How was 2019 for you? Eddie Fowlkes: It was cool. Buying more records to replace the ones damaged years ago to prepare for my all-vinyl set in the future. Moved to a new recording studio. I’m getting more of my natural rhythm out with my new equipment. Also had fun getting down with Amp Fiddler and Jeff Mills in the studio. Also getting to know the new love of my life, my MPCX.
Highlights?
Finishing my second film score for former NBA two time all-star Allan Houston’s movie, titled Coachable. The film score is getting rave reviews.
Also, producing releases with Jeff Mills and Loco Dice (look for them in 2020).
Going to ADE for the first time and catching up with some of my techno and house dudes I haven’t seen in years and touching base with promoters.
Lowlights?
Fixing up my old house to sell. That was kind of tedious and cumbersome because it interfered in my TechnoSoul groove-making/ DJ dates.
Song of the year?
“Here to There” by Scan 7 on Transmat
What’s your New Year’s resolution?
More gigs, more gigs, more gigs, thank God almighty, more gigs…..
How was 2019 for you? Local Suicide: It was a very, very busy year for us! It started with the release of “Komm Ins Loch” with Theus Mago and remixes by Aera and Colossio on Duro to be continued with releases on Ombra Int. and Tusk Wax with Curses, Eskimo Recordings with Franz Matthews including remixes by Manfredas, Chaim & Ozart, NTEIBINT and The Oddness, a solo EP featuring Nicki Fehr on Lumière Noire, including remixes by Smagghe & Cross, Lauer and Niv Ast, and a track with Younger Than Me on La.Ga.Sta.
We also did a remix with Circle Scope for Tulioxi that was released on Heimlich and did another remix for Jaroška with Skelesys which will be released on PP end of the year. On top of that we got to finish loads of new tracks and remixes that will hopefully be out soon too!
Touring-wise, the year kicked off with a tour in Asia and will finish with another one in Mexico, while during the year we played over 60 club shows and festivals all over Europe.
Highlights?
Releasing collaborations with artists we love like Curses, Theus Mago, Skelesys, Younger Than Me and Franz Matthews, playing a bunch of fun festivals like Melt!, Forte, Yaga and Rocken Am Brocken, watching Âme b2b Dixon playing the Aera remix of “Komm Ins Loch'”at the Innervisions Off Sonar event filmed by RA, and then Solomun playing the same track at the main stage of Tomorrowland in front of a sea of people, and receiving such good feedback by outlets we have been following for very long and artists we love.
Âme x Dixon:
Solomun:
Lowlights?
It was the first year that quite a few events and festivals we were supposed to play didn’t take place, and we only found out pretty late. Also trying to balance work (we both work full-time), touring, studio time, social life and time for ourselves was harder than in the past, but we survived!
Song of the year?
“Shabak Shalom” by Red Axes (Phantasy)
“Gilgamesh” by Simple Symmetry feat. Iñigo Vontier (Disco Halal)
“Spaceship” by Paulor (Life And Death)
What’s your New Year’s resolution?
Play more gigs, make more music, and we would like to try to find the time to work on our debut album!
How was 2019 for you? Christian Barbuto: 2019 went by so fast. It was a very busy year filled with some great great memories and a lot of fun.
Highlights?
Music-wise, I was really pleased with my collaboration on Phobiq with Kostas Maskalides as well as having started my own label, Mavic Music. It has been a real pleasure communicating with artists around the world who are so talented. I’ve worked closely with many of them on their music, and I think together we put out some great music that I have enjoyed DJing with.
I had some great parties around North America as well as Europe and Australia, but I would have to say my favorite party this year was at Techno Tuesday in Amsterdam in August. I really like that party and its laid-back atmosphere even though there are over 1,000 people on the dance floor. I also love hanging out in Amsterdam.
Lowlights?
None at all. I just don’t have them to be honest. My only lowlights are small and pass quickly. Typically something like not getting a response I was hoping for or something small like that. Nothing major though. I try to stay positive and upbeat all the time.
Song of the year?
“Third Wave” by Wehbba on Drumcode. Oh wow, that tune is a party.
What’s your New Year’s resolution?
It’s just been a little over a year since I had a hernia surgery which I was dealing with for a long time. I was not able to exercise or lift much while I was dealing with it, so I am just now starting to feel strong and healthy again. So for 2020 I am really going to focus on exercise and plant based nutrition as well as having a positive mindset. You get what you think about whether you want it or not so only think good thoughts!
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How was 2019 for you? Donnell Knox: 2019 was amazing. I’ve learned more about spirituality and was able to host some of my own music nights in Warsaw at Jasna 1 club. Also, this year I collaborated with Mark Hawkins (a.k.a Marquis Hawkes) for music production and was able to finish some awesome tunes that will come out in 2020.
Highlights?
Releasing the first of the collab projects this year with Mark Hawkins (Kalamazoo EP), and finishing a house record that is scheduled to be released in 2020.
Lowlights?
Due to my father’s death back in June 2018 certain family members became estranged.
Song of the year?
“Everything I Say” by Cinthie on Beste/Modus
What’s your New Year’s resolution?
To raise my vibration higher than the previous year so that I may help others as much as possible.
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.
