaped the suicidal title of “fusion” and instead flaunted that of “finely executed sounds”.
