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Morgan Page Interview & Contest

I had the opportunity to chat with Morgan Page recently during The Longest Road Tour (you can see photos here). With 2 billboard top 10 chart toppers this year plus a number 24 spot for top electronic music video of the year from InternetDJ.com, Morgan Page really doesn't need an introduction. He's just recently finished a Tour with Delerium across the US and Canada and you can catch him in a city near you as he headlines shows in San Francisco, Las Vegas, Miami, and New York to name a few. You can pick up Elevate on itunes or you can win an autograph copy on discowhore.com. Rules for the contest are at the end of the interview. You can add him to your friends on MySapce or you can get info directly from his site at Morgan-Page.com.

[Ronnie Escobedo] Congratulations on the grammy nomination. Deadmau5 did a great job on the "The Longest Road", yet my favorite rendition by far is Lifelike's. How does it feel?

[Morgan Page] It's definitely an honor to see this track recognized by the Grammys. It's rare to see an underground dance track make it in there, so it's a huge thrill to have this happen. Deadmau5 did an amazing job with the mix. Many people don't realize that the original was not a club song - it was a hybrid of styles. The Lifelike mix was just a mashup I put together with "So Electric," but it gave the song a new lift by putting it in a major key.

[Ronnie Escobedo] Lissie's style is best described as Acoustic, Indie, and or Rock. Her vocals are essence of the remixes. Can you briefly talk about how you and Lissie came together for "The Longest Road". What was the concept behind the video?

[Morgan Page] Lissie was recommended to me by Nettwerk Music - they played me a bunch of vocalists, and she stood out from the pack. Too many dance vocalists just sound pretty - Lissie's voice has a edge to it, a bit of sawdust that blends nicely with my production. The concept behind the video was to capture an old school vibe like Depeche Mode did back in the day - with vintage film stock to get a campy feel out in the desert.

[Ronnie Escobedo] Lissie will be working on a new album soon any plans for future collaborations?

[Morgan Page] We have collaborated on three new original songs for the next album (due out in Summer 2009). She also recently started work on her solo album for Sony/BMG.

[Ronnie Escobedo] You followed up "The Longest Road" with "Call My Name". How was it working with Travis? What was the process like? Why did you choose Grant Smillie and Ivan Gough of TV RocK for the remix of "Call My Name"?

[Morgan Page] Tyler James was another singer recommended to me by the label, and I saw him play live at Hotel Cafe in Hollywood. His voice hit me immediately, and I thought he sounded a lot like Chris Martin of Coldplay, with the way he sings falsettos. We wrote the song in two afternoons, and endless weeks of slicing and dicing the vocals. I've been a big fan of TV Rock, so it was a nice pairing to finally get them to remix one of my songs.

[Ronnie Escobedo] How long had you been working on Elevate before releasing it? What was the motivating factor to releasing an album?

[Morgan Page] The idea was to show a range of styles - not a dance album, but a ton of different styles. It's a culmination of a few years of work - 8 remixes and 4 originals. Everything from blissed out downtempo to pumping electro-house. The next album will be focused squarely at the dancefloor, with emphasis placed on vocals and songwriting.

[Ronnie Escobedo] What is the biggest difference and most challenging when working on an album vs remixing?

[Morgan Page] Remixing is a much faster process - after doing 98 remixes, I can do a complete remix in three days - whereas an original will take months.

[Ronnie Escobedo] What are your weapons of choice when working in the studio?

[Morgan Page] Pro Tools LE, Avalon U5s and preamps, M-Audio Sputnik Mic, Studio Projects C1 mic.

[Ronnie Escobedo] Virtual synths or Hardware synths?

[Morgan Page] Always hardware. I love Dave Smith instruments and Moog products.

[Ronnie Escobedo] At the moment there is a division between the digital laptop jocks or Microwave DJs ; -) and CD DJs. It's kind of reminiscent to the vinyl and CDJ war several years ago. What are your feelings on the progression of technology regarding the art of DJing, i.e. Laptop vs CDJs? Which is your preference and why?

[Morgan Page] I used to DJ with Vinyl, then CDJs, and now Ableton Live and a Xone 3D. I still have CDJs in my custom DJ booth setup at home.
For me, there's no question - I'll never go back. Just being able to try out mixes on the plane and create edits on the fly is reason enough to DJ w/ a laptop. You can't do that with CDJs. For me I can deliver a more compelling performance with a laptop and a control surface. It's not that interesting to watch somebody fiddle with the pitch sliders on a CDJ.

I think the people who are really worried are DJs who feel they are being threatened by new technology - they don't want to be out of a job. This is a natural reaction when something comes out that makes thing easier and reduces the barrier to entry. There's more competition, but I say - bring it on.

[Ronnie Escobedo] Mac or Windows?

[Morgan Page] Mac

[Ronnie Escobedo] There is a rumor that you are working on a Madonna Remix? What can we expect and did you get the hookup with Yankee tickets?

[Morgan Page] It's done and available on the iTunes store. It's cool 'cause she is really hands-on with the remixes - she personally approves each one.
No word on tickets from A-Rod.

[Ronnie Escobedo] Dave Dresden has recently talked about a collaboration between the two you. Is this a new album in the works or just a collaboration to bang out some new tracks? Who else is involved in this project?

[Morgan Page] We are working on a few different projects, but we've done a song called "I've Had Friends" that'll be on my next Nettwerk album.

[Ronnie Escobedo] What can you tell us about your new album?

[Morgan Page] I'm keeping details under wraps right now, but let's just say that the Gabriel & Dresden fans will be especially excited about this release.

[Ronnie Escobedo] What other artist or DJ's are you collaborating with?

[Morgan Page] Right now just focused on my album and remixes.

[Ronnie Escobedo] Napster turned the the music industry upside down and Itunes redefined it. Beatport jumped in sometime after. As an electronic music artist and as a DJ maybe fiending for the next big track. What are your thoughts on music piracy or more so music sharing when related to electronic music?

[Morgan Page] It's a really tough issue. I think the illegal blogs do more harm than good, especially to first week sales of a track.
The music blogs should be posting embedded players or streaming versions of tracks ala Imeem.com
not providing actual files, unless they have direct permission.

[Ronnie Escobedo] As a DJ who are some of your favorite artist or DJ's?

[Morgan Page] I love the sound coming out of Europe and Australia. D.O.N.S., John Dahlback, Dirty South, Mark Knight.
These are all regulars in my sets.

[Ronnie Escobedo] What's on your ipod?

[Morgan Page] Everything from MGMT and Fleet Foxes, to Lykke Li, to an array of podcasts that I go running to.

[Ronnie Escobedo] What would you like to tell your fans?

[Morgan Page] Get ready! the new album is on the way and we will announce details in early 2009
also - make sure to sign up for the podcast - we'll be posting new episodes soon.

Okay so here is your chance to win an autographed Elevate CD from Morgan Page. All you have to do is answer the following questions.

1. What was the name of Morgan Page's 2006 bootleg compilation album? www.Morgan-Page.com
2. Which song has been described as "House meets Nashville"? www.Morgan-Page.com

You can submit your answers via twitter at twitter.com/discowhore, myspace or by posting a comment with your answers. 2 winners will be randomly selected on Jan. 9 2008 Jan. 14th 2008.

Tip: If you're going to post answers and you do not have a google or openID account then you must leave an email address. Twitter is recommended.

Photos: Live @ Phylter

Podcast: Episode 5 - discowhore.com presents DJ Ekho

Download Links Below

I met DJ Ekho in the blogoshpere several months back. I enjoy listening to DJ Ekho and I'm excited to share his L’Amour Por Ti house mix on discwhore.com as Episode 5. You can contact DJ Ekho via MySpace at www.myspace.com/djekho. DJ Ekho's latest live mix on Nocturnal Transmissions, 104.3 Hit FM can be DL'd here.

Download Links Below

You can download the Enhnaced version (iTunes/ iPod/ iPhone) and or an MP3 version which will work on any MP3 player including iPods. The enhanced is tracked or indexed plus contains photos and links.

All Podcast and Downloads have the playlist embeded within the lyrics section. If you're on an iPod you can view the playlist by pressing the center button a few times.

Download Links Below

Playlist for Episode 5 - Mixed by DJ Ekho

01. Ekho's Amor Por Ti Intro
02. Global Deejays – Amore 2008
03. Bit Crushers Feat. Kovas – Wanna Ride (Giacomotto Rmx)
04. Danism & Haze – Strike
05. Greg Stainer – Saxy MoFoe (G’s Basin Dub)
06. Bedrock – Heaven Scent (F’n Dannyboy Rmx)
07. Steve Smooth & JJ Flores – Let It Go (Hatiras Rmx)
08. Kaz James – We Hold On (Adam K & Soha)
09. Bini & Martini – Love To The Stars
10. Atlanis Ocean – Silent Drops
11. Alex Gold – Give It Up Reaction (Torit Rmx)
12. Devilfish & Roel Salemink – Manalive
13. Buy Now – Bodycrash (Global Deejays Rmx)
14. Richard Durand – Weep
15. F’n Dannyboy - Dark Beat
16. The Attic – Flash In The Night
17. Visionaire – Dizzy Hights
18. Ali Payami Vs. Warp Brothers – Blade (Christian Luke Rmx)
19. Rossell Feat. Emmma – Dancing With Strangers
20. Alec Knightley Vs. Carlos Mendes – Tagtrum
21. Outwork – Out Of Time


Download for iTunes or iPod ONLY (Enhanced)

Download MP3 (compatible with all MP3 players)

Jizzed In My Pants

SNL on Electronic music
This is really funny!

Grammy Nominations for Electronic Dance Music

Original Post at www.danceblogga.com by Dennis Romero

Electronic dance music has a strong presence among Grammy nominations once again this year. The nods, announced in Los Angeles last night, include:

-M.I.A. for Record of the Year ("Paper Planes," produced by Diplo).

-Radiohead for Album of the Year (In Rainbows, co-produced by Air, Zero 7 and Gnarls Barkley collaborator Nigel Godrich).

*-(Missed this one) Bostich + Fussible (of Nortec Collective) for Best Latin Rock/Alternative Album (Tijuana Sound Machine).

And ...

Best Dance Recording

* "Harder Better Faster Stronger"
Daft Punk
Thomas Bangalter & Guy Manuel de Homem-Christo, producers; Thomas Bangalter & Guy Manuel de Homem-Christo, mixers
Track from: Alive 2007
[Virgin Records]

* "Ready For The Floor"
Hot Chip
Hot Chip, producers; Dan Carey, mixer
Track from: Made In The Dark
[Astralwerks/DFA]

* "Just Dance"
Lady Gaga & Colby O'Donis
RedOne, producer; Robert Orton, mixer
[Streamline/Interscope/Kon Live]

* "Give It 2 Me"
Madonna
Madonna & The Neptunes, producers; Andrew Coleman & Spike Stent, mixers
Track from: Hard Candy
[Warner Bros.]

* "Disturbia"
Rihanna
Brian Kennedy, producer; Phil Tan, mixer
Track from: Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded
[Def Jam]

* "Black & Gold"
Sam Sparro (pictured above)
Jesse Rogg & Sam Sparro, producers; Jeremy Wheatley, mixer
Track from: Sam Sparro
[Universal Republic Records]

Best Electronic/Dance Album

* New York City
Brazilian Girls
[Verve Forecast]

* Alive 2007
Daft Punk
[Virgin Records]

* Bring Ya To The Brink
Cyndi Lauper
[Epic]

* X
Kylie Minogue
[Capitol/Astralwerks]

* Last Night
Moby
[Mute]

* Robyn
Robyn
[Konichiwa/Cherrytree/Interscope]

Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical

* "Closer (StoneBridge Radio Edit)"
StoneBridge, remixer (Ne-Yo)
[Def Jam]

* "Electric Feel (Justice Remix)"
Justice, remixers (MGMT)
Track from: Oracular Spectacular
[Columbia]

* "4 Minutes (Junkie XL Remix)"
Junkie XL, remixer (Madonna Featuring Justin Timberlake)
[Warner Bros.]

* "Just Fine (Moto Blanco Remix)"
Moto Blanco, remixers (Mary J. Blige)
Track from: Growing Pains
[Geffen]

* "The Longest Road (Deadmau5 Remix)"
Deadmau5, remixer (Morgan Page Featuring Lissie)
Track from: Elevate
[Nettwerk]

Morgan Page @ Dolce - Pictures

The photos were taken by Carlos. You can reach him at MySpace.