Greetings to all you lovely people who have tuned in! For those who are new to this and wondering what this is all about, you are listening to the June edition of the ‘EDM Sessions 2012’ monthly podcasts and I’m your host Sebastian Thomas. Every month, you’ll be served some of my favorites from the current highlights of the EDM scene from across the globe right at wherever you have tuned in from. All of you who missed last month’s edition can go to my MixCloud profile http://www.mixcloud.com/sebastianthomas/ to get it. SoundCloud didn't allow me to upload it last time due some weird copyrights issue, hence it was up only on MixCloud. In future if you miss any of these editions here, please head over to my Facebook page or MixCloud page for the link. So putting it all in the past and without further delay let’s get down to business, join me and the many other listeners from across the globe and turn it up!

1. ‘Gravity’ (Andrew Bayer & James Grant remix) by P.O.S. at 00.01 mins.
We start this edtion with a crackling tune originally written specifically for the recent ‘Anjunadeep 04’ compilation, Andrew Bayer & James Grant's dreamy rework of the P.O.S. classic ‘Gravity’. First released in 2005, ‘Gravity’ was written by Paavo Siljamaki from Above & Beyond under his P.O.S. guise and represents one of Anjuna's classic releases. Getting a welcome update from the whizkid Andrew Bayer and label head James Grant, the rework wraps the original's distinctive, gorgeously melodic chords around a washing groove; perfect for laidback deep house dancefloors and Balearic sunsets.

2. ‘Alright’ (original club mix) by Mark Knight at 07.24 mins.
Following on from the massive Devil Walking & Sax, which reached number 1 & 2 on Beatport, Toolroom’s boss, the legendary Mark Knight returns with the next installment of his aptly titled Bullets EP. Bullets EP Vol. 2 features 2 tracks guaranteed to drive any dance floor from peak hour to after hour; ‘Alright’ is a tasty homage to the golden era of house, circa 1995 & ‘Together’ is a peak time piano tech-house at it's finest. It is not hard to imagine why these 2 tracks became The Bullets of this year's Winter Music Conference!

3. ‘Just Once’ (Audien remix) by Databoy at 12.42 mins.
Databoy is an Austin (Texas) based pop duo comprising of Cameron Maxwell and Adam Bailey. Some virtuosos have a crazy fitness to continually generate music with a weighty feel great vibe, and Nate Rathbun aka Audien has shown himself over again with his fresh out of the box new remix to Databoy’s initial track, ‘Just Once’. The vocals in this track instantly stand-out, but the clearing synthase unite an excellent x-element into the intermingle. Audien was kind enough to put this up for a unlimited download, so don’t overlook to get this track underneath.

4. ‘Chords’ by The Madison at 18.26 mins.
Hailing from a place which continues to produce more new talents- Ukraine; Stanislav Nozdrachov or as you may know him 'The Madison' has fast become in a short space of time the talk on everyone's lips!  Gathering a head of steam over the past few months he has seen his productions and remixes gain huge support from the who's who of trance. Delivering another EP, this time spread out over three outstanding tracks. One of it is 'Chords,' which again provides an instantly memorable main section that will stick in your head for days.

5. ‘Cloud Nine’ (Juventa remix) by Karanda at 23.40 mins.
We welcome back the almighty UK production team Karanda for release #60 on Alter Ego Records with the very impressive, 'Cloud Nine'. Having released their debut single entitled Karanda - Karanda back in 2009 on Alter Ego the boys have unleashed some magical records since then on the likes of Armada and Enhanced respectively. In addition to the truly explosive original marking the return of Karanda on Alter Ego Music we have two huge remixes to boot from Dutch whizkid Juventa and the very talented up and coming Russian producer Ozo Effy. 

6. ‘Much Too Much’ (Mike Shiver remix) by Andain at 30.36 mins.
One half of the acclaimed duo Gabriel & Dresden - Josh Gabriel along with Mavie Marcos formed a band called Andain in 2000 and since then have a history of divine electronica and spine-tingling lyrics. In support of their official album, which is ready for release, the duo presents the 2nd single ‘Much Too Much’ (1st one being ‘Promises’ in 2011). This’s a slow paced, but powerful and deeply emotive track that offers a superb backing track for Mavie's soaring vocals; this time remixed by Mike Shiver who lifts the entire production to a pumping level of superb tech trance. 

7. ‘Passport’ (Store N Forward remix) by Andy Tau at 36.34 mins.
Andy Tau returns to his main label Infrasonic with another gorgeous original titled ‘Passport’. A master at an array of different sounds, all of which continue to wow the trance scene, Andy delivers another accomplished single this time round which is overflowing with warm melodies, groovy percussion and another majestic hook line. German duo ‘Store N Forward’ supply their second remix on the label, and another peak time bomb. Turning up the BPM and serving up more aggressive beats; the duo's take is loaded with big sounds, pounding percussion arrangement and heavy guitar synth.

8. ‘Calling On’ by The Madison at 42.49 mins.
A-list support is all in a days work now due to his recent barrage of top shelf releases. Gathering a head of steam over the past few months is The Madison, having seen his productions and remixes gain huge support from the who's who of trance. Delivering another EP, this time spread out over three outstanding tracks. One of the other tracks that had to be included here is 'Calling On' which uses a simple, but incredibly effective hook, that really plays well with his tight, pulsing bass and neat melodies.

9. ‘Black Is Back’ (classic vocal mix) by Super8 & Tab ft. Jan Burton at 47.22 mins.
Having recently compiled their most classic releases for the retrospective ‘Anjunabeats pres. Super8 & Tab’ compilation, the Finnish duo Super8 & Tab return with a highly charged anthem that is likely to become a future classic in its own right. A firm fixture in the duo's recent sets, with driving rhythms, epic builds and an anthemic and nostalgic vibe, the Classic Vocal Mix has already gained momentum as a Super8 & Tab fans' favorite, "Black Is Back"; featuring the distinctive and gritty male vocals of former Gabriel & Dresden collaborator Jan Burton in its breakdown.

10. ‘The Fire Inside’ by Julius Beat & Olbaid at 53.46 mins.
Julius Beat, the talented DJ/Producer from Antioquia, Colombia has been active for quite some time now in the industry and has released several huge tracks. For this release Julius reserved his studio time together with Olbaid, also a Latin American DJ/Producer but hailing from Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico. Olbaid began in 2006 and his early singles were first published in 2008 on Beatport. Part of a 2-track EP, ‘The Fire Inside’ seem to have been specifically prepared for the summer as it breathes the crisp and open sound of the classic In Search of Sunrise tracks. 

11. ‘Aisuru’ by ReOrder at 1.00.02 mins.
Tibor Tomecko, better known as ReOrder makes a timely return to Perceptive Recordings label and comes equipped with ‘Aisuru’, another monster uplifter from the label favorite. Featuring production of the highest order, Tibor goes straight for the juggler with a pulsating bassline, tearing you from your comfort zone in a matter of minutes before embarking on a euphoric journey with ear catching plucks and an enchanting melody. Lead remix duties are undertaken by uplifting trance sensation Suncatcher who takes the original theme and tweaks it to another level. 

12. ‘Corsair’ by Dima Krasnik at 1.06.26 mins.
Again another one from the hot bed of new talent! Although he has been around for a few years now, Ukranian Dima Krasnik debuts on Enhanced label’s sub-label ‘Always Alive Recordings’ with the massive 'Corsair.' Huge synth lines and neat plucks are matched up with the thunderous lower end, making this an absolute crowd pleaser. Den Rize dons his Blur8 hat for the remix, increasing the pace and energy in a remix that really pushes the right buttons, and adds a great alternative to the Original for the release. A great debut from from the latest Ukranian talent Dima Krasnik!

As all good things come to an end, this is as far as we go for this month’s edition. Hope you’ve enjoyed what you heard and read. If you did, please forward it to as many like-minded folks as you can and spread the word; the more the merrier! I'd love to hear from you either on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/sebastian.thomas), Twitter (http://twitter.com/djsebastian4u) or on Sound Cloud (http://soundcloud.com/djsebastian4u). You can also find this and many of the older mixes missing from SoundCloud up on my MixCloud profile (http://www.mixcloud.com/sebastianthomas/). As you all know, it’s your feedback that has kept me going all this time so keep sending them in as much as you can. Till you hear from me again, take care and party hard!


EDM Sessions - June 2012

Greetings to all you lovely people who have tuned in and a very Happy New Year to all! I’m delighted to see that we all survived the  Apocalypse - the Mayans took practical jokes to a whole new level! For those who are new to this and wondering what this is all about, you are listening to the 1st edition of ‘EDM Sessions 2013’ monthly podcasts and I’m your host Sebastian Thomas. Every month, you’ll be served some of my favorites from the current highlights of the EDM scene from across the globe right at wherever you have tuned in from. I know i’m guilty for not putting this one out on time before the weekend started, but i’m glad its out before the weekend is over! So without further delay let’s get down to business, join me and the many other listeners from across the globe and turn it up!

1. ‘Crushed’ by Cosmic Gate at 00.01 mins.
One of the hardest working duos in dance music, Cosmic Gate have mixed the latest edition of the prestigious Trance Nation series. Compiling some of their favourite producers, remixers and artists over a 2CD release, Nic & Bossi perfectly capture the future sound of the genre. Taking on the baton from Above & Beyond, Andy Moor and Rank 1, Cosmic Gate deliver yet another superb volume to the Trance Nation series. To celebrate Nic and Bossi have created a very special track, 'Crushed' exclusively for the album which encapsulates all thats we love about this duo!

2. ‘LIberation’ (Something Good remix) by Orkidea at 06.28 mins.
Orkidea is one of Trance scene's original innovators, his DJ sets are legendary for their programming and his productions remain at the forefront of the pure Trance movement. 'Liberation' is taken from his '20' career spanning opus & this remix is from forthcoming '20 Remixed' edition. Kicking off with Tapio's trademark electronic sounds, warm phat synth tones riding crunchy beats, it's big room Trance all the way. Fellow Finland residents 'Something Good' deliver a fantastic progressive mix, swirling piano layers and strings that hint back to house originator Frankie Knuckles favorites all painted in state-of-the-art makeup. 

3. ‘Multiverse’ (Audien remix) by Jaytech at 12.55 mins.
The title track from Jaytech's second artist album, ‘Multiverse’ now gets a full single release with a new Club Mix from Jaytech himself and remixes from Audien and Mimax. Retaining the dramatic breakdown melodies of the original, Jaytech's Club Mix is built upon a fresh, bass-heavy groove that adds extra dancefloor weight to the track. American sensation Nate Rathbun, best known as Audien, continues his recent streak of creativity with a bubbling groove-driven remix that bristles with breakdown euphoria. Completing the package, Russian talent Mimax makes his Anjunabeats debut with a unique take on the track.

4. ‘Monolith’ (Maor Levi remix) by Andrew Bayer at 18.22 mins.
The latest single to be taken from Andrew Bayer's acclaimed "It's Artificial" album, the hypnotic prog monster "Monolith" is a typically intricate and epic production from the prolific US producer. With echoes of the Border Community sound, a haunting piano breakdown and a gargantuan drop, "Monolith" lives up its name in every sense. Its slightly more electro-edged sister "Polylith" retains the hypnotic vibe but adds a darker underside and a thumping drop. Rounding things off, Israeli innovator Maor Levi transforms "Monolith" into a twisted tech-trance groover with an uplifting breakdown.

5. ‘Eventide’ by Audien at 25.04 mins.
Following in the footsteps of artists like Arty and Norin & Rad, Connecticut based producer Nate Rathbun aka Audien is the latest genre-blurring talent to join Anjunabeats. A track that has been hammered by Above & Beyond in recent months, ‘Eventide’ is an emphatic Anjunabeats entrance for Audien. A bright, melodic forward-thinking fusion of trance and big room sound, ‘Eventide’ is a track that you are sure to be hearing of much more across the summer months. Another hybrid of modern melodic sounds, ‘Unity’ completes an incredibly assured and promising debut Anjunabeats release for the US producer. 

6. ‘Wayfayer’ by Audien at 30.00 mins.
Having already caused waves with his Anjunabeats debut ‘Eventide’, Audien is back with his second full Anjunabeats release in the euphoric ‘Wayfarer’. A track that is certain to rack up DJ plays and accolades, ‘Wayfarer’ already has the prestige of becoming the first ever track to be played on Above & Beyond's "Group Therapy" radio show when Jono, Tony and Paavo kicked off their set in Bangalore with it last November. Causing an instant flurry of online excitement ever since, "Wayfarer" is arguably Nate's classiest and most accomplished work to date reaffirming him as the most promising talent in Anjunabeats. 

7. ‘Capetown’ by Bluestone at 34.52 mins.
From his celebrated ‘On Our Own’ collab with Maor Levi, to his eastern inspired anthem ‘Namaste’, Ilan Bluestone has risen as one of the most promising new names in the Anjunabeats stable. A permanent fixture in Above & Beyond's recent DJ sets, ‘Capetown’ is another unique, melodic anthem from the London-based producer. Fusing a classy string led arrangement with deep bass and electro textures, ‘Capetown’ builds to a euphoric release on the breakdown - propelled forward with a distinctive vocal sample. HIs latest outing Sinai has been creating a storm in the scene even before its official release!

8. ‘First Strike’ (Juventa club mix) by Signum at 40.46 mins.
Some tracks will never leave the dance floor and some tunes never leave our hearts. Ten of those tracks are from Signum’s studio. Keeping trance alive for more than 15 years, the duo of Ron Hagen and Pascal Minnaard resulted in a collection of ultimate trance classics. Those classics now get a brand new interpretation by some of today’s most talented producers, coming together on ‘Signum Remixed’. Signum inspired the new generation of EDM producers to come up with their own interpretation of these trance essentials and this’s Jordin Post aka Juventa’s take on one of those classics.

9. ‘Metamorphose’ (club mix) - Juventa at 45.42 mins.
Dutch talent - the ever impressive Jordin Post , best known as Juventa, follows the blissed-out progressive stylings of his 'The Kite' with 'Metamorphose' - a turbo charged trancer featured on Armin van Buuren's 'Universal Religion 6' compilation. Producing since the tender age of 7, Juventa has grown in leaps and bounds with each release. Combining hard hitting beats and electrofied bass with gorgeous melodies, Juventa again comes up with something rather special, and a record that was made for the dancefloor. This has already garnered huge support from Armin van Buuren, Above & Beyond, Ferry Corsten, Gareth Emery and many more.

10. ‘Rewind’ (Mikkas remix) by Emma Hewitt at 51.36 mins.
Emma Hewitt has ever been the leading light in successful tracks of several leading names in EDM. This time, it's her own tune 'Rewind', taken from her 'Burn The Sky Down' album, that gets a remix treatment, by producers tyDi, Dabruck & Klein, KATFYR and Mikkas. Danish talent Kasper Smed Nielsen aka Mikkas has shaken the dance world from its roots for his heavy acid laced interpretation of Emma’s classic track. This remix was given lots of airplay by the likes of Above & Beyond, Armin van Burren, Markus Schulz, Ferry Corsten, Gareth Emery, Super8 & Tab and many more.

11. ‘Vision’ by Mike Koglin vs 7 Skies at 57.00 mins.
Having previously collaborated with everyone from Above & Beyond's Jono Grant to rising star Genix, the legendary German producer Mike Koglin teams up this time with Italy's finest David Boldini best known as 7 Skies for the fabulous ‘Vision’ - representing a welcome return to the label for the Italian powerhouse. This was 1st played by Above & Beyond in their Group Therapy radio set in Bangalore. ‘Vision’ already has firmly established its dancefloor credentials with plays by the top jocks across the spectrum. With a bumping, bouncy groove, ‘Vision’ falls into a classic breakdown with sweeping melodies and soaring build-up. 

12. ‘Wait Forever’ (Estiva mix) by Estiva & Cardinal ft. Arielle Maren at 1.03.11 mins.
Cardinal & Arielle Maren, responsible for Enhanced Progressive's massive 'Sink Into Me' 1 year ago, return to team up with Enhanced star, Estiva for this club favourite. 'Wait Forever', known for featuring on Enhanced Sessions Volume 3 mixed by Daniel Kandi & Estiva himself, is one of the future anthems of Enhanced Recordings. Whilst Cardinal & Arielle bring the addictive melodic riffs and clever vocal overlay, Estiva adds energy to the bottom end & that majestic clubby style that he's so well known for. A winning collaboration from three very unique artists! Huge support from Armin van Buuren, Above & Beyond and many more!

As all good things come to an end, this is as far as we go for this month’s edition and as far as this year goes. Hope you’ve enjoyed what you heard and read. If you did, please forward it to as many like-minded folks as you can and spread the word; the more the merrier! I'd love to hear from you either on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/sebastian.thomas), Twitter (http://twitter.com/djsebastian4u) or on Sound Cloud (http://soundcloud.com/djsebastian4u). You can also find this and many of the older mixes missing from SoundCloud up on my MixCloud profile (http://www.mixcloud.com/sebastianthomas/). As you all know, it’s your feedback that has kept me going all this time so keep sending them in as much as you can. Till you hear from me again, take care and party hard!


EDM Sessions - Jan 2013

A budding Electronic Dance Music producer...a part-time DJ...a podcaster...a full-time corporate executive...all in all a melting pot..!!