Meet the winner of Mixmag and Edmwarrior’s Make It: House competition, BiteCrash
We chat with the first winner of our production competition challenging emerging artists to showcase their creativity and prowess in the studio
We’re challenging dance music producers and emerging artists from all over the world to showcase their creativity and production prowess by entering our brand new series of competitions, named Make It, in collaboration with the world's largest EDM ghost production marketplace Edmwarriors.
Last month, we put producers to the test in the first of four competitions, this time focusing on house music. The rules were simple: download some free stems from three tracks provided by Edmwarriors, utilise them in an original track, and most importantly, get creative. All tracks submitted had to fit in the house genre, or any of its sub-genres.
We received plenty of original music in styles ranging from garage house to big room, with a rolling house cut from Mind Echoes, a dancefloor stormer from Skahigan, a euphoric tech house track from Buogo, a huge house cut from BiteCrash, and a choppy house track from Strakosha. Each of these artists made our shortlist, which you can check out below.
After a hard decision, we landed on one winner: BiteCrash. The selection process was made by the teams at both Mixmag and Edmwarriors, who searched for the most dynamic and creative house track making use of the stems provided in a new and fresh way.
Hamed Kaviani, also known as BiteCrash, is a passionate producer who began his journey in 2014 using FL Studio. Initially exploring dubstep, his style eventually evolved to house music, influenced by artists like Space Laces and Virtual Riot. His music blends modern festival energy with nostalgia, reminiscent of the sounds of labels like STMPD Records and Hexagon.
Listen to BiteCrash’s winning track below, and check out a Q&A with him to find out about his journey as a producer.
Can you introduce yourself and describe your journey as a music producer and artist?
My name is Hamed Kaviani, and I'm a passionate music producer and artist. My journey into the world of music production began in 2014 when I stumbled upon an ad on a news blog that proclaimed itself as the "best music production software". This caught my attention because I'd always been deeply interested in music since childhood.
I've always admired the works of Hans Zimmer and many other musical legends. My love for music was further fuelled when my brother and I played Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 for the first time in 2009. The game's soundtrack captivated us, and it was then that I knew I wanted to become a music composer one day.
What sparked your interest in music production, and how did you begin?
In early 2014, I took my first steps towards this dream by starting to work with FL Studio. I quickly fell in love with the process of creating music. While I was initially interested in scoring cinematic music, the dubstep trend at the time caught my attention and became the first genre I explored.
Over the years, I honed my skills in sound design and music production. By 2018, my musical tastes had evolved, and I found myself deeply enamoured with house music. Since then, I've dedicated myself to this genre, continuously striving to create unique and captivating tracks that resonate with listeners.
My journey has been one of constant learning and evolution, and I'm excited to see where it takes me next. Music is not just a career for me; it's a lifelong passion that drives me to create, innovate, and connect with people around the world.
Where do you find your inspiration, and who or what has influenced your music style?
I find my inspiration from a variety of sources. Festivals and live performances play a huge role in fuelling my creativity. Watching videos of massive music festivals, especially those featuring artists like Excision and Martin Garrix, provides a lot of energy and ideas. The atmosphere, the crowd’s reaction, and the overall experience of these events are incredibly inspiring.
When it comes to influences on my music style, two key artists stand out: Space Laces and Virtual Riot. Their innovative approach to sound design and their ability to create unique, powerful tracks have had a significant impact on me. I respect their work immensely and have learned a lot from studying their techniques.
Additionally, I have a strong affinity for vintage sounds. I often use samples and elements from the past because I love giving my tracks a nostalgic vibe. This blend of modern festival energy and retro influences helps shape my unique sound.
What message do you hope your music conveys to your audience?
I hope my music conveys a sense of excitement, joy, and energy to my audience. I want my tracks to make listeners feel alive and thrilled, creating memorable experiences through sound.
What are your plans as a producer? Can you give us a sneak peek at your upcoming releases?
As a producer, my plans involve continuing to refine my skills and expand my reach. I'm focused on ghost production right now, but I also have a self-released EP album coming out this year, which I’m very excited about. This EP will showcase my versatility and creativity, giving my audience a taste of what I’m capable of. And my goal for the next year is to enter and release music in STMPD Records. Sneak peek at my upcoming releases: expect high-energy tracks with innovative sounds and catchy melodies. I’m experimenting with different genres and styles to keep things fresh and exciting.
Want to get involved in the next competition? We’re launching the next round, Make It: Techno, very soon, so keep your eyes peeled on both Mixmag and Edmwarriors' socials to find out more information. Keep up to date on all the ongoing competition here.