We Are Machine - New Blood mix series

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https://wearemachine.net/2017/11/14/new-blood-001-mix-mattia-pompeo/

1.	Hi Mattia! Thanks for checking in with We Are Machine.  What was your first experience with electronic music?  

Music has been in my life since I was a child. My parents suggested me to learn it when I was young. About seven years ago, I came across electronic music. My first experience was in a club of my city in Italy. Some friends of mine opened a club and I started to mix some vinyls just for a joke, and in the end it was just love. Step by step I started as a dj and after a year I started to produce music.  

2.	Which producers inspired you as you began developing your own sound? How?

I like listening to all kinds of music- not just electronic. If we’re talking about producers, among my favourites are Sasha, AFFKT, Laurent Garnier and Gui Boratto. I believe they are amazing artists that have created their own sound, and they are very inspiring to me. I also like looking for new music online from unknown artists. You never know what treasures you can find!

When I’m in my studio about to produce a track I try not to listen to any electronic music right before so it doesn’t influence what I’m creating at the moment, and I can just let my imagination go wherever it wants. In those moments I usually go for bands that have been beside me all my life such as Muse, Jamiroquai or Arctic Monkeys.

3.	What was the turning point when electronic music switched from being a hobby to a career?

Actually, it wasn’t really a specific moment. It all just started little by little and very naturally I started working on it everyday. Then I started having releases, gigs until I just decided that I didn’t want to do anything else but music, and here I am- doing what I love. 

4.	So what can you tell us about the mix?  How did you go about recording it? 

On my podcasts I always try to play new tracks that I really like. Just one hour is not too much, but I try to tell a little story with the tracks I’m playing and create an evolution from the first track to the last track- so the whole session can feel like a story and make the listener become part of it.

5.	What’s in the pipeline for you re: gigs and releases?

I just came back from my tour in India and it was an amazing experience. India is a very interesting and unique nation and its people and streets really reflect that. 

At the moment the next release I’ll have will be an EP with the Australian singer Haptic and it will be released this month on Constant Circles. I’m also working on a release with Click Records and two EPs in collaboration with Betoko and Beatamines. As for my next gigs, I’ll be mainly in Europe, so stay tuned!

We Are Machine - New Blood 001 - Mattia Pompeo

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https://wearemachine.net/2017/12/20/new-blood-002-mix-nichols/

Closing out a breakthrough year which saw the release of his Ethereality EP on @TheSoundgardenRecords label, London-based DJ and producer, @Grant-Nichols shares an exclusive mix with We Are Machine for the second installment of the New Blood mix series.

We Are Machine - New Blood 002 - Nichols

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https://wearemachine.net/2018/01/15/new-blood-003-mix-mihai-vladu/

1.      Hi Mihai!  Thanks for checking in with We Are Machine.  What was your first experience with electronic music?  

My musical journey began with my first residency at the local club with my best friend in our hometown. After I finished high school I moved to Bucharest to study.  The DJing hobby was put on hold, but after two years I started to make music.
 
2.      Which producers inspired you as you began developing your own sound? How?

There are so many producers that inspired me over the years. Early influences were Moby, Dennis Ferrer, Lee Burridge, Thomas Melchior, Matthew Dekay, Mihai Popoviciu, S.A.M. (Mandar), Sascha Dive, Archie Hamilton, So Inagawa, iO (Mulen), Tuccillo, Gorje Hewek & Izhevski. More recently, Janeret, East End Dubs, Swoy, Lauren Ritter, YokoO, Cosmjn, Lizz, Teluric, Adrianho.
 
3.      What was the turning point when electronic music switched from being a hobby to a career?

During the past years I have really focused on music production and finding my own style. Now I need to work more to achieve this dream.
 
4.      So what can you tell us about the mix?  How did you go about recording it? 

The mix is a combination of styles between dreamy sounds and deep-dubby tracks always with a groove attitude. On my podcasts I always try to tell a little story. I recorded it using my laptop and a mixer. I put very emotional and groovy tracks- not so dark for this podcast, and I hope you’ll like this.
 
5.      Your recent Refuge of Dream EP as Celestial Strangers was released on Akbal Music. What can you tell us about the Celestial Strangers project?   

We started the project inspired by Lee Burridge & Matthew Dekay’s All Day I Dream parties and from our common passion for melodic music. Flavius (Obscure Promises) who is an amazing producer started a track inspired by one of Matthew’s songs. He showed it to me and from that point we started the project called “Celestial Strangers”.
 
6.      As we head into 2018, what’s in the pipeline for you re: gigs and releases?

First, a very Happy New Year to you! In the New Year, I will try to have more gigs here in my country, Romania and also outside. I’m also working on my solo project at the moment because I want to release my first EP this year.

We Are Machine - New Blood 003 - Mihai Vladu

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Tracklisting:  https://wp.me/p90OfT-LY

1.	Hi Daniel!  Thanks for connecting with We Are Machine.  How would you describe your sound as a solo artist to fans of the Digitaria project?

I am sure my solo project sounds harsher, dirtier and heavier than most of Digitaria's stuff. We never focused on any specific genre and we were always very open to every idea, but in the end there were tracks that we felt that didn't fit exactly with the project. That is why we decided to create solo projects. 

2.	Digitaria has released music on top labels like Hot Creations and Get Physical.  Do you kind of welcome the challenge of creating your own momentum with your solo project?

It's a funny feeling because I've always loved to do music with other people and I am very used to it. I enjoy sharing ideas with other producers, etc. Releasing music totally by myself is a completely new experience for me after all those years. 

3.	You’re releasing your Social Operators EP on Feb 23rd on your Clash Lion label.  You guys certainly kicked things off with a bang with the Maetrik release last year!  What do you see is the identity of the label, and what is the outlook for 2018?

I think that we (myself, Terr and Shall) are searching for good electronic music - innovative, passionate, creative music- be it techno, electro, electro-rock, ambient, experimental music, etc. It's too early to have an 'identity,' but I'd like that in some time people look at the label as a source of good and interesting avant-garde electronic music. We have a lot of good stuff coming in 2018 from big names to bedroom producers. We are really proud of it. 

4.	I see Digitaria is part of a rather massive lineup at the Daydream Festival.  What else is in the pipeline for you this year re: gigs and releases?

Well, we have been taking care of a lot of stuff lately... Daniela has a lot of things going on with Terr. I am focusing a lot on my solo stuff, and we still have to take care of the label with Shall so Digitaria is not the only child anymore as it once used to be. We have just gotten back from a tour in Brazil, and we’re still deciding what to do next. We have dozens of unfinished Digitaria tracks that are going to see the light of the day soon. 

5.	So what can you tell us about the mix?  How did you go about recording it?

I did this mix during our tour in January... I chose some new stuff I think is interesting- fresh tracks. I tried to mix well known and respected producers like Marc Houle, Dusty Kid and DJ Hell with new fresh talents like Simple Symmetry and Fiberroot. In the end it's just music I've been listening to and I think people could take a listen and have some fun with!

We Are Machine - New Blood 004 - Daniel Watts

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Tracklisting: https://wp.me/p90OfT-Pu

1. Thanks for your time today, Alex! Your Raw War EP is coming out on April 6th on SCI+TEC which will be your second release for the label.  What does it mean to you to have Dubfire’s support of your music?

Thank you for having me! Well, to get support from an artist like Dubfire is something incredible. He is an artist that I have always admired and followed for many years. When you see him play one of your tracks, it’s a little surreal at first. I am very grateful for his support and the opportunities he has helped me secure.
 
2. What sets your sound apart within the SCI+TEC stable of artists?

That’s quite a hard question as obviously SCI+TEC is synonomous with a sound that brings darker techno with minimalist touches and dub sounds. However each artist is unique in their own way as we all develop specific elements which can help define whose track it is. For me, I always try to make a groove, no matter how dark the track might be.
 
3. You’re a resident DJ at Barcelona’s INPUT club, and you’ve opened for Dubfire, Adam Beyer, Pan-Pot, Nicole Moudaber, etc. Looking at the schedule, Maceo Plex in Maetrik mode, ANNA and Sam Paganini are all set to appear in the coming weeks. How have your experiences as resident DJ affected your overall approach?

Yes, for the last 2 years I have been a resident there. It's given me the oppourtunity to share a night with some of the best artists the industry has to offer, and it's been an incredible experience. Last weekend was with Alan Fitzpatrick, this weekend with ANNA and then we have Maceo Plex aka Maetrik, Green Velvet and Sam Paganini to come. The chance to play here came at a time in my career when I felt the most motivated. It takes a lot of concentration and focus to not only play the perfect opening set but to also give the crowd the maximum I can. So preparation is key! 
 
4. The Deals originally began as a duo. How has the transition into a solo project been?

It has actually been quite a strange experience, as Denis and I used to spend every day together for maybe 7-8 years! We grew up and went to school together, and then we started making music together and then started to play gigs. The first few times in the studio alone, it felt like something was missing and even more so when you are at a club, but things change and little by little I got a lot more comfortable and to where I am today.
 
5. So, what can you tell us about your mix? What was your approach on this one?

I tried to show you what I really love to play, and how to best portray my sound to its maximum. Always when you play opening sets, you don’t get to go too crazy and let loose so this one, I did just that! I hope you enjoy it, and thank you so much for chatting with me!

We Are Machine - New Blood 005 - The Deals

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Tracklisting: https://wearemachine.net/2018/06/27/new-blood-006-mix-evans/

1. Hi Daniel!  Thanks for checking in with We Are Machine. How has Sasha influenced your sound as a producer, and what was his feedback when you submitted your “Through Her” EP to Last Night on Earth?

I’ve always been a fan of Sasha from way back in the day when I was first getting into music. Being one of the only DJs delivering extended 3 - 4 hour sets at the time really inspired me. My sound is growing constantly each time improving from the last, mainly focusing on quality of sound. When I sent the EP over to Sasha, he said he was really impressed with it and would 100% fit Last Night on Earth. As you can imagine I was quite excited!!
 
2. The “Through Her” single seems like such an ideal fit for the LNOE sound with that sultry vocal by Shawni. How did that collaboration come about, and will you be working with her again in the future?

I’m really good friends with Shawni. I love working with her as she’s always bringing the very best out of my productions. The first track I produced with her was Evans feat. Shawni – “0.19” which I actually released on my own label, Dilate Records. I’m sure we will be working together again in the near future.
 
3. You began releasing music in 2013 when your first EP was signed to Audiofly’s Supernature label. How has your approach evolved since then, and what type of sound are you moving toward at the moment?

I don’t think my sound has changed that much in terms of style since back in 2013, but I would say my productions sound more professional and a lot nicer on the ears haha. My approach has been to make every production sound better than the last.
 
4. So what can you tell us about the mix? Are there any key sections or moments in it that capture your strengths as a DJ?

Firstly, thank you very much for inviting me to be your guest. I had a lot of fun recording the mix. I’d say the selection of tracks provides the listeners a good idea of the hypnotic journey and style I like to create when playing in clubs.
 
5. How’s the rest of 2018 looking for you? What’s in the pipeline for you re: gigs and releases?

So I’ve just finished a really amazing EP which I would possible say is my best work yet, I can’t say which label it’s coming out on but it’s really exciting!! I’ve had a lot of interest from artist management companies recently also which is interesting. I’m really looking forward to seeing what happens in the future.

We Are Machine - New Blood 006 - Evans

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Tracklisting: https://wearemachine.net/2018/07/13/new-blood-007-mix-ryan-mckay/

1. Hey Ryan! Your Illusions EP for Gary Beck’s BEK Audio label is a totally new project for you. As you begin to establish a new sound, what will people hear in your music that is different from your previous projects?

It’s definitely a darker vibe.  All three tracks are fairly dark and stripped back.  I’ve tried to really craft every drum noise and vocal to keep a certain sound, which really helped to keep the EP raw but without losing energy too.
 
2. So your Illusions EP is released on July 16th. Do you have a lot of new music that will be following later this year or are you taking time to focus in the studio?

I’m currently writing a new Ryan McKay EP which I’m quite excited about.  My brother, Harvey and I are also finishing up our third Alias EP too.
 
3. Speaking of the Alias project, your NRG EP was released in May on Drumcode, and you and Harvey even played at Brooklyn’s Output together. What was it like collaborating in the studio?

I think we were surprised how well we worked together. We ended up writing our first EP pretty quickly. There was just a really good flow in the studio. Plus we are both pretty focused in on a certain sound and making something that’s quite different too. I think it helps that we are pretty close as brothers.
 
4. Now, tell us about your inspiration for the Ryan McKay sound?

I feel like it was a natural progression for my production. I had been making darker techno tracks for quite a while that I never actually sent anywhere. So, after sending a couple tracks to Gary Beck and getting a lot of support I felt like I was on the right track, and I ended up writing this EP.
 
5. So what was your concept with this New Blood mix? How did you approach it?

My concept for the mix was just to keep a dark energetic vibe that fits the sound of the EP, there’s also an unreleased track on mine in there too. Cheers for having me!

We Are Machine - New Blood 007 - Ryan McKay

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Tracklisting and Q&A:  https://wearemachine.net/2018/11/19/new-blood-008-mix-any-mello/

We Are Machine - New Blood 008 - Any Mello

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Tracklisting and Q&A: https://wearemachine.net/2019/02/18/new-blood-009-mix-sumluv/

We Are Machine - New Blood 009 - Sumluv

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Tracklist and Q&A: https://wearemachine.net/2019/05/22/new-blood-010-mix-a-s-h/

@this_is_ash

We Are Machine - New Blood 010 - A.S.H

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Interview & tracklist: https://wearemachine.net/2019/07/22/new-blood-011-mix-delos/

Delos are a formidable London-based duo who manage to distill elements of disco, indie dance and house creating something fresh and unique in the process. Ahead of the release of their “Life can change in just one minute” single for longtime friend, Francesca Lombardo’s Echolette label, Delos (Marc Dolley and Denise Fadigati) share an exclusive mix with We Are Machine they’ve titled, “I didn’t say you were trying to be perfect.”

We Are Machine - New Blood 011 - Delos

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Interview & tracklist: https://wearemachine.net/2019/08/30/new-blood-012-mix-superlux/

Superlux consists of Mike Gill, Nick Gynn and Johnny Hunter. Ahead of their debut release on Superlux Records, Gill and Gynn share an exclusive B2B mix for the twelfth edition of the New Blood mix series.

We Are Machine - New Blood 012 - Superlux

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Interview & tracklist:  https://wearemachine.net/2019/09/20/new-blood-013-mix-senses-of-mind/

Belgian duo Senses of Mind (Miles Vanderlooven and Kynan Cosma) will release “Origins” on the Labyrinth Club’s label, Labyrinth Music, and they’ve shared an exclusive mix with We Are Machine featuring the track to mark the occasion.

We Are Machine - New Blood 013 - Senses of Mind

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Interview & tracklist: https://wearemachine.net/2019/10/11/new-blood-014-mix-weska/

Weska has also shared an exclusive one-hour live recording of his set at De Cacaofabriek last Saturday in the Netherlands exclusively with We Are Machine for the fourteenth installment to the New Blood mix series.

We Are Machine - New Blood 014 - Weska

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Interview & tracklist: https://wearemachine.net/2019/10/28/new-blood-015-mix-taya/

Following last month's premiere of TAYA's remix of Acaxia's "All I Need" out now on Circus Recordings, the Australian DJ and producer has shared an exclusive 60 minute mix for the 15th installment to the New Blood mix series.

We Are Machine - New Blood 015 - TAYA

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Interview: https://wearemachine.net/2020/03/09/new-blood-016-mix-cour-t/

Still just a teenager, We Are Machine connected with Dirtybird’s bright young talent, Cour T. (Vinicius Bitencourt) for an interview and exclusive mix ahead of his hometown gig, Dirtybird 2020 – São Paolo alongside mentor, Claude VonStroke.

We Are Machine - New Blood 016 - Cour T.

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Interview & tracklist:  https://wearemachine.net/2020/05/08/new-blood-017-mix-mala-strana/

As Dallas-based artist, Mala Strana celebrates the release of his new Enceladus EP for Desert Hearts Black, he has shared an exclusive mix with We Are Machine which features music from BLANCAh, Kerri Chandler and Hot Since 82.

We Are Machine - New Blood 017 - Mala Strana

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Interview & tracklist: https://wearemachine.net/2020/05/19/new-blood-018-mix-admn/

As the Infolines label gets things underway with their Packard release, label co-founder, ADMN shares an exclusive 60 minute mix.

We Are Machine - New Blood 018 - ADMN

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Interview & tracklist: https://wearemachine.net/2020/05/21/new-blood-019-mix-eauxmar/

Following the release of “Given Away / Given Back” single earlier this month, @EAUXMAR has created a vibrant, genre-skipping mix that reflects his R&B, dance and indie influences.

We Are Machine - New Blood 019 - EAUXMAR

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Interview & tracklist:  https://wearemachine.net/2020/05/29/new-blood-020-mix-risa-taniguchi/

For the 20th edition of We Are Machine’s New Blood mix series, Tokyo’s @RisaTaniguchi shares an exclusive mix packed with her own productions created during the lockdown.