Exploring The Realms of Moxy Muzik with Darius Syrossian

“It’s all about House and Techno, and I'm not interested in fads.” That's the motto Darius Syrossian lives by. It’s what made him a producer that doesn’t play by traditional rules. First, he’s been performing for over 25 years, creating his signature sound. Then, in 2019, he launched his [Moxy Muzik] record label and party concept. 

“My inspiration came from the 90s scene, which was like Junior Vasquez playing Sound Factory in New York, and he played 24 hours and that's what DJing was about. Playing every week in the same club where you get to know the crowd. Now with Moxy, I don't play every week, I play once a month.” Having played gigs at every major club in every significant city. “Before that, I used to play Sankeys, and I've always been a resident. When I started playing After Tribal Sessions, Do Not Sleep, it got to a point where it became a bigger brand and put on getting so popular.” 

The word Moxy comes from someone who does what they want and doesn’t even a fuck if people don't like it. “It became a point where it's like you've got Charlotte De Witt one week, then you got this and that, and there's no musical identity, nondescript. It's just anything that sells tickets. For me, that's not why I became a DJ.” 

Darius Syrossian takes the underground scene to a new dimension with his own party brand. He is touring different cities across the country with Moxy Muzik displaying his passion and talent to new realms. He will be taking over The Brooklyn Monarch with his [Moxy Muzik] concept this Friday, January 21. 

“I want to enjoy what I'm doing when I'm teaching, I want to play what I want to play. So in smaller rooms, longer sets are about 6 hours playing what I want with fewer people, but people who want to hear me play.” 

He continues about the music scene. Back in the late 80s and 90s, people only cared about music. There were no smartphones which meant no photography and social media posts. It was simple back then, with good vibes and great music. These days it's all about those high prices to try and sell out the massive spaces. 

“You end up with the people who think they should be listening to you, wanting to hear you play those big tunes that they've heard, and then it becomes soulless. You become a jukebox. I want to play my style of music inspired by the New York scene of the 90s, Chicago House, a little bit of acid, a little bit like European techno mixed up what you want.” 

Moxy Muzik is More Than a Party Concept:

Moxy Muzik is an imprint where all listeners discover underground talent. It gives upcoming artists a chance to be found and heard. “Moxy started it to be a way that I can do this. Now, if you look, I've got loads of shows all over the UK, Manchester League, London, and I play a long set. I also bring upcoming artists. So I don't just book other established guests. I spot artists who I know are upcoming, and I know that they're good. It makes me feel good that I'm helping other acts as well at the same time. So that's what Moxy is about.” 

From the beginning, he was always passionate about the music and the scene. But, as only some people do it for fame, Darius does it for the love of music. “I enjoy doing it with other people, have journeyed with other people '' What he is also known for that sample may not know about is that he has launched many other inspiring artists careers. “I think I'm in a position to help upcoming artists, so I've lost count. My label still presses vinyl.”

Since the label’s launch, it has only grown into a successful imprint. “It cost me a lot of money to do. If you want the records, they're going to buy the records anyway.” The digital tracks go straight in at #1 on Beatport ́s minimal deep tech genre. “Moxy Muzik has quite a lot of number ones on the Beatport, and it makes quite a bit of money.” The label has grown into producing multiple #1 vinyl records within three years. “We press vinyl, and we don't just press vinyl, we do colored vinyl. We also have Charlotte Archer, she's an independent artist. She's hand-drawn art for each one. So that costs quite a lot of money for each release. So trying to get up to sell and buy is really difficult. So I've given Lucas Alexander his first release on vinyl. Andrew K, his first release on vinyl. Many big names like Steve Lawler, Doc Martin, and DJ Sneak. We also help get music from an act because I know; she's important, that is.”

“You need to give these people a platform to show how good they sell. I find that quite rewarding. Helping other people as well and not just making Moxy just about me. That’s what I’m probably proud of a lot.”

Darius has a few tracks out now that are very popular, especially ‘White Rabbit.’ “My parents used to listen to it all the time because my parents always had music on nonstop, all day, every day in the kitchen house. So that was always music.” 

“I did it just for a laugh, for myself, and it turned out quite good. But I didn't release it in Lockdown. I waited after Lockdown in England when the clubs opened, and I played it. Defected Croatia, and all the Defected crew was like, ‘What is it?’ Shoot. I was like, something I've done. We'll never play the sample, but we got a singer to reshape it all and replay it all, and I've sampled them. Otherwise, we'd never clear the sample.”

Exploring Different Realms of Music: 

Darius Syrossian always had an act for being different, “from the beginning, I always do what I want, and it's not a typical dance floor track. It doesn't really sound like anything else I've made before, but I just like to mix it up and do what I want. If I want to make an edit, I'll make an edit.”

He continues by explaining how the music industry can work against him sometimes. With Darius Syrossian, he thinks outside the realms of music and creates masterpieces. He explores different subgenres and does not categorize himself in one dance music category. It works out both good and evil; however, he will always have loyal fans. “Tne techno tracks on Drumcode, and I've played House Music on Defected. The problem is that it works against you a little bit because people want to pigeon all you, and you can't pigeon on me. It's like, I'm not part of any crew. I don't want to be part of any crew. Right now, business technology is big. But I released it on Drumcode, and Adam Bayer loved the track. He said it was brilliant. When I posted that, there were a lot of Drumcode fans getting angry.” 

The Beginning:

It didn’t happen overnight for Darius Syrossian, and becoming a DJ was never planned. It all just worked out for the best. “I had a record shop about 15 years ago, so it was never my plan to be an international DJ. It just happened because in 2008, when vinyl crashed and we had to close the shop. I thought I might have to get a real job. So then I thought I was going to fucking start making records. Then the records that I made started getting signed by all the labels, and then I ended up having a career that way.” 

He has had many proud moments throughout his career, but there's one moment that will always stand out. He also put out his vital entry into the Essential Mix series doing two, so he remains a pivotal figure in the house scene. “This was the one live at Sankeys Visa on Radio one week in 2013. Then halfway through the track, the mix, I played Dusky, and you can hear the crowd on the mix. It was surreal because I just suddenly looked out and saw the whole crowd, and they all started clapping, and I don't know, I got a bit emotional. I just started breaking through at this point. So I've been trying for fucking years, and this was like a massive thing.”  

He never comes to the club with a pre-recorded set. “I never plan a set. You plan for yourself, but there are many people in that room. You have to try and build something within the energy that's going off in that room at the time.” Although he never wavered from his devotion to the groove, Darius’s vast music knowledge and unique vinyl collection allow him versatility. “A good DJ is someone who can read the crowd. It's not about matching as much. Lauren Garner is one of my favorite DJs, he mixes it up all the time, but his beat matches are sometimes constrained. It's about reading the crowd and the emotion in that room in front of you and what kind of vibes will come off the previous track. You're going to have happy records, technical records, moody technical records. It's about knowing how to play the right track at the right moment.” 

Inspiration: 

Moxy Muzik is all about playing extended sets in an intimate setting with a loyal crowd listening to one artist for hours. The party brand is coming to New York at The Brooklyn Monarch, where he will be bringing all the vibes and divine music. “That's what inspired me. It's a New York House Music, to some extent, Masters At Work. You couldn't even see the DJ back in Manchester because he was on a balcony behind you. Everyone was dancing, and nobody was facing the fucking DJ with a phone. But we can sit here and moan as much as we want. Things change. There are a lot of things that are better now. There are lot more types of different music with sub-genres, and the sound systems are more advanced. So we can always moan but the scene is still good. I still enjoy what I'm doing. I just wish people were more about the music than they are.”

He continues about the club scene in Manchester, a huge party city. “I'll play every month in Manchester. It sells out every month, but it's only 500 capacity. But the crowd is fucking bang on. So I don't want to play just once a year, 10,000 people for 1 hour. I want to play every month for 5 hours. That's the difference between me, and I don't want to be a jukebox.” 

On The Horizon: 

Darius has more to come, such as another world tour and upcoming releases with respectable artists. “I've got a release on Catz 'n Dogz label, PETS Recordings, that's out later this month. I've been playing it out, and it seems just to pass the test, let's say. Then in February, I got a remix on the label from Canada, Griffintown Records.

A true workaholic, Darius Syrossian has many upcoming tracks that will take over dance charts, dance floors, and minds. “Then I've got a huge record called “Back in a Dance,” which is a collaboration with me and George Meadows, and this is going to be massive. When I played it on my Mint Festival set, the number of people that ask for track IDs for this, when I play in clubs and on SoundCloud in the comments, it's going to be huge! Next, I've got my own release of Moxy called “Mercy Me,” that's going to be a viable release. It's a remix by Jordan Masters from Birmingham. He's another upcoming artist. It's going to be his first final release. Then I've got a track called “I'm the Joker,” and you'll hear it in New York. I've sampled an old hip/hop, bass, house kind of vibe.”

You can catch Darius Syrossian in a city nearby as he continues his tour, expanding his brand. “We’ve got Moxy Muzik at Zeti Hotel. The lineup is getting put together now. I'm also doing the Hideout Festival in Croatia, Defected Croatia. The lineup is unreal for that. In Croatia, I met so many amazing people from America.” 

When he’s in the studio or performing at a nightclub, Darius Syrossian represents the value of being an original artist and not afraid to stand out. His success from doing just that empowered and inspired other artists to do the same. More DJs and producers should do the same and not listen to their inner demons and just say the word “Moxy.” 

Follow Darius Syrossian: SOUNDCLOUD | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM 

Queen of Hardstyle Takes Over Forbidden Kingdom [Event Review]

After one year and three months, the world as we know it is finally going back to our normal lives. Festival season is finally back, and clubs are re-opening once again. The weekend of June 11th & 12th it was DJ Lady Faith’s first festival performance in over a year at Insomniac Events Forbidden Kingdom in Orlando, FL. The dubstep festival brought over 25,000k bass-heads to one location the Sunset Cove Amphitheater. Originally started in 2018 at Sunset Cove Park in Boca Raton, FL until Pasquale Rotella and his brilliant Insomniac Events team took over. Sprawling across three stages New Kingdom Stage, Village Stage, and Forbidden Stage including a smaller Dragon stage.

America’s favorite Hardstyle DJ Lady Faith was a top headliner on this year’s ballot, paving the way for more female artists to headline massive festivals. “It makes me so happy seeing other female artists on the lineup with me, I would like to see more though”. Lady Faith says on the way to the festival, we were talking to REDRUM and how it is a lot harder for female artists to gain the respect and acknowledgment they actually deserve. “It’s always a pleasure meeting other DJs” - she adds. 

Photo Credit: Josiah McDonald @josiah.mc

Making her way to the Village Stage, the crowd is amped up for some Hardstyle. Amplifying the crowd immediately by playing her remix of the legendary hit Satisfaction by Benny Benassi. There was a huge crowd at her performance, everyone was dancing and jumping to the heavy beat the entire set. “It’s a beautiful site to see to finally be back at a festival with all of you!” Lady Faith says in the microphone. You can feel the vibes everywhere from the stage to the back of the crowd, with so many smiling faces. Heat lightning flashing in the sky, people dancing in the puddles to Hardstyle. Playing her newest songs Summer cover of the 80s anthem Cruel Summer, and a remix of Brittney Spears’ Baby One More Time. 

Photo Credit: Josiah McDonald @josiah.mc

The crowd bouncing to all the Hardstyle beats such as PLUR, We The People, Supernova. Lady Faith interacting with the crowd saying this is one of the best crowds and best experiences she had at a music festival. Fists pumping with an intensity of fury to heavy-hitting beats, the crowd moving and dancing to I like to Move it. Closing out her set with her new track, Speak My Mind but not without a group photo with the crowd keeping the incredible experience forever. 

Photo Credit: Josiah McDonald @josiah.mc

After her set, I asked Lady Faith how did she feel being able to perform again at festivals she replies with a huge smile on her face, “I love what I do, making music and performing is my drug I don’t need anything else. Seeing everyone’s smiling faces I can’t believe how happy I am”. 

The second day, multiple people came up and said Lady Faith was their favorite set, they couldn’t stop dancing. “Hearing that is the true cherry on top,” she said with satisfaction. Lady Faith has new music and new projects in the near future, stay connected to all social and music platforms. 

Photo Credit: Josiah McDonald @josiah.mc

Lady Faith: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Spotify | SoundCloud

Sydney Blu BACK FROM BERLIN Interview

Sydney Blu has a tremendous passion for live performances, music production, and all-artistic creativity, her constant determination shines brightly through her accomplished DJ career. The Toronto DJ made her official move to Berlin back in January, now that she’s BACK FROM BERLIN sharing her knowledge, love, and new music while on tour Embarking on a 13-day schedule in September and October, stopping in the cities of New Jersey, Vancouver, Hawaii, Las Vegas and Brooklyn, NY. Residing in Berlin has infused Blu with new inspirations for both her productions and club culture experiences, however, an over-due visit to some of her favorite stops in the USA and Canada is necessary to re-connect with her North American fans.

For those who didn’t see you in Berlin, tell us your experience performing there?

“It was cool because I have a ton of friends there now, so they all came out for it. It sort of felt like my Birthday! I have played in Berlin several times prior, but the Polygon show was the biggest one yet and I headlined. It was a really special night for me and an amazing kick-off to my tour. I can’t say there many places that are as good as playing in Berlin.” 

You’re well into the ‘Back From Berlin Tour’ what are some of your favorites cities in the US to perform at?

“St. Petersberg, last weekend blew my mind! I always love Miami and Arizona’s Blu Party was really special with Lee Reynolds and Doc Martin! This week, I’m looking forward to performing in Brooklyn at Analog, Moncton New Brunswick on Saturday and Hawaii next week! I’ll be finishing the tour off in Vegas and Vancouver.” 

Residing in Berlin has infused you with new inspirations, what were some of the inspirations?

“The music scene in Berlin is another lever, mostly because of everyone’s just being themselves and not fitting into the “what’s cool box”, I love going out dancing there. Everyone on the dance floor is really present  with the music because you aren’t allowed to use your phones in any club in the city!”

This set was recorded at the event House in Space August 17, 2019 at Polygon Berlin 2-4am main room. Click the repost button if you like this set!

What was your favorite part of your Berlin experience?

“My favorite part of being in Berlin was meeting an amazing group of friends to go dancing with every weekend at all the fun clubs. Sounds cliche, but it has been a while since I’ve done that and now I do it all the time.” 

Will you return to Berlin anytime soon? Or studio time?

“The studio is actually in Berlin so yes, I am returning on October 9th and back in the studio on the 10th. I’m SO excited to get back.”  

Any new music in the works? 

“SO much new music. My first release that I wrote after I moved to Berlin is out on December 16th on KMS Records (Kevin Saunderson’s label). It’s called ‘Intuition’. After that, I have a ton of new music coming out and their labels will be announced soon. I can tell you that I have teamed up with Fritz Helder from Azari and III on a record and I’m really excited about it!”

Will you perform any new music during the tour?

“Yes, I’m performing it all on the tour. It’s actually a perfect testing ground for a lot of my new stuff to see what works and what needs a few tweaks.” 

Besides the ‘Back From Berlin Tour’ how will you be spending the remaining of your festival season?

“I spent a lot of time at my mom’s house in Northern Canada resting in between flying and performing. I needed all the rest I could get! As soon as the tour wraps up on October 5th, I make my way back to Europe and Berlin and get ready for the ADE conference in Amsterdam.”

Who is the one person you wish to collaborate with and why?

“Jamiroquai! At least I’d like to remix them… they are my favorite band!

What’s on the horizon for Sydney Blu?

“Lots of new music and more Blu Parties leading into 2020. My showcase the Blu Party celebrates its 10th year next year and we will be doing a huge run of shows leading into Winter Music Conference and Detroit’s Movement Festival Weekend.” 

Sydney Blu is set to perform tonight at Analog, be sure to catch her headlining Blu Party performance at one of Brooklyn’s hottest nightclubs. Playing all her new music and inspirations from Berlin, tickets are still available act now!

Follow Sydney Blu: FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | SOUNDCLOUD

Groove Island Artist Interview with Chus & Ceballos

Chus & Ceballos are one of the most unique acts in the underground dance scene. The supreme duo from Spain, formed in the early 2000’s. Then quickly becoming pioneers known for their style of house music, ‘Iberican Sound’ and immersive performances at nightclubs to worldwide festivals and events. Stereo Productions founders and Stereo Productions Podcast have created a platform for up and coming underground house and techno artists for two decades, continuing to create iconic music. Their evolution throughout the past years has led them to the pinnacle of the global music scene.

Spreading their love and passion for the scene on a world tour, Chus & Ceballos will be performing in Amsterdam, Ibiza, LA, Toronto, and New York City. As well as head-ling the first installment of Groove Island in Catalina Island, California taking place in September. It was a privilege of interviewing the famous duo, learning more about their music and what to expect at Groove Island.

What are your top favorite Stereo Productions Podcast episodes of this year?

“We have a very special episode every year called From The Deep, it's used to be the first podcast of the year, an intimate and curated selection of boho deep afro tech house selected and mixed with love by Chus, check it out!”

What are some of your favorite countries that you performed in?

“We travel every year to Asia, we love Japan, Thailand and Indonesia, such an amazing culture, gastronomy, and breathtaking landscapes.”

You’ve recently released ‘Agolele’ on Nervous Records, how big was the feedback by fans and other artists within the community?

“We really like to remix songs or tracks that we love, ‘Agolele’ is a 90’s Classic from legendary Michael Flume on New York finest Nervous Records, this track has been essential in our DJ sets with enormous support from top artists and a huge impact on our fanbase! Everybody loves Agolele!”

Listen to their unique remix of Michael Flume - ‘Agolele’

Download / Stream: https://nervous-records.lnk.to/xLy944qY

A huge favorite and official Groove Cruise performers, Chus & Ceballos will be a part of its next chapter by being one of the main headliners of Groove Island. It will be a monumental and historic moment for everyone.

You will be part of the first edition of Groove Island, what was your reaction when you first discovered the news?

“We are long term supporters of Groove Cruise, been cruising with Jason and his crew for years so when we first heard about this new adventure and they confirmed our presence on the island the reaction was unreal, it's gonna be another unforgettable experience for sure, a great way to gathering with other artists and fans from all over the world.”

What are you most looking forward to at Groove Island?

“This is gonna be a bit different of a Groove Cruise because we are all together on Catalina Island and we are most looking forward to the activities that they are preparing where we’ll be able to interact with fans and have a great time doing different things like Snorkeling, Aerial Adventure (ropes course) or Fishing experience to name but a few.”

What is your festival schedule before you reach Groove Island?

“We just came from Tomorrowland, the first big festival of the summer and we are getting ready for the upcoming festivals that we are attending like Soundwaves in Portugal, Mysteryland in Holand and Dreambeach in Spain, also the Ibiza dates in Pacha for Claptone’s Masquerade, Hï, Mambo, and Eden! A very busy summer!”

You started your Summer Tour, what is your favorite city that you will be traveling to? 

“We love Montreal in Canada, the amazing city with such a great crowd, very music-wise educated and gorgeous in the summertime. Highly recommend!”

What is your favorite memory of LA?

“We went to Joshua Tree the last time we performed in Los Angeles, something that we had on our bucket list for quite long. It was an amazing experience, we rent a car and we drove from LA to the national park and spend the whole day in such a spectacular natural landscape.”

Chus & Ceballos also plays a big a part at Groove Cruise, what was your most memorable Groove Cruise?

“We had fond memories and countless great moments but if we have to choose one that will be the year that we play the main pool deck the last night of the cruise arriving to Miami in the morning with a beautiful sunrise and the Miami skyline in from of us, it was epic!” 

What’s on the horizon for Chus & Ceballos?

“2020 is around the corner and we are getting ready to celebrate the 20 Years Anniversary of Stereo Productions and Chus & Ceballos! A lot of great things coming for this special occasion.”

After two decades of creating music, making connections with devoted fans, and forming their own style of music, Chus & Ceballos continues to push boundaries in dance music. Be sure to catch them in Ibiza or at Groove Island and remember to stay up to date with Stereo Productions Podcast.

Welcome to a new season of the infamous Stereo Productions Podcast by Iberican Ambassadors, Chus & Ceballos. Every Friday a brand new episode is released, featuring Chus & Ceballos DJ sessions recorded live from the best clubs around the globe and also bringing the fresh sounds of their favorites DJs and producers as a guest mix. Subscribe to the weekly podcast on iTunes: bit.ly/SP-Podcast-by-CC The show is syndicated worldwide by Syndicast. If you are an artist and want to get your radio show/podcast aired on radio stations worldwide, or on streaming platforms such as Spotify, iTunes..., visit us: syndicast.co.uk/artists/radio-show-syndication. If you are a radio station and interested in airing the show, please register your station here: syndicast.co.uk/distribution/registration.

Follow Chus & Ceballos: FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | SOUNDCLOUD | WEBSITE

Follow Groove Island: FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE