Alex Preda

Artist : Pell & Preda
Title : Romper Stomper
Label : Stripped Off
Release : June 1st 2015
Genre : Techno

Norman Hines’ Stripped Off label is something of an enigma to me. Ever present in a slew of top flight DJs monthly charts, its presence in the marketplace is undeniable. And yet, its very rare that I listen or buy from it. This however made my ears stand to attention from the get go. Alex Preda is a name synonymous with great productions. Signed to Dutch uber label Manual Music, the classy Romanian is really on his game at the moment. In Damion Pell, who has over 20 years experience as a working DJ, he’s found a kindred spirit and someone with whom he can only improve and reach those heady heights of superstardom.

Take Romper Stomper for example, the duos first outing. Already a firm favourite for a raft of A listers, from Maceo Plex, DJ T, Jimmy Van M to Cid Inc and remixes by two of the most in demand underground producers in house and techno, they have unleashed a beast of a track. The original is a grower. And much like watching a panther stalk its prey on a nature programme, the tension created it almost tangible. The lead riff is as demonic and twisted as anything Walter Carlos and Stanley Kubrick left on the cutting room floor after editing A Clockwork Orange and its 5/4 time signature adds an extra off kilter dimension to really set it apart from the crowd.

Neil Browne’s interpretation is edgy and complex. He takes the lead line and moulds around it a detailed rolling drum and percussion arrangement, which will no doubt be a favourite of the likes of Darren Emerson and the tech house elite. Its very good. Jacob Phono on the other hand opts for a post minimal stripped techno cut with splashes of that orchestral arrangement. Hypnotic and unrelenting in equal measures, its goal of keeping the dance floor rocking is achieved easily. Its deep and devastatingly original, and my personal choice of the package.

Expect to hear this all summer in the cooler clubs and dance floors of the world. - Decoded Magazine

We vroegen een paar van onze favoriete dj's om 2014 samen te vatten in een mix. Nadat we hem zes maanden lang hebben gevolgd, kon Dimitri natuurlijk niet in ons lijstje ontbreken.

Tracklist:
Lanny May – Echo June
Dief & Baker – YGT
David August – Epikur
Derek Howell – When the House Sleeps
Luca Vera – Fourty Failed
Clarian – Is There Light At the End
Mark-E – Activity
Anthony Rother – Balkonien
Gale Talk – Cosmis Design
Aiden – Diggu (Paul Twin Remix)
Medway – Trauma (Monojoke Remix)
Alex Banks – Be the One
Alex Preda – Multiverse
Dreems – Mirages (Michael Mayer Remix)
Mondkrater – Zenit
Natalie Beridze – Winter Boredom - Thump / Vice

The lone remix of ‘Your Eyes’ comes from Alex Preda who is returning to MNL for his third appearance. The Romanian producer (now based in Amsterdam) also boasts appearances on MNL’s big brother Manual Music and the Dutch progressive label LuPS Recordings. Alex’s interpretation of ‘Your Eyes’ complements Ryan’s original very well as it has a deeper, more atmospheric vibe. The grooviness of the original has been recreated brilliantly by Alex which really comes through in it’s well shaped foundation. The complexity of the interwoven electronics following the drop is quite a spectacle and proves to be a very satisfying climax to the building energy which leads up to that point. Two very solid cut here and you can’t really go wrong with either one. Great to Ryan with a release on MNL and it goes down as another top notch release for the Manual Music offshoot. - Change Underground

1. If you had to pick one track which solidified your love for electronic music early on what would it be?

I use to like Italo Disco since I was a kid, without having a clue of what genre it was. One particular track was of C.C. Catch – In The Seat Of Your Cadillac. It still fascinates me to this day. Then I discovered Sandra, Michael Cretu and Modern Talking.

2. What was your first and last DJ gig?

My first gig was back in Bucharest, Romania in 2005. A friend invited me to play at one of the parties he was promoting. He used to organize parties with industrial music, and sometimes experimental. That period I was discovering electro which worked well with the industrial party.

The last gig I played was on 1st November at Cue Bar in Amsterdam at the Mini Manual event. Had lots of fun. This is a new series of intimate parties organized by Manual Music. Me, Paul and Noraj Cue played that night.

3. What was the first and last record you purchased?

It was an ATB album ‘Movin’ Melodies’. Last track I purchased was ‘Watermat – Bullit’. Brilliant track!

4. What would you say is the highlight of your career thus far?

Releasing music on Manual Music has had a major impact on my career. It has brought lots of attention to my music from people whom I look up to and also other professionals from the industry (promoters, radios, online magazines, blogs etc). And above all Paul is being very supportive with my music. Which is great!

Another important highlight for me was organizing successful parties in Amsterdam with some of my friends. We stopped now, however this has also played an important role in my career while it helped to build a solid fan base.

5. Tell us something about yourself that might surprise people?

I initially move to the Netherlands because of Waterpolo. I used to play Waterpolo in Romania since I was a 11 years old. Later on I figured that being a DJ and a producer is what I truly want to do with my life. So Waterpolo is just a hobby now.

6. Who are some of the best undiscovered talents in your eyes?

I have a good friend Determinators, he is into Raw Tech-Electro, and I think he is a very good producer, yet his talent is to be discovered. And I know another guy from Hungary, Thomas Smith, I think his productions are amazing and not many people heard of him yet.

12 QUESTIONS EPISODE 119: ALEX PREDA
The 119th episode of our 12 Questions segment features producer Alex Preda.
Alex Preda

1. If you had to pick one track which solidified your love for electronic music early on what would it be?

I use to like Italo Disco since I was a kid, without having a clue of what genre it was. One particular track was of C.C. Catch – In The Seat Of Your Cadillac. It still fascinates me to this day. Then I discovered Sandra, Michael Cretu and Modern Talking.

2. What was your first and last DJ gig?

My first gig was back in Bucharest, Romania in 2005. A friend invited me to play at one of the parties he was promoting. He used to organize parties with industrial music, and sometimes experimental. That period I was discovering electro which worked well with the industrial party.

The last gig I played was on 1st November at Cue Bar in Amsterdam at the Mini Manual event. Had lots of fun. This is a new series of intimate parties organized by Manual Music. Me, Paul and Noraj Cue played that night.

3. What was the first and last record you purchased?

It was an ATB album ‘Movin’ Melodies’. Last track I purchased was ‘Watermat – Bullit’. Brilliant track!



4. What would you say is the highlight of your career thus far?

Releasing music on Manual Music has had a major impact on my career. It has brought lots of attention to my music from people whom I look up to and also other professionals from the industry (promoters, radios, online magazines, blogs etc). And above all Paul is being very supportive with my music. Which is great!

Another important highlight for me was organizing successful parties in Amsterdam with some of my friends. We stopped now, however this has also played an important role in my career while it helped to build a solid fan base.

5. Tell us something about yourself that might surprise people?

I initially move to the Netherlands because of Waterpolo. I used to play Waterpolo in Romania since I was a 11 years old. Later on I figured that being a DJ and a producer is what I truly want to do with my life. So Waterpolo is just a hobby now.

6. Who are some of the best undiscovered talents in your eyes?

I have a good friend Determinators, he is into Raw Tech-Electro, and I think he is a very good producer, yet his talent is to be discovered. And I know another guy from Hungary, Thomas Smith, I think his productions are amazing and not many people heard of him yet.



7. Which producers consistently inspire you?

Ah, there are so many! To name a few: Art Department, Paul Hazendonk & Noraj Cue, Guy J, Arnas D, Kastis Torrau, Guy Gerber, Herny Saiz, Charlie May, Max Cooper, Leftfield, Enigma, Mike Oldfield and the list goes on :)

8. What artist or track would you love to remix? and who would you loveto be remixed by?

I would love to remix The XX. It would be really cool to be remixed by Robag Wruhme. The guy gives very intelligent reinterpretations to tracks.

9. Record labels are a dime a dozen these days, which ones if any standout for you?

Manual Music and its daughter MNL, InFine, Lost & Found, microCastle, Stripped, 50Weapons, Bedrock, Hope Recordings, Sudbeat, Last Night On Earth and Pampa.

10. What would you say is the best mix compilation of all time?

I like a lot the Involver remix compilations from Sasha, then the Balance Series and some of the Global Underground compilations.

11. Current Favourites (you can list more than one per category if you like)

Food: Eggplant Salad (Romanian recipe), Sushi, some Indian food, creamy desserts with milk and chocolate, fruits and vegetables.
Drink: Coffee, unfiltered beer, sweet red wine.
Drug: Well-being.
Animal: Dogs
TV Show: Seinfeld, House of Cards, Futurama
Movie: Inception, Interstellar
Video Game: Left 4 Dead, Portal 2
Album: Leftfield – Leftism
Track / Song: Todd Terje – Snooze 4 Love
Producer / Band: DJ Koze
Record Label: Pampa
Nightclub: at Trouw in Amsterdam I had the best club experience.
DJ: Saytek

12. If the final DJ/live set of your career was next week what would your last track be?

Benjamin Damage & Doc Daneeka feat. Abigail Wyles – Halo

Alex’s ‘Bucium’ EP is out now on MNL, you can purchase the release: here - Change Underground