The interview is pretty lengthy so be sure to click Continue Reading button to read it in full version! Happy reading. Also, the interview is done by Lucy from CheersEars; this is just a repost ;)

Back in the mists of time (ok, 2010), something big started to happen on the world wide web. A small group of intrepid progressive house lovers based in Europe had bonded over their shared love of magnificent melodies, warm basslines and epic emotional hooks, and together they decided to start a new chapter in their appreciation for this musical manna from heaven. And lo, in a blaze of inspiration and eagerly typed reviews, Progressive House Worldwidewas born!

Since then the site has gone from strength to strength, as the PHW crew grew, diversified and found new ways to promote, spread and support the music, artists and labels that they loved – everything from interviewing some of the biggest stars of the progressive house scene and dedicating themselves to daily reviews of all the latest releases and juicy promos to skilfully crafting weekly promo mixes and putting on aural extravaganzas in 2011 and 2012 in conjunction with Pure.FM.

They say that time flies when you’re having fun, and so it has proved for the PHW crew, because today they’re celebrating the momentous milestone that is their 2nd birthday and, I hope, revelling in the deserved accolade of having established themselves as the best progressive house website around. What’s more, the PHW crew have always been nothing but 100% supportive of Cheers Ears and I admire them hugely for what they do – so when I got the opportunity to interview the guys to celebrate their birthday, I jumped at it! What follows is an in-depth, insightful account from Freddie, Milo, Alex and Max of the history of PHW, the future, and all the progressive house you could possibly wish for in between.

With his recent “The Bipolar EP” picking up support from DJs as diverse as A Trak, Above & Beyond, Afrojack, Steve Aoki and Arty, the London sensation Mat Zo delivers another impressive release with the classy vocal track “The Sky”; featuring the distinctive vocals of Linnea Schossow.

With two contrasting mixes that showcase Mat’s ability to master different vibes, “The Sky” also sees the London-based producer deliver his first ever vocal track with serious aplomb.

A dancefloor killer and musical journey rolled into one, the extended mix of “The Sky” builds elegantly with a symphony of synths and leads into a sweeping breakdown full of warm melodies and Schossow’s distinctive, searching tones. Lifting off with an epic thrust on the drop, “The Sky” is a classy, crossover anthem that brings together elements of house, progressive and trance into a unique blend.

Taking the track down a more alternative and edgy direction, Zo’s bass-heavy Club Mix is full of schizophrenic magic; twisting through different sections effortlessly in an eight-minute voyage. Beginning on a big room progressive house groove, Mat moves into a melodic, synth-driven breakdown before flipping in to a gnarly bass-throttled section that has been causing serious damage in Mat’s recent sets from Miami’s Bayfront Amphitheatre to London’s Brixton Academy. Totally unexpected, the final drop comes loaded with surging synths.

Mat Zo – The Sky [Anjunabeats] Out Now

Aggressor and Ivan Nikusev are two of the leading figures in the new landscape of progressive trance. This production duo hails from Macedonia and have been crafting some of the most uniquely beautiful melodic music for the last several years. Many of their recent originals and remixes have been compared to such scene legends like James Holden and Luke Chable. The 28th release on Ivan Nikusev’s OLD SQL Recordings sees this currently on fire production with their 3 tracks ‘Together in a Rush’ EP.

The release starts with ‘Tears In Her Eyes’, a Holden inspired shimmering synths and stunning refrains. The piano lead during the drop is once again spectacular and as the soothing vocals wash over the utterly captivating and deeply emotional melodies it’s clear that this pair has a true sense of what electronic soul should be.

‘Together’ follows with a hazy flow of hypnotic, washed out sounds while the lead keys dance over the top in perfectly balanced unison. Their sense of musicianship is strong with an impassioned blend of pianos, guitar and scattered breakbeats during the breakdown which makes way for a harmonious finale.

The EP closes with one of Ivan and Aggressor’s most epic compositions to date entitled ‘In A Rush’ . Beginning with a barrage of cool electronics and big wobbly bass stabs the piece grows mightily as sheets of wavering synths and metallic percussion build up around the framework. Heavenly pads carry the track to a short drop where the bubbly synth lines come front and centre and when the thunderous bottom end comes crashing back in the intensity is upped further with the spacey melodies creating a swirling wall of bliss that your dance floor won’t soon forget!

Aggressor & Ivan Nikusev – Together In A Rush EP [OLD SQL] DOWNLOAD

After the highly successful Hahmo Recordings Summer EP, Joonas Hahmo is back for more with his latest piano anthem “Sahailua”. With early support coming from DJs like Roger Sanchez, Abel Ramos, Joan Reyes and Soha (Adam K & Soha), this track is a guaranteed winner!

The smashing Original mix cleverly uses Joonas’ catchy piano riffs, groovy basslines and a killer breakdown and mixes them with the playful Progressive House sound of today. It is the perfect tool for those hot Ibiza nights this summer!

On the virtual B-side we have a super fresh and extremely loud Disco-Electro-House treatment from the rising duo Timo Juuti & Hector 87. With their latest EP already worn out by Finnish Radio 1 Ylex, it’s time for some more action!

Joonas Hahmo – Sahailua (Original and Timo Juuti & Hector 87 Mixes) DOWNLOAD

We Recommend Records is proud to presents a new artist to their roaster, this time Swedish youngster Erik Lind takes control of the label for this week and in what way he is doing it!

Get ready for a nice club banger with “I Used To Sleep” and on the flipside you’ll hear “No Control” which has a more minimalistic bass & beat driven sound while still infusing some melodies Erik Lind style. Perfect for warming up the evening!

Summer is here!

Erik Lind – I Used To Sleep EP [WeRecommendRecords] DOWNLOAD

Another great installment of Time To Progress episode on PureFM. This time, Felipe prepared us awesome guestmix from Swedish rising star Johan Vilborg. You will hear some of his best tunes so far in his part of the mix! Enjoy the show.

Rodrigo Deem, Airdraw, 19 Hz - Start (Original Mix)
Johan Vilborg - Altara
Felipe Wrechiski - December Dawn (Mindset & Matt Fax Remix)
Ad Brown - Far From The End (Shingo Nakamura Remix)
Terry Da Libra - Heavenly (Original Mix)
Andrew Bayer feat. Molly Bancroft - Keep Your Secrets (Myon & Shane 54 Summer Of Love Mix)
Above & Beyond Feat Zoe Johnston - Love Is Not Enough (Maor Levi & Bluestone Remix)
Ost & Meyer - Safari (Maor Levi Remix)
Andrew Bayer-From The Earth (Club Mix)

Johan Vilborg - Warmer Days (Original Mix)
James Woods - Nocturne (Original Mix)
Reflekt - Need To Feel Loved (Adam K & Soha Vocal Mix)
Eximinds - August (Original Mix)
19 Hz - Round amp Round
Johan Vilborg - Fall
Ad Brown - Why Do We Try (Nigel Good Remix)
Martire pres. X&Y - New Beginnings (Solid Stone Remix)
The Blizzard - Piercing The Fog (Original Mix)
Above & Beyond feat. Zoe Johnston - Love Is Not Enough (Above & Beyond Club Mix)
Johan Vilborg - Altara

Marcelo Vasami is no stranger to Lowbit, responsible for several of our top selling tracks including  Too Long Too Late  and the remix of Deepfunk s  Upon A Lilac Sea  - and he now returns with a new original,  Everynight. Everynight  encapsulates all that is Marcelo Vasami with its deep hypnotic bassline, dark and haunting melodies and groovy rhythms & another fantastic release from Marcelo and already a proven club hit.

British producer and DJ Scotty.A joins Lowbit for the first time with his  Dark Dub  remix of  Everynight focusing more on tribal inspired drums, airier pads and lighter undertones, it s a great contrast to the darker original.

Andy Arias is back on remix duty for us, putting his unique industrial influenced take on  Everynight  and merging experimental sounds and soundscapes with progressive tones to create something unique.

Piyush Awasthi first joined Lowbit with his original track  Faces , which was remixed by Marcelo Vasami – and now it s his turn to return the favour, upping the tempo and energy with arpeggiated acidesque bassline, chuggy drums and unique usage of the track’s original parts.

Marcelo Vasami – Everynight [Lowbit] DOWNLOAD

It’s always great when an established artist comes with a fresh sound, which is precisely what happened when Answer42 dropped their funky, French touch-influenced groover “The Lemon Effect” on us.

Combining their past penchant for lush melodics, Answer42 fused their synth-driven progressions with a cut-up, highly charged funk/nu disco sound that nods to the likes of Madeon. An instant favourite, full of memorable moments and intricate tweaks, “The Lemon Effect” is a captivating listen from start to finish.

On the remixes, Suspect 44 bring their funk-fuelled flair and cut-up vocal touches, while Russia’s PROFF wraps the original up into a glistening progressive groover.

Answer42 – The Lemon Effect [Anjunadeep] DOWNLOAD

It’s been a while but now we are back with another promo session here at Progressive House Worldwide. This time you will have the chance to see some upcoming stuff from great Swedish labels Macarize and We Recommend Records. You will also be able to check out the next 2 releases from Bomba Records, this time Nick has put up productions from August Rush and Fon.Leman. We also show you some longer cuts from Elliptical Sun Melodies first 2 releases, these from the dynamic duo of Biotones and also the gifted producer from US, Sedi,  and the remix from Serbian ace D&Z.
Darin Epsilon is back with his Perspectives Digital, this time he have signed one of our favorite producers at the moment, DAVI, this is just exceptional. Expect productions including Aerotek (Perceptive Deep), Ad Brown & Nigel Good (Silk Royal), Blood Groove & Kikis, Dezza, Zack Roth, Positiva & Ninesh Babu, the list goes on, just dig in and get a bit more than 3 hours of upcoming progressive music!

DOWNLOAD Progressive House Worldwide – Promo Session 018 [2012] [6th of May]
01. 000.00 Aggressor & Ivan Nikusev – Tears In Her Eyes (Original Mix) [OLD SQL Recordings]
02. 008.26 DAVI – Labyrinth (Original Mix) [Perspectives Digital]
03. 016.30 Jimmy Roqsta – Good Enough (Nafis Remix) [Incepto Music]
04. 023.18 August Rush – Alley (Original Mix) [Bomba Records]
05. 028.09 Biotones – Tale (Original Mix) [Elliptical Sun Melodies]
06. 034.06 axisONE – Vega (Original Mix) [Macarize]
07. 040.16 Erik Lind – I Used To Sleep (Original Mix) [We Recommend Records]
08. 045.31 Sedi – Influence (D&Z Remix) [Elliptical Sun Melodies]
09. 51.02 Fon.Leman – Cape Of Hope (Original Mix) [Bomba Records]
10. 056.05 Ad Brown – Why Do We Try? (Nigel Good Remix) [Silk Royal]
11. 063.38 Incognet – Anna (Sezer Uysal Remix) [Phonotec]
12. 069.24 Purple Cocktail Feat. V.Ray – Good Day (Blood Groove & Kikis Dub Mix) [LiftedSounds]
13. 076.39 Omauha – Revelation (Original Mix) [Round Triangle]
14. 083.10 Vintage & Morelli – Tree Of Life (Aerotek Remake) [Perceptive Deep]
15. 090.00 Vitodito & Soulforge Pres. Positiva – Ask Yourself (Ninesh Babu Remix) [Neuroscience Deep]
16. 095.22 Zack Roth – Wils Lives (Dezza Remix) [Nueva Digital]
17. 100.59 Sensetive5 – The Worm (Original Mix) [Neuroscience Recordings]
18. 107.41 axisONE – Altair (Original Mix) [Macarize]
19. 114.11 Stan May – The Memories (Original Mix) [Deep Blue Eyes]
20. 12.18 Avi – Natural Bridges (Original Mix) [emusica]
21. 127.18 Chris Domingo – Spontaneous Kiss (Original Mix) [Nueva Digital]
22. 133.20 Omauha – People Can Fly (Original Mix) [Round Triangle]
23. 140.24 Erik Lind – No Control (Original Mix) [We Recommend Records]
24. 146.46 Fon.Leman – L.A. (Original Mix) [Bomba Records]
25. 152.16 Matrick – The Broken Love (Invisible Brothers Remix) [Majestic Family]
26. 158.31 Marcelo Vasami – Everynight (Piyush Awasti Remix) [Lowbit]
27. 165.53 Luke Chable & Shiloh – Thank Ur Mother For The Rabbits (Luke Chable Mix) [Mesmeric]
28. 171.54 KAGO DO – Robokids With Summer Hearts (Original Mix) [Bermudos]
29. 177.50 Aggressor & Ivan Nikusev – Together (Original Mix) [OLD SQL Recordings]
30. 187.09 Kash Trivedi – Latin Spirit (Original Mix) [Future Synth]

Kobana’s Undercover days are bygone. As his remix of Poison Pro & Miusha’s Alien on Proton Music continues to dominate charts and playlists, Particles take a moment to reflect on one of our favorite Kobana tracks of 2011.

An elegant blend of deep, rumbling grooves and shimmering, uplifting melodies come together in that distinct Kobana sound. The Pole’s forward momentum is due in no small part to long time friend & collaborator Yane3Dots, who’s support, management, and contributions have played a significant role. Together the two have just been featured on Jaytech & James Grant’s ‘Anjunadeep 04′ compilation with their track ‘Woosh’. Remixes are in from Turkey’s Sezer Uysal, the driving force behind the Dark Pleasure radio show & music label, and Canada’s Biologik, co-founder of Proton Radio with a full artist album forthcoming on Proton Music.

Kobana & Yane3dots – Undercover [Particles] DOWNLOAD

In a relatively short period of time, Colin Fisher aka Soundprank already feels like an Anjunadeep stalwart; consistently delivering high-quality EPs of diverse electronic bliss.

Offering three distinct sounds, Soundprank’s latest EP continues this trend and leads with the uptempo “Boundless Energy”. A highlight on Jaytech’s “Anjunadeep 04″ mix, “Boundless Energy” is a shrewd blend of Colin’s intricately textured melodic finesse but delivers a sucker punch thanks to an instantly catchy, upbeat riff pattern.

A more hypnotic, driving affair, “Change Of State” shifts through oscillating grooves, a blissed out breakdown and dramatic developments of the main melody patterns.

An equally strong third track, “Midas” brings a more funk-fuelled approach with subtle 80s influences and infectious grooves.

Soundprank – Boundless Energy / Change Of State / Midas [Anjunadeep DOWNLOAD

The end of April 2012 is the point when Sergey Tkachev’s most patient and devoted fans will be rewarded with his single “Ankylophobia”, renewed and supplied with extra versions this time. It will include Sergey’s original productions, two brand new remixes by Lessov and Sonic Union, as well as an updated interpretation by Poison Pro.

The path to see the light of day was quite thorny and long for “Ankylophobia”. Initially released on the Russian label Flash Records in October 2011, the single consisted of the original mix and Poison Pro remake, but due to unrevealed reasons it was removed from all Internet music shops. One would think, after this removal there was no chance to see “Ankylophobia” available somewhere else on digital distribution, but the fortune was gracious to Sergey. The single was not only saved from sinking into oblivion, but even got second wind with the astonishing remixes by the young Canadian producer Lessov and Swedish heavyweight, Lowbit label owner Sonic Union. Intricate Records became the secondary residence for “Ankylophobia”, while Sergey Tkachev recently joined the label’s residents team.

While the original mix and the remode-version by Poison Pro can be confidently labeled as classic progressive house, the remixes by Lessov and Sonic Union are quite the contrary and have those special deep and tech house peculiarities. Now, after six month from the initial release date, having passed through fire and water, the renewed single entirely justifies its unusual and remarkable title (ankylophobia is fear of immobility).

Sergey Tkachev – Ankylophobia [Intricate Records] DOWNLOAD

Serbian producer Stanisha grew into one of the coolest and most innovative progressive house producers over the course of 2011 which saw the release of his critically acclaimed two albums entitled ‘Quantized Souls’ and ‘Nummo’ along with a string of genre defying remixes for Deepsessions, Mistique and InsomniaFM. Stanisha has gotten 2012 off to a great start with his ‘Black Pearl’ EP for Michael & Levan and Stiven Rivic’s premier Mistique Music imprint and a string of great remixes for Deepsessions, InsomniaFM and Electronic Tree.  He makes his long awaited debut on one of the fastest rising labels of the moment: Ivan Nikusev’s OLD SQL Recordings. The labels 25th release presents Stanisha’s brand new 4 track EP entitled ‘Lick The Sun’.

The title cut leads the EP off with a wicked hypnotic vibe, it’s one of the clubbiest and most contemporary sounding compositions we’ve heard from Stanisha yet. Modern, clean, sleek and sophisticated with a keen dance floor sensibility. The wobbly change ups to the bass line are absolutely brilliant and should bring huge dance floor reactions. As the piece progresses glassy sections of key clusters and soft stabs add further dynamic elements for the ultimate late night, dark room rocker. ‘Through The Storm To You’ follows with a darker more electronic vibe that continues a great rise in energy on the EP.  The pulsating groove, soundtrack inspired pads and bubbly synths are monumentally infectious and present one of Stanisha’s most floor friendly tunes to date. The big rumbling grooves of ‘Soulship’ are next and it’s certainly the darkest piece on the EP and perhaps the biggest sounding as well. A killer prog house / techno hybrid of a track with a continually building energy throughout that peaks following an epic drop with big grating stabs and rolling hypnotic lines.  ‘We Can Touch The Sky’ closes the EP off quite nicely with a chunkier groove that comes with a funky bounce and big synth parts that play off each other in perfect unison.  One of the housier compositions we’ve heard from Stanisha and just proves his versatility in the studio. An amazingly well rounded EP from Stanisha and one that shows he is just getting better and better as 2012 moves forward.

Stanisha – Lick The Sun EP [OLD SQL] DOWNLOAD

Canadian born now residing in South Korea Justin Oh has quickly made a name for himself, consistently releasing quality after quality releases on renowned labels such as Baroque and Nueva and we’re delighted to have him on Lowbit with his new EP Teheranno. The title track – named after a famous street in Korea – is dark and melancholic with its ominous spoken voice, atmospheric vocal elements and mellifluous melody. Karosugil is also named after a famous street in Korea, and is slightly more upbeat with its protruding arpeggiated melody, chunky drums and bouncy bassline.

Canadian producer Lessov makes a very welcome return to Lowbit for his first remix duty, working his deep and intelligent approach onTeheranno and creating a wonderful deep journey with its deep chugging pads, direct drums and delay-drenched vocals.

Gav Fraser, who has already released some very well-received originals and remixes for Lowbit, is back on board with us as he turns his magic touch to Karosugil, moulding it into a really housey number full of funk with bouncy bassline, old-skool stabs and headfirst drums.

Justin Oh – Teheranno [Lowbit] DOWNLOAD

Today we present you a brand new mixtapes coming from our great friend Max van den Oetelaar better known as EcueD. Following the trend of his artist name, he names this sho as EclipseD Sessions! The show will be aired every 4th Tuesday, on Pure.FM radio Progressive channel.

For this installment, you can expect lots of CDR stuffs, and as well some fantastic tunes/reworks from Nigel Good, Orland Beltran, Jody Wisternoff and a lot more! Be sure to not miss this!