Interviews : Le Youth: ‘Cassie Probably Hates C O O L’

Le Youth couldn’t be happier with the UK’s response to his debut single C O O L and hopes R&B singer Cassie doesn’t mind him pitching down her original vocals on the record.

His sleek summer rework of Cassie’s ‘Me & U’ was voted by Nick Grimshaw as his Radio 1 Record of the Week and looks set to make the UK Top 40 this weekend.

Speaking exclusively to MTV News UK the LA producer – aka Wes James – told us: “The response has been overwhelming.

“It’s sort of hard to get the full picture of what’s going on over there [in the UK] being so far away, but I’ll be there soon.”

James admits he only heard the 2006 Cassie song a few years ago, despite its huge success: “I couldn’t believe it was from 2006, it just sounded straight out of the 90s to me.”

So has he heard anything from her yet?
“No, I haven’t. She probably hates that I pitched down her vocals, but she still sounds good! I hope she’s into it.”

C O O L is as heavily influenced by the 90s as it is by throwback R&B to which James added: “I think nostalgia plays a big role in why people are so drawn to those songs.

“Cyril Hahn’s remix of [Destiny’s Child’s] Say My Name is one of my favourites,” said Le Youth. “I think there is definitely a throwback R&B resurgence going on.”

Watching the video for ‘C O O L’ you can tell the 90s didn’t just inspire the music but also the video which has a feel of Madonna’s Vogue about it, did fashion play a role as well?
“There’s definitely a link between fashion and music. That link was the main inspiration,” stated James. “I wanted it to be sort of an homage to 90s supermodels and fashion ads.”

It seems the fashion world has picked up on this as well, Le Youth’s has previously been featured in WONDERLAND magazine and i-D online. So what’s next for the producer with a love of all things 90s?
“I’m working on a few remixes that should be out soon as well as some new original stuff. I’m also looking forward to touring Europe.”

Le Youth’s single ‘C O O L’ is out now and available for download.


Contact Le Youth
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud | YouTube | Email

Contact Cassie
Website | Twitter | Faceboook | iTunes

Contact MTV UK
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Tumblr | Google+

Sources : Le Youth: ‘Cassie Probably Hates C O O L’ Photo | Le Youth Cool Video | Le Youth: ‘Cassie Probably Hates C O O L’ Article

Interviews : Cole Plante - Unfiltered : Episode 2

Hollywood Records artist Cole Plante will release his next digital single collaboration with Myon and Shane 54 called “Lie To Me” featuring Koko LaRoo. The “Extended Mix” will release exclusively on Beatport on July 30, 2013 with a R3hab remix to follow. The single leads up to Cole’s appearance at Lollapalooza on August 3, 2013— as the youngest DJ to ever perform at the legendary festival.

The docuseries, “Cole Plante: Unfiltered” follows the 16-year old as he prepares to take the stage at Lollapalooza. The series Episode 1 is available now on Vevo.

“Lie To Me” is the follow-up to the Los Angeles native and high school sophomore’s single “Forever,” released on his Teknicole imprint. It showcases Cole’s multifaceted musical range as he teams up with the Hungarian super duo Myon and Shane 54′s. Known for their wall of sound heavy synth riffs and paired Cole’s sharp-edged electro-beats and emotional lead melodies, they lead you into a journey of lush vocals into the crescendo that preps you for the spectacular drop. ”Lie To Me” features the rework by Cole Plante and MS54′s “Extended Mix” while in-demand Dutch house master R3hab puts his inimitable club banger and festival stamp on a second remix. “Lie To Me” precedes Cole’s next track, “Here We Go Now” with special guest Perry Farrell.

DJing since the age of 14, Cole’s precisely crafted big room, electro-house and dubstep fusion DJ sets are packed with high-octane selections. While his choices are put together to keep the crowd moving, his progression directs the mood to shift just the right amount, constantly evolving and advancing. His style is a natural choice for the Lollapalooza Festival, which from inception has been known for defying convention and pushing boundaries.

Cole’s previous DJ gigs have included Voyeur in San Diego, L.E.D. Events, Rain in Las Vegas, Avalon in Hollywood, Amnesia in Miami, Hard Rock Hotel in San Diego and Las Vegas, Enclave in Chicago, Ruby Skye in San Francisco, as well as the 2012 Identity Festival Tour, Red Bull’s Summer X Games 2012, and the American Music Awards 40th anniversary VIP party. Cole has performed alongside Avicii, Nero, Porter Robinson, Eric Prydz, Paul Oakenfold, Bingo Players, Carnage, and Danny Avila, to name just a few EDM power players.

No stranger to production and remixing, Cole has had a hand in soundtracking video games, films, and television shows, as well as remixing fellow artists. Cole’s own original productions are informed largely by his DJing experiences, but also by his on going fascination with soundtracks and his parents’ collection of ‘80s and ‘90s synth-pop records. His most recent remix of Myon & Shane 54 With Aruna “Lights” was featured on those EDM pioneers’ ‘In Search Of Sunrise’ compilation CD, the genre-defining series originally founded by Tiësto in 1999.

“Lie To Me” will be available exclusively at Beatport.com through August 12. Spotify exclusive from August 13-26. Available to all major digital retailers on August 27.


Contact Cole Plante
Website | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram | Soundcloud | Email | Booking | Management | GM

Contact Naluda Magazine
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | LinkedIn

Sources : Cole Plante Photo | Cole Plante - Unfiltered : Episode 2 Article | Cole Plante - Unfiltered : Episode 2 Video

Interviews : Cole Plante : Unfiltered: Episode 1

Who Is Cole Plante
Hey everyone. I'm Cole, formally known as KiD DJ. I'm Asian / Italian. I'm 16 & I'm a sophomore this year and living my life in music. Music has always been in my life because of my parents and other friends in the industry. My influences span from different generations of musical styles & artists. I mainly play piano and trombone.

My hobbies are of course anything related to music (live it and breath it); producing songs, remixing, playing piano or trombone, and just simply listening to music too. I also heavily enjoy playing video games, which is my time to take out some anger on annoying Xivilai and Daedra in the planes of Oblivion hahaha.

I started DJing in winter/spring of 2009 and my first gig was at Rain Nightclub in Las Vegas on April 30th 2008. My DJ / Production sound is a cross breed of electro house baselines, big room hooks, progressive melodies and dubstep / breakbeat undertones thrown in. I've been compared to as a cross between Skrillex / Porter Robinson live.

I mainly produce in Cubase 6.5, Ableton Live 8 & Logic 9. While on tour, I bring the amazing visualist Zeke (Falcotronik) who helps add that stage presence to deliver a performance that's both an audio / visual experience.

At home I play games, practice, produce, sleep; I just do what I do. I live for music, and that's what drives me to produce tracks and remixes and DJ clubs and festivals. I want all my fans to enjoy music just as much as I do, so I make my sets perfect and on top to make that happen. I do what it takes and I do it well. Remember the name cus you'll be seeing it a lot.

I'm currently signed with Hollywood Records and currently working on singles with an album of original music / collaborations set for release in fall 2013 but in the meantime checkout my soundcloud.com/coleplante

Till I see you on the floor,

COLE!


Contact Cole Plante
Website | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram | Soundcloud | Email | Booking | Management | GM

Sources : Cole Plante Photo | Unfiltered: Episode 1 Video | Cole PLante Biography

Interviews : Tiësto

In this day and age we’re constantly barraged with new musicians. Every digital corner we turn, tucked into every crevice of the internet, we find producer after producer who are doing impressive work. With that being said, there are few names that truly embody what EDM is and how it has came to be over the past decade. One of those names, a name that is a mainstay in both the EDM community and the pop community, is none other than Tiësto.

Dutch producer Tijs Michiel Verwest has been in the game longer than most, and has experienced far more success than most. Even beyond his accomplishments in the world of electronica, Tiësto has crossed over into the eyes and ears of the mainstream. His music engages both the nightlife crowd as well as your casual listener. With a list of accolades longer than have the patience to read, we’ll get right into our quick Q and A session with one of the biggest names in music.

TMN: First and foremost, it’s an honor to have a chance to ask you a couple of questions. We’ve been longtime fans, and we really appreciate a moment of your time. With that being said, let’s get down to business!

Let’s talk about your childhood. Your moniker is actually a variation of a childhood nickname, correct?

Tiësto: That’s correct, it’s a nickname based on my real name, which is Tijs.

TMN: What was your upbringing like in regards to music? Were you classically trained on piano? How many different instruments have you learned how to play throughout the years?
Tiësto: I do not play any instruments. What I do is create a melody on the keyboard and then fine tune it with computer software programs to make it perfect.

TMN: What about the early days as a DJ – what was The Spock like? What were your sets like way back then?
"Tiësto: It was both amazing and terrifying. Of course I love music and so wanted a stage to spread the music I care about to other people. Still, just starting out and playing in front of a crowd those first times was nerve racking – especially in front of my home crowd!"

TMN: What do you feel was the biggest influencing factor in your success from back in the mid to late 90′s?
Tiësto: Well it was really good timing. Trance and dance music was huge then plus I had a string of big releases. My remix of “Silence” by Delerium really brought me to international audiences and my album “Just Be” was enormous. Momentum kept building and building.

TMN: With so many chart topping tracks, it’s a little difficult to narrow down a few to talk about. However, we would like to know what some of your personal favorites are.
Tiësto: “Take Me” – because it sounds like the old Tiësto melodic sound but also is a more current new sound, similar to the records I am producing today.

TMN: Through a lot of these tracks you’ve worked with the biggest names in the biz. Who was the most fun to collaborate with? Who’s out there that you’d still love to work with, but haven’t had the chance just yet?
"Tiësto: It was really great to work with Bono in the studio. He walked in and took the mic and just started singing right away and it clicked. It was amazing to hear that his voice sounds the exact way in the studio as it does on all his famous U2 albums. I don’t really care who I work with. I like to work with someone who can add something to the song I can’t. I don’t care if they are famous or not I just like to work with someone who can really bring that extra flavor and impact that will inspire me."

TMN: At your level of stardom, we’re sure you’ve had plenty of moments in your career that just blew you away. Name the three moments that made you say, “holy shit!”
Tiësto: Playing my first ever gig was one of those moments because I was finally doing what I wanted to do and this was my first stage. I’d also say playing at the opening ceremonies of the 2004 summer Olympics falls into that category. Lastly, I’d say playing the sold out Home Depot Center in Southern California fits the bill. It’s the largest single DJ gig in US history and it was unreal.

TMN: Elaborate on what it meant to you to perform at the opening ceremonies at the 2004 Olympics. That level of visibility is beyond any club or venue in the world. What was that like?
Tiësto: It really puts everything into perspective. This was a global stage and going back through time the Olympics are a part of history. So to play as all the athletes walked in was surreal. Unlike anything else.

TMN: You’ve been at the forefront of the EDM community as far as sponsorships and partnerships go with brands. In your eyes, has it been strange to see EDM artist sponsorship become more mainstream?
Tiësto: No it’s not strange at all to me. If you think about it, the dance demographic is quite young and marketers like to work in this age bracket. With dance music now so popular it makes perfect sense that brands would try and enter the dance space to appeal to fans.

TMN: You have “CLUB LIFE – Volume Three Stockholm” coming out on June 18th, and you recently just released your remix of Icona Pop’s “I love it”, which can be found in that mix. Talk to us about what people can expect from this particular mix.
Tiësto: I like to think of this more as a mix album. While it’s all mixed together, the tracks here all have value. I was careful to make this with nearly all new and exclusive material. The spirit of this lies in Stockholm, one of my favorite cities and the theme of the album.

TMN: With the explosion of EDM producers over the past few years do you feel that selling a mix has been devalued? It seems like it’s something that DJ/Producers put a lot of time into these mixes, but often give it away for free. Should this trend start to move back to the way it used to be?
Tiësto: It’s an interesting question and one that I thought about when approaching “Club Life – Volume 3 Stockholm.” For this reason I wanted to make it 90% original material – productions, collaborations and remixes. I felt that for the mix to be essential it needs essential music that you can’t find anywhere else.

TMN: As one of the leaders of the EDM community, what are your thoughts on negativity between artists? Do you feel that feuds (such as Diplo vs. BL3ND) are bad for the community as a whole?
Tiësto: I’ve never been one to think much about feuds and negativity. Not much good comes of that. I think we are at a stage that with social media we always have a stage and a microphone. Sometimes we just need to press the mute button or step away from the mic.

TMN: We have to ask…the famous Tiesto pose. How did it come about?
Tiësto: It’s just something I do automatically when I play for a big crowd. I get so much energy from them my hands automatically go up in the air.

TMN: Alright, we know you’re a busy guy so we’ll try to close this thing out. However, our fans would love to know a little more about you on a personal level. So, we’re going to fire off a few quirky questions. Write out the first thing that comes to mind.

TMN: What’s your favorite food to eat when you’re touring in the states?
Tiësto: I really enjoy fruit and fish. Every morning I eat fruit with breakfast and soup with dinner.

TMN: If you were on death row, what would your last meal be?
Tiësto: A huge buffett with a variety of everything. Some meat, fish, cheeses, french fries w mayo, pepperoni pizza and a huge warm chocolate cake with melted chocolate inside.

TMN: Who’s your favorite James Bond?
Tiësto: Roger Moore

TMN: If you were on a deserted island, and only had one artists/bands’ musical catalog to listen to, who would it be?
Tiësto: Sigur Ros

TMN: Who’s one artist you’d be embarrassed to admit that you listen to?
Tiësto: It’s so embarrassing I can’t tell you.

TMN: This one is really off the wall, but we always love hearing the responses. If your music were an animal, what would it be?
Tiësto: A cheetah

TMN: Alright, we’ll let you off the hook now. Thank you so much for your time.


Contact Tiesto
Website | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Spotibot

Contact The Music Ninja
Website | Twitter | Facebook

Sources : Tiësto Photo | Tiësto Article

Interviews : Helena Interview

If you haven’t been acquainted with Helena’s music, it won’t be long. This sultry Australian DJ/producer has already blown up the Australian scene and now has her eyes fixed on the states. With a few shows at WMC, some of you party goers have had a taste of her dance inducing beats. For those of you who haven’t, please take a minute to check out the fire she’s laying down.

While we tried to catch Helena in person out in Miami, we unfortunately couldn’t make ends meet. On the other hand, we’re still extremely excited to get to know Helena better. Check out what she had to say about who she’d like to work with, vegemite, and the always coveted In-n-Out burger.

TMN: Your remix of “Let it Out” just came out just a bit ago. Congratulations! Talk to us about how you approach a remix to make sure that you maintain the original feel, but still add your own personal flare.
Helena: Thank you! Yes there has been a great buzz around the “Let it Out” remix and an awesome crowd reaction every time I drop it in my sets, the remix itself was a fairly easy one, as when you have a vocal the quality of what Amba Shepherd delivers, it makes the job a lot easier. With a remix you have to keep enough of the original track for it to be recognisable, but you have to make your own imprint on it. So keep elements that you like from the original and add in then your sound to make it your own.

TMN: You started djing when you were 14 years old, but only really taking it seriously since 2003. What has been the biggest surprise in both your personal career and the music industry so far?
Helena: I think the biggest surprise for me in my personal career, is that my hobby became my profession, I didn’t set out to become a DJ nor did I ever imagine I would get so far. I just loved music, it all happened very organically you could say, which i guess is the best way to be. And also makes me extremely lucky that something I loved I was able to make a career out of. Not many can say that. Biggest surprise in the music industry so far, for me is the US – for them to embrace “EDM” (that word makes me cringe ha) but for them to embrace dance music and move away from R&B and hip hop as so mainstream is the real surprise, I didn’t think that would ever happen. And as much as some may knock him – David Guetta has opened doors for alot of artists in the US, people have a lot to thank him for.

TMN: You’ve traveled all over the world playing your music. What are your top 3 cities to play in? Do you tend to lean more towards Oz because of the home field crowd?
Helena: My top 3 places to play;
1. Ibiza (this still has to be my no 1) there is a buzz on this place that just gets me every time. I love it!
2. Miami (I had the best time playing in Miami this year, it has to be one of my favourite places now to play!) And I was there a month earlier this year also playing Mansion club which was also insane.
3. Brisbane (Not my home town of Sydney) but Brisbane in Australia. I have had the sickest shows in this city, I love the crowds, clubs and vibe here. One of my favourite places to play for sure.
I have some shows pencilled this year though in Brazil and greek Islands which is supposed to be insane, it will be my first time there, so really looking forward to that for sure!

TMN: How do the crowds differ for you in Australia compared to here in the states? Is it a noticeable difference?
Helena: The crowds in the US are a bit more excitable than the Australian crowds, the US crowds will go out their way more to find you on social networks and interact with you how much they enjoyed the set etc.
Where as the Australian crowds it’s not new to them. They are far more likely to find you to say they didn’t like something then to say they did. They are a tougher crowd to please as they are more educated. But that’s fine for me as i know them all well now and have found my place with them and i’ve got my regular spots that i play where i have some amazing shows. The US market it’s pretty new, so you drop tracks past 2-3 years old and they don’t really know it, which is crazy.
TMN: Who would you love to collaborate right now?
Helena: Knife Party would be pretty sick!

TMN: Which musicians inspire you?
Helena: Musically i’m inspired by the DJ’s/Producers closest to my sound, Steve Angello, Avicii, John Dahlback, Nicky Romero, Hardwell, Tommy Trash,Thomas Gold, Wolfgang Gartner, Eric Prydz I find all very inspiring.

TMN: You are stuck in an island for 3 months and unfortunately, your laptop can only play 3 individual tracks. What would those 3 tracks be?
Helena: Brown Sugar D’angelo, Oasis – Wonderwall, Redline – Wolfgang Gartner

TMN: Rapid Fire – Ok, this section would have obviously been much cooler in person, but we’ll still keep it in so our fans can get to know a little bit about you personally. TMN: Are you a fan of Vegemite?
Helena: No.

TMN: What’s your favorite food to eat when you come to the US?
Helena: In and Out Burger. (I wish)
TMN: Favorite indiginous Australian animal?
Helena: A koala!
TMN: If you ordered a beer, it would be a….M
Helena: Pure Blonde, Low carb beer

TMN: If you ordered a shot, it would be a….
Helena: TEQUILA!

TMN: If your music were an animal, what would it be?
Helena: A lion.



Contact Helena
Website | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Soundcloud

Contact The Music Ninja
Website | Twitter | Facebook

Sources : Helena Photo | Helena Interview Article