Mastiksoul Live @ Tudela – Club Noboo
Big underground house/tribal sound on this one with some killer tracks… A bit long in places but worth a download 
Sep
2
Sep
1
Ne-Yo – “Beautiful Monster” (LOOPERS Remix)
New remix of Ne-Yo’s worldwide smash, “Beautiful Monster“. It was recently featured on Hype Machine and has been getting a lot of love online. This is a huge club hit and great record for any dutch house fan. LOOPERS is also busy in the studio now working on a remix to Kelis’s next single. I’ll post it as soon as it’s cooked up!
Sep
1
Got my hands on the promo this week; gotta love house! Solid tracks but my favorites are the Latin summer flavor of the Guti Rmx and the deep David K Rmx. The And.ID Rmx twists into some dark tech-house grooves… Killer! Some good stuff here, all the mixes are strong but unique and the vox of Roland Clark really work with the vibe. Stay Tuned: Release Date 25 Oct 2010.
Press Release:
VIVa MUSiC delivers another example of why it is a leading light for all things underground, this time with label manager Steve Lawler releasing an EP that epitomises his vision for quality electronic productions. Featuring on ‘Gimme Some More’ is house music’s laureate Roland Clark, who is on hand to add his signature deep soulful vocals to Lawler’s erotic beats.
The original mix sees Lawler stay true to the groove, with a warm base-line driving a signature arrangement of drums that intertwine perfectly to create a platform for Clark to deliver a paean to the music he obviously loves dearly. His deep harmony invites the listener to delve deep into the music he holds so close to his heart. The rhythmic chant of ‘Gimme Some More’ demands Lawler to open his musical psyche further so listeners can fully lose themselves.
The EP also comprises remixes from a variety of underground house and techno artists whom Steve shares a synergy with. VIVa stalwarts Audiofly are on hand with a remix and a dub version, whilst fellow VIVa wizards Mendo and David K also give their take on the track. The EP is rounded off with And.ID and Guti remixes that complete a truly breathtaking package.
Sep
1
Sander Van Doorn B2B Marco V: SW4 Weekender (08/28/10)
01. Marco V – Automanual
02. Claudia Cazacu – Solar Flare (Original Mix)
03. ???
04. ???
05. Moguai – Oyster (Michael Woods Remix)
06. Laidback Luke – My G*O*D – Guns On Demo (Original Mix)
07. Marco V & Sander van Doorn – Organic (Original Mix)
08. Rex Mundi – Opera Of Northern Ocean (Phynn Remix)
09. Dyor vs. iiO – Positive Rapture (Myon and Shane 54 Mashup Theta Recon)
10. Sander van Doorn – Renegade (Club Mix)
11. Marco V – Simulated 2010 (Orginal Mix)
12. The Killers – Spaceman (Sander van Doorn Mix – part 2)
13. Marco V – Red Blue Purple
14. John O’Callaghan feat. Sarah Howells – Find Yourself (Heatbeat Remix/JOC Rework)
15. Club Scene Investigators – Direct Dizko (Sander van Doorn Remix)
Aug
31
For years Tiesto has been electronic music’s whipping boy and the butt of jokes in DJ circles… From his propagating of “teh trance aids” to the almighty “Jesus Pose” and his lackluster mixing abilities, he has been the one people love to hate.
But that’s so 2008!
The times are a-changing, and the Deadmau5 hate club has built just as fast as his rise to fame.
But does it really matter? Tiesto is still one of the world’s top booked (and paid) jocks. And as much hate as the Mau5 gets, he’s got more fans than ever. Sure, his social media tiff with Rusko drew some criticism, and his recent collapse during a show had people saying some pretty tasteless things, but let’s face it, the Mau5 has it going on. Hit singles, huge albums, sold-out shows, world tours, and kids everywhere making Mau5-heads. A record deal with Virgin. A chance to be the official MTV Music Awards DJ. And the list goes on and on…
SELL-OUTS:
I’d say a large part of the hate comes from those people that don’t like anything or anyone once it gets too big. Some will argue once (or even “if”) an artist has mainstream or commercial success he has sold out; has abandoned the Fans for the Fame. Has become lazy. Or any of the other tired and usually untrue (but not always, mind you) excuses the haters will toss out for not liking somebody. But is selling out (if this is even the case) always bad? No — but I’ll pick this up in a later post…
FRESHNESS:
People want to be the first in their circle to discover something new. And when too many people know about it, they move on to the next new thing. Simple.
It may also be about over-exposure. If an artist is everywhere you look, if the music is in everyone’s mix and monthly charts, if the jock is constantly being talked about on the web, then some people might get turned off. This happens in Top 40 radio all the time. Even the good songs, when played every hour, every day, get old fast. People stop listening.
But the more exposure an artist gets — the more ears he reaches — usually means the more new members will join the tribe. You’ve got to take the good with the bad.
ATTITUDE:
Sometimes fame gets to people. It makes them cocky or overconfident. It makes them paranoid. It takes them off “The Streets” and puts them in “The Tower” or simply puts a wedge between the artist and the fans. Not always, but this is often the case. Unintentional? Usually. Unavoidable? Sometimes. But some level of frustration is understandable, even expected. It’s hard to find somebody that isn’t affected by the constant pressure to always be on top, not to mention the stress fans and media could cause… But that’s the price you pay. Right?
Sure, some artists are able to paste a smile up for the Public and hold everything back while the cameras are rolling. But for how long?
THE MUSIC:
Or it could simply be the music.
Yes, maybe the early projects by the artist were indeed better. It’s all relative, I suppose. I love early stuff from Bad Boy Bill but can’t stand his recent sound. Has the artist changed his style, or has the sound or scene changed, making the artist adapt? Probably a bit of both. After all, an artist that isn’t constantly experimenting, trying new things, and pushing the envelope a bit further than his last project probably won’t have the longevity of someone who does. These are the flash-in-the-pan guys. The one hit wonders.
Then again, push too hard, too far, too fast, and you may lose just as many fans. There is a fine line between genius and insanity, after all. And if you’re going to walk the line you need to be ready to fall. You need to be ready to take the good and the bad. Take the critics with the fans.
And don’t take things too personally.
Aug
31
Chuckie: Dirty Dutch Radio (08/28/10)
The Dirty Dutch sound is back on the Digital Dancefloor this week with the newest mix from Chuckie… But how many drops do you need in a mix? More drops than tracks, that’s for sure… Two to one at least… Ease up, buddy.
Aug
30
Interview with UK champ, DJ Jeppa
With the spectre of the DMC World DJ Championships looming on Sunday 17th October, DJs from all over the world are surely locked in their basements, perfecting their turntablist arts while wearing nothing but their socks and power underwear. We spoke with the UK Champion, DJ Jeppa, about the competition, his personal DJ philosophy and the best way to fend off a pack of ninjas using vinyls and a man’s raw grit.
What does it mean to you to be representing the UK in the World DJ Championships?
“Representing the UK and being back in the DMC World Championships means so much because I have always thought and dreamed about it happening for years and I just find it amazing that it actually is!”
Who do you think is your biggest competition? Any up-and-comers who you think might surprise us?
“Probably my biggest competition will be the Americans, French and the Japanese. I think the ones to watch out for this year is DJ Mandrayq, DJ Impact, Ligone and DJ Shifftee.”
What can you do that nobody else can? Any tricks up your sleeve?
“I’ve been practicing more body tricks—well, trying anyway! Not so many DJs are doing them these days.”
Could you explain how the DJ Championships work? Are there DJ battles? Is it round robin style? Do you spin to the death? Who judges?
“Okay, there are two competitions in DMC. You have the actual DMC World Final and you have the World Battle for Supremacy! To get to the World Final you have to apply for the regional heats, and you have to be placed first or maybe second to get to the UK final by doing a six-minute routine. Then you have to win the UK to be put in the worlds. When you get to the world final you have to do a three minute elimination round which will be your time to impress the judges! If you are successful you will have six minutes in the world final! For the battle for supremacy, you have two rounds of ninety seconds to beat the competitor!”
What’s the atmosphere backstage like? Tense? Or is there more of a sense of fraternity than we might expect?
“I think for the up-and-coming DJs, it can be nerve-wracking; I’ve been doing it for a few years now so I’m kind of getting used to it. I can remember in 2006 they had the London heat at fabric and we all had to chill in the back room to wait for our names to be called—that was pretty tense.”
Are DJ skills the only important part of the competition, or does personality also play into it?
“Well, I would say it is mainly DJ skills that will get you far in the competition but personality can help too! When I DJ, I try to look confident and try to have good showmanship!”
Are you worried about being sabotaged by any competitors, Nancy Kerrigan-style?
“(Laughs) No, not really. People do joke about that sort of stuff though. But if anyone wants to try it, they’ll lose.”
Who are you heroes in the turntablism world?
“To name a few, there’s Roc Raida, DJ Tigerstyle, Netic, DJ Rafic, A-Trak and Craze. But I have lots of heroes.”
What advice do you have for aspiring turntablists?
“The only advice I can give is practice practice practice!”
Last one. You’re shopping for groceries at Tesco when you get ambushed by a gang of ninjas, and your only defense is to DJ at a set of turntables that are conveniently located in the frozen foods section. What records do you drop or moves do you pull that will pacify them?
“I would pull ‘Everyboby is Kung Fu Fighting’ by Carl Douglas—the dubstep remix—while beat juggling Michael Jackson’s ‘Beat It’, at the same time as moonwalking around them using vinyls as weapons!”
Aug
30
Electro House. Yes, I know I go thru these phases, but sometimes the electro just hooks me and I have to share. Check out the newest from Hatiras…
Press Release:
Alright, the next massive Hatiras release has officially been announced. This one is a bouncey electro/house/hip hop fusion called “Booty Bounce“. It features the vocals of Malik (from the infamous Outhere Brothers), a slammin’ remix by Lazy Rich and remix parts (vocals, drums and synth) for your remixing pleasure. Already supported by DJ bigwigs like DJ Dan, Calvertron, Judge Jules, Bam Bam, Bad Boy Bill, MC Flipside, Larry Tee, Vandalism and more! Drop this and watch them booties bounce. As usual, we thank you for your continued support!
Aug
30
Tomcraft: August 2010 Promo Mix
01. Tim Healey & Tomcraft – My People
02. Nicky Romero – Switched
03. James Monro – Unknown
04. Felguk – Side By Side
05. Felix Da Housecat – Thee Anthem
06. Quivver – Boom Boom
07. Tomcraft – Room 414 (Citizen Kain Remix)
08. Cirez D – Bauerpost
09. Ryan Riback – The Devil Claps
10. Far Too Loud – Banana Boy
11. Neelix – On The Run
12. Tomcraft – Room 414 (Can?t Get Away)
13. Tomcraft&Jerome Isma-Ae – Trouble In The
Redlightdistrict
14. Slim – Unknown
Aug
29
01: KNAS (Orig) _ Steve Angello (Size Records)
02: Half Steppin (Orig) _ Inland Knights (Bambino Recordings)
03: Here Comes the Killa _ Inland Knights (Bambino Recordings)
04: 80 Degrees (Orig Club Mix) _ Harry Choo Choo Romero (Toolroom)
05: Breathe (Orig) _ Milton Jackson (Neurotraxx)