Located in the South of France on the Mediterranean coast, the 'Mistral' wind blows through the historical city of Montpellier to where Loacs Erepams calls home. It is from these beautiful surroundings that the Frenchman's creativity has taken form in a passion for "deep and intelligent sounds...and a hunger for classic analogue"; a unique and beautifully constructed sound that has found its way on to the likes of Maripoza, Mindfield and a home at Proton Music. 2011's debut release, "The Lightning Tree Struck" and partner track "I Can't Figure it Out" included remixes from Tokyo Bay Cruise, Apologist, Nick Stoynoff and Paul Hazendonk while in serendipitous symmetry, Loacs also remixed Mondstrahl's "Dark Face" for Proton in February 2012.
Now in 2013, these principles have coalesced to form "Stellar Wind", an exquisitely crafted track full of the characteristics so dear to Erepam's heart and featuring remixes from two similarly gifted modern producers.
From the Queensland capital, Australian Rich Curtis first earned his stripes in the cutthroat world of DJ and promotion. Working his Brisbane home, a host of successful nights were instigated giving Curtis the opportunity to play alongside his heroes in the shape of John Digweed, Hernan Cattaneo and fellow Australian, Anthony Pappa. Turning his attention to production in 2010, Rich Curtis' work has been in demand ever since. A first outing on Cid Inc's Replug has seen saw a further 100 production credits on Indigo, Mirabilis, Lowbit and Hernan Cattaneo's Sudbeat imprints. On Proton, Rich's summer 2012 remix of Colourblock's "Breed" has paved the way for his forthcoming debut EP and remixing "Stellar Wind" has seen him continue his "affinity for the more musical end of house music". A strong, deep kick provides the anchor for subtly muted arpeggios to weave a magical course over shuffling hi-hats. As the track progresses, echoes of Loac's original melodies are brought to the fore combined with additional production that turns "Stellar Wind" into an understated dance floor stormer.
Moonbeam is a name that need no introduction to the world of dance music. The Russian leviathans of the progressive house and trance genre have seen their music signed to major and independent labels alike, and featured on their own Moonbeam Digital label. Approaching a staggering 1000 Beatport production credits and five hundred on Tiesto's Black Hole imprint (including the 2012 full-length album "The Random") amply illustrates the pair's credibility. Taking their German translated name into a more techno inspired, darker sound has seen the brothers' Mondstrahl project find a home on Proton Music with 2012's "House of Cards" and finding the duo at their experimental best alongside the richly textured buzzing techno offering, "Dark Face". Working their captivating sound on Loac Erepam's "Stellar Wind", a strong beat, machine-gun fire rhythm section and popping percussive arpeggio are sandwiched either side of a luscious analogue pad that oozes melodic class. A dark filtered and rapidly moving bass line in the final movement completes the sequence, creating an innovative interpretation that is beyond comparison and has no equal.
Two 'stellar' remixes from Rich Curtis and Mondstrahl has ensures a very favourable 'wind' for Loacs Erepams.
Directed by Jay Epoch
Mastered by Cid Inc., Moonbeam
Design by Ben Mautner
Text by James Warren