anakim
Premiere: Anakim talks ‘The Oracle’ EP and taking an organic approach to music [Stream]
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Anakim is on a journey and that journey is starting to get real good.
His latest step forward on that journey? His new EP out on EIN2, The Oracle. These two tracks embody growth and decay with dastardly synths and heaving kicks. Like any journey that’s worth it in the end, both tracks keep listeners guessing, filling them with excitement surrounding what will happen next.
Anakim’s quest as a DJ and producer is a concrete example of how the music industry rewards artists who focus on doing things right rather than quick; full of favorable encounters, hard work, and refreshing achievements.
In the culture of Soundcloud and Ableton Lite, many producers adopt the “get rich quick” mentality, hoping that a formulaic mindset will lead to a hit record. Not Anakim though. Like other revered producers such as Jauz and Slander, he attended Icon Collective in Los Angeles, receiving a traditional education in music production. While he was there, he spent his time networking with other artists around his hometown of L.A., making real connections and becoming a staple in the scene.
Now after a few years of this prudent approach, Anakim’s getting booked at Coachella, he’s winning Insomniac‘s Discovery Project, and Above & Beyond are playing his tracks on AGBT. Yet after all this success, he hasn’t forgotten his roots as he just released a remix on one of his earliest labels, Understated Recordings, alongside impressive newcomers SOHMI and ASHE, lending his rising name to those who may be a few steps behind him on their own journey.
A class act through and through, we were able to speak with Anakim about his journey as an artist in addition to premiering The Oracle in full. Stream the EP and read his answers below:
1. What was the intention behind ‘The Oracle’ EP?
A few months ago I happened to watch two movies in the span of three days: The Never Ending Story and The Matrix. In both those films the lead characters, Atreyu and Neo, are both looking for the oracle in their respective worlds. To be clear, an oracle is a person considered to be able to make prophetic predictions or have precognition of the future. That search for answers those characters embarked on about the world around them fully inspired me to create this concept EP called “The Oracle”. I think everyone can relate to searching for meaning in their own life at a certain point, so in a sense, this EP is a mini-soundtrack to various stages in that journey.
2. How did it feel to have Above & Beyond play one of these tracks on ABGT?
That was such a crazy moment for me. I saw Above & Beyond perform at my very first rave back in 2010. I’ve seen them about six times since. Their Trance Around The World and Group Therapy Radio shows have had such a huge impact on me over the years, they’re such iconic radio shows. I literally teared up with joy when I found out they supported The Oracle on ABGT 340. Could I have ever imagined as a raver in the crowd at their shows they’d one day be supporting my music? Not at all. It’s a milestone for me and definitely a feeling I’ll never forget.
3. What was it like for you winning the Discovery Project? How has winning enhanced your career as an artist?
Because I have such a long-standing history with Insomniac Events, winning the Discovery Project was always a major goal of mine. It’s completed a full circle for me, one that began as a raver attending literally every Insomniac event for about six years straight, from their massives to their shows at local clubs, to now having performed at Beyond Wonderland and EDC this year. Thanks to the Discovery Project I now have a good relationship with the biggest dance music promoter in North America and it’s given me an opportunity to not only play their events, but to release my music to their ever-growing fan base.
4. You just put out another remix on one of your first labels, Understated Recordings. How has it been for you to watch them grow recently?
Understated is family. Without them taking a chance on my Veins EP two years ago I’m not sure where I’d be. I’m so proud of how far they’ve come. Seeing them partner with labels like Astralwerks, they deserve all the success that has come their way and so much more.
5. What is one of your dream labels to release music on?
Anjunadeep, Last Night on Earth, Bedrock, and Outta Limits are my top labels I want to release on. It may take a little time, but we’re going to manifest this.
6. You are one among many graduates from Icon collective who has found real success in music. What is it about that program that you think is so effective in advancing artists’ careers?
It’s the tap water in that building, I swear. Really though, the instructors and mentors do such a great job at teaching the students not only the technical aspects of Logic and Ableton, but also intangible things like how to get into a creative state of flow, how to break through writer’s block, how to navigate the music industry, etc. Mix that in with a student body that eats, sleeps, and breathes music production, that is unconditionally supportive of their peers, and you have quite the recipe for success. Icon builds stars of the future and it shows.
7. What do you have coming up for the rest of 2019? Any tour plans to coincide with your impressive release schedule?
August 9th you can catch me performing at Sound Nightclub with Drumcode star Julian Jeweil and my good friend, as well as rising techno star, Sara Landry. I’m not at liberty to fully discuss what else I have going on for the rest of the year, but it definitely is something worth keeping your eyes on.
NMF Roundup: REZZ and Deathpact link up, Wave Racer unveils new single + more
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It’s most important day of the week: New Music Friday. With the overwhelming amount of tunes hitting the airwaves today, Dancing Astronaut has you covered with the latest edition of The Hot 25.
REZZ and Deathpact take no prisoners in their new collaboration, “Kiss of Death,” and Wave Racer follows up recent single, “Auto,” with the soothing “Summer Rain.” Skrillex makes an appearance on Ed Sheeran’s latest, “Way To Break My Heart,” and Tycho reveals his full Weather LP on Mom+Pop/Ninja Tune. Ekali and Reo Cragun bring “Runaway” to Big Beat, and Madeon continues his tour de force with “Dream Dream Dream.” Keys N Krates have released a brand new “beat tape,” featuring tunes like “Sad Piano,” and TroyBoi returns to OWSLA for “PAPI CHULO.” Camelphat throw it way back with a remix of Dirty Vegas’ iconic 2002 release, “Days Go By,” and KSHMR taps Mike Waters for “My Best Life.” Moon Boots and Steven Klavier are all “Tied Up,” and David Guetta and Martin Solveig deliver a club mix of “Thing For You.” Tiësto crafts a big room remix of Illenium and Jon Bellion’s “Good Things Fall Apart,” and Armin van Buuren, Avian Grays, and Jordan Shaw team up for “Something Real.” Sofi Tukker get groovy on “Swing,” and Valentino Khan and Diplo collaborate on a hefty house heater, “JustYourSoul.”
As each week brings a succession of new music from some of electronic music’s biggest artists, here’s a selection of tracks that shouldn’t be missed this NMF.
Photo credit: Rukes
Dexter’s Beat Laboratory Vol. 90
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Dexter’s Beat Laboratory is a weekly collection of songs from DA managing editor Robyn Dexter. With a taste that can only be described as eclectic — to say nothing of a name that lends itself to punnery — DA is happy to present a selection of tracks personally curated by Dexter for your listening pleasure.
Listen in playlist format here.
After releasing his blue! EP via the label earlier this year, Brock Wilson returns to Mad Zoo to reveal a new single: “Moment of Clarity.” This track shows the full breadth of Wilson’s skill set, as he moves fluidly between smooth, ambient sections and choppier segments. The middle passage of “Moment of Clarity” features the artist’s own vocals over a bed of minimalist percussion, ebbing and flowing until it returns to a calming outro.
Earlier this week, the music world was blessed with a slew of remixes of Seven Lions, Wooli and Trivecta‘s “Island,” featuring takes from Sullivan King, TYNAN, and many more. Among these is a celestial reinvention from Au5. He’s created a meticulously pieced together version of the song, adding his signature melodic dubstep elements and a heavy helping of bass to craft an adaptation that’s all his own.
Over the years, Canadian duo Eminence have tried their hand at a number of genres, garnering fans worldwide through EPs and singles on Monstercat. In their latest effort, they’ve taken on Vicetone‘s February track “Home,” a slightly wistful piece that still maintained an upbeat atmosphere. Eminence, however, lean into the melancholic elements of Vicetone’s original to create a house remix that’s more understated and alluring.
In his latest tune, Anakim has opted to remix LUNR’s “Shadows.” The LA-based artist has constructed an even darker take on LUNR’s original, tapping into the shadowy elements of Max Comeau’s vocals and sprinkling in ominous synth undertones. At seven minutes long, Anakim’s rendition is a truly eerie but satisfying sonic journey. “I don’t do remixes often, but this one I just couldn’t say no to,” the artist told Groove Cartel.
Just days after announcing a nine-stop US tour, Hannah Wants has unveiled a new single on her Etiquette label, “Love Somebody.” The tech house tune, released in original mix and extended mix formats, consists of retro vocals over an irresistibly infectious beat. This one’s primed for a dance floor and practically begs listeners to keep their feet moving into the wee hours of the morning.
Lunar Lunes: KOAN Sound return, Zomboy showcases feisty ‘Lone Wolf,’ Doctor P gives listeners ‘something to believe in’ + more
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Each week, New Music Friday sweeps through with torrential force, showering streaming platforms with immeasurable amounts of new tunes. Just like Dancing Astronaut rounds up 25 of the biggest songs of the week for the Hot 25 Spotify playlist each New Music Friday, Lunar Lunes serves as a landing pad for SoundCloud users who want a whole new dose of tunes to kick off the work week.
Three years in the making, KOAN Sound have unveiled a single from their forthcoming debut album, Polychrome. Also making a comeback is Haywyre, who’s released his first single in two years: the disco-infused “Tell Me.” Luttrell returns to Anjunadeep for “Out of Me,” a mystical venture that propels the listener deep into outer space. Dubstep powerhouses Teminite, Chime and PsoGnar have teamed up for a dynamic single, “Monster,” which showcases all three artists’ skillful wobble-crafting abilities, along with PsoGnar’s vocals. Also in the dubstep realm, Doctor P returns with his fourth release of the year, “Something To Believe In.” Xavi’s created a clever take on Porter Robinson‘s notable “Sea of Voices,” and Nitti Gritti molds his own bass-heavy version of Dillon Francis‘ “White Boi.”
The selection is updated every Lunes (Monday).