Young house genius Deorro showcases some of his best tracks on Pacemaker.
A Los Angeles native and proud Mexican-American, Deorro is a highly appreciated name among house music lovers and festivalgoers. He started DJing at the age of 14 and by the time he turned 17, he was already producing his own tracks. Since then he’s accumulated an impressive discography consisting of original productions, collaborations and remixes with Steve Aoki, Axwell, Diplo, Laidback Luke, Carnage, R3hab etc. His unique grasp on modern party music manifests itself in a special fusion of Dutch, moombah, progressive and bass elements. His highly anticipated debut album, Good Evening, is out now on Ultra Music and you can stream and buy it here. We’re happy to share his first Pacemaker mixtape, in which he mixed up some of his most successful tracks.
@moycoh2000’s summer hip-hop mixtape is everything you need this season. Soothing beats featuring your favourite rappers (Frank Ocean, Drake, Chance The Rapper, Kanye West), sensually sophisticated grooves from FKJ and KAYTRANADA. Exciting mixture, give it a spin!
The best surprises hit us when we push play and we’re not really prepared for what we’re going to hear. @tripmusicparis’ mixtape was one of these surprises and we absolutely love it! Ennio Morricone meets funky future house and together they embark on a jazzy journey of delightful melodies. One of the best feel-good mixes on Pacemaker, check it out!
Jody Koenders aka WHOISJODY is one of the most promising rising stars in the electronic music scene. Hailing from The Netherlands, JODY’s first single ‘Feelings’ got signed on Spinnin Records as the #1 track on their Talent Pool.
He creates super house, which is a mix between deep house, tech house and nu-disco, a unique sound with a definite party warranty. JODY just dropped his first Pacemaker mixtape with a delicious selection of house music, so we figured it was the perfect timing for a little interview. Find out more about WHOISJODY, succeeding in the music industry, dreams and inspirations.
WHOISJODY (Photo: Wim Steijven)
WHOISJODY? Please tell us a little about your background. When did you get interested in music?
Like in many families, growing up with different styles of music was an important part of my music development. My mother is a jazz singer and my stepdad is a big fan of the Stones. Through my sisters I got familiar with all sorts of small punk and rock bands. I later gained interest for hip-hop and even started a hip-hop group with a couple of friends. We called ourselves ‘HomeBase’, with me on the drums, two other friends on the decks and bass guitar, hilarious…
Who were your biggest influences while you were growing up?
That would have to be The Beastie Boys, Michael Jackson and Nirvana.
Before you started your music career, you used to be a professional snowboarder. Quite a fascinating background! What’s the story behind that and how come you quit?
True, had an amazing time for 10 years traveling around the globe and snowboarding at the best spots. Competed in big air & halfpipe competitions. However, my career came to an end after a serious accident during a competition in Oslo. I was pretty lucky to step out of it alive. Took me a year to recover and getting back in the game wasn’t an option.
The Netherlands is full of talented DJs, artists and musicians in the electronic music scene. What do you think it takes to stand out and reach out to the audience?
Preserve what you love to do and keep doing it, that’s the main thing. As a beginner DJ/Producer you have to work really hard. Besides creating top notch productions you have to take care of your marketing & PR as well, especially in the beginning, you have to take care of everything yourself.
You have a bedroom (like… literally) studio, that is where all the magic happens. How does your setup look like? What tools do you use to make music?
Haha, true. Well my studio setup is pretty basic. I work with Ableton, have an M-Audio Oxygen 49 Midi Keyboard, 2 KRG Rocket 6 monitors and Ableton Push. Furthermore, I work with a lot of Waves plugins and different software synths, like the Sylenth, Moog, Korg M1 and Massive to name a few.
Since you have your studio at home, how does it work out for you to divide your personal and professional time?
Having your studio at home is sometimes a bit hard but also easy if you all of a sudden come up with a new idea. However, I have periods I when I don’t produce that much and other times I can be sitting for days. Hopefully I’ll get a proper studio one day, outside my bedroom.
What do you like the most about producing and DJing and what are your biggest challenges at the same time?
The biggest reward is of course people liking and dancing to your music. At the same time you always have the little devil on your shoulders saying: are you really going to release this?? But then again it’s very easy to get excited about creating a new track, it’s a big commitment, because you do it and then you have to live with it when it’s finished. It’s in your section in the ‘record store’ for ever. Besides the whole production procedure you have the whole ‘getting in contact with labels’ hassle. Which can be a pain in the ass sometimes, because there are more disappointments than positive feedback.
How do you discover music yourself? Do you buy records or you prefer digital formats and streaming? What are your most trusted sources?
I listen to a lot of mixes from other DJ’s and undiscovered music on Spotify. Besides that, I buy music on Beatport and Traxsource. And recently I bought some records again at the local record shop Rush Hour.
You define your sound as “super house”. So how is super house different from regular house music?
I guess I like to call it super house because I mix all sort of house genres (deep, tech & a bit of nu-disco), however it’s got to have that WHOISJODY groove: deep vocals, baseline and that rolling snare & hi-hat. You have to feel it!
If you would have to name 3 artists whose sound you really like at the moment – who would they be?
Kölsch, Dennis Quin, John Monkman.
Do you have a dream location where you would like to play one day?
Hmmm hard one… At this stage of my musical journey I guess I would love to play in a lot of different places. But if I had to choose one, then it would have to be Burning Man.
Your first single ‘Feelings’ got signed to Spinnin Records’ Talent Pool. I guess that is somewhat of a dream of every electronic music producer. How did you get in touch with them?
Feelings is actually the first step towards the new direction of music I wanted to make. I basically sent it over to Spinnin and they were enthusiastic about the track. The rest is history.
You also run your own label that’s been a bit more under the radar during the last years. Any plans with this in the future?
Eskill Records has been on the low key for a while… I needed to figure out what to do with the label and see in which direction it needed to go. Basically it needed a fresh new image and structure. So I gave Eskill a new corporate identity and music wise it will focus on house (deep & tech house). Soon Eskill will be releasing some new music again.
What would your advice be to young producers and DJs who want to make it in nowadays music industry?
Above all, persist what you are doing. You’ll come across more setbacks than positive moments. Believe in yourself and don’t forget to have fun!
What are you working on right now? What’s next for JODY?
At the moment I’m working on a couple of new tracks, which will be coming out this summer. Doing a collab with a singer from London in a couple of weeks which I’m really looking forward to. Unfortunately can’t tell you who she is yet, but you’ll know soon 🙂
Please tell us a bit about your experiences with Pacemaker for iPhone and Pacemaker+. How do you like the app, what are your favourite features and what would you like to improve?
It’s a pretty cool app, it gives you the opportunity to put together a mix really fast. I would recommend the + version, as it gives you more possibilities mixing wise. I quite like the fade in and out option, which gives you a more precise wave form view. And overall the easiness of adding or deleting tracks as you’re mixing.
The vibe doctor is back with another fabulous deep house mixtape. Let it blow you away!
Dirty Disco Radio is already a familiar name in the Pacemaker community – Kono Vidovic is our go-to person when it comes to the most carefully curated deep house tracks, someone you can trust with fixing your groovy needs. Our vibe doctor is now back with another fabulous mixtape that soothes both body and mind. Let him take you on a trip to the magical world of rhythms with this bootylicious and relaxing selection.
Sweet summer melodies coming from @trip_c’s mixing kitchen. Contains all the perfect ingredients for relaxing, chilling or partying, blended to perfection. It’s always quite a task to mix vocal tracks but he took the challenge and slow-cooked it for you to enjoy. Dance, pop with a hint of EDM.
Be it from sunrise to sunset or from sunset to sunrise, this tech house and techno goodie bag won’t disappoint your thirsty ears. @capturingphi knows his music and he shows off his mixing skills as well in this Pacemaker+ mixtape. No rest for the wicked!
We’ve revamped some vital features so you will enjoy mixing even more.
Pacemaker 2.3.2
Here’s what’s new!
– Match Machine in the Mix View
Get instant track recommendations while you’re creating your mix. Match Machine now also available when you’re adding the next track to your mix.
– Pre-listen in Tracklist
You can now pre-listen tracks in the tracklist without having to add them to the mix – just press on 🎧 to play.
– Art Covers in Tracklist
No more gloomy, boring lists. From now on, each track in the tracklist has a nice little thumbnail with its original album cover.
– Minor and major bug fixes
That feeling when bugs are gone and the app is lit again.
It’s never too early to get started with these party-proof mixtapes.
@momojojo43oh (almost the evil monkey!) is back with a luxurious mixtape for all occasions – but mostly for getting weird with these hypnotic deep and tech house anthems. Seamless mixing, going from dreamy to pumping, this selection might be the perfect soundtrack for your party persona.
Dear @rawdog69, just how much we luuuurv your next-level creations?! Mixing deep with deeper, topping it up with the cream of the cream when it comes to vocal house. Sensual grooving, timeless rhythms and showcasing tons of creativity with Pacemaker+. Welcome to mashup heaven!
Listen to one of the wildest and craziest mixtapes ever made with Pacemaker+. @insincerelymine created this warmup for your weekend bash with a ridiculous energy level. Mixing hip-hop with dubstep and EDM, blending vocals with the harshest beats. #yourunityouruleit
Stay inspired, keep your mixtapes coming – next week it could be your turn!
Groovylicious house with a touch of hip-hop from three legendary Pacemaker users.
It’s always tough when daily life happens and @stanfitz is away from the Pacemaker decks. He celebrated his return with a smashing deep house mixtape – a selection and style that only he can carry out so masterfully and consistently. Great to have you back!
@illtino is another legend who needs no introduction. He’s one of the pillars of the community and this mixtape should be your main inspiration when it comes to discovering the perks of Pacemaker+. Mashing up hip-hop over house beats, the result is marvellous!
@samuelnatal79 posted 45 mixtapes so far – he’s not only dedicated when it comes to creating but also when it comes to listening to others’ mixes and giving feedback. His latest selection contains the finest of house music, opening and closing with Carl Cox and building up groovy, playful rhythms inbetween. Give it a spin!
Stay inspired, keep your mixtapes coming – next week it could be your turn!
French feels with Kitsuné 🌶, dope hip-hop 🔥 and soothing spring beats. 🌸
Expect some smooth vibes in the latest Kitsuné Hot Stream mix by the French musician and producer Molikasi. Influenced by African and Asian sounds, he works, samples and magnifies his own voice and instrument, to give an impression of coming from faraway places and break the rules of electro pop. We had a little chat with the French artist, you can read it here while you are listening to his excellent mixtape!
Props to our man @willsn, he’s no half steppin! This hip-hop mixtape is so dope, it really takes an attentive ear to notice where one track ends and another one starts. This selection is a sure shot if you’re into heavy names like Drake, The Weeknd, Travis Scott, Future and co. You know the ledge!
With his latest mixtape, @benjami is doing a thorough exploration in sound with Pacemaker+. Starting off with relaxing bird chirping, getting to some modern classical jams, slowly heading into more psychedelic areas, future jazz making love with instrumental hip-hop and trip-hop. No matter the season, this selection is a blessing with all its creative twists and turns.
Stay inspired, keep your mixtapes coming – next week it could be your turn!
Influenced by African and Asian sounds, Molikasi works, samples and magnifies his own voice and instrument, to give an impression of coming from faraway places and break the rules of electro pop. We had a little chat with the French artist and you can also listen to his excellent Kitsuné Hot Stream mixtape!
Molikasi
How did you get interested in music?
I got interested in music thanks to my cousin who used to play guitar. I wanted to do the same so I first learned some standard guitar songs. Then I came to electronic music and production.
Tell us a bit about the Soundress label.
Soundress is a label working with artists like Dim Sum, Clanch, Candidat, Le goût acide des conservateurs…
How’s life in Paris as a musician? What inspires you the most in the city?
Paris is a really cool place for musicians. You can easily meet people and see the artists live. But sometimes you also needs space and time to get inspired so it’s cool to leave the city for the countryside.
Name 3 artists who inspire you the most when it comes to making music.
Bibio / Mura Masa / Fleet Foxes
Name 3 tracks from this year that made a big impression on you.
Kidswaste “Time”
Whitney “No Woman”
Louis The Child “Love is alive”
If you could swap bodies with another artist for a weekend, whose skin would you like to sneak in and why?
Thom Yorke… it could be interesting to be in his mind for a weekend
What do you do when you’re not making music?
I’m drawing while thinking of music
What would you do if – for some mysterious reason – there would be no more music from tomorrow on?
I would be drawing the music instruments of my dreams
What are you working on right now?
New tracks that I will release soon.
Please tell us a bit about your Kitsuné Hot Stream mix, how did you pick these tracks?
I wanted to start the mix with a danceable part so I chose Moullinex “Open House” and Allen French “Nova Vida” which both match well with my track “Danse de l’hiver”. Then I chosed to lower the tempo with Young Futura and Saux and to finish with this incredible song “Umbo” by IFE.
How do you like Pacemaker? What are your favourite features?
Pacemaker is a very cool app, I love the idea! I love that it works with Spotify so that you can easily pick tracks in your library.
Weekend feels, humble hip-hop and deep house vibes! 👯
A super warm welcome to Hype Machine on Pacemaker! Their debut mixtape includes some of the best tracks from their Stack playlist, which is also a weekly newsletter featuring interesting new music, handpicked by the Hype Machine team. This week’s selection could be considered as a warm-up for the weekend. Curious rhythms and unusual beats, something for both your body and soul.
Nowadays @anacarolina is our #1 go-to person on Pacemaker when it comes to the hottest and slickest hip-hop mixtapes. The latest and the greatest include Gorillaz with Vince Staples, Kendrick Lamar, The Weeknd and Cashmere Cat. Short and sweet with perfect mixes – you go, girl!
As you can see it in the title, this is the 15th episode of deep house grandmaster @since76’s spectacular series. Almost two hours of serious party vibes, mixed with Pacemaker+ for the ultimate carnival of beats. Featuring the best of the underground and above: Hot Since 82, Quivver, Winx vs. Nic Fanciulli, Kink etc.
We got MASSIVE news! Crop tracks, refine your mix and create unique mashups. Update now in App Store – you’re in for a treat!
Jay-Z’s legendary audio engineer, Young Guru and his Era of the Engineer team supports what Pacemaker embodies: “At Era, our mission is to empower the builder and Pacemaker gives everyday people a tool to be creative with music. Since it’s a mobile app, anyone can now create an incredible professional sounding mixtape or mashup from anywhere in the world.” – says Jerald Cooper, co-founder of Era of The Engineer.
– Studio ✂️ Crop the beginning and end of tracks, set your mix on more precise levels – phrase, bar and beat. You get 500 sessions for free to get a taste of the Studio.
– Profile Badge 💎 Be cooler than anyone else with a fancy Pacemaker+ badge. Cool new features: – Undo Your Mixtakes 🔧 Everyone makes misteaks but not everyone can fix them. You can now fix it all with Undo. – New Play-Marker ▶️ The new play-marker jumps exactly where you want it to. Finally! – New Waveforms 🌊 Pretty, nifty and more functional!
If you have any questions or just want to say hi, send us an e-mail! (hi@pacemakerapp.com)
