Sea To Sun & Anton Bass – VMM The Label feature
Whether it’s hitting the highs in the UK’s influential Music Week Club Charts, or crashing into the Billboard Dance Airplay Charts, hosting debut parties at the Miami WMC, or tearing up your local dancefloor, one thing for sure Sea To Sun Recordings is one of the most exciting labels to come out of New York for a long time. In little over a year, a label set up to showcase the best new talent that the New York electronic music scene has to offer, which has now become a trusted and respected name for DJs and dance music lovers around the world. With a string of quality releases and a consistently creative approach to A & R, Sea To Sun has forged a reputation that should have taken many years to build and earn. VMM Interviews the team behind Sea To Sun that was founded by Sylvia Tosun, a prodigious songwriting & performer, trained at the Juilliard School of Music. Sylvia collaborated with the producer musician Anton Bass who then decided to join forces to turn Sea To Sun into a world beating electronic music label. Anton became president of A & R bringing years of experience in various areas of the music industry to the label. With this magic combination and creative approach Sea To Sun soon develop and stand out in a crowded marketplace. VMM finds out what’s in store with new releases from the Sea to Sun imprint and get a preview of what’s will hit the dance floors and download portals in 2011.
The Interview:
VMM: Hi there we hope the VMM finds you well!
Anton Bass :Yes, thank you! Although I am a bit worn out from a lot of travelling and craziness this month….
VMM Q: The VMM would like to ask can you tell us your story about how the Sea To Sun Recordings concept began?
Anton Bass :Initially, Sylvia Tosun launched Sea to Sun as a label to release her own music. I was introduced to Sylvia in mid-2007 to collaborate with and produce for her. The first song we wrote together was her single “Underlying Feeling”. We both felt something very special occurring in that collaborative process and that inspired us to explore working with each other in a deeper capacity. Sylvia entrusted me to map out the strategy in putting together the remix package, promotion, etc… Thankfully, the results were excellent! I managed to get a fantastic remix package including a very timely mix from Adam K & Soha who were really buzzing at the time. Their remix helped gain the support of Armin van Buuren among many other very notable dj’s, was a big success on Beatport, and gained a ton of USA dance radio support (reaching #13 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Airplay chart). The entire experience and process that we went through for “Underlying Feeling” became our template and laid out the groundwork for Sea to Sun Recordings as it is today.
VMM Q: Can you tell the VMM about some of the artists that are currently signed to Sea To Sun Recordings roster?
Anton Bass :Sylvia Tosun is an incredible vocalist, both live and in the studio. The texture of her voice is very distinctive and the power and range she’s able to deliver is unmatched in my opinion. However, she has the ability to sing very soft and intimately in a way that really draws you in…. These dynamics are what set her apart from most vocalists. Her current Above All EP gives a preview of her forthcoming album. We anticipate the album being delivered by Fall 2011 and in addition to some of the cuts on her latest EP, there are a few beautiful non-dance (although still electronic influenced) songs that display an even deeper range of Sylvia’s song writing and artistic prowess. The entire project is Executive Produced and Mix Engineered by 4 time Grammy winner Tom Lord-Alge.
Sted-E & Hybrid Heights are our two rapidly rising stars! Their production and remix skills are stellar, and their dj sets are even better! We just got back from WMC in Miami where they were booked for 5 gigs and wound up doing 8…. Including sets for Toddy Terry, Mr. V, etc… Their remix of Sylvia Tosun’s “Above All” was tremendous for our label. They’ve just delivered their newest single called “Up n Down” which we’ll be setting up in time for a Summer release.
Traci Lords is about turn some heads when they hear her first musical release in many years. Not only is she still stunningly beautiful, but I was just out in LA producing this extremely hot song for her called “Last Drag”. The song is a cross between Goldfrapp and No Doubt. It’s edgy, fun, and very cool!
Some other upcoming releases that Sea to Sun has licensed include Ron Reeser & Dan Saenz feat. Jennifer Karr “City of Kings”, The House Rejects feat. Rachel Claudio “Music is a Savior”, Bassmonkeys & Dominatorz feat. Amanda Wilson “Don’t throw it away”, and Coronao “Fly Away”.
VMM Q: For the new listener that is just discovering Sea To Sun Recordings for the first time can you describe the labels sound today, and what genres do you feel fit your label imprint in 2011?
Anton Bass :Many of our initial releases were in the Progressive House genre. However, we’ve always strived to deliver diverse remix packages to satisfy a wide array of dancefloors. Currently, I think our sound is a bit broader, but for the most part we’re very vocal driven. We do have exceptions including some stellar instrumental releases from Sted-E & Hybrid Heights.
VMM Q: Can you tell the VMM what is a typical day like for a member of your Sea To Sun A&R team?
Anton Bass :I am basically the only actual A&R for the label, although I do strongly value the tastes and opinions of the rest of my team 
We’re all constantly multi-tasking and with a continual schedule of events and releases most days are pretty intense. My day usually starts out at 7am with a cup of coffee and the opening of my laptop. Since a lot of my business dealings are with the UK and the rest of Europe, I usually wake up to anywhere between 50-100 emails ranging from licensing opportunities, collaboration requests, booking inquiries, promotion updates, sales reports, etc.. I usually like to respond to 1 email at a time in chronological order. Otherwise, I’ll never get back to it because as I’m going through the process new emails continue to flow in. In between all this, I often schedule Skype video conferences with our UK reps or other business associates. Usually by noon I’m relatively caught up with emails and then begin going over any contracts while I listen to music promos or submitted productions and remixes. Inevitably, nearly everyday several curveballs are thrown at me and immediate issues require attention. Most days I continue working on label stuff till at least 9pm.
VMM Q: The VMM would like to know if someone wanted a career in the Record business as a member of the Sea To Sun Recordings team what do you look for and who should they contact to offer their info too?
Anton Bass :I look for individuals who have great organizational skills and are internet and computer savvy. Having some specific expertise with HTML or other general business skills is definitely a huge plus. On a creative level, if you’re a talented programmer, engineer, producer, writer, or artist then show me your best stuff! Your work will speak for itself. Contact info@seatosunc.om
VMM Q: Can you tell the VMM what new releases will be coming out in the coming months on Sea To Sun Recordings can you list them and give us a bit of information on these releases?
Anton Bass :
• Oscar P & Greg Stainer “Ride”: This has just been release this month and has gotten a lot of great dj support. The Sted-E & Hybrid Heights remix is currently climbing up the Beatport Tech House chart (top 50), and the release is currently #38 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Chart (and climbing).
• Sylvia Tosun & David Vendetta “World Keeps Turning”: David Vendetta did a a brilliant version of Sylvia’s song and we decided to promote and release his club and dub version on it’s own separate from the other remixes of “World Keeps Turning”. We haven’t set the release date yet, but it’s already buzzing with some big dj’s and looking to be a big one during Ultra Fest Week! However, we also have Alex M.O.R.P.H. & Chriss Ortega, Sted-E & Hybrid Heights, Bellatrax, and Tom Noize versions of the same song that will be following soon.
• Sted – E & Hybrid Heights “Up & Down”: This is a big room banger with Big Synth chords and stellar sonic quality and groove. A vocal version will follow with 2 in Room rapper Dose laying down a slick lyric. It’s very cool, but still commercially accessible I think. These guys are about to really make a huge impact on the international dance scene!
• The House Rejects feat. Rachel Cluadio “Music is a Savior”: Amazing soulful vocal on this one, with big progressive synth chords and a sexy groove. Licensed this from Spain and loved it instantly! We’ll be releasing this in May.
• Ron Reeser & Dan Saenz feat. Jennifer Karr “City of Kings”: Cool commercial leaning AfroJack influenced tack with a great catchy vocal! I expect some nice radio support on this one! Coming in June…
• Bassmonkeys & Dominatorz feat. Amanda Wilson “Don’t Throw it Away”: Vocals from Amanda. Need I say more?
• Tom Noize feat. Marcie “Till u come again”: This has a dark and Mysterious cool vibe that really drew me in. Marcie’s vocal is very compelling on this one.
VMM Q: The VMM would like you to tell us more information about the project with the Actress Traci Lords?
Anton Bass :Traci Lords is about turn some heads when they hear her first musical release in many years. Not only is she still stunningly beautiful, but I was just out in LA producing this extremely hot song for her called “Last Drag”. The song is a cross between Goldfrapp and No Doubt. It’s edgy, fun, and very cool! We were introduced to Traci by celebrity photographer Mike Ruiz who is a mutual friend of ours. Traci was great to work with in the studio! I’m currently accepting some track submissions and looking for a cool track to possibly include on her upcoming EP. I think I found a couple of hot ones that we’re considering, but still looking for options….
VMM Q: Sea To Sun Recordings host many events these days so can you tell us what events will be in the 2011 calendar that we can look out for?
Anton Bass :Right now we’re on the final stretch run of preparation for our Global Frequency Miami 2011 event on March 23rd. The event stars BT along with David Vendetta, Alex M.O.R.P.H., Sted-E & Hybrid Heights, and myself. Hosted by Sylvia Tosun and Tom Lord Alge. We’ve managed to bring on board some excellent sponsors. It’s a private VIP event at a private location on the Venetian Bay in South Beach Miami. It will be a cool blend of amazing music, complimentary food and drinks, gorgeous women, etc… We ran a fan contest to win access and 50 lucky people were chosen as winners. Oh, and the event is being broadcasted live on Sirius XM satellite radio. After we get through with this event we’ll need a couple of weeks to recover and then consider what other events to plan this year. Most likely we’ll do something cool in Amsterdam this year during ADE.
VMM Q: Can you tell the budding DJ producer what do you look for in a track that you may decide to sign to Sea To Sun Recordings?
Anton Bass : Would I play it in one of my dj sets? That’s the first question I ask myself when listening to something new. It has to sonically be great (the mixdown). There needs to be something definable and distinctive about it… a catchy hook and a great groove with the beats. The arrangement has to flow well…..
VMM Q: The VMM would like to know where can budding up and coming dj producers send there unsigned material for you’re Sea To Sun A&R team to hear ?
Anton Bass :
Info@SeaToSun.com Please send an email with a link where I can stream the track with the option to download. I hate getting just a download link. It takes up too much time out of my busy schedule and I’m more likely to not listen to your submission. Make it easy for me. Also, please be aware of the music on my label and only send tracks that you think would be a good fit….
Cheers, Anton Bass
We wish you all the best for the rest of 2011 for all your releases and Sea to Sun projects around the globe and thanks for speaking to the VMM.
Also check out the Exclusive free Anon Bass DJ mix download.
click to download @ VMM SOUND CLOUD
