Marc Romboy’s Systematic Recordings welcomes Tel Aviv talent Guy Mantzur back to the fold this month in a captain’s capacity, giving the flourishing producer and dj the opportunity to shine as a selector in compiling the latest ‘My Love Is Systematic (Vol.8)’ compilation for the imprint.
This week, taking time from a relentless work schedule, Mantzur talked us through the process behind the project, his essential ingredients to a proper b2b and his selections set to make a break in 2016. He shared his favourite foods on tour, his highlights from the past year and his focus for the next one. It’s all below!
WWD: Talk us through the new compilation on Systematic! What was your selection criteria for the tracks?
I have to be honest and say that it wasn’t easy because the Systematic catalogue has many tracks that I really love and have played over the years. I decided to put the main focus on the mix and take it from there.
It was very important for me that the mix will sound like a journey and less of a compilation, so I chose around 30 tracks and then stayed with the one’s that gave me the best flow and completed it as a 1 track journey.
WWD: It’s often argued that Dance Music has become too much about individual tracks. In your eyes, where is the value in a compilation in the modern music era?
I totally agree! As I’m a guy that comes from an age where each artist are used to releasing full-length albums.
In this day where everything has become so fast and instant I feel that things such as compilations / artist albums etc. can help the artist or the label leave a deeper mark about its identity and help the listeners to connect to the artists in a different way.
There is also a big advantage to releasing music with different names because every artist explores different crowds.
WWD: You’ve had the pleasure of playing side by side with some awesome talents. What are the essential ingredients to a good b2b?
I think that the most important thing for a b2b is to listen and to understand what the other side is doing; it can really help make the b2b like a dialog of answers and questions. If both sides are in this vibe it can create a perfect harmony.
WWD: Do you have a most memorable b2b performance in your mind?
I have a lot. I mostly play b2b with my friends so it’s always fun, for example last Friday with Nick Warren at Cielo New York was really magical.
I also had an amazing 9 hours b2b with Guy J in Ibiza this summer. It started at a friends small party on a secret beach and ended at Space -Vagabundos with Luciano and the Cadenza guys.
WWD: Can you give us an insight into your process for blending the artistic, melodic element of music together with those “club sounds” that we associate with Dance Music?
It’s a tricky thing because melodic elements and emotional melodies can sometimes get lot of attention. I found out during the years that the most important thing is to keep the groove tight and pumpy. When the groove is good and the melodies on top are in the right place, you know it will sound good at the club.
WWD: You’ve an incredibly hectic touring schedule. In recent memory, what’s the most adventurous meal you’ve had on your travels?
Nice one 😉 there are so many good and tasty things in the world but to name one – I really love the food in Greece, they have these taverns with many different small dishes and it’s all so tasty and unique, you eat until you just cant stop.
WWD: Outside of music, what has been your highlight from the last year?
Thinking about it I’m a bit of workaholic and everything in my life somehow relates to my music. Add to that the travels which makes you explore so many things, so I got into a point in my life that my highlights became to be really basic simple things such as just a relax day, with no emails or phone in front of the blue sea. Some moments of self-silence can make me really happy sometimes
WWD: Can you give us three artists we should be following in 2016?
There are lots of amazing artists’ around. I really love Khen, Lonya and Lost Desert that’s just about to release a beautiful single with Lee Burridge on All Day I Dream.
WWD: Looking to 2016, where does your focus lie and what do you hope to achieve?
I’ve decided to focus on more solo EP’s for 2016. At the moment I have completed some and I’m making progress on the others. I’m also working on my concept nights name Secrets which I’m hosting with my friends and favorite artists in a special all night b2b.
I had Bart Skils from Drumcode in the last one and the next one will be with Marc Romboy.
On a personal level I really wish for myself to know how to make the perfect mix between life and travels.
Few extra days in front of the sea can be a great start
Thanks for having me here and have a beautiful 2016.
Follow: Guy Mantzur