Close friends and collaborators Landikhan and Ed Is Dead stand as two of the most exciting and versatile producers in Spain’s flourishing underground circuit, breeding all-encompassing dance music through an eclectic mix of influences. Wholly multifaceted in their approach to production, the pair have always presented as kindred spirits in the studio and now join forces once again after six years for the release of Cosmic Beat.
The cut is deftly hypnotic, championing a luscious blend of deep house, electronica and world music sensibilities. Produced with the afterparty in mind, the track’s measured tempo and unequivocally cool essence make it conducive to both dark, sweaty clubs and at-home listening. Built on a foundation of deep tech percussion, we’re treated to a spontaneous dose of ethnic tones and acid synths, giving the record a sense of intrigue around every corner. But it is perhaps the mesmeric vocal line that gives Cosmic Beat its true identity; deeply-alluring spoken word that weaves in and out of the pair’s respective sound design elements.
We caught up with Landikhan to find out more…
Hi Landikhan, welcome to CelebMix! Could you tell a few words about yourself?
Hello everyone, my name is landikhan, electronic music producer and DJ from Madrid, passionate about sports and spending good times with the people I love.
Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind ‘Cosmic Beat’ and how the collaboration with Ed Is Dead came about?
Ed and I have been friends for a very long time. We had already collaborated on other occasions and we thought it was time to sit in the studio again and spend time together making music again. We wanted to make a song between deep house and electro, that was danceable but at the same time reminded us of some old songs that we like so much.
What was the production process like for ‘Cosmic Beat’? How did you and Ed Is Dead work together in the studio to create the track?
The process for the creation of “Cosmic Beat” was relatively simple, working with Ed is Dead is always a source of inspiration and constant learning and we understand each other very well in terms of concepts and musical tastes.
We were very clear about the direction that the song had to take and everything flowed very quickly and naturally.
‘Cosmic Beat’ is built on a foundation of deep tech percussion, ethnic tones, acid synths, and a mesmerizing vocal line. Can you talk us through some of the musical elements that went into the track and how you decided on them?
First of all we wanted the drums to sound vintage. If you look at the kick, the snares sound very oldschool. We needed the bass and subbass to sound very powerful so that the effect on the dance floor is devastating. These elements, plus the voices, were perfect and we continue working in that direction.
The acid and the break was a very important element in the breakdown, just to create tension before the drop and land on a super dancefloor song.
What kind of atmosphere or mood were you aiming to create with ‘Cosmic Beat’? How do you think it would be best enjoyed, whether in a club or at home?
The idea was to create a mysterious atmosphere, and the pads take you towards that kind of sensations. I definitely think it’s a 100 x 100 dancefloor track.
The press release mentions that this is your first collective opus with Ed Is Dead since your days with Odille Lima under the outfit alias E.B.O. How does it feel to be working together again after so many years?
It is a real pleasure to work with Ed again. He is one of my favorite artists as well as one of my best friends, hopefully we can make more tracks together and play together again in the very near future. We understand music in a similar way and playing together is an explosive cocktail.
What do you think makes you and Ed Is Dead such good collaborators? How do your musical backgrounds and influences complement each other?
As I told you before, we have similar perspectives on music and we agree on many musical tastes, whether in electronics or in other types of genres, that is a very easy meeting point when it comes to putting an idea together. We listen to all kinds of music and artists and of very varied genres, we are always attentive to discover new music
Finally, what do you hope listeners will take away from ‘Cosmic Beat’? Are there any themes or messages in the track that you want to convey?
We hope that this summer you will not stop dancing to the sound of Cosmic Beat. It is a track prepared for the enjoyment of the dance floor and we hope to see many happy faces when it is playing
Can you tell us more about your plans for 2023?
To continue making music and in the near future to be able to play together as before. I’m sure it will happen :)