Tag Archives: BACARDÍ BEGINNINGS

TODDLA T HANDPICKS WINNER OF BACARDÍ BEGINNINGS REMIX CHALLENGE

After challenging fans and budding producers to get creative and remix his latest track with Roses Gabor – Pandora’s Box (BACARDÍ Beginnings) – renowned DJ and producer Toddla T has chosen the winner from almost 100 original remixes submitted. Barny Wilson, aka Barny Rubble, from Kemble, Gloucestershire, was handpicked by Toddla T for his innovative and original spin on the track. And, as part of the prize, he receives a production masterclass with the DJ. In a creative twist to standard single releases, Toddla T and Roses Gabor released Pandora’s Box (BACARDÍ Beginnings) solely via the power of social media, before the track was thrown open for the remix competition, as part of the BACARDÍ® Beginnings creative challenge titled ‘Beats Per Minute’ – the second project in the music mentoring programme. Toddla T and Roses Gabor’s Pandora’s Box (BACARDÍ Beginnings) is aimed straight at the dance floor and features the DJ/producer’s classic dynamic production with a blinding 303 bassline, layered with Roses Gabor’s smooth vocals. Fans can listen to the track at www.BacardiBeginnings.com. Aspiring DJs, experienced producers and novices from across the country rose to the challenge, pushing their own creative boundaries to create their own interpretation of the track. Along with the production masterclass, Barny will receive remix equipment and will have his track played at the next BACARDÍ Beginnings event. Fans can listen to the winning remixed track at www.BacardiBeginnings.com. Speaking about the track and the judging process, Toddla T says: “Barny Rubble wins because of his original and individual take on the track. What’s great is that it can’t be put into a genre, which is very exciting. It was hard pinning down the final winning mix as the standard was so high, in the end it just came down to individuality.” Barny’s reaction to winning: “I can’t believe that someone who has been a massive inspiration to me has recognised my music! It’s given me a huge confidence boost in my productions and I find it very humbling that I was chosen. I spent a long time processing Toddla’s original stems, resampling them, effecting them and layering them, until I was happy. I recorded the track through my decks as well so I could get some dirty spin-backs before the drops. I just wanted to put my own stamp on the tune and make sure the result was bouncy and energetic. I think it’s really positive that Bacardi is acknowledging new talent and emerging artists because it’s giving opportunities to people like me that wouldn’t otherwise be there. The artists involved with the previous projects are all making exciting new music and pushing musical. Buzzing to be involved!” On 4 September at 7pm, only the first beat of Pandora’s Box (BACARDÍ Beginnings) was released online. With each ‘tweet’ on Twitter and Facebook ‘like’ the track received, more of the track became available to listen to. Using only the power of social media, fans helped to unlock the entire track in under an hour. BACARDÍ Beginnings pairs three established acts and three hot emerging artists to push the boundaries of music releases. Each pairing is given a unique brief around the creation, production and experience of music, while also releasing original tracks together. In the first project, Rudimental and Bipolar Sunshine undertook the entire A&R process in just 24 hours. Releasing a host of remixes, Sheffield boy Toddla T (AKA Tom Bell) has established himself as one of the hottest producers, DJs and remixers in the industry. With a DJ residency on Radio 1, he has collaborated with high-profile artists such as Roots Manuva and Shola Ama as well as up-and-coming acts, proving himself to be the ideal mentor for Roses Gabor and judge of the remix competition. Londoner and emerging artist Roses Gabor – one of the UK underground’s hottest vocal talents – has already impressed big-name artists with her raw electro-future soul sound. Grabbing the attention of producers, artists and DJs, she has lent her vocals to tracks with SBTRKT and Gorillaz. BACARDÍ Beginnings aims to encourage people to boldly pursue their passions, just as the iconic rum brand has done for more than 150 years – whether creating a revolution in rum-making, inspiring pioneering cocktails or fighting for freedom. The details of the third and final artist pairing involved in the BACARDÍ Beginnings programme and their creative project will be revealed later this year. Go to www.bacardibeginnings.com for more details.