Everyone who has ever taken an Ibiza-bound flight has been influenced and inspired in some way by the island. Few though have felt its magnetic pull to quite the same degree as Shah. Musically every move he’s made in the last 5 years has stemmed from his attachment to the great White Isle and his expedition to capture musically as much of its essence as possible continues with his new compilation album.

Vol. 3 again brings 160 minutes of previously unheard music, all entirely exclusive to the album. Mixed together in super-immersive fashion by Roger, each disc moves through a sound arc, from the daytime trappings of sun, beach and bar, and on (with perfect tone & tempo progression) into the night… and into the clubs.

Magic Island aficionados will know that Shah uses these albums as the first listen-in points for the tracks he’ll be using as his prime dance-floor rockers during his round-the-world-and-back summer season.

Following the runaway success of his ‘Lost’ track, Roger has re-teamed with Zara Taylor to deliver ‘Found’ – its beatific, luminous sequel. To the doubtless delight of fans (‘Lost’ was after all the no.1 track on the no.1 trance radio show in 2008) ‘Found’ will become the first track to spin off as a single from the album. Also on the re-collaboration tip, Roger has made a speedy return to the studio with Signum’s Ronald Hagen. After their Beatport chart-busting ‘Healesville Sanctuary’, the pair are back with another well-primed piece of floor-artillery in the shape of ‘Ancient World’. Another of Roger’s most renowned pseudonyms kicks off MI:3 second disc. Co-crewed by Ralph ‘Fridge’ Fritsch, Black Pearl sets sail again (following up ‘Bounty Island’, ‘Coral Sea’ and ‘Java’) with the mellifluous, halcyon ‘Discovery’. Already the subject of fairly intense fan speculation (with Roger using the track to open his ASOT450 set in NYC), it was met by a flurry of ID request..

On the compilation Roger is also exploring new collaboration routes. ‘Eden’ is his debut team-up with Dutch DJ & producer Leon Bolier and the latter’s ‘trance with twist’ effect can clearly be heard on the moody atmosphere-laden number. At the opposite end of the scale ‘Lay Down’ (don’t let the title fool you!) is a peak-time vocal number with Ross Lara on co-production duties and Todd Wright on vocals.

The album also contains a number of solo outings from Roger; included among them are ‘Over and Over’ which on-the-ball fans will recognize from his Songbook long-player. Roger has given the Nadja Nooijen sung track a more club-energizing feel on his 2010 remix and it will quickly follow ‘Found’ out of the gate as a single. This summer Roger will undertake his first ever solo show, which will take place on ‘Guaba Beach in Cyprus. ‘Guaba Beach’ the track will naturally enough become the anthem for the event!

Aside from all Shah-fired audio attractions there are also white-hot new tracks spread across the melodic-thru-euphoric trance range to look out for from young guns like Nuera, Walsh & Mcauley, Pedro del Mar & The Ridgewalkers, Semantica, Dimension… the list goes on.

The Magic Island albums are a million light years away from the typical throwaway Ibiza compilation that haunts download stores and CD racks come summer. Each one is every inch a serious endeavour by Roger to capture the spirit and quintessence of the island through exclusive, relatable quality music. They are now becoming the last box-ticks on the to-do list of clued-up clubbers & beach lovers from around the world before they jump onboard airplanes and head Evissa-bound. Pt 3 should prove no different.

It’s out on June 28th 2010.

As for the latest VVWI release, it’s inspired by the 1960′s film starring Richard Burton. With Tim Sheridan’s classical-music background and his trademark grand piano and orchestral stabs, it’s a dark and fluid number – in the spirit of the murky East End gangland tale that inspired it.

As we think of it, cinematic-chase-soundtrack vibes for the discerning dancefloor. And this time round with a more direct remix by UK whizkid Max Cooper, whose Harmonisch Serie on Traum was a great VVWI favourite alongside his set of releases and remixes on Autist.

Label: Veryverywrongindeed Recordings
Catalog: VVWI015
Beatport Exclusive: 15 June 2009
Full Release: 22 June 2009

Sonifiâ„¢ is a first-in-class audio/video remix engine for Apple’s iPhone. It allows users to remix a song on a portable device, a first for any software application. With world-class effects, the ability to access and change beats, bass, harmonic or melodic figures in real time, Sonifiâ„¢ represents a new class of software–somewhere between game, and content creation tool. Using the iPhone’s accelerometers, the user can even recreate BT’s Stutter Edit technique, just by shaking the phone…all in real time.

The first release version of Sonifiâ„¢ contains the ability to connect two iPhones or iPod Touch, over Bluetooth, enabling users to become a remix team. This groundbreaking application contains visuals that react to both touch, and the music being created.

Sonifiâ„¢ is available worldwide at the Apple iTunes store. Click HERE to download (opens iTunes).

Three years since the release of his critically acclaimed experimental album ‘This Binary Universe’, BT returns to the dancefloor with his brand new single, ‘The Rose Of Jericho’. This first taste of his forthcoming long-player includes a mix package featuring BT’s Deus ex Machina Album Mix, Sultan and Ned Shepard Remix, Robbie Rivera New Juicy Music Mix, Adam K and Soha, Virtual Vault and Robbie Rivera Juicy Miami After Hours Remixes. All six can be found now on Beatport, with a full release on iTunes and other platforms from 30 June.

Label: BLACK HOLE RECORDINGS
Release Date: 30 JUNE

‘We Are To Answer’ blends spaced out vibes and atmospheric soundscapes, trippy interludes collide with deep bass and dub to create some classic head-nod moments. ‘Classic’ itself showcases the Ancient Astronauts sound perfectly: flutes and bass expertly ridden by hip hop dons The Pharcyde, manifesting in a homage to the golden-era of hip hop that has obviously influenced the pair.

‘Dark Green Rod’ provides a shot of organically funky drum & bass, while the downtempo trip hop vibes of ‘A Hole To Swallow Us’ and ‘Lost In Marrakesh’ will have you sinking into the sofa and blazing another fat one. Jazzy boom-bap is the order of the day on ‘Risin High’, featuring the rhyming styles of Raashan Ahmed (of Crown City Rockers fame), before Reggae legend Tippa Irie adds his toastings to the summertime vibes of ‘All Of The Things You Do’.

Heavily influenced by the funk, soul and jazz heavy hip hop of the mid-nineties, it’s no surprise to hear Ancient Astronauts list the likes of De La Soul, ATCQ, Madlib, Pete Rock and J Dilla as inspirations, and flashes of this sound can be found across the album. Melding old school hip hop, funk and dub-reggae with forward thinking flair and production, the duo of Kabanjak and Dogu come from Cologne with a fresh take on quality, contemporary hip hop with soul.

The pair also find the time to run their own label – Switchstance – and through this have championed quality sounds from Germany, working with the likes of Fort Knox Five, Jungle Brothers, Zion I & The Grouch, Kid Loco and more. Now ready to step out from behind the production desks and DJ decks, Ancient Astronauts present an LP that we’ll leave them to sum up in their own words…”a musical trip through the cosmos returning back to earth with spacey flutes, intergalactic lyrics and earthy drum beats”. Sounds good…

We Are To Answer is released on June 29th 2009.

Just listen to the instrumental Dub Mix. This monumental wave of sound rises fiercely up out of nowhere to reveal an insane rip current of beefed up beats and bass. The synth pads surge ahead, with percussive embellishments supporting the ride. It’s an adventure of box-your-head-in proportions. And how the bottom end moves with the piano chord progressions is something else approaching a symphony. The irresistible ‘piano loops of love’ that explode between your ears after the beat drops and the bowel-rumbling bassline returns. The arrangement of this polyrhythmic mind trip positively swaggers. Cruising through eight and a half minutes with apparent ease.

Alternatively, you can head for the Vocal Mix, where the song is at its most melodious, harmonious and uplifting. Here, you are welcomed onboard by growling synthesiser pads and a crushing kick drum. The journey begins… and the excitement grows. Guitar licks and a rippling bass line, recorded live by Omid, add muscle to rhythm and nurture the groove, always The Groove. The flow continues. Introducing the lilting vox of French chanteuse Anysa. Her dreamy delivery comes straight from the heart, as we always appreciate here at SOW. Needless to say, cooking in the heat of all this epic-ness are some bionic builds and rapturous hooks. All together gathering a cosmic momentum that we reckon will have us reaching for the sky, all summer long!

What else to say but ‘The Epic’ is here, as large as life, ego-free and definitely built for an eternity!

Catalog: SEX026
Release: July ‘09

The story goes, that Brandon Flowers from The Killers was raving to Stuart Price about Sneaky Sound System, who in turn offered his remix services to the band. The result is their brand new single ‘It’s not my Problem’ which Stuart has remixed under his Thin White Duke moniker.

Thin White Duke’s remix is an instant anthem… Price’s take is a subtle, lush track that builds and builds causing the hairs on the back of your neck to stand on end. Miss Connie’s vocal is gorgeous and so catchy that we guarantee you will be singing along by the end. If singing is not your thing, then the fat bassline, noodly overlays and tight production will get you going.

The Seamus Haji mix is for the Electro heads out there. This remix is faster and chunkier, with a pounding bassline which is perfect for that big room, peak time sound. Haji has provided a vocal and a dub, so whatever your mood, there is a version for you.

Stockholm Syndrome serve up a more Piano-led house track… Much more anthemic than its predecessors, a massive break coupled with a euphoric build up make this remix a great one for the festivals, and big clubs. A dub is also available.

Sneaky Sound System have been making some serious waves on the dance scene, playing at pretty much every major festival this summer including Global Gathering, Wireless Festival, Isle of Wight festival, aswell as being invited to support Tiesto at his Victoria Park show in July. The band has also been invited by Eric Morillo, who is a big fan, to host a few dates in the Global Room at his long running Subliminal Nights @ Pacha, Ibiza. The shows will be reminiscent of Sneaky’s infamous club nights ‘Sneaky Sundays’ which have been running in Australia for 7 years and has seen the likes of LCD Soundsystem, Tiga and Hot Chip grace the decks. .

It’s also been busy for vocalist Miss Connie and bassist Jono Sloan… Miss Connie has been busy in the studio working with various artists (she also appears on several tracks from Kanye West’s ‘Graduation’ album) and Jono co-wrote Empire of the Sun’s album, including the track ‘Walking On A Dream’.

Release date: 29th June 2009
Label: 14th Floor Records

Fred Falke slips into full-on house mode for the vocal mix, choosing to throw the track directly into the middle of the dancefloor like only he can; providing us with a uniquely emotional sound. With influences of disco and early house, the sound is familiar yet fresh, and full of glossy optimism. Hugely catchy, the vocal is reminiscent of Barry Gibb meets Hercules Love Affair, and when coupled with an 80s, New Order’esque soundtrack, this is an instant anthem! Definitely one of those tracks that will compel you to keep pressing repeat on your system!

Tom Neville provides a much darker, slower number. Epic slabs of sound are stacked atop glitchy lo-fi drums which result in a listening experience that is much more stripped back. Its sheer simplicity, key changes and subtle nuances creep up on you… loaded with stabbing synths, and a percussion that resonates throughout, coupled with the funked-up bass, this version transports you to that dark and dirty dancefloor.

Continuing with the dance floor assault, Filthy Fiction step up to the plate… Techy to the core; this is a musically dense trip that is dynamic enough to keep you hanging until the very last beat. With a driving bassline, a jackin’ high hat, this is a real peak-time monster!

If you feel at all disillusioned with the lack of real emotional engagement in today’s electronic music scene then All Thieves is perfect for you. The love-child of Faithless Producer Rollo, Mark Bates, Bailey Tzuke and One eskimO’s Kristian Leontiou; All Thieves productions inhale and exhale life, striking the right balance between refined disco tweaks and genre-busting electronica that provides a soundtrack that stimulates the ears and feet at the same time.

‘Only of You’ is All Thieve’s debut single and is taken from the debut album ‘We Are’ which is coming out soon on Larkin’ Around Records.

Released: June 15th 2009

Based strongly on the ideas of collaboration, shared ideas, mutual respect for fellow artists and the strength of combining forces in the studio, Steve chose some very special producers and vocalists to work with on this exciting project. Names such as Clé, Cassy, Paris The Black Fu, Donnacha Costello, Simon Flower, Virginia Nascimento and Gigi drop by here.

The album is not merely a collection of club tracks however, as the whole work plays like a mature, well-rounded journey through various headspaces. Sure, some tracks will work the clubs, but others are equally suited to home listening, quiet time with friends at the dinner table or on the beach!

Collaboratory is a beautiful, refreshing and open-minded reminder why talents like Steve Bug are hard to find…

Thanks to his wealth of talent and dedication to his art, he‘s ensured a whole new wave of fans, as he treads the bright, promising path of 2009 and beyond!

Two Of A Kind (pfr103), the first single taken from his album is, has been releasd most recently. and received some exquite feedback from specialists from all around the globe.

‘Collaboratory’ album tour:
08.05. Austria, Vienna, Club Camera
09.05. UK, London, Sperfreq Opening @ Cable
16.05. Germany, Erfurt, Centrum
23.05. USA, Detroit, DEMF 2009
29.05. USA, El Paso, The News
30.05. Mexico, Guadalajara, Tape Festival @ Fort Alterno
06.06. USA, New York, Save The Cannibals @ Rebel
11.06. Italy, Rome, Purple
12.06. UK, Bristol, Just Jack
13.06. France, Toulouse, Inox
27.06. UK, Leeds, Cocoon Day Open Air @ Mint Club

Kicking off we get treated to their recent dancefloor success ‘Don’t Be So Drumattic’ which certainly hit the spot with an eclectic barrage of DJs and resulted in some impressive chart positions, (Beatport Number 1, Buzz and Cool Cuts). Urgent strings set the pace for the kick/snare, squelch-athon, whilst the old school D-Shake strings play tribute to the boys’ rave roots. ‘Hyperspeed’ originally released in 2007 has become some what of a classic, a signature tune for the DT’s decks N’ FX shows. Pumping bass and concrete beats are the order of the day, laying the classic funk foundation for a delicious slice of early electro. Originally taken from ‘The Return Of Captain Rock’, Hyperspeed’s vocal sample has been smashing up dance floors in one guise or another over the past 20 years. The Drumattic Twins have added their own inimitable flavours to the mix, punishing bass and fizzing acidic leads prove that the ‘old school’ can also be ‘new school’ for another generation.

Next up is ‘Broken Planet’, laced with eastern charms it soon signals the alarm before descending into a sub frequency workout, heavy, heavy breaks. Next into position comes ‘Sound of The Drum’ which grabs the reigns like a jockey riding a winning stallion to the finishing line; a relentless one note bassline, gated synth and tongue in cheek, chopped up hip house vocal drives this tune all the way. As the energy drops down a gear, we are treated to ‘HeartBreaker’ with its N-Joi inspired keys that drift alongside the percussive beats and synth breakdown, resulting in nostalgia that induces misty eyed memories of the good old days.

What better timing than to be slapped in the face with ‘Back to the Old School’, a piano driven, hands in the air, explosive tribute to where it all began. A modern day twist with Bamboata influenced strings, vocoder vocals that take us to outer space and of course that throbbing galactic b.line, all executed to perfection.

Rather amusingly named ‘Deep Throat’ is a disco-esque departure from the more typical DT sound, keeping the funk firmly on the peddle ‘Deep Throat’ tickles and teases with its 70’s strings, P Funk bassline and beat rhythms. ‘Twister’ is another of the boys earlier success stories, featured on Playstation’s Pure Wipeout it has been a firm favourite with DT fans worldwide. Classic in it’s recipe, electro, breakbeats, acid and rave connotations throughout – compelling underground dancefloor material.

‘Under The Lights’ oozing with funk, confident like a classic and peaking on the vibeometer at plus 10, the uplifting string breakdown sooths the soul and makes us yearn for just one more E! ‘Pick me up Baby’ has ‘balearic’ smacked all over it. The laidback soothing vocals are soon engulfed by a mother of all basses as the strings fly high and Lanx is let loose with his masterful jazz keys. Leading neatly into ‘Soul Flower’, a piano/beat ensemble that grooves with confidence sets another mood for the album.

Now on the final straight we get the menacing ‘Fly Young Canaboids’. Sirens, live drums and a weaving synth take the listener on a trip into the depths of the mind of a drug user, hard, compelling and addictive! ‘Drum Thunder’ has orchestral stabs, a signature bassline that dances with the lead vocal ‘another jam’ before the ‘drum thunder catcher’ bursts into the proceedings with irresistible charm. An almighty breakdown twists the glitch to the max before propelling us back to the lead ‘drum thunder’ vocal. A potent slab of dramatic magic is unleashed. Until finally we arrive at the slower tempo of ‘Antique Vinyl’. A conceptual track that morphs from vibe to vibe, embracing a spectrum of sounds and influences and enlisting the vocal charms of Claire Gillgrass. So here it is, the latest in Finger Lickin’s award winning success, we give you theDrumattic Twins — ‘Hammer & Tongs’.