Author: Darren Ressler

Ryuichi Sakamoto Diagnosed With Cancer For Second Time

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Renowned Oscar-winning Japanese composer/musician Ryuichi Sakamoto known for his groundbreaking body of work in Yellow Magic Orchestra and as a solo artist has been diagnosed with rectal cancer.

According to a statement posted on his website, Sakamoto, 69, received the diagnosis in 2020. He says he underwent surgery earlier this month and is currently recovering.

“I will continue to work as much as I can while in treatment,” Sakamoto said in the message.

“Due to these circumstances, travelling long distances for work will be difficult. Still, I will continue to work as much as I can during treatment … From now on, I will be living alongside cancer. But, I am hoping to make music for a little while longer.”

Sakamoto was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014. He took a one-year hiatus to focus on treatment.

image via Facebook

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Premiere: Unified Highway – The Truth (SubDocta Remix)

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Today Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were sworn into office. After four years of lies, incompetence, hatred, racism, nepotism, misinformation and 24/7 ill will from the previous president and his administration, America’s 46th president and vice president took their solemn oaths. They pledged a return to transparency, decency and to uphold the Constitution of the United States of America. The relief in the air is palpable.

“What are the common objects we as Americans love, that define us as Americans? I think we know,” said Biden during his inaugural address. “Opportunity, security, liberty, dignity, respect, honor and yes, the truth.”

As luck would have it, today we’re pleased to world premiere SubDocta’s bass-heavy remix of Unified Highway’s appropriately titled “The Truth.” The original version appears on the duo’s well-received second album, Headlines, released in 2020 on Easy Star Records.

SubDocta ups the tempo and amplifies the soulful, heartfelt ragga vibes crafted by Unified Highway — Rebelution vocalist/guitarist Eric Rachmany and DJ/producer/remixer Amp Live (formerly of Zion I) — and propels “The Truth” into the dubstep stratosphere.

As the song says, “Don’t be scared ‘cause someone told you / Use your intuition / Fear is a condition.”

Hit the play button below, and be sure to check the full release on January 22.

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Private Equity Firm Completes Purchase of Native Instruments

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Tech-focused private equity firm Francisco Partners announced today it had completed the acquisition of Berlin-based Native Instruments, a global manufacturer of software and hardware for computer-based audio production and DJing.

Financial details surrounding the transaction were not disclosed.

As part of the terms of the acquisition, investors EMH Partners and the founding shareholders will remain onboard as minority shareholders.

Founded in 1996, NI currently employees 400 staffers in seven offices worldwide.

Obligatory press release gush from Constantin Koehncke, CEO of Native Instruments: “There’s never been a more exciting time in music, with more creators producing more high-quality music all around the world. We’re thrilled to team up with Francisco Partners to enter the next phase of our journey, combining their global resources and expertise with our passionate team, deep relationships within music and proven track record of technical innovation. Together we can realize our mission to empower and inspire the global community of music creators and help them to unlock their creative potential.”

Obligatory press release gush from Matt Spetzler, co-head Europe and partner at Francisco Partners: “As an innovator in digital music creation, with a supreme brand recognition and outstanding software technology, Native Instruments is a perfect platform and partner for Francisco Partners. We look forward to working together with the management team and the existing shareholder group, utilizing our broad operational and strategic experience and M&A capabilities to help the company accelerate its growth trajectory.”

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Di Saronno January 2021 Chart

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1. Di Saronno Meets Gangs Of Naples – Way Down Yonder – Fogbank
2. Di Saronno – Money Hustle – InStereo Recordings
3. Di Saronno – Lady With The Mask – Glasgow Underground
4. Houseswingers – Got Some Lovin’ – Launch Entertainment
5. Houseswingers – Swing In My Head – CRMS
6. DuBeats, Bondar – Through Change – Glasgow Underground
7. Paul Rudder – Mind Drifting – Shall Not Fade
8. Blaze feat. Palmer Brown – Do You Remember House? (Harry Romero Remix) Slip’N’Slide
9. AFAMoo – Jazz In My House – Nurvous
10. Jazzman Wax, Fred Dekker – USB Girl – Robsoul

DJs, submit your top 10 chart along with a photo and we’ll publish.

No paywalls, free to all. Help us remain 100% independent and unbiased. Please give to Big Shot by making a secure one-time donation to help us continue covering DJ culture and electronic music like we’ve done since 2003.