FEM BLOG

We sure love to have a chat with artists. Especially with the ones who are making big moves on the scene at the moment. One of them is South Londoner Jam City whose debut white label release on Night Slugs was very much acclaimed by the electronic music community and Fact Magazine hailed him as the most exciting prospect for bass music in years. His next two releases on Night Slugs, Magic Drops EP & Waterworx EP, impressed us with his unique style of writing music, drawing sounds from various styles such as UK Funky, Grime or even Chicago-ish sounds.

Jam City came back even better in 2012 with another White Label release on Night Slugs "The Courts / The Nite Life" which is a perfect intro of what people should expect of his debut album entitled "Classical Curves". He actually did a very epic description of it stating that:

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"This is a record about elegance, violence, electricity, water, marble, plants, trenchcoats, oily black jeep windows, crashed motorbikes, parks at twilight, clubs in the dark, broken DX7s and missed phone calls, written and recorded over a hot summer in a cramped flat with neighbours having sex through the walls."

“Classical Curves” comes from a teenhood spent obsessively listening to both Prince and Youngstar, a tumultuous periodas a performance artist-cum-designer marketing ‘chrome body extensions’ to the fashion world, and a brief and bizarre spellas a corporate spy for a well known athletics brand. This is a record unique in its scope and vision, from a life that could only paint a world of romance and danger as vividly as this."

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FEM: How did your linkup with the Night Slugs crew come about?

Jam City: Me and the Crew go way back, we DJ’d at each other’s houses and stuff years and years ago…and then when I started making tracks they eventually found their way into Bok Boks sets, and the rest is history :)

FEM: Would you say Classical Curves is the vision you were hoping to craft & are LP's something you wish to continue making in the future?

J.C: Classical Curves was meant to be a picture of an infinite beach at sunset with smashed glass, mobile phone alarms and motorbike trails littered around it, huge sheets of chrome jutting out the sand. Now it’s finished I feel like I’ve put that vision to rest, more or less, it was kind of plaguing me. There will definitely be more LP’s, more realities.

FEM: Style seems very important to you, can you list any personal major influences in this area?

J.C: Thanks for noticing, I just wear what I feel comfortable in, I can’t think of any names of the top of my head but I like silk, gold chains, drapery, Timbalands…my friend’s style inspires me too. For a while I was working on making wearable chrome body-pieces, like the one on my wrist in my press picture, but it was really expensive and kind of difficult to move in.

FEM: What do you attempt to express through your production and through this album as well?

J.C: I used to work selling information to rival sports-brand companies, I won’t name any names. It’s not as glamorous as it sounds but it did involve a lot of sneaking around big corporate buildings late at night photographing, videoing. I spent a lot of time plotting how things would sound in this environment (lots of down time) so I every time I hear it I’m reminded of not writing it, but being in those places, security guards following me, missed calls from unknown numbers…I feel it’s been put to rest now :)

FEM: In wait for the LP the Night Slugs website did the secretive Glide competition, is this something you've been wanting to do for a while & can you offer any explanation of the thought behind it?

J.C: My friend who I used to work with, Claudia, ran Muzik Channel as a private dump for footage and junk from some of our assignments as a sort of secret art project, and she suggested that we make it public, since it tied in so well with what the album was sounding like. There were hundreds of tracks on my HD that weren’t going anywhere so it was nice to finally let some go, it was fun to torture ppl a bit as well, and you get a nice reward.  The footage from “II” actually, the day it was shot the security guards noticed me and took me in for questioning, which was kind of why I got fired lol.

FEM: Do you have any ideas beyond the medium of music that you'd like to work on?

J.C: I mean at the moment I’m focusing on music but honestly, I can’t really distinguish between what’s music or what’s fashion or what’s art and what’s not any more so I guess they all feed into each other.  At the moment I’m developing a mini-movie with Dan Swan (dir. of The Courts) about great oil paintings that have gone missing over history.

FEM: 'Her' isn't really like anything else from you, can you explain any of the thought process behind it and what influenced it at all?

J.C: “Her” …I wrote it after (accidentally) having my first (and last) red-carpet experience in the US.…It’s meant to be that feeling of total chaos walking into a party you weren’t invited too…It’s meant to be a heart attack…but also a catwalk anthem…I thought it made a good opening statement for the LP.

FEM: As we reach the final of this interview, could you say anything for us?

J.C: Thanks FEM blog!

JAM CITY 'CLASSICAL CURVES' IS OUT MAY 28TH ON NIGHT SLUGS.

We're happy to announce that we have partenered up with Echo Festival which will have its first edition in Makarska, Croatia between 22-24 June.

"Echo is an intimate underground electronic music festival on the picturesque Croatian bay of Makarska. Set over three days and on two stages, our beautiful beach location will play host to some of the finest house, tech and bass music from around Europe at the moment. If you want to dance in the crystal waters, survey the impressive mountains and enjoy the golden sunset, then Echo is the place to be."

In a stunning private bay with idylic views across the water, surrounded by silent pine forests and overshadowed by the imposing Biokovo mountains sits Echo: an underground electronic music festival. Situated in Makarska, Croatia, Echo will play host to some of the freshest house, tech and bass music.

With talented artists included such as Koreless, Pariah, Midland, Deadboy, Hackman, Cluekid or Tes La Rok, Echo Festival promises to be one of the most interesting and exciting events that will happen this summer. The festival site is a beautiful bay nestled between the mountains and the Dalmatian coastline.  Surrounded by silent pine forests, the strip of pebble beach forms a natural enclave with a view of the islands and a perfect sunset. There is also a private beach which boasts two sound systems; the first, based in a fully licensed bar, which has a shaded dancefloor and plenty of seats to rest your boogied bottoms. Across the water the beachside stage stands so you can bounce on the beach or bob in the sea. Moreover, the beach front also includes a sun lounging area, bungee-jump and a host of other surprises to keep you entertained.

By collaborating with some of the finest, fast growing talents from the UK and Europe, Echo has an eye for the future. The festival will blend that perfect beachside atmosphere with pure, quality music. With tickets priced at only £45, Echo provides a choice of three stages along one of the most attractive coastlines in Croatia.

Echo is the season's most intimate and exciting festival, waiting to be discovered! So do not hesitate and join Echo for an epic fun!

Further information can be found on Echo's website at www.echofestival.com.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/echocroatia

Twitter: www.twitter.com/echofestival

Mixcloud: www.mixcloud/com/echofestival

Tickets, Accommodation & Transfers can be booked from www.eufest.com/festivals/echo 

First of all, thank you so much to those who have downloaded the compilation! We've had an incredible feedback so far and we have over 300 downloads in less than two days!

For those of you do not know what are we actually talking about, on 1st of May we've released our second compilation FEM Picks Vol.2, which features some of our favorite 11 up and coming producers. You can check the previews below and also the link for purchasing. 

BIG UP,
FEM Crew

We're upping the tempo a bit more on this podcast and we travel all the way round to Trondheim, Norway. Here lives one of the best upcoming Juke artists that smashes every tune, Slick Shoota. With releases on labels such as B.YRSLF Division, Loose Squares and forthcomings on Hyperboloid and Mad Decent's sister label, Jeffree, Slick begins to be one of the key artists in this very exciting musical style that emerged from Chicago's finest pioneers, DJ Rashad & DJ Spinn. Stream/Download/Interview below.

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Tracklist:

 1. ∆dmin - Pink Gloves (Slick Shoota Remix) (B.YRSLF Division)
 2. Deft - New Yorks Finest (Dub)
 3. Dream Continuum - Set It (Planet Mu)
 4. Wheez-ie - Big Gulp (forthcoming Freshmore)
 5. Sinjin Hawke - Shhhh Bootleg (Free Download)
 6. Slick Shoota - Heart Broke (Dub)
 7. Dj Rashad - Itz Not Rite (Planet Mu)
 8. Slick Shoota - Draw (forthcoming Hyperboloid)
 9. Slick Shoota - Eye Turn Red (Loose Squares)
10. Aries - Herb Smoke (Lenkemz Remix) (Dub)
11. Umberton - Dump It (Free Download)
12. Dj Earl - Set It Off (Moveltraxx)
13. Heartbreak - Elmo (Slick Shoota Remix) (Dub)
14. Dev79 feat. MC Stix - Get 2 Know (Slick Shoota Remix) (Slit Jockey)
15. DJ Rashad - Transported (Ghettophiles)
16. Beatking - Crush (Wheez-ie Remix) (Dub)
17. Murder Mark - Bad Bitches Drop It Low (Slick Shoota Remix) (Free Download)
18. Krampfhaft - Faux Art (Rwina)
19. Slick Shoota - For Real (Dub)
20. Zebra Katz - Ima Read (Slick Shoota Remix) (Jeffree)
21. Cedaa & Slick Shoota - Windbreaker (B.YRSLF Division)
22. Ital Tek - Gonga (Planet Mu)
23. Slick Shoota - Beby (Loose Squares)
24. Slick Shoota - Blaze It (Free Download)

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FEM Podcast 005 brings up a young talent to the stage. Thefft has been in our sight for a while now with his excelent bass driven tracks. Having just a release in 2011 on DFRNT's excelent label, Cut Music, Thefft is set to make big moves this year and we can guarantee that after we have listened to his lately stuff.

FEM crew thought is a good opportunity to have a little chat with Thefft and show us his sounds as well. Interview/Stream/Download Below. 

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Tracklist:

 1. Archie Pelago - Ladymarkers [Dub]
 2. Behling - Last Chance [Futureboogie]
 3. Thefft - Black Lung [Fulcrum Records]
 4. Luke Vibert - Stan d'Infamy [Warp Records]
 5. Thefft - Roll Some [Dub]
 6. Damu - Blitzen [Dub]
 7. Thefft - BRYC [Dub]
 8. Silkie - Boogie Boy [DEEP MEDi]
 9. Artifact - The Snail [Dub]
10. Unknown - Unknown [Dub]
11. Thefft - No Want That [Embassy Recordings] 
12. Paleman - Snap [Dub]
13. Maddslinky - Compufonique (Part Deux) (Feat. MdCL) [Tru Thoughts]
14. Fat Freddy's Drop - Boondigga [The Drop]
15. Martyn - Masks [Brainfeeder]
16. Unknown - Fuck Yonkers [Audio Culture White Label]
17. Juxta - Sittin' Clean [Dub]
18. Thefft - Pull It Out (Azaelia Mix) [Dub]
19. Paleman - Enslave [Dub]
20. South London Ordnance - The Question (The What?) [Dub]
21. Boxwork - Pressureface [Dub]

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FEM: Hello Thefft! Thanks for accepting our podcast invitation! 

Thefft: Hello FEM! Thanks for inviting me.

FEM: Can you quickly introduce yourself for the people that don't really know you that well? 

T: I'm Jack, I'm 19 years old, and I create electronic music under the name Thefft. I lived in Connecticut in the USA for 10 years and moved back here for university. 

FEM: How did the whole production thing started for you? Have you always been a musical type of guy? 

T: Growing up I was a singer. Sang in all the school choirs and acapella groups. I was a singer songwriter kid through my early teen years, with my acoustic guitar and a microphone basically writing songs for girls. I was recording all this material in Garageband, which helped spring the love for production. But it wasn't until I was shown Digital Mystikz in I think 2007, that moment when I was just like, "…what?". From then I sort of put the guitar down and found my way into this world. 

FEM: What do you use to create your music? Are you 100% software or does some hardware help you as well? 

T: I use Logic Pro and an Axiom midi keyboard and various VST's. I actually have no hardware, just a massive library of sounds. I do lot's of field recordings and use them in my tracks. Feels kind of nice to stick a sound in there that was captured by me, whether its a personal sound or something I recorded at a pub I try to utilize the space and influences I have around me. Some like to search through old records for that one clap, whereas I'd rather record my own clap. 

FEM: You've recently done a guest mix for Mary Anne Hobbs on XFM. How was this whole experience for you? Do you feel that people are now more aware about who you are and what you do? 

T: Well to be honest when I got the email I was quite blown away. She had heard one of the tracks I did with Damu and also my track TenTen via Soundcloud. She said she liked what she heard and offered me a broadcast date. Being only 25 minutes long I put a lot of thought into what I wanted people to hear from me. I think that guest mix is a good representation of whats going on around me musically at the moment. Plus, with someone like Mary Anne Hobbs, you can't really go wrong. She handles herself so well and her passion for finding new music is refreshing. 

FEM: Lately, we've heard "Passing Us By", which is your track in collaboration with Maddslinky aka Zed Bias. Tell us a bit more about this collab. Will this turn into a longer project (like Boddika & Joy O) or was it just a one off? 

T: I was playing up in Manchester for Chow Down a few months ago and Zed had gotten in touch with me a few days before the gig asking me to come by his studio the morning after. So got to his studio, made some coffee and he said to start making a tune, so I did. We worked straight through the day and it just worked, he's a great dude. The best part was getting a text from him the next day telling me he had just put the final version of "Passing Us By" through an analogue tape machine. Was so eager to get the track off him… And as far as longer projects, we've got more studio time coming up in March. 

FEM: What are some of your biggest non music related influences? 

T: The news. I can't get enough of it. Sometimes frustrates me when people aren't up to date on whats going on in the world. Also, university. Being able to go to a university is a blessing that I don't take lightly. 

FEM: How do you feel about the huge influx of micro-genres within the last few years, do you pay attention to it, or are you happy just seeing it all as bass music? 

T: To be honest I don't pay much attention anymore. Seems to me that the people who create names are people looking to help the scene grow, but really they are just stifling things. I make electronic music and I listen to what sounds good, so who cares what genre it is? It's music… just listen to it. 

FEM: Was getting your music pressed to wax ever a big dream for you? 

T: Yeah, and it still is to be honest, although it should be happening later this year. It never was really a BIG dream because I didn't start DJ'ing with vinyl. I was DJ'ing house parties and graduation parties in America not too long ago using a controller. I guess now that I'm in London and have access to turntables and vinyl shops things have changed a bit at home, but I still love the controller vibe when playing out. Just gives me a lot more freedom, plus I can jump around without having things skipping on me. 

FEM: As far as we know, you have only a release which is out on Cut Music. Any forthcomings planned in the near future? 

T: I have a release forthcoming on Atlanta based Embassy Recordings this year and also a 12" on Damu & Adam Rogerson's new label Fulcrum Records which I'm really excited about. Sam has long been talking about starting a label and he's got a relentless attitude which is crucial in this constantly evolving scene. Definitely a label to keep your eyes on this year. 

FEM: Tell us something about the mix you have made for us. What can people expect from it? 

T: It's made up of new tunes, old tunes, unheard tunes, familiar tunes from people from all around the world. There's a very interesting dynamic going on around me right now musically and because it's quite diverse, my set's usually reflect that. 

FEM: As we approach the end of this interview, we would like to ask you something that is a serious concern for all of us, especially artists like you. What is your opinion of all this ACTA/SOPA drama circulating the net, do you think you will be affected in the future, if it gets approved?  

T: I love the internet. It's a marketplace of ideas, expression, and most importantly connection. I've had to come to terms with the fact that I have "internet friends" which, funnily enough was not as hard as I thought it would be… But in terms of music, piracy is inevitable… I just want people to listen. The drama is too broadly applied. 

FEM: And finally, are there any people who you would like to thank for supporting you? 

T: Big up Ryan, Andy, Oscar, Sam, Calum, Bobby, Mary, Dave, Alex, Michael, Steve and… my Mum and Dad. 

FEM: It was a pleasure to talk to you Thefft and good luck in your career!

T: Thank you.

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To keep updated with Thefft, check his Facebook and Soundcloud. 

To keep updated with us, check our Facebook and Twitter.

We have always loved showing you the best of electronic music through our podcasts and Facebook posts. However, sometimes we like to talk a bit more about our favorite tracks & EPs. So that is why, from time to time, we will be posting reviews of releases from our favorite producers.

We start with an artist that we have been supporting since day one on our blog, Zoltan, with his forthcoming EP on Granholme.

Review:

Fresh faced label Granholme dish out their second offering from Romania born/Holland based producer Zoltan in the form of the 'Pluton' EP. Anyone familiar with his productions will be expecting some bass heavy, funky club madness & trust us, this EP won't leave you disappointed. His sound has changed since his previous releases on Freshmore or Dizturbed, but this EP confirms that Zoltan’s production is getting better and more unique.

For example, the first track, ‘Pluton', starts off with a shuffling funky riddim & stabby futuristic-house vocals. It lures you into thinking a big pounding house beat is on the way, but then the drops comes and we are thrown into a rugged mixture of electro/acid, on the kind of tip that would make a warehouse go spare.

Next up we have 'When I’m', completely switching the vibes away from the rugged n raw ‘Pluton’ and going for a more dancefloor friendly number. Rolling percussion, jabby synth stabs & chopped up fluttery ethereal female vocals. There have been a lot producers in the last few years trying to capture their own little bit of 90's rave vibes with a current twist, however with 'When I’m', Zoltan puts himself amongst the best.

The EP is rounded off with the digital bonus track, 'You Don't Know' going back to similar vibes heard in ‘Pluton’. Here we have another rolling electro/bass number, sounding like futurist/Tron light-cycle music accompanied with a sexy vocal hook. Overall, ‘You Don’t Know’ is a screwface dancefloor shuffler just waiting to blow away unsuspecting crowds.

To sum it up, Pluton EP offers exactly what we want to hear in a club: straight dancefloor bangers and with support from djs such as Mary Anne Hobbs, Shox, Presk, Jackmaster or xxxy, we highly suggest you purchase this great EP, available as 12” or digital.

Zoltan – Pluton EP is set to be released on 6^th February.

Words by: Cheal & Snygg

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Buy it from:

Boomkat

Phonica

Juno

We continue our FEM Podcast series with a youngster born in Winchester and based in Bristol. ∆dmin caught us our attention with his excellent releases on labels such as Infinite Machine or Hot N Heavy, therefore we had a quick chat with him to find out more about his musical knowledge. Moreover, he built an exclusive mix for you guys to check his sounds. Stream/Download/Interview below.

DOWNLOAD

 Tracklist:

 1. Deetron - Collide (Green)
 2. Dauwd - Acireams (Pictures Music)
 3. Charlie Banks - Saying What (Lukas remix) (Dirt Crew)
 4. Bwana - When There Is Nothing (Jack Dixon Remx) (forthcoming Infinite Machine) 
 5. Mia Dora - Random Romantics (High Sheen)
 6. Capracara - House of Dolls (Unknown To The Unknown)  
 7. Lokiboi - Summer Groove (Free Download)
 8. Tanka & Pasteman - Detroit 88 (∆dmin Remix) (Unreleased)
 9. WNCL - Blonde On Blonde (Pearson Sound Remix) (TEAL Recordings)
10.Theophilus London - Flying Overseas (Soul Clap EFunk Remix) (This Is Music)
11. Julio Bashmore & J. Phlip - Midnight At The Aquarium (Dirtybird)
12. Zoo Look - Holdin' On (Tenth Circle)

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Knowing ∆dmin:

FEM: Hello, ∆dmin! Thanks for accepting our podcast & interview invitation. Tell us a bit about yourself. Give the readers a little peek on who’s the man behind the moniker.

∆dmin: Hello FEM Blog, thanks for the invitation. Well, I'm a 19 year old producer/dj currently based in Bristol, I haven’t been living here long but the music and people here are amazing. Met some great faces and been to some great nights, I cant wait to get involved. 

FEM: We have reached a pretty interesting time in the electronic music scene, where genres are bent, colliding between each other resulting in a remarkable output. Where would you place yourself in this almost chaotic environment?

∆: I don’t really know to be honest, probably somewhere between house and garage. I take influences from all over the place. I love disco, electro, 2-step, hip hop, but I mainly stay between 120 – 130 bpm, just depends how adventurous im feeling on the night.

FEM: Taking in account the fact that the UK is well recognized for it’s interest in electronic music, what convinced you to start producing this type of music?

∆: I’ve been djing since I was 15 and it has always been a dream for me. In my eyes, Djing and production just seemed to go hand in hand. At first, I was just messing about on a laptop but it really became part of my life. Electronic music was always more accessible to me because of the people I was around and the places I would go, I think it was always going to happen.

FEM: Remaining a little bit more in the production realm, your tracks have a beautiful dreamy and spacey feel to them. Is it the case that you have stashed tracks with a ruff or a little more straight forward vibe?

∆: My head is always in the clouds and the songs really reflect how im feeling when I make them. The busy stuff in my life just leaves me kind of spaced out and delirious, and I think that’s what your hearing in my tracks. However, I'm always looking to go different directions and try new things with my music so just keep watch.

FEM: You have a couple of tracks for which you colabbed with Tanka, who has a track released on our compilation, FEM Picks. What’s the story behind that?

∆: I’m originally from Winchester and we are good friends from back home. I’m a big fan of the direction he is taking and im expecting big things from him. The 808 sound is really kicking off at the moment and I think Tanka is going to be one of the producers to take it new heights.

FEM: So far you have tracks released on a couple of labels: Hot N Heavy, Infinite Machine, B.YRSLF Division, Flaming Idiot. How’s your relationship with them? Did you approach them or did they do it? Is there any word on any forthcoming tracks?

∆: Most of my relationships with labels all start because of Soundcloud. Its such a good way to share music, plus I have no idea how my production would have gone without it. There are releases lined-up for 2012, I'm really feeling my slow house music at the moment so keep your eyes peeled. I have word of some amazing remixes in the making too...

FEM: You are also a DJ so let’s focus on this side of ∆dmin too. We really like how your mixes sound and we do believe that your selection is really good. What is the criteria on which you choose the tracks you want to play out?

∆: The music has either got to take be back to how things were (old house tracks) or take me to where things are going (808, 2-step). A mix and blend of classics and promos from my favorite producers usually does the trick. BPM doesn’t really faze me, I like all music.

FEM: Tell us, since diving into the electronic music scene, which producer or DJ impressed you the most; something like best gig you attended / release you listened to, and how did that change your point of view.

∆: Since I moved to Bristol, I've been thoroughly impressed with the House music scene. Labels such as Futureboogie and nights such as Just Jack and Shapes keep churning out top notch music that is really influencing my production and djing. Lukas and Christophe at the Futureboogie Tenth Birthday has been my favorite set of the year so far, and the fact it was in an old magistrates court did help. Also looking forward to seeing Ben Klock and Seth Troxler soon and before you know it festival season will be here!

FEM: As we approach the end of this interview, are there any people you would like to thank for the support in your life and artistic career?

∆: Friends and Family mainly, they know who they are. Everyone is always supportive and I really appreciate that. Just glad people feel the music!

FEM: Was a pleasure to talk to you ∆dmin and good luck in the future!

∆: Thanks guys! Was a pleasure.

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You can check more about ∆dmin on his Soundcloud Page and his Facebook Page.

To keep updated with FEM, check our Facebook Page and Twitter Account.

After Zoltan's & Jackie Dagger's excellent showcases done for our podcast series, we continue with episode 003. This time we travel all the way to Brighton, UK and have a little chat with one of the most important rising producers, Leon Vynehall, formerly known as Leon. His debut in May 2011 on Well Rounded’s affiliate label, Well Rounded Housing Project, amazed us with his deep and impeccable production, remixing Mean Poppa Lean – Personality. After spending some months working in the studio, Leon Vynehall finally announced that he is going to drop a full EP on WRHP coming early 2012. Moreover, he has just confirmed that he is going to have a release on George Fitzgerald's label, Man Make Music. So we thought it is the right moment to talk to him and moreover show us his sounds with an exclusive mix. 

DOWNLOAD

 Tracklist:

 1.IKE - Diskadenz (Philpot)
 2 Theo Parrish - Took Me All The Way Back (Sound Signature/KDJ)
 3.Deetron - Sing (Circus Company)
 4.Gerry Read - All By Myself (Fourth Wave)
 5.Kassem Mosse - Untitled 2 (Workshop)
 6.Hodge - Pushin' (Forthcoming Well Rounded Housing Project)
 7.Cosmin TRG - Bijoux (Hessle Audio)
 8.Leon Vynehall - Don't Know Why (Unreleased)
 9.The Revenge - Forever In Their Debt (Hometaping)
10.Brawther - Do It Yourself (Alternative Mix) (Secretsundaze)
11.Rachael - Kung Funk (Forthcoming Idle hands)
12.Ben Klock - Compression Session 1 (Ostgut Ton)
13.Teeth - Lowcut Champagne (Noppa)
14.Recast – Consensual (Lorca Remix) (Third Ear)
15.Leon Vynehall - Mauve (Forthcoming Well Rounded Housing Project)

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FEM: So firstly, let’s make things clear. Obviously, when searching on the internet, there are a few artists with 'Leon' in the title. So, please introduce yourself and talk a little bit more about you.

Leon Vynehall: I am Leon and I make music that most would say resembles House (whatever sub-genre people want to stick on it is up to them). That is all that's important.

FEM: It’s really great to see talented artists appearing in the scene from nowhere with some banging tracks. I get the feeling you've spent a lot of time in the studio before exposing your work. When was the first time you started to be interested in electronic music and production?

L.V.: I've played guitar and drums since late primary school, but the thing that got me into programming and making electronic music on computers was a piece of old, free software called Drumsite, another which i forget the name of but it basically resembled a 303 bass, and Audacity. I wasn't part of the generation that made beats on a playstation, but i used to use these. It took a long time to make anything, but it was fun.
When i got to college, that's when i started using macs, logic and reason. By that time I was heavily into Aphex Twin's Drukqs album and tried making some 'IDM', but on reflection it was just noise and I'd dot things around in the piano roll with no meaning or real reason to be there, nonetheless it was fun and taught me to try something even if it was odd.

FEM: Experimenting must be everyone’s way of finding what they like. What kind of beats and pieces have you done until reaching the point of making the track that got Donga’s attention?

L.V.: Music is a process of learning. It's an experiment, an exercise. I like manipulating sounds and samples, but what I like testing most is the emotion that a track makes me feel when i'm writing. However cliché or pretentious that sounds, it's the honest truth. If i can make something that makes me feel euphoric without the aid of chemicals, or a groove that grabs me then I will continue working on it. If the inspiration is gone after a few hours of building a track, I always find it's best to shelve it. I write best when it's spontaneous and fast moving.
I want to write dance music that sounds human. Dancing is the most tribal thing you can do, yet a lot of 'dance music'/'electronic music'/'bass music' that is out now sounds so regimented and formulated it begins to have no substance to it what so ever and becomes inhumane.

 LEON VYNEHALL - Say 2 U by Mixmag 

 FEM: Tell us a bit more about your relationship with Donga and Well Rounded. You had one release with James Fox on WRHP and now you have a forthcoming full EP on the same label. Was he the first one who discovered you?

L.V.:When i met Donga properly for the first time, it turned out i'd known who he was for a while without ever actually know who he was (as in not 'Donga'). We went to the same music venue in Tunbridge Wells (The Forum) a lot and i knew and followed one of his past musical ensembles. Ever since then, i've always shown him my music as he is one of very few people who's musical opinion i respect & value. Donga has always been supportive of what i produce and i feel lucky and gratful to be working with him. Along with him & Well Rounded, Aka Aka Roar have backed me (along with other local talent like Lorca) since i started putting up mixes and music. I think they are a real asset in Brighton's club culture, always pushing new producers & DJ's.

 Mauve EP 12" - Forthcoming Well Rounded Housing Project by LEON VYNEHALL 
 

FEM: You seem to enjoy using vocals on your tracks. Do you have any particular source of inspiration with your samples (like a large record bag) or does it happen while listening to a song? E.g. Do you get the feeling that you can build a track that will suit the vocals?

L.V: I have lots of 80's pop and funk records that i sample from (mainly down to my mother), i listen to lots of different types of music that i'll find bits in, sometimes i'll put my own voice in a song. I don't think it's about the act or principle of using a 'vocal sample', i see it more as adding another dimension to a track, another hook line. It's very easy dilute a song with an acapella or a chopped up vocal if it's done wrong but if you can do it well and the track needs it, you can make a song much better.

FEM: As a DJ, what sounds can we expect from you? Are you that type of artist that likes to experiment with all kind of sounds or do you prefer do stay on a straight sound?

L.V.: When it comes to making mixes for blogs or podcasts, i like to put in things that i wouldn't necessarily play out at a club (this is of course all depending on where you play, what club it's at, who your audience is and what time you play). 

FEM: How do you feel about the current state of the UK electronic music scene? Would you have rather wished to be part of another period of time?

L.V.: That's a hard question to answer due to that a lot of the stuff i look for doesn't usually come from the UK as my favourite artists are MCDE, Kyle Hall, 2562/AMUS and Kassem Mosse (amongst others). However, I'm a huge fan of Floating Points and Blawan and i feel that they're are the most consistent UK Producers right now. I touched on how i feel about the majority of UK dance music at moment, but with that said everyone has their own tastes and i'm not one to judge.  With regards to upcoming talent, I suggest everyone keep their eye on Lorca. He's a great DJ and his production is that of an accomplished writer already.
I think wishing i was part of something i wasn't in is unhealthy. I'm happy to be making music now. That being said, i would have loved to have gone to the acid raves in the late 80's/early 90's or been in Detroit when Carl Craig and Derrick May were starting out.

FEM: Could you name some of the tracks that made it to your favourites list and say a few words about them? We’d appreciate a little peek at the choices you’ve made so far.

L.V.:I think Gerry Read's Legs/Untitled 12" is outstanding. It feels fresh and very real but has obvious influence from greats like Theo Parrish and Omar S which to me is great. Floating Points' Shadows EP on Eglo is a work of art in my eyes. I also really enjoyed Fatima's Follow You EP which he produced too. Vakula's Dub As Always 12" on Shevchenko is incredible, boosted by the fact it came on a clear vinyl which is always aesthetically pleasing. I've played The Horrors album, Skying a lot since it came out. I absolutely love it and the band's writing has got even better since Primary Colours which i also love.
My favourite release of this year though is by far Kassem Mosse's Workshop 12. Such quality and innovative producing. Plus he is very good live too. Braiden turned me onto that one and i'm very grateful he did. 

FEM: What do you consider to be your biggest achievement since you’ve started producing electronic music and how would you picture your peak moment too be like?

L.V: Having a track of mine (albeit a remix) on vinyl. That was a first for me and it was a great feeling to get a copy in my hands and play it.
I don't know what it'll be like at my peak moment, maybe this is it? The uncertainty is part of the thrill for me.

 Mean Poppa Lean - Personality (Leon Remix) (Well Rounded Housing Project 12" - A Side: James Fox) by LEON VYNEHALL

FEM: As we come to an end with the interview and also the end of this year, have you made any plans or resolutions for the year to come?

L.V.: My plan for next year is to see as much of Europe as i can. Maybe DJing will take me there, maybe it won't but that's what i'd like to do. Also, just to carry on making & releasing music and build my wax collection up. 

FEM: Thank you and It was a pleasure to chat with you, Leon!

L.V: Thank you

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Thus being said, make sure you buy Leon Vynehall's forthcoming EP when it's out. If you want to keep updated with his stuff, check his Soundcloud and Facebook.

Also, keep updated with FEM on our Facebook & Twitter pages as well.

After a big break due to acute laziness, we have finally managed to start doing some work for our blog. So here we are continuing our series of FEM Podcasts with episode 002. This time we travel all the way to the to Novi Sad, Serbia - home of the notorious Exit Festival - to witness the sounds of Jackie Dagger. You probably heard of him from our recently released compilation FEM Picks where his stunning track 'Lights' was featured. Besides his production, Dagger is also a DJ for Rimming Show, currently running on Exit Festivals' Elektrana stage Radio. So that makes him pretty much one of the key people in the Serbian underground scene. We had the privilege to have a little chat of him and also a he made a special mix for us.

DOWNLOAD

 Tracklist:

 1.The XX - Night Time (Pále Bootleg Remix) (Free Download)
 2.Scuba - Never (Hotflush)
 3.Appleblim - Moonlight (Vitalik) 
 4.Jack Dixon - Coconuts (Disclosure Remix) (XLR8R)
 5.Greenmoney - Into You feat. Roses Gabor (French Fries Remix) (Greenmoney)
 6.Maurice Donovan - Call My Name (White Label)
 7.Auntie Flo - Oh My Days (Huntleys & Palmers)
 8.WK7 - Higher Power (Hardcore PCK Mix) (Power House)
 9.Hardfloor - 4th Dimension Of The 5th Ward (Dynamik Bass System Remix) (Hardfloor)
10.Boddika - Acid Battery (K7)
11.Jackie Dagger - Unknown (Unreleased)
12.Trevino - Shorty (K7)
13.JME - Pence (Boy Better Know)
14.Bok Bok - Reminder (Night Slugs)
15.Jam City - Barley a Trak (Night Slugs)
16.Bok Bok & Tom Trago - Vector (Sound Pellegrino)
17.SBTRKT - Wildfire (Objekt Tool Mix) (Young Turks)
18.Pangaea - Fatalist (Hemlock)
19.Ramadanman - Work Them (Swamp81)
20.Dexter - Great Northern Diver (No Bass Mix) (Clone Basement Series)
21.KEPIKEI - UV (Unreleased)
22.George Fitzgerald - Hearts (Man Make Music)
23.Kidnap Kid - Losing It (B-Ju Remix) (Squelch & Clap)
24.Joy Orbison - Hyph Mngo (Dj Dials Edit) (Free Download)

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 Knowing Jackie Dagger:

FEM: Hey Jackie Dagger, how's things?

Jackie Dagger: Great over here, slowly finishing my first EP. We are about to start a new radio station, and then we start with a new season of the RMNG SHOW...

FEM: We're really curious how it's going on in the Serbian electronic music scene. Obviously there is Exit Festival which is pretty important. How did you get into these sounds?

JD: Even though we have Exit festival here, this new direction in electronic music is just not close to people. But now at the first birthday of RMNG Show, we had 500 people at the club, so I think the scene is improving. When I was younger I didn't listen too much of electornic music..only dnb. I was always into hard core metal bands, so I wasn't really interested in electronic music. In 2006-2007 I started to actively listen to electronic music, and then in 2008 I started to DJ. Back then, I was mixing House and sometimes Dubstep, then slowly I got more and more into the roots of UK Funky, Garage and all that UK sound.

FEM: Let's talk about production a bit. How would you describe your sound? Any influences when you are making music?

JD: Ufff I have no idea. The genre of music that we spin, we gave it a name - Vybz Techno :D. It's something between House, Grime, Techno, Dubstep. Influences...I have no idea...all this new music. I couldn't say anyone in particular who inspires me the most. Maybe Pearson Sound or Jam City.

   U Riddim by Jackie Dagger

  Untitled1 by Jackie Dagger

FEM: Tell us a bit more about Rimming Show. We've just started a weekly radio show too on Hub Radio and we want to learn from some experts. When was it founded and what styles can we listen to?

JD: Three friends (Felony Flats, Jung B and me) were hanging out all the time, and we decided that we should do something about all this poor electronic scene in Serbia, people here were not familiar with this whole "new" wave of electronic music, and we wanted to bring it closer to them. So October 2010 was a decisive month and RMNG Show was created. We were happy to see that people have embraced the show and the music very well. 

FEM: Where would you see yourself in let's say 5 years? Do you have any goals regarding your production?

JD: I have no idea, I hope to have plenty of releases , a few vinyl/LPs, lots of gigs, lots of travel.

FEM: Besides your track 'Lights' on FEM Picks, do you have any releases so far? Are there any plans for a forthcoming material?

JD: No, you were the first to release my tune. And for that, I am infinitely grateful for. As I've said in the beginning, I'm currently finishing my first EP which should be completed by the end of the year. I have some offers for the EP, but we'll see what will happen in the end. I should start to do a tune with my internet buddy Lucid From Australia who is an excellent producer.

FEM: With which known producer you would really love to collaborate and why?

JD: Hmm Pearson Sound, Boddika and Jam City. They are my TOP of electonic music producers in the past few years because I love every single tune that they've made.

FEM: What turns you on when you're listening to music? For instance, do you have an instrument or a sound that you like most?

JD: Beacuse I play drums, I can say that rhythm is my first thing that i hear in songs. If rhythm is bad, and it doesn't move me, fuck that tune.

   Untitled1 by Jackie Dagger 

FEM: Choose between these 2 options:

A record store full of all sorts of variations and styles of electronic music from both the old and new age or a studio with stacks of synthesizers, drum machines, keyboards along some good studio speakers. Based on your choice, hypothetically owning the shop or the studio, would you consider trying to enlarge the customers taste in music / teach others how to produce music?

JD: STUDIO !!!! Yup, that would be cool, to work with others and teach them how to make, produce good music.

FEM: Having Exit Festival metioned already, it would be a shame not to recall that you were part of it this year, playing alongside Ben UFO, Bok Bok and Girl Unit, it should make yourself proud of you status. Were there any special moments you'd like to tell us about regarding the festival? How was the public in your opinion?

JD: Exit was awesome! I was the host for all djs who played @ HNS Stage. Playing alongside with names like Ben UFO, Bok Bok, Girl Unit, Jam City, I felt really honored. Great djs, great guys, a lot of fun with them. Drinking vodka and smoking weed. We had Friday (Swamp 81 Night w/ Loefah, Boddika, Oneman and MC Chunky) and Saturday Night Slugs showcase which was my favorite one! The crowd was mental ! They were dancing like nuts, even when I played at 5 in the morning.

FEM: Last but not least, are there some people who you would like to thank for the support?

JD: Yep, all my RMNG Family and crew, Techno Vybz crew, HNS crew, FEM crew, all Tumblr and Soundcloud fam.

FEM: Was a pleasure to talk to you Jackie!

JD: Thanks, it was a pleasure talking to you ;)

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Thus being said, make sure you listen/download Jackie Dagger's mix and also keep updated with his productions on Soundcloud.

If you want to keep updated with the stuff that we do, check our Facebook page.

We know we've been pretty lazy with the blog and stuff but we have two good news for ya. FEM Podcast 002 is on its way + we are going to have a weekly radio show called FEM Sessions every Monday from 2 till 4pm (UK Time) on Hub Radio in Bristol. We're very excited about this and hopefully will be a good one.

So if you are a producer, make sure you send your demos to our email: fem.blog1@gmail.com.
All the details about the show are here.

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FEM Sessions

Showcasing the best of underground electronic dance music. Expect anything from House, Techno, UK Funky, Post-Dubstep, Garage, Bass Music, Hip-hop, Experimental. Don’t forget you can drop shouts on our Facebook page or on Twitter.

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