John Kunkel

2011 was all transitional. I moved twice, had about 6 months off to figure out what to do with the rest of my life (still in that process), got a job, moved to Moreno Valley, The New Division got some good press and support. Overall, 2011 is a year I’ll remember.

It’s not always proper to speculate what’s coming next, but I’ll at least say that my anticipation level is high for 2012.

My plans? Lots of new releases. New Division should have a new EP by the summer, and potentially another full length by November, although it’s all up in the air at the moment.

My goals? I really want to push further my production skills, quality of material, especially in the dance section. I don’t know why, but more and more I’m being drawn by all the great stuff that’s being produced and my inspiration is all over the place right now.

More weekends in the studio, more time working up Division 87, and hopefully developing a new arsenal of contacts.

I’m proud of a few tracks I’ve done this year, but nothing that’s really blown my mind. I think I’m either having to spend more time working on one track, or maybe just spend more time studying techniques, buying a new synth (maybe??), who knows.

It’s exciting to have the studio setup in the garage. Makes a huge difference in terms of getting things done. It wasn’t the easiest process making beats in the bedroom, particularly with Fiona jumping on my keyboard every two seconds.

I hope it’s not as hot this year when summer comes around.

I look forward to playing a little bit less shows, and focusing more on studio work with the bandmates.

Driving less.

Doing a little bit of travel abroad, I could go for an island any day now.

More protection from the goons.

Being a lot more selective about what I’m listening to.

Finishing up Breaking Bad (I really need a good ending for a series after the disastrous ‘09 ending of Lost, and now Prison Break on Netflix).

Spending more quality time with friends.

Hope to see my family more (both here in the US and hopefully down in Paraguay).

It’s rough when you only get a week of vacay a year, but at the end of the day, there’s money save up.

Oh yeah, that’s another goal. Saving up.

Grow individually & spiritually.

Hopefully pick up again on some philosophy texts that I’ve lost touch with.

Do better at work.

This is starting to sound like a Radiohead song.

Pick up on some new programming language.

Make less mistakes.

Find a permanent love.

Work out a bit more.

Be less selfish.

Gain an appreciation for resting the right way.

Being more considerate of others.

Build more courage.

Manage time a little better.

Make work fun, always.

So many things to do, 365 days to do them all.

Cheers to the new year.

Dec28 2011 text

Top Dance List for 2011

I think a lot of people out there would say that 2011 was “the year of trance.” Indeed, there were a lot of incredible releases.

It seems as if the genre has changed a bit too in terms of production, and its blend with house music.

My “artist of the year” vote would have to go with Arty, the 22-year old Russian prodigy who came out of nowhere and happens to produce in FL Studio (the same sequencer I use for New Division!), proving once more to the world of producers that it’s not the DAW that matters, it’s the artist behind the program.

Mat Zo is another big name on the list, another 20-something year-old who’s collaborated quite a bit with Arty, and has really tested the limits of merging progressive house with trance. Both of these guys will tell you they don’t really “make trance,” but call whatever you want: it’s all the work of sheer brilliance.

If anything, 2011 should leave fans with some comfort in knowing that the future of dance music will no longer be filled with “Tiesto-like” anthems, all arranged in minor 5th chords. Rather, what the future seems to hold is a list of tracks that will encompass a variety of melodic tones that seem to blend the best of melodies that Coldplay has to offer, with the rhythmic genius of producers like Avicii.

——-xx——-

I’ve chosen here the songs that I felt stood out to me most. I can’t say they’re the best in some objective sense. Rather, this list reflects the tracks that I happened to play over, and over, and over, and……….

Here’s my countdown. Enjoy!

Top 20 Dance Tunes of 2011

Sep16 2011 link

Datsyuk, "Suicide Dreams"

Datsyuk is name of New Division’s synth player, Mark Michalski, side project.

Check out this dreamy cut from his upcoming release, “Hanging On To You.”

Sep16 2011 video

Activa pres. Solar Movement - Indigo (Chris Melton Remix) Another cut of euphoria and melody!

Sep14 2011 video

Another euphoric remix by the Kandi man, this time it’s a remix of Mark Eteson’s, “Breathe On My Own” ft. Audrey Gallagher.

Sep7 2011 text

Sunset Blvd.

I never understood why this song was called Sunset Blvd, other than the lyrical reference. Sounded a lot closer to “Manhattan Beach” or something.

2009 was the year I really got into trance, and this song commemorates that period of my life. The pure vocal bliss, the arps, the cuts, the build, the beach waves that inspire: this is a great tune. Helps with the occassional monotony that comes with daily routine-drenched life.

Back when I had nothing to do, I used to drive down to the beach all alone listening to dance music. It was weird how it never got boring. It was extremely relaxing to arrive to Newport on such occassions. I’d walk out on the beach, play a song like Daniel Kandi’s “Venice Beach,” and just enjoy the evening sunset. It wasn’t just relaxing, it was an escape, one that I need now more than ever.

Alex M.O.R.P.H. feat. Ana Criado - Sunset Boulevard

Original Mix http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Syl02pop0Po

Daniel Kandi Remix: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HI3jTfBnXLU

Aug23 2011 image

Good naps are underneath the pine

Lucifer VI Lens, Blanko Film, No Flash, Taken with Hipstamatic

Jul12 2011 text

Forget the sign of the times: tasty sweets

When you’ve lost all that you’ve found, tasty treats come into play during the hours of the night. I bought some Pepperidge Farm cookies the other day as a way of establishing my “sweet tooth redemption.” I rarely eat sweets, I don’t know why, but it’s nice to have some kind of light-hearted taste in your mouth every now and then. At least that’s what seems to be the case.

Whether you’re trying to play with the Milano:

Or you’re simply down for a good game of digestive chess:

these tasty treats won’t let you down.

It’s funny to think that a few days ago, a friend mentioned something about having “treats” for lunch. Those of us in the room all laughed, found the entire story pretty lame. I can’t really say there were a whole lot of redeeming qualities pertaining to that conversation. But I will admit, the first thing that came to my mind were the Chessmen cookies. These treats right here are a milestone of what mankind has been able to achieve.

As with most good things, nothing lasts forever. Tasty treats and sweets however will always linger somewhere deep, within the cookie farm.

John Kunkel

A Year in New Division Shows

The Perfect Remix

This Year & Next

Top Dance List for 2011

Sunset Blvd.

Good naps are underneath the pine

Forget the sign of the times: tasty sweets