2018 Rewind

How was 2018 for you?

Nachtbraker: Well, 2018 was my best and busiest year so far. I’ve been playing twice as many gigs as the year before. I released an EP and my debut album on my own label, and besides that a total of five releases on my label, Quartet Series.

Highlights?

Well, that’s most definitely releasing my debut album, what a ride. Gig-wise I played a wicked festival called ZeeZout Winterfestival earlier on this year. It was in my hometown and had a prime time slot on the main stage. I did the first label showcase in Amsterdam during Amsterdam Dance Event, and did two more London label showcases in collaboration with Church which is run by my buddy, Seb Wildblood.

Lowlights?

Seeing vinyl consumption of underground music declining. More and more people start playing just digitally. This is a trend that started in 2017 already, but it became evident this year. To be honest, I don’t have much to complain about.

Song of the year?

For me it’s impossible to pick one song out of so many favorites I have this year. This is simply one of many that I really liked:

Sacred Grove – C2sg 004 B2

What’s your New Year’s resolution?

I’m gonna try to work more structured and make plans for a week and per day. So I can work a bit more efficient haha. I know I can be more productive.

@Nachtbraker

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How was 2018 for you?

Manoid: It was a very intense year! Sunny weather, which began in April and finished in November (something unusual in Poland), encouraged parties and outdoor activities.

Highlights?

I released my debut CD and played many events I dreamed about! A growing awareness of the need to care for nature. I see this change in myself and in others, which makes me very happy.

Lowlights?

The political situation in the world (also in Poland) is turning into populism. Fear speaks through society.

Song of the year?

Djedjotronic – Electric Body

What’s your New Year’s resolution?

Less thinking, more action.

@Manoid

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How was 2018 for you?

Mike & Charlotte: Hard work finishing the fifth studio album. We had to take a break from film scoring so scary financially but creatively incredibly rewarding. Artist albums and scoring are completely different so it took a while to get back into that headspace. Really thrilled how the album has been received by our fans old and new, so we’re incredibly happy.

Highlights?

Seeing the reaction from fans at the album and the tour we’ve just done in the UK has been amazing.

Lowlights?

Musically, it’s all been honestly terrific. No complaints at all. And it was really fun to make. Personally, we lost a few very special animals on our smallholding which is always horrible.

Song of the year?

Hard choice for us between Emperor – Claws (Bloodsport EP) or DJ Koze – Muddy Funster feat Kurt Wagner (Knock Knock LP). Both completely different but both made us play them repeatedly when we came across them.

What’s your New Year’s resolution?

Well, we’ve signed up to do album six with our record label so we’re in it! (There may even be an exciting new video coming out too featuring a very special someone!!)

@Hybrid

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How was 2018 for you?

Richard Earnshaw: It’s been a really productive year. A lot of writing/production and behind the scenes stuff with the labels. So although some may say we’ve been quiet in terms of actual releases, it’s been non-stop! 2019 will yield all the hard work of this year! It’s been super busy with iCulture too as the radio outreach increases almost with each edition and the events going well too.

Highlights?

ADE was a real highlight for me. Not only did our iCulture party at Madam go really well, there was a real positive atmosphere with everyone. We don’t have to go too far back to remember swathes of uncertainty about how things would evolve, how would things be better for songwriters/artists/labels, etc…but now it’s good vibes all round.

On the release front, Ridney ft Sander Nijbroek “What You Mean To Say” has been a real highlight. The variation of support across radio and dance floors from an incredible range of DJs has been so refreshing to hear and see. It sums up the year really….a less blinkered approach to music appreciation, like it’s “ok” to be seen to support and play a wide range of music…more confidence that the consumers and clubbers will listen 🙂

Lowlights?

Not enough hours in the day for lowlights!! 😂

Song of the year?

It’s always very difficult to answer a question like this. There are many that hit the spot for many reasons. I’ll mention this one because it’s been a bit of an anthem throughout the summer at iCulture parties…ARLE, L’Tric, Art Of Tones “Feel it” (Art Of Tones Modern Disco Mix).

What’s your New Year’s resolution?

Just to keep doing as we do, as we have done for 20 years, enjoy making and performing music for all the right reasons. I am going to release more of my own music in 2019. New Earnshaw and Spiritchaser albums…got some interesting EPs coming out too. And to keep pushing the iCulture events/radio upwards and generally have a bloody good time doing all this.

@RichardEarnshaw

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