From first remixing James Warren's production alias, Coalesced for Morphosis in 2007, Russian progressive maestro Mango has gone on to produce a kaleidoscopic array of tracks and remixes for a vast range of labels including Silk, Armada, Neuroscience and Particles. His work for Proton has also been rich and varied but never lacking the utmost quality. And with a forthcoming full-length debut artist album entitled "Citylanes Airplanes" to be released on his own Mango Alley imprint, it is with great pleasure that Proton releases the first single from that album with two impressive remix contributions from Aeron Aether and Kaito.
"Chasing Birds" is a track of particular significance for Mango as it stems from a collaboration with Richard J Aarden, whose celebrated work can be found on the Silk Sofa label, alongside lead singer and guitarist of the popular Japanese rock act "Starboard", Imamura Hiroyuki. With Starboard set to end their successful project this autumn, "Chasing Birds" will be a fitting last act for the Japanese superstars. With a blend of broken house beats and natural sound effects, combined with rich guitar melodies and emotive vocals, "Chasing Birds" is a beautifully constructed musical vignette of popular guitar driven sounds.
Famous for his fusion of progressive breaks and symphonic arrangements, stemming from an academic study of music and intimate knowledge of the cello, Gabor Kovacs under his Aeron Aether production guise is a truly multi-talented individual of the modern musical age. Well-versed in electronic engineering, sound design and mastering skills, his two-year spell as manager for the Silk label, Arrival, brought a plethora of high-class progressive music to the masses. Furthermore, Matt Darey named him as 'Breakthrough DJ and Producer' in both 2009 and 2010. Turning his skills to "Chasing Birds", Aeron's interpretation opens with his signature orchestral sound. While retaining the vocals and melodies of the original, Aeron has crafted his own approach with beautiful additional production in the form of piano and a storming break beat backdrop. Fans of the Aether sound will not be disappointed.
Hiroshi Watanabe has been involved in music for over a decade with a number of high-profile US successes to his name before the millennium and an artist album under the guise of QUADRA. However, it is perhaps under his 2001 production alias, Kaito, that Hiroshi is best known. With a string of releases and several album releases for the ever-reliable German techno imprint Kompakt, home to Gui Boratto and Hot Chip, Kaito's musical credibility is impeccable. Remixing "Chasing Birds", he has produced a wonderful melodic affair with echoes of his penchant for chill-out and electronica to be found through his use of acoustic drum parts and organic keyboard elements. The original vocals are then given a new lease of life with the collage of new sounds and melodies which create a joyous upbeat offering.
With so many impressive musicians collaborating on a landmark project, "Chasing Birds" is flying high.
Directed by Jay Epoch
AandR by Mango and Jay Epoch
Mastered by Cid Inc.
Design by Royal Sapien
Text by James Warren