Remixes That Move The Crowd: Meet Iko and Clode

Our REMIX:REMODEL contests keep bringing tons of incredibly talented producers to our attention.  Get to know Iko and Clode, first place winners in our contest with our friends at MusicRadar.

IKO

Iko aka Camilo Valderrama splits his time between Cali, Colombia and Miami.  He gave us the lowdown on his remix approach for Butch & Hohberg ‘Rebirth’, and how he’s managed to capture the attention of our judges twice.

They say lightning doesn’t strike twice, but clearly you have a magic touch. Your Luciaen ‘Origins’ remix came in 2nd place in our last REMIX:REMODEL contest. Now you landed top spot with your Butch & Hohberg ‘Rebirth’ remix. What’s your secret?

It’s just work and evolving yourself. I really try to be myself in every single track that I make, setting out to convey what I feel, and connect that with the dance floor.

I think that the rapid evolvement of electronic music now allows every single person in the world to connect, feel, and express themselves in an honest way.

As an artist, I really try to explore and experience as much as possible. In Miami, just as in Cali [Colombia], there are really great opportunities to enjoy the nightlife. Miami is a much bigger city [than] Cali, so there’s always the opportunity to see the biggest artists and clubs you’ve ever dreamed of. I enjoy going to clubs and learning from the best.

What’s coming up for you in 2015?

2014 was a really big year for me as an artist and producer. I learned so many things that I’ll put into practice in this upcoming year.

I see a great window of opportunity to make music, gain recognition and grow with the LANDR team. I’m making my first project of 2015 starting with you guys.

CLODE

Coming straight outta Ourense, Spain, Clode aka David González Chillón tells us how he locked first place with his Manuel De La Mare & DJ Diass ‘Nothing’ remix, and the challenges of being a producer within a non-existent music scene.

How did you tackle remixing ‘Nothing’?

I made it in four days: two days making the remix, arrangement, warping vocals, rhythm, and a final two days to mix and master. I took a really simple approach; warping the vocals was maybe the most difficult part. I created my own harmony, and the rest flowed naturally and quickly.

I made it using Ableton Live and only with Ableton Live samples: bass, keys, strings, mallets, all sounds.

What’s the music scene like in Ourense?

The music scene here is very difficult and complex. There are many of us musicians, producers, and DJs in a city with virtually no underground music scene. I wish we had more clubs, festivals, support and most importantly the audience, but I know that it does not come easy. Still working hard, though.

I am producing my first live act that I plan to launch in February. I’ve signed with a few new labels, so this year I hope to produce new music for release, and of course keep up with my DJ sets.

Check out both remixes on our upcoming LANDR Master Channel Mixtape 002. Listen to Mixtape 001 for a taste of what the Master Channel is all about.

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Tasha is a DJ and radio host in Montreal.

@Tasha Anestopoulos