FAMBA X CANADIANRAVERS INTERVIEW PART 2 [ FAVOURITE GENRE, DEBUT AT NOIR INSIDE REBEL, CANADIAN ARTIST WISH TO COLLABORATE WITH]

Dance music artist, Producer and DJ, Famba has become one of Canada’s fastest-rising electronic artists on the strength of his major label releases and widespread remixes. After bursting onto the scene with a collection of underground House and Progressive House tracks, Famba (Ryan Pettipas) graduated from the local music scene in his hometown Halifax, NS and began to earn a reputation for his heartfelt songs and laudable production talents. 2022 saw the release of two Tech-house collaborations, including one released on Sonny Fodera’s label, Solotoko. Famba then followed those with the release of “Forever,” an anthemic vocal record with progressive house influences last Fall and an equally hard-hitting club track, “No Sleep feat. Glasgow KI$$” a few weeks later. His releases have steadily gained tastemaker support from the likes of Sidepiece, Vintage Culture, Tiësto, and many others as well as spot airplay on key dance format radio stations like SiriusXM (US), SLAM (NL), iHeart Dance (Australia), and NRJ (Germany.) Armed with a full slate of new material ready to release in 2023, Famba fans can expect a lot in this new chapter of music.

THE INTERVIEW

CR: Hello Ryan, Glad to have you on Canadianravers again. How are you doing, and where are you chatting from?

F: I'm doing great, thanks for asking. I'm currently in Toronto.

 CR: Inspirations come from many things or moments. This track is different from what you have released before. What was the inspiration behind your recent track ‘Estar conmigo’?

F: There was a lightbulb moment I had at a friend’s house a year or so ago. I kept playing all of this super clubby groover house music and my friend asked "Why don't you just start making this if you like it so much?" Such a simple thing to say, but it really inspired me to start making music that makes me excited, while also venturing into new territory.

 CR: Tell us a little bit more about your musical taste. What are your favourite genre and some artists?
F: I can't even really say I have a favourite genre. It changes on a daily basis. I can go from Men at Work in the morning to a Sin on Skin boiler room set at noon and finish the night off listening to disco music. Although my favourite artist right now has to be Pretty Girl.

 
CR: As an artist, you must take a lot of criticism and advice to stand out in the sea of artists. What was that one piece of advice that you received that comes to your mind every time?
F: Be yourself.

 
CR: We know last time we chatted that you were working on your EP Wishes Vol.2 and it has been released since. Is there another EP in the making?
F: No EP planned as of now. I just want to get as many songs out into the world as possible right now. I've been working super hard to pull off a sort of "Rebrand" and I think just releasing singles, for now, is the best way to establish the new musical direction.

 
CR: You are headlining your own show at Noir inside Rebel. How was it preparing for the debut of your Toronto show, and how was the crowd?
F: The show was amazing! It was such a massive moment for me to see fans at a show to see me. It was indeed a fantastic moment for me!

CR: Is there a track that never leaves your personal playlist because it has a particular emotional connection to you?
F: Tears For Fears - Everybody Wants To Rule The World (i love the 80s) or The Doors - Riders On The Storm

CR: We asked you this last time, and we will ask this question again, which Canadian artist is on your radar that you would love to collaborate with?
F: I feel like I've slowly morphed into the biggest Kaytranda fan as of lately. I've always loved his music, but lately, it seems I've been listening more and more!

CR: Aside from DJing and Producing music, what makes you happy?
F: I love cooking! Also a huge gamer nerd.

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

F: I'm honestly not a big new year’s resolution guy, I'm just trying to be the best version of myself this year, and every year. I'm looking forward to diving deeper into production and releasing as much music as humanly possible!

 
LIGHTNING ROUND

Favourite Fast Food?
Burger
Go to meal when you’re sick?
Pho
Favourite drink to order?
Old Fashion
First Rave as an attendee?
Warehouse in the literal middle of nowhere
First celebrity crush?
Britney Spears
Favourite comic book character?
Deadpool
All-time favourite song?
The Doors - Riders On The Storm
Go to vacation spot?
Bermuda
What is your guilty pleasure?
sitting on a couch for an entire day and not moving
What is your hidden talent?
I can whistle really well
Which social platform do you use a lot?
TikTok

CONNECT WITH FAMBA 

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