PARADOKS X CANADIANRAVERS INTERVIEW [THE JOURNEY, FLYING PARTICLES EP, PURIFIED RECORDS]

After receiving heavy support in Purified live sets and radio shows, it was the natural step for Belgian melodic maestro Paradoks to make his Purified Records debut, delivering a euphoric and powerful two-track EP, ‘Flying Particles’.

Creating an otherworldly soundscape, the title creation takes listeners to a lofty dimension, brimming with oscillating synths projected across a rumbling bassline. Continuing his sonic voyage with ‘Wander’, Paradoks sets a dramatic tone with crisp percussion, a driving bassline and hypnotic synth motifs.

Rising at breakneck speed, Paradoks has received extensive support from a wide range of industry heavyweights, including Eelke Kleijn, Kevin de Vries, Nora En Pure, Oliver Koletzki, Tale of Us, Tiësto, Township Rebellion and many more. With releases on the likes of Stil Vor Talent and Parquet Recordings, ‘Flying Particles’ marks his first release on Purified Records, solidifying his reputation as one of dance music’s most exciting talents.

INTERVIEW

CR: Hello, Paradoks Glad to have you on Canadianravers; how are you doing?

All is good, thank you. Currently sitting under the sun of Barcelona.

CR: When did you start producing/DJing, and what or who were your early passions and influences?

I started producing at around 15 years old just for fun. The music I was making back then was totally different. I have been influenced by so much different music ranging from Eminem to Linkin Park and all the genres in between, including Classical, Dubstep and Drum & Bass (back then) and all the extremes you can imagine.

As for DJing, the first DJ show I had was in D! Club (Lausanne) at 19 years old. The club was packed, and I had never played on CDJs before, so I was stressing out, but it went so well that ever since I knew I wanted to push it further. A year or so after, I started as Paradoks and was driven by darker tech-house, until finally, my sound evolved to what it is today.

CR: What is the best advice you have received while pursuing your career as a DJ/Producer?

I think I learned more through personal experience rather than advice. But if I can say one thing: Take your time, enjoy, and remember that it is a marathon, not a sprint, so be patient. Every Artist has had his “beatings” in the Industry, so just get up every time and don’t give up on what you love just because you don’t receive immediate validation from your dream label or idol.

CR: On the EP ‘Flying Particles’, we love both tracks. Can you tell us a little bit more about the thought process for your EP and the tracks itself?

In short, I always experiment for the first hour or so when coming up with ideas for tracks, and then it naturally flows into what the track wants to become. I try to avoid to “force” it in shape, but rather understand what it wants to say, then complement and build on that. This is the exact thing that happened with the EP: every track wanted to express itself differently, and I just followed the direction it gave me.

CR: What persuaded you to team up with Purified Records to release your EP?

The music, the artwork, and more than anything: Nora En Pure herself. She is really professional, supportive, kind and down to earth, and I’m happy we had the chance to get to know each other a bit more over a coffee or a walk at the lake in Zurich. I want to surround myself with people exactly like that.

CR: What is the first album or piece of music you bought for yourself, and what was the medium?

Probably the first Linkin Park album “Hybrid Theory,” but I’m not so sure. Back then, we still had to buy CDs at the physical store ;)

CR: Is there a track that never leaves your personal playlist because it has a certain emotional connection to you?

Not really. Or rather, no tracks really leave my personal playlist. Most of the tracks I listen to are really tied to specific moments of my life, and I will always come back to the multitude of tracks I have saved in my Library.

CR: Since you have been in lockdown, what genres have you been listening to get some inspiration for your next tracks?

I have listened to so many different genres that it’s hard to say, but it tends to be towards calmer music. Also, my productions became “calmer” ever since I can’t play anymore.

CR: What do you like to do during your downtime other than producing music?

I LOVE my motorcycle. I go and explore everywhere I can; I love hikes and riding the bike in nature. Now that I’m in Barcelona, I like to go play Volley at the beach.

And, of course, going for coffee or beers with good friends. ;)

CR: Are there any projects that you are working on that our followers should know about?

Right now, I am studying for a master’s degree in Innovation & Entrepreneurship. I have less time for music and haven’t been in the studio for over a month since we have many group projects. But so far, I’m loving it, and I feel it will give me extra motivation for when I will slowly roll back into music production. For now, I’m focused on all the start-up opportunities to improve our music industry, but also in other industries.

Lighting Questions for Paradoks!!

CR: Texting or talking?

Talking.

CR: Coffee or tea?

Coffee.

CR: Hard liquor or Beer?

Beer! (I’m Belgian…)

CR: Cake or pie?

Cake.

CR: Hot dogs or hamburgers?

Hamburgers.

CR: Xbox or PlayStation?

PlayStation.

CR: Movie theatre or arcade?

Movie theatre.

CR: Guitar or piano?

The piano of course.

CR: Marvel or DC Comics?

None ☹

CR: Dog or cat?

Dog!

CR: Hot weather or cold weather?

Hot ;)

CR: Outdoor or indoor events?

Outdoor!

PARADOKS SOCIALS:

PURIFIED RECORDS SOCIALS:

NIGHTCALL X CANADIANRAVERS INTERVIEW [THE NAME, BREAKUP TRACK, FUTURE PROJECTS]

Photo credit: Paul Althaus

Nightcall has been on a non-stop roll in 2020, making a huge impact with a stream of hits including ‘Safe Place’, ‘When The Morning Breaks’, and his remix of Möwe Ft. Conor Maynard, Sam Feldt and RANI’s ‘Talk To Me’. With almost 800,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, Nightcall continues to demonstrate why he is one of the most exciting names in dance music. Bursting onto the scene in 2018 with his debut single ‘Let You Go’, Nightcall has been rising at breakneck speed, amassing over 75 million streams on Spotify alone for his first creation. Honing his signature sound over the past few years, and establishing a loyal following, this undeniably talented producer returns with a catchy, pop-tinged production, ‘Wasted Love’ with Karma Child and Gia Koka – out now via Universal Music.

INTERVIEW

CR: Hello Nightcall. Glad to have you on Canadianravers, how are you doing?

NC: I am good, thank you! Excited to be here.

CR: Where did the name Nightcall come from? Any story behind that?

NC: The name Nightcall comes from a rather funny story: I used to call my friends during the night when I was a little bit drunk and so the name just stuck! 

CR: What was the inspiration behind the track ‘Wasted Love’? tell us a little bit about it and how did you connect with Karma Child and Gia Koka.

NC: The song is about a breakup that I had earlier this year, so it was another Wasted Love.

I knew Gia‘s music for a while and I was a fan of her work, so my Label Disco:wax connected us and that was the beginning of the collaboration.

CR:     You are a talented producer; did you always have a passion for producing as you were growing up or was it something recent?

NC: Thank you! Yeah, when I was 16 years old, I started to DJ in my hometown at a very popular club at the time. My passion for electronic music begun when I watched the first SHM movie back in 2009. I fell in love with the music and the lifestyle of a DJ, so I wanted to learn all about production, DJing and all that.

CR:     We know that you have been producing for a while now, how has the journey been for you as an artist and as an individual?

NC: It was a long journey for me because I’ve tried many genres of music before I found the style I have now. At first, I tried to produce music like Avicii or SHM, but it didn’t work well. Then I had a lot of fun producing future house and released my first songs before I eventually started to produce deep house, which is now my favourite genre.

CR:     Since it is Halloween month, are you going to be dressing up for Halloween and what will you be?

NC: Haha, yeah. I want to dress like Joe Exotic from Tiger King, I think this was one of the best things I’ve ever watched on Netflix. #Freejoeexotic

CR:     Your signature sound is Dance/ Electro Pop. What other genres influence you outside of these two?

NC: I don’t get inspired too much by other genres, but rather by the things I experience. I feel like this allows for songs that will be timeless! 

CR:     Since you have all been in lockdown, what genres have you been listening to get some inspiration for your next tracks?

NC: I listen to a lot of classical music with my grandpa. It transports so many emotions without using any vocals, which I really like.

CR:     What do you like to do during your downtime other than producing music?

NC: I love to travel the world and learn about new cultures like Japan, one of my favourite places, but since Covid-19 started, I’ve unfortunately just watched a lot of Netlix.

CR:     Are there any projects that you are working on that our followers should know about?

NC: I am working on a new Nightcall single, but this one will be a bit different and clubbier than the old ones, so I hope the people will like it! 

Lighting questions for Nightcall!! 

CR:     Texting or talking?

NC: Texting

CR:     Coffee or tea?

NC: Coffee, of course

CR:     Hard liquor or Beer? 

NC: Hard stuff

CR:     Cake or pie?

NC: Pie (apple pie is my favourite, haha)

CR:     Hot dogs or hamburgers?

NC: Both!

CR:     Xbox or PlayStation?

NC: Playstation

CR:     Movie theatre or arcade?

NC: Movie theatre (I love to watch movies in the theatre)

CR:     Guitar or piano?

NC: Both!

CR:     Marvel or DC Comics?

NC: Marvel but the new Joker movie was a bomb!

CR:     Dog or cat?

NC: Both!

CR:     Hot weather or cold weather?

NC: Cold but not rainy stuff!

CR:     Outdoor or indoor events? 

NC: Indoor clubbing is the best

C3D3 X CANADIANRAVERS INTERVIEW [NAME, RECENT TRACK, OTHER PROJECTS]

C3D3 makes his debut with the electronic masterpiece ‘Into Red’. The burgeoning star is set to make his mark on the music scene, making quite the impression with his first release. An expertly produced offering ‘Into Red’ is just the start of solidifying what will surely be the beginning of a breakthrough year from the accomplished producer. 

INTERVIEW

CR: Hello C3D3. Glad to have you on Canadianravers, how are you doing?

C3D3: Hey guys! Thanks so much for having me. I’m doing very well!

CR: Where did the name C3D3 come from? Any story behind that?

C3D3: I’ve been getting TONS of messages about the origin of the name. It’s the word “cede” with slightly different lettering. The whole project focuses on our unquestionable pursuit of love and the relinquishing of reason or rationality that would accompany the endeavour. 

CR: What was the inspiration behind the track ‘Into Red’? tell us a little bit about it.

C3D3: “Into Red” is about taking a chance on a connection, having all the woes of the world disappear and only one thing truly mattering in a moment. That, of course, is no guarantee that whatever does or doesn’t transpire will be in your favor but you just know you have to take the risk.

CR: We noticed that you are from Chicago, how has the city inspired you a person and a producer?

C3D3: I love Chicago. I’ve performed and visited almost every other major city in the states and, while each one is unique and has their own separate vibe, there has always been something about Chicago that keeps it on top for me. The night life, the warmth but also the hostility (as the seasons change), it’s a place bursting with variety and contrast which is a direct reflection of my approach to writing. I never want things to feel stale or recycled. 

CR: You are a talented producer; did you always have a passion for producing as you were growing up or was it something recent?

C3D3: Wow, thank you for the kind words! I’ve always had a passion for the arts, yes. I grew up obsessed with the visual arts and then transitioned to music in my early teenage years. I always relied on my imagination to keep me company and help past the time. Over the years, that has turned to some sort of wildfire as I age and continue to create. I started getting into production towards the end of high school by spearheading the recordings for my own band as well as other local musicians. I think they were drawn to the fact that I actually gave a damn about their music and wanted to make sure it could sound as best as possible. Something that was hard to come across with the “big name” studios in the Chicago area. 

CR: Is there a track that never leaves your personal playlist because it has a certain emotional connection to you?

C3D3: That’s a tough one. I think tracks like that come in seasons for me. Maybe something happened that reminded me of a time in my life and from there, my brain seeks out a song that was there for me during that period. I regularly return to the catalog of Susanne Sundfør. I think she’s nearly always on point and her music can tend to a wide range of emotional situations. 

CR: What is one subgenre you think doesn't get the attention it deserves?

C3D3: This is another tough one for me because I have enough trouble categorizing my own music haha! People can get HYPER specific with the whole genre game and actually use it to try and carve their own niche. But oftentimes, when I hear something with such an oddly specific genre marking, I hear it in a different way than it might be described, if that makes sense. I’m afraid I can’t answer this one too directly, my apologies!

CR: Since you have all been in lockdown, what genres have you been listening to get some inspiration for your next tracks?

C3D3: A lot of film and video game scores. I have to be really careful if and when I seek out new music because it is so easy to drown in a sea of the same sounds. Film in itself is a huge inspiration for me and if I can find a score that is great on its own and then also elevated by the visuals it accompanies, then that is probably going to be a great thing for me.

CR: What do you like to do during your downtime other than producing music?

C3D3: I like to cook, actually. I’ll play the occasional video game. Usually an RPG or something on the more immersive side. I’m all about taking in the incredible sights this world has to offer so I try to travel as much as I can. That can actually be a big help if I’m stuck on a composition. Go somewhere else and keep playing the track in your head, might end up writing itself. 

CR: Are there any projects that you are working on that our followers should know about?

C3D3: Yes! I write and play guitar in a band called Dissona. It’s progressive metal, pretty cinematic and adventurous in the sounds we create. Our third album is in the mix stage and will hopefully be out Q1 of 2021 (fingers crossed).

Lighting round questions for C3D3!! 

CR: Texting or talking?

C3D3: Talking.

CR: Coffee or tea?

C3D3: Coffee.

CR: Hard liquor or Beer? 

C3D3: Hard liquor all the way.

CR: Cake or pie?

C3D3: Pie, duh.

CR: Hot dogs or hamburgers?

C3D3: CHEESEburgers.

CR: Xbox or PlayStation?

C3D3: I was an Xbox guy for awhile but am pretty firm on the Playstation side now.

CR: Movie theatre or arcade?

C3D3: Movie theatre.

CR: Guitar or piano?

C3D3: Guitar.

CR: Marvel or DC Comics?

C3D3: Marvel.

CR: Dog or cat?

C3D3: Cat.

CR: Hot weather or cold weather?

C3D3: Hot weather.

CR: Outdoor or indoor events? 

C3D3: Outdoor.