| Release Date: | 2005-11-08 |
By Lee Bemrose
Originally from 3D World
Enigma Volume Three is the latest release in a series showcasing the best local production across several genres of music. Mixed by Scott Baker, this double album features new releases from the likes of Liquid M, Yoshi and H.P.S? as well as equally exciting material from some lesser known producers including Victor James and Geoff Jones (Xenobis).
How long have you been producing music now?
For over 9 years. My live music work has lead me into the studio music technology world and even DJing.
What do you aim to achieve with your music?
I hope to give the listener cutting edge fresh appeal, moulding an array of soundscapes.
We don’t really have a lot of high profile local producers, at least compared to DJs. Why do you think this is so?
Australian DJs are evolving into producers these days; that is the trend I am noticing so I dare say we will evolve in our own time. We just take a little longer in Australia... hahaha....
How do you think local producers are viewed by punters compared to overseas producers?
Our recognition will rise thanks to great men like Glenn, and Enigma Records is carving new boundaries so I hope that the punter will give us a fair go because the product is just as good as anything coming from overseas.
How did your involvement with Enigma come about?
My manager and sometimes co-producer Chris asked me to put together a demo for an exciting new independent label in Sydney that promotes dance genres. I thought an Aussie label sounds very cool, and I am proud to say I am now a happy member of the Enigma family.
What can you tell us about your track(s) on Volume Three?
I still kept to the dance edge of things but with a more chilled approach to the sounds, many relaxing pads and synths to hopefully excite the listener and blend with the chilled theme of the second CD.
How often have you listened to the album for your own listening pleasure?
It is in the CD player of my car actually. I love it. I can't believe I am on a CD with such awesome talented producers. Enigma is blessed with some great artists.
What are some of the highlights for you?
I have a soft spot for CD two, however I think Scott does an amazing mix on CD one and I confess to have partied to it many a time as well. Glenn has picked an exciting and diverse sounding mix that truly is amazingly all Australian. Where have these people been hiding was my first question on listening to this CD... wow... these artists are awesome and I am truly inspired, bring on volume four!!!
How would you describe the album overall?
With some adjectives - like amazing, eclectic, deep, melodic, inspirational and very high quality. Glenn and Enigma are what we need to get our music heard. We need more pioneers like Enigma's Glenn.
How long have you been producing music now?
I have been writing dance music for 10 years now, which has gone by so quickly it is scary! I am happy to report that I am as passionate now about dance music as I ever have been. My best achievements over this time have been to cover a large stylistic territory without recycling ideas too much, and also to improve the production quality of my tracks greatly.
What do you aim to achieve with your music?
I mainly write music for my own personal satisfaction, so I can be a bit remiss when it comes to self-promotion. Things that I would like to work towards include playing more regular gigs, incorporating a greater degree of performance elements into live sets, and ultimately releasing my own tracks onto vinyl.
We don’t really have a lot of high profile local producers, at least compared to DJs. Why do you think this is so?
I think that very early in the scene the extroverts were attracted to DJing and the associated super-stardom, whilst the more introverted producers were happy to sit back in their home studios and quietly perfect their craft. The producers are out there - you just don't hear from them as much!
How do you think local producers are viewed by punters compared to overseas producers?
Although I have always had very positive feedback from punters about the quality of local producers, there are not many opportunities to be had. The issue is really to do with profile and risk. Promoters feel that they need internationals headlining to make their party a success. Likewise, it is seen as less risky to release a mix CD stuffed with overseas tracks than to release an album of original local music. I think that Enigma Records has been very brave to release a double CD of original music in this environment.
How did your involvement with Enigma come about?
It's not what you know, it's who you know that counts ;-)
What can you tell us about your track(s) on Volume Three?
The down-tempo "Finally Free" is a favourite track since it represents a stylistic departure for myself. I like the evil bass line and the vocal which was cut and reassembled to change the original meaning. "Lose Yourself" combines highly-produced progressive elements with a big trance hook, in an attempt to fuse the best elements of each genre. "Emerging" and "Reflection's Inner Space" are typical Xenobis uplifting trance tracks that will do the business on the dance floor.
How often have you listened to the album for your own listening pleasure?
The album is on constant iPod rotation in the car and at home! I tend to skip my own tracks though, because I have heard them a million times by now.
What are some of the highlights for you?
The Sybil's ORbit, Brigham and Victor James tracks on the slower-tempo CD (Disc Two) are mind-blowing in their technical perfection, innovation and diversity. On Disc One, the Liquid M tracks are as good as any uplifting trance which you are likely to hear anywhere - period. Lastly, H.P.S? just keeps churning out this amazing bangin' techno that is compressed like a diamond, and proves completely irresistible on the dance floor.
How would you describe the album overall?
I honestly cannot say enough good things about this album. There will be something on these CDs of interest to anyone who likes electronic music - be it chillout, electronica, trance, hard-house or techno. It is a cross-section of the best of the local scene, and with 31 tracks over two discs, Enigma Volume 3 represents outstanding value for money.
Enigma Volume Three is out now through Enigma Records/Stomp. For more information and to submit new production for possible inclusion on future volumes, go to www.enigmarecords.com.au.