Minimal and Deep Tech are on the menu of the collaboration between Newcastle UK-based Iulian Badea and Brazilians from Plus Beat’Z.
By Nazen Carneiro, exclusive to Music Crowns
What happens when you combine the depth of Minimal with Tech House? Well, if it’s up to Iulian Badea and Plus Beat’Z sound quality and fun are guaranteed, as confirmed in the track “Bon Bon”, their first collaboration, present on the leading digital platforms.
Released on December 16th, the compilation XMAS Various Artists, from the Deeperdub label, has eleven tracks. This is the twenty-first release by the young label dedicated to sounds linked to Minimal and Deep Tech. The collection features artists Leon the Lover, Weso (US), Shuu-T, Jampikid, Conor Harris, Jake Cusack, DTAILR, Cassiopeia, Grwvtec, Art Poper, PireZ_, Iulian Badea and Plus Beat’Z. The last two are authors of Bon Bon, chosen for this review.
Right from the start, the combination of these two artists – actually three, as Plus Beat’Z is a duo, formed by Anereu and Tcharles Bighetti – draws attention because Iulian Badea is a prestigious Romanian music producer DJ known for his sound between the minimal and deep tech, the sonic heart of the Deeperdub label, while Plus Beat’Z became known for – in addition to their Multifaceted program on Youtube – for their upbeat sound. If Happy Techno exists, Plus Beat’Z represents Happy Tech House.
About the unprecedented collaboration, Iulian Badea commented:
“For a long time we planned to release something together but the right moment hadn’t happened yet because everyone is always busy. We recently decided to make it happen and I am thrilled with the result and to be working with these very talented artists”.
Anereu, from Plus Beat’Z commented:
“The idea was always to create something strong, energetic and with an upward vibe, which would unite the different identities of the two projects in a new footprint!”
An energetic, powerful track, with a striking groove and a lot of heat. Let’s listen.
With just over five minutes in length, Bon Bon emphasizes the instrumental, digital and analogue parts rather than the vocals, even though they occasionally appear on the track.
Before a minute, the track cooks the listener’s brain until it releases the kick and raises the vibration of the environment. After a minute and a half, the first vocals appear and remain secondarily on the track. Focused on movement, Bon Bon uses kicks, snares, hats, claps, bass and, of course, the synth! With effects at will, the vocals always show up as if they were muffled by a layer of bass that precedes them. From the middle onwards, the vibe is dictated by the gain “I do what I wanna do”.
“We were following the whole time with the concept of the song being upbeat and with a happy vibe and mood, “an action song”, which brings good humour and joy”, commented Iulian Badea.
In the end, amid an account of the friendship formed between the artists, a thank you to the musicians’ wives:
“I don’t know if it’s curious, but our sessions were always via webcam, filled with a lot of laughter, and in many of them we have to thank our wives for their patience, because accompanying two crazy people creating a new sound is not easy”, joked Tcharles.
Liked? Check out the discography of Iulian Badea and Plus Beat’Z on Spotify, Soundcloud and, if you like, also follow them on the social networks @iulianbadeaofficial, @plusbeatz
