Zone Magazine Issue 044 – Solarstone –

Well Folks, Lots of great things happening here at Zone HQ just for you lot, so keep coming back! Our last issue of 2024 and out 10th Year!, and we have a whopper packed issue with the regulars, and lots of interviews! Just to let you guys know, we are back to bio-monthly now!

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In our feature interviews in this issue we talk to cover artist and Trance legend SOLARSTONE From THE UK. scene founding father to ringleader and flag-bearer of the Pure Trance movement, Solarstone (producer, composer & DJ Richard Mowatt) enduring influence stretches back almost as far as the genre itself. Releases like ‘Solarcoaster’, ‘The Calling’ and ‘Seven Cities’ are all benchmark classics of its pre-millennial period. The latter track – among the first of the Balearic trance anthems – has been re-released 3 times, and now sold in excess of ½ million copies. Remixed by Armin van Buuren amongst others, its instantly recognizable sunset/sunrise-sound legacy is still heard in tracks today. With the albums ‘Anthology One’ ‘RainStarsEternal’, ‘Touchstone’, ‘Pure’ , ‘One’ and most recently ‘island’, he’s also released a sextet of critically revered longplayers. Solarstone has long brought his sound to some of the most famous clubs, arenas and festivals on the planet.

” My favourite event of 2024 was playing the Black Hole ‘In Search of Sunrise’ stage at Luminosity. I’ve been releasing music with Black Hole for something like 20 years. ‘Like A Waterfall’ was my first release with them back in the day and they are a great bunch of people “

From the UK we speak to DANNY HOWELLS. Danny Howells doesn’t fit into the standard dance music paradigms. With a reputation as “the DJs’ DJ”, he has remained stoic in the face of ever shifting trends and fads in dance music since he broke through into the global house music consciousness in the late ’90s. He doesn’t churn out productions to “remain relevant”, instead only releasing music as and when inspiration strikes. He’s not a publicity hungry, social media devotee. He’s not someone who feels the need to reinvent himself with new monikers or side projects, nor someone who aggressively pursues a maxxed – out DJ’ing schedule. Quietly ploughing his way through the house music continuum, he has remained one of the world’s most captivating selectors precisely because of these organic means. That and his impeccable selection, distinctive style and silky mixing, of course.

” I think when I became more visible years back I found myself often feeling uncomfortable at larger events and that is still often the case. I enjoy being able to stretch out musically and play a range of styles, not just banging it out. For that reason I generally enjoy smaller and more intimate events. “

Uruguayan born but Spanish adopted son – based in Barcelona since the early 2000’s – FERNANDO LAGRECA is one of the most solid and analog-gear enthusiasts when it comes to composing and performing live sets on the southern side of Europe. A true seasoned multitasker. Lagreca also runs Miracle MGMT agency, his own Beautiful Accident label as well as conducts courses and master classes. Focusing now on his experienced career as a music producer. Fernando piles up lots of tracks, EP and LP under his belt, lately releasing stuff on imprints of the likes of Tragedie, Sincopat, Renaissance, Nein Records, or Chrom Recordings, just to name a few, as well as releases on the already mentioned and own label, Beautiful Accident.

” I don’t think the essence is lost, since music is something innate to the human being, the rhythm, the cadence, the sounds, is something innate to our species, AI is a new tool, which I hope will be useful to evolve “

 

From Spain, we speak to the talented Santiago Ferrer, also known as XPANSUL, started playing records in Madrid back in 1993. Since then, he has played at some of the hottest clubs and festivals in the World. He’s been resident dj at two pillars of the Spanish electronic scene: Soma Experimental Club, pioneer of underground techno sound in Madrid, where he became a professional DJ and built he’s style and personality as a DJ, and Coppelia 101, referential club of the first wave of XXI century techno. Besides, he’s played at top clubs and festivals such as Fabric, Berghain, Tresor, Watergate , Rex, Fuse, La Real, Goa Roma, Moog, Club 4, Cocoliche, Goa Madrid, Bar Américas, Cassette, Sunjam… And a lot more gigs in cities all over Europe, from Portugal to Georgia, and the Americas, from Santiago de Chile to Chicago.

” We used a PC running Windows 95 and Cakewalk for sequencing, which was a nightmare to get working smoothly. Eventually, I upgraded to a Mac G4 with a proper sound card, and things became more manageable “

Also from Spain, we speak to FRAN AIKEN [Aliens Factory Records]. Since 1993, Fran Aiken, with his suitcases of vinyl in tow, he has been involved in the booths of small clubs and venues in his area in the province of Toledo. His obsession with electronic music made him focus on a very defined style, from electro and electronica to dark sound such as industrial techno , EBM, etc… He did not hesitate to bet on his way of seeing the music scene at that time and acquired the Pitch room, in Spain. Later, due to his love of records and his entrepreneurial spirit, he decided to open a record store . Elektro records. He became a resident DJ at the Dígito room, which later led him to be in charge of playing music at the Jungle, one of the legendary nightclub of the moment in that area.

From France, we speak to PIER MOOD. From rock musician to electronic music innovator, Pier Mood’s journey has been anything but conventional. With his label Mood Nation, he’s not just releasing music but creating a movement, merging sustainability, creativity, and a deep connection with his audience. His latest EP, Let It Ride, showcases his ability to blend immersive textures with driving rhythms, a style that defines his artistry and performances. In this interview, Pier Mood reflects on his journey, the challenges of the music industry, and what’s next for him and his label in 2025.

” Sustainability is becoming more integral in the industry. I prioritize venues that use renewable energy and implement practices like waste reduction and recycling “

This issue we speak to MOVEMENT EVENTS in the UK. What is needed to maintain and direct a successful grassroots club night without compromise to ethos and mission statement of the brand. What does it take to create a “Movement “ with an unwavering devotion to a standard of musical quality. We were lucky to have caught up with Matt Walsh who runs an exciting night called Movement, which is just that! Based in the up and coming area in south east England, Margate.

Last but not lease we speak to NUEVAYU about his latest release. From Pune, India, rising artist Nuevayu has been making waves in the electronic music scene with his bold approach to genre fusion. His latest release, “Run”, featuring J Fitz, blends country vocals with the intricate textures of melodic house and techno. As the inaugural release on his new label, Tantalize, it’s clear Nuevayu is setting the stage for a groundbreaking musical journey.

As if all that was not enough of course we have our regular reviews and charts from the talented and dynamic Zone crew. Also this issue we continue Zone Magazine’s FREE exclusive DJ Mix series.

As usual we would like to thank all of our very many talented contributors and friends who provide so much content, love and support for what we are doing, they are listed on the left hand column on page 3 if you want to contact them directly.

From myself and the whole Zone crew, we just wanted to say thanks again for your continued support, peace.

Paul & Zone Crew!