Author: Airwave Music

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Help me get my Music Rights Back!

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My dearest friends and fans,

You’ve known me for my music for the last 25 years. What a journey, thanks to you and your support!

At the moment, I’m going through a complicated period because of all the compromises and efforts I’ve made in the background during the same period, but I acknowledge I’ve also experienced extraordinary things thanks to my business relationships.

Unfortunately, despite my few successes and long career, one of the complications is that I do not own the rights to my music and my catalog; my former label does, and for life. This is not only a question of fairness, but also future revenue and the ability to use my own music.

As a result, I’m seeking to buy back my rights. As I do not have the resources to be able to do so, I’m proposing to whomever may be interested and able to consider helping me to make a financial offer that my former label won’t be able to refuse in order to put an end to present and future complications for good, and continue our respective paths with my family as the sole owner of my music copyright.

I propose to set the total to be offered at €40,000, which put in the perspective of 7-8 years of royalties generated at this point, seems a fair offer.

Everything will be invested solely in the recovery of my rights. Not only will you be actively participating in my professional development, but you’ll also be contributing to the sustainability of my music catalog.

I’ve tried, but I’ve had no luck getting help from the banks, and my family has never been financially privileged.

So if you want to invest in something that’s good for everyone, and that includes a lot of you, here’s something you can do to enable me to not only keep my music but create more. And if in the worst case we don’t succeed, I won’t be disappointed, because after all, it’s thanks to you that we’ve built this. And I will never forget that.

Thank you in advance for your invaluable support and for considering the funding, and please feel free to share with anyone who is interested. Together we’ve come so far, together we’ll always go further.

Of course, each purchase in my store will also go straight to this at the moment. Feel free to check out my digital products such as soundpacks and WAV downloads.

Alternatively, you can also attend to my Online Ableton Live Masterclass on August 26th (EN) or August 19th (FR), a four hour session to help you master EDM’s King of all DAW Software. Click on text to be sent to link!

HERE’S THE LINK TO GOFUNDME

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Change Is Wonderful

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Even when it is difficult. Many of you have experienced this and I’m sure you know what I’m talking about. I wanted to share my thoughts and plans with you as they evolve so that we can guide each other through the change I will be going through as an artist and I deeply feel the need to let you into my changing world so that you might better understand what it is all about.

Just like the majority of you my vision of society has been changed and therefore my own behaviour and interaction and this should be reflected in my actions as an artist.

We all know that the health crisis had a major impact on my occupation and I’d like to guide you through what I think are the causes and also solutions for me personally. Truth is, this crisis has done nothing but enhancing and pointing out things that have been happening in the music industry for some time now, but so far nobody cared or dared to take the next step in this evolution. With a lot of time at my hands I took the opportunity to reflect about my own path and analyse my position looking for ways to evolve further.

We are all very well aware of the fact that performances, tours and festivals have become an extremely important part of an artist’s life. Today’s society makes the act of creating art itself extremely vulnerable as it does not allow a permanent income flow to sustain a man’s life. Simply put a producer or electronic artist cannot just make music to earn a living, he also has to become a performer. It has become the main income stream for many good people I know and many of us have become extremely dependent on that income stream at the cost of our sleep, our mental and physical health and our relationships and families. Believe me I know what I’m talking about when I look back on the past 3 years of my live and see the outcome of my decisions up until now. This way of living is just not suitable for everybody. Some of us had to pay a price far too high for that moment of fame in the limelight on a stage of a famous festival.

Mind I’m not putting any blame on festivals and such. Throughout my career as a musician spanning now almost a quarter of a century I always believed that tours and performing is a great way to interact with my fans and all those people who support what I’m doing. However, it should never be the very center of my existence, neither by force of habit nor by changes in society. I have always seen it as a great addition but I also noticed that that very interaction with a large crowd can become extremely addictive and I really like to see it for what it actually should be: The cherry on top of the icing of my (cup)cake.

In my humble opinion I think I can still improve my interaction with my fans around the world and I believe it is not about quantity but rather about the quality of performances. I want to bring my performances to a certain level and I’ll be working over the coming months very hard with that goal in mind together with a team of people that stand right next to me and want to accompany me on my way to reach that goal.

I have been observing the world around me and myself long before the recent health crisis hit my sector hard and I came to realise that there are many things in my life that need a change. Our world tends to compartmentalize everything, including music and its composers, us the artists. They put genre labels on our music and put us in boxes that reflect those genres without taking in consideration that people evolve, they grow up and so do their actions. In an artists’ life that evolution, that growth is directly reflected in the work of art he/she creates. In my case it is the music. It has evolved over the past 2 decades and it still is evolving, but many people out there still see me as the child I used to be when I started this musical journey, well I’m no longer that child, I have evolved, I have grown up and so has my music. My greatest wish is that music becomes once again the center of my life, I want to be free to make the music I really love and I want to focus on playing the music I really love.

When I started my journey I had set priorities and they have not changed. Those priorities are: artistic integrity and freedom, respect, kindness and focusing on a business model that is inclusive, that is a win-win for everyone. But I have to admit that even long before the crisis began I was not living up to these personal goals I had set myself and that realisation deeply affected me.

We are living in a consumption driven world where art and to be more specific where music has become as short-lived as many other consumer goods out there. Music itself has become a product of mass-consumption. It is seen as a right to be able to get access to music without having to pay a fee that actually reflects the hours of work that went into the act of creation. Today’s Dance Music consumers rather pay a fortune on festival tickets without knowing that by doing so they kill the musical diversity that generations before us strived to create. I personally think that this diversity is exactly what we need to preserve, musically and otherwise, it is what makes our world more colourful and richer in any sense. We have to give an artist the opportunity to make his choices without having to choose between money and integrity. Today many artists compromise their artistic integrity just to get a booking fee.

2021 has been the year for me where I decided to take the measure of what needs to be done to preserve my set priorities and to keep my focus on them for the next decades to come.

As of today I want to inform you that I’m expanding my horizons in terms of business and people I’ll be working with in the future. However I’d like to add that I’m very thankful for the past years where I worked with some incredible people.

You all have probably noticed in the meantime that I have moved my studio out of my home and into a place where creativity is top priority. The people there have welcomed me with open arms and are helping me facilitating my new creative strategies. Lots of opportunities ahead and a new way to build once again my own identity in the art I have chosen: music

To sum things up, there has been a lot of change going on in the background over the past 6 months and a lot more changes are in the pipeline.

It is a small leap of faith I’m taking and from now on I will only grab those business opportunities that give me the chance to live up to my own expectations and that do not compromise my integrity as an artist. I refuse to depend on a chain of people and businesses that still depend too much on the old world’s habits such as greed, individualism, hierarchy, power, money …

All I desire is a business that runs smoothly and financially sustainable that also gives the pleasures of happy relationships with everyone involved. I want to spread the love that is in the music once again and all this should not be at the costs we all know already. I won’t be forced to become a narcissistic, cynical, greedy individual just for the sake of success.

Even though society tends to do as if there is only black & white, life has proven time and again that things are a little more complex than that. 

So if dark blue is my favourite colour then that’s the way it is and I should not have to be ashamed of it.

2021 will bring new music to your homes. Music made by me with all of me in there, just as pure as it used to be. I had the honour of working on a movie soundtrack. Something I have been dreaming about since I was a very young lad. I loved soundtracks long before I started making dance music. The making of this soundtrack led me to a couple of amazing collaborations with some fine Belgian artists: Thank you Dee Dee and Danzel for our amazing journey together.

2021 also will lead me to new ways of distributing my art. New Blockchain Tech is developing at the speed of light and the old tech and distribution options will be fading out if they do not seize the opportunity to approach the market with a fresh perspective.

2021 will bring you new sounds that I am currently developing. I urge to check regularly on my website to get accustomed to my new sounds and soon that will also be the place to be to discover my new music. There will be a plethora of new sound packs available this year still for those of you who are into producing themselves.

You all know how much I love playing and making new sounds, if you hadn’t noticed yet but the sounds I made for the KORG Modwave are all over Youtube videos.

And of course this also means that a new Airwave album will be finally coming your way. It has been in the pipeline for quite some time but the health crisis put a halt to this project. This album will not be what you expect but you will get to meet the new Airwave sound and I’m preparing a very special surprise you won’t see coming.

It is time to live on my own terms and give you all another take on how things get done where passion meets music. It is time you saw the true independent artist that has come out of the shadows, out of the hiding.

Thank you all for supporting my art and therefore supporting me as an artist, as a person, as a human being and as a family guy.

Musically yours,

Laurent

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Planisphere – Atmospheres (Single) (Bonzai Progressive)

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Planisphere aka George Petkidis and Laurent Veronnez, return to Bonzai Progressive in 2021 with the title track off their latest album titled, Atmospheres. Since 1998, Planisphere has been a part of the story that shaped the melodic progressive sound, but they also branched out into more experimental touches, with what can only be described as epic breaks, otherworldly, dreamy Balearic sounds and powerful melodic movers. Who can forget the huge classics, Deep Blue Dream, So Many Ways and Moonshine to name a few. It was these tracks that were filling up journey-led sets, wowing the crowds with cascading synths and euphoric climaxes. Of course, George and Laurent’s individual stories are intriguing and exciting, they have done so many great things over the years. It’s always a special time when they get back in the studio together and we’ve no doubt there is more to come.

The Original Mix opens with an ambient sequence before a deep bass drop which etches out an infectious melody. Cool synths join in before urban style breaks come through. Just at the midway point, a chugging bassline is joined by a full-on 4-on-the-floor beat. A mesmerizing melody fades up taking the track to a new level. An outstanding, hybrid groove, a definite must have.

Rise and Fall returns to BP on the remix, dishing out another fine effort. Since 2013 his works have been praised by several top DJ’s around the world and he’s stacked up a hugely impressive back catalogue. Here, he steps it up a notch once again with a strong, flowing progger and its raw, organic sound filled with contrasting elements that captivate the mind.

Turkish artist Hakan Ozurun is back with an excellent remix. He started his musical career as a DJ in 2010. After 3 years, he found this was not enough for him and so he started making his own originals and remixes, and to date he has an impressive release count. On the remix here, we’re driven deep into the progressive abyss with twisting drones, rolling basses and striking melodies that combine beautifully for the ultimate heads down chugger.

We stick with the Turkish contingent and welcome Nacres back to BP with a superb remix. Nacres has been connected with music for many years. He hung up his cans in 1997 but, in 2019 he decided to make a return to music, devoting his skills to producing quality progressive house and tech house. Here, the remix dishes out a solid, drummy interpretation, keeping things minimal to a point, while charging forward into the groove.

Cathy K returns once again with a top-notch remix. Cathy has been producing for the past 4 years, incorporating various styles into her sound and her DJing. For Cathy K, producing is her therapy since she loves getting lost in music to feel the joyful emotions that stir into her chest. On the remix here, the groove goes deep. Tough edged beats, melodic basses and a gritty underlay feature heavily, making this a first choice cut for the peak time set.

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Planisphere – Atmospheres (Bonzai Classics)

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Dance music vanguard of subsonic purity, We’re super excited and extremely proud to bring you Trilogique Re-Invented, Airwave’s reimagining of his classic album, Trilogique. Plush progressive vibes, seasoned classic sounds and contemporary production, all from the mind of a musical genius. This is the order of the day and this is what Re-Invented is all about. From the very first opening bars of Sky Blues, to the pounding beats and scathing synths of Ping Pong, Laurent takes us on a journey of re-discovery and of new beginnings.

 

2020 is shaping up to be a massive year for Bonzai Classics. To keep that momentum going, we’re super proud to present a miscellany of works, taken from 3 albums, spanning over 10 years from one of the most famous projects of the nineties and noughties titled, Planisphere – Atmospheres. George Petkidis and Laurent Veronnez are the maestros behind Planisphere, and together they delivered some of the very best progressive trance/trance cuts the world has heard.

A fresh new slice heads up this ‘best of’ compendium, the guys have been in the studio creating more masterful music in the form of the brand-new track Atmospheres which, will be part of a fully remastered 18 track, 2 x CD package, wrapped in elegant casing with sharp, defining artwork.

Since 1998, Planisphere has been a part of the story that shaped the melodic progressive sound, but they also branched out into more experimental touches, with what can only be described as epic breaks, on tracks such as Lektrophony, Cubed, United We Were, Corinthians XIII and Timestop. Who can forget the huge classics, Deep Blue Dream, So Many Ways, Totem, Cubed, Moonshine, Hoasanna and the more recent Memento.It was these tracks that were filling up journey-led sets, wowing the crowds with cascading synth melodies and euphoric climaxes. Dreamy, atmospheric tracks like Balearic and The Lost Planet raised the bar while more otherworldly cuts like Cyborganic, Symphotek, Spectrazoidesign and Solarism- Everyone Needs A 4 To The Floor took us into the stratosphere.

The main track – Atmospheres, captures the true essence of the Planisphere sound. One of theatrics, melodic, captivating and boundary pushing. The track opens with an ambient sequence before a stuttering percussion pattern takes us to a deep bass drop. The bass etches out an infectious melody which is joined by cool synths before urban style breaks come through. Just at the midway point, a chugging bassline is joined by a full-on 4 on the floor beat. A mesmerizing melody fades up, a signature for these guys, which takes the track to a new level. An outstanding, hybrid groove, a definite must have. Expect more new material from Planisphere.

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Airwave – Trilogique Re-Invented (Bonzai Progressive)

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Dance music vanguard of subsonic purity, We’re super excited and extremely proud to bring you Trilogique Re-Invented, Airwave’s reimagining of his classic album, Trilogique. Plush progressive vibes, seasoned classic sounds and contemporary production, all from the mind of a musical genius. This is the order of the day and this is what Re-Invented is all about. From the very first opening bars of Sky Blues, to the pounding beats and scathing synths of Ping Pong, Laurent takes us on a journey of re-discovery and of new beginnings.

Sky Blues Re-Invented Icarus Mix is the perfect opener, that captivating voice and sweeping synths combine beautifully before a deep, pulsing bassline takes over.

Angelica Re-Invented follows, keeping the deep vibe alive with a solid, understated groove, built around a tight beat and detailed percussion section.

Beam Re-Invented is up next. A chugging bassline lies at its core, with punchy kicks and tribal percussions working the rhythms. The melodies remain subtle, teasing us with all the glory of the original.

Sunday Break Re-Invented heralds in a club themed style. Chunky kick drums and rich percussions line up perfectly while faint hints of the original are evident in the background melodies.

Summer Out Re-Invented keeps the upbeat vibe going thanks to solid, punchy beats and crisp, highlighted percussions. As the momentum builds, waves of melody sweep through the groove which is buoyed by a superb droning bassline.

People Just Don’t Care Re-Invented shows off that distinct motif which shines through, against the backdrop of a more subdued progressive groove. Constantly rising, up to the break, where that main melody is revealed.

Trilogique Re-Invented is a vibrant, energetic track. Intriguing pads fill the background as a mesmerizing arpeggio fades up. A deep, rumbling bassline takes over the groove as rich percussions add scope and rhythm.

Buzzer Re-Invented takes on a no-nonsense approach with a committed, powerful bassline that dominates throughout. Twisting, pitching synths stand out and on the break the melody takes us to the stratosphere before climaxing with a building snare roll and back to the main groove.

Mice Re-Invented presents punchy beats and distinct percussions, combining to deliver a solid rhythm. Hypnotic arps lead us to the deep, rumbling bassline as wide-open synths rise up, pulsating with the beat before intricate melodies take over on the break where tension mounts before the final act.

Progressive Aggressive Re-Invented is dark and menacing, this one holds no bars, delivering a powerful and sinister groove. The original voice is present alongside a bassline that borders on psy. The break unleashes a mind-bending sequence climaxing with your mind exploding.

Ping Pong Re-Invented is another Techno do-over from Airwave, and one that will no doubt draw a lot of interest. Delicate bells etch out mesmerizing patterns as rising FX and sweeping sirens combine. Full-on, in-your-face Techno.

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Airwave & Phi Phi – Today Is Made Of Yesterdays (Bonzai Progressive)

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Two legends, Airwave and Phi Phi, join forces once again on Today Is Made Of Yesterdays. Last time out, they gave us Finesse, which was a while ago, but they have been very busy in the meantime
 
For Airwave, the last few months have been very productive. He’s utilised his time in the studio to come up with a series of creative ideas as well other projects and, as ever we are super excited to be hearing his latest efforts with this new track.
 
Phi Phi has continued to provide his journey-led sets for his followers, playing out on several online radio stations worldwide. He is also preparing for post lockdown events which are coming in thick and fast. In the studio he continues his wonderful partnership with Manu Riga. Their last effort was on the remix for Rick Pier O’Neil’s Itzamna and there is so much more to come from those guys.
 
The Original Mix kicks off with a dark, cinematic sequence, creating a rising tension. Solid kick drums and shuffling percussions come through, taking the groove into a rhythmic flow as the atmosphere builds and builds. A burly bassline controls the low end as melodic flurries weave through the groove. The track rises, methodically luring us into its melancholic warmth and giving us a special journey that is not to be missed. Crocy returns on remix duties, delivering yet another fine slice of progressive goodness.
 
Crocy is one of the finest DJs and producers of his generation, redefining the Slovenian electronic sound and pushing it further through the warm melodic groovy house and progressive realms. He is an artist of substance and a familiar name with over a decade of experience. His output for Bonzai is consistent and always creates a buzz in the office. Here, Crocy takes the original and beefs up the bass with a more pronounced drive which is backed up with a tight, rhythmic drum section. Soft arpeggios fade up, creating a mesmerizing sequence while on the break we’re treated to some smooth melodies before heading back to full-on mode for the duration.
 
Turkish DJ, producer Nacres is up next on the remix which follows his last remix on metrONomes’ Thirio. Considered with veteran status, Nacres got his first DJ gig at Taxim Night Park in 1994. He was already connected to the electronic music scene for 3 years prior to this, having worked on sound and lighting at various venues. He hung up his cans in 1997 but, in 2019 he decided to make a return to music, devoting his skills to producing quality progressive house and tech house. The remix here takes the groove to a deeper level with a minimalistic approach. Heavy focus shifts to the drums and the groovy bassline while intense synths rise and fall throughout. The break is a trippy affair which fits beautifully with the slow burning appeal of this top-notch cut.

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Welcome To My New Website

Welcome to the New Airwave Site! With a previous blog that was almost 10 years old, a big overhaul was clearly overdue. And with the lockdown crisis, there was no better moment to do so.  Glad it has happened, and I hope you will be happy with this 2020 refresh of everything Airwave that will become a meeting point of all my socials, events, new music and more. Happy to see you again here! Don’t forget to check out my socials and my Youtube channel that got an overhaul too. Also, you will see a bigger part dedicated to my other activity, Sound Design, as it’s  becoming a more and more important part of my life.  Big thanks to management for making this happen! Let us know what you think! And Stay Safe!