Music is the Answer presents Summer Days

  • On August 28th and 29th, 2021, Music is the Answer will host our first mini festival. We bring you 2 full days of progressive house and house music at the magic castle we call home. We've really worked hard to bring an array or talent, from these shores, Europe and the Americas, and we've got more surprises to come. On Saturday 28th, we bring you Darren Emerson and Quivver. Darren Emerson Solidly consistent productions, inspiring DJ performances and an unquenchable thirst for the new and interesting everywhere it can be found is an irresistible and intoxicating brew. A true pioneer, Darren is one of the most influential figures in dance music, having collaborated with artists as diverse as Sasha, Depeche Mode, Bjork and The Chemical Brothers, from rocking Glastonbury with Underworld and the perenial classic "Born Slippy" to topping the UK charts with his own label Underwater. Indeed from the age of 18 he was already on his way to creating platinum million selling albums and singles with Underworld followed by some of the most successful DJ mix compilations of all time with Global Underground, Cream, Underwater and more. Twenty years since the release of the seminal “Dubnobasswithmyheadman” 2014 see Darren return with two of his latest projects The White Lamp and Huffa. Following a series of well received but mysterious uncredited slo-mo disco single releases on Hotflush, Sonar Kollektive and Futureboogie the stage is set for live dates showcasing collaborations with some amazingly talented musicians and vocalists. Meanwhile off the back of acclaimed recent tech house and techno releases “Feel
It” (Bedrock) and “Vamos” (Octopus) Darren has lined up a series of productions due out over the coming months on his Detone imprint and is once more back in the studio working on collaborations with some of his all time favourite producers and musicians over the coming months. Quivver John Graham, better known as QUIVVER is a multi talented DJ, producer and vocalist. Residing in DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJ’s for over 5 years, his career spanning over two decades has brought forth multi-genre hits from his multiple production aliases including Quivver, Space Manoeuvres, Stoneproof, Skanna and Tilt. Always keeping his sound current and versatile he remains a staple figure in the electronic music scene throughout the World. John’s discography includes releases on his own label Boz Boz and world renown labels Bedrock, Toolroom, Raid / Strictly Rhythm, Yoshitoshi, Hooj Choons, VC Recordings and many more. As a vocalist John has collaborated and written electrifying songs for Hybrid, Planet Funk and The Low Highs. John’s most recent musical endeavors include the creation of a new House sub-genre ‘Gangsta House,’ melding old school rap and hip-hop into new House remixes. With support from the Dogg Pound, Warren G and DNA Project aka NWA 2 this new take on old classics is on par to take on the top radio hits of the Summer. Embarking on a completely different tone, John has completed his long awaited Sonic Alternative Rock Album ‘Cold Sun,’ this album is scheduled for release in 2014. In addition to his many top charting releases, John’s music has been licensed to nationally syndicated television programs ‘CSI - NY’ and ‘The Spirit’ and has produced music for video game trailers including ‘Transformers’, ‘Call of Duty- Modern Warfare 2’, ‘Call of Duty World at War’, ‘Call of Duty Black Ops’, and ‘Batman: Arkham City Riddler.’ He has also worked on film scores for ‘The Taking of Pelham 123’, ‘Twelve’, and ‘Shrek Forever After 2010’, and one of his tracks was featured on Charlize Theron’s movie trailer for ‘Young Adult’ proving his skills as a producer go far beyond just the EDM world. Coming in 2014 for John will be a Spring / Summer tour including Foro Insurgentes, Mexico City, Mexico, Decadence House Terrace, Kiev, Ukraine, The Gallery Club / Ministry of Sound, London, UK and more. Supporting our headliners, will be Robert Clark, Brent Lawson, Paul Montague and an array of Scottish talent over 2 areas. Then, on Sunday 29th August, in the main area, DJ Ruby (Malta) Robert Clark and Higgins will take us through the afternoon, before we round the Sunday outdoor festivities, with international heavyweights of the scene Guy J and Guy Mantzur. Guy J Israeli producer Guy J has established himself as one of the most sophisticated and emotive producers in electronic music of the last decade, with a body of work and a sphere of influence that belies relatively short time in the spotlight. Whether it be his sensual, hypnotic take on house music, his deeply textured techno or his wondrous ambient material, his work is always touched with a magic and emotion that few rival. Growing up, he was immersed in Israel’s dance music culture, and a burgeoning scene that is known the world over for its epic parties. From its own Love Parade to major clubs and radio shows, the country has long been a bastion for underground electronic culture. “If you looked for it, it was right there” he recalls. But while the country was chiefly known as the world’s chief exporter of psy trance, Guy and his contemporaries have spearheaded an acclaimed new wave of Israeli house and techno music. “I’m very sensitive person, so I think what I make is what I feel at the moment I make it” he explains of the deeply emotional qualities of his music. “I started as big fan of trance and progressive, and got exposed later on to techno and housedeep house. I’m trying to put all this together in my music; a bit of everything.” Guy started producing at the age of 14, amassing a wealth of equipment and experience and dedicating his life to learning the craft (“my friends called my room ‘the cave’”). His first release came at the age of 21, but it was his 2007’s gem Save Me that proved to be his real launchpad. John Digweed snapped up the glistening, dramatic slice of deeper house music up for his legendary Bedrock Records, setting in motion a chain of events that would change his life forever. “It was like a dream coming true. I never knew it would lead me to having two albums on a label that I really grew up with.” Its sublime Depeche Mode-esque synth work pointed to a talent that surprised considering his short time releasing records, and his ascent from hereon was steady and rapid. His debut album Esperanza gained plaudits in 2008 with its classy, ethereal blend of progressive house, techno, electro and electronica, while the follow-up 1000 Words went deeper still over two discs of expansive soundscapes and intricate dancefloor explorations. “I always wanted to make an artist album and to give another aspect of my music” he says. “What is magic for me in house music is that you can hear 'real' music and also dance to it. There are so many emotions involved in it, but it’s ultimately there to create a good vibe, and to make you dance. But to make an artist album is a way for me to deliver pure music.” It’s this balance of the organic and the electronic, the visceral and the mental, that make his music so captivating and wide in its appeal. Never one to be pigeonholed, his portfolio is a diverse beast, with releases finding their way onto Tiga’s increasingly eclectic Turbo imprint amongst others. To feature on two labels that are essentially synonymous with two very different scenes is testament to his versatility, and above all, the quality and conviction of his productions. “I don't see myself as producer of one genre only; I believe in exploring and trying different stuff when you have all the tools you need to create” he clarifies. “To be signed to Turbo... it’s also amazing as it a big label that has its own crowd of people who listen to a certain type of music, and to be part of it is great.” In 2012 Guy kick off an exciting new project with his close colleagues and friends at Bedrock: his very own imprint “Lost & Found”, a sub-label for John Digweed’s long running mothership where he’ll release music by himself and his favourite producers. Then there’s the small matter of a release on Cocoon, one of the most highly regarded labels in techno and beyond, and some exciting collaborations in the pipeline with some other inspiring artists. As always with this unique talent, it’s quality, not quantity. Each of his releases is met with a swell of anticipation, and for once in this often over-hyped world, it’s fully justified. Guy Mantzur Guy Mantzur specializes in creating electronic music that defies over-simple genre classification. Drawing influences from Tech House, Techno and proper Progressive House, he creates his own distinctive musical template that has seen him establish himself as a top DJ/Producer worldwide. He is instantly recognizable through his unique hypnotic melodies and seductive grooves, both in his productions and his DJ sets. A gist of the recent timeline: 2013 – Recognized as a leading light in the ever-growing Tel Aviv underground music scene. Residency at the city’s most popular club – The Cat & The Dog which won Guy the Title “Israel’s Best Underground DJ 2013” XL Award. 2016 – Launched the anticipated “A Guy In…” series which features live mix including the original tracks played during the most distinct performances 2017 – An outstanding Hernan Cattaneo B2B Guy Mantzur Burning Man set. A busy South America Tour Including 7 Hours set at famous Warung beach club in Brazil. 2nd edition Digital / 2XCD release of A Guy In Itajaí. Next in line: Berlin’s Watergate DJ set and appearance on world’s #1 electronic music festival Tomorrowland Guy Mantzur releases on labels such as Kompakt, Diynamic, Lost & Found, Systematic & Bedrock. In addition to his studio talents, Guy is also the co-owner and A&R of the Munich-based label Plattenbank, which provides another outlet for his musical creations. DJ Ruby Renowned for delivering flawless progressive journey sets and a positive party vibe wherever he performs. By a clear mile, DJ Ruby is the most prolific dance music artist on the island of Malta with huge fan base that follows him blindly. He is considered as a true pioneer with over 20 years of experience in which he had countless achievements. A major force in starting and shaping the island’s dance scene into what it is today, be it setting the trend for various clubbing concepts in Malta, upholding countless events and introducing multiple generations to the electronic dance music scene. A career that started in the early 90’s and still going strong to date, saw DJ Ruby featured at Malta’s best events, sharing the stage with many of the world’s top and legendary DJs, holding residencies at the most influential clubs in the country and incorporating visual showcases in many of his performances. From Ibiza, Germany, Netherlands, Russia and Jordan to Dubai, Hong Kong, Thailand, Australia & USA; DJ Ruby has played in more than 30 different countries and also performed at notorious festivals such as Timewarp, Ozora, Transmission, Creamfields Malta & Tomorrowland Unite. DJ Ruby is a recording artist that throughout the years has released a vast list of music productions on many different labels, including 2 albums. He also remixed other artists and had tracks charted in leading mp3 stores such as Beatport & Traxsource. Quite simply, although his impressive resumé is nearly infinite, you can summarise him into one word, a legend! Supporting in the main area on Sunday afternoon, will be Robert Clark, with Paul Montague's Protek, headlining the 2nd area. And to round the weekend off, we have DJ Ruby, playing an extended 3 hour after party set in the main downstairs room. Tickets come in various weekend/day tickets and are on sale now.
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