My meanderings thru the minefield of Camera's, as well as audio and video equipment with a smattering of Photography and a pinch of Quadcopters. We recently returned to Music production and so you’ll be seeing Music making posts as well from now on. Checkout our Music on Spotify , Apple Music or your favorite Music site
Rezz (real name Isabelle Rezazadeh) has finally teased a release date for her collaboration with Yultron via Twitter.
The teased ID is Rezazadeh's usual fare, staying within in the realm of midtempo while making use of powerful dubstep growls fans of Yultron will recognize. This new weapon will certainly become a favorite for fans of both artists.
Earlier this year, Rezazadeh released her Beyond the Senses EP which was jam-packed with heaters, such as "Falling" with Underoath, "Lonely" featuring The Rigs, and "Dark Age." The Canadian producer also recently stunned fans with her highly anticipated collaboration with French producer Malaa, "Criminals."
Yultron's releases have been nonstop as of late, as he's collaborated with Kayzo and Of Mice & Men, Jay Park, and Kellin Quinn.
Martin Garrix and Dean Lewis showed fans how their collaboration came to fruition.
Martin Garrix and Dean Lewis have taken fans behind the scenes of how their hit record "Used To Love" was made. In the latest episode of the Martin Garrix Show, the two hit the studio in Amsterdam to show viewers the process.
Lewis, both the guitarist and vocalist on the record, started the session by laying down the guitar track. He came off of a rigorous tour and shared the need to "save" his voice for the second day of recording. Martin Garrix (real name Martijn Garritsen) was navigating an injury of his own during the recording process after sustaining an ankle injury during a performance at OMNIA Nightclubin Las Vegas, Nevada.
Despite the minor speed bumps, the two exchanged praises of each other's work and seemed to find natural synergy throughout the process.
The episode gives viewers a true behind-the-scenes look at creative decisions made during the recording process. Seeing footage of artists as proficient as Garritsen and Lewis working together to craft a final product makes the final listen of "Used To Love" all the more satisfying.
Watch The Martin Garrix Show's Season 4, Episode 4 titled "How We Made 'Used To Love'" to watch their plan unfold.
Released at the turn of the century, "One More Time" has kept worldwide audiences dancing ever since.
It's rare that quantifying the cultural impact of a single song becomes the topic of conversation, but when it comes to dance music "One More Time" is one such contribution worthy of the spotlight. Released by the elusive Daft Punk in November of 2000, "One More Time" went on to become the lifeblood of the duo's 2001 album Discovery.
Landing at the top of Mixmag's "What is the Greatest Dance Track of All Time?" and at #33 on Rolling Stone's Greatest Songs of the 200's, "One More Time" has been lauded by critics throughout the years. Perhaps Pitchforkexplained the song's success best in stating that "One More Time" managed to "distill 25 years of pop and house into five and a half minutes of first-time joy."
The record itself boils down to memorable vocals, clever sampling, and groundbreaking effects processing for its time. From an instrumental perspective, Eddie Johns' "More Spell on You" is believed to be the foundation for "One More Time." However, the effects driven transformation didn't stop there. Singer Romanthony had his vocals heavily distorted primarily with the addition of autotune to the track, a practice that was uncommon at the time.
Whether it was from their bold new approach, the song's inherent danceability, or even the vibrant music video featuring scenes from Interstella 5555, "One More Time" has stood the test of time and still invites worldwide audiences to take to the dance floor without fail after all these years.
Grimes (real name Claire Boucher) is proving herself to be a hot commodity as of late. Everyone is itching for a collaboration with the Canadian artist and this should come as no surprise. She caught global attention after breaking onto the scene independently back in the late 2000s as a jane of all trades producing, singing, and visually stylizing her releases.
After dropping a successful track with rising techno producer i_o titled "Violence" this September, she is back to announce a new collaboration between female powerhouse artists SOPHIE and Nina Kraviz called "Bio-Haque" due for release December 5th.
If this news wasn't exciting enough, a fellow Canadian artist was found lurking in the comment section, and boy did she spill some juicy news. That artist was none other than our favorite "Space Mom," Rezz. Back in September, the producer sent Twitter into a frenzy by sharing “Grimes and I are gonna snap on a track I JUST KNOW IT.” Based on her more recent tweet, it would seem she turned this prophecy into a reality, and we could not be more excited.
Though we don’t have a release date yet for the forthcoming Grimes and Rezz collaboration, it sounds like we won’t have to wait long. It warms the soul to hear so many new all-female collaborations are in the works. Stay tuned for more details on this upcoming release.
November is proving to be the best time of the year for deadmau5 fans. In the spirit of giving thanks, the mau5trap label head has dropped his third single in three weeks. Following the previously dropped tracks "SATRN" and "COASTED" is a new dark techno heater titled "FALL". One can only assume this constant stream of releases could mean something big is coming down the line.
The track opens with some squelchy, resonant bass as the production builds intensity. The unvarying minimalism fans have come to know and love from the producer sets an ominous tone for the rest of the track. As the synth work develops so too do the dark vibes.
"FALL" was teased earlier this week and fans were quick to notice the coordinates of the visuals. They seem to correspond to a venue in Dallas, Texas and an unknown location in New York City. At the time of writing, no announcement has been made as to whether this is in line with a new potential tour stop.
Joel Zimmerman, the man behind the mau5head, has kept busy this year with a successful run of his cubev3 tour. Aside from that, he has also released a film score for Polar and a remix compilation album titled here's the drop!. You can still catch him live while on tour. Find tickets here.
Time Warp USA saw standout sets from Amelie Lens, Peggy Gou, and more.
Time Warp USA is in the books, and the event brand's first Stateside gathering gave techno fans of NYC a night to remember. Occupying two massive rooms of the New York Expo Center over two days, the festival saw tenured tastemakers as well as promising up-and-comers deliver memorable performances.
Floor 1 was graced by the likes of more accessible selectors such as Richie Hawtin, Sven Väth, Maceo Plex and Loco Dice. Among the Floor 2 billings were minimal mainstays like Nina Kraviz, Sonja Moonear, and a rare U.S. appearance by Ricardo Villalobos. Amelie Lens arguably played the best set of the former room, with Peggy Gou leaving the most lasting impression on revelers in the latter.
Time Warp's inaugural 1994 edition brought such headliners as Speedy J, Laurent Garnier and John Acquaviva to Ludwigshafen, Germany. In the years since organizers have held events in cities like Vienna, Bremen and Prague - but the most common location has been Mannheim, Germany.
The two Dutch superstars have finally joined forces.
Since Armin van Buuren dropped his highly anticipated album, Balance, it was only a matter of time before his famous friends would deliver their own renditions. Today, Dutch electronic music all star Nicky Romero has given "Unlove You" featuring NE-YO a club rework. Though these two have been orbiting in similar circles for years, this is the first time they have released an official remix together.
For the remix, Nicky Romero (real name Nick Rotteveel) did what he does best and brought "Unlove You" to the big room house main stage. He stayed true to the original by keeping the verse and overall production the same but added in his signature progressive drop. The original and remix meld seamlessly with NE-YO's vocals shining at the forefront of this pop crossover. It's a track that keeps the energy high, dancing all night long.
On the topic of his "Unlove You" remix, Rotteveel said:
"Armin van Buuren and I have been colleagues for a long time, so it's about time we started working together. I was in the studio listening to the songs of his album Balance, and his track with Ne-Yo struck a chord with me. I coincidentally had a project open that matched the vibe and key of the record perfectly, so it was just meant to be. It's a magnificent song, and I'm glad I got to make it my own."
The remix looks to be the beginning of a beautiful partnership between the two Dutch producers. In an interview with Your EDM earlier this month, Rotteveel said that working with van Buuren is one of his dream collaborations. "...And actually it’s coming this year, finally," he said. "He’s obviously one of the most respected Dutch DJs and one of the legends in trance also. And, I feel like he contributed such an important thing to the music industry, and I’m finally able to work on a song with him. We had ideas for a long period of time, but now we found a song that we are probably going to put out. It’s not finished 100%, but we’re looking for the right vocal."
Rotteveel knows a thing or two about working with his fellow Dutch producers. Just this month he released a track with Mike Williams titled "Dynamite" featuring Amba Shepherd. The track stayed true to its name and already has over a million streams on Spotify. The Protocol Recordings label head has been championing the big room sound since the early 2010s. He's kept an impressively steady release pattern throughout his career. Check out his intimate three-part Redefine documentary series for a look inside the mind of this EDM superstar.
A collaboration with vocalist Karra, "The Other Side" is a combination of soaring pop flair and explosive progressive house production.
DJ/producer Grace Gracie hit the ground running in 2019, and she’s is only picking up speed as 2020 approaches. Her newest release “The Other Side” featuring vocalist Karra is quite an anthem, fit for a strong peak hour playlist.
Hailing from Las Vegas, Gracie certainly knows the secret to popping off a party as a hitmaker and is tearing her way to the top of her field in full force. “The Other Side” has a soaring pop flair to it, courtesy of Karra’s massive vocal, that creates a double-trouble force in one record alongside Gracie’s explosive progressive house production.
Gracie’s previous releases charted with EDM giants such as Marshmello, Tiësto and Martin Garrix, with over a million streams of her single “Feels Right” that dominated Apple Music and Spotify’s top playlists earlier this year. Not long after, she came out swinging with her dance floor heater “Feel My Love” to keep the fire burning in her white-hot trailblazing career.
Feast your ears on “The Other Side” and keep your eyes peeled for more from Grace Gracie, but try not to blink—she may be EDM’s fastest rising star.
Their upcoming album includes collaborations with Kygo and Sabrina Claudio.
The Chainsmokers (real names Andrew Taggart and Alex Pall) unveiled their collaboration with Blink 182 at a tour stop in L.A. The song goes by the title "P.S. I Hope You're Happy."
Taggart and Pall have been teasing the collaboration since January, but this was the first time fans got to hear it. "P.S. I Hope You're Happy" features both Taggart and Blink 182's unforgettable Mark Hoppus on vocals, making this one that fans in either camp will undoubtedly enjoy.
While the majority of tracks for their upcoming album, World War Joy, are already available, the full tracklist was recently revealed via their merch store. Alongside the six tunes that are already out, Taggart and Pall have a tune with Amy Shark entitled "The Reaper," "Family," with Kygo, "See The Way" with Sabrina Claudio, and their collaboration with Blink 182.
On November 29th, 2017, Porter Robinson debuted his Virtual Self project with an EP of its namesake.
Porter Robinson has been known to redefine himself every few years, and November 29th, 2017 marked just such a transformation. On that day, the Los Angeles-based producer released the first self-titled EP of his Virtual Self project.
According to Robinson, the seeds that grew into Virtual Self had been sewn as far back as 2015 - only a year after he wowed EDM fans with the introspective soundscapes of his definitive album, Worlds. He told DJ Mag that he derived inspiration for the new project from the trance, techno and drum and bass of a bygone era, digging for music from 2000-2003. "Worlds was all about video game nostalgia," he said. "But also, [Virtual Self is] not necessarily about my own personal nostalgia. It’s just that eras tend to come back.”
Fans were treated to the first taste of Virtual Self when Robinson shared "Eon Break" in October of 2017, followed by "Ghost Voices" the following month. When the five-song EP arrived in full, it received mixed reviews. Pitchfork was critical of its "funkless, hyperactive rhythms," whereas Billboard wrote that "the whole thing plays like a killer soundtrack to the best mid-2000s RPG Nintendo forgot to release."
In the end, though, Virtual Self only appears to have further cemented Robinson as one of the EDM world's sweethearts. In 2019 "Ghost Voices was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording, accompanied by songs by the likes of Diplo, Above & Beyond and FISHER. Later that year he would go on to announce his own curated gathering called Second Sky Music Festival - and had to expand its debut edition to two days after tickets sold out within minutes of going on sale.
Porter Robinson followed up Virtual Self with a single titled "Angel Voices" which came out in July of 2018.
The medical benefits of mushrooms are becoming difficult to overlook.
A matter of months after possession of psilocybin mushrooms was decriminalized in Denver, Colorado and Oakland, California, another major step has been made in their road to public accessibility. The U.S.Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given the entheogenic a "Breakthrough Treatment" designation, opening doors for further research into the substance's benefits for sufferers of major depressive disorder (MDD), better known simply as depression.
The designation acknowledges the strong preliminary evidence showing psilocybin's treatment potential for depression and offers "intensive guidance" from the FDA. It's the second time in just over a year that psilocybin was granted such a status; the last time was in October of 2018 after COMPASS Pathways determined the compound to aid those suffering from treatment-resistant depression.
Nonprofit research organization Usona Institute recently commenced a Phase 2 clinical trial in which 80 people will take a single, one-time dose of psilocybin orally. The purpose of the trial will be to determine how effectively the compound treats depression.
Researchers have been quick to point out that those with depression should not self-medicate with psilocybin as it is easy to confuse mushroom strains and difficult to determine proper dosage. Even in decriminalized cities, psilocybin mushrooms are still technically illegal by state and federal law throughout the U.S.
With less than four months out, Ultra's organizers are still finalizing contracts with the city of Miami
It's been four months since Ultra Music Festival announced their celebrated return to Bayfront Park in Downtown Miami, Florida. It has come to light that with only four months until the 2020 event, however, the event's organizers still have yet to enter into contracts with the city.
As reported by the Miami Herald, Ultra's organizers have not signed licensing agreements necessary for the event to take place in Bayfront Park. Beyond that, they also must meet deadlines once the contract is signed that include payments, permits, and a traffic management plan. A statement on behalf of the Miami City Commission simply says, "We are actively working to finish up the agreement.”
The inaugural Ultra Music Festival took place in 1999 in Collins Park on Miami Beach. In 2001 the event relocated to Bayfront Park, where it had taken place annually (save for a stint at Bicentennial Park from 2006-2011) until the Commission downvoted its 2019 return. After a tumultuous one-off event in Virginia Key, Ultra's organizers announced plans to leave Miami, prompting the city's lawmakers to lure them back for 2020.
Ultra Music Festival will take place from March 20th-22nd, 2020. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the event website.
It starts gradually enough... First, top 40 music becomes even more unbearable than before. Then, your Spotifyplaylists shed all that normie music you learned from your dad and college girlfriend. You try to get your fix by going to music festivals and surrounding yourself with it, bathing in it — alas! That, too, is not enough. Your hunger for electronic music simply cannot be sated by listening alone. You have transcended (Or perhaps been cursed?)! Now it’s time to shop for your first pieces of DJ equipment.
Read on to discover some of the best beginner DJ gear. Each category is split into a budget-friendly vs higher-end alternative. Whatever the choices, picking one item from each category will create a full package that will carry any DJ through their early years of mixing and producing.
DJ Controllers
In days of yore, the primary way for DJs to spin their music was by connecting two turntables stacked with vinyls to a central mixer. These days, DJ controllers fuse these independent pieces of gear into a single board and interface directly with a computer and software.
1. Pioneer DDJ-200 - $149
The PioneerDDJ-200 is the only exclusively-beginner item on this list. It is a compact controller aimed at those who are taking their first half-step into the world of DJing. The DDJ-200 has a plethora of tutorial features, and it interfaces directly with many streaming platforms, which means no local music is necessary to mix a set.
2. Serato DDJ-SB3 / Rekordbox DDJ-400 - $249
The DDJ-SB3 and DDJ-400 are two of the most fully fledged, beginner-friendly DJ controllers. They offer all of the basic functions necessary to DJ at the professional level and quite a few bonus features as well (pre-programmed scratching, fading, etc.). Both controllers are very similar, with the biggest difference being their use of Seratoversus rekordbox software.
3. XDJ-RX2 - $1,699
At the pro level, the standard hardware is two to four CDJs connected to a central mixer, with each individual piece costing north of $2,000. The XDJ-XZ inhabits the middle ground between the DDJ and CDJ models. It's an all-in-one device that's more complex than its smaller brethren, but won't require a small loan to acquire.
Headphones
A DJ without headphones might as well be a DJ without ears, but shelve those Bose, Beats, and silly looking Skullcandy headphones. Anyone serious about their music should have cans that are analytical and precise.
1. Audio Technica ATH-M50x - $129
Audio Technica is an company known for making high-quality, versatile gear that won't break the bank. Their ATH-M50x headphones are no different. These headphones are professional monitors with a flat response that can be used for all types of music and mixing.
2. V-Moda Crossfade m100 - $245
V-Moda Crossfades are known in the industry as some of the best DJ headphones out there. They have garnered universal praise for over a decade and are incredibly stylish and well designed. What more is there to say?
Studio Monitors
In the music world, mixing skills can only be honed if they can be heard. Anyone looking to DJ seriously should turn to studio monitors. Unlike computer speakers or bookshelf monitors, studio monitors are designed to have a flat tone curve, so the music that comes out of them isn’t colored in any way.
1. JBL 305P MkII - $150 each
JBL is another mainstay in audio equipment, and their 305P is an excellent entry-level studio monitor at a good price point. They are relatively small five-inch monitors, and have the versatility to be used with any kind of music. Savvy shoppers can find them at greatly discounted prices during certain times of year.
2. KRK RP5 Rokit G4 - $180 each
KRKRokits are akin to the name brand for DJ speakers. Many will recognize their signature yellow kevlar speaker cones. Notable features include an on-board LED panel on back to control EQ (very cool!), balanced inputs, and an on-board power amp. The entry-level RP5 is 5.25 inches.
MIDI controller
MIDI, or Musical Instrument Digital Interface, is an industry standard that allows for the direct communication between an instrument/controller and a computer. Yes, that means a DJ controller is a type of MIDI controller. The gear in this category is like a single snowflake on the tip of an iceberg, but either would be an excellent first step towards more advanced DJing and producing.
1. Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII - $99
A MIDI controller can have literally any configuration thought of by man. That being said, one with piano keys should probably be a beginner's first controller style, as its layout is instantly familiar and understandable. The Akai MPK Mini comes with 25 keys and eight drum pads (all of which are velocity sensitive), eight programmable knobs, octave keys, and a thumbstick for various other functions. As a huge bonus, the MPK Mini is also packaged with a whole library of free software and sounds. It is an excellent piece of kit no matter the price.
2. Novation Launchpad MKII - $150
For those looking to delve into a branch of the music where there are no rules, look no further than the Novation Launchpad. The Launchpad features 64 programmable drum pads for DJs to put samples, functions, or other effects into. If that weren't daunting enough, Launchpads also have a top and side row of buttons that allow one to page up, page down, or change overlays entirely. With this device, there is seriously no limit.
Some readers might also recognize the Launchpad as the instrument that catapulted Madeon to fame. They would be correct.
DAC
A Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) is an invisible but ubiquitous piece of technology that is in every single digital device with a headphone jack. As its name denotes, it converts the digital audio of a device into an analog signal that can actually be recognized by headphones and speakers. This means that the sound quality being pushed from a device can only be as good as its DAC can provide.
While not a strictly necessary piece of DJ gear, most devices out there (like smartphones) have utter trash for their internal DACs. Thus, any DJ serious about their music should consider buying an external DAC for listening to their music.
1. FiiO K1 DAC - $40
In the world of high-fidelity audio where there is apparently no upper limit to cost, FiiO delivers consistent performance at truly budget prices. The FiiO K1 is an excellent jumping point for those thinking about descending into hi-fi madness. It's a tiny device similar to a flash drive, and can be used across most devices - just plug and play.
2. Audioquest Dragonfly Cobalt - $300
Audioquest's Dragonfly devices have been regarded among the best portable DACs for nearly a decade. With a similar footprint to the FiiO K1, the Audioquest Dragonfly is no bigger than a thumb drive. It plays all audio files, from the average to the esoteric. Most audiophiles agree that the Dragonfly rounds out the low frequencies, accentuates detail in the mid tones, and adds airiness to the highs, all while expanding the soundstage drastically.
Brian Baker is a writer and photographer based out of St. Louis. You can find his portfolio here.
Don't miss out on these incredible Black Friday sales designed specifically for music lovers.
With the holiday season right around the corner, it’s time to start planning out the gifts you plan to give your loved ones - and maybe even a little something for yourself.
We know how expensive this time of the year can get, so we scoured the internet to find some of the hottest deals coming out this Black Friday and Cyber Monday for the music lover in all of us:
1. ELECTRIC FAMILY
The first place to start shopping for a music fanatic should be Electric Family.
"Electric Family is a brand that demonstrates authenticity and transparency, seeking to reach new audiences through a mixture of our unifying philosophy and edifying street culture. We are committed to our mission and are certain that we can leverage the influence of our brand and artist collaborators to make an immense global impact."
They will also be having a HUGE Cyber Monday surprise collab. Check their socials Sunday, December 1st at 6:00 PM PST for the announcement.
2. DIFF Eyewear
DIFF Eyewear has donated over 1 million pairs of reading glasses to individuals in need around the world. For each pair purchased, a pair is donated. Socially conscious and charitable at heart, the DIFF Eyewear family strive for the perfect pair of sunglasses - don't miss out on their massive Black Friday sale.
Considering that DIFF makes some of the hottest eyewear available, their sales are truly to die for (offer available now).
Buy 1, Get 1 Free
Buy 2, Get 3 Free
3. GenZ - RaveRunner Hydration Pack
Makers of the industry-leading anti-theft hydration pack, the GenZ RaveRunner Festival Hydration Pack is constructed with slash-proof nylon so you don't have to worry about it getting cut open to access your valuables. This also makes it extremely durable.
Already a leader in keeping festivalgoers healthy and hydrated, the GenZ Black Friday sale makes it too good to pass up.
Free 'Underglow' with any Hydration Pack Purchase
The GenZ Underglow is a light-up disco ball that attaches to the bottom of your RaveRunner Hydration Pack
Transforming your surroundings into a mobile dance floor that we like to call the "instant friend magnet"
4. Festival Tickets
Some of your favorite festivals also host special sales for Black Friday. If you’ve been holding off on attending one of these festivals because of the price, this is the perfect time to get in while you can; sometimes experiences are the best gift of all.
If you or a loved one are a producer, this is the best time to hop on sales. Make sure to head over to these sites to pocket a major bargain on music software, hardware, sample packs, VST plugins and more:
These are just some of the great Black Friday deals that music lovers can take advantage of during the 2019 holiday season. Go take advantage of all the great sales taking place this weekend, and have a safe and happy holiday.
As you know, there's dozens of different types of EDM out there. Almost anyone can find something electronic that attracts them nowadays. Artists are celebrating this as tons of new festivals dedicated to the various sub-genres spring up each festival season.
In honor of EDM's diverse blend of sounds, we've created a test to see if we can guess which one is your favorite.
From random letters and numbers to strange symbols, we've collected six of the most bizarre names in electronic music.
Electronic music has long been known to step outside the box and produce some of the more unique sounds in the music world. While to fans of Top 40 radio, a standard techno song is considered "strange," fans of electronic music know just how deep this rabbit hole goes. For this list, we picked some of our favorite and most obscure artist names in the electronic music industry.
SHXCXCHCXSH
The Swedish duo SHXCXCHCXSH decided to not only make their music experimental but their name as well. While their moniker is near impossible to pronounce without practice, the duo are also indistinguishable due to the fact that they wear hooded robes that completely hide their faces. Alongside some strange song titles, they've also released an album titled SsSsSsSsSsSsSsSsSsSsSsSsSsSsSs and have a side project under the alias HSXCHCXCXHS (their name reversed).
While the last entry was difficult, yet possible to pronounce, don't ask us how to pronounce Four Tet's side project, ⣎⡇ꉺლ༽இ•̛)ྀ◞ ༎ຶ ༽ৣৢ؞ৢ؞ؖ ꉺლ. More experimental in nature than his main project, the seemingly random string of symbols side project has song names that are just as strange. Luckily for fans of this entry, it's rather easy to just google "Four Tet's side project" and copy and paste the name into Spotify.
999999999
Before you go to say "nine nine nine nine nine nine nine nine nine" to describe this group, be grateful that this Italian acid techno duo has a catchy way to say and remember their name. Sharing the same name as their own record label, "nine times nine" is the way to pronounce the name behind the numerically named duo.
1788-L
The enigmatic 1788-L has quickly become a mainstay in the bass music world due to a combination of unique originals and high-profile collaborations. With a name that sounds like it could be that of a star or exoplanet, the anonymous producer has kept fans in the dark over his mysterious origins.
iamamiwhoami
In 2009, vocalist Jonna Lee and producer Claes Björklund sent fans and music journalists into a spiral of conspiracy theories when they debuted their anomalous audiovisual project, iamamiwhoami. They sent out locks of blonde hair to journalists, posted videos with strange coordinates and semi-disturbing imagery - all with clues hidden throughout. In the end their identities were confirmed, and eventually they went on to release multiple albums and perform live.
C418
Although you probably won't see this artist grace the main stage at a festival anytime soon, over 180 million people have been exposed to his music. That's because the randomly named C418 is known for creating the soundtrack to the best selling video game of all time, Minecraft. While he is mostly known for his contributions to the video game, he has released multiple downtempo electronic albums on his Bandcamp.
Bonus Mention: Aphex Twin
While the name Aphex Twin isn't that strange, the way the esoteric artist names his music and side projects is worth including. He has close to a dozen known aliases with most certainly a few that have yet to be discovered. With near indecipherable song titles like "s950tx16wasr10" (earth portal mix)" and "CIRCLONT6A (syrobonkus mix)" fans of Aphex Twin (real name Richard D. James) love trying to figure out the riddles behind his popular works.
BLVK JVCK delivers his ruthless blend of dubstep and hip-hop for a distinct style he defines as “hoodstep.”
BLVK JVCK (real name Jermaine Jackson) marries old school lyricism with contemporary brutal dubstep and hip-hop for his new single, “LOOT,” which gives his signature spin to one of The Notorious B.I.G.’s classics, “Gimme The Loot.”
Listeners will be able to instantly recognizable samples used from the 1994 original. While Jackson brings entirely different energy compared to the original and other reworks, this certainly isn’t the first time Biggie’s decade-defining '90s work has been reimagined and celebrated in recent years. For fans unfamiliar with the original, they may also recognize the “Gimme the loot!” chant from Travis Scott’s 7x platinum record, “SICKO MODE,” which was later remixed by Skrillex.
“‘LOOT’ is the record I always dreamed about making,” Jackson explained. “It embodies everything we love about a great song. Melody, concept, bars and the hardest drop that’ll make you rob your grandmother on Christmas! Just joking about the robbing part!”
Aside from honoring the legendary rapper through samples, Jackson further establishes his “hoodstep” style as a sound fans can expect to stick around for some time through this new release. Defined by aggressive energy, free-flowing bars, and gritty drops, Jackson’s unique urban sound can be heard taking over bass stages across the globe. His last single, "HITTIN EERBODY" featuring TITUS was even played on Sunburn Festival Mumbai's main stage by Belgian duo Dimitri Las Vegas & Like Mike.
With each timely release, Jackson has also carved a spot for himself as being a quintessential part of the movement that has paved the way for others like him such as Ace Hood and Jessie Reyez. The ambitious producer says this marks only the beginning of his takeover and to "expect to see more collaborations and solo records."
The 71-year-old EDM mogul died Sunday of a respiratory illness.
Robert F.X. Sillerman, the founder of SFX Entertainment, has died at the age of 71 due to respiratory illness. The New York entrepreneur is most notably known for consolidating a number of U.S. promoter companies back in the 1990s, and he went on to create the company that would eventually become Live Nation. The mogal was a key figure in shaping the modern concert industry into what we know today.
The Bronx native began his career as a radio and television station owner under his company SFX broadcasting. It grew to become the seventh-largest broadcasting company in the country by the 1990s. From there he expanded his empire to form SFX Entertainment in 1997 by buying up a series of regional concert promoters. The consolidation included San Francisco-based Bill Graham Presents, Ron Delsener's Delsener/Slater Enterprises, Pace Concerts in Houston, and Florida's Cellar Door Concerts. In 2000, after becoming the world's largest producer and presenter of live entertainment, he sold the business to Clear Channel for $4.4 billion. They went on to rebrand the venture as Live Nation.
Always with an ear to the ground, he noticed the boom that was taking place in the electronic music scene in the early 2010s. In 2012 he launched a new company with the name SFX Entertainment as an electronic music conglomerate and bought up EDM brands. He quickly became one of the key financiers on the EDM festival circuit.
The business declined and he went on to file for bankruptcy in early 2016. After Sillerman stepped down due to a number of lawsuits, the company re-branded as LiveStyle. Just this year, the fallen mogul agreed to pay a $179,000 fine to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for diverting company funds to personal accounts, while misrepresenting the finances of his online publishing and entertainment business Function(X).
This your chance to make your vocalist dreams come true.
If you've ever had dreams of singing on a track that will be heard around the globe, you may be in luck. Flux Pavillion (real name Joshua Steele) is showing love to his fans with a call to action for anyone who wants to be featured on his next album. The U.K. artist took to Twitter to announce that he wants fans to send in clips of themselves singing a long note.
This news is amazing for two reasons. First off, this means there is a new album in the works. Second, if he's getting this creative with his process it's fair to say the tracks will be unlike anything we've heard from the legendary producer.
He made it a point to note that this will not be a competition, and that he will try and use as many vocal samples as possible. By featuring fans on the tracks, this will be an extremely meaningful collection of work.
This year has been successful for the Circus Records label head with major performances at Electric Zoo and Blacklist Festival. Most recently Steele released the beautiful track "Endless Fantasy." Just last month was the nine-year anniversary of his iconic breakthrough track "I Can't Stop." From that moment on he has situated himself as a mainstay innovator in the industry.
“I wrote 'November' for the hopeless lovers looking for their special someone.”
Still on a high from the success of his October EP, Strung Out, indie-trap producer PatrickReza debuts another single, "November," this time coming by way of CloudKid.
"November" proves to be a clear indicator of PatrickReza's endless supply of creative inspiration. The track, outfitted with an intricate mix of piano, guitar riffs, and deep bass, is a celebration of the visceral gut feeling one has upon meeting their significant other. Opening with echoing piano and vocals reminiscent of Arctic Monkeys or The Growlers, “November” effortlessly immerses listeners in the day that PatrickReza met his girlfriend.
“It was a cold rainy day,” he explained, recalling the gloomy November weather. “That quickly changed and filled with warmth when I met her. I wrote ‘November’ for the hopeless lovers looking for their special someone and that moment when they find them.”
PatrickReza navigates listeners through the mix of emotions experienced in love and lust, starting with the somber intro and leading to a point halfway through the cut where listeners “meet” her. Like a heartbeat, the kick drum intensifies, building and building until suddenly, the beat drops to reveal a more vivid melody and driving bass line - a completely tonal change from the opening. “November” is a trophy to PatrickReza’s impeccable songwriting abilities, as his sonic depiction of the radiance and vibrancy meeting his girlfriend added to that stormy November day becomes clearer than ever halfway through the track.
“The human-to-human connection is the strongest bond in our world and I wanted to focus on the sensory feelings in that experience,” he continued. “I think the song will resonate with many that have felt the same unique connection with someone they love, will love in the future, or have loved in the past.”
The vulnerability and emotion-forward approach to writing is something PatrickReza has resonated with his entire career as an artist. Aside from creating music that others can empathize with and relate to, he has continuously used his artistic vision as a promise to “give listeners a personal look into my own experiences through the good and bad times, love and heartbreak, and relationship success and struggles.”
This unapologetic and egoless attitude has proven successful for the Los Angeles-based artist, with his music reaching over 130k monthly listeners on Spotify. Self-described as “indie-trap,” his stripped-down, indie-tinged electronic style has even hit the mainstream music scene. His remix of Billie Eilish's “bad guy” has accumulated over 3 million streams and was even reposted by the 17-year-old icon across her social media.
With an openness that appears to resonate with fans globally, a signature sound that blends the best aspects across multiple genres, and a genuine attitude, PatrickReza seems to possess the perfect cocktail of qualities needed to be the next “it” producer in the scene. Fans can expect to see more from him coming in 2020 as he continues showcasing his emotion-drenched tunes.
"November" is available across all streaming platforms. Listen to it here.
Demo with follow an aspiring songwriter making her way in Los Angeles.
The Chainsmokers have gone from Grammy award-winning artists to filmmakers, and are now dipping their feet into television. Alex Pall and Drew Taggart are in the works to executive produce a new music drama show called Demo for the Freeform Network. The show will come from The Chainsmokers' Kick The Habit Productions and Stampede Ventures.
Demo will be a drama centered around a 20-something songwriter as she braves the cutthroat music industry of Los Angeles. She leaves behind her family and life in a struggling indie rock band to make pop songs. It doesn't take long until she realizes that in order to make music that truly matters she will need to face her demons and dig deep to tell her real story.
The show will be written by Madam Secretary and Switched at Birth veteran Joy Gregory. Gregory will join Pall and Taggart as executive producers on the show. This will be the first foray into television for Kick The Habit Productions.
In 2018, the duo announced the launch of the production company and partnership with TriStar Pictures to release their first project, Paris, a film inspired by their 2017 hit single of the same name. No release date has been announced for either Demo or Paris.
From entry level DJ controllers to festival ready CDJs, Pioneer DJ is focused on helping DJs at all experience levels.
Pioneer DJ have been in the electronic dance music game since they released the first CDJs back in 1994. Since then they've strived to continue creating innovative and high quality products that keep up with the growth of the EDM industry. Their latest DJ controller, the DDJ-200, is a testament to their efforts and is the final piece in inspiring a new generation of DJs to go, what they call, "Beyond the Music."
DDJ-200 - Beginner
For those interested in diving into their passion for EDM, this beginner level DJ controller is the first step in learning how to mix music. As a simpler version of their more intermediate level controllers, the setup is pretty much the same, but with less controls and buttons.
However, what makes this the ultimate learning tool, is its compatibility with free apps like WeDJ for iPhone, Algoriddim's djay, edjing Mix and rekordbox dj. Once you master one, you can easily transition to rekordbox dj, which is a standard with other Pioneer DJ controllers.
Although the other free apps offer tutorials that walk you through the DDJ-200, Pioneer DJ has an additional 12 tutorials on YouTube that'll help you navigate WeDJ. The reason for this is that WeDJ is every beginner's dream. The app offers its users a variety of easy-to-use creative controls with transitions and effects that'll have your mixes sounding smoother.
For example, when the controller's Transition FX button is on, you can pick from more than a handful of cool transitions like a filter mix or echo out cut. Then, you simply move the crossfader and it'll apply that transition automatically to your mixes, given both tracks are playing.
The DDJ-200's size is another reason why it's perfect for beginners. When you're finally confident enough in your mixing and you're ready to start deejaying at your friends' house parties, you won't have a problem bringing your DJ equipment along. The controller is lightweight, slim and is a little over a foot in height, so it'll fit in your backpack with no problem.
With WeDJ and other free apps being right on your phone or tablet, there's no need to bring a laptop either (unless of course you're more comfortable with that). And depending on whether you use your phone or laptop you can access your music from your iTunes or rekordbox library or from Beatport LINK, SoundCloud Go+, Deezer or Spotify.
For a little motivation, here's a mix the online DJ school, Crossfader, did using the DDJ-200 and WeDJ:
DDJ-400 - Intermediate Lower
If you want to get better at playing at house parties and maybe even venture into DJng weddings, the DDJ-400 is the second step in the learning process. Quite similar to the DDJ-200, this intermediate DJ controller has some of the same features that will help you master the basics. On the other hand, it also shares a similar layout to club standard players like the DDJ-1000 and CDJ-2000NXS2 with its buttons and knobs. When it comes down to it, it's the best of both worlds.
Offering DJs even more creative freedom, the controller has Beat FX, Sound Color FX and CDJ-style looping controls. And with all of these cool features, Pioneer DJ has six tutorials with Australian DJ, DJ Ravine, to show you how to effectively use them.
Unlike the beginner controller, the DDJ-400 isn't compatible with as many free apps. Made for rekordbox dj, the only free app option available would be djay for iOS and djay Pro for your laptop. Both of those apps will also let you pull music from Spotify Premium.
To interact with your audience and hype them up, the intermediate controller also has its own mic input that produces crystal-clear sound. You won't hear any distortion even at high input levels.
DDJ-1000SRT - Intermediate Upper
The closest you can get to the industry standard CDJ and DJM setup is with this intermediate controller. It comes in two options, the DDJ-1000 for rekordbox dj and the DDJ-1000SRT for Serato DJ Pro. If at this point you've mastered rekordbox dj, it's safe to say you're more than ready to tackle Serato. It's one of the most popular professional DJ software and it'd be good to know moving forward.
On the topic of professional DJ equipment, the DDJ-1000 has a great combination of features from the CDJ-2000NXS2 DJ player and DJM-900NXS2 DJ mixer. It has four channels, full-size jog wheels with LED screen jog displays, four Sound Color FX and 14 Beat FX.
With more performance pads you can do hot cues, rolls, slicer, sampler and pitch play. And you can be even more creative with these features than you could before. For example, you can change the parameters for slicer to make sliced-up beats more quickly. Serato also has their own feature called "Pitch 'n Time DJ" where you can experiment with key shifts and syncs.
All of these endless creative possibilities may seem a bit overwhelming, but Pioneer DJ also has six tutorials on YouTube for the rekordbox dj version of the controller that goes over everything you need to know to get started.
If the DDJ-1000 is still not enough for your preferred setup, it has quite a few inputs and outputs so that you can connect CDJs, analog turntables, standalone DJ mixers, PA speakers and microphones.
CDJ-2000NXS2 - Advanced Upper
The top rung of the skills ladder is finally graduating from a DJ controller to a DJ player. At this point you've honed your craft, have lots of experience and you're ready for the big leagues. Pioneer DJ's cream of the crop, the CDJ-2000NXS2, is what most of your favorite DJs like Hardwell, Kaskade, Alison Wonderland, Alesso, Martin Garrix and Steve Aoki use at big festivals and clubs. Paired with the DJM-900NXS2 DJ mixer, it's the ultimate DJ tool.
The CDJ-2000NXS2 has a seven-inch touch screen that lets you have more control of different features and shows track information such as the phase meter, wave zoom and needle countdown. One of the best features about the touch screen is being able to use a Qwerty keyboard, keyword search and track filter modes to search for tracks faster. It definitely comes in handy when you find yourself in a time crunch.
With eight illuminated hot cues that have four color options, this CDJ gives you all of the creative freedom you could ever hope for. And if you end up using rekordbox dj, you can use the memory cue to set, name and color code them too. The Quantize FX also makes working with hot cues easier. It'll snap them and your loops to the rekordbox beat grid and you won't have to worry about that part of your performance sounding right.
Taking sound quality to a whole other level, the CDJ-2000NXS2 has a 96 kHz/24-bit sound card and supports a wider variety of file formats like FLAC, Apple’s lossless audio (ALAC), mp3, wav, AAC and AIFF. And with an improved digital signal processing (DSP) and Digital Out, it’s basically guaranteed that your output will be nothing less than crystal-clear, high-resolution audio.
What makes this an even more versatile DJ player is how it's compatible with other widely used professional DJ software like TRAKTOR PRO 2, Serato, djay Pro and rekordbox dj. Since it supports the USB-HID control of these programs, there's no need for a control disc.
To get a better sense of how some of your favorite DJs go about using the CDJ-2000NXS2, Laidback Luke delivered this DJing tutorial:
XDJ-XZ - Advanced Lower
If you're not quite sure if you want to journey into the world of CDJs and DJ mixers just yet, Pioneer DJ's soon-to-be-released, all-in-one DJ system is a fun alternative to the CDJ-2000NXS2 and DJM-900NXS2 setup. Not necessarily a step on the learning ladder, the XDJ-XZ is still worth considering if you're on a budget and still want to be able to perform high quality mixes in clubs, bars and in your own studio.
This DJ system has similar features to those of the DDJ-1000 and CDJ-2000NXS2. It has full-size jog wheels with LED screen jog displays, six Sound Color FX, 14 Beat FX and a seven inch touchscreen where you can browse music libraries. It's also compatible with rekordbox dj and, in early 2020, Serato.
With four channels, the all-in-one DJ system supports Pro DJ Link. This means that you can add other DJ equipment like CDJs or DJ samplers to its third or fourth channel. And like the other DJ equipment, the mic output sound is just as clear. Its Feedback Reducer also ensures that there won't be any "howling" affecting the mic.
The best part about the XDJ-XZ is that it's easy to transport and set up at whatever gig you're playing at. Unlike the CDJ-2000NXS2 and DJM-900NXS2 setup where you'll be carrying three separate pieces that you'd have to connect, this DJ system's single-unit design and grab handles is considerably less work.
If want to learn how to DJ or you're in the market for new DJ equipment, Pioneer DJ and their different skill level products is your best bet at learning how to mix and master your skills.
Enter AEG x EDM.com's GoldenTicket Bass Barrage Giveaway for tickets to four amazing shows.
Denver fans, AEG’s Golden Ticket Giveaway is your chance to catch several of the best EDM shows in Denver, absolutely free. Make room on your calendar for an ultimate rage marathon because this time around, the Golden Ticket awards you and a friend access to four epic shows over the course of three weeks.
Dillon Francis and Maroon 5 are making "Memories" together.
Dillon Francis has teased that he will be remixing Maroon 5's September single "Memories." Francis took to Twitter to confirm the remix was done, to which Maroon 5 responded, "ready to make some memories with you."
It is unknown whether Dillon Francis' remix will be a standalone or part of a full remix pack. In the very least, from a strategic standpoint, partnering up with Dillon Francis makes a lot of sense. Maroon 5's wistful, vocal-driven single could use a pumped up remix, which Francis is undoubtedly capable of delivering. It will hardly be his first mainstream pop remix, either. Francis has released remixes for J Balvin's "Mi Gente", Halsey's "Bad At Love," and for Cardi B's "I Like It" - all within recent memory.
The news of his "Memories" remix comes hot on the heels of Francis' recent EP, Magic Is Real. The multi-genre EP verifies Francis' ability to play within any element, showcasing his ability to weave between bounce, trap, house and more.
At the time of writing Dillon Francis' "Memories" remix does not yet have a formal release date though it is expected to be released in the near future.
Zomboy dropped some bass of biblical proportions with the release of his new single "Archangel." Zomboy (real name Joshua Mellody) has always been a disruptor at heart, and with his latest release he's continuing tradition.
Mellody's dedicated fans know quality control is one of his core strengths - achieving more with fewer records has been a winning strategy for the producer. He finally followed up his groundbreaking 2017 Rott N Roll EP with a follow up in March of this year, Rott N' Roll Pt. 2.
All of this goes to say Mellody only drops his best, and "Archangel" certainly goes the distance. The frantic builds and rolling basses are hardly stymied by the angelic swells of this bonafide dubstep anthem.
Zomboy's music in particular has frequently played favorable for DJs looking to take their live sets up a notch. Whether its a winter festival set or a bass music showcase, expect to hear "Archangel" heating up dance floors all winter long.
Slushii has been putting serious hours into making sapientdream a reality.
It was just a week ago that Slushii (real name Julian Scanlan) teased he'd be revealing a new side project,sapientdream. The producer's press release stated the alias would be Scanlan's outlet “for ambient, downtempo music.”
Well, sapientdream has arrived and the reveal comes with a full album from Scanlan titled Dream II. If the nomenclature seems confusing that's because the original Dream album arrived in 2018 under Slushii. Now, it seems Scanlan wants to attribute both works to that of his new alias.
The music of sapientdream represents a sharp contrast to Scanlan's work as Slushii. For those unfamiliar with Scanlan's Dream album it was frequently touted as his most experimental, raw album to date. With Dream II, Scanlan hardly changed the formula, instead taking listeners down the rabbit hole while inviting them to "turn off their brain," as sapientdream's Spotify profile commands.
While it seems Scanlan will be splitting his time producing under two aliases, the young producer hasn't fallen short on releases as of late. Scanlan additionally just recently dropped a full EP on Monstercat, Watch Yo Back, and released a single with Kaivon titled "Sober" shortly thereafter.
