MOZX X CANADIANRAVERS INTERVIEW [CHANGES IN THE BASS SCENE, OTHER GENRES THEY LOVE MIXING, MEMORABLE NIGHT]

After initially meeting at Berklee College, the fast-rising dubstep outfit have streamlined their musical ambitions to focus on a unique sonic footprint of dark harmonies, dubstep and electro, with heavy lashings of bass. A firm favourite within the established London-based electronic music house No Tomorrow Recordings, MozX’s musical endeavours have been supported by the likes of BBC Music Introducing and have achieved placement in the Top 50 Electro House Tracks on Beatport. They are supported by top names in the industry such as Andi Durrant, Don Diablo, 12th Planet, Far Too Loud, Tokyo Machine, DJ Silver, Black Tiger Sex Machine, Dropgun and Zardonic. With a passion that shines through on every release, MozX’s enviable versatility and unique vocal-led approach puts them in line with electronic acts like Koven, Krewella and Nero.

THE INTERVIEW

CR: Hello Javier and Leanne, Glad to have you on Canadianravers how are you doing?

L: Doing great, glad to be here!

J: Same, enjoying the bits of sun here in London and the recent lifting of restrictions.

CR: Tell us a little bit about yourselves, what is the story behind the name ‘MozX’?

L: We met during our Master’s degree in Music Production, Javier was a professional drummer and DJ and I just finished my undergrad and was doing a lot of sound engineering gigs. Being pretty much the only dubstep fans in our class, we immediately connected and started collaborating. MozX was created, initially, as a final project for the degree, but we decided to keep going with it because of our chemistry and similar career goals.

J: The name came from us messing around with letters from our family names, trying to create something unique. We liked ‘Moz’ and added the X as a symbol for censorship because our songwriting touches on social issues.

CR: Let's talk about the track 'Happy Pills' - what was the inspiration and what was the production process like?

L: I wrote this song when I was 19 years old after I was diagnosed with ADHD. I was told to take pills to help me concentrate better in college, and I wasn’t really happy about this. I felt like a better version of myself when taking them, but when their effect was gone I felt so bad and insecure. The experience led me to write the lyrics. Indirectly, my message is that happy pills are something we all take one way or the other—whether it’s food, drugs, alcohol, TV, parties. I’m not trying to judge and say that it’s not okay, but I think acknowledging it helps us cope with our actions and ourselves.

J: In terms of production this song had many versions—it was a rock song, a ballad, a psychedelic song, electro house. These versions just didn’t seem to back up the message in the lyrics. With this final version, we feel that we created a song where you can think about the lyrics and how they relate to you (your own “happy pills”) or you can choose to use the tune itself as a “happy pill,” being so bright and energetic, and just lose yourself, forget your troubles and have fun.

 CR: What changes have you seen in the bass scene since you started producing and DJing?

J: Bass music, and dubstep specifically, became part of mainstream music 6-7 years ago and by this point became established as a genre with its own stage in many big festivals/events, which is pretty awesome. It still has this stage, but in the last couple of years, many dubstep/hybrid trap producers shifted their styles and started producing in genres like house/techno—genres that are now becoming the main focus of many festivals.

L: Technology developed a lot during these past years, there are so many new plugins for sound design and mixing, which is great but also dangerous because you have so much to choose from. 

CR: Your fans are already aware of your love for Dubstep, but are there other genres you enjoy mixing in?

L: Yes! I arranged and produced several styles including orchestral and big band, and Javi was also part of an orchestral group, funk and rock bands as a drummer/co-producer. We like to incorporate these experiences into our dubstep as much as possible. Actually, when we just started working together, having such different musical backgrounds and experiences, our music was a bit all over the place. We needed to really take the time and figure out how to make the most out of what each of us brings to the table. I remember people told us our songs were just loaded with too much stuff, that we had ideas for 7 different songs in one song. We went through a journey and learned to balance our ideas.

J: We also love working on psytrance, and we did several electro/bass house tunes. These genres are pretty related but they have their own thing and it’s nice to switch modes and work on them.

CR: Is there anything else about the current state of dance music that you would want to change?

L: We're hoping to see a more quality female presence in the industry!

J: It’s getting there and we’re happy to have Leanne and be part of the female growth in this industry.

CR: In your opinion, what is one mistake most aspiring DJs make? How would you advise aspiring DJs?

L: When we just moved to London we both taught in a DJ academy in the UK. We got to teach some aspiring DJs/producers who were trying so hard to rush songs that weren’t complete (to say the least). Music is subjective but, especially in EDM, there are some ground rules that help your music sound good on big speakers, like keeping your spectrum full and balanced, managing your subbasses well, etc.

J: Our best advice is to work hard, give yourself time and grow with every piece of constructive feedback you get. Music production is like picking up an instrument—you need to train your ear in order to be able to hear all that’s going on and get to a point where every action you take is by choice rather than by default. Put the time into it and you’ll be amazed how much you improved when looking back. It’s really worth it!

CR: What single night out has been the most memorable for you? As a DJs? As attendees?

L: We went to Dreambeach festival (in Villaricos, Spain) together two summers ago. It’s crazy how Spain's nightlife just starts around 1-2 am, so there were huge acts like Delta Heavy and Infected Mushroom performing at 6-7 am. It’s a different kind of energy to see a great artist after sunrise. We were so tired, but having Infected come on stage just woke us up completely and we went crazy. It’s amazing how music has the power to do these things.

CR: Aside from music, what makes you happy?

L: I love travelling- I've visited 36 countries so far, and lived in 4 different countries!

J: I’m a videogame person. I like online multiplayer games and can completely lose track of time with a good storytelling game.

CR: Are there any projects that you are working on? Any exciting post-lockdown plans?

L: We plan to release a lot of music this year—we have a few songs lined up for releases, and are currently working on more material! We look forward to sharing confirmed gigs as well!

Lighting Round

Texting or talking?

L: Depends on who I’m talking to and about what, sometimes I like having the opportunity to think about my words and make sure I’m delivering my point concisely. But generally, I’d go for talking.

J: Talking. Feelings or emotions are difficult for me to express through a written message.

Coffee or tea?

L: Coffee no doubt

J: Strong coffee

Hard liquor or Wine?

L&J: Beer!

Cake or pie?

L: Pie, fresh from the oven

J: Both!

Hot dogs or hamburgers?

L&J: We’re both vegetarians ;) Veggie burgers?

Xbox or PlayStation?

L&J: PlayStation

Movie theatre or arcade?

L&J: Arcade, we like it retro

Guitar or piano?

L: Bass! (my main instrument)

J: Drums! (my main instrument)

Marvel or DC Comics?

L: The new Zack Snyder's Justice League was just out of this world so we’ll go with DC at the moment.

J: Dark DC Comics…not the dancing Batman….

Dog or cat?

L&J: Dog

Hot weather or cold weather?

L&J: Cold weather! That’s why we love London so much!

CONNECT WITH MOZX

UMEK X CANADIANRAVERS INTERVIEW [ VIBERATE, NFTS, WHAT THE FUTURE MIGHT HOLD FOR NFTS]

With acclaimed Techno DJ and producer UMEK, Viberate successfully launched the world's first live gig NFT in April. In the wake of their recent open call to all musicians interested in "the new music economy", the music research and analytics platform have issued an open call to all musicians. As a result of the NFT craze, Viberate plans to determine whether the music industry is actually ready to handle bookings and fan engagements using big data insights and tokenized contracts.

“It was an amazing opportunity and I’m so glad I went for it,” UMEK commented on his drop. “We sold both my live gig NFT and my livestream NFT in less than 24 hours – and to an L.A. venue of all places. What’s more, I immediately got another offer for a Miami gig thanks to the drop, so you can imagine my absolute joy – not only will live events finally return after all these months being stuck indoors, I’ve just secured bookings in two of my favorite cities on the planet! Now, I hope more industry people will jump on the bandwagon, as NFTs are more than a current craze – they’re the beginning of a smarter, safer and more flexible way of doing business.”

THE INTERVIEW

CR: Tell us a little bit about yourself and Viberate? How it all started?

I started DJing as a teenager, in my high school years. It all started from a pure passion for music, which eventually turned into a profession.

Viberate was born from a desire to have a better approach to data and live music. We wanted to compare how I was faring compared to other DJs on socials and other platforms, as well as live, but couldn’t find a way to do this. We relied on our own feelings but like in art, this was very subjective. We decided to set up a website that measured online popularity for DJs. We started with 1,200 manually entered DJs, seeing how many likes and followers and so on they had. We opened it up eventually and had 30,000 profiles in 18 months. We saw the need was there and we decided to keep going, expanding from the dance music scene.

Eventually, the project has evolved into an open-source database of artists, labels, events, venues, festivals, and other music stakeholders. For each profile, we analyze data from several social media platforms, streaming sites, events, and other resources and we process them into easily understandable, visualized music data. Each entity gets an analytics profile, much like websites that have Google Analytics certificates.

Artists can use their public profiles instead of their official websites. If you type in www.umek.si, it will take you to my profile on Viberate. But if you decide to purchase a premium account, you can access daily updated stats for almost every artist in the world. You can create custom popularity charts, compare artists, discover rising stars and much more. We have a 30-day trial account so you can take it for a test run for free.

CR: As shows are being booked, why do you think that NFT is not a Fad, and can this be used in the music industry that we are in?

NFTs will affect the music industry in a variety of ways. We will probably be able to receive copyright payments via NFTs as soon as our song is playing somewhere, i.e., without any middlemen. I believe this will happen. However, I think it will take quite some, at least ten years, as label executives are very conservative and not really open to new technologies. I hope that my team and I will be among the first to show how it all works in practice. With Viberate, we set ourselves the goal of arranging things in the live music industry. Two ideas came to us: the first is a live music performance, and I added a live stream. This is very important to me, primarily because of the times we are in now. Memorabilia is also an essential element, so we added my song Lanicor in different versions. I think the most revolutionary is the NFT live stream gig because it is the most easily transferable to NFTs. However, this means that I have to take care of the technical implementation myself, so I have to “deliver” the music to the end customer or buyer of the NFT. He then has to connect it to a screen and speakers, which everyone has at home anyway, and you can already see and listen to me. This seems like a great thing to me because even in the post-Covid 19 period, performances via video link will remain. There may not be as many as there are now, but they will stay among us. On the other hand, a live gig NFT can be bought by a promoter, who then has to organize the event: he has to lease a sound system, come to pick you up at the airport… Here are quite a few costs and organization elements.

I would also like to mention that NFTs enable you to offer a personal relationship with the person who buys NFT from you. It’s a kind of digital meet and greets because people can ask you something during the broadcast, get to know you better. This digital world offers many possibilities. There are practically no limits, so I appeal to every artist to use imagination and make each performance at least a little special. In this context, I also wish we had some rating system where people would rate performances to know which ones were good and which ones weren’t. This would mean that those with good live stream performances would find it easier to sell NFTs.

CR: We know some huge artists are already doing NFT sales, what does that mean for the smaller artist will this help them in any way possible?

Some artists have made a fortune by selling NFTs but they’re all megastars with a huge following. When it comes to smaller artists, it’s reselling performances that seem like a fascinating thing to me. So, the one who bought my NFT for the live gig can either use it or resell it on the market. Viberate already has the best database of musicians globally. Anyone with at least a little understanding of how business works can check the musicians with our platform and quickly find out which one is growing or is well on their way to becoming a star. If someone buys an NFT from an artist who is bound to become even more popular over time, it makes sense that this NFT may be sold for more money in the future. This is especially interesting when we talk about musicians who are still at the beginning of their careers. NFTs can also serve as a kind of crowdfunding, as some artists have talent but don’t have the money to record an album. Through the sale of NFTs, however, they can pay for studio work and release an album. This increases their popularity, and they can attack the market. As their price rises, such NFTs can be sold by buyers for more money.

CR: Will NFT bookings incentivize artists to go towards NFT rather than the streaming route to make more money and have a better exposure in the industry?
I think that both routes are necessary. They are even interconnected.

CR: With your knowledge and insight, what does the future really hold for NFTs?
I think that the future is bright for the NFTs. The hype has already faded but I think that the NFTs will eventually secure a certain market share in this industry. They may become the dominant element over the years, but this transition will take quite some time. Successful musicians and agents together earn millions of euros and, of course, do not want to change their tactics and established practices. This revolution will only happen when there is a change of generations. When a brave artist appears, who, for example, no longer has his website, similar to myself – I only use my Viberate profile – and will offer performances exclusively through NFTs, then this kind of sales have a chance. Once this happens globally, the majority of agents and other intermediaries will no longer be needed. There are many people involved and each of them takes a cut. One will only need to pay a commission on transactions to a provider like Viberate. Still, these percentages are not so high because we are not talking about many people but automated processes. I will be thrilled if this happens in the near future.

UMEK NFT DROP

Viberate proposes three main NFT categories: live performance NFTs, livestream NFTs, and customized “experience” NFTs (artists engaging with their fans on- or offline, e.g. going shopping with them). Any interested artist or their representative can submit their NFT application here.

CONNECT WITH UMEK

CONNECT WITH VIBERATE

HELLOVE X ZACK GRAY X CANADIANRAVERS INTERVIEW [ TALKING ABOUT THE VIDEO, MENTAL HEALTH, 'OFF THE EDGE']

Hellove is an Estonian electronic dance music producer based in Los Angeles. Since 2020, he has released a set of unique songs that combine electronics with dance. Initial tracks, such as 'Lie' featuring Trove and 'I Got You' featuring Gloria Kim, marked his first slew of singles, which eventually led to the full-fledged 'Off The Edge' song and campaign with Zack Gray. Over 36k streams have been combined across all platforms for their joint effort, setting an exciting precedent for what's to come with their official music video.

THE INTERVIEW

CR: Hello Hellove and Zack Gray. Glad to have you on Canadianravers, how are you guys doing?

Z: doing great, can’t complain. Thanks for asking.

I: am doing great, thank you for asking! Loving the hot summer weather in Estonia, going on lots of adventures and making awesome music. What else there is to want?

CR: This is for Hellove, where did the name Hellove come from? Any story behind that?

I: It’s a funny story actually. I was searching for a name for a while. Then my songwriter/best friend Claus came up with the name Hellove. I immediately loved it! It perfectly described the emotion our tracks convey. Both the good and bad(hell & love). But the funny part was that it was actually his character name in Runescape, the MMORPG, hah! I was already sold on the idea. Makes a good story tho!

CR: What approach did you and your team take when creating such an emotionally charged track?

Z: When Igor and I originally spoke about the track we knew we wanted it to be about mental health.

I: It was a hot summer day in July last year when we stumbled upon this emotion. We immediately knew that the instrumental had a very dark meaning to it. When we sent it to Zack we both knew that this emotion would describe the hardships we have had in our lives…. And so it became to be.

CR: Since the track is so emotional and the video even more so, how long did it take to come up with the concept for the video?

Z: Traiana Nescheva and Ryan Galvan, my amazing director/cinematography team came up with the concept in about a week or two. I have worked with them many times before and they always do a great job. I knew I was working with people I trusted, so It made the process a lot easier.

I: Traiana the director who has worked with Zack previously caught our vision for the track perfectly. The movies Requiem for a Dream and Black Swan were as reference points. I guess it was about two Zoom calls when we had it all on paper. Really glad about how it came out!

CR: Producing is obviously your talent. Were you guys always passionate about it growing up or did that just come to you more recently?

Z: Igor and Claus did most of the production on this record. But since I started producing 10 years ago, I have fallen in love with it.

I: I started my musical journey as a guitarist. In the beginning, I was just recording my stuff and slowly adding other elements/instruments like drums, piano etc. I had to start producing to listen to my own music. At some point, I replaced my guitar practice with learning production techniques on my computer.

CR: I have a question for both of you, who helped you get over your depression? Was it a person or was it an event? 

Z: Myself, my Dreams, my faith in God and my Purpose have always gotten me over any depression.

I: Friends and Family were key to the process. I didn’t have a strong connection to myself, so connecting with other people was vital. But I started seeing a lot of stuff on the internet about mental health, that was what hit the lightbulb for me.

CR: Is it important for producers/DJs in the music industry to talk more about mental health considering it is a major factor in their lives?

Z: Yes

I: I think everyone should be more aware of their mental health. It’s okay to feel down sometimes and ask a friend for help. It’s just when people keep their feelings bottled up for too long, that’s when things take a toll.

CR: Where do you guys see the campaign 'off the edge' taking you all individually as well as a team?

Z: I hope to use it as a tool and possibly interview/podcast series to interview other artists to talk about their stories with dealing with mental health issues.

I: I think most importantly the campaign showed us how we can deal with our personal struggles and how we can turn it from art into a movement. I always love seeing a much deeper meaning behind creativity.

CR: As a DJ/Producer, who has been the biggest supporter of your career?

Z: My mom

I: A bit cliché but it has to be my mother. Wouldn’t have gotten my first guitar without her.

CR: This question is for every DJ/Producer we interview, what is the one must-have item on your rider in the green room?

Z: Claws for the boys!!! (White claws if you were lost) Lol, actually haven’t thought about that too much recently with shows just coming back but I’d say high-quality water I guess at the moment. I need to think about that more! Hah!

I: I think an awesome gin and tonic cocktail would do the trick!

CR: As things are starting to open again, are there any projects that our followers should know about that you are working on?

Z: I’m personally gonna be coming out with more solo / EDM-based music in addition to my more recent vocal work. I’m starting to perform as a DJ as well so I’m very excited about that!

I: I’ve recently started working on a lot of house tracks… so stay tuned for the sunset sets to come!

Lighting Round

IGOR (HELLOVE)

Texting or talking? Talking

Coffee or tea? uuuh, tough one! Coffee!

Hard liquor or Beer? Gin & Tonic!

Cake or pie? Cake

Hot dogs or hamburgers? Hamburgers.

Xbox or PlayStation? Def Xbox!

Movie theatre or arcade? Movie Theatre

Guitar or piano? The guitar!

Marvel or DC Comics? Damn… Loved The Joker… So DC!

Dog or cat? Love both but would take a cat.

Hot weather or cold weather? Hot weather ofc!

Outdoor or indoor events? Outdoor.

ZACK

Texting or talking? Talking

Coffee or tea? COFFEE

Hard liquor or Beer? HL

Cake or pie? Ice cream cake

Hot dogs or hamburgers? Burgers

Xbox or PlayStation? Xbox

Movie theatre or arcade? Movie

Guitar or piano? Piano

Marvel or DC Comics? Marvel

Dog or cat? Cat

Hot weather or cold weather? Hot

Outdoor or indoor events? Indoor

CONNECT WITH HELLOVE

CONNECT WITH ZACK GRAY