HOT &

TRENDING
January 15

We

might be as inconsistent as the

weather predictions for Dutch weather but we

still reach you rather later than never. With
the beginning of 2015 we present you the latest issue of our Hot & Trending newsletter.
This time we not only reveal the tops of 2014
by the TranceFix crew members but also
share an interview with Kristoffer Ljungberg,
the man behind one of the best labels out out
there - Macarize. Some extra reviews and
recommendations for you are included as well.
And lets hope the next issue comes very soon
with even more content.
With all the greetings,

TF crew

THE
TOPS
OF TF
CREW

2
4

Thijs

Jon Hopkins - Abandon Window (Moderat Remix) [Domino]

With no doubt this is the best track of 2014. It has everything: sense, stunning drive.
It doesnt have any 4x4 bassdrum kicks but this silence leaves space for more energy,
something that Moderat does very well. At the same time this treack really goes deep. So
many emotions in one track, thats amazing. I recently ordered it on 12... and I even have
no decks!!

Stephan Bodzin & Marc Romboy - Kerberos

[Systematic]

On the edges of trance and techno theres Stephan Bodzin (former Kaycee) together with
Marc Romboy. Kerberos is a calm track with a deep and dark touch, still it has a dynamic
and melodic drive. Recommended to listen, play it loud and push your subwoofers to the
max!

Kid Simius - Hola Chica [Jirafa]

I discovered Kid Simius on the Sziget festival this year, and it became a crazy jumping-fest in 30+ degrees celcius. Definitely the performance and track that made my summer! I hope you still have your subwoofers to the max from listening track #2

6
#Breakthroughoftheyear!
#ProudtolistentoLOUD

#ilikethis #itsverygrownup
#suchasweetvibe
#guiltypleasures.com
#tranceversushardstyle
#lovethemslowaswell

John Dopping - Words In Colour [Borderline]

Loud - Subinya 2014 [Tip]
Bass Modulators - Bounce & Break (Atmozfears Remix) [Scantraxx]
Lolo - Laias Daydream [Green Martian]
Avicii - Addicted to You [Universal Island]
Wasted Penguinz & Omyqron - Reflection [Derailed Traxx]
Nico Parisi - Napoli By Night [Bonzai Progressive]

label]

Featured in the Trailer to Interstellar this track instantly got me hooked to check out the
movie. I bookmarked it because the song was pretty good but eventually i forgot about it.
Purchased it after watching the movie, and as i sat there with my headphones on i had
tears in my eyes, that buildup and atmosphere - a masterpiece in my opinion!

Magic Man - Paris [Columbia]

Boston based Magic Man were one of the first Indie/Alternative bands i discovered 2014
and i fell for this song after the first listen. The song debuted in February 2014 and accompanied me on my 1-Month trip in March to Ireland. The song will forever be linked to
my Ireland trip as I played it up and down and every time im listening to it, I remember
sceneries from the green island (:

Bissen - Quantum [Pure Trance]

Bissen, what can I say more. The last song from him I remember was Leap Of Faith
which I stumbled upon by accident as a friend sent it to me years ago via MSN (yeah oldschool MSN!). Loved this track back then and as I listened to Quantum when the preview
got out I couldnt believe my ears. The soundscape, out of this world. I sat there and was
like am I flying through space at the moment?

Phael

Thomas Bergersen - Final Frontier [no

Mononoke - Barefoot And Broken [no label]

Scott Bond & Marc Mitchell - Airfoil (Simon Templar Remix) [Rebooted]
Neelix - Coloured Light (Simon Patterson Remix) [Spintwist]
The Thrillseekers - This Is All We Have [Adjusted]
Phi Phi and Airwave - The Horn [Bonzai Progressive]
Eelke Kleijn - Lovely Sweet Divine [Eskimo]
Mr Skeleton - Disconnected [Cult222]

3
5

2
4
6

Nangle

Noble Six & Chris Metcalfe - Ocean Avenue

[Subculture]

As someone who tends to favour sounds at the higher end of the bpm spectrum my number one was always going to be something that lays it head there - and step forth Ocean
Avenue. I fell in love with this track from the very first listen although, at the time, it was a
dreaded ID. The warm plucks in the breakdown lift me every single time.

Martin Duckworth Feat. Amber Traill - Let Go

[Trancecoda]
A gorgeous uplifting vocal track with a simple, but killer progression on the main melody.
First heard it on Aly & Filas - Future Sound of Egypt back in April and up until it release
a month later, i almost wore out the YouTube rip. Seriously underrated track.

Solid Stone - Remember Me [Colorize]

Its been a standout year for Solid Stone with a number of flawless releases being released in succession, but this remains my favourite from him. Moody, progressive vibes
at their finest. I love winding down with this track at the end of the day and its been the
soundtrack to many study sessions.

Dash Berlin & 3LAU Featuring. Bright Lights - Somehow (Club Mix)
[Mainstage Music]

Aly & Fila Feat. Sue McLaren - Where To Now (Will Atkinson Gold Mix)
[Armada]
Pierce Fulton - Kuaga [CR2]
Sam Paganini - Dusty [Drumcode]
Will Atkinson - Sharpshooter [Subculture]

Eric Leon - The Way of The Sun [DMax]

Scott Bond & Marc Mitchell Airfoil (Simon Templar Remix) [Rebooted]

Absolutely stunning vocal uplifter which goes very high into my all-time favorite tracks,
which no tracks have managed to do in recent years. Melody is perfect, vocals are exactly
as they should be, it has that classic trance feel, but still sounds very modern, so it has
best parts from both worlds. Highly recommended!

York with Deep Voices feat. Alexander K.G.

Klaus - With You [Planet Love]

Seriously underrated track from spring this year, almost no one has heard of it, but
everyone seems to fall in love with it, once they do. Definitely my summer track of 2014,
smooth beat, simple, but effective melody, wonderful balearic guitar and although i am no
big fan of male vocals, they just fit perfectly here. This is the track i want to hear on the
beach, watching sunset, enjoying some exotic drinks with my girlfriend.

tep

Temple One & Katty Heath - Together We Escape [How Trance Works]

Hans Zimmer & Lisa Gerrard - Now We Are

Free (Hoyaa Remix) [white label]

Take one of the best melodies ever created and have one of the best trance producers
generate his own version of it and you get something like this. This is one of the best remixes i have heard in years, Gladiator theme just suits trance world so well. It is guaranteed to give you goosepumps also in 10 years time, as it really is a timeless track. It is a
shame it is still waiting for official release.

Standerwick - Valyrian [FSOE]

Above & Beyond Feat. Zoe Johnston Were All We Need [Anjunabeats]
DedRekoning ft. Sophie Ellis-Bextor - Only Child (Pearson & Hirst
Remix) [Perfecto]
LTN feat. Christina Novelli - Feeling Like Yeah (LTN Sunrise Remix) [Enhanced Progressive]
Sied van Riel & Standerwick - In A Perfect World [Subculture]
Roman Messer feat. Christina Novelli - Frozen (Alex M.O.R.P.H.
Remix) [Suanda]
The Noble Six vs Chris Metcalfe - Ocean Avenue [Subculture]

3
5

2
4
6

TimStark

Neptune Project Lost All My Tears (The Noble Six Remix) [FSOE]
The most authentic vocal of the year, with a production backing it every inch of the way
and a remix that takes it over the top. Perfection.

Deep Dish Quincy [Virgin/EMI]

The ultimate listen-once and nothing, listen a second time and it hits you like a steam
train. But thats been Deep Dish - for me at least - for years. Really should know better by
now.

Paul van Dyk And Aly & Fila Guardian [Ultra/NewState]

The pole-to-pole opposite of the above. Grabs you in a blink of an eye and wont let go. A
track thats even more than the sum of its (considerable) producer/singer parts.

Maarten De Jong Red & White [Vandit]

Disclosure The Mechanism [Universal/Island]

Above & Beyond Hello [Anjunabeats]

Cosmic Gate With Kristina Antuna Alone [Wake Your Mind]
The Young Punx - All These Things Are Gone [MoFoHiFi]
Dubfire Fear Miss Kittin - Exit [SCI-TEC]
London Grammar - If You Wait (Jacques Lu Cont Remix) [Metal &

Dust]

The dance-scene has a new star, Calvin Harris. His track Summer is his biggest yet and
was also for me the biggest (summer) tune of the year. Calvins style is fresh and fun, I
like how he does the vocal for this (and other tracks of his) himself. Because of the originality he gets the number one spot this year.

David Guetta & Showtek - Bad [Jack Back]

Just like last year Showtek really knows how to make those hardstyle-house aka bigroom
tracks. Of course, its commercial, but that doesnt mean one cannot like it. I love the
cheesy vocals why does it feel so good, so good to be bad....

Voci

Calvin Harris - Summer [Deconstruction]

Oliver Heldens - Koala [Spinnin]

Another future star is Oliver Heldens, just another Dutchie, who slammed into superstardom with Gecko and Koala. Powerful house music, which somehow gained popularity.

Otto Knows - Parachute [Refune]

Jorn van Deynhoven - New Horizons [ASOT]
John Christian - Next Level (Nicky Romero Edit) [Protocol]
The Thrillseekers - This is All We Have (ReOrder Remix) [Adjusted]
Coldplay - A Sky Full Of Stars [Parlophone]
Gaia - Empire of Hearts [Armind]
Menno de Jong - Creatures of The Night (Adam Ellis Remix) [ITWT]

3
5

2
4
6

MKY661

Speed Limits & Jaco Feat. Joni Fatora - Palm

Of Your Hand [Enhanced]

The first time I heard this break, I fell in love! It was mindblowing. I was just like OMG!
The climax and drop sound cool too, different and great use of sounds. On repeat as an
ID throughout most of this year.

Karanda - Krank [Enhanced]

This melody is huge and the way that Trance & big room house come together on this is
brilliant. Such originality as well I think. Really complex and well produced.

Adam Szabo & Willem De Roo - Medusa [Always Alive]

That melody! Wow! Its just so good and this year Ive been playing this track over and
over again. Buildup is awesome and so are those sounds.

Labtracks - Breakout [Macarize]

Karanda & Alana Aldea - Its Now [Amsterdam Trance]

A.T.P - Driftations (Fourth Breaker Big Room Mix) [Amon Vision]

Syntact & Mynerva - Cloud Nine [no label]
Jayeson Andel - The Girl In Black [Arrival]
Ummet Ozcan - Raise Your Hands [Spinnin]
Illuminor - Found Me [Digital Society]

Ive never been much of a psy-trance fan, but nearly every track produced by Magnus is a homerun for me, especially the Render One E.P. Driving around listening to trance during the summer
months is one of my favorite things to do and this was my number 1 this year. At Lumi Beach this
summer John 00 Fleming played it during his set and I went wild...even though I was eating a
slice of pizza with deeii sitting outside the dance floor. Danced in my chair like as much as possible without it looking like I was having a seizure.

Solid Stone - For

the

Moment [Re*Brand]

Sticking with my driving with trance theme, this one is my 2nd favorite to drive to, whether looking for a progressive track or something to energize me--this tune checks out for
whatever mood I am in. It shows up as my most frequently played track this year on my
music player.

Exitmusic - The Cold [Secretly Canadian]

Usually non-trance tunes dont trigger strong emotions when I hear them, but the first time
listening to this track I felt emptiness, despair and depressed. So for none other than triggering such strong emotions and having a unique sound, this makes my #3 spot.

Alt-J - Something Good (Thomas Jack edit) [not on label]

Magnus - Satin [Perfecto Fluoro]
Diversion - 505 [Colorize]
Will Atkinson - Victims [Subculture]
Genix & Las Salinas - Arcadia [Vandit]
Tiesto - Red Lights [Virgin/Universal]

NomadZXZ

Magnus - Sinelock [Perfecto Fluoro]

Danilo Ercole - Plug [Saturate Audio]

3
5
7

2
4
6
8

Nemezijus

Steve Jablonsky - Tessa [Paramount]

What started as a recommendation from a friend ended up as my biggest musical event
of the year. Everything is perfect about this work from the Transformers: Age Of Extinction
soundtrack, starting the orchectral background and ending with the haunting vocals by
Dan Reynolds from Imagine Dragons. Tessa captures an idyllic moment, an unbearable
frustration and many other emotions.

Daniel Avery - Naive Response [Phantasy

Sound]

Daniel Avery became my favorite artist of 2014. Though released in 2013 October, his
album Drone Logic to this moment stands as the most energy-infused and unique pieces
of work I have stumbled upon in 2014. I have spent most of my summer nights jamming
this to my neighbours that by now they simply must love it.

Jon Hopkins - Abandon Window (Moderat Remix) [Domino]

This is a combination which simply couldnt fail. Original is a serene ode to gapeseeders
or just stargazers while Moderat brought in a well ordered chaos. Simulating a massive
helicopter wing flap, the new layers add a very unique and essential touch which lifted the
original to the perfection level. Released digitally and as a 12, this is a must for every
electronica lover. Everyone.

Steve Brian & Tabasco Bob - Time & Time (Radio Edit) [WYM]
Blood Groove & Kikis Feat. Richard J Aarden - Afloat (AWD Remix)
[Silk Royal]
Secondcity Feat. Ali Love - What Can I Do? (Fred V & Grafix Remix)
[Ministry of Sound]
John Mayer - XO [Columbia]
Metrik Feat. ShockOne - Resonate [Hospital]

Parker & Hanson - Gravity [Anjunabeats]

James Woods & Alex H - Guadalupe (JAMD Remix) [Elliptical Sun Melodies]

Azotti Feat Bagga Bownz -Day & Night [Songbird]

Postiljonen - Supreme (Greetings From - Live

Session) [Best Fit]

Stoneface & Terminal With Ellie Lawson For You [Euphonic]

The Thrillseekers - This Is All We Have [Adjusted]
Moderat - Damage Done [Monkeytown]
Stumbleine - Skeksis [no label]
Ferry Tayle Feat. Sarah Shields & Ludovic H The Most Important
Thing [Always Alive]

cheer_up

Bon Iver - Babys (Urban Contacts Summer

Soul Remix) [no label]

Coldplay - Midnight [Parlophone]

Rameses B - Ecosystem [no label]

aybe there is something in the

Swedish air that inspires people to be creative and bring only the best to the rest of the
world. Let it be ABBA or IKEA, we all know
our swedish delights.

Macarize is a starlight

label coming from the country and is responsible for loads of quality releases in the past
few years.

IN NUMBERS
In 2014 Macarize released 32 singles, out of which
24 were unique acts!
44 tracks were Originals

Fre
s

Exclusives
Availability
Public previews
Unlaboured schedule

bl
o

od

Albums / compilations

v
le
el

Style variability

9%
is 5

Remixes
Inbreeding

Year
l
y
r
ele
a
se
d
o
s

e
ag

%
60
is

22 tracks were remixes

Physical releases
Integrity & consistency

LABEL INDEX

75

During the past few years Macarize brought in quite

number of fresh names and unforgettable releases.
Part of this is due to great producers who brought
in their contributions, but the major part is also due
to great label managing behind which is the head
honcho Kristoffer Ljungberg, who gives us his insights about the label management and more.

ow did Macarize start?

Well, to make a long
story short, I was co-owning
a record label called Nellie
Recordings back in the day.
When we decided to part
ways, I started Macarize. Our
musical preferences werent
the same anymore and I
wanted to continue to release
music I was passionate about. I
started Macarize in late 2010
and released the first track
in March 2011 and ever since
then Ive always released music
I really love, no matter what
genre it is.
How many people are behind
the label?
Its only me. Ive always
been doing things on my own
basically. When youre working
on a passion project, like
Macarize is to me, its hard
to let someone else in. Its so
personal to me, its my life,
what I spend most of my time

thinking about. To actually

find someone to share that
enthusiasm and passion with is
really hard. It takes a certain
amount of trust too. I realize
though it might not be the
best choice to work alone on
a project like this. Most of the
other labels within my scene to
so speak work in teams of 2-3
or more. They might be wiser
than me!
What does it mean to run a
label (which is not behind a
major parent label) from your
personal point of view? Is it
a full-time job or more like a
hobby?
I dont know. I guess it means
less money and less exposure,
but in return I get 100%
freedom to do whatever I want
and no one that breathes down
my neck. Ive been offered to
work on bigger projects but I
have, maybe stupidly, turned
them down. If I cant stand

To actually find someone to

share that enthusiasm and
passion with is really hard. It
takes a certain amount of trust
too.
fully behind the idea I have a
hard time motivating myself.
Thats a personal issue of mine
I guess. To answer your second
question, Macarize is a hobby.
I dont make nearly enough
money to be able to live off
it. Im fine with that though
because I love this label stuff
so much.

ask for more than that. Sure

were not competing with the
majors but for a indie label with
no budget and no staff, I think
were doing alright!

What advice would you give to

a producer who would consider
sending a demo to your label?
For starters, make sure the
music youre sending actually
You guys released 32 singles
fits the label! I get sent some
in 2014! Would you call it a
weird music sometimes that I
successful throughput?
simply cant sign because its
I think 2014 was the best year so far from what Im releasing.
yet. I released tons of awesome Another advice is to really
music with tons of awesome
make sure the track youre
artists. I wouldnt change a
sending is on par with other
thing even if I could. Many of
tunes that has been released
the tracks were also supported on the label. If you honestly
by major artists in the scene
believe your track is just as
and we could be seen in the
good as the stuff that is out
Beatport charts a big bunch
there, then send it in! If you
of times so I mean, I couldnt
think its worse and you feel

like you can do better, then

maybe you should consider
working on it a bit more.
Producers today seem to be
in a hurry all the time. I know
people who have produced
for years and years and now
they are finally getting to a
place where their music can be
supported by the top players
in the industry. It takes time.
Sure, theres exceptions like
anywhere else but for the
majority of us, it takes a lot of
practice. What Im trying to say
is simply to not rush things.
Are you a physical media
lover? What is the latest album
you purchased?
I dont care much for the
physical media to be honest. I
cant even remember the last
CD I purchased, unless we can
count Christmas gifts, then its
Colors by Laleh.
What would be your most
listened Macarize single
personally?
Oh that is impossible to answer.
Ive released so many tunes
over the years and Ive listened
to all of them a lot. I know
thats a boring answer but its
the truth. Though I must say
that Buzz Kill with Thomas
Feijk and Richard Davison will

always have a special place in

my heart. It was the first tune
I released on Macarize and its
such a cool and special track.

EXPLAINING THE CRITERIA

You might be wondering how did we come

about with the criteria and the label index. Here
is a brief explanation which key points did we
use for the judgement.
Exclusives:

While exclusive releases on Beatport, iTunes or any

other portals help boosting up the charts, it also reflects on the pricing of the release and availability. We take exclusive releases as a
negative point towards the reach of the audience.

Availability: If the releases are available on more than 3 portals

ThankYou Kristoffer for
sharing your thoughts
with us.
You can always get the
latest updates from
Macarize on their FaceBook page:
https://www.facebook.
com/macarizelive

we consider it to be a positive, fan-friendly step.

Public previews: It is important for the listeners to make an

opinion from samples longer than limited music portal previews, thus
any previews on soundcloud, YouTube, etc are considered as a plus.

Unlaboured schedule: We consider the schedule too tight

if there is more than one release per week and the label being barely viable if there is less than 5 releases per year. The index is obtained by dividing the amount of single releases by the number of
weeks per year (53).

Albums / compilations:

A label gets a plus if the release

diversity is enriched by an occasional album and/or a compilation
release. Too many albums or compilations will lead to a negative
point.

Style variability: Sticking with only one type of music makes

a label too narrow focused while releasing all kinds of styles makes
it too loose in its focus. We consider a healthy number of styles
per year to be between 3 and 7. Exceptions are made when judging a specific sublabel which is focusing on one style.

Remixes: The presence of remixes means their is a well-

planned release approach without simple dump of the latest demo

as a next release. We find the ratio between remixes and all tracks
per year to be good if it exceeds 2.

Inbreeding:

Having a small pool of producers remixing each

other all over leads to inbreeding within the label and reduces the
variability. To quantify the fresh blood level we divide the unique
artists that contributed to the tracks by the total amount of the
tracks. The results exceeding 33% are sufficient to keep the the
label away from inbreeding.

Physical Releases: Treating your fans with an occasional

physical album or single is a luxury nowadays but nonetheless is a

good feature of a label.

Integrity & Consistency: While being the hardest to

define, this criteria is an essential overall look at a label where it

stands in the current picture. Factors being considered here are
such as, consistency in music direction, social network integration
and/or dedicated website, updates about upcoming releases as well
as paying dues to the past ones, details to artwork and the attitude
towards the fanbase.

THE DARK
SIDE

Sever The he

In the wide world of techno

Perc Trax holds a firm position
in the raw, unpolished sounds
section. Celebration of 10 year
birthday comes with a physical
and digital 2xCD release where
there is no place for smooth
undulating vibes. Revising some
of the classical releases and
planting fresh ones, Perc mixes
the second CD with napalm and
fire. A quality techno selection
for all the fans out there.

So it happened that the duties of mixing February mix of Fabric had fallen into the hands of the Italian techno big shot - Joseph Capriati. As a headliner in many dance events (Awakenings for one) and famous for his back-to-back sets with Adam
Bayer, Capriati receives many music lovers in the live events.
However he is yet to prove how skilled he is for more methodological mixing and though the tracklist is already published
the mixing aura is yet to be judged next month. Release date
is set to be February 15.

The four track EP on Cosmic

Bridge label fuses elements of
techno, drumnbass, slowstep,
dubstep and breaks. However,
unlike the first three compositions, Sever The Heart stands
out with its directional progression and dancefloor-anihilating
beat. A truly one-of-a-kind
production.

Raw Surface Records started this year with a massive 5

track EP from Eukslraver. No
matter whether the tracks are
perfused with detuned synth
licks (Classic Movement; Driving Straight) or deep rolling
basslines (Walking In The
Shadow) they all sound just
good enough to get thrilled to
dance to them in a club.

TRACKLIST:

01. Clap! Clap! - Ashiko (Lurka

Obeah Mix)
02. Aura Dub - Smells Like A
Virgin
03. Joseph Capriati - Partenopeo
04. Bastinov - Ellipse (Proudly
People Remix)
05. Alex Mine - Entady
06. Adam Beyer - Stone Flower
07. Phil Kieran - Hells Bells
08. Recondite - Caldera
09. Shlomi Aber - Helter Skelter
10. Hans Bouffmyhre & Kyle Geiger - Dispatch
11. 2000 and One - Plant 1

12. Joel Mull - Wind It Up

13. Gary Beck - Backward
14. Johannes Heil - Transition Six
15. Hinz & Ruhmhardt - Doch
16. Alan Fitzpatrick - Organic
17. Brian Sanhaji - Gyre
18. Odd Parents - Learn To Fly

(Maceos Flight Home Mix)

Robotronica

has everything a progressive music lover can want... and even more. Coalescent synth layers together with a vocal snippet are
very gently wrapped in pads and the remixes from
Onez!e and TFC are well thought of flip sides of the
single. It was very hard to choose which of the five
productions should we praise the most but in the end
we got stuck with Original (Vocal) Mix.

1. Robotronica (Original Mix)

2. Robotronica (Dub Mix)
3. Robotronica (Onez!e Remix)
4. Robotronica (TFC Remix)
5. Aquamatica (Original Mix)

TRACKLIST
Green Martian in the past years has been very consistent with their releases and once in a while they
drop a splendid progressive bomb. It has been more
than a year since we were taken aback by Lying
Low (by Blufeld and Sovve) and past December Robotronica by Lonely Sun & Nicolas Agudelo took our
hearts away.

The melodic breaks guru,

Airwave, is back with yet
another proof why trance
scene would be lost without a mastermind like him.
Having recently bounced
back the pleads of fans to
stick to his old trance roots,
Laurent proves again that
he is capable of mastering
various genres of music.
Pain Is My Relief is the best
example of that.

TRANCE
Enhanced Recordings has
changed its profile quite
some time ago, and despite
many ex-fans complaining
one cant deny that within their massive catalogue
a gem appears once in a
while. This time its the remix by Boxer & Forbes of
the latest Speed Limits and
Jaco single Palm Of Your
Hand. A deep beauty which,
we promise, will stick with
you for a very long time.
Thats how a proper remix
sound like.

Sticking to their roots, the

German duo expanded their
last year album (which was
close to perfection) Be
Different by releasing individual EPs with Extended or
Remixed versions from the
album. The latest edition
brings the Club Mix of Alive
- their strongest and the
most promising work from
the sketches of past year.
Looking forward to hear
this one in the parties.

Trancefix.nl, 2015.

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