Exclusive Interview: Laidback Luke Opens Up About Mastering the Art of DJing and EDM

CARL COX’S FORTHCOMING EVENTS IN AUSTRALIA & NZ
 
Carl Cox & Eric Powell’s Mobile Disco’ feat Cece Peniston & Robin S – taking place at a few wineries around Australia & New Zealand this November (Music: Disco/Funk/Soul).
 

 
Cece Peniston chatted with TODAY (Sonia & David yesterday), watch here: https://www.9now.com.au/today/2018/extras/clips/clip-cjmsdkrgp000b0ho31nrfbe32.
 
CARL COX & ERIC POWELL ANNOUNCE ‘MOBILE DISCO’ 2018
 
 
After the success of the very first overseas ‘Mobile Disco’ in Bali recently, Carl and Eric are excited toannounce the Australian & New Zealand tour dates for November 2018:
 
Carl Cox and Eric Powell's Mobile Disco 2018! Featuring special guests: Cece Peniston (Finally) & Robin S (Show Me Love)
  Mobile Disco Australia & New Zealand Tour Dates:  
17 November 2018 – Roma Street Parkland, Brisbane
Tickets: https://bit.ly/2LnVIyw
18 November 2018 – Waitiri Creek Winery, Gibbston Highway, NZ
Tickets: https://bit.ly/2HmQpx4
24 November 2018 – Australian National Botanic Gardens, Canberra
Tickets: https://bit.ly/2vE3kr4
25 November 2018 – Seppeltsfield Winery, Barossa Valley
Tickets: https://bit.ly/2JoQ2na
  
Music Policy: Funk, Disco, Soul Grooves
 
About event: Carl & Eric will be doing what they do best! Digging deep through their extensive record collections and picking out their favourite soul, funk and disco tracks that they were brought up with and tracks that have influenced them over the years.  It’s a known fact that they have many gems in the archives!
 
‘Mobile Disco’ began in Melbourne, Australia with 150 of Carl & Eric’s closest friends.  It’s gotten bigger each year with more friends & jazz, funk and disco loving fans coming along for the ride.  ‘Mobile Disco’ is now a ‘Must Attend’ national tour playing to sold out boutique shows at some of the most picturesque locations across Australia.  They embarked overseas for the first time, grooving Bali in fine form only a couple of weeks ago and will be also heading to New Zealand this November.
 
Both Carl & Eric will be entertaining the crowd from the start of the day til the end and are also excited to announce that special guests: Cece Peniston & Robin S will be performing live on stage.  Cece Peniston and Robin S come from that amazing house music sweet spot of the 90s.  These diva vocalists arguably have the two most iconic / classic genre defining vocal house tracks ever written.
 
So get those disco shoes ready, this is one Mobile Disco you won’t want to miss!!
 
Cece Peniston:
 
Cece Peniston is an international icon having won numerous awards across her 25 year history in the Music Industry, including: ‘Best Artist,’ ‘Songwriter of the Year,’ & ‘Urban Award of Achievement’ to name a few.  As an Artist, Performer & Songwriter, she is considered one of the most successful dance/club artists in the history of U.S Billboard Dance / Club charts.  Her hit single ‘Finally’ is one of the biggest dance records in history, selling over 3 million copies worldwide.  Cece also has a very special connection to Australia with ‘Finally’ heavily featured in Australia’s most loved musical ‘Priscilla Queen of the Desert.’
For more info, go to:
Twitter: @CeCe_Peniston
Facebook: @therealccp
Instagram: @cecepeniston
Robin S:
 
Robin S is a chart-topping successful Singer & Songwriter behind the hit singles: ‘Show Me Love’ & ‘Luv 4 Love.’ ‘Show Me Love’ is one of the most recognized dance records of the 90s, Robin S went on to achieve ‘Best Dance Artist’ and ‘Best Dance Single’ at the Billboard Awards.  Having worked with some of the biggest producers including Todd Terry and Dave Morales, Robin S is sure to get the crowd dancing once that keyboard riff from ‘Show Me Love’ kicks off!
For more info, go to:
Twitter: @TheReal_Robin_S
Facebook: @RobinS
Instagram: @therealrobin_s
 
For more info, go to:
Facebook: @carlandericsmobiledisco
Instagram: @carlandericsmobiledisco
Website: carlcox.com
Twitter: @Carl_Cox
Facebook: @carlcox247

After John Digweed played his first ever B2B set without Sasha (can you believe it?) - with Nicole Moudaber at Japan's Ultra Festival, they spoke to Magnetic Magazine, in what was a very frank, open and witty chat. They talked about tequila, 'doing the bins' and of course, the stresses and strengths of DJ life.
 
Around this time last week was a very special day for the attendees of Ultra Japan. On day one of the festival, the headliners of the off-beat Ultra Resistance stage were treated to the first ever B2B set from industry greats Nicole Moudaber and JohnDigweed. Not only was this their first time playing together, but this was in fact the first B2B set that John Digweed has ever done without Sasha. Digweed's expertly curated hard-hitting techno blended expertly with Moudaber's hypnotic, melodic style. The end result was skin crawlingly good; as Nicole strung the crowd out on blissed out chord progressions, John would drop a hammer and pull everyone back to earth. 
Just after this electric, one of a kind set, we sat down with the two of them to fire off a smattering of questions. Between Nicole's no-bullshit, ultra sweet personality and John's dry humor, it was enormously good time. The chemistry continued to impress as we dove into the human side of these two titans of industry.
 
Magnetic Magazine: What puts the biggest smile on your face?
Nicole Moudaber: What puts a smile on my face? Honestly, endearment. Endearment and also cheekiness. I'm a bit of both. I'm twisted and dirty or super, super soft. Nothing in between, that's it.
John Digweed: What puts a smile on my face would be that I’m still doing what I do after 30 years. There's people on the dance floor from 18 to whatever age having a great time. That's why I started and that's why I still love doing it now.
    MM: What's your favorite part about your job?
John Digweed: Every weekend is different. A lot of people have jobs that they love but they don’t get to experience different things every day. They do the same job, go to the same office, the same commute. Whereas, Tuesday I was in Ibiza, Thursday I was flying out to Japan, tomorrow I’m flying to Beijing. I go back to Europe then to Belgrade, then I go to San Francisco. Every few days there’s a different place, a different country, and a different culture. That’s an incredible life to live. In another world if I took a month slice of my current life and decided “Alright, I’m gonna tour these places” it would be incredible. But I’ve been traveling this way since probably 1994. Traveling opens my mind to how people live outside of my world.
Nicole Moudaber: I do agree with everything that John says. For me on a personal level, what I love the most is the love that I get from the people. Maybe because I didn't get enough of it when I was growing up, or something like that. But when I get the energy from the crowd, that, for me, is what I live for. Music is my salvation and DJing is my prayer.
MM: What do you do to stay grounded as you travel all across the world?
John Digweed: When I get home on Sunday, I’ve got to put the bins out. That's pretty great. I'm not an international DJ in those moments.
  Nicole Moudaber: For me what keeps me grounded is motivation and drive, really. Also, I generally don't drink too much. Actually I need to be honest, for the last six months I've been cheating. I've been letting my hair down.
John Digweed: Well you've got lots of it.
Nicole Moudaber: Ha! I am quite proud of this because the last six months I can do this and still travel the next day without feeling too whacked. Do you know what the secret is? Don Julio tequila. It doesn't have any sugar and you don't wake up with a hangover. Try it.
John Digweed: She’s got an endorsement deal.
MM: What's your least favorite part?
Nicole Moudaber: The intense traveling without any sleep. Sleeping is a luxury honestly. I think the last time I slept properly was back in January when I was in Thailand. But you know what, it all disappears once I get on stage. Once you get that whole flow of energy from the crowd, the pain goes away immediately. The tiredness in between gigs is fine, I can live with that.
John Digweed: I think everyone has to travel to go to work. Someone at Virgin Trains has got far more to complain about with traveling than I do. For me, the hardest part is being away from my family. Traveling is part and parcel of everyone’s job, but this job takes me away from my family at special times.
MM: Nicole, you closed a recent “In The Mood” podcast with a very interesting statement. “Hold your head high, and your middle finger higher! Most importantly, keep smiling baby!” Where do thoughts like that come from? It was very sweet.
Nicole Moudaber: I know. Recently I've been showing my softer side. Sometimes people think I'm this animalian, insensitive person because of the way I look or because of the way I say things. Which I get, because I'm quite blunt. But recently I'm learning to be a bit softer.
John Digweed: That's the Don Julio for you.
Nicole Moudaber: He’s a good influence in my life. John you're so funny. The things that you were throwing on stage and before we got on, you’re actually funny and I didn't know this.
John Digweed: I know. It's a hobby of mine. I'm doing stand up on the side.

MM: Both of you are very high profile figures in the music industry and as high profile figures you have a lot of expectations placed on you. How do you handle these expectations?
John Digweed: I think the expectations are deserved because if you're on top of the bill at a club or a festival, people are paying money to come see you. You have to give 110% every gig. You should carry those expectations because it's important to deliver on them. I've always been very focused on what I do in the music world. If I’m giving my best and criticism comes, I can analyze it and go “well, I did my best and there’s nothing I can say about that.” I think, like with every public figure, we’re here for a reason. We’re only going to stay here as long as we continue to deliver and play our best all the time. If we slip below our standards we’re not going stay in our position.
Nicole Moudaber: I can learn from him obviously because with my ups and downs, I'm very critical about myself. I'm not always at my best, because I have my own personal issues. It’s very difficult because I psych myself out. Sometimes I don’t want to get up there because I have emotional problems, or some other personal issue, but I’ve got to put on the face and the show must go on. So it’s a difficult job but sometimes getting up there is incredibly healing when you’re at your lowest. You see yourself in the way the crowd sees you.
  MM: What advice do you both have for people who are having a difficult time keeping their heads up?
Nicole Moudaber: My first piece of advice is to have good friends around you. Good friends who don't judge you and who tell you like it is. My second piece of advice is to learn how to be by yourself once in a while. That way you can look at yourself and see why you’re obsessed with this, or bugging out about that, and figure out whatever is bothering you. Lastly, I recommend reading other people’s writing and listening to other people speak about their problems; so that you can learn that you’re not alone. 
 
   
REE FOR  © 2018 Magnetic Magazine    

Sydney’s global dance export, Go Freek, have just produced their catchiest tune to date. ‘Love Is The Weapon’, steps in an exciting new direction for the electronic heavyweights as they blend their signature offensive bass lines and tech-house percussion with a truly addictive topline. After spending quite some time in the U.S. smashing stages at the likes of EDC and Nocturnal Wonderland and playing European boat parties with artists such Detlef and Latmun, they’ve finally managed to find some time between drinks to get in the studio and deliver this sure hit, out today on Sweat It Out.
 
"When you work on something long enough you become emotionally attached and your art becomes a part of you. In the case of ‘Love Is The Weapon’, it was in the works for over 8 months. It grew from an idea that was almost thrown away, and has now become our most unique and exciting record to date. I remember having a moment of hysterical laughter and tears when we wrapped up the final mixdown. My mum complained that after first listen she had an earworm for days to follow. We are so proud of this record." Go Freek.
 
And proud as punch they should be after the career successes these boys have achieved over the years. With multiple ARIA Club Chart Top 10s, including their record breaking #1 collaboration with Dom Dolla on ‘Define’ and #2 on ‘Call Out’ and ‘Put It Down’ in 2016 and 2017 respectively. It comes as no surprise then that Go Freek have been given the nod of approval from some of the biggest names in dance, including Claude VonStroke, Camelphat, A-Trak, Don Diablo, Anna Lunoe, Claptone and most recently support from arguably the most popular DJ of 2018, FISHER, on their previous single, ‘Time’.
 
With a 12 date national tour around the corner, there is no doubt ‘Love Is The Weapon’ will earworm it’s way into every aspect of your life. Be sure to send this one to your mum.
 
‘Love Is The Weapon’ is out now via Sweat It Out. 

Alpha Booking Agency is Australia's first all female and LGBTQI+ inclusive booking agency, run by female agents with the mission to support, empower and navigate a positive and successful career for women in music.  
 
Founded by Kailei Ginman in 2018, Alpha was the brainchild of a female music industry worker who had not only faced adversity as a woman in music herself, but also saw the struggles her female talent had faced over the years.  
 
"Our goal is to see social change, not only for women in music, but for women in Australia and globally." – Kailei Ginman
 
Alpha will work with a roster of female and identifying artists including Australian DJs: Ayebatonye, Feline, Rosie Kate, Sara T, Stacie Fields and Stara and will work closely with charities and other female focused businesses for women's rights and other marginalised communities.

About Kailei Ginman ‘Alpha Booking Agency’ Founder & Director
Kailei’s calling into the Australian music industry originated in 2007, unfolding inside the walls of an artist management company with a roster nurturing remarkable Australian talent including: Evermore, Lisa Mitchell and Operator Please.
 
Armed with a plethora of skills, Kailei then went into a diverse range of roles within the music industry working as a booking agent and promoter with Platinum One Entertainment, a publicist and radio plugger with Shake Appeal, a merchandise-marketing manager with Araca Australia and most recently as a booking agent with Ministry of Sound, harnessing her talents in corporate event bookings and brand partnerships for her roster of over 80 electronic acts.
 
Kailei’s artist relationships are home grown working with household name including: Havana Brown, The Potbelleez, Stafford Brothers, The Vines, Gang of Youths, Peking Duk and Australia’s leading electronic artists at Ministry of Sound Australia just to name a few.  Spanning across her time in the industry, Kailei has worked on international tours with R&B legends Salt N Pepa, Coolio, Sean Paul, Fatman Scoop and 112.
 
In 2016, Kailei’s own personal mission, goals and experience as a female in the music industry, ignited the idea of the need for a female-focused agency because her musical roster was filled will an extraordinary tribe of female talent.  It was through this moment in time when Kailei conceptualized and launched ‘Alpha Booking Agency’ with the mission to nurture successful careers with longevity plus to understand and protect the needs of women in touring especially for the female talent Kailei represented.
Kailei is extremely proud to launch Australia’s first all female and LGBTQ+ inclusive booking agency, representing females and fem-identifying artists, run by females, who employs females in all areas of the company including closely working with women’s and the LGBTQ+ community charities.
 
For more info, go to:
IG - https://www.instagram.com/alphabookingagencyau 
FB - https://www.facebook.com/alphabookingagency 
W - http://alphabookingagency.com