TOUCHED BY THE MUSIC - RAMEA

Check out the rising artists presented by Vintage Music Label that you don't want to miss.

Today, we're featuring the talented musician, songwriter, and electronic music producer, RAMEA, who is about to debut his first single called "PERCEPTIONS". Trust us, this is a tune you won't want to overlook.

PERCEPTIONS

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19/08/2023

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EXCLUSIVE ON BEATPORT

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PERCEPTIONS - 19/08/2023 - EXCLUSIVE ON BEATPORT -

Exploring the Depths of Music and "Perceptions"

Can you tell us about your journey in electronic music and how you discovered your passion for producing and DJing?

RAMEA: I've always been drawn to DJing and started experimenting with recording mixings in my childhood. As my curiosity grew, I naturally gravitated towards music production. I eventually studied sound engineering at SAE school, which further fueled my passion for creating music.

Your bio mentions Umut Ilkar as a significant inspiration. How has his work influenced your own musical style and approach to production?

RAMEA: Umut Ilkar's unique sound has been a tremendous influence on me. I strongly believe that creating a distinctive and eye-catching sound is crucial in the industry. Additionally, my musical style is shaped by a diverse array of favorite artists and their works that resonate deeply with me.

"Perceptions" is your debut single. Could you share with us the creative process behind this track and the emotions you wanted to convey through it?

RAMEA: Absolutely! "Perceptions" marks my debut with Vintage Music Label, and I couldn't be happier about it. The track incorporates pluck elements with higher and lower pitch ranges, which symbolize emotional vibes taking strides. I envisioned the sound as a dynamic entity capable of evoking deep emotions, coupled with massive percussions and drums that infuse the track with powerful energy to get everyone moving.

The single combines experimental waves, captivating melodies, and techno elements. How did you manage to find the right balance between these genres, and what message were you aiming to convey with this fusion?

RAMEA: Finding the right balance was a rewarding challenge. I aimed to create a high-energy track with deep emotional vibes, fusing various styles and sensations. The ultimate goal was to evoke a sense of connection, allowing listeners to explore their own perceptions and step away from routine ways of thinking.

"Perceptions" has been described as a hypnotic journey of sound. What do you hope listeners will take away from this sonic experience?

RAMEA: I hope "Perceptions" serves as a transformative experience for listeners. By closing their eyes and immersing themselves in the music, they can leave behind any negative influences and rediscover the perceptions that resonate with them in the moment.

Vintage Music Label is known for nurturing exceptional talent. How does it feel to be a part of this renowned label, and how has their support impacted your music career so far?

RAMEA: Being associated with Vintage Music Label has been a tremendous honor. My goal is to be recognized as a talented artist within the music community. Working with such a reputable label has provided me with opportunities to meet like-minded individuals in the industry, and their support has been a great source of motivation for me.

Vintage Music Label · Ramea - Perceptions (PREVIEW)

As a newcomer in the industry, what challenges did you face while working on your debut single, and how did you overcome them?

RAMEA: Being a relatively unknown artist in the competitive music market can sometimes affect your confidence. However, my passion for creating music and the belief in producing something timeless overcame any challenges I faced. With "Perceptions," I was able to channel those emotions into the music, resulting in a track that reflects my true self.

Your music is often described as presenting a personal journey. Could you elaborate on the emotions and experiences that have inspired your work in "Perceptions" and beyond?

RAMEA: I firmly believe that self-discovery is vital for every individual. To infuse my music with genuine emotions, I allow myself to step away from routine perceptions and incorporate various ideas that deviate from the norm. This approach enables me to create music that reflects my journey and resonates with listeners on a profound level.

The track features a captivating rumble bass and powerful leads. How important is it for you to create music that connects with the audience on both an emotional and physical level?

RAMEA: I consider it invaluable to craft music that engages both the soul and physicality of the listener simultaneously. Achieving this fusion is no easy feat, but it remains a dream of mine as an artist. The connection forged through music is what I strive for in every production.

How has your background in Istanbul, Turkey, influenced your artistic vision and the sound you create in your music?

RAMEA: Istanbul holds a special place in my heart; it's my hometown and a significant source of inspiration. The city's rich culture and diverse influences have fueled my motivation as an artist and shaped the sound I create in my music.

Can you recommend the best places to visit in Istanbul for electronic music lovers?

RAMEA: As the night comes alive in the vibrant city of Istanbul, I find myself drawn to the pulsating heart of its electronic music scene. For all the fellow music enthusiasts seeking an electrifying experience, I proudly share my top picks for the hottest spots in town - RX, Klein, Kastel, Sumahan, and Kafes. These venues exude an unparalleled energy, offering an unforgettable journey through the realms of electronic melodies. So, if you're craving an extraordinary night filled with beats that resonate with your soul, don't miss the chance to explore these exhilarating destinations.

"Perceptions" has the potential to light up dancefloors globally. Do you have any plans for live performances or tours to showcase this track and your upcoming music?

RAMEA: Absolutely! I'm thrilled to share my latest works at the upcoming Burning Man Festival. On the 3rd day of the event, I'll be performing at Ataraxia Camp at 2 am, where I'll have the opportunity to showcase "Perceptions" and other tracks. While I am focusing on DJ sets at the moment, I plan to launch a live project in the future.

Your debut single has been receiving positive feedback from listeners and critics alike. How does it feel to see your work being appreciated on such a large scale?

RAMEA: It's been one of my primary goals, and seeing "Perceptions" receive such positive feedback is truly rewarding and motivating. It reinforces my commitment to creating music that resonates with people and leaves a lasting impact.

Are there any specific artists, producers, or collaborators you'd love to work with in the future to further expand your musical horizons?

RAMEA: Collaborating with artists such as Pryda and Massive Attack is a dream of mine. The music industry is brimming with legendary artists, and I am always eager to work with talented individuals who share my passion for creating groundbreaking music.

What can fans expect from your upcoming releases, and how do you plan to evolve your sound in the future?

RAMEA: I have several tunes ready for release, and they will be making their way to the world very soon. My focus lies in creating music that exudes dance vibes while instilling unforgettable emotional experiences in listeners.

As an artist on the rise, what message or impact do you hope to leave on the electronic music scene and those who resonate with your music?

RAMEA: My message is simple: work hard and let nothing hold you back. I hope that through my music, listeners can find a sense of connection, self-discovery, and joy.

Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions, Ramea. Your music and journey are truly inspiring, and we can't wait to witness the continued growth of your musical career. Best of luck with "Perceptions" and all your future endeavors!

Interview conducted by Diego Paulo Jacintho

TOUCHED BY THE MUSIC - STARK D

Check out the rising artists presented by Vintage Music Label that you don't want to miss.

Today, we're featuring the talented musician, songwriter, and electronic music producer, STARK D, who just released an incredible new single called "INNERGLOW". Trust us, this is a tune you won't want to overlook. Take a seat, hit play, and discover the magic of Stark D.

Great to have the opportunity to chat with you, Stark D. As one of the most exciting and innovative artists in the electronic music scene today, our readers are eager to learn more about you and your music.

Let's start with your unique blend of house, techno, and disco with a touch of Brazilian flavour. How did you come up with this sound, and how has it evolved over the years?

Stark D: Thank you for having me. My sound is a reflection of my personal musical journey and influences. Growing up, I was surrounded by classic records, and I began DJing at house parties and underground venues around 1998. After moving to England, I was able to expand my musical horizons and experiment with different genres and sounds. The Brazilian flavour in my music comes from my roots and culture, which I am always proud to incorporate into my tracks.

As for the evolution of my sound, it has been an ongoing process. I am always experimenting with new sounds and techniques to push the boundaries of electronic music and create tracks that are fresh, exciting, and unpredictable.

Your attention to detail and innate ability to read a crowd are often noted by your fans and fellow DJs. How do you ensure that your performances are unforgettable and inspiring?

Stark D: For me, it's all about the connection with the audience. I put a lot of time and effort into preparing for each performance, from selecting the right tracks to crafting a set that takes the audience on a journey. But ultimately, it's about being in the moment and feeling the energy of the crowd. I try to read their reactions and adjust my set accordingly to keep the energy high and the dance floor moving.

It's clear that you have a lot of passion for music and for sharing it with others. Can you tell me a bit more about your creative process? How do you go about producing your tracks and incorporating your unique blend of genres?

Also, I'm curious about your experience founding Vintage Music Label. What motivated you to start the label, and what have been some of the most rewarding and challenging aspects of running it?

Stark D: As for my creative process, I'm extremely passionate about diatonic harmonies that can captivate the listener. I usually start by writing the harmony on the piano or guitar and then add a catchy melody to it. Finding the right drum kit can be a challenge, and it often takes me hours to get it just right. Unlike before, I no longer rely on sample packs or loops; instead, I create everything from scratch to give it my personal touch.
The idea for the song usually comes to me after I choose a theme that resonates with me. Sometimes, I write the lyrics myself, while other times, I collaborate with other artists. If my creative juices are flowing, I can finish a song in about a week from the day I start working on it.

That's really interesting, Stark D. It's great to hear about your commitment to creating unique and personalized sounds. And it's clear that your dedication to the creative process has paid off in the quality of your tracks.

Moving on to Vintage Music Label, could you tell us more about what inspired you to start the label and what your vision is for it? And what have been some of the biggest challenges and rewards of running the label thus far?
Stark D: I have a personal connection to Vintage Music Label, as it all began when I was scammed at the start of my music production journey. I had been invited to release my first track on a VA back in 2009, but with no experience or knowledge of the electronic music scene, the A&R and owner of the record label charged me a fee that was a significant amount of money at the time. The song was released, but just one month later, it was taken down from the record store. When I tried to contact the label owner to find out what had happened, the shocking response was: "I sold the record label, that isn't my problem".

After that experience, I made it my mission to study the music industry and ensure that I would never be scammed again. Over the course of two years, I gained a deep understanding of how the industry works, and I began to think about the possibility of starting my own record label brand to improve the scene. That's when Vintage Music Label was born.

As the founder of Vintage Music Label, I prioritize being true to the artists. We work closely with each artist to craft and plan all the material for the release, and all the royalties go directly from the DSP to the artist. Running a record label by myself has been a challenge, as I am responsible for everything from artwork and marketing to listening to demos, doing mixdowns for some artists, and always doing the masters. But as I mentioned earlier, I love it.

That's quite an inspiring story, Stark D. It's unfortunate that you had to go through that experience, but it's great to see how you turned it around and created something positive out of it.
Can you tell us a little more about how Vintage Music Label operates? How do you choose the artists you work with and what sets your label apart from others in the industry?

Stark D: I have been through a continuous metamorphosis with my Vintage Music Label and am always evolving. In the beginning, I didn't have much experience, so I thought I had to drop at least 12 releases per year. Looking back, THAT WAS CRAZY - I was basically running against the clock. However, as time passed, I gained experience and know-how. Today, Vintage Music Label operates in the mode of quality, giving preferences to artists who are truly committed to their craft and want to tell a story. I believe that an artist must aim for excellence and work hard to achieve it. Releasing just one track isn't enough for us; we value continuity and consistency. I don't see the point in moving on after releasing just one track. Nowadays, the industry has become so mechanical, shallow, and lazy, making it difficult to find artists with real determination. Although we all dream of playing at the biggest festivals and clubs around the world, it's important to take the necessary steps to build a solid foundation. Without doing so, the artist risks becoming just another number in the streaming services and online retail catalogs.

That's a great point, Stark. It's important to focus on the quality of the music and the artist's long-term goals rather than just pumping out releases. Can you tell us a bit more about how Vintage Music Label works with artists to help them build that foundation and achieve their goals?

Also, how do you go about finding and selecting the artists you work with? Do you have any advice for up-and-coming producers who are trying to get noticed by labels?

Stark D: As a label representative, I always aim to approach my conversations with artists in a rational and objective manner. I typically schedule online meetings to get to know the artists and their plans, offering ideas and advice to help them overcome any self-imposed barriers. It's common for many upcoming artists to experience anxiety when it comes to releasing their tracks, but I reassure them that good things take time and a successful release requires careful planning.

In terms of finding new artists, I often discover them through demos or word of mouth. Sometimes, artists who have previously released with our label will even introduce their friends to our work, which has been a great source of new talent for us. Overall, our approach has proven successful and we continue to thrive as a label.

That's great to hear! It seems like you have a personal touch when it comes to working with your artists, and that really shows in the quality of your releases. Can you tell me a bit about your criteria when it comes to selecting artists for Vintage Music Label? And how do you balance between promoting established artists versus up-and-coming talent?

Stark D: My criteria for selecting artists to work with are based on several factors. Firstly, the quality of their work is paramount, as is having a strong musical idea that falls within the genre I specialize in. Additionally, I look for artists who possess humility and a deep passion for their craft.

When working with established artists, my approach differs slightly. These artists often come to me with a clear plan in mind, as well as a pre-existing fanbase. In these cases, my focus is on driving media attention and promoting their work in a way that aligns with their established brand.

However, when it comes to working with up-and-coming artists, I often encounter resistance to the strategies I propose. Many newcomers have preconceived notions about what it takes to achieve success in the music industry, and are often frustrated when their expectations aren't met. It's important for them to understand that they are a product, and that successfully commercializing a product requires careful planning, polishing, and labeling to ensure that it resonates with its intended audience.

That's an interesting perspective. Could you elaborate a bit more on what you mean by "polishing" and "fixing" the product? How do you work with the artists to ensure their vision is not compromised but also make sure that the product is marketable?

Stark D: As a newcomer to the music industry, there are several things that I must keep in mind, even though some of them might not be the most enjoyable tasks.
Here's a list of ten things that you should consider:

1. Register with P.R.O. companies like ASCAP, E-CAD, BMI, GEMA, and PRS to be able to collect your royalties.

2. Build an online presence and engage with your followers on social media. People want to know the person behind the music or art.

3. Secure an income to fund your personal promotion if you don't have a steady income from your music.

4. Have a commitment to your craft and discipline to succeed.

5. Keep yourself in learning mode 24/7. Search and study about the things you don't know, as information is available everywhere.

6. Remember that there is life outside music. Set aside time to spend with loved ones.

7. Be passionate about your craft and enjoy the creative process.

8. Don't listen to criticism from people who don't understand your work. Feedback from people who don't listen to your music is not valuable.

9. Avoid spending money on unnecessary gear or shortcuts. Knowledge and humility will take you further.

10. Don't compare yourself to other famous artists. Your journey is unique, and reference is not the same as experience.

Those are all great points! It sounds like you have a lot of experience and knowledge about the music industry. It's important for artists to remember that success takes time and effort, and there are many things they need to do besides just making music. Building a brand and establishing a following requires a lot of work, and it's important for artists to be disciplined, committed, and passionate about their craft. It's also important for them to continue learning and growing as artists, and to not compare themselves to others.

BTW, congratulations on the release of your latest single, "Innerglow!" The track sounds amazing, and the production quality is top-notch. Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind the track and what you were trying to convey through the music?

Stark D: Thank you so much for the kind words. "Innerglow" was inspired by the idea of uplifting and elevating the soul through music. I wanted to create a track that would bring positivity and light to the listener, with a strong, ethereal techno beat that would make people feel empowered and energized. The melodic elements of the track were designed to add a sense of mystery and enigma, to create a unique and intriguing atmosphere that would keep listeners engaged throughout the entire song.

It's great to see that "Innerglow" has received so much positive attention, including being featured in top charts and receiving rave reviews from industry publications. How does it feel to have your work recognized in this way?

Stark D: It's always an incredible feeling to have your work recognized and appreciated by others, especially when it's in such a competitive and challenging industry like electronic music. I'm grateful for all the support and recognition that "Innerglow" has received, and it inspires me to keep pushing myself creatively and exploring new possibilities with my music.

Vintage Music Label · Stark D - Innerglow

What's next for you in terms of upcoming projects and releases?

Stark D: I have several exciting projects in the works, including collaborations with other artists and some solo work as well. I'm always looking for new ways to push the boundaries of my music and explore new sounds and ideas, so I'm excited to see where my creativity takes me next.

Thank you so much for your time, Stark D. We can't wait to see what the future holds for you and your music.

Stark D: Thank you for having me. It was a pleasure to chat with you.