Out to show the world that “music sounds better when it’s Enhanced,” Dutch rising stars Estiva and Juventa have been granted the helm for Volume 4 of the acclaimed Enhanced Sessions series and have delivered a sensational 2-disc, 38-track compilation featuring 20 unreleased productions, and tracks and remixes from the likes of Estiva and Juventa, plus Tritonal, BT, Dyro, Myon & Shane 54, LTN and more.
This is such a wonderful opportunity to request an interview from Estiva & Juventa and find out what they got in their heads when they were selecting and mixing the most important compilation for the label that always delivers magnificent anthems and most important forward thinking music that will pass easily the test of time. Here they are for your eyes only the exclusive compilers & mixers of Enhanced Sessions vol.4 out 22nd of September naturally on Enhanced Music...
Interviews were written and conducted by Dimitri Kechagias, Music Journalist /Radio DJ
10 Questions for Estiva about Enhanced Sessions vol.4 compilation
Dimitri: How did you felt when Enhanced Music announced to you that you are going to mix one of the two CDS of the legendary compilation?
Estiva: Obviously very honoured! It’s a compilation all the fans are looking forward to as it showcases the most exciting upcoming releases on Enhanced.
Dimitri: Can you please explain to us the process of compiling your CD? Did Enhanced music choose the tracks for you or you had personal input for the choice of the tracks? How long it took you to compile the CD and did you mix it in one take or you did several takes?
Estiva: As soon as I loudly said yes to mixing the compilation Enhanced gave me access to an insane amount of unreleased material, and even tracks that were works in progress! Besides that, Enhanced gave me free reign to use tracks from other labels as well. Making a selection was tough as there’s simply not enough space on one disc to include all your favourites.
The whole mixing process took over three months, as I wanted to add new Estiva originals as well. It also took me a while to find out what kind of feeling I wanted to reflect in the mix. The first mix ideas were far from the end result simply because of the access I had to that huge amount of exclusive tracks.
Dimitri: The compilation includes brand new material from you. Can you please give some details about them?
Estiva:
a) Estiva & The Spacies – Voices (Estiva Mix)
Enhanced got me in contact with The Spacies and I was overwhelmed by their demo. Dave is an amazingly talented vocalist and his sound is very anthem-ish. This song is all about dynamics and melodies, and I think it is my best work to date.
b) Estiva feat. Sarah Russell – Feels Right
As soon as I was done remixing Daniel Kandi ft Sarah Russell - Change The World I knew I wanted to work with Sarah on an original. It took us a while to puzzle the pieces in the beginning. We actually wrote one song before Feels Right that we weren’t satisfied enough with. The demo for Feels Right hit the spot for me though and the writing process was pretty easy in the end! Such a summer feel!
c) Estiva - Let It Go (Original Mix)
This one is different I must say! I’ve experimented with drums, and the rock influence in this track is pretty high. The drop on the other hand is very modern day EDM. This is another vocal track and as I’ve experimented a lot with this one I can’t wait to hear what people think of it!
d) Tritonal & Paris Blohm feat. Sterling Fox – Colors (Estiva vs. Juventa Remix)
Juventa and I decided to remix this one for fun basically. The result was too good to not put on the CD. If you like our Now Or Never remix you’ll love this one too!
Dimitri: Of course there are some more exclusives from other artists. Can you give us a short comment about them as well?
Estiva:
a) Fon.Leman – Cerberus (Original Mix) [ALBUM EXCLUSIVE]
A dark track with an insane bassline. It’s all about the bass in this track! The haunting feel is thrilling.
b) Donati & Amato – Invincible (Original Mix) [ALBUM EXCLUSIVE]
One of my favourites! Such a feel-good melodic vocal track; I’m singing along with this one loudly. Very loudly!
c) Speed Limits & Jaco feat. Joni Fatora – Palm Of Your Hand (Original Mix)
And this must be my #1 favourite. Joni’s vocals are angelic and the seamless production of Speed Limits and Jaco make it sound like sex to my ears.
d) Alex Klingle - Phase Shift (Original Mix)
One of the more driving tracks in my mix. Very dynamic stabs and basslines. This track is 100% Enhanced Music.
e) LTN feat. Christina Novelli - Feeling Like Yeah (Alexander Popov Remix)
LTN has done some amazing work! Christina too. And Alex Popov as well. Do you really want me to explain this!? :)
f) Misha Kitone & K.S.Y. – Champions
This track came in last minute and I’m so happy it did! The hook in this track is ridiculously infectious. I remember when we were doing the Enhanced Australia tour I heard this track in my hotel room for the first time and it gave me so much energy!
Dimitri: Your current single is called Feels Right with Sarah Russell . How did you work with Sarah for this track? Did you start with the vocal and you build the track around it or the vocal came after Sarah listened your instrumental?
Estiva: She sent me this demo and then I wrote the track around it. It was the easiest writing process I’ve ever done, her voice is perfect.
Dimitri: Also you will co-host the Enhanced Sessions radio show along with label owners Tritonal. How do you feel about this honour and how is this going to happen? Are you going to share or host the show in turns?
Estiva: This is a big one for me! It shows the support I’m getting from the label. I’ve had my fair share of takeovers and guest mixes, but to be part of the roster now is amazing. Tritonal, Juventa, Will Holland and myself will be on rotation, so every four weeks it’s my turn, and believe me that I’ll give my absolute best!
Dimitri: Have you done any major upgrades in your studio recently and can you describe the kind of equipment and software you have in your studio at the moment?
Estiva: Actually, I’ve just bought a massive sound and instruments back called Komplete by Native Instruments! It’s like buying 15 pianos, 35 guitars and a hangar full of samples!
I have KRK RP6 studio monitors and I’m using FL Studio 9 and Ableton 7 respectively for production, mixing, edits and mashups.
Dimitri: Are you going to move towards the progressive house direction or there are thoughts to return in your progressive trance routes?
Estiva: I think there’s a very thin line between prog house an prog trance. I’ve always thought Eric Prydz sounds more like prog trance than house, and yet he’s always categorised as prog house. I don’t really know where I’m going, but I will always keep it melodic as that’s where my heart lies.
Dimitri: Is possible to choose for us from the back catalogue of Enhanced the top 3 tracks that you would like to remix them in your current Estiva style?
Estiva: Juventa ft Erica Curran - Move Into Light
Tritonal ft Skyler Stonestreet - Electric Glow
Arty - Twilight Tonight
Dimitri: Are there any plans to commence club tour around the world to support the release of this compilation? If yes do you have confirmed dates?
Estiva: Yes, but nothing confirmed as of yet!
10 Questions for Juventa about Enhanced Sessions vol.4 compilation
Dimitri: How did you feel when Enhanced Music announced to you that you are going to mix one of the two CDS of the legendary compilation?
Juventa: Absolutely honoured! I’ve done two compilations on the label before, but this one is definitely the biggest.
Dimitri: Can you please explain to us the process of compiling your CD? Did Enhanced music choose the tracks for you or you had personal input for the choice of the tracks? How long it took you to compile the CD and did you mix it in one take or you did several takes?
Juventa: I got a whole bunch of fresh tracks from the label, and also selected / licensed some of my personal favourites. I then picked the 20-30 best tracks and started working on the mix – I eventually used just 19 of them! I think I’ve work on the mix for about two weeks in short bursts, so that each time I would continue on it I had a fresh mindset and could actually judge whether it was sounding alright or not, haha. I’m really happy with the results and can’t wait for everyone to hear the mix!
Dimitri: The compilation includes brand new material from you. Can you please give some details about them?
Juventa:
a. Juventa – NTRMZ (Original Mix)
NTRMZ is the 2nd track on my ‘Culture Flow’ EP. I originally started the mix with Mr Fijiwiji’s remix of ‘Start A Fire’, and this piece matched perfectly and ended up being the intro track of the mix.
b. Cole Plante feat. Ruby O’Dell (with Myon & Shane 54) - If I Fall (Juventa Remix)
I did this remix for my good friends Cole and Myon & Shane 54 a couple of months ago. It’s still one of my favourite remixes I’ve done so far, so I just had to put it on the compilation!
c. Juventa feat. Kelly Sweet – Superhuman (Original Mix) [ALBUM EXCLUSIVE]
My most recent release, and probably my biggest single so far – couldn’t leave it out!
d. Juventa – Torque (Original Mix) [ALBUM EXCLUSIVE]
A track that I finished just before starting on the mix, it shows my more electro-oriented side. Really wanted to have this on the compilation to add some diversity!
e. Tritonal feat. Phoebe Ryan - Now Or Never (Estiva vs. Juventa Remix)
Me and Estiva made this remix late 2013; it’s the first track that we did together and it got a massive response, so we’ll definitely be doing some more stuff together!
f. Juventa – Woolloomooloo (Original Mix) [ALBUM EXCLUSIVE]
I made this track after my first Australia tour last year (it’s named after a Sydney suburb). Just like ‘Torque’ this one is heavily influenced by electro. It was so much fun to work on this track!
g. Juventa – SHWDWN (Original Mix) [ALBUM EXCLUSIVE]
This track is just pure energy. It’s one of my favourite originals and I play it out a lot as it does wonders on the dancefloor.
Dimitri: Of course there are some more exclusives from other artists. Can you give us a short comment about them as well?
Juventa:
a. Wrechiski - Vice Chase (Original Mix) [ALBUM EXCLUSIVE]
Wrechiski sent this one to me personally as a submission for my mix, and I instantly fell in love with it. It has a really cool, groovy vibe to it.
b. BT feat. Christian Burns – Paralyzed (Original Mix) [ALBUM EXCLUSIVE]
Massive production from BT and amazing vocal work from Christian – it’s a super catchy song, I just had to claim this one for my mix.
c. Speed Limits – Petrichor (Original Mix) [ALBUM EXCLUSIVE]
One of many new Speed Limits productions, but this was definitely my favourite. Massive lead, steady beat – just a beautiful track!
d. Aerosoul & Yoel ft. Jenny Mayhem - Dreams Come True (Original Mix) [ALBUM EXCLUSIVE]
There’s just something to this track that makes me play it over and over again – can’t get enough of it!
e. Tritonal vs. Mr. FijiWiji - Seraphic (Club Mix) [ALBUM EXCLUSIVE]
Gorgeous intro, banging drop… this track has it all! Perfect collaboration between these super talented artists.
f. Tygris – Lyra (T-Mass Remix) [ALBUM EXCLUSIVE]
I love dubstep, especially if it has a melodic touch to it. T-Mass made this amazing remix of Tygris’ song ‘Lyra’ – it’s the perfect closing track in my opinion!
Dimitri: Your current single is called Superhuman featuring Kelly Sweet. How did you met up with her and you decide to work with Kelly Sweet for this track? Did you start with the vocal and you build the track around it or the vocal came after Sarah listened your instrumental?
Juventa: A few months ago I got an email from Chad from Tritonal, with an acapella attached that he received. It was meant to be used for a Tritonal production but he figured I could do something amazing with it, so he was kind enough to give it to me! I wrote the entire track around Kelly’s vocals, which was a bit of a challenge at first as I normally make the demo and get vocals afterwards. But me and Kelly are really happy with how the track turned out! We’re currently working on another track already!
Dimitri: Also you will co-host the Enhanced Sessions radio show along with label owners Tritonal. How do you feel about this honour and how is this going to happen? Are you going to share or host the show in turns?
Juventa: We’re hosting the show on rotation, so each week of every month you have a different host: Me, Tritonal, Estiva or Will Holland. I’ve had my own podcast for a while now but it’s really fun to also do the Enhanced Sessions radio show every now and then! It’s a nice opportunity to share some more alternative stuff with the Enhanced following.
Dimitri: Have you done any major upgrades in your studio recently and can you describe the kind of equipment and software you have in your studio at the moment?
Juventa: I recently bought Native Instrument’s Komplete Ultimate bundle, which is a great addition to the software I already had. I have a really, really basic setup and mostly produce on my Pioneer HDJ2000 headphones (works for me!). Some of my favourite plugins are Sylenth1, Massive, Razor, Harmor, Zebra 2 and z3ta. For effects I really like all the FabFilter products!
Dimitri: Are in favor of collaborations? If yes, do you cook any in the near future and is possible to reveal the artists that you would like to have a collaboration with?
Juventa: Absolutely. Some artists that I would LOVE to work with are Mat Zo, Dyro, Xilent, Porter Robinson, Arty and Dubvision. I’ve already got my wish of working with Tritonal fulfilled, you should be hearing the results of that collaboration later this year!
Dimitri: Is possible to choose for us from the back catalogue of Enhanced the top 3 tracks that you would like to remix them in your current Juventa style?
Juventa:
Arty’s ‘Twilight Tonight’,
Willem de Roo – Datamoon and
Audien’s ‘Keep This Memory’.
Dimitri: From the clubs/festivals you performed so far which performance stands out and in which club or festival you aspire to perform in the future?
Juventa: Lucky Festival and Foundation Nightclub, both in Seattle, World DJ Festival in Seoul and ASOT 600 in Den Bosch were definitely stand out shows! In the future I would love to play a festival like Ultra, EDC, Tomorrowland or EZoo. I also haven’t played in a club on Ibiza yet – that’s on my wish list too!
Thanks so much to Estiva & Juventa for taking some time to reply in my questions and let us know some of the backstage process of this fantastic must have compilation.
Thanks so much to Lauren Worthington, Publicist at Theory-X for organising these great interviews.
Thanks so much to Enhanced Music crew for their love and support in my radio shows for so many years.
Estiva
01. Hokima – Kino (Original Mix)
02. Estiva & The Spacies – Voices (Estiva Mix) [ALBUM EXCLUSIVE]
03. Kago Pengchi – The Phantom (Original Mix)
04. Fon.Leman – Cerberus (Original Mix) [ALBUM EXCLUSIVE]
05. Donati & Amato – Invincible (Original Mix) [ALBUM EXCLUSIVE]
06. Chris Ramos feat Juvon Taylor - Just Wait For It (Original Mix)
07. Speed Limits & Jaco feat. Joni Fatora – Palm Of Your Hand (Original Mix) [ALBUM EXCLUSIVE]
08. Estiva feat. Sarah Russell – Feels Right (Original Mix) [ALBUM EXCLUSIVE]
09. Daniel Kandi feat. Sarah Russell – Change The World (Estiva Remix)
10. Estiva – Boxmeister (Original Mix)
11. Tritonal feat. Jonathan Mendelsohn - Satellite (Extended Mix)
12. Alex Klingle - Phase Shift (Original Mix) [ALBUM EXCLUSIVE]
13. Tritonal - Anchor (Original Mix)
14. Kevin Charm - Sydneysider (Original Mix)
15. LTN feat. Christina Novelli - Feeling Like Yeah (Alexander Popov Remix) [ALBUM EXCLUSIVE]
16. Estiva – Shoesham (Original Mix)
17. Tritonal & Paris Blohm feat. Sterling Fox – Colors (Estiva vs. Juventa Remix) [ALBUM EXCLUSIVE]
18. Misha Kitone & K.S.Y. - Champions (Original Mix) [ALBUM EXCLUSIVE]
19. Estiva - Let It Go (Original Mix) [ALBUM EXCLUSIVE]
Juventa
01. Juventa – NTRMZ (Original Mix)
02. Aruna – Start A Fire (Mr. FijiWiji Remix)
03. Chris Ramos & MC Flipside - What You Waiting For (Original Mix)
04. Kago Pengchi – Sinabro (Original Mix)
05. Cole Plante feat. Ruby O’Dell (with Myon & Shane 54) - If I Fall (Juventa Remix)
06. Wrechiski - Vice Chase (Original Mix) [ALBUM EXCLUSIVE]
07. Juventa feat. Kelly Sweet – Superhuman (Original Mix) [ALBUM EXCLUSIVE]
08. Juventa – Torque (Original Mix) [ALBUM EXCLUSIVE]
09. Favright - Green Storm (Original Mix)
10. Suspect 44 – The End (Blend Pres. Volant Remix)
11. Tritonal feat. Phoebe Ryan - Now Or Never (Estiva vs. Juventa Remix)
12. BT feat. Christian Burns – Paralyzed (Original Mix) [ALBUM EXCLUSIVE]
13. Speed Limits – Petrichor (Original Mix) [ALBUM EXCLUSIVE]
14. Juventa – Woolloomooloo (Original Mix) [ALBUM EXCLUSIVE]
15. Aerosoul & Yoel feat. Jenny Mayhem - Dreams Come True (Original Mix) [ALBUM EXCLUSIVE]
16. Dyro – Black Smoke (Original Mix)
17. Tritonal vs. Mr. FijiWiji - Seraphic (Club Mix) [ALBUM EXCLUSIVE]
18. Juventa – SHWDWN (Original Mix) [ALBUM EXCLUSIVE]
19. Tygris – Lyra (T-Mass Remix) [ALBUM EXCLUSIVE]
Additional info:
CONNECT WITH ENHANCED MUSIC:
Website: www.enhancedmusic.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/EnhancedMusicLtd
Twitter: www.twitter.com/enhanced_music
Soundcloud: www.soundcloud.com/enhanced
YouTube: www.youtube.com/EnhancedRecordings
CONNECT WITH ESTIVA:
Website: www.estiva-music.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/EstivaOfficial
Twitter: www.twitter.com/estivamusic
Soundcloud: www.soundcloud.com/estivamusic
CONNECT WITH JUVENTA:
Website: www.juventaonline.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/djjuventa
Twitter: www.twitter.com/juventamusic
Soundcloud: www.soundcloud.com/juventa
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