JONAH X CANADIANRAVERS SECOND INTERVIEW [RECENT TRACK 'SHAKES' RECENT TRAVEL TO ULTRA MUSIC FESTIVAL, 2023 RESOLUTION]

Jonah Vella aka JONAH - was born and raised in Malta, Europe. He grew up in a musical family, playing a wide range of musical instruments. After leaving law school, Jonah travelled the world producing content for major events & artists in music, esports, and poker. In 2020 Jonah began DJing private events in Las Vegas. It quickly escalated when Jonah started performing at shows with his friend Ookay, including at Marquee NY. Jonah began producing his own music, releasing his first single ‘I found love’. Jonah made his Las Vegas debut on New Year’s Eve with Zedd at Zouk Nightclub. The first half of 2022 saw Jonah performing at several shows across the US at Zouk Las Vegas, Exchange LA, Nightingale LA, etc. Jonah headlined Lavo NYC in June 2022 to celebrate the release of his remix of Faouzia’s record ‘Anybody Else’ on Atlantic Records. Jonah made his festival debut in September 2022 at Ultra Korea in Seoul, South Korea. He is known for his high-energy sets featuring a wide range of house music. His latest release “shakes” on STMPD RCRDS is being celebrated by music fans around the world after having been played at some of the biggest festivals around the world by Martin Garrix; as well as on top of the Empire State Building for a live stream to celebrate being voted #1 DJ in the world.

THE INTERVIEW

CR: Hello Jonah, glad to have you on Canadianravers again, how are you doing and where are you chatting with us currently?

JV: So happy to be chatting with you again! I’m doing great. Right now, I’m in Las Vegas.

CR: 2023 is a year for new beginnings and new accomplishments, your first accomplishment for this year is the track ‘Shakes’, how was that inspired what made you connect with STMPD RCRDS for the release?

JV: I’m so excited to finally release my song SHAKES on STMPD RCRDS - my debut release with STMPD. I made the first rough idea of the track in May 2021. Deep down, it was one of my favourite tracks that I was working on, so I was extra patient with it because I wanted to find the right time and place to release it.

I wanted to make something that would be played at the biggest festivals in the world, combining elements of bass house and electro house, but also something that could set the tone and define what the JONAH sound would be. I feel like the final version is a fair representation of just that.

In late 2022, I talked to Martin Garrix about all sorts of stuff, including music. After we chatted, I sent him some tracks I was working on. He ended up calling me and said that he was filming a set on top of the empire state building to celebrate being voted #1 DJ and that he wanted to use shakes as the second song in the set. He gave me some excellent tips, I made some last-minute changes, and then it was done! When he sent me the video of him playing it on top of the empire state building, it was very surreal!

CR: In your recent travels, you went to South Korea for Ultra Music Festival, which looked terrific. How was the whole experience and what was a culture shock for you?

JV: Going to Seoul and playing Ultra Korea was one of the best moments of my life. It marked a lot of firsts for me. It was my first time in South Korea, it was my first show outside of the US, and it was my first music festival show. It was so much fun. I was there for four days, so I had time to explore the city with my friends who live in Seoul. My favourite part was trying all the excellent Korean food at the local market. I am so grateful for all the people that came to my show. It was one of the wildest crowds I’ve had. Everyone was partying so hard. It was amazing.

Not a culture shock, but I was impressed by how organized Seoul is and how safe I felt over there.

CR: We saw your recent post with Martin Garrix. How was it meeting him? Did he give you any personal or professional advice?

JV: I’ve known Martin for four years now! We initially met in Vegas at one of his shows. We’ve become great friends over the last few years. That photo was taken in Korea. We were both there playing Ultra. I’ve learned a lot from Martin - even by just being at his shows; his ability to control the energy during his sets is incredible…, especially in Vegas, where you’re dealing with very diverse crowds. I appreciate how much respect he shows every single fan of his that he meets. I can tell that he doesn’t take any of it for granted.

CR: You have played many different venues. Which stands out the most for you in production and hospitality?

JV: Marquee & Lavo in New York City were both amazing shows for me. TAO Group is always next level when it comes to hospitality. I love playing in New York; the energy is very different there. It feels like a big fun night out with my friends; except I’m DJing in front of a packed club :) I thank Jonathan Schwartz and Michael St Pierre for making those nights special.

My Vegas shows were all fantastic. Zouk is probably the biggest club I’ve played at, and the production there makes it feel like an indoor music festival.

CR: Who has been your biggest supporter since you started this journey? 

JV: I’m going to group many people for this one and say, my friends and family. The past five years since dropping out of law school have been crazy. I’ve taken on some huge challenges and set out to accomplish many significant things that seemed impossible at times, but throughout all of it, my friends and family have been so supportive. Seeing how much they believe in me has given me the confidence to accomplish many incredible things. Whenever I start to doubt myself, I know I can count on them to help me get back in the zone. I love them all.

CR: Tell us a little bit more about your musical taste. What are your favourite genre and some artists?

JV: I listen to almost every genre out there, depending on the mood I’m in; or the mood I’m trying to be in. Music is so powerful when it comes to setting the mood. For example, if I want to relax at the spa after a workout, I usually listen to jazz. My most listened-to album is “Change Of Scenery II” by Quin XCII. I listen to it every other day, mostly when I’m driving.

CR: Aside from DJing and Producing music, what makes you happy? 

JV: I’m the happiest when travelling to new countries and exploring new cities with the people I love. I love being exposed to different cultures. I learn something new every time, and I believe it’s what has shaped my perspective the most. I also LOVE playing tennis. But no feeling (so far) beats what I feel when I’m on stage DJing.

CR: How is Rocket doing, and what track is his favourite to jam to?

JV: Rocket is sleeping next to me as we speak. He’s doing great. I never thought I’d be so obsessed with a dog, but he makes me so happy! He loves to cuddle and he’s like a real-life teddy bear, so it’s perfect. Honestly, he’s heard me play SHAKES so many times over the last few months that whenever the intro starts, he always reacts to it haha.
BUT, I think his favorite song is “My Wife & 2 Dogs” by Quinn XCII because he sample a dog bark in the track, so Rocket always reacts to that haha.

CR: Since it is the New Year, what is your New Year Resolution personally and professionally, also, What are you looking forward to the most in 2023?

JV: This year, I want to prioritize my overall health. I even gave myself a head start and started a few months before the new year - I’m not big into New Year's Resolutions. I’m constantly trying to improve in everything I’m doing. My biggest realization is how prioritizing my health significantly enhances my performance in everything else I do - be it business, music, or even playing tennis. The healthier I am, the better I can function, the more energy I have, and the better I can perform. So this year, health comes first!

I’ve been working hard on music this past year, so I’m excited to double down on that this year, release a lot more music, and play many more shows.

LIGHTNING ROUND

1. Favourite Fast Food?

Shake Shack

2. Go to meal when you’re sick?

Soup with a lot of bread

3. Favourite drink to order?

Freshly Squeezed Apple Juice

4. First Rave as an attendee?

Creamfields Malta in 2011. I believe Afrojack, Underworld and Dash Berlin were performing.

5. First celebrity crush?

Selena Gomez

6. Favourite comic book character?

Iron Man

7. All-time favourite song?

Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen

8. Go to vacation spot?

Bali, Indonesia

9. What is your guilty pleasure?

Watching a TV Show on my laptop with headphones on while eating a bowl of cereal late at night

10. What is your hidden talent?

I’m decent at tennis!

Be sure to follow JONAH!!

YOUNG BOMBS X CANADIANRAVERS INTERVIEW [STORY BEHIND THE NAME, MUSICAL ADVICE, WHAT MAKES THEM HAPPY]

In 2019, Young Bombs made the bold leap from sought-after remixers to artists. That leap remains driven by a personal and creative chemistry forged in the Vancouver high school where they became best friends. With over 200 million streams in four years, the duo has become one of the biggest electronic music artists in a short time, attracting the support of luminaries such as Tiësto, Oliver Heldens, and Don Diablo. They have graced the stages of blockbuster festivals such as Lollapalooza, Firefly Music Festival, and the Billboard Hot 100 Festival; supported The Chainsmokers, Galantis, R3hab, and Adventure Club on tour around the globe; and launched a coveted residency at Drai’s Beachclub in Las Vegas. Now, they have returned with a new track, “Key to My Heart,” and more music still to come.

THE INTERVIEW

CR: Hi Martin & Tristan, Glad to have you on Canadianravers; how are you doing?

YB: Good! Happy to be talking with a fellow Canadian!

CR: Can you tell us a little about yourselves and the story behind the name ‘Young Bombs’?

YB: We were born and raised in Vancouver, BC. The stars were pretty much aligned for us. Martin’s dad discovered electricity. My (Tristan’s) mom invented bottle service. We combined both of these family talents, which led to producing dance music and DJing. During our first show, security tried to kick us out because they were scared. We were underage and didn’t want to get fined. After we showed them our IDs proving our legal age, they apologized and said, “by the way, your set is bomb!” which led to the name “Young Bombs.”

CR: Your recent track is very upbeat. Tell us a little story behind the production process? was this track inspired by an event or a moment?

 YB: “Key to My Heart” started as a piano house demo we made in an AirBNB in Los Angeles. That night, we brought it into a session with our friends, Alida, Peter and Michael. After a few hours and several Jones Sodas, we had the whole song finished. Lyrically, it’s a song I think most people can relate to. We’ve all gotten out of a breakup and had that epiphany where you realize you’re better off without that person.

CR: Did both of you ever get in an argument towards a track you were producing?

YB: There have been a couple very small arguments about how a track should sound but usually after a Jones Soda or two, we come to an agreement.

CR: What is one track that you would want to remix to make it more upbeat?

YB: ‘Enya - Only Time’ would be great. It’s a fantastic song but I think they forgot to unmute the 808 and kick when they bounced it and sent to Spotify.

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

YB: We used to bring our CDJs and mixer with us to every show but now, the club provides them for you. So, to all DJs: bring ONLY your headphones and USBs. The club is now providing the rest!

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

YB: As DJs, probably playing Lollapalooza or Ultra. Nothing gets your more pumped than a massive crowd who’s ready to dance and move. As attendees, we saw Daft Punk play the Alive 2007 show in Washington state when we were younger and it changed our lives.

CR: Aside from music, what makes you happy?

YB: Martin’s always been interested in space but recently I started listening to Neil deGrasse Tyson’s podcast ‘Star Talk Radio’ on physics and astronomy and I’m hooked. We also enjoy spending time with our significant others, our dogs and sleeping.

CR: DJs/ Producers travel with multiples of that one item, what is that item for you?

YB: This isn’t the “cool” answer people want to hear but: earplugs. We have a bag close to 50 disposable sets in our backpack at all times. Clubs are LOUD and you don’t want to damage your hearing.

CR: Since we are closer to the year-end, what are you working on professionally and personally? Is anything on the bucket list?

YB: We’re finishing up all the new music we’ve written over the past year and are so excited to release it in 2023!

LIGHTNING ROUND

Texting or talking?

Tristan: texting

Martin: talking

Coffee or tea?

Coffee

Hard liquor or Wine?

Hardy harr harr

Cake or pie?

Cake but it has to be cheesecake

Hot dogs or hamburgers?

Hamburgers. Especially, ShakeShack

Xbox or PlayStation?

Martin’s not much of a gamer. For me: Nintendo Switch all the way

Movie theatre or arcade?

Movie theatre

Guitar or piano?

Both are great in their own way

Music or Podcasts?

Now you’ve got me thinking about DJing podcasts at our next show but…music.

Marvel or DC Comics?

DC because Batman is the GOAT superhero

Dog or cat?

Dog

Hot weather or cold weather?

If we could DJ on the sun without dying, we would

FOLLOW YOUNG BOMBS ON THEIR SOCIALS

DARIN EPSILON X CANADIAN RAVERS INTERVIEW [CONNECTING WITH EINMUSIK, MEMORABLE VENUES, CULTURE SHOCK]

Darin Epsilon knows what it takes to curate a listening experience that transcends the play button. Frequently donned as one of the leading early influencers of the Melodic House & Techno and Progressive House genres, he has been making his presence known with a continuous stream of top-quality records since breaking into the scene in 2006. The industry veteran has since elevated his profile by sharing the spotlight with leading dance music tastemakers such as John Digweed, Sasha, Hernan Cattaneo, Nick Warren, Above & Beyond, Eric Prydz, and countless others. In addition to crafting exclusive edits for his forthcoming EINMIX,  2022 has seen him take the release reins on several top imprints including Family Piknik, Desert Hearts Black, and Ritter Butzke.

Epsilon’s EINMIX marks the first offering from the series this year and features 17 exclusive edits of the Einmusika back catalog plus two of Darin’s own productions. The tracklist boasts select cuts from the likes of Eelke Kleijn, Henry Saiz, Hernan Cattaneo, NTO, Sebastien Leger, Township Rebellion, and Einmusika head honcho himself, Einmusik. This is Epsilon’s first long-form release since delivering his WE ARE KATERMUKKE DJ mix last year, a stunning compilation that celebrated the essence and underground sound of his current home base, Berlin.

THE INTERVIEW

CR: Hello Darin, Glad to have you on Canadian Ravers. How are you doing? Tell us a little about yourself?

DE: Thanks for having me!  I’m a DJ and producer from Chicago.  I also lived in Los Angeles for eight years.  In 2017 I relocated to Berlin and am currently a resident at one of the top clubs here, Ritter Butzke.

I’m primarily known for producing various styles of electronic music, including Melodic House & Techno, Indie Dance, Progressive House, and Deep House.

CR: How did you connect with Einmusik for your EINMIX?

DE: We’ve known each other for several years.  I’ve had two releases on his label Einmusika Recordings, which did well.  I’ve visited his studio in Berlin on several occasions and even recorded a live stream there last year.  His label manager Philipp was the one who approached me with the idea of compiling an EINMIX.

CR: What was your thought process behind selecting the tracks and creating the mix?  Did you already have some tracks in mind?

DE: Creating the mix was very challenging and time-consuming!  Einmusika has such an enormous back catalogue that it took me five days to listen through every track they’ve ever signed.  Then it took an additional two days to sort out which ones I wanted to use for my mix.

There were a few tracks that I knew for sure I wanted to include.  The real challenge was ensuring they all fit together and flow into a cohesive set.  There were some tracks I liked that I had to leave out simply because they didn’t work or vibe well with the rest of the mix.

CR: It has been more than a decade running Perspectives Digital and there are many releases under your belt.  What is one thing that you think an artist should know before starting their own imprint?

DE: I would say that you should only start thinking about launching your own imprint after you’ve already released on a number of high-profile imprints and built up a name for yourself in the industry.  It’s totally OK to be patient and wait until you gain a few years of experience.

Too many producers start their own label prematurely, thinking it’s an easy way of getting their music signed and out to the public.  The reality is that the market is already heavily over-saturated.  Just because you have music out doesn’t necessarily mean it will do well or be heard by the right people.

The last thing people need is more mediocre music flooding Beatport and Spotify, so be sure that you’re at a certain level of your career before deciding to open your own label.

CR: You have played so many different venues and festivals.  Which was the most memorable so far?

DE: That’s a very tough question to answer!  For 2022 I would say my biggest surprise of the year was Pakistan.  I didn’t know an underground music scene existed in Islamabad, but the show was massive.

They don’t have any clubs that regularly play electronic music every week, so whenever someone decides to throw a party, everybody shows up!

I greatly respect those promoters in Islamabad because they built their entire stage setup from scratch.  The lighting and visuals at my show were way more impressive than many cities I’ve been to that have an established nightlife scene!

CR: What is the single event that has changed you and the way you view life?

DE: Another very hard question for me to answer!  I guess it would be Sasha & Digweed’s Delta Heavy Tour.  In 2006 they came to the Allstate Arena in Chicago along with The Chemical Brothers and Paul Oakenfold.  It was my first time hearing electronic music in a big stadium.  I was 16 at the time, so I wasn’t old enough yet to enter any nightclubs.

This show had a really big influence on me.  I remember dancing for 5 hours non-stop and being connected with the rest of the audience.  It felt like I belonged there, and this music made up my identity.

CR: You moved from the US to Germany; what was the one thing that was a culture shock for you?

Well, there are some things that I can never get used to as an American living abroad, like paying for water or for using a public restroom.

I think what surprised me the most when I moved here is that some clubs in Berlin play music continuously from Friday night until Monday morning.  And it’s not just ONE club; quite a few of them go non-stop all weekend long!

Being from California, I had gotten really used to clubs closing at 2 am, but people in Berlin often don’t even start going out to the clubs until like 3 am!

CR: What does a regular day look like for you when you are not performing or producing?

DE: It’s mainly just routine stuff like working on my record label, listening to demos, downloading new music that gets sent to me for feedback, checking my Instagram feed, etc.  When I’m not working, I’m probably just chilling out and watching YouTube videos or Netflix.

CR: What are some of your goals for the remaining of 2022?  Anything our followers should know about?  Also, when will you be returning to Toronto?

DE: I just finished six weeks of touring every weekend, so I’m feeling quite cozy being at home right now :) I would like to finish another EP or two before the end of the year.

My last show in Toronto was with the Euphonic Union crew, and we had a great time!  I don’t have a date confirmed in Toronto right now, but I’m hoping to be back really soon.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Texting or talking?  If it’s something important, then it definitely needs to be talking.  If not, then texting is OK!

Coffee or tea?  Green tea because I’m Asian :)

Hard liquor or Wine?  Wine

Cake or pie?  Cake

Hot dogs or hamburgers?  Burgers

Xbox or PlayStation?  My iPad??

Movie theatre or arcade?  I don’t think arcades are around anymore, so movie theatre

Music or Podcasts?  Music

Guitar or piano?  Piano

Marvel or DC Comics?  Marvel all the way!!!  X-Men is my favourite :D

Dog or cat?  Dog

Hot weather or cold weather?  If I’m forced to choose between the two, then I would say cold weather because you can always bundle up to stay warm.  Being too hot without any A/C is the worst!

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