Singer/songwriter Jewel is no stranger to dancefloors having had three consecutive singles (“Serve the Ego,” “Intuition,” and “Stand”) top the club chart.? So it comes as little surprise that her Greatest Hits Remixed CD would feature club interpretations of her new single “Two Hearts Breaking.” Originally a country-tinged guitar-based song with dance-pop elements (like a more mature Taylor Swift), the lyrics translate well for the dancefloor in the hands of Timothy Allen & Mark Loverush (energetic progressive and electro hybrid), Andi Durrant & Steve More (Avicii-esque stadium house floorfiller), and Bimbo Jones (a modern take on Hi-NRG). ?With such strong remixes, could “Two Hearts Breaking” be her fourth record to top the club chart?
Bimbo Jones, the team of Lee Dagger and Marc JB, are probably best known for their consistent output of top flight vocal remixes for artists like Lady Gaga, Pink, Britney Spears, Rihanna, Kelly Clarkson, and Kylie Minogue.? What you might not know is that the two started as songwriters and producers signed to 19 Management. ? In addition to their remixes, they are launching three record labels with a new artist album set for release.? I caught up with them during Amsterdam Dance Event to catch up with them about all they have going on.
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? RS: Congratulations on the Kristine W record, how did that come about? Lee Dagger: It came about last year when we finally got to meet Kristine in Miami. Marc and I had wanted to meet her for years. We have always been a big fan of ?Feel What You Want? from back in the day, which is an amazing house record. When we met her, she invited us to go stay at her ranch any time. ?I was shocked and when we took a trip to the states, we went and stayed on the ranch. Marc and I took one of our tracks that we were really passionate about that had a real strong backing track and sat down and wrote it with her. It was an amazing experience and we gelled really well together. She is a great girl. Marc JB: She is very talented; she is not just the dance artist that you see in all the PR. She is an accomplished jazz vocalist and saxophonist, a very technical, clever and creative girl. Lee Dagger: Yeah, she is great on the sax.
? Continue reading INTERVIEW: Bimbo Jones (2013)
Panel – ‘Meet the Australians’ – Amsterdam Dance Event brings together industry professionals from around the world and this panel was a great off the cuff? discussion about the EDM scene down under.? A thriving economy and nightlife scene has led to the growth of both festivals and club nights whereas the two often cannibalize each other.?? Just like in the US, different cities have different scenes – psytrance, techno and dub step are all strong in different markets along with the big room commercial sound.? The importance of Australian artists breaking in their home market as well as the international market was discussed by the artists on the panels – producer / djs / reality tv show stars Stafford Brothers and underground producers turned pop star Yolanda Be Cool shared their stories.
Hot discussion topic – Throughout the day, I overheard many talking about who the top DJs on the DJ Mag list would be.? There are quite a few different theories: the winner is from a different country, the top 5 stays the same,? there will be some big surprises in the top 10.? All eyes (and ears) will be on the Convention Factory tomorrow.
Speaking of the DJ Mag list, I interviewed one of last year’s top new entries Hardwell and UK production/remix duo Bimbo Jones.? Watch for both to pop up here really soon.
Frankie Knuckles
While in the press room, I experienced one of those surreal moments when I just couldn’t believe what happened.? I bumped into three of my all time favorite DJs – the legends of the Def Mix posse – David Morales, Frankie Knuckles and Hector Romero.? I watched them do interview after interview and it amazes me how they are all so professional – fresh faced, enthusiastic and in good spirits while coming up with fresh answers and witty stories for each one.? It made me wonder which of the current batch of superstar DJ/producers will have achieve such long and vital careers.
Sultan and Ned Shepard
The evening events for me were all about celebrating with friends.? One of my first panels I was ever on was at Winter Music Conference in 2001 where sitting next to me was Lainie Copicotto, then of ClubPlanet.? I was instantly drawn to her extensive knowledge, vibrant wit, boundless energy and creativity.? She harnessed those traits and launched Aurelia Entertainment in 2002 which has blossomed into a management/promotional force to be reckoned with.? The dinner at BIHP celebrating the first 10 years of success brought together people from all over the industry.? We shared stories and enjoyed the celebratory night.?? A bit of jet lag (and a touch of overindulgence) shortened my stay at the Mint Pig management party afterwards and forced me to call it an early night.
