Signed to Wolfgang Gartner’s Kindergarten label, Georgia Tech alumni Popska (aka Ralf Popescu) is quickly making a name for himself with glitchy, electro remixes (Bloody Beetroots, Street Lurkin) and strong original productions (“Karma Meter” and “Liar”). Enlisting the vocal talent of clubland favorite Luciana, he has constructed “The New Kings,” a big room electrohouse anthem for the new school with elements of glitch and stadium and just enough pop for possible crossover. Luciana follows her singing muse (like recent releases “Something For the Weekend” and “Calling All the Lovers”), moving further away from the talk/rap vibe of many of her past hits. The lyrics about the new generation of clubbers and everyone being beautiful could go a bit cheesy, but Luciana’s sweet and sultry voice gives it an edge. The “Oh Oh oh” chant recalling the classic “Self Control” by Laura Branigan is a nice touch as well. While this song may not be the one that makes Popeska a massive superstar, it will definitely increase his audience as more people discover his production talents- making him one to watch for 2013.
Tag: luciana
INTERVIEW: Wolfgang Gartner (2012)
I have to be honest and say that I am a huge fan of Wolfgang Gartner.??His tracks are always fresh and banging, with unique elements that set them apart from the pool of tracks thrown on Beatport each week (and eight Beatport #1s is a testament to that).??Currently on tour with a full-on spaceship stage setup, he brings the energy to his crowd every night.??When I first interviewed him last year, I was blown away by how grounded, real, and down to earth he was. He is one of those rarities in the EDM world who does his own work, entertains crowds, and appreciates the success he achieves while managing to avoid the elitist attitudes so prevalent among a lot of the other big guys.
DJ Ron Slomowicz: The stage setup looks insane – did you design it?
Wolfgang Gartner:??Nope.??It was designed by Steve Lieberman of SJ Designs and built by AG Light and Sound.??They both do a lot of stuff for all the big dance festivals like EDC and Ultra, and clubs as well.
SONG OF THE DAY: Manufactured Superstars ft Luciana – “Calling All The Lovers”
Luciana’s raspy vocal chants and raps lift aggressive electro tracks to a higher level, what with tracks like “I Like That,” “Yeah Yeah,” and “I’m Still Hot” shining as some of the biggest club anthems of the past few years. But can she really sing?? Under the pseudonym Isha Coco, she sang “Figure It Out” with Dave Aude and topped the club chart – which pretty much answered that question.? As her current single with Dave Aude “Something for the Weekend” flies up the chart, here comes “Calling All the Lovers,” an energetic stadium house track with a touch of aggressive electro.? Produced by the Manufactured Superstars, Luciana harnesses the best of both sounds, alternating between a prettily-sung verse and a hybrid talk/sing chorus (reminiscent of her big electro hits). The “oh oh oh”chant is quite perfect for big crowds as well.? With such well-written pop? lyrics, it makes you wonder if “Calling All the Lovers” was written in the sessions she did for Kylie Minogue, but she decided to keep for herself.
Image Courtesy of Big Beat.