[INTERVIEW] with DJ/Producer Miss Nine from Amsterdam, Netherlands

Kristin Schrot, whose DJ moniker is Miss Nine, has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the dance scene over the past five years. From being the youngest DJ to perform at Dance Valley Festival, to the release of a compilation album ‘Around the World’ in 2011, Kristin continues to transcend gender boundaries in a male dominated industry. In addition to producing and managing her own label 925 Music, she also has a successful modeling career.

We caught up with her to discuss how she first started off her career, the evolution of her sound, and her plans for 2012. Kristin also provides some advice for aspiring DJs and speaks about her philanthropic involvement with Plan International. For a taste of what Miss Nine brings to the decks, listen to her special mix for Sirius XM below and check out her artist, label, and model websites.

[INTERVIEW] with Nikhil Chinapa, Festival Director for Sunburn Festival in Goa, India

Nikhil Chinapa is one of the driving forces behind the budding electronic music scene in India. Growing up in Bangalore in the mid-90s, he loved listening to dance tracks. After seeing a performance by John Digweed in London, he was inspired to bring dance music to India. So along with DJ Pearl (voted India’s #1 House DJ for two straight years and Nikhil’s wife) and his best friend Hermit, the trio launched Submerge, a platform for promoting electronic music artists and events in India. Ten years later, Nikhil’s vision to turn India into a major player in dance music scene has since gradually transpired. Nikhil partnered with Percept in 2007 to organize the first International Dance Music Festival in Goa, India called the Sunburn Festival which has put India on the map. This past year featured the likes of Above & Beyond, Axwell, Michael Woods, Funkagenda and Pete Tong alongside India’s blossoming native talent.

We took an opportunity to chat with Nikhil about the electronic dance music scene in India and his vision for Submerge. The interview brought to the forefront how Nikhil became interested in electronic music and how his prior studies in architecture helped during the aesthetic construction of Sunburn Festival. He also provides a handful of native, up-and-coming producers/DJs that are worth checking out. Read on for our exclusive interview and learn more about Nikhil via Submerge.

[INTERVIEW] with Singer-Songwriter Georgi Kay from Perth, Western Australia

Meet Georgi Kay, an eighteen year old singer-songwriter from Perth, Western Australia. Due to her enthralling and infectious voice, she has already achieved international fame in her short career thus far. Kay won 2011 & 2010 Western Australia Music Awards without a record label and now has a full length album under her belt, called Backwards Forwards. Renown for her infectious indie pop music, she displays a talent for everything from folk to rock n roll, as her recent work includes collaborations with hip-hop artists to electronica, dance and dubstep producers.

We had the pleasure of sitting down with her to discuss how she came about working on“In My Mind,” the highly anticipated track by Ivan Gough and Feenixpawl, which was reworked by the Swedish House Mafia’s very own Axwell. Kay dishes about her creative process, the Australian dance music scene and her latest up & coming projects that she is currently working on. We also ask who her favorite artists are and what her personal favorite vocal style is, since she has such an electric repertoire.

Away from the stage and studio, she is a relatively normal eighteen year old young woman, as she loves spending time with friends, writing poetry and gaming. Read on for our exclusive interview with this rising star and listen to “In My Mind” below!

[INTERVIEW] with Cyberpunkers from Milan, Italy

Cyberpunkers is comprised of two Italian producers, who bring a unique, frenetic, futuristic style to electronic music. Formed in 2006, Cyberpunkers is well-known throughout Europe and just released their “Epic” EP on February 3^rd.  Their style is creative, refreshing and the duo is always looking towards newer, bolder sound. Cyberpunkers’ genre can be described as electro-moombahton punk; stomping Moompunk beats, filtered harmonies, and sinister samples are all signature features on their tracks.

I caught up with them and discussed their new EP, in addition to their inspirations and the origins of the “Cyberpunkers’ style.” The duo has taken great efforts developing their style, noting various science fiction and futuristic pieces as inspirations. We also discuss the masks that have become synonymous with their performance, their plans for 2012, and tour appearances in the United States.

Be on the lookout for another big year from Cyberpunkers, who continue to push the boundaries of the genre. Their “Epic” EP is out now under the label Freakz Me Out. Listen to previews of three tracks off “Epic” below and show them support by checking out their Facebook and SoundCloud!

[INTERVIEW] with Justin Cohen (Founder & Creator of “Cosmic Opera”) and his Team of Executors

Justin Cohen, a young entrepreneur from Long Island announced plans last month to stage a series of dance-music concerts at Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City, called “Cosmic Opera.” DJ and producer, Axwell, who is one third of the Swedish House Mafia, will be playing the role of conductor; not only manning the turntables, but leading accompanying opera singers for the first two concerts. He will be joined by No ID and Deniz Koyu for the February 23rd show and Thomas Gold is headlining on February 24th.

Mr. Cohen, who is known for having run a successful series of business conferences called the Summit Series, said his goal is to change the way people experience electronic dance concerts by turning them into a  theatrical event. He stated, “The goal is to build a brand. “I think of Cirque du Soleil. That’s where I got the inspiration from.” We sat down with Mr. Cohen and his team of executors, all the top in their respective fields to discuss how they are making his vision come to life.

• Peter Witting, who in addition to being Axwell’s Tour Manager and Production Manager, is also a partner in the company. He plays a key role in bringing “Cosmic Opera” to the stage.
• Guy Smith, the Visual Director, is renowned for his innovative vision and technical expertise. He is responsible for the overseeing the “bells and whistles” that make the show unique.
• Melanie Armer, the Theatrical Director, is the driving force in bringing the “opera” and theatrical elements into the show.
• Adam Gelman, who is a partner and the Director of Event Strategy, works side by side with Mr. Cohen and Mr. Witting to execute the complex minute-by-minute performance elements at “Cosmic Opera.”

In addition to the two February dates, two more concerts are planned; one in April and another in May. Each concert will add another chapter to the story and will feature different imagery. The remaining batch of tickets is currently on sale for the February 23rd show which you can purchase here. We hope to see you at the show!

[INTERVIEW] with DJ & Producer Richard Dinsdale from Surrey, United Kingdom

British DJ and producer, Richard Dinsdale is well on his way to becoming a major force in the dance music industry. He put himself on the map after landing a residency at the famous Ministry of Sound in London and secured his position with the release of his massive single, ‘Pulling Me Under’ on Toolroom Records back in 2006. Dinsdale now brings forth his newest remix of ‘Body Work,’ Morgan Page’s original track featuring Tegan & Sarah.  I sat down with him to discuss how he came about reworking the track and how his new album & singles are all about the “big house sound.” I also ask about his vision for his label, Tanzanite Records, that is a joint partnership with his brother Simon and who are some newly signed artists that we should look out for. 2011 was a huge year for the electronic dance music and Dinsdale is right on top of the swell. Look out for this producer in the upcoming year, as his tracks will certainly be climbing up the Beatport charts!

Dinsdale’s ‘Body Work’ remix will be released on January 31st on Nettwerk Records. In the meantime, listen to an exclusive preview of the track below and click continue reading for the full interview. Show him support by checking out his Facebook and SoundCloud.

[INTERVIEW] with DJ/Producer Funkagenda from Birmingham, United Kingdom

Meet Adam Walder, who is more commonly known in the electronic dance music industry as Funkagenda. Hailing from Birmingham, United Kingdom, he has firmly established his name across global music charts by regularly achieving Beatport No.1 positions over the years. Moreover, it is his deeply personal DJ sets and production that have built him a rising international fan base.  His latest release on his own imprint Funk Farm called ‘Shijuku’, is remixed by Michael Woods. I sat down with him to discuss how ‘Shinjuku’ came to life and how Woods came about to rework the track. Walder also talks about the upcoming collaboration between Chris Lake, Michael Woods and himself. He goes on to describe his vision for Funk Farm and why for the time being, he is the sole A + R (artists and repertoire) for his label. I also ask his view on the politics of Ultra Music Festival and why he chose to not spin there this year. It is no secret to those that follow him on Twitter that he speaks his mind and expect nothing less in this interview!

Listen to Michael Woods’ remix of ‘Shinjuku’  below and grab a copy via Beatport here. Click below the break to read the entire exclusive interview with this notorious DJ. Support Funkagenda on Facebook and check out more of his releases on his Soundcloud.