2018 Rewind

How was 2018 for you?

Bearcubs: A very fun year, really. I released my debut album [Ultraviolet], did a headline tour, played a bunch of festivals and moved to a different country. So it was quite eventful!

Highlights?

Probably playing the main room at Berghain in Berlin. That was basically a dream come true and a privilege to even be asked to play. That was one of my favorite shows we’ve ever played; it felt like everyone in the room was right there with us.

Lowlights?

Personally not many, luckily, but in terms of global affairs quite a few…

Song of the year?

I’d have to say “De Plata” by Rosalía. The first time I heard it I was blown away by her vocal power and how dynamically she sings. Her music sounds like it’s coming from a deep, truthful place. Also the 16mm film visuals to the song are amazing.

What’s your New Year’s resolution?

To finish my next album.

@Bearcubs

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How was 2018 for you?

Christopher Coe: A special year for me. I had the honor of starting a new enterprise with Carl Cox, a live electronic music label called Awesome Soundwave, a label that Carl suggested we do in order to release my own album!

And then for MNTNS of SLNC to come out in May was the culmination of two years of work and many years of gestation! I haven’t released an album since 2009! And I am so happy and proud of this one.

To be given such an opportunity and to have the support of such a legend as Carl is deeply humbling and gratifying! Amazing year!

Highlights?

Releasing MNTNS of SLNC

Starting Awesome Soundwave

Working with Carl as engineer on his productions and releasing a bunch of remixes that he then goes and floor tests at the biggest festivals! Now that is a huge buzz!

Working on my live show with amazing visuals created by Roy Gerritsen in Amsterdam

Working to make music with a bunch of mentally and physically challenged artists in my home town in Ireland.. this was an extra special and wonderful experience. These people are just wonderful to work with, every day is a new day and there is no judgement.

Climbing mountains in Ireland.

Lowlights?

The loss of some very special people from this world and the realization that many of our leaders are not willing to do what it takes to mitigate the rise in GHG emissions and avert dangerous climate change.

Song of the year?

Jon Hopkins – Emerald Rush

What’s your New Year’s resolution?

To learn how to surf. And to continue to try to create value wherever possible in my own and other’s lives.

@ChristopherCoe

How was 2018 for you?

Rey&Kjavik: First of all I’m thankful to be healthy. Then my second long-player, Mountiri, came out at the end of the year. I took a whole month off in January for holidays, the same that I did last year when I wrote my album. I met a lot of great souls in 2018, on beautiful places, and for that I’m very grateful and I still haven’t lost the hope for peace all around the globe. I see light. 2018 was good to me.

Highlights?

As an artist and label head of course my upcoming album, and the fact that 2018 has seen the most releases so far on my label, RKJVK, in one year. We made big steps with the label and have good plans already for 2019.

Lowlights?

Where all the hate on this planet is coming from and what everyone can do to solve the problem is my biggest question for this past year.

Song of the year?

That’s hard. I mean, how can I choose between all the great music that I listened to and played in the last year. I could love them all, that’s why I play them. I think for the dance floor we need the right moment to be touched deeply by a certain song, so please come to my gig and tell me which is the one for you. When the moment is right we´re together, how good is that!

What’s your New Year’s resolution?

After traveling a lot and spending so much time away from home the last couple of years, I will take more time off for my family and friends. The most important thing in life for me is being healthy, happy and surrounded by my close ones.

@Rey&Kjavik

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How was 2018 for you?

Parra for Cuva: It was a very busy yet inspiring time to both write this album and to do everything that is necessary nowadays to put out a record. Yesterday I had my release Party in Berlin, and I am sitting a little hangover with a huge breakfast in Schöneberg Berlin.

Highlights?

The freedom I enjoy to be a musician and write music with no boundaries. I also think that my skill about music making is finally catching up with ideas I always wanted to realize so the writing process was very satisfying.

What I enjoy the most is that I can wake up when ever I want to start work, which is really the best way to make this sort of music. Sure you might sound a little lazy but it’s actually a lot of work. Most of the album was written in Berlin the first four months of 2018, and I finished everything in April. After the creative process came the part which is not as appealing for any musician is the part where you have to organize everything that’s happening in the background.

Lowlights?

I wouldn’t say this is a “lowlight” but this is the part I enjoy less because a lot of problems appear on the way. Luckily I have a very good team working with me that made it so much easier.

Song of the Year?

That’s a tricky one. I still listen to a lot of music and over the year you stumble across so many good records and artists that it is very hard to just choose one particular song. I just had a look in my Spotify playlist where I collect all these Songs. If I had to decide, I would go for: Kevin Morby – Parade

What’s your New Year’s resolution?

I definitely need a hobby or something I burn for which I can do next to music. This year I just worked on music 24/7 and sometimes you wish you would have something that triggers you in the same way. I thought about doing my master’s or studying again. That does not mean I will stop making music but I guess it would be a nice challenging thing.

@Parra for Cuva

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