Never one to travel in a straight musical line, Charlie fully exploits the opportunity to explore the length and breadth of his creative capacity with ‘Apache’. Charlie says…

“I’m feeling my way around, getting back into the solo headspace really, which is cool. There’s so much cool techno stuff about at the moment which is really inspiring me.”

Alongside the dance-floor orientated cuts on which he has built his reputation, Charlie straddles moods of ambient, techno and electronica whilst constantly maintaining a melodic and highly emotive core. The sound is familiar yet fresh.

‘Apache’ has a driving deep, dark bassline with endless textures and rhythms and trademark Charlie sounds. The scratchy chords give it that Detroit’esque sound, whilst muffled robotic-tinged orchestral flutters underpin a lush arpeggio of warm synths.
‘Apache’ is the perfect first single from the man who knows all the right moves in creating his own brand of musicality.

2009 is going to be a big year for Charlie May… stepping out of the Sasha shadow, Charlie has a fair few singles up his sleeve for labels such as La Tour, and is currently working on remixes for Glenn Morrison alongside Robert Babicz for Bedrock. Charlie also recently released a new mix compilation for Platipus under his Spooky moniker which has been receiving some great reviews.

“I’m focusing on singles for a bit but I’d also like to do an album – its something I really want to do. That would be a big achievement. It’s all guns blazing really – watch this space.”

And you really should…

Egostereo are comprised of Sandrino Beesley & Danny Minkella. They have been crafting a name for themselves with releases on Baroque and Toca 45, and now unleash their new production ‘Paeonia’ on the dancefloors: a track that has already gained support from heavyweights Sasha, Digweed and Hernan Cattaneo. No wonder Paeonia has found it’s way into such esteemed record boxes when you hear the quality of the production values that permeate every part of their studio work.

The original mix combines an ominous bassline with handclaps and insistent percussion that set the tone for a very special little workout. These layers are joined by an irresistible riff, which invokes a euphoric vibe, without losing the necessary dancefloor sensibilities. As the breakdown the arrives, striking stabs mirror the lead line and eerie synth pads echo these chords to provide a true moment.

Completing the package is a dub mix, offering a stripped back version of the track, and Egostero’s own re-edit both of which play on the memorable riff to great effect.

Egostereo – Paeonia is out 27th July thru Beatport & 24th August via all other good digital sites.

To coincide with their only joint UK festival performance this summer we are very pleased to bring you Sasha & John Digweed’s first joint video interview in many years! Usually shying away from video interviews we were lucky enough to catch this legendary duo on a recent trip to London. As both DJs are veterans to South West Four and as they are rarely are interviewed together, we are absolutely chuffed to be able to bring you this exclusive as the duo discuss their first joint UK festival performance together in two years, life on the road, their individual projects and more. This really is a rare treat for any fan and an insight into the lives of this duo as they prepare to unleash their sound on this summers South West Four festival.

SW4 fave James Zabiela is the final name added to this year’s mighty Main Stage. Last seen on the Common in 2006, James remains of the one most influential DJs on the circuit. New for 2009 is his ‘Masters’ compilation for Renaissance and his Positronic residency at matter. Since winning Muzik Magazine’s ‘Bedroom Bedlam’ competition back in 2001, James has carved out an impressive career with headline club and festival gigs all over the globe. He remains synonymous in pushing new musical technology, as proved when asked to test Pioneer’s new DJM800, CDJ1000MK3 and EFX 1000… and in 2007, James embarked on a huge worldwide tour with fellow SW4 DJ Nic Fanciulli to form the dream team ‘one+one’. Don’t miss James in the afternoon sun as completes his South West Four hat-trick.

Another major highlight not to miss will be the debut outing of cult DJ/Producer Darren Emerson in the Global Underground Stage. Darren is one of the most influential figures in dance music, a worthy accolade after a career spanning nearly 20 years and counting. At the age of 18, a friend introduced him to Rick Smith and Karl Hyde. The duo had been in a band together for several years and needed a new injection. And the rest is, well… Underworld! Signed to Junior Boys Own, the band released three albums: ‘Dubnobasswithmyheadman’, ‘Second Toughest in the Infant’ and ‘Beaucoup Fish’, selling over a million albums world-wide and spawning their hits ‘Cowgirl’, ‘Rez’, ‘Dark and Long’ and of course, ‘Born Slippy’ – all classics. Darren left the band in 2000 to expand his DJing and work with producers he was meeting on his travels across the world. The first collaboration saw Darren and SW4 headliner Sasha produce the Ibiza classic ‘Scorchio’ and his Underwater Records label became the house label of noughties, and his Underwater residency at The End was the stuff of legend. Earlier this year Darren released his 3rd Global Underground mix – ‘GU 36: Bogata’ and continues his unrelenting schedule of DJ gigs around the globe. Catch him exclusively at South West Four as the iconic dance star makes his highly anticipated debut.

Guy J has emerged over the course of the last two years to represent an intrinsic part of the Israeli dance music juggernaut that has been steadily powering through clubland in recent times. Along with fellow countrymen Guy Gerber, Sholmi Aber, Chaim and Gel Abril, Guy has been at the forefront of a movement back towards the melody rich sounds on which House music is based. Guy’s productions, with their driving beats, shimmering synths and journey-like qualities, embody characteristics from all sub-genres of House music. Guy J creates music that is brimming with soul.

Henry Saiz was born in Madrid, and is one of his country’s fastest rising future stars through his quality productions and amazing live sets. 2007 was a breakthrough year for this young star, taking his live show around Europe. He has created his own style, a complex and emotive form of electronic club music which brings together melody, intensity, depth and maximum attention to detail. His original productions on esteemed Spanish labels Natura Sonoris, Paradigma Musik & Software, were picked up by John Digweed for his recent compilation: Transitions Vol.4, and he’s the perfect choice to remix ‘Lamur’.

2009 marks the 6th year of South West Four and the 5th year in a row for Bedrock supremo John Digweed. Quite simply a SW4 legend, John has played all but one of our festivals on the Common and remains very excited about making it 5 not out this summer… “It’s fantastic to headline this year’s SW4″ says John. “I’ve been very lucky to play at nearly all of them, so this should be extra special. It’s a very well organised event that brings out a really cool crowd, and the line-ups always feature the cream of electronic talent. It’s not often you get to play a big outdoors gig in the centre of London and each year it seems to sell out quicker!!

Having featured in DJ Magazine’s Top 10 poll for 10 consecutive years, John has pioneered the progressive and electronic house movement since the early 90’s, via his beloved Bedrock parties and headline-grabbing shows all over the world. It was way back in 1993 when a certain Alexander Coe (aka Sasha) heard his demo that the pair first met… and the rest as they say is history. The duo’s residency at Twilo and the Delta Heavy Tour in the US are the stuff of legend and their epic Northern Exposure CD (released 1996) is still widely regarded as the greatest mix compilation ever made.

Sasha has a similar up bringing in music to John, and like him was instrumental in evolving the progressive house scene. A Grammy nominated artist and acclaimed producer, Sasha has released some of the most memorable compilations of all time through cult labels Renaissance and Global Underground. He’s recently released the Invol2ver album through GU and was one of the first DJs to use Ableton technology in his sets. South West Four holds a special place in his heart having headlined the first ever festival back in 2004. He was back by popular demand to headline again in 2005 and now after 3 year absence… the mighty Sasha is back at SW4 this summer, and back with John Digweed!

“We don’t do that many festival shows together” continues John, “so we’re both really looking forward to SW4 as London is the clubbing capital in the UK and the crowd really know their music. We never really plan anything, but I’m sure there will be some surprises in our set!”

South West Four takes place on Clapham Common on Bank Holiday Saturday 29th August. Join the mailing list at http://www.southwestfour.com to hear all the latest news and gossip first, as we keep the line-up announcements coming thick and fast throughout April! Having sold out 4 weeks prior to last year’s event, the demand for tickets is even greater this year with the entire Early Bird allocation selling out in 1 hour! Standard Tickets are now on sale priced £40 + booking fee. Do not miss it!!

TICKET OUTLETS:

http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk – 0844 847 2467
http://www.ticketweb.co.uk – 08444 771000
http://www.viewtickets.co.uk
http://www.residentadvisor.net
http://www.clubtickets.com – 020 7033 2581
http://www.skiddle.com – 0844 884 2920

On the flip is a rework from promising young producer Alan Fitzpatrick, unfortunately his shrewd progressive-tech adaptation is simply dwarfed by the craft of Diggers & Muir’s original. Don’t let my lack of enthusiasm discourage your own as it is a luminous piece of production but I fear most ravehogs will be left feeling short changed if the DJ drops this, rather than the original.

Overall, a satisfying exception to the general rule and creativity that I only wish others would strive to adopt.

9/10.

Words: G.Johnson

Bedrock holds a legendary status in house music. How does it feel having your artistic debut released on such a Label?
It’s a huge honour since Bedrock has always been a massive inspiration for me as a producer and to actually be part of the huge list of artists that release their music on Bedrock – it’s a real big deal to me.

How would you describe the sound of the album?
The sound of my album “Esperanza” is very warm. There a lot of melodies and depth to the album, it’s not just a dance album – It also includes new versions for “Geko”, “Underpressure” and “Save me”.

Would you say your musical policies as a DJ are accurately reflected?
Yes, what you hear in the album is the vibe I’m trying to deliver in my sets. You can hear lots of different styles of house music in my sets but it’s all connected by the same sound and that is what happening in the album; each track is very different but they are all connected and it flows, it’s still consistent.

Was musical diversity an important concept to address for you while making the album?
It was – I tried to make each track very different in one way but also grab elements from each track to and incorporate them into other tracks to make them flow and also maximise listening pleasure.

Numerous DJs and Producers have emerged from Israel in recent years, such as Guy Gerber, Chaim and you. Would you say that there is a signature sound that can be associated with Israeli dance producers?
I don’t think our sounds are similar at all. There is lots of music coming out of Israel but sound wise we are quite different. It is just coincidence that we all started to get noticed around the same time… I don’t think our sounds are dictated by our postcodes. I really like Chaim & Guy Gerber and think they are great at what they do.

What do you feel about the house scene at the moment in terms of the quality of musical output?
I really hope that it makes a bit of a u-turn and goes back to some great house music. More melodic and more tracks that are memorable – I really feel the scene lost that ‘big’ track feel this year and people have missed that. I say bring the melody back!!

What styles of electronic music would you site as being the key influences to your productions?
I would say in my production you can find elements of house music,with Minimal, Progressive Deep and Techno… you can also hear snippets of ambient, dubstep, really leftfield stuff.

On the back of the Album release, how packed is your DJ schedule?
At the moment its getting more and more packed. My manager James is doing a great job on the album tour.

Are there any upcoming shows that you’re particularly looking forward to?
I have a gig at Ministry of sound in London on the 19th September which I’m really looking forward too as its my first club gig in the UK after Global Gathering which was my really first gig in the UK! I find each gig exciting as it’s going to new places and meeting new crowds and different people.

Preferred method of mixing: Vinyl or CDs?
I would love to use Vinyls but I am using Ableton at the moment so unfortunately no place for the vinyls.

All-time Favourite Club to perform in?
Ageha – Tokyo. It has the best vibe I’ve ever witnessed. Amazing people in an amazing club…

Favourite Producer of the moment?
Jimpster. He is very different from what I’m doing, but the sound and the groove of his tune is something you just want more and more.

Secret weapon in your record box?
My weapon is unreleased remixes I have made for few tunes… From time to time an old tune comes into my head so I go and try to remake it.

What’s your worst experience behind the decks?
My Mac crashed in middle of a gig. I can’t even talk about it.

Guy J – Esperanza is available now!

iBeats are always on top of things like this, so we’ve put our suggestions forware, all we need is for you to vote :)

So get to it!

Our line up for Lights_Out would be a belter…

Sasha & Digweed
James Zabiela
S.O.S (Desyn, Omid & Demi)
Hernan Cattaneo

With further support/a second room consisting of:

Hybrid
Evil Nine
Sander Kleinenberg
Dirty South
Stanton Warriors