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Nostalgic Authenticity: “Big Time” by Rogue FX and Mayah Camara

“Big Time” by Rogue FX and Mayah Camara Today, we’re opening the gates to our blog in classic style – classic '80s synth-pop, to be precise. Whenever the words ‘80s’ and ‘synth-pop’ are mentioned, Rogue FX is never far behind. Drawn to the essence of that decade, he dives deep to retrieve a flawless pearl and then showcases it in his musical shop window.  His latest track is called “Big Time,” a collaborative project with Retrowave/Nu-Soul artist Mayah Camara . The story revolves around a relationship at a crossroads, caused by the success and fame of one partner who has reached the “big time” mentioned in the title. Jealousy and insecurity take hold, but there’s a shared hope that the relationship can survive and grow.  Rogue FX cleverly packages this story in the big-city vibe of the '80s, creating an emotional counterpoint to the relationship through his astute selection of sound and rhythm – the big-time lifestyle of that era. From the start, the listener experiences the

Driving beats and the energy of snappy percussion: "Dystopian State" by Phil Fortin

Phil Fortin

Phil Fortin

Musicien et producteur du Quebec, Canada. J'ai fait partie de plusieurs groupes et maintenant je propose mon premier projet solo. Je puise mon inspiration de l'art, de la philosophie, de la politique et des sonorités des années 1980.

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Phil Fortin is ...?

Ok yes Philippe Fortin of my "real name" Canadian, musician mainly guitarist of formation. I love vintage synths from the 1980's, David Cronenberg's movies, Nietzsche's thoughts, history, politics.


How did you start playing music?

Oh yes for a very long time, well the Beatles and other bands that played at our place ....then the discovery of the music let's say "alternative" with the Ramones, The Cure, Béruriers Noirs, Sonic Youth
... then I take the guitar and I play in some bands in Montreal. I produce a CD and do live shows. Then the music world changes and you can easily build your own studio and export your music around the world.


"Dystopian State" has an incredible sound. How long did you spend on this track and is there a story behind it?

Yes the story is important behind every track on the EP. For Dystopian State it's an idea of an increasingly chaotic and dehumanized world. 
Very close to the vision of Aldous Huxley in "Brave New World" or George Orwell in "1984". A world where security and technology are triumphant.


What can the listeners expect from the 4 tracks EP "Dystopian State" ?

There is certainly a cohesion in the four tracks of this EP. In fact it is the logical continuation of my first EP "The Last Man" where I already tackled the themes of the decadence of the western civilization. In Dystopian State it's a bit of a continuation, the last man is still alive but the questions are the same.


How important is the mixing and mastering part according to you?

I believe that the emotion and the message will always be there even if the mix is bad or the mastering is bad, but I also believe that a good technical work can help to bring out the message even more. That's why I spend a lot of time working on the mix, I must say it's also fun!


The last "Big Bang" in music history was .... ?

Hum good question, it depends for each one, but for me the accessibility of the recording and distribution process is obviously major. As far as the music is concerned the last album you liked is what is important.


Your talents outside of music are ... ?

Skateboarding, having fun, discovering beaches.


What's next for you?

I have a few more albums in mind, shows and videos projects.

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