Ivory: Alchemy In Motion

Beyond sounds, Daniel Tagliaferri’s Ivory project has become a sanctuary of surreal beauty. Unique in his approach, the Italian artist has graced some of the most significant imprints in the circuit, and his latest delivery for Berlin / New York-based ICONYC is nothing short of exceptional.

Type </01 Magazine ventures into the intricate world of Ivory (IT), uncovering the creative alchemy behind his new ICONYC single, When It’s Cold. In this exclusive interview, the Italian maestro opens up about the inspirations driving his music, his perspective on the rise of AI in the industry, the closure of ASLICE, and his hopes for the future. Through his thoughtful reflections, Ivory reveals the artistry and vision shaping his unique contribution to electronic music.

Hey Daniel! How are you doing? How have you been? Thank you for joining us today.

I’m good. Thanks for having me over. I’m excited to answer your questions!

Congratulations on the release of your ICONYC single, “When It’s Cold”. We can imagine the excitement must be high! So, how are you feeling about this one?

Well, releasing new music is always rewarding, it’s the realization of a long process that started in the studio months before. This time is very special because “When It’s Cold” is the first original track to see the light of day in 2024, having produced it in the same year.

Speaking about the record, what can your fans expect to find on “When It’s Cold”?

I think people can just expect a track in perfect Ivory style: groove, melodies, and synths.

“When It’s Cold” has a very kaleidoscopic feel to it, but never in an overbearing kind of way. It’s almost like it resembles the intricacies of a snowflake. Was that your intention? It feels like one of those rare moments in electronic music where the music really matches the title.

As the title suggests, when it’s cold, we tend to huddle ourselves to find warmth, this could be seen in a physical way but also with a more philosophic meaning, a way to take time to explore ourselves, our deepest part and find the warmth in us.

Obviously, we know that every track is different, but could you share a bit of your artistic process with us? What was the process behind “When It’s Cold” like?

Yeah, sure. The workflow for this track was really interesting and easy to explain. The idea came out during a quick study about the piano chords used by the French composer Erik Satie. I was really intrigued by his atmospheres, so I decided to study some chords and harmonies to replicate that particular melancholic sound.

With releases on ICONYC, Innervisions, Exit Strategy, microCastle, and more…are you making the music that you thought you’d be making when you first started? If not, what do you think of the voice you have found as an artist?

I don’t think I ever expected myself to make music with a certain sound or style. I strongly believe this has to be the first requirement for an artist, to take and give shape to your art as it comes out of you, without curbing creativity in response to a model to be achieved.

Talking particularly about my sound, I’m happy with it because I feel it’s “mine” and very personal, even though I constantly work to discover new ways to approach music production.

And where do you usually go to for inspiration? Do you have a set of “routines” that you know are bound to get you in the right mind frame?

No, not really. I have no routines to “find” inspiration. I just wait. For me, it’s like a physiological need. When inspiration comes, I go to the studio to squeeze out every single drop of it.

By the way, in the past weeks, we’ve seen the closure of ASLICE, which was intended to bring some balance to the DJ/producer dynamic. What do you think of its closure? Should big-name DJs be sharing their fees with the producers who create the tracks they are playing?

Well, I have been part of Aslice from the very beginning as a producer, and I have to say it was a fantastic tool made by one of the truest DJs out there. The closing of Aslice is a very complex subject that should stimulate necessary and bigger thoughts about the entire club/dance music industry.

Going into detail, Aslice was a good effort to bring fairness to the club music scene, but, actually, we’re talking about receiving a few hundred euros every three months. I mean, is this enough to really change something? And I know that the idea behind Aslice was more than good and for sure is not their fault if just a few DJs joined the project.

There’s a gap so big in terms of earnings and exposure between the DJs who play other artists' music and the producers who made that music, I really think that we can bring more balance giving producers a real chance to grow up as artists. For example, why do we see always the same line-ups in clubs and festivals all over the world? Because it’s not about music. It’s about money and selling tickets, which is totally understandable from the promoters' side, but we are also forgetting to give the right acknowledgment to the creativity and the talent of those who spent a lot of time in the studio making that music, which is necessary for an entire market that asks for new music so quickly and constantly.

But, it’s not just the promoters' and big DJs' fault, it’s also a cultural problem because the audience first is not educated to dig for new music, and explore artists and their productions. They just take what the market gives to them. I know of many people going to see the same artist playing even 10 times in a year, but never attending the shows of the producers who have made those tracks played by their favorite DJ.

How we can change all of this? There’s only one way. By putting back the music on top in the music industry because, at the moment, it’s not.

And with AI? What is your relationship with that like? Have you implemented any form of AI in recent releases? Do you think this is one of those things that will drive the scene forward?

Honestly, I never used AI I'm my productions till now. There are some different and opposite opinions about the use of AI in music, and I know many people are worried because we don’t know where it will lead us. For example…will musicians and producers be replaced by AI in the future? Can the rising use of AI in music production destroy or heavily change the music market? It’s a possibility. Will AI redefine the way we make music, opening new frontiers, and becoming a very versatile tool for musicians? It’s a possibility too. For sure it’s something we haven’t explored enough, but I think that in every way we’ll see human creativity gaining more and more value in the future as something very special and extraordinary.

Finally, having gone over the recent past and the present, what’s next for Ivory? What new milestones are you looking forward to now?

Thinking about my path as a DJ and producer, I always think that I’m at the beginning…there are so many clubs, festivals, and countries where I never played, even if in these past years I have traveled around the world performing in so many countries; also, talking about studio work, the music changes so fast, there are so many influences, and approaches to explore…

Thank you for your time, Daniel! Best of luck with “When It’s Cold”. Catch you soon!

Thanks to you! I’ll see you around then!

Ivory’s latest single, “When It’s Cold“, is out now via ICONYC. Find your copy here.

Naji Arun: The Elegance of ‘Elangeni‘

From The Netherlands to the rest of the world, Naji Arun’s eclectic take on electronic dance music is transcending borders with every beat, as he expertly combines sheer technological prowess with our most guttural feelings for a primal experience.

Elangeni, Arun’s first outing for New York / Berlin-based imprint ICONYC, is a testament to the producer’s sonic quest, with African singer Soul Star delivering two rousing vocal performances that elevate the EP to a class of its own.

Join Type < / 01 Magazine as we dive inside the elegance of Naji Arun to learn more about the release of his new Elangeni EP for ICONYC, his inspirations, views on AI, the closure of ASLICE, his hopes for the future, and more.

Hi, Naji! How are you doing? How have you been? Thank you for joining us today.

Hey! I’m doing great, and I hope you are too. Thanks for having me.

Congratulations on the release of your ICONYC EP, Elangeni. We can imagine the excitement must be high! So, how are you feeling about this one?

Thanks a lot. I’m very excited for this EP. It’s a very special EP for me, and I couldn’t have wished for a better label than ICONYC to have it released on.

Speaking about the record, Elangeni features two new original tracks, yet they do feel as if cut from a similar thread while managing to sound really unique. Was that your intention from the offset, to seemingly explore different faces of a similar “headspace”?

My concept for this EP was to experiment with Afro influences in my music. So you can hear a blend of my style with a new spin to it. I wanted to create something unique and with a deeper feeling to it. Nowadays, you hear a lot of the same music and you have to stand out bringing something new.

The lead track, “Elangeni”, as a single, has a very ethnic-laced feel combined with a modern sense of production and direction. Is that what you were going for? Do you tend to find inspiration in the music of other cultures/scenes?

Yes, I definitely find inspiration in other cultures/scenes. As I’m normally more of a “Melodic Techno” artist, this EP is my first Afro-styled EP. I always want to experiment with new styles, and I’m a fan of Afro House, but I do like the faster bpm and energy from Melodic Techno, which this EP also has.

By the way, Elangeni sees you linking up with African singer Soul Star on both tracks. How did the connection with Soul Star happen? How did the idea for this EP come about?

As my concept for this EP was to experiment with Afro, what’s better than to have some original African vocals on it?

I first heard Soul Star from his track with Soulroots, “Sala Papa Ye”, being played at a festival I attended. The vibe of the track and his vocals are just amazing, so I reached out to him via Instagram and send him the instrumental version of “Elangeni”. He loved it and started working on the vocals and that’s how the track came to be.

In the second cut, “Mane” sounds a bit darker, but also feels like it's brimming with life at every turn. What was the process for “Mane” like?

After we created the track “Elangeni”, which was signed to ICONYC, we needed a second track for the EP. So I reached out to Soul Star again, because I thought the concept of having a full EP with us together would be great. For the second track, I wanted to go for a darker more club vibe. I already had this hypnotic instrumental with a lot of focus on the bass lying around, which I then sent to him. This is how we created “Mane”.

With releases on ICONYC, Black Rose Recordings, and more…are you making the music that you thought you’d be making when you first started? If not, what do you think of the voice you have found as an artist?

This release on ICONYC, and now seeing all the great artists that are releasing on it, is definitely a milestone in my career again. This was always my vision and it’s amazing to see it working out after a lot of years of late nights in the studio.

And where do you usually go to for inspiration? Do you have a set of “routines” that you know are bound to get you in the right mind frame?

I personally get a lot of inspiration from just making music itself. I just start something from scratch and do not have too many references about which direction the track should to go. I just make what I feel like making in that moment.

By the way, in the past weeks, we’ve seen the closure of ASLICE, which was intended to bring some balance to the DJ/producer dynamic. What do you think of its closure? Should big-name DJs be sharing their fees with the producers who create the tracks they are playing?

It’s a shame it didn’t work out. I love the concept. I do think more can be done in different ways. Give upcoming artists more chances to perform at shows. Now it’s almost always the same big names that are on the line-up.

And with AI? What is your relationship with that like? Have you implemented any form of AI in recent releases? Do you think this is one of those things that will drive the scene forward?

I’m not a fan of AI, I love creating something that comes out of my heart, so I don’t see myself using it in the future. Maybe some kind of AI mix plug-in, but not something that would create music on my behalf. I think it could set the scene back because in the future everyone could make music via AI without having musical knowledge.

Finally, having gone over the recent past and the present, what’s next for Naji Arun? What new milestones are you looking forward to now?

I’ve ended the year on a big high, and I intend to set this forward in 2025. You always have to set new goals if you want to make progress.

Thank you for your time, Naji! Best of luck with Elangeni. Catch you soon!

Thanks for having me. See ya!

Naji Arun’s new Elangeni EP is out now via ICONYC. Find your copy here.

Modeling The Sound Of Dorian Craft

Hailing from the glistening French Riviera, Dorian Craft has carved a name for himself in electronic dance music with an illustrious career spanning over 14 years that has seen him garnering support from industry heavyweights like Black Coffee, Bedouin, and Maceo Plex.

Owner of an eclectic sound that blends organic rhythms, iridescent melodies, and captivating vocals, Dorian Craft’s music takes on a distinct shape at every turn, defying expectations, and his much-anticipated outing for ICONYC certainly lives up to its billing.

Join Type < / 01 Magazine as we dive inside the kaleidoscope of Dorian Craft to learn more about the release of his new “Models 24” single, his inspirations, views on AI, the closure of ASLICE, his hopes for the future, and more.

Hey Dorian! How are you doing? How have you been? Thank you for joining us today.

Hey, glad to have a talk with you guys! I’m in Bali right now, so I guess it could definitely be worse!

Congratulations on the release of your ICONYC single, “Models 24”, which has been heavily hyped up throughout the year. We can imagine the excitement must be high! So, how are you feeling about this one?

Yeah! I’ve been following the label ever since Pietro became the A&R, and I liked his vision. I’m super happy to add my piece to this puzzle.

Speaking about the record, “Models 24” features a very distinct sound that expertly blends new wave, electronica, indie dance, and a bit of rocking attitude. Did you have a clear horizon in mind before you got started?

That’s a great description. Yes…When I’m not listening to electronic music, I dive into my 80s/90s Spotify playlists, and yes…New Wave and old-school rock often inspire me. I like the saturated, powerful basslines that rock music offers and this is what I wanted for “Models 24”.

And what was the creative process for “Models 24” like? Did you first stumble upon the vocals, or was it a case of finding something that just "felt right"?

I started to play with this vocal that a friend sent to me. It’s an easy hook but catchy enough to remind us of something by Phoenix. I knew it was going to be a short track, so early on, I added that dramatic harmony and used my recipe: to bring the climax at the second drop with the addition of an unexpected element.

We do know that every track is different, but do you have a sort of "playbook" that you tend to go to? Or does every track ask for something different in that sense?

I would say, nowadays there’s kind of a playbook. When I go through my promos, sometimes I feel like I listen 3/4 times to the same track and I instantly forget them. I have decided to take the risk of releasing something different. My last release on Bedouin’s was an Iberican vocal combined with an acid bassline…kinda unexpected, right? It would be so much easier for me to use that same Afro-house template, but I know it would be a lie deep in myself.

With releases on ICONYC, Diversions, When Stars Align, and more...are you making the music that you thought you'd be making when you first started? If not, what do you think of the voice you have found as an artist?

When I started 16 years ago, I was into Tech House - big time! My sound has swayed into something more melodic, I’d say, more emotional. As a DJ, I love to play a wide palette of sounds during my sets, and somehow, it affects my way of producing. I like to have one of my own tracks for every moment of my set. I will never focus on producing one genre.

And where do you usually go to for inspiration? Do you have a set of "routines" that you know are bound to get you in the right mind frame?

I’m happy to have the ability to produce on the road. I don t need expensive studios, just some ideas, and my laptop. I like to work spontaneously. The inspiration comes from everywhere…a good bit of news, a party I played the night before, or just, one more time, a listen to my 80/90s playlist, haha. Artists are emotional sponges!

By the way, in the past weeks, we've seen the closure of ASLICE, which was intended to bring some balance to the DJ/producer dynamic. What do you think of its closure? Should big-name DJs be sharing their fees with the producers who create the tracks they are playing?

I think it is complicated. It would be unfair for these big names to be « taxed » like this. Who’s a big name? Who’s not? For sure it’d help the small producers, who most of the time earn nothing from their music, but not that way. No, in my opinion, we need better exposure and royalties shares from the streaming platforms.

And with Al? What is your relationship with that like? Have you implemented any form of Al in recent releases? Do you think this is one of those things that will drive the scene forward?

A computer will never be replaced by a human sensitivity. I used AI to tweak and layer some vocals. In fact, “Models 24” has an AI layer on the vocal. I use it more like a VST, let’s say, for sound design.

Finally, having gone over the recent past and the present, what’s next for Dorian Craft? What new milestones are you looking forward to now? How would you like to be remembered in the scene once you're done?

Well, I have a collaboration with Da Mike set to release at the end of the month, and some remixes confirmed for 2025 for the likes of Rüfüs Du Sol and Nico Morano. Obviously, I’m also working on my next single, plus a collaboration with Samm. I hope that with these tracks, maybe, I will be remembered at least a bit, hahaha!

Thank you for your time, Dorian! Best of luck with “Models 24”. Catch you soon!

It was my pleasure. Keep going, guys!

Dorian Craft’s latest single, “Models 24“, is out now via ICONYC. Find your copy here.

Keith Holland: The Ideals Of Evolution

Emerging from the colorful streets of Sao Paulo, ICONYC presents rising DJ and producer Keith Holland and his sensual take on the house-ier side of dance music with his new Idealisimo EP. With an impressive string of releases that have seen him grace some of the hottest labels in the globe, Holland now arrives on the New York/Berlin-based imprint with a stellar two-tracker that bares the signature of an artist constantly on the move.

Join Type < / 01 Magazine as we dive inside the vibrant studio of Keith Holland to learn more about the release of his new Idealismo EP, his inspirations, views on AI, the closure of ASLICE, his hopes for the future, and more.

Hey Keith! How are you doing? How have you been? Thank you for joining us today.

Hey guys! Everything is great here in São Paulo, I was just in my studio working and I took a break to be here with you... very honored to be part of this interview, thank you!

Congratulations on the release of your ICONYC EP, Idealismo. We can imagine the excitement must be high! So, how are you feeling about this one?

Absolutely! Yeah, very excited! I love both tracks on the EP! In addition, the build-up to the release date was killing me, haha!

Speaking about the record, Idealismo features two new original tracks, yet they do feel as if cut from a similar thread. Was that your intention from the offset, to seemingly explore different faces of a similar “headspace”?

Exactly! The idea of ​​the EP was to have a similar sound from one track to the next. Working with a stabed groove and also adding a sequencer, so as not to lose my hypnotic identity.

“Idealismo” as a single has a very retro-laced feel combined with a modern sense of production. Is that what you were going for? Do you tend to find inspiration in the music of the past?

Honestly, this happened naturally. I love the sound repetition that this song delivers on the dance floor. I always listen to music from the past like Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Curtis Mayfield, and many others... no matter how much I do House or Techno I always try to pull references from the past in my productions.

On the flip side, “Classuda” sounds a bit more “aggressive”, but also feels like a homage to the halcyon days of rave music. What was the process for “Classuda” like?

“Classuda” was inspired by House from the 90s. Bass, stabs, and the vocals coming in some parts of the track are the focal points. However, I looked to add something modern by adding a sequencer and a riff in the second drop.

With releases on ICONYC, Innervisions, TAU, Sum Over Histories, and more…are you making the music that you thought you’d be making when you first started? If not, what do you think of the voice you have found as an artist?

I think that the artist has to always be in constant evolution. When I started releasing my first tracks, I gained notoriety for producing a line of sound that automatically began to be labeled for having a unique sound identity. Honestly, I never looked for this, it ended up happening naturally. On the other hand, I don't want to just stick to one sound identity, always looking for something new.

And where do you usually go to for inspiration? Do you have a set of “routines” that you know are bound to get you in the right mind frame?

For me, the best way to find inspiration is to listen to artists you admire from different genres.

By the way, in the past weeks, we’ve seen the closure of ASLICE, which was intended to bring some balance to the DJ/producer dynamic. What do you think of its closure? Should big-name DJs be sharing their fees with the producers who create the tracks they are playing?

This question is excellent, it's really cool that you touched on this point. It was a huge loss for the industry, I was very upset by the news... the idea and objective of the platform were incredible. It was a brilliant incentive for producers who spend hours in their bedrooms or studios producing their tracks to be recognized and paid for their art. Here in Brazil, a lot of people asked me what it was and how it worked... when I explained it, everyone was delighted with the purpose of the platform. And yes, in my opinion, renowned DJs who have a busy schedule should share their fees with the producers making the music that they are playing.

And with AI? What is your relationship with that like? Have you implemented any form of AI in recent releases? Do you think this is one of those things that will drive the scene forward?

I've never implemented anything AI in my tracks. I think this is a path of no return, we will increasingly see the presence of AI not only in the music industry but also in numerous areas. On the other hand, maybe I will end up using it on my next track because as I answered in the other question, the artist always has to be constantly evolving.

Finally, having gone over the recent past and the present, what’s next for Keith Holland? What new milestones are you looking forward to now?

Well, my focus now is to play around the globe and continue producing my tracks. In the near future, I want to create my own label and give space to new talents, especially here in Brazil.

Thank you for your time, Keith! Best of luck with Idealismo. Catch you soon!

Thank you guys, I loved the interview and see you next time!

Keith Holland’s new Idealismo EP is out now via ICONYC. Find your copy here.

John Falke: Through The Prism

Originally hailing from Northern Germany, John Falke has risen through the ranks aided by a colorful menagerie of releases that have earned him coveted spots in the catalog of revered brands, including Innervisions, TAU, and Sum Over Histories to name a few.

Now based in Berlin since 2016, Falke’s ascent continues with superlative aplomb as he joins the revamped ICONYC crew with the release of his wondrous two-tracker, Octi. With some state-of-the-art weaponry, John Falke’s latest outing is an imperial assault on the dancefloors that goes beyond the traditional confines, redesigning and rewiring the way pleasure is perceived for a weirdly exquisite joyride.

Join Type < / 01 Magazine as we dive inside the creative world of John Falke to learn more about the drop of his new Octi EP, his studio process, views on AI, and more.

Hey John! How are you doing? How have you been? Thank you for joining us today.

Hello, all good - I’m happy to be here, thanks for having me.

Congratulations on the release of your ICONYC EP, Octi. We can imagine the excitement must be high! So, how are you feeling about this one?

Thank you very much. Yes, I’m really looking forward and I’m just so happy to release new music again.

Speaking about the record, Octi features two different cuts that explore a similar “headspace”. Was that your idea from the go, to showcase that facet of your sound and explore how deep that emotion can go?

To be honest, I hadn't planned to release the two songs together. It just happened, and I'm very happy about it. However, I believe that there is a certain recognizability in all my tracks, which is also my goal.

“Octi” is quite a unique name for a track. Is there an emotional trigger or story here? How was it that “Octi” came about?

Yeah, I'm a bit picky with names - I like it short and it looks cool too. Regarding “Octi“, it's funny because it's the name of a jewelry brand I admire.

And on the B side, we’ve got “Tuk”, which also feels like a very “guttural” piece. It really feels out there. What’s the angle for “Tuk”?

Yes, “Tuk“ is very special to me. I finished it at the beginning of 2023, and since then, it has been sitting on my hard drive. A few DJs have played it, but regardless, I knew that it had something special. I really trust my gut feeling, and with this song, it was clear to me that it needed to be released. That's why I'm even happier that ICONYC was open to releasing it so that everyone now has the opportunity to listen to it.

With releases on ICONYC, Innervisions, Sum Over Histories, and more…are you making the music that you thought you’d be making when you first started? If not, what do you think of the voice you have found as an artist?

First of all, I feel very lucky to be working with such labels. Regarding my sound, it took some time to find myself, or rather, to find my own sound. When I first started 8 years ago, I had a totally different sound inspiration, and the outcome was definitely different from what it is now. But I think that’s healthy, and I hope to continue evolving in the coming years as well.

We know that every track requires something different, but do you have a “process” that you can rely on by now? Where do you usually go to for inspiration?

Actually, I often stick to a certain mood/vibe that I feel at the start of the process. And then it begins. My inspiration to create music actually comes from everywhere: fashion, movies, art installations, and friends. It can be anything, like go watching a movie at the cinema. It always fascinates me.

By the way, in the past weeks, we’ve seen the closure of ASLICE, which was intended to bring some balance to the DJ/producer dynamic. What do you think of its closure? Should big-name DJs be sharing their fees with the producers who create the tracks they are playing?

The loss of ASLICE was very sad, for all of us producers, who saw their first money ever for their music through the platform. It's just really a shame.

Whether big DJs should share part of their feed, I think so. It would be fair, but nowadays I’m thinking more carefully about whom I send my unreleased music to.

And with AI? What is your relationship with that like? Have you implemented any form of AI in recent releases? Do you think this is one of those things that will drive the scene forward?

In my opinion, AI is extremely fascinating. I don't use it nearly as much as some others do, but sometimes I like using it to create stuff. There are already some really cool plugins with AI features and so on. Yes, I find this whole topic extremely exciting and gives also hope for the scene to continually find new opportunities and ways to develop further.

Finally, having gone over the recent past and the present, what’s next for John Falke? What new milestones are you looking forward to now?

I keep working hard to produce good songs. There’s so much more to discover and learn. Also, I’m looking forward to playing some gigs in the near future.

But the most important thing is to stay healthy and enjoy life.

Thank you for your time, John! Best of luck with Octi. Catch you soon!

Thank you very much! See you around.

John Falke’s new Octi EP is out now via ICONYC. Find your copy here.

Tim Walche: A Bigger Sacrifice

Coming in hot via ICONYC, Tim Walche’s Sacrifice EP promises to be one of the most resounding works from the Kyiv-based producer and mix engineer, who already holds a distinct place in the catalogs of renowned brands, including ATLANT and This Never Happened.

Making the impossible to thrive in Ukraine’s current hostile landscape, the studio savant returns with an unadulterated fix of the finest electronic music, providing a colorful insight into the inner workings of a bold producer on the rise. Uncompromising, Tim Walche’s vision and design go past the traditional confines of the dancefloor in search of lasting thrills, and his sacrifice surely won’t go unnoticed.

Type < / 01 Magazine sat down with Tim Walch to dig deeper into the release of his new EP, his inspirations, workflow, collaborative process, lessons learned, and more.

Hey Tim! How are you doing? How have you been? Thank you for joining us today.

Hello guys! I appreciate being here. Thank you for having me. All good, especially with the drop of my new Sacrifice EP just around the corner.

Speaking about that, congratulations on the release of your ICONYC EP, Sacrifice. We can imagine the excitement must be high! So, how are you feeling about this one?

I have been waiting for this release for about two years, to be honest. I made about two or three versions of this song before it turned into what it is now. So yeah, I'm really excited and happy.

Speaking about the record, Sacrifice features two wildly different cuts. Was that your idea from the go, to showcase a broad palette to your sound?

I love blending different moods and tones, mixing emotions as if I have a palette in my hands, like a painter. This is the general signature of the Tim Walche project, where each of my songs and releases are not similar in style to one another or to other artists.

“Sacrifice”, as the name implies, seems to stem from a highly personal place. Is there an emotional trigger here? What was the creative collaborative process with Safe Travel like?

In a way, this is more of a question for the vocalist, because I gave him the freedom to write about his emotions, what he feels at the moment, and how he perceives this track. We have a very friendly relationship. We've never met in person, but we communicate remotely. I hope one day we'll work together in a studio on a release, but that’s something we’ll plan for later.

And on the flip side, we’ve got “Hidden Palace”, which is a very unique piece. It really feels out there. What’s the angle to “Hidden Palace”? Have you ever done something like this before?

As I mentioned earlier, each of my works must be unique. This is the philosophy of my project. I experimented with techno grooves and house synths, and I accidentally came across a really cool sample on Splice, which completed the whole composition and entered the track almost unchanged.

Since we’re in the studio…You were a mixing and mastering engineer for a really long time before you had your “official” debut, right? Had you made music during that period as well? Was there something preventing you from taking that jump?

Actually, I’ve always made music, but I was heavily involved in ghost production, gaining experience to launch my own project. I wanted to start at a high level, at the level of those tracks I worked on as a mixing engineer for my clients.

And, are you making the music that you thought you’d be making when you first started? If not, what do you think of the voice you have found as an artist?

I started making music more than 10 years ago. It was melodic techno and progressive trance, so I haven't strayed far from the genres I began with. At the same time, I produced tracks in any genre for my clients, from pop music to all kinds of electronic genres.

So, what are some of the most important lessons that you learned from that particular period, having collaborated with notable industry names?

Work every day. Never stop learning.

Finally, having gone over the recent past and the present, what’s next for Tim Walche? What new milestones are you looking forward to?

Probably the biggest achievement I’d like to reach right now is the opportunity to collaborate with one or several artists who have inspired me throughout my life.

Thank you for your time, Tim! Best of luck with Sacrifice. Catch you soon!

See you around, guys. This was a great time. Thank you.

Tim Walche’s new Sacrifice EP is out now via ICONYC. Find your copy here.

Florilegia: Nurturing ICONYC’s latest Compilation

With a revamped sound and a striking visual image, ICONYC has been turning heads throughout 2024, fronting releases by Solique, Roman Kyn, and more. Now, the sophisticated brand unveils the first installment in its newly-minted Florilegia compilation series.

Featuring eight new cuts, ICONYC’s Florilegia showcases a refined search for something that lasts beyond the confines of the traditional dancefloor, exploring the borderlines between house and techno, uncovering its endless shares.

Join us, as we dissect the moving parts inside the handpicked anthology, with exclusive insights from Momery, Anido, Bar.ba & hanami (IT), Way of Thinking & Sofia Lorena, Naeiiv, Baardman, Crudito Sava, and Vaert.

Way Of Thinking - “Get Out Of My Way (Ft. Sofia Lorena)”

Way Of Thinking

"Sofia and I didn't really know each other. I went to visit my friends Frankey & Sandrino at an event in my city, and on the dance floor, Sofia introduced herself and told me that she was the vocalist of Tribu Oro, a band from Malaga that I was familiar with. We decided to exchange contact information, and a few weeks later, she sent me some material.

Sofia has a very soulful voice, and she reminds me a lot of the legendary Amy Winehouse. She sent me her work, but I wanted to create a track that was more special, something more unique, kind of weird, and out of the ordinary. I asked her to get angry and try rapping or just screaming. She completely stepped out of her comfort zone.

When I start a track, I don't really know where it's going, but I always try to create music that's a bit more special. As I was working in the studio, I aimed to capture a sense of coldness while also infusing warmth into the melody. I also wanted to include unexpected moments, all within a span of less than six minutes.”

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Momery - “Who Are You”

Momery

“Who Are You is an inspiring track dedicated to everyone's self-search, something that can be found through the sample in the bridge. A fast melodic arp with an intense bassline complements the main flow of the track, while granular sounds have been used to frame it.”

Anido - “Elijah”

Anido

“Elijah is the result of the union of contrasting - but at the same time - compatible sounds. what makes it exciting is the choice of harmonious and celestial sounds that support his movement. The voice, that keeps the attention alive, stands out, arousing a climax of sensations till the very end.“

Vaert - “Need You“

Vaert

“I wrote this track in a tough period of my life, and I put on it all my feelings at that moment. Need You is a statement for those people who experienced the frustration of being misunderstood about what you need from the other person, which is essentially when we talk about love. For me, it has to be just about the person, the soul, and being there. Nothing more than this.

I decided to explore my House side for this record because I felt it was the right vibe I wanted to achieve.

The process of writing the track was really spontaneous and organic and I usually experience this feeling when there is a strong message behind that I need to share. This is the reason why I do music.”

Naeiiv - “Digital HUman Scan“

Naeiiv

“With my track Digital Human Scan, I intentionally worked with cold digital synths. I wanted to create a futuristic, cold track. Hence the monotonous vocals. To stay true to my emotional and expansive sound, I incorporated a brief euphoric scene just before the second break. With this track, I aim to maintain my existing style while exploring new directions, keeping it as dancefloor-oriented as possible.”

Crudito Sava - “Solskjaer“

Crudito Sava

“Making the tune was some sort of catharsis, my music is usually way more sweeter and calmer, I was trying to explore violence through music.

I intended to catch all the modern sounds available and fit them into my sound design, with aggression as a premise. To keep a huge amount of aggressiveness and forbid me of the urge to add soul and kindness to it, I decided to do no melodies at all, and work with fx, horns, stabs, and hits only, which turned out great.“

Bar.ba, hanami (IT) - “Blossom”

Bar.ba

hanami

“Blossom is a tribute to the birth of hanami, Andrea Vaccaro's new project, born from the collaboration with Bar.ba on a rainy winter Sunday. Sweetness meets depth, creating a track a little different from the usual, where the artistic facets of the two Bergamo-based producers stand out.”

Baardman - “Natura Ly”

Baardman

“This was quite an experimental track for me as I explored some more unconventional sound design techniques for the lead sound. It involved layering multiple midi effects within Ableton to create interesting rhythmic structures for the sound.

Since this was the main focus and took up a lot of space in the mix, I kept the rest of the track minimal with some additional harmonies and a sampled vocal to enhance the emotion.

I didn’t want to lock this track in with any genre or trend so thanks to Pietro & ICONYC for believing in that vision.”

ICONYC’s Florilegia I is out now. Purchase your copy here.

Solique: No Ordinary Thing

Based in Germany, Solique is a dynamic production duo consisting of Julien and Can. Drawing inspiration from artists like Adriatique, Denis Horvat, Dixon, Fideles, and more, Solique has carved out a unique space in the electronic music scene. Despite being partners, friends, and roommates, it is their shared passion for electronic music and their collaborative efforts in playing and producing that truly solidify their bond.

Solique's performances are marked by a rare sense of mutual connection, offering meditative and assertive experiences that challenge listeners with unexpected yet intuitive twists and turns. Their sound is characterized by a deep understanding of rhythm and melody, creating immersive musical journeys that captivate audiences.

The duo's ability to seamlessly blend their influences into a cohesive and distinctive style sets them apart, making Solique a name to watch in electronic dance music. Whether through live performances or studio productions, Julien and Can continue to push the boundaries of their craft, delivering innovative and engaging music that resonates with fans worldwide.

Ahead of their performance at “WE ARE ICONYC x DI.FM“, and the drop of their new Ordinary Things EP for ICONYC, Type < / 01 Magazine caught up with Julien & Can for an in-depth look at the record, their creative process, the evolution of Solique, and more.

Hello Julien! Can! How are you doing? How have you been? Thank you for joining us today. It’s a pleasure to have you with us.

Hey, it’s also a pleasure for us. Thanks for the invite. We are doing just perfect, summer finally arrived in our city and we are preparing for some busy months.

Sounds like everything’s under control. By the way, congratulations on the recent release of your latest single, Ordinary Things! You must be psyched to have this one out. What has the initial reception been like so far? How has this one gone down with the crowd? Do you remember the first time you played it in a club or festival?

Thank you! We're not entirely certain if it was the very first time, but one of the earliest instances was definitely at our own event series, Punkt Punkt Komma Strich. The crowd reaction was always fantastic, and many people asked us about the track. With ICONYC we found a great home for that track.

So, what can your fans and ICONYC devotees come to find on Ordinary Things? Is there an emotional trigger driving this cut?

We aimed to create something that not only gets people moving, but also touches them on an emotional level. The emotional trigger for this cut is nostalgia. It brings back memories of simpler, happier times, making us long for the past.

There’s a very alluring vocal sample sitting at the heart of Ordinary Things. Something that stands between warmth and melancholy in a sense…or nostalgia, as just said. What can you tell us about this bit? Did you guys create the piece around it? Did that come into play later?

Absolutely! We love that kind of vocals, and the sample was definitely the cornerstone for us in creating "Ordinary Things". It served as the key element that inspired the entire track. Once we had that sample, the rest of the instrumental naturally fell into place around it and we completed the track in a pretty short amount of time.

What’s your relationship in the studio like by now? Do you guys have you have set roles in the studio? Do you tend to play on each other's strengths?

Initially, we did have distinct roles in the studio, however, over the past few years, we both contributed to all aspects of the production process. Nowadays, we are sending sketches back and forth and we are working on them together a few days a week.

And where does Ordinary Things stand in your catalog? Does it bring something that wasn’t there before?

It's definitely our fastest track to date, clocking in at 126 BPM, which brings a high-energy vibe that we're really excited about. We designed this track with the intention of making it perfect for bigger stages and large audiences.

By the way, you guys are Austrian and Swedish and met in Australia. Is that right? How did you guys come to meet? Was the idea for Solique an instant thing or did that come with time?

We've been friends since we were quite young. Both of us grew up in the same area in Cologne. We always shared the same taste in music. The idea of forming a duo naturally developed over time as we started going out frequently and listening to many DJs. We began by teaching ourselves everything from scratch. After some time, we started to get opportunities to play a few gigs around Cologne.

Reflecting on the sound of Ordinary Things, are you making the music that you thought you’d be making when you first started? If not, what do you think of the voice you have found as artists?

I think it's crucial for an artist to evolve. We've definitely grown since we first started, and our music now reflects that progression. While "Ordinary Things" is different from our early work, it represents the unique voice we've discovered along the way.

Moving into a hot topic…what do you guys think of the implementation of AI in music? Has any form of AI been implemented in Ordinary Things? What’s your relationship with that likes?

There’s always a good and a bad side, for now, AI gives you a bunch of new options in the form of useful tools.

However, we believe that the heart and soul of music still come from human emotion and intuition. For us, the key is blending the innovative power of AI with the authenticity and personal touch that makes music resonate with listeners.

Now that Ordinary Things is out, what’s next for Solique? What new milestones are you looking forward to? Where can your fans catch you next?

We have some things in store. Can’t say much about it, but there are some really exciting collaborations and labels coming up. And we have a nice little tour coming up next month with Istanbul, Dubai, and Baku and an India tour, for example.

Thank you for your time guys! See you at ADE for “WE ARE ICONYC x DI.FM“!

Thanks for having us. We hope to see everyone on the dancefloor!

Solique’s Ordinary Things EP is out now via ICONYC. Purchase your copy here.