Alan Fitzpatrick was back on the road this October, with his infamous House Party Tour, kicking things off in Bristol, then onto Brighton and Southampton. We Are The Brave events have been popping up all over the UK, with a rapidly growing artist roster. Laying down some mega anthem tracks in the last 24 months, we can expect a whole lot more, as We Are The Brave continues to fulfill fans to the max, with its energetic rave ethos.
Anthony Cardinale aka Avision, a producer from New York makes his debut this November. He caught the attention of Alan with his dark and deliciously deep beats. “I love the direction Alan is going with the label, and the broad range of his musical taste. I'm blessed to be a part of it” adds Anthony.
The title track ‘The Come Up’ has a growling low end, a thick groove, and roaring rhythmic movements – a track that couldn't be more perfect for We Are The Brave. “I’ve been playing pretty much everything that Avision sends me. He has a very mature sound that you can tell draws on a wide variety of influences, which gives his music a very unique flavor” – says Alan Fitzpatrick
Both featuring vocals, ‘Get It Right’ has a euphoric 90’s house edge to it, alongside an energetic beat, whilst the short stabbing vox effect rhythm in ‘Out Of Sight’ makes this the most minimal, linear track of the release.
“I am genuinely so excited to have this release out on We Are The Brave – for me, it represents the next step in my career, and a sort of ‘come up’ in the industry”. – Anthony. ‘On The Floor’ is instantly catchy with its hypnotic hook. It’s got that chunky NY old-school sound that Avision seems to effortlessly create.
Anthony Cardinale aka Avision is a force to be reckoned with, starting at the age of 12, and his preference for a more mature sound led to his first residency at Club Abyss in New Jersey by the time he was 15. Fortunate to grow up around the club culture of New York, and influenced by the sounds and music scene - Avision has become a new wave of techno. Over the last year, he has rereleased a range of influential labels like Mark Broom’s Beardman Records, Carl Cox’s Intec, Victor Calderone’s Matter+, Carlo Lio’s On Edge Society, Inmotion LTD, and now Alan Fitzpatrick’s We Are The Brave.
Your debut EP ‘The Come Up’ is set to be released soon, how long did it take to create it?
Yes it is, and I’m super excited for it! ‘The Come Up’ I would say took me about a month or two to create, I’m always working on music, so after I had a good batch of tracks I sent them to Alan and he selected from there.
How did the NY music scene influence ‘The Come Up’?
The NY music scene has always inspired me, I have always been inspired by the early 90’s music scene. DJ’s would play all night long from 10-24 hours sometimes playing tribal, techno, house, and even vocals. ‘The Come Up’ is an EP that really resembles my influences from New York as it has a little bit of melody, groove, and chunkiness to each record
Recently featured in DummyMag Avision was listed as one of the Top 10 Best Rising Techno Talents. In a recent interview during Amsterdam Dance Event, we spoke with New York’s techno artist Avision, he is set to release his debut EP which features his talent. Throughout the interview, he talks about the EP as well as how his passion became a reality.
Is there a favorite track from the EP you have?
I don’t think I have a favorite track on this EP, I think each track is unique in its own way and I enjoy playing them throughout the night
Is there a meaning behind the title of the EP?
There is, I think this EP is what is going to push me further in my career. ‘The Come Up’ title just means it’s my come up into this amazing industry.
‘The Come Up’ is being released on Alan Fitzpatrick's label We Are The Brave, did you ever imagine your musical career would lead to this?
I can’t wait for this EP to release, and I’m honored to have it on Alan’s label. He’s been working very hard on this label and all of the branding behind it as well. I never imagined my musical career would lead to this, but it was always in the plans. I always want to better myself and strive for bigger ventures, especially when it comes to my music.
Who is your biggest musical influence?
I have so many influences but if I had to choose one it would be Quincy Jones - enough said.
ADE was last week, tell me about your experience
What an amazing experience, I was blown away since it was my first time. To finally meet everyone I’ve been talking to overseas, and getting to link up with my DJ friends it was an experience I’ll never forget. The parties were all packed, and all the production was done proper. I’m looking forward to next year already.
What was your favorite moment during ADE?
I don’t think I had one specific favorite moment, although my favorite part about this trip was walking into almost every party hearing one of my records. It was really humbling, and inspiring to hear so many different artists’s playing my music. I never would have thought to hear my music as much as I did, and for that I’m forever grateful for all the artist playing my music, it means a lot to me.
Was there a particular spot or nightclub you enjoyed the most at ADE?
I mean as always, I think Awakenings was really impressive, but I have to say everything I experienced was nothing short of amazing.
Besides your debut EP, what's on the horizon for Avision?
There is still a lot of music ready to go for the future. ‘The Come Up’ is my last EP of 2018, but we start the new year up with a big release on “On Edge Society” that has a remix by the legend DJ Rush, and I also have an EP coming out on Eats Everything’s a new label called EI8HT. I’ll most likely come back to We Are The Brave as well with a follow-up EP. The rest you’ll just have to wait and see!
Watch the Avision documentary:
His debut EP ‘The Come Up’ is a four-track project showcasing all of Avision’s talent and passion. Avision’s legacy is growing like a supernova exploding in the farthest reaches of our galaxy…and he’s just getting started.
SOEL began to produce his own sounds during adolescence, using music samples representing his originality and changing from house music and dark disco in year the 1980s and 1990s, to minimal techno.
His music has immediately been supported and played by some of the most popular techno artists in the world, like Carl Cox, Marco Carola, Tale Of Us, Dubfire, Luciano, Mind Against, Oliver Huntemann, Karotte, Paco Osuna, Mark Knight, Alexi Delano, Joseph Capriati, Marco Bailey, Kaiserdisco, Pig&Dan, Stephan Bodzin, Martin Eyerer, Sian, Wehbba, Alan Fitzpatrick Ambivalent, Carlo Lio, Sonja Moonear, and many many more.
In the course of his experience, has refined the technique also strengthening his musical culture, His DJ sets are in fact a journey that includes a mix of techno and minimal sounds blended with dark vocals.
There is one artist who is dedicated to his work and craft of creating his own unique sound, SOEL was born in the gray and bustle of Milan. Over the course of more than 10 years in music production and DJing, SOEL’s inspiration has come from his Arabic roots, Hollywood music composers, and varying genres of music, but most of all the world around. His passion, probably hereditary, was born from an early age thanks to his father, who collected vinyl records by artists including important figures who stood out like Ry Cooder, Robert Johnson, and Jacques Brel.
It's been a few months since your Afterlife / Voyage 017, how big was the response from other artists and listeners?
“It came at the end of September 2019, and already reached more than 81,000 streams (as of this month, January) and likes from all over the world! The response was unreal, I couldn't have imagined such support from all these music lovers, and it makes me very happy because the two hr set is made only with my own productions! I know a lot of people have been waiting for my tracks, especially 'Ambrosia', 'Sense of Eternity', and my remix of Sting's 'Desert Rose'. By making the set with only my own music, I was able to at least have those tracks played in full. Not just video clips online.”
From your unique talent and techniques, Who are your top musical influencers?
“I have many, but especially Hans Zimmer, Clint Mansell, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Trentmøller, Alva Noto, Trent Reznor, Derrick May, Jeff Mills, and Recondite!”
The musical evolution of SOEL leaves people with multicultural experiences and individualism is originally reflected in his music. He’s refined his unique sound to a mix of deeply emotional ambient & atmospheric techno sounds, blended with dark synths and cinematic soundscapes.
Where do you get your inspiration for creating your own signature sound?
“First inspiration comes from my background, my North African / Middle Eastern origins fused with my European upbringing, gave me the opportunity to experiment and create my own sound, based on the cultural differences between those two places, the music, the people, the cinema, even the food. I'm very inspired by what's around me! I've written tracks for example, on a plane because the colors of the sky were so beautiful, or because of the stunning view from the Brooklyn Bridge of NYC when I was living there, or simply because of a movie I love.”
A lifelong traveler, and fashion and art enthusiast, SOEL’s musical evolution, multicultural experiences, and individualism, are organically reflected in his music. Throughout the past decade, SOEL has refined its unique sound, which includes a mix of deeply emotional ambient and atmospheric techno sounds, blended with dark synths and cinematic soundscapes.
Your biggest project is the new label ORACOLO Records, what inspired you to launch your own label?
“I had a vision and a dream about it, but I personally didn't have the time to create it and so it fell to the side for a bit. My girlfriend and a bunch of artists friends who I truly respect, the ones with 20+ years experience who I knew were honest in what they were telling me, as well as the huge encouragement of my supporters, is what pushed me to finally open the label. I'm not opening the label with this motto of "I have to be the biggest and best label in the world. I have to be famous", if anything, it's the opposite mindset. I have over 37-hours of unreleased music, that's like 350 tracks. When it comes down to it, I haven't been able to find a home for my music, so why not create one myself?”
ORACOLO Records will focus on musical realms in dark, atmospheric techno, and cinematic ambient. Giving the opportunity to showcase his unreleased music and much more. This is a huge milestone for SOEL as an artist.
Listen to "Tangible Fear of the Unkown" by SOEL
What are some music and life goals?
“I hope the future releases of my label, my music and the journeys I try to create each time through my sets, will reach more and more people around the world! The support and messages I receive every day and during each gig are truly indescribable. I do my best to interact with everyone who writes to me and/or comes to my gigs. I see every message, every comment, and it's what inspires me to keep doing what I love.”
What was your favorite track you've released in your career?
“'Maisha', which means 'Life' in Swahili, released on Recondite's label, Plangent Records at the end of 2017.”
Any new music?
Absolutely, yes. I can't share the details just yet, but I will. I have some really interesting projects I'm working on. Some are quite different from what people are used to. But so far, this is one of the most creative projects to date. I can't wait to share more about it. I'll keep you updated!
Listen to Afterlife Voyage 017: SOEL
What's on the horizon for SOEL?
I am playing my first live show next month, at a big festival with so many artists friends, followed by my first South American tour, with debuts in Argentina, Chile, Colombia. I'm also making a return to Asia which I first toured last year. I'm very excited about that.
SOEL continues his trip to the musical reality, with enthusiasm and rigor, giving his music around Europe, Egypt, Morocco, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Vietnam, Qatar, and North America. He will continue to travel the world and make new music stay tuned for more!
Making changes in both his DJ career and the underground techno community, Bryan Fein, better known by his artist name Mafia B is known for pushing boundaries and staying original. He always stays true and his goal is to continue to create quality and make an innovative impact in the music scene and community.
Listen to the full Artist Interview: Mafia B
For the first time in his music career, the DJ and producer created an event and party concept DECODED. Providing a sense of community for both guests and artists is a meaningful project for Mafia B. As a beginning artist, it's difficult, especially these days to make a name and stand out from the rest of all the DJs. DECODED will provide that chance and opportunity for those who have been waiting for their moment to perform and be seen.
“I wanted to create a sense of community within the dance music community, especially locally first. I'm trying to create something where the artists, DJs, even the people, and the attendees are more engaged with each other, rather than just going to an event, or going to a party, I want something more engaging. Let's put a light on the X first. How can we make them feel like A-list, right? How can we put a spotlight on them and make them feel like there's somebody rather than like, oh, you're DJing tonight and no one knows? I'm working to develop something where they feel more appreciative of the art. If the person is spending X amount of time, their hours in their studio, and putting their heart and soul into this craft, why not feel like there is somebody when they're DJing? And when it comes to the attendees, how do we make them feel like this is just more than an event? How can we make this more of an experience, an interactive experience? And that's what I and my team are currently working out at the moment into creating that experience for both ends of the spectrum. Yeah. So when I talk about community, my goal is literally to have everyone say, have you been decoded? And are you decoded? And use that verbiage interchangeably. Yeah, that's my goal for that. And at the end of the day, it's all about music. So maybe later down the line, it might turn into a label, but at the end of the day, as I said, it is about the music, playing good music, and the overall experience of being part of Decoded."
Mafia B takes the underground scene to a new dimension with his own party brand. He is touring different cities throughout the TriState area with DECODED displaying his passion and talent in new realms. He will be taking overa secret location with his DECODED concept this Saturday, March 11.
DECODED has already launched last month and is already becoming a huge success with sell-out rsvp and packed nightclubs. DECODED isn’t at one location, each night a different location throughout the New York metropolitan area. Giving more insight into different dance clubs and building and creating its community.
“I do see a sense of community, especially with the dance music culture, because as you go out every week to different types of dance music events, whether it might be house music or techno, there is a sense of community there already. Because you might most likely see the same people there, and they know you by your first name, which is amazing. Every sense of genre of music will have its sense of community. And the reason why I gravitated more towards the dance music scene, is because I started out playing house music, and that was way years ago when I used to partake in martial arts. And my instructor was a DJ and a promoter. And for every class that we took, he would play house music."
THE BEGINNING:
been influenced by Hip-Hop, Rock, and Classical Music. He developed a unique sound as he continuously release original music in his studio or on the streets of the city he lives. Brian has played at the top nightclubs from across the country and the globe. “So I was training to house music, and I was like, how do I get into this? I downloaded the software so I can make my own mixes. That's how I started. I love dance music. I love dancing. I love music in general, and it just kind of snowballed from there”.
From first playing at underground parties and after hours, he quickly gained a following of popularity from performing at elite New York City dance clubs. Forming and experiencing techno and house music rhythm and sounds, Mafia B generated himself as a well-known local. In his earliest years, he dabbled with both house music and techno with different upbeats and down-tempos. His energy feeds off the crowd as an artist and DJ performer, whenever experiments with new music or plays some of his early and old tracks. He quickly then moved up to perform at upscale clubs at the age of 18 being one of the youngest DJs playing at 21 and over in New York City nightclubs.
“I remember playing one of my tracks, and the first time I played it out, and I didn't know how it was going to react, and once the drop hit, I just heard, oh, I was like, all right, cool. This works. Even though that track is not the best, at least in my eyes, I'm my worst critic. But when I heard, oh, and I'm like, yeah, okay, cool. It feels good."
Mafia B has opened for numerous artists such as the legendary DJ and producer, Erick Morillo, and other techno heavyweights and local favorites. In addition, Mafia B has played at infamous clubs around New York City including Marquee, Cielo, Output, Analog BKNY, Highline Ballroom, Sankeys, and more. His first record released was signed to Elektrobeats Records and was also part of The Techno Compilation which landed on the number one spot on Traxsource.
Listen to Mafia B's debut album, 'Perception'
INSPIRATION:
Creating killer beats in his new Brooklyn studio, teaching classes to up-and-coming DJs, Everywhere he gets inspiration, from old classical music to classic dance music and life experiences. To make a name as a DJ and producer in this competitive industry, every artist must stay original and continue the momentum Plus, use every aspect of general life, and constantly release music. Let everything inspire the artist and use to it expand the creativity.
“Everything inspires me. I would say I think as an artist, we just absorb different things in our lives and we kind of put that in a capstone, figure out how can we take that emotion from whatever inspires us and make it our own, right? That's the beauty of being an artist hearing that and oh, that inspires me to do something. So for example, I think the last couple of songs that I'm currently producing is, okay, I like the sound of Heavy Metal. And I'm thinking in the back of my head, what happened if the bassist in my song, he's like a metal head or something, and this is what's happening in the back of my head. And it's like, what if he's a metal guitarist? How do I kind of translate that into my techno song? So like I said, anything and everything inspires me when it comes to creating a sound or creating music, new songs, anything. I just enjoy the process of doing that, creating, getting something that inspires me, and spitting out something that I could call that's mine.”
Most artists have so much unreleased music it’s because they are uncertain if the public will like and approve of the track. Feeling nervous about losing fans and following, a true artist will face that fear and release everything regardless if they may think it’s bad the true fans will still follow and support. “Just because as an artist, you're allowing yourself to be vulnerable because you're putting a lot of effort and soul into your craft, then that's your vulnerability, and then you put it out there in hopes that you can make an impact to at least one person. Right? I remember at one gig, it was a random gig actually, and I was just DJing, this girl comes up to me and she's like, oh, can I request a song? I'm like, oh, no. Why? But she showed me the song that she was requesting. It was one of my songs. And I was like, yeah, I'll play that. That's cool. And obviously, that one song that I released years ago made an impact on her. It may not be made the number one on Beatport, but it made an impact on somebody for them to come to my event and see or hear me play a particular song that she liked”.
“So when it comes to releasing, yeah, there's a little nerve. Okay, hopefully, somebody likes it, or at least the label likes it. But at the end of the day, if I like it and I believe this is the best I can do, and this is what it is, I'm going to release it in hopes that people like it and keep moving forward, keep moving on."
The world and the city that built his DJ career, Mafia B has explored different realms and ways for more inspiration. Eating different foods, running new trails in New York City, or experiencing new nightclubs for DECODED. Generating new ways and ideas for more creativity as an artist and producer.
“I used to run Central Park all the time in the morning, and I kind of use it like a metaphor for life, because I'm running to a particular destination, which is I'll go from 60th, which is the entrance to Central Park, to the reservoir, and that's my goal. But as I'm running it, I see people on the left and right of me, and there are people in front of me, but I'm not in competition with any of those people because they have their own goals. If I were to follow one person, whether he or she gets off the next exit, then I'm losing sight of my own goal. I'm following one person. Because that's their goal. I don't know what they're doing. So I think as long as you know where you want to go and just keep going in that direction. And it's okay too, if you're running and you're getting tired, maybe you start walking down a little bit. As long as you keep moving forward toward that goal, then you will reach there. It takes time. If you're okay telling yourself, it would take me five to 10 years to be somebody or to reach a certain level and this craft. And if you're okay with that, then yeah, you'll be all right. But if you expect to be a hit overnight, which is an anomaly for sure, but if you expect to be a hit overnight, but you haven't put the work into it, then you can be discouraged every single time."
Artist Goals:
From establishing his own studio and party brand, DECODED within a matter of a couple of years, Brian constantly sets new goals for himself to maintain the energy he quickly built from the very beginning. “There's going through this journey and just hitting these little milestones are signs of success. Even the average human set mini goals, not big goals, you just set your set. There's a difference between you're going to be frustrated if your major goal is to DJ Ultra, right? But you haven't produced a track yet. So set small goals, but okay, the first goal is to learn how to do this. Learn how to do this. Or the first goal might be to release one track. What's that look like? Releasing one track can be a sign of success. So the more you make these little goals and be consistent will ultimately have this huge pyramid of milestones. And before you know it, you might be in front of a large crowd at EDC or Ultra, whatever it may be, whatever your North Star or goal may be.”
Besides setting and completing goals, the music industry quickly grew into a life passion. Making new music, performing at nightclubs, and growing the party brand, Decoded all that excites him the most. The positive vibes from the crowds each night demonstrate why he entered the scene in the very beginning.
“One is being a DJ and a producer. I just love being in front of people. I'm a people person, so I love being in front of a crowd and seeing how they react to certain songs. I purposely make my sets unpredictable, and I love to see the reaction of crowds. And that excites me because I like to see people have fun, seeing people enjoying themselves.”
On The Horizon:
DECODED is taking off at a successful rate, and Mafia B still has the time to create some new music. His studio is his favorite place in the world its where he can expand his mind to different realms of creativity. “I'm turning out some EPs. I already have one EP done. I'm just setting up feedback before I send it out to labels. So one EP is done, working on a second EP at the moment. That's going to be sent to a feedback phase, and then I'll send it out to labels. So hopefully sooner than later, we'll have some new music out, some Mafia B stuff.”
The process for every DJ and producer is different, some can make an album within days or years, and some decades. Everyone is different and everyone has different ways of processing their creativity.
“I like to work in collections. In terms, of what I mean by that is, okay, either I'm going to turn out an album or an EP, and the process is different every single time. Or the length of developing a project varies from project to project. I can't say if it takes long because that's relative. Right? But typically when the project's done, it's done. Usually, that takes a couple of months, which I'm okay with. I wanted to give it my best, the best, and give it my all. At the time of my current skill set. Right? So it takes time. And yeah, I'm looking forward to multiple releases this year and seeing how people react to it.”
Would there be an album anytime in the future, or? “I love albums, but not a lot of people make them anymore. Unless you're an A-list artist like Skrillex, or Deadmau5, or who could be anybody. I think at that level it is a little bit easier to release albums because here's a collection of 13 songs and 15 songs and sure. Then go on tour. But as you're a developing producer, I think that releasing either singles or EPs.”
“Yeah. And having people recognize your name. That person does this type of music. I've released albums and albums before. I think I would love to do an album. This is the vibe and theme of this album, and just kind of focus on that and release it. But definitely, I would never rule an album out."
GIVING BACK:
“It's approved by the masses. When I get into the studio every day, I just love being in this room, constantly learning about my workflow, constantly figuring it out. That's my job as a producer, is to figure it out. I just love solving puzzles that excite me. You just figuring it out because no one knows anything. Just pick one thing and figure that out. And I pick music and I'm figuring it out as I go every day, and that excites me. There are no DJ schools, no DJ universities."
“I have students that come into my studio once a week, and I teach them, and it excites me to see them going from learning nothing to having tracks. Right? And that excites me. I'm like, wow, I gave so much value to this person, and they took it and they create something out of nothing. It amazes me. And I didn't have that. I did have a mentor, but teaching somebody kind of cuts all of the wrongs turns if you will. Although it is inevitable to make your own bad decision and learn from it and come back to stability if you will. But yeah, teaching students excites me. Being in this room excites me, and playing in front of people excites me. I love music”.
When he’s not DJing or creating original music, he strives to make the New York City house music and techno scene better and give back to the community. In his off time, he teaches DJ classes, these days everyone wants to DJ or learn how to. There is no school or Univerity for that kind of learning in the states, most people are self-taught and grow from the experience and keep getting paid gigs. Mafia B launched his DJ class at his studio, the moment he began his classes he quickly fell in love with it and gained more respect for the community. Through these teaching classes, he found more of a purpose and one of the ways to give back and pass along the greatest knowledge ever.
Teaching classes and focusing on expanded Decoded, creating new realms and possibly a festival or label. DECODED continues to rapidly grow with constant sell-out tickets, and the culture and movement continue to grow and expand, each month by taking over different new and different nightclubs plus secret locations.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
If you are first starting or taking one of Mafia B’s classes or considering becoming a DJ here are some wise words from an experienced DJ and producer.
“Hard work, not giving up! Consistency is key, right? It's okay to take breaks here and there, but I think that as long as you keep moving forward, that's all it matters. It takes time. If you're okay telling yourself, it would take me five to 10 years to be somebody or to reach a certain level and this craft. And if you're okay with that, then yeah, you'll be all right. But if you expect to be a hit overnight, which is an anomaly for sure, but if you expect to be a hit overnight, but you haven't put the work into it, then you can be discouraged every single time.”
Be sure to catch one of his sets and experience the new party brand, DECODED. Each weekend a different location and artist lineup. Follow the link for all the information and free rsvp.
“It’s all about House and Techno, and I'm not interested in fads.” That's the motto Darius Syrossian lives by. It’s what made him a producer that doesn’t play by traditional rules. First, he’s been performing for over 25 years, creating his signature sound. Then, in 2019, he launched his [Moxy Muzik] record label and party concept.
“My inspiration came from the 90s scene, which was like Junior Vasquez playing Sound Factory in New York, and he played 24 hours and that's what DJing was about. Playing every week in the same club where you get to know the crowd. Now with Moxy, I don't play every week, I play once a month.” Having played gigs at every major club in every significant city. “Before that, I used to play Sankeys, and I've always been a resident. When I started playing After Tribal Sessions, Do Not Sleep, it got to a point where it became a bigger brand and put on getting so popular.”
The word Moxy comes from someone who does what they want and doesn’t even a fuck if people don't like it. “It became a point where it's like you've got Charlotte De Witt one week, then you got this and that, and there's no musical identity, nondescript. It's just anything that sells tickets. For me, that's not why I became a DJ.”
Darius Syrossian takes the underground scene to a new dimension with his own party brand. He is touring different cities across the country with Moxy Muzik displaying his passion and talent to new realms. He will be taking over The Brooklyn Monarch with his [Moxy Muzik] concept this Friday, January 21.
“I want to enjoy what I'm doing when I'm teaching, I want to play what I want to play. So in smaller rooms, longer sets are about 6 hours playing what I want with fewer people, but people who want to hear me play.”
He continues about the music scene. Back in the late 80s and 90s, people only cared about music. There were no smartphones which meant no photography and social media posts. It was simple back then, with good vibes and great music. These days it's all about those high prices to try and sell out the massive spaces.
“You end up with the people who think they should be listening to you, wanting to hear you play those big tunes that they've heard, and then it becomes soulless. You become a jukebox. I want to play my style of music inspired by the New York scene of the 90s, Chicago House, a little bit of acid, a little bit like European techno mixed up what you want.”
Moxy Muzik is More Than a Party Concept:
Moxy Muzik is an imprint where all listeners discover underground talent. It gives upcoming artists a chance to be found and heard. “Moxy started it to be a way that I can do this. Now, if you look, I've got loads of shows all over the UK, Manchester League, London, and I play a long set. I also bring upcoming artists. So I don't just book other established guests. I spot artists who I know are upcoming, and I know that they're good. It makes me feel good that I'm helping other acts as well at the same time. So that's what Moxy is about.”
From the beginning, he was always passionate about the music and the scene. But, as only some people do it for fame, Darius does it for the love of music. “I enjoy doing it with other people, have journeyed with other people '' What he is also known for that sample may not know about is that he has launched many other inspiring artists careers. “I think I'm in a position to help upcoming artists, so I've lost count. My label still presses vinyl.”
Since the label’s launch, it has only grown into a successful imprint. “It cost me a lot of money to do. If you want the records, they're going to buy the records anyway.” The digital tracks go straight in at #1 on Beatport ́s minimal deep tech genre. “Moxy Muzik has quite a lot of number ones on the Beatport, and it makes quite a bit of money.” The label has grown into producing multiple #1 vinyl records within three years. “We press vinyl, and we don't just press vinyl, we do colored vinyl. We also have Charlotte Archer, she's an independent artist. She's hand-drawn art for each one. So that costs quite a lot of money for each release. So trying to get up to sell and buy is really difficult. So I've given Lucas Alexander his first release on vinyl. Andrew K, his first release on vinyl. Many big names like Steve Lawler, Doc Martin, and DJ Sneak. We also help get music from an act because I know; she's important, that is.”
“You need to give these people a platform to show how good they sell. I find that quite rewarding. Helping other people as well and not just making Moxy just about me. That’s what I’m probably proud of a lot.”
Darius has a few tracks out now that are very popular, especially ‘White Rabbit.’ “My parents used to listen to it all the time because my parents always had music on nonstop, all day, every day in the kitchen house. So that was always music.”
“I did it just for a laugh, for myself, and it turned out quite good. But I didn't release it in Lockdown. I waited after Lockdown in England when the clubs opened, and I played it. Defected Croatia, and all the Defected crew was like, ‘What is it?’ Shoot. I was like, something I've done. We'll never play the sample, but we got a singer to reshape it all and replay it all, and I've sampled them. Otherwise, we'd never clear the sample.”
Exploring Different Realms of Music:
Darius Syrossian always had an act for being different, “from the beginning, I always do what I want, and it's not a typical dance floor track. It doesn't really sound like anything else I've made before, but I just like to mix it up and do what I want. If I want to make an edit, I'll make an edit.”
He continues by explaining how the music industry can work against him sometimes. With Darius Syrossian, he thinks outside the realms of music and creates masterpieces. He explores different subgenres and does not categorize himself in one dance music category. It works out both good and evil; however, he will always have loyal fans. “Tne techno tracks on Drumcode, and I've played House Music on Defected. The problem is that it works against you a little bit because people want to pigeon all you, and you can't pigeon on me. It's like, I'm not part of any crew. I don't want to be part of any crew. Right now, business technology is big. But I released it on Drumcode, and Adam Bayer loved the track. He said it was brilliant. When I posted that, there were a lot of Drumcode fans getting angry.”
The Beginning:
It didn’t happen overnight for Darius Syrossian, and becoming a DJ was never planned. It all just worked out for the best. “I had a record shop about 15 years ago, so it was never my plan to be an international DJ. It just happened because in 2008, when vinyl crashed and we had to close the shop. I thought I might have to get a real job. So then I thought I was going to fucking start making records. Then the records that I made started getting signed by all the labels, and then I ended up having a career that way.”
He has had many proud moments throughout his career, but there's one moment that will always stand out. He also put out his vital entry into the Essential Mix series doing two, so he remains a pivotal figure in the house scene. “This was the one live at Sankeys Visa on Radio one week in 2013. Then halfway through the track, the mix, I played Dusky, and you can hear the crowd on the mix. It was surreal because I just suddenly looked out and saw the whole crowd, and they all started clapping, and I don't know, I got a bit emotional. I just started breaking through at this point. So I've been trying for fucking years, and this was like a massive thing.”
He never comes to the club with a pre-recorded set. “I never plan a set. You plan for yourself, but there are many people in that room. You have to try and build something within the energy that's going off in that room at the time.” Although he never wavered from his devotion to the groove, Darius’s vast music knowledge and unique vinyl collection allow him versatility. “A good DJ is someone who can read the crowd. It's not about matching as much. Lauren Garner is one of my favorite DJs, he mixes it up all the time, but his beat matches are sometimes constrained. It's about reading the crowd and the emotion in that room in front of you and what kind of vibes will come off the previous track. You're going to have happy records, technical records, moody technical records. It's about knowing how to play the right track at the right moment.”
Inspiration:
Moxy Muzik is all about playing extended sets in an intimate setting with a loyal crowd listening to one artist for hours. The party brand is coming to New York at The Brooklyn Monarch, where he will be bringing all the vibes and divine music. “That's what inspired me. It's a New York House Music, to some extent, Masters At Work. You couldn't even see the DJ back in Manchester because he was on a balcony behind you. Everyone was dancing, and nobody was facing the fucking DJ with a phone. But we can sit here and moan as much as we want. Things change. There are a lot of things that are better now. There are lot more types of different music with sub-genres, and the sound systems are more advanced. So we can always moan but the scene is still good. I still enjoy what I'm doing. I just wish people were more about the music than they are.”
He continues about the club scene in Manchester, a huge party city. “I'll play every month in Manchester. It sells out every month, but it's only 500 capacity. But the crowd is fucking bang on. So I don't want to play just once a year, 10,000 people for 1 hour. I want to play every month for 5 hours. That's the difference between me, and I don't want to be a jukebox.”
On The Horizon:
Darius has more to come, such as another world tour and upcoming releases with respectable artists. “I've got a release on Catz 'n Dogz label, PETS Recordings, that's out later this month. I've been playing it out, and it seems just to pass the test, let's say. Then in February, I got a remix on the label from Canada, Griffintown Records.
A true workaholic, Darius Syrossian has many upcoming tracks that will take over dance charts, dance floors, and minds. “Then I've got a huge record called “Back in a Dance,” which is a collaboration with me and George Meadows, and this is going to be massive. When I played it on my Mint Festival set, the number of people that ask for track IDs for this, when I play in clubs and on SoundCloud in the comments, it's going to be huge! Next, I've got my own release of Moxy called “Mercy Me,” that's going to be a viable release. It's a remix by Jordan Masters from Birmingham. He's another upcoming artist. It's going to be his first final release. Then I've got a track called “I'm the Joker,” and you'll hear it in New York. I've sampled an old hip/hop, bass, house kind of vibe.”
You can catch Darius Syrossian in a city nearby as he continues his tour, expanding his brand. “We’ve got Moxy Muzik at Zeti Hotel. The lineup is getting put together now. I'm also doing the Hideout Festival in Croatia, Defected Croatia. The lineup is unreal for that. In Croatia, I met so many amazing people from America.”
When he’s in the studio or performing at a nightclub, Darius Syrossian represents the value of being an original artist and not afraid to stand out. His success from doing just that empowered and inspired other artists to do the same. More DJs and producers should do the same and not listen to their inner demons and just say the word “Moxy.”
