| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| A.B |
Hello Happyhardcore.com. Deliberately not making this too spammy a post, so please can it remain in this forum - as other recent CDs have done - mods? At least until release date (16.12)!
Pre-orders for the new Stamina CD have just started. Clips will start Monday. Plenty of artists on there with their own styles! Scott Brown, Marc Smith, S3RL, Substanced, Arkitech, jD-KiD, Transcend etc.! I will keep this thread up-to-date with soundcloud clips, feedback on them most welcome!
Oh and it's dual format too. WAVs released on day of release so you don't have to wait for shipping.
www.stamina-records.co.uk
Cheeeeeers :-) |
| Samination |
tbh, you shouldn't blame the mods for people's lack of using the "New Topics..." and the "Recent Topics" links |
| A.B |
I didn't... |
| Elipton |
It sounds very exciting. Kevin Energy, Cube::Hard and Arkitech are names that I can always faithfully rely on for fantastic music. I'm keen to hear what their current sounds are as it's been some years since I heard any great amount from any name :)
As with all album previews, this is open to perception. My thoughts on the cover are very much the same as they were with HU's Hardcore Heaven artwork. I feel obliged to say this briefly for the sake of fairness, but the generic artwork diminishes any feeling of occasion that a big release like this for a label such as yourselves should have. After all, it's not especially distinguishable from the label artwork you release your music with on a regular basis. In fact, it's almost identical to Vol One, isn't it? |
| A.B |
Yes it's not a huge leap from vol 1 but I wanted them to be a set so didn't wanna stray too far from that.
It's a fair comment about a lot of HC albums having the same flavour. I really like Obie's artwork but as it happens so do a lot of other labels, which is a credit to him but can obv mean similarities cropping up. I think it's the popularity of his art as opposed to the actual art itself that contributes to your point.
Duly noted though and next year I have a trio of artist albums that should be finished for release via Stamina, so they are where we will experiment (a bit like the Synaesthesia art for Transcend's album beforehand)
|
| Elipton |
quote:
Originally posted by A.B:
Yes it's not a huge leap from vol 1 but I wanted them to be a set so didn't wanna stray too far from that.
It's a fair comment about a lot of HC albums having the same flavour. I really like Obie's artwork but as it happens so do a lot of other labels, which is a credit to him but can obv mean similarities cropping up. I think it's the popularity of his art as opposed to the actual art itself that contributes to your point.
Duly noted though and next year I have a trio of artist albums that should be finished for release via Stamina, so they are where we will experiment (a bit like the Synaesthesia art for Transcend's album beforehand)
I was going to cite Transcends Synthaesia artwork. It's effective in that it sets a visual scene for the music and helps stimulate listeners' imagination which is exactly what I love about well thought-out covers.
I'm glad to hear that there's some new stuff on it's way.
No disrespect to Obie. He's a very capable artist and he's dominant in this genre of art design. His album covers are effective, and contain everything that you'd want in a cover, but it has become somewhat cliche in the genre. I think my favourite example of his promotional material was the Youtube campaign for Strength in Numbers with the exploding and imploding paint bomb. The only reason it didn't work as well as intended was that no one listens to videos for clipped music. They want the full thing, or radio mixes. |
| A.B |
Synaesthesia we just gave him free reign, so maybe I should butt out and stop giving him briefs! 😂
Food for thought about radio edits altho it is another process in an already laborious list when it comes to new releases. I wouldn't say nobody listens to edits on 'tube tho as they dunno what they are getting when they search until they hit play, and also some of our clips have had good numbers.
If the ad rev justified it I'd do full clips, but that's up to bigger labels (not hardcore) to sort out. |
| Elipton |
quote:
Originally posted by A.B:
Synaesthesia we just gave him free reign, so maybe I should butt out and stop giving him briefs! 😂
Food for thought about radio edits altho it is another process in an already laborious list when it comes to new releases. I wouldn't say nobody listens to edits on 'tube tho as they dunno what they are getting when they search until they hit play, and also some of our clips have had good numbers.
If the ad rev justified it I'd do full clips, but that's up to bigger labels (not hardcore) to sort out.
Open creative licence can go a long way!
I've been an advocate for radio mixes for a few years now. Having had time to reflect, I genuinely feel that not having them is a massive barrier that encircles Hardcore from new listeners. Full releases are so DJ friendly, that it makes it laborious to listen to repetitive intro's and outro's for a headphone or casual listener.
Trance had this problem as well once the initial popularity dissipated in the 00's. 11 minute tracks with 3 minute progressive sections made it almost inconvenient to listen to. Now we hear trance and house everyday in the charts and on Spotify that's no longer than 3 or 4 minutes in length. Purists will always seek out the full length version if they enjoy the track enough.
I've not got stats or charts, but I'd surmise that popularity and track length are relatively closely linked. However, flicking through spotify listens on EP's containing radio and original mixes seems to support that concept.
In summary, I just think releasing music as though it were a 'single' would open it up more to a new type of listener. "The casual".
(links are discussion related only)
https://open.spotify.com/album/1hpSPXkeWOerOkdta9e7uB
https://open.spotify.com/album/5gEyRaKnK8pfbE7xX6MYzc
https://open.spotify.com/album/0o6WpWiWixF5LywoSkl57v
https://open.spotify.com/album/2XZisANVfYtuPeQfJCCICy |
| A.B |
That's very interesting stuff actually, agreed about trance and that is definitely a genre to admire and not a million miles away in sound from freefomy hardcore stuff. I know S3RL has success with his radio versions on iTunes also.
Can't help but feel I've helped derail my own thread somewhat though ha. But a good discussion nonetheless! |
| Elipton |
quote:
Originally posted by A.B:
That's very interesting stuff actually, agreed about trance and that is definitely a genre to admire and not a million miles away in sound from freefomy hardcore stuff. I know S3RL has success with his radio versions on iTunes also.
Can't help but feel I've helped derail my own thread somewhat though ha. But a good discussion nonetheless!
I enjoyed chatting - Food for thought! Sorry about the derail!
Good luck with WGTS2!  |
| Phobz |
Just pre-ordered. Took advantage of the half price deal and got the new sample pack. Can't wait to have a play making some music. Look forward to the release. Thanks! =) |
| Impulse_Response |
I was very pleased with the first album (except the audible distortion in Juggernaut) so I will probably pick this one up at some point.
I'm open to the idea of radio mixes, though I don't think I will ever listen to them. I'm so used to long intros and outros that I almost can't stand to listen to radio mixes of things like trance and hardcore. |
| martinj1985 |
hmmm so far i have pre-ordered Hardcore Heaven, ordered a last minute Like A Phoenix (Re-build Music) and now this!! i might as well give in and buy!
 |
| martinj1985 |
pre ordered! |
| silver |
Its not about moving things for sale, generally if you are offering "news" with a download link or pre-order link it's a "commercial endeavor" (using those words very loosely here). Even if you are not planning to make any money or are willing to lose money you are still gaining customers. I'm all for promoting everyone and the genre but servers cost money (my money).
We haven't moved a few of the CD topics recently but it will get to a point where more people will be posting "stuff for sale" and discussion will get cluttered and people will start saying "why did you move mine and not X... that's not fair" (which is already happening to a degree).
So I put it too you, do we move 100% anything that contains a download or pre-order link or do I charge 5 dollars (or something like that) not to move it? Other suggestions? |
| Samination |
quote:
Originally posted by silver:
Its not about moving things for sale, generally if you are offering "news" with a download link or pre-order link it's a "commercial endeavor" (using those words very loosely here). Even if you are not planning to make any money or are willing to lose money you are still gaining customers. I'm all for promoting everyone and the genre but servers cost money (my money).
We haven't moved a few of the CD topics recently but it will get to a point where more people will be posting "stuff for sale" and discussion will get cluttered and people will start saying "why did you move mine and not X... that's not fair" (which is already happening to a degree).
So I put it too you, do we move 100% anything that contains a download or pre-order link or do I charge 5 dollars (or something like that) not to move it? Other suggestions?
I guess we should keep it as it is until we get more discussions running again. I could understand that 5-6 years ago it would've been cluttered but now there's not that many topics being created...
... Also people should learn how to forum :P |
| A.B |
Here is the first clip!
Kevin Energy & Cube::Hard - Voice Of Carme (Trancend Remix)
quote:
Originally posted by silver:
So I put it too you, do we move 100% anything that contains a download or pre-order link or do I charge 5 dollars (or something like that) not to move it? Other suggestions?
Well, I could remove the website link in the original post if you like, I reckon most people here are smart enough to know where to go. I'd really like to keep the focus of this thread a discussion about the music that's on there - and the fact that it's a dual format product (an idea I got from reading this forum, actually).
When the release date hits, that's when it could be moved to new releases, as it's actually out then. Prob the 'fairest' way for CDs with pre-order this side of the New Year?
quote:
Originally posted by Samination:
I guess we should keep it as it is until we get more discussions running again. I could understand that 5-6 years ago it would've been cluttered but now there's not that many topics being created...
Agreed. So would be good to turn this thread into a discussion hub about the artists and music on there (but also other related discussions, like the artwork we chatted about above!), as there's not a huge deal of topics on the particular artists on this comp, from what I can initially see anyway.
Keen to hear thoughts on the first track and whether the dual format is something that appeals or something that doesn't bother anyone in the slightest 😂 |
| Ikstra |
quote:
Originally posted by A.B:
Here is the first clip!
Kevin Energy & Cube::Hard - Voice Of Carme (Trancend Remix)
https://soundcloud.com/staminarecords/kevin-energy-cubehard-voice-of-carme-transcend-remix
Keen to hear thoughts on the first track and whether the dual format is something that appeals or something that doesn't bother anyone in the slightest 😂
Pre-ordered the album as soon as I saw it. First track is absolutely outstanding (as always with Transcend). Highly doubt I'll be disappointed.
The cover is fairly generic, not that it'd ever stop me from buying a CD. Obviously you want the brand recognition and want to keep the 'feel' of the series, but personally it looks bland compared to Vol. 1. The primary colour isn't enough to sell it to me to be honest, would prefer something with a little more variety in the colour scheme/background.
Probably a contentious viewpoint given the forum, but I prefer digital releases to non-digital releases at this stage in my life. Dual format is great for me.
I'm fairly minimalistic, and noticed a while back that I'd only use a CD to rip, then would never touch it again, I find this pretty wasteful. I don't own any tech with a CD drive any more and I'm likely to be moving quite a bit in the next few years. More stuff = more hassle.
Dual ownership is great as it implies that I'm getting a polished product, don't have to wait for delivery, can listen ASAP without needing to worry about backups, tunes will already be perfectly tagged and can easily transfer to my phone without delay.
Anyway, not to do anything down, can't wait for more clips, really excited for it & best of luck! |
| Samination |
I might have made my opinion a bit to vocally, but I've never really liked much of the Stamina Records releases.
I was taken by a storm when it came to Freeform Family thou. I enjoyed the Rebuild and Stamina CDs more than the A-tech one (considering what kind of Freeform I supposedly like).
but your remix of Shadow of a Memory is still horrendous A.B :P |
| oxis |
came here to say that i love the remix of Shadow of a Memory just to make AB feel better |
| Cyrax |
quote:
Originally posted by oxis:
came here to say that i love the remix of Shadow of a Memory just to make AB feel better
yeah me too
|
| Ikstra |
quote:
Originally posted by oxis:
came here to say that i love the remix of Shadow of a Memory just to make AB feel better
Gonna echo that, it's a cracking tune
|
| A.B |
^^^ Thanks! I enjoyed doing that remix :D Glad that the dual format is appreciated too. I agree CDs are being phased out by technology (Macs in particular) but I still like a tangible product, I guess this is the best of both worlds.
Another clip - an absolute belter from jD-KiD & Arun this time! Pure rushing trance vibes, a fave of mine from the discs - see(hear) what you think!
|
| Impulse_Response |
I really enjoy the previews, and I think dual format is a great idea. I like collecting the CDs, though digital delivery lets me do without ripping, tagging, and converting everything before putting the files in my library and on my Zune.
I'm also one of those who thinks the CD format is a great thing and will always promote having some sort of physical medium. Apple products are probably not a great way to judge what is obsolete, because they like to attack the old and introduce the new so they can sell expensive stuff (e.g. getting rid of the headphone jack, which does an excellent job no matter how old the technology is). |
| Samination |
Considering the stuff you can do with memory sticks these days, maybe someone will be creative with it, while still making it cheap. Maybe release cassette like boxes (maybe smaller) with all the tracks on a USB stick? Maybe even shaped as a mini cassette tape? :D
But yea, in the end CD and DVD's are still way cheaper to produce compared to that.
edit: There's always mini-dvd's. They still got atleast 1.4GiB so that's enough place for WAV+MP3 of atleast 1 album (unless the dual-layers work, then you get 2.6GiB!) |
| Elipton |
quote:
Originally posted by Samination:
Considering the stuff you can do with memory sticks these days, maybe someone will be creative with it, while still making it cheap. Maybe release cassette like boxes (maybe smaller) with all the tracks on a USB stick? Maybe even shaped as a mini cassette tape? :D
But yea, in the end CD and DVD's are still way cheaper to produce compared to that.
edit: There's always mini-dvd's. They still got atleast 1.4GiB so that's enough place for WAV+MP3 of atleast 1 album (unless the dual-layers work, then you get 2.6GiB!)
I looked at SD cards and USB stick releases in 2011. It's unoriginal and using old technology. When music formats get smaller and smaller, it makes no sense to make something tangible when it's digital.
The trick to tapping into people's mind is by going in the opposite direction. A 12 inch vinyl sleeve gives far more space for creativity - especially when you can have various shaped or colours vinyl discs these days. CDJay tapped into this with canvas artworks. If an artist releases an album with theming on various types of media, they're onto a winner. However, it's not likely to return profit and needs funding.
The issue with creativity is that it often needs two things, money and passion.
I kept this quiet for a long time, but I spent a good year or so planning a release on a CD/vinyl hybrid disc, but I stopped producing before it could happen. |
| A.B |
My plan for the website *was* to offer USBs that you load with whatever tracks you choose and the tracks could come pre-RekordBoxed for DJs. It wouldn't be much of a stretch to offer albums in this format alongside CDs, too . Or maybe next time I'll try a digi-only album but traditionally digital sales are poor in comparison to *something* tangible.
Clip numero 3 is up - very pleased to have Scott Brown on the label. I am a huge SB fanboy (who isn't)
|
| A.B |
Another clip!
Any/all feedback appreciated! |
| youngson |
I really love your music in the last couple of years A.B the slightly harder stuff just does it for me, going to purchase this. |
| A.B |
Another clip! Nu Energy-like freeform from the Digital Commandos.
|
| A.B |
More clips! New music from Alex BassJunkie, Darwin & 3Star, Lost Faith & Spectrum!
Over a 1/3rd of all stock has now been pre-sold too. You know the URL to pick one up if you want it :-)
Here's the music:
Love to know what you are/aren't feeling from the album so far, plenty more clips to come (14!) |
| martinj1985 |
I have already pre-ordered like what i am hearing so far, Love trance vibes!! |
| Cyrax |
Beat you to it Alex!
|
| A.B |
Thanks Will. You missed out Finnbarr & Jakka-B tho, tsk! ;P
|
| A.B |
Couple more - new names! Vitalsoundz / Kounta Kulture - new talent!
Out this Friday! |
| A.B |
3 more clips to go after the below and then that?s it! Out tomorrow - almost half the stock has been pre-ordered, so if you want one, please don?t delay!
Here?s a few more clips including some hardcore bits in amongst all the freeform. Marc Smith, S3RL (awesome awesome happy hardcore remix!), Substanced & more!
|
| A.B |
This it - the final clips! Music from Skinny & Darwin, Tamerax & Finnbarr.
Over half the stock is now gone. Feedback on any of the music appreciated!
|
| youngson |
Got this today,
Very pleasant indeed.
This double CD is absolutely wicked tbh. Freeform not usually my thing, but this sound has evolved and I really dig this. Up there in the top 3 CD's i've bought in the last 3 years, great artwork, professional album this. The first 5 tunes on cd 1 blew my mind tbh. You get a bit more what you would consider typical freeform later on, but it still holds strong.
Top effort. |
| youngson |
Even the s3rl tune isn't shite as expected ;) |
