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TOUCHED BY THE MUSIC - ISAAC COLDMAN

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TOUCHED BY THE MUSIC - ISAAC COLDMAN

TOUCHED BY THE MUSIC - ISAAC COLDMAN

Revealing the Mystery Behind "The Game of Humility"

Hailing from the enigmatic city of Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Isaac Coldman emerges as a formidable force in the realm of electronic music, a dark maestro weaving sonic tales from the shadows. With a career spanning over a decade, Coldman has etched his name into the fabric of the underground scene, sculpting his sonic identity amidst the haunting echoes of distant worlds.

THE GAME OF HUMILITY

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15/03/2024

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EXCLUSIVE ON BEATPORT

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THE GAME OF HUMILITY - 15/03/2024 - EXCLUSIVE ON BEATPORT -

Q - Hey there, Isaac! Thanks for dishing out your time to chat with us about your electrifying journey in the music realm. Your ride through the electronic scene has been one heck of a thrill. So, let's rewind a bit, shall we? Take us back to where it all started. What was that game-changing moment that lit the fuse, igniting your passion to dive into the world of DJing and music production?

ISAAC COLDMAN - I was just five when my parents and I strolled through a park in Tashkent. Nearby, there was a spot called "FROM DUSK TILL DAWN", a nod to the film by Rodriguez and Tarantino. Mysterious music drifted from it—a track by Robert Miles called "Children". As I listened to the piano notes, I felt an indescribable sensation, like floating. This track stood out, simple yet magical. From then on, I delved into electronic music, nurturing a lifelong passion.

Q - Tashkent, Uzbekistan, isn't commonly associated with electronic music. How has your hometown influenced your sound, and what unique elements of Tashkent do you infuse into your music?

“Though I'm less familiar with local music, I'm eager to incorporate traditional Uzbek instruments into my future works, bridging the gap between East and West”.

Isaac Coldman and his friends Nick and Avaz

ISAAC COLDMAN - I'm an introvert at heart, shaped by a childhood immersed in American films, video games, and literature. Despite the local scene, my exposure to global culture, particularly American, influenced my musical tastes. Though I'm less familiar with local music, I'm eager to incorporate traditional Uzbek instruments into my future works, bridging the gap between East and West.

Q - "The Game of Humility" marks a milestone in your career. Could you shed light on the creative process behind the single, especially the inspiration behind the tracks "GAMER" and "Humility"?

ISAAC COLDMAN - Both tracks are imbued with influences from my childhood cinematic and gaming experiences. "Humility", for instance, draws from John Carpenter's film "Christine", evident in its percussive drop reminiscent of a scene where the car comes to life. My love for '80s movies also shines through, infusing the tracks with a nostalgic yet modern edge.

Q - "GAMER" seamlessly blends old-school 8-bit synths with modern Melodic Techno. What drew you to this unique fusion, and how does it contribute to the track's atmosphere?

ISAAC COLDMAN - You know those kids growing up in the '80s and '90s? So yeah, gaming was a significant part of their childhood. I feel nostalgic for those carefree times, I aimed to bridge the gap between past and present, infusing "GAMER" with familiar yet innovative elements. It's a journey through time, capturing the essence of youthful exuberance within a contemporary sonic landscape.

Q - "Humility" is described as having aggressive melodic undertones and stab basslines. What emotions and experiences inspired this powerful track, and what energy do you hope it brings to the dance floor?

ISAAC COLDMAN - "Humility" serves as a cathartic outlet for my experiences with OCD and intrusive thoughts. It channels raw emotions into a pulsating sonic narrative, urging listeners to confront their inner turmoil and find release on the dance floor. It's a journey from darkness to liberation, fueled by adrenaline and catharsis.

Q - The title, "The Game of Humility," suggests a deeper narrative. Could you elaborate on the concept or story that ties the two tracks together?

Through music, I hope to inspire listeners to embrace humility, confront their inner demons, and find solace in self-expression”.

ISAAC COLDMAN - "The Game of Humility" reflects the human experience—struggles, triumphs, and the journey towards self-acceptance. It's a reminder that we're all players in life's game, navigating obstacles and striving for growth. Through music, I hope to inspire listeners to embrace humility, confront their inner demons, and find solace in self-expression.

Q - Vintage Music Label boasts an eclectic roster. How does it feel to be part of this label, and what support have you received in bringing your vision to life?

ISAAC COLDMAN - Joining Vintage Music Label has been transformative. Diego (Stark D), in particular, has been a mentor and confidant, guiding me through the creative process and encouraging self-expression. The label's supportive environment fosters growth and collaboration, allowing me to explore new avenues of creativity and share my vision with a global audience.

Q - Your fascination with space and distant worlds is evident in your music. How do you incorporate this cosmic inspiration, and what elements can listeners identify in your tracks?

ISAAC COLDMAN - Space serves as a boundless well of inspiration, reflected in my choice of synthesizers and soundscapes. I strive to create a sense of vastness and wonder, using spatial effects and atmospheric sounds to transport listeners to distant galaxies. It's a journey of exploration and discovery, where familiar melodies collide with alien landscapes, inviting listeners to embark on a sonic odyssey.

Q - For aspiring DJs and producers in Tashkent, what advice would you give based on your 11 years of experience navigating the electronic music scene?

ISAAC COLDMAN - Stay true to your passion and embrace the journey. Music is a lifelong pursuit, requiring dedication, resilience, and self-belief. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals, seek inspiration from diverse sources, and never stop experimenting. And above all, trust in your unique voice and creative vision—it's what sets you apart in a crowded industry.

Q - Uzbekistan is steeped in culture and history. Are there any locations or landmarks that enhance the experience of your music?

“Whether against the backdrop of Tashkent's historic landmarks or amidst the natural beauty of the Uzbek countryside, my music transcends boundaries, inviting listeners on a transformative journey of self-discovery and exploration."

ISAAC COLDMAN - Central Asia's burgeoning electronic music scene offers a wealth of opportunities for listeners to engage with my music. From music festivals to underground venues, there's no shortage of spaces to immerse oneself in the sonic tapestry of "The Game of Humility". Whether against the backdrop of Tashkent's historic landmarks or amidst the natural beauty of the Uzbek countryside, my music transcends boundaries, inviting listeners on a transformative journey of self-discovery and exploration.

Q - How do you envision your music fitting into the global electronic music landscape, and what impact do you hope to make with your unique sound?

ISAAC COLDMAN - My music is a testament to the universal language of sound—a bridge between cultures, genres, and generations. By fusing nostalgic influences with contemporary production techniques, I aim to carve out a unique space in the global electronic music landscape. Through my music, I hope to inspire listeners to embrace their individuality, confront their fears, and find solace in the shared experience of music.

Q - "The Game of Humility" paints a dark and mesmerising sonic picture. Can you share your vision for the visual aesthetics or imagery that complements your music?

ISAAC COLDMAN - While each listener may envision their own imagery, I hope to evoke a sense of mystery and intrigue through my music. From cosmic vistas to urban landscapes, the visuals that accompany "The Game of Humility" are open to interpretation, inviting listeners to embark on a visual journey of their own creation.

Q - Melodic Techno allows for creative expression. Are there any artists or tracks that have influenced your approach to music?

Boris Brejcha

Boris Brejcha

ISAAC COLDMAN - Boris Brejcha's innovative soundscapes and intricate melodies have been a constant source of inspiration for me. His ability to blend genres and push the boundaries of electronic music has greatly influenced my approach to production.

Q - n the realm of electronic music, collaborations often yield exciting results. If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be, and why?

ISAAC COLDMAN - Robert Miles holds a special place in my heart, as he was my gateway into electronic music. Collaborating with him would be a dream come true, allowing me to pay homage to the artist who ignited my passion. Additionally, working with icons like Tiesto, Armin van Buuren, and Dash Berlin would offer invaluable learning experiences, enriching my musical journey and pushing the boundaries of creativity.

Q - Finally, what's next for Isaac Coldman? Can we expect an EP or album in the near future, and are there any other projects or collaborations on the horizon that you're excited about?

ISAAC COLDMAN - Vintage Music Label and I are in talks about releasing a new EP, offering listeners a deeper dive into my sonic universe. Additionally, I'm eager to collaborate with local talents and explore new creative avenues. Whether it's remixes, collaborations, or solo projects, the future holds endless possibilities, and I'm excited to embark on this journey with my listeners by my side.

Thank you, Isaac, for sharing your incredible journey and insights with us. We eagerly anticipate the release of "The Game of Humility" and look forward to witnessing your continued musical evolution!

CHECK NOW THE PREVIEW OF THE UP AND COMING SINGLE BY ISAAC COLDMAN AVAILABLE NOW TO BE LISTENED IN OUR SOUNDCLOUD.


Interview conducted by Diego Paulo Jacintho

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KOBBAIA  - GRVE INTERVIEW

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KOBBAIA - GRVE INTERVIEW

INTERVIEW

by Maria Angélica
Source - GRVE MAG
English
Translation by Diego Paulo Jacintho

KOBBAIA

With approximately ten years of professional experience in electronic music, Kobbaia has outlined a consistent career in his field of activity. Part of the second generation of residents of the famous Santa Catarina label party, Seas Label, he makes his way through the strands and sub-strands of Techno, Progressive to House, with a lot of versatility, musical research and euphonic constructions.

Among many gigs, some highlights brought him an important growth in the dynamics of events like Clube Inbox, Pacha Ibiza on Tour, Cyclus Festival, At Home Brava, Injeção Eletrônica Festival, Terraza Praia Brava and the most recent feat, his acclaimed night at Surreal Park.
Always looking for new territories within electronic music, he founded his independent record label "The Bird Music", which conquered charts Worldwide and some Top#10 Releases in the genre of Techno at Beatport. Not much sooner he merged with the British label Vintage Music Label, where the sub-label Komplexa was born.
After his debut at Surreal Park, he felt in his skin and soul the reinforcement of his purpose in bringing music to people and creating unforgettable moments. We caught up with him to know a little bit more about that night and his plans for his career.

Hello Kobbaia, how are you? How nice to talk to you, as this is our first contact. We would like you to tell our readers about your relationship with electronic music and how it turned into a profession.

  • I grew up in a Christian family, where everything there involved music, instruments, singing and other artistic activities in the church. So with the rising of electronic music in 2009, I found myself involved with the artists from that time, such as Skrillex. Since then, the years have passed, and my curiosity and fascination have only increased. Until the moment I dived in headfirst and on my own, I started studying music production in foreign forums I found on the internet. Over the years, I improve my studio techniques until I came across Techno. It was love at first sight, inevitable I would say. I haven't stopped since.

We saw you are a resident DJ at Seas Label. Explain why you consider it important for a DJ to have a residence, and what does this grants to DJs?

  • I usually say that a residency is a loving embrace of people who believe in the artistic potential of a DJ. It is more than a title, gigs or visibility, but is a vote of confidence in one's essence and posture. The residency at the Seas has certainly been one of the greatest gifts I have received during my career, and I am very grateful for that.

KOBBAIA_ON_THE_DECKS

You have also taken a step into the world of record labels. Why did you feel this necessity, and how was that transition with Vintage Music Label?

  • Music has always fascinated me. So I found myself at a level in my career where Djing and producing were no longer enough. I wanted more! I went on a wave of “I need to show this magical energy to a greater number of people and create a great musical ecosystem”… So, THE BIRD Sunset was born, an event that had 6 editions over the years, reaching an average of 2 thousand people in its biggest edition. So, with that in mind, I transmuted it to the record label format where we release some artists there like Marcelo Oriano, Nineteen Sines, Hopper, Nevrau, Carlos Pires among others. Vintage Music Label and its CEO Stark D, for years, supported my project mainly during the transitional phases in which I was musically shaping. There wouldn't be a better way to expand even more with who has always been by my side. Then, Komplexa was born, which is still a small project with great future potential to be explored.


On the DJ side, you explore the sounds of Techno, Progressive to Melodic, itself. Staying versatile is important, but it's not a rule. Why did you choose this strategy?

  • Music is pure versatility. Just imagine if everyone throughout history made the same sounds, looked or behaved the same way. Wouldn't it be weird? I realised that versatility without losing my identity was the best way to find gigs. I've found myself at the level where I had to explore other aspects to include certain tunes where I want to present myself. So I spent hours, and days researching new songs, labels, and artists. That attitude lead me to expand my sound knowledge in a way I never imagined. It certainly took me much further!

Who are the artists you admire in this context? Any female artists?

  • I admire and get inspired by the work of guys like Weval, Apparat, Max Cooper, Recondite, Overmono, Thomas Schumacher, Maceo Plex, Pan-Pot, Dubfire, always in a hypnotic line full of textures. For sure! I always say that women are much better than us men at everything they do. The attention and dynamics of a woman are multiple, subtle and precise, bringing a majestic performance when it comes to djing in pickups and in the studio. There are many female artists that I'm a fan of and I've followed for years, like ANNA, Peggy Gou, Nastia, Anfisa Letyago, Lilly Palmer, Eli Iwasa, Aninha, Any Mello, Mari-Anna among other amazing artists that I've also had the pleasure of sharing the stage.

You made your debut at Surreal Park, on the Bells stage, which has people always buzzing about. How was that moment? I know that this debut came through the invitation to djing on Ratier's 50th anniversary.

  • It was a bizarre mix of emotions! From the moment Renato Ratier got in touch with me in the middle of the night until I press play on the CDJs. The dance floor was filled up in just under 10 minutes after I started the set, it was a crazy feeling. I've played in big festivals with 3 to 7 thousand people present, but, I've never felt a crowd connected to every track I played as BELLS stage. It was amazing, magical! Minutes before entering, not unlike other big dates, I felt that typical butterflies in my stomach, as if I were a child waiting to open my gifts on boxing day. It was crazy, because usually during the set, that feeling goes away, but not there during that set; it was constant, it was joyful, intense and the more the set progressed, the more it filled me up in a very good way!

I heard that at the performance during Ratier's anniversary, you experienced a deep connection to the crowd that was felt by many people, which led to the release of your set on Vintage Music Label's YouTube channel.

  • People looked me in the eye, thirsty and curious about what was to come as if I could hear the dancefloor say “So, what have you got stored for us tonight?” … Surely after that experience, I had to share my gratitude towards everyone who shared that moment with me, so I drop my set recorded at the event with the idea of bringing back the nostalgia of that moment.

You are producing a documentary, right? What is the theme and why did you decide to create such material? Why is this type of record important, in your opinion?

  • I believe that every artist wants to leave their mark on the world, in a timeless way. And this is my way of immortalizing my work, my history and the achievements during this journey of almost a decade. In addition, the documentary will show a more personal way of connecting with people through music and things I believe in. We've been working on it since September of 2021, and there's a lot of cool stuff coming when it comes out! Think of an anxious guy, yes that's me.

And to close: in addition to the projects above, what else can we expect from you for 2022? Any news that you can anticipate us? Thanks!

  • Hmmmmmmm, with spoilers or without? hehe … The release of my debut set at Surreal was the start of 2022 I needed. From now on, releases will come with European labels, with remixes from friends and great artists. I can say that there will be a reinterpretation of the tune “Bad Romance” by Lady Gaga produced by me in the voice of my dear friend and great artist Mari-Anna.


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