How was 2019 for you?
Jamie Roy: It’s been an amazing year, from playing some amazing clubs to written some of my best music and also to see friends doing well this year too which I always like to see.
Highlights?
My residency at Ushuaïa for Nic Fanciulli’s Dance or Die. Playing four shows across the summer really was a dream come true for me. Also I played my first elrow this year in my home country of Scotland too.
Lowlights?
Hmmm, hard one that. ADE being too short? Ha-ha. Very fortunate to not have any off hand to be fair.
Song of the year?
Deetron’s “Body Electric.” I love Deetron. He’s a master producer and this track has been in all my sets.
What’s your New Year’s resolution?
To make good music and party with all my mates as much as possible. It’s what I say every year and to be still doing what I’m doing in this music world. ️
No paywalls, free to all. Help us remain 100% independent and unbiased. Please give to Big Shot by making a secure one-time donation to help us continue covering DJ culture and electronic music like we’ve done since 2003.
How was 2019 for you?
Roger Silver: 2019 was somewhat of a breakout year for me.
Highlights?
I played a number of memorable gigs which I feel increased my exposure, including opening for Claptone at Marquee New York in which many fans and friends were there with me in support. I played a long set at the Monkey Love camp at Burning Man following the Martinez Brothers which was a big moment for me as an artist. Looking ahead, I am excited about a new monthly residency at Gospel, which is a cool vibe and venue in the East Village. I recently released a three-song EP named Forests on Plastic City Records out of Germany. I plan to finish two new works by the end of this year with the goal firmly on writing many new tracks in 2020.
Lowlights?
I wouldn’t say there were any lowlights. I feel blessed and excited about my passion of bringing forward my unique sound forward to my listeners. I am hopeful that the melodic techno sub-genre continues to gain in popularity outside of the underground scene and becomes a more mainstream music medium in New York and the U.S.
Song of the year?
Haha, there have been so many incredible records. This year has proved to be a strong one for a number of new and upcoming artists writing well written and beautiful melodies. I would say my personal favorite was “Yeke” by Sparrow & Barbossa (Enzo Siffredi’s Remix). Every time I played it, the energy of the crowd was swell with everyone dancing. Great record, but there were many.
What’s your New Year’s resolution?
To continue to love and believe in myself and create and play music which inspires people. To me music equals life, and I am fully committed in continuing to curate my brand to both to my faithful and new fans alike. I wish you guys all the very best in the year ahead.
How was 2019 for you?
Paris The Black FU: 2019 was a very interesting year for me, learning a lot from my son, who’s a bit more than 2 1/2 at the moment. And I’m really diving into learning more about sound design and modular synths. All in all, it’s been a good year for me.
Highlights?
There were so many things that I enjoyed about the year but I’d have to say that bringing my mother over to visit her grandson to spend some real face time with him was a pleasure. Also the first EP from the Techmarine Bottom Feeders project had its first proper release. We did have a release on KilleKill a few years back but this new release is the first from an album. We have some really dope remixes from The Exaltics and father-and-son duo, The Advent & Zein. I also got to work with The Exaltics on another project soon to be released with some killer artwork. I was able to pick up more things I needed/wanted, not sure which was more, the need or the want, but nevertheless I got them!
Lowlights?
Can’t say that I’ve really had any, personally speaking. Learning that my father-in-law has cancer really got me down at one point, but he seems to be taking it all in his stride, so I stay positive and try to support him.
Song of the year?
Do they have to be current? If so, I have to be honest with you. I don’t listen to the radio, I don’t listen to too much that’s current these days, my son takes up most of my time. My day is cook breakfast, get him dressed, start his art lessons, play some games, go outside, come back inside, cook lunch, put him down for his nap. While he sleeps, I try to do a bit in the studio or sleep while I have the chance… I usually work. Then it’s back to him and cooking dinner for the family. Should I have put this in my lowlights? LOL!!! So, if I don’t have to be current I’d say “Spill the Wine” by War. My son loves it and can pretty much sing it by heart.
What’s your New Year’s resolution?
I don’t make New Year’s resolutions. All I want to do is get from January 1 to December 31 and then start it all over again. I don’t believe in making promises I can’t keep, especially to myself.
No paywalls, free to all. Help us remain 100% independent and unbiased. Please give to Big Shot by making a secure one-time donation to help us continue covering DJ culture and electronic music like we’ve done since 2003.
How was 2019 for you?
Oded Nir: 2019 has been a fantastic year. I released my second solo album, Rooftop Conversations, in April, along with the singles and remix packages that came before and after it, and I have done a big round of gigs throughout the year as a solo act (DJ- live bass) and with my live band. I’ve also gained more residencies in Amsterdam, and I performed in London for the first time (iCulture party), which was all very exciting for me. It was a year of changes in my career and my personal life. I’m very grateful for the blessings I received and the opportunity I have of reaching people around the world with my music.
Highlights?
The year started with the release of “Amsterdam Nights,” [which was] the first single out of my new album, which started a hectic year of releases, post-production, interviews and performances. Very exciting times, which followed with the release of my album, Rooftop Conversations. It was just heartwarming to see the responses to it. The album release party at Madam/ Adam Toren Amsterdam was a very special night, a celebration of a year of hard work and all the artists came to perform alongside my good DJ friends DJs Richard Earnshaw, Steve Taylor and Mike Scot.
Also my ADE 2019 live band performance during iCulture, Suntree Records & Panorama night in Madam/Adam Toren was unforgettable for us. The dance floor was full early in the night and everyone was dancing with us. We felt the love of music in the air and we carried away with the crowd for an hour; it was fantastic and my best ADE experience ever. And I have also founded Suntree’s publishing, which is handling all mine and Suntree’s artists publishing rights.
Lowlights?
Three weeks before my album release party I had a bicycle accident in the streets of Amsterdam. I flew up in the air and landed on my arm and fractured my left elbow. I wasn’t sure I could perform with my bass guitar on my scheduled gigs, but more important on my own album release party. I think there is nothing more scary for an artist then to lose his ability to use his craft. Luckily it was a small crack. After intensive physiotherapy, I was able to perform at my album release party.
The year was very intensive and took a heavy toll on my personal life. I performed a lot of weekends and also traveled for gigs and didn’t have much time for myself or to rest. So I’m going to make room for me this year!
Song of the year?
Although it was released in the last month of 2018, for me Fatboy Slim’s “Praise You” (Purple Disco Machine Remix) is the track choice of 2019! I discovered it a bit late and I think it’s just a brilliant production. I closed my ADE 2019 live show with it. This track always makes the floor go crazy!
What’s your New Year’s resolution?
“Nothing Brave comes out comfortability.”
No paywalls, free to all. Help us remain 100% independent and unbiased. Please give to Big Shot by making a secure one-time donation to help us continue covering DJ culture and electronic music like we’ve done since 2003.
