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COVER STORY

Rendez-Vous 1 Compilation + Interview
Speaking of deep (and chill!), the folks at Makira Deep have got a cool new compilation album coming out on January 1, 2014. (*OUT NOW! GET IT HERE on Beatport)

Here's our interview with the producers included on the album, along with some audio samples of featured tracks from the release.

Electrofans.com caught up with Wilson Costa, Manager & A&R Director at Makira Deep label to chat briefly about Makira Deep's upcoming new debut compilation album, 'Rendez-Vous 01,' a collection of smooth and cool tracks with a summery beach-resort vibe. The album is scheduled for release on January 1, 2014.


ELECTROFANS:
Wilson, can you describe briefly how you went about selecting the artists and tracks for 'Rendezvous 01'?


WILSON:
So, firstly, hello everyone. Very happy to be here with you!!! And, about the question, the selection of the tracks has been made very naturally in a sense. The first thing we have to keep in mind is that I wanted a release for the Christmas/NYE period, and I was going back and forth between a deep house/deep prog compilation, and a chill out/lounge compilation. The final direction was chosen based on two things, the first was that this period is the period of dreams but as well, even if our bellies say the opposite, it's a moment of calm, relaxation and family meet up. I began then the work with these ideas and it came out, that chill and lounge was perfect. I was incidentally receiving some good chill demos at that time, with some of my teammates at Makira Deep (Maggie B, PhuturePhil) also working at that moment on chill versions of their tracks, or announcing to me some beautiful chill work. Then the track selection was made, a bit by chance (everyone working on chill/receiving cool chill demos) but also through a kind of natural way to classify the tracks, cos each track found its place very naturally in the compilation; the idea was to tell a story.



ELECTROFANS:
Was there a particular theme or "overall vibe" that you wanted to achieve with the album, and do you think you were able to achieve it with the resulting tracks and artists you included?

WILSON:
I think that the real theme of the album was the meet up, the "Rendez-Vous", the feeling behind the fact to be in family, or with friends, or even, to feel this warm sensation to be secure, that can actually happen in different ways, but in my sense, "Rendez-Vous 01" gives this feeling of being safe and protected. I mean, to me, it helps to come up with these sensations. I wanted as well to have a trip on different sounds, different sensations, different flavors, and by the way, we found ourselves on a trip between jazzy lounge, melodic chill out, piano universe, almost film-scoring or even an amazing trip to Brasil. The question finally is that, we almost all have different nationalities (we find Japanese, French, American, Russian, Belarussian and Portuguese people producing for this compilation), and it offers a real density on the work that has been done. Then yes, we have been able to achieve the objectives, with the project done before the end of the deadline.



ELECTROFANS:
Is this the first compilation album/EP that Makira Deep has released? Are there plans for future compilation releases in the near future?

WILSON:
Yes, it is the first compilation that Makira Deep has done, but not the first EP. We have had before 3 amazing EPs that gave us a magnificent start for the label, and that finally led to great expectations for the future. About future plans, we are for sure working on a lot of things, some EPs to come in the next few months for example. We are also working on a new mixed compilation that will be done by PhuturePhil; this time it will be in a deep house/deep prog genre mainly. This work will certainly be longer and will take some time, but we have already begun work, with some cool resident producers at Makira Deep already answered to the call and begun work on their projects. And to know a bit more, we all will have to wait a bit. Lol.



QUESTIONS FOR THE PRODUCERS ON THE ALBUM:
How did you find out about Makira Deep (or how did they find you?), how would you best describe your role with the label, and how would you say your music fits into the overall "Makira Deep vision?" Also, please tell us a little about your track.


Maggie B, resident singer (Track - 'A Feelings History'):

I knew Wilson first, thanks to a friend I had in common with him and then i've been invited to take part on the project Makira Deep as resident singer and producer. It was therefore suggested that I would be singing for them knowing that I am in a perpetual desire to improve my singing skills.

My role at Makira Deep as resident singer is to be available to labels' producers if they need a vocal in their tracks, and if I like their tracks and they inspire me. It sounded interesting to me to be in this kind of vocal partnership for the label as well as for myself. As a producer, it could be possible for me to work on some other originals, collaborations, or even remixes. I then compose and write lyrics. "A Feelings History" is a song which was composed during the year 2013. Produced from the heart, I had a lot of fun doing this song. Having spoken with Wilson about his project for a chillout compilation, I was interested because it was very near the universe I was searching for in this song. Then I sent to him the demo and he wanted to add it in the chillout compilation, which also appealed to me! This song is a part of me. Having written it firstly on a train back from Paris I did not think it would now been released in a label, but very fast it became a most consistent project, and I worked very hard on the accomplishment of that song. I am delighted that it can be shared with you, hoping you'll enjoy it. I also hope that you will feel at least a part of what I felt writing, composing and singing this. Thank you very much!!!



PhuturePhil, in charge of podcasts and radioshows (Track - 'Whispering Cities (Chill Out Mix)'):

Hey Kevin thanks so much for having the Makira Deep roster on Electrofans. We really appreciate all the support you and your community have shown us! I first got in contact with Wilson about a year ago after he heard one of my releases and messaged me. We got to talking and became fast friends. After sometime, Wilson told me that the Makira Group was looking to start a deeper sub label and he was going to run it. I was very excited and happy for him but I had no idea he would actually ask me to be a part of it. Wilson asked me if I would not only submit music for the label, but if I would be on the team and help with radioshow and podcasting duties. My role right now is pretty broad and it gives me something else to do in the world of music, which is one of my passions and is very enjoyable! I DJ sets for the Makira Deep Radioshow (which will be making its online radio debut next year!), help promote releases and compilations to my contact list and through social media, and do anything else that needs to be done. I believe my music is an interesting fit for Makira Deep, because the label allows me to try out more deeper and multi genre sounds. 'Whispering Cities' is an interesting track for me due to its inspiration. I was living in Colorado at the time and a recent snow storm had left a windy, snowy, foggy, wet mess where I lived. All the buildings seemed to literally whisper in the snowy wind. From there I sat in my studio for a few weeks and wrote the chillout, original, and extended mixes. The track felt really relaxing to make and I hope it brings relaxation to you and yours during this holiday season. Thanks!



Miwa & Goto (Tracks - 'Summer Breeze' & 'Brighter'):

I was using SoundCloud as a place to have people listen to the samples of the tracks I make. One day the A&R of Makira label gave me a message through SoundCloud, saying he liked my tracks. I listened back to their sounds on SoundCloud and I liked their sounds. Then I went to Makira Deep's link and liked their sound as well, and got in contact with Makira Deep. Then we started contacting each other through SoundCloud and SNS for the release. When I create tracks I have some image of what I want it to sound like, but never know where the track is going until it's complete (though this is the fun part of creation since there are many surprises on the way). But I'm guessing there is a big part of me that likes very deep, cool and emotional types of sounds. I believe that music can heal the hearts and this is what I want to do in my life, to create such tracks. I felt that Makira Deep label's sounds matched this spirit, and is the reason why I enjoy working together with them.



Earthwalker (Track - 'Sunrise Bright')

Makira found me from my SoundCloud I believe. I have another project as 'Earthwalker' mainly for chill out. I know Makira Deep releases some deep music and I think my music is a fit for the label. My track, 'Sunshine Bright' is just an expression of my mind and heart. And I'd like to make that a reality through music. The only easy way to share your heart and mind without words is in the music we speak. Thanks.



Antonio Picikato (Track - 'Goldfish'):

1) My acquaintance with Makira Deep began with receiving a letter from Wilson Costa. There was a proposition about cooperation with Makira Deep at the same time as I tried to sign my track on Proton.
2) I think that my music fits into the overall "Makira Deep vision" because of similarity in stylistics such as deep, calm and beautiful sound vibrations.
3) The track 'Goldfish' is full of harmony and tranquillity. Soft and gentle vocals are perfectly combined with the sound of sea waves.



Oleg Nych (Track - Search For It)

Kind of a production-oriented question. There is kind of a unique, sentimental feel on this track. Is that a guitar on this track, or a synth/sample? And next, how did you find out about Makira Deep (or how did they find you?) How would you say your music fits into the overall "Makira Deep vision"? what could you say about your own track?

1) It's a real guitar, with the guitar parts played and written by my friend.
2) I learned of Makira Deep from Proton Radio, and thank them for that.
3) I think my music fits into the overall "Makira Deep vision."
4) My track is a big part of what makes me. This track seems to be saying to people: "Searching in life is perfect, searching for love."



ELECTROFANS:
Japanese female vocalist/instrumentalist combo Miwa & Goto appear on two of the tracks on the compilation: 'Summer Breeze' and 'Brighter,' how did you discover their music, and will there be a role for them on future upcoming Makira Deep releases?

WILSON:
Actually, the story of how I discovered the work of Miwa & Goto is quite common. I don't remember if they liked Makira Deep page or my own page on SoundCloud, but as I often do, I get to hear what they do. And then, I became intrigued by their sound. The first step was to contact them to know if they would be interested in working with us, then I received 5 demos, which I was very impressed with. Later, I received a 6th demo, 'Brighter,' and it was the same really nice sound. Two of the tracks are already released ('Summer Breeze' and 'Brighter'), and will give their names to two EPs to come. I can say that their sound, this association between electronic music, jazz, and lounge was amazing. As a real instruments player myself, I also place a high value on real instruments added to electronic music, or any kind of music really. Finally, all elements were united in the project, this Ibiza lounge-flavoured feeling brought by two producers, Miwa (who sings on the track as well) and Goto, with the addition of guitarist Ushio, who all did an amazing job on the tracks. They gave the perfect mixture to a terrificly good last result. Then, I'm definitely guilty, I fell in love with those tracks, and I'm very glad to have them with us here at Makira Deep - to have the chance to share their music with the world, under our imprint.



ELECTROFANS:
You have one of your very own tracks ('Back Home') included on 'Rendez-Vous 01.' Is there a story behind this track?

WILSON:
Wow, about my own track, what could I say? So, is there a story behind this track and this title? Yes there is a story actually. This track translates in a way the fact that I have always been pushed at the base between two countries, my native country, Portugal, and the country where I was living most of the time, France (Paris), both being in a way home, but on different levels. Over the years I also found many other homes, and it makes me feel like I'm always moving, Paris (Northern France), Pau (Southern France), Laval (Western France) London (UK), Stuttgart (Germany) or my native town, Viana Do Castelo (Portugal). I actually go back home everytime I move and I find in all these places something that gives you the feeling of being home, family, someone you love, a place you're crazy about, because, going back home is still a specific moment of secure feelings. We know that when we go back to a place as home we will feel safety as people love you, you feel protected... I think that's what I tried to expose in my track. In fact, wherever I am at any given moment, I'm always missing somebody, or some place.



ELECTROFANS:
Describe briefly some of the things you would like to accomplish with the Makira Deep label.

WILSON:
I think that the things I would like to achieve with Makira Deep are in a way very simple, but in a way as well very difficult, continue to share passion, to share a dream, to share magical music and to share what we love with people who believe in us, and continue it, over, and over again. To be the instigator of amazing projects, to keep working hard and to offer all we can to do the best, in production as well as in radioshows or in the clubs. And to feel this energy forever. I would like to see all these amazing people who make up the Makira Deep team with whom I worked every day on this project (Adam Dilzz, PhuturePhil, Maggie B, Ian Vaslow, Solarbeam, Max Miszkowsky) continue to have the same passion they showed and fight for what we believe in. I would like to give them a big thanks for the hard work, and to help me making the things go on as well as all producers surrounding us and helping us evaluate everything step by step. I would like as well to give a big thanks to Hubert Napiersky, Makira Group owner, who gave me the opportunity to work on this project, and as well the trust he had in me. A big thanks to the listeners that are here every day hearing our sound and giving us the power to continue and go on with the projects. I think at the base, all the passion we can have begins through them. And of course, a massive thanks to Kevin Pajak who invited us to take part in his own project, Electrofans.com, which helps us in the same way with our goals. I wish a good evening, night or day to all of you, depending on where you are in the world, and I wish you will continue for some time to follow our beloved label Makira Deep.


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Tue Dec 24, 2013

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