Twitter puts Madeaux on fast track

It still happens the old fashioned way sometimes. Deals are brokered and contracts are signed in backstage greenrooms or corporate offices. But it’s becoming far more commonplace for these things to get hashed-out on places like Facebook or Twitter.

That’s exactly what happened with Madeaux (aka Andrew Berman). It was the Miami-born/LA-based producer’s self-produced 2014 “Love The Machine” EP that caught the ear of Fool’s Gold label head/DJ A-Track (Alain Macklovitch). But after an exchange of social media follows and follow-backs, it was a Twitter DM that brought the young artist onto the team.

It didn’t take long for him to contribute to the electronic music family. Berman’s Fool’s Gold debut, the six-track “New Wav” EP, was released in September.

Featuring collaborations with Kaleena Zanders, Vada, and A-Track himself, Madeaux’s mix of synth-infused dance, hip-hop bass, and future house draw from a variety of inspirations.

The newfound exposure that came with his Fool’s Gold signing also helped to land Madeaux one spot from the top on DJ Mag’s “20 DJs to Watch in 2016.” Perhaps most importantly, it was his new album’s originality that earned him their nod. They had this to say about the “New Wav” EP:

“Madeaux is reminiscent - with the exception of himself - of no one ... which is a breath of fresh air in such a crowded scene. It’s a ‘new wav’ indeed.”

Madeaux

When: 9 p.m. Jan. 15

Where: Bang Bang, 526 Market St., San Diego

Cost: $5-10

Online: bangbangsd.com

But as it is these days with producer/DJs, Berman has continued to churn out new music while “New Wav” is still gaining traction. In addition to his work with Fool’s Gold, Madeaux’s songs and remixes have been released by Hegemon and Dim Mak - some of them nearing half a million plays after only a month. And there’s much more on the horizon.

Keeping with his desire to “push the envelope” of EDM, Berman has already completed his next Fool’s Gold EP - a collaboration with Atlanta rapper and label mate ManMan Savage.

As a suddenly in-demand producer, it’s impossible to know exactly what else the young artist has in store.

However, by eschewing the popular sounds of big room house and establishing his live act as a hybrid of DJing and performance, Berman is successfully setting the Madeaux name apart. It’s just probably a good idea to see him now before huge festivals are the only remaining option.

Scott McDonald is a writer, on-air personality and consultant with 15 years of experience in the San Diego music scene. He has interviewed hundreds of artists, from the legendary to the underground, for print and television. Follow McDonald and his melodic musings on Twitter @eight24_ or Instagram @scotteight24. Send your music musts to scotteight24@gmail.com

Source: DiscoverSD