Time is ticking in the race for the top spot in the Top 100 DJs Poll 2008. Votes can be made for any DJ, from any genre, anywhere in the world. As the excitement builds we can now reveal that the star studded awards party is shaping up to match the expectations of the 350,000 voters.
Invited back after a show stopping performance at 2007’s party is twice UK Beatbox Champion, festival favourite and brandisher of an inbuilt audio assemblage that could put any speaker stack to shame Beardyman. Last year’s performance left house hero David Guetta literally bowing at the bearded one’s feet and this year’s party is set to raise the bar higher still!
Taking over one of clubland’s most prestigious venues, Ministry of Sound on 29th October the world’s most influential DJ poll unveils all with a stack full of DJ talent primed to tear through one of the country’s best sound systems! Beardyman will host the awards in his trademark anarchic style, firing out devastating beats, funky rhythms and of course, the movers and shakers in this year’s poll!
In previous years trance has dominated the poll’s top slots, but 2008 has seen a continued rise in the popularity of electro and techno. When combined with the poll’s wider global appeal and increased voting in regions as far flung as China, Eastern Europe, Russia and the USA, this year’s rankings are anyone’s guess. Voting closes at midnight on the 24th September so head on over to www.djmag.com to cast your vote before it’s too late!
The ranking of the world’s No 1 DJ is in your hands, be they old or new, obscure or overground you choose the talent and you affect the final rankings. The Top 100 DJs poll is a 100% public vote so make your voice heard by getting online and having your say.
Seven years old now and secretsundaze continues to be one of Europe’s leading torch bearers for underground House and Techno. The London based Sunday outdoor daytime party is still one of the most exciting, innovative and fun places to hear the worlds best DJs, with its amazing sound system, attention to detail and colourful, dedicated followers. Never resting on its laurels secretsundaze still have a habit of being one step ahead with their bookings bringing new talent to the UK shores each season.
Last year they launched their label secretsundaze music with their first release being the critically acclaimed ’secretsundaze Volume 1′ - a double CD mixed and compiled by the residents Giles Smith & James Priestley. This was in fact vinyl emporium Phonica’s (Soho, London) bigggest selling CD ever! And now we have part 2.
A great deal has happened since the first secretsundaze compilation was released just under a year ago. The label has developed with a new series “secretsundaze presents” being launched with none other than Cocoon regular Tobi Neumann mixing the first instalment. The parties this season have continued to be the talk of town with the first five events completely selling out in advance.
Continue reading ‘Secretsundaze Volume 2 - mixed by Giles Smith and James Priestley’
The irrepressible Audio Bullys return with new single ‘Flickery Vision’, the 2nd slice of late night manoeuvres taken from their forthcoming and highly anticipated third album ‘Sunday Night Fever’. Coming hard-on-the-heels of ‘Gimme That Punk’s musical agenda, the boys turn their attention once more to club-land and the all too familiar turning point of an evening, when your vision takes a turn for the worse and decisions must be made. It’s all about Flickery Vision as the beats roll feverishly into the night urging you to stay awake.
Pulling no punches, ‘Flickery Vision’ sees Tom Dinsdale’s production wobble through wonky synths and a throbbing bass line that penetrates your soul, transporting you to that sideways moment, when the music takes over as Simon Franks’ vocals perfectly capture the 4am intensity. Already gaining strong support from Pete Tong and Annie Mac on Radio 1 and John Kennedy and Eddy Temple Morris, this is Audio Bullys at the pinnacle of their powers.
For the flipside action, as you would expect, the boys have called in the services of two top quality remixers to bring us their take on ‘Flickery Vision’. Dubstep don RUSKO shows his versatility on the rub-down, upping his pace with a house-tempo approach that, true to form, delivers plenty of low-end action into the equation. The second re-rub comes courtesy of RIVA STAR, who thanks to nice little stack of lauded releases on Front Room, Southern Fried and Dirty Bird, is on the verge of big things. With a succession of excellent remixes under his belt he takes proceedings even further into late night territory adding some deliciously old school flavours to the pot, completing the package in considerable style. Jamie Anderson and Tim Green mixes soon come.
Keep an eye out for the Bullys’ full band set-up out on patrol over the next couple of months, ripping some fresh rollers from the speakers, alongside all the classics.
AUDIO BULLYS – ‘FLICKERY VISION’ VIZO RECORDS
Released: 13th October 2008
Chris Fortier’s critically acclaimed 2007 debut artist album “As Long As The Moment Exists”, consisting of 15 stunning tracks ranging from air freshener for the ears electronica, through to techno to frown to, saw Chris Fortier receive global critical acclaim. Now, in 2008, “As Long As The Moment Exists” gets the extreme make over treatment by some of Chris’ all time musical heroes alongside some of his favourite new artists. Welcome to the 3rd part of the series - As Long As The Moment Remixed EP 3. Tracks 9-12 of 20.
Pheek and Someone Else grace either side of the EP 3 vinyl release, while the digital version includes an edit by Saint iBot and a bonus beats mix by Someone Else, just in case you can’t get enough of the groove in the vox mix.
Pheek’s mix is a lesson in blowing something to a million bits then then putting it back together, while the Someone Else’s mix is pure sound system music and perhaps the biggest mix of this entire project. If you don’t like the vox but love the groove, Someone Else has provided a beats mix for you too.
So far, the supporters of this EP include Loco Dice, Laurent Garnier, Justin Harris, Matteo Murphy, Andrew Grant, Jamie Stevens, Jon Gurd, Eelke Kleijn, Stephan Hinz, Kabale & Liebe abd Alex Flitsch.
Enjoy!
Following up last year’s lauded artist album, ‘Ghettoblaster’, dance-floor legend Armand Van Helden returns to the decks with the second instalment of his ‘New York: A Mix Odyssey’ series. Wearing his influences on his sleeve, the mix goes straight to the heart of the hugely influential Hip-House scene, gathering the hottest floor-jams of the heady mid-to-late 80s, taking it right up to the present with three blistering exclusive tracks from the man himself that see Armand coming full circle and paying tribute to the music he truly loves, that was so instrumental at the start of his journey to becoming one of the world’s most respected DJs and producers.
Opening up the second instalment of ‘New York: A Mix Odyssey’ with Chill Rob G’s original ‘The Power’, Armand’s trek through the cream of Hip-House takes in countless classics including Straffe’s bona fide party anthem ‘Set It Off’, Kwame’s ‘Ownlee U’ and King Bee’s Herbie Hancock sampling ‘Back By Dope Demand’ a track that is sure to get some pulses racing. Laying the foundations for what was to become the Acid scene, Nitro Deluxe blends the essence of Chicago House, Techno and Electro on the sublime ‘This Brutal House’ before Sugar Bear elevate ‘Once In A Life Time’s iconic bassline to peerless levels with their landmark release, ‘Don’t Scandalize Mine’. Hip-Hop’s original female pioneer Roxane Shante drops some slick lyrical moves with ‘Go On Girl’, the relentless bass of Erik B & Rakim’s ‘Juice (Know The Ledge)’, the Gangsteress of Rap’ Antionette’s ‘Who’s The Boss’, Doug Lazy’s timeless ‘Let It Roll’ (produced by Raze’s Vaughan Mason) and Freestyle’s unmistakable keyboard riff and vocodered vocal on ‘Don’t Stop The Rock’ all keep the mix powering along as Armand’s swift mixing and tight cutting adds extra bite to proceedings.
The chanteuses come out in full effect with Queen Latifah riding DJ Mark The 45 King’s beats on ‘Come Into My House’ as her British protégé Monie Love rocks ‘Grandma’s Party’ and the piano groove’s of Debbie Malone’s iconic ‘Rescue Me’ still sounding as vital ever. A brace of Hip-House’s leading lights crash into the mix with Jungle Brother’s seminal ‘I’ll House You’ and Fast Eddie’s 303 rinse ‘Acid Thunder’, which heralded a new era in dance music, slipping seamlessly into the scatter gun lyrics and crushing beats of ‘Illin ‘n’ Fillin’ the first of the three brand new exclusive tracks from Armand. Toni Scott’s ‘That’s How I’m Living’ which was the soundtrack of pirate radio in 1989 makes way for Armand’s own classic ‘Touch Your Toes’ that in turn leads into the infamous flow of Kool Rock Steady with Tyree Cooper, the producer, awesome super-dooper-trooper on the dance-floor wrecking ‘Turn Up The Bass’, which became a cornerstone of the scene. The beats keep on jacking with the Idiotproof mix of Armand’s own ‘A Track Called Jack’ and Maurice’s stone cold classic ‘This Is Acid’, whilst Fast Eddie makes another appearance this time with ‘Yo Yo Get Funky’. The second exclusive and the album’s lead track ‘Shake That Ass’ sees Armand dropping a huge riff over rolling beats to truly explosive effect as he flips back a quarter of a century to Debbie Deb’s 1983 debut ‘When I Hear Music’. Entering the final straight Armand ups the pace on his own ‘This Ain’t Hollywood’ with Will Lemay’s slick delivery segueing into Frank Ski’s relentless ‘There’s A Whore In The House’ leaving it to a pair of gilt edged Armand Van Helden floor shattering joints to close proceedings firstly with ‘Playmate’ and then the final exclusive of the album ‘Ski Hard’ featuring Christian Rich bringing ‘New York: A Mix Odyssey Two’ to a bumping finish.
Showcasing the tracks that are the essence of his musical make-up, ‘New York: A Mix Odyssey Two’, is a captivating document laying bare Armand Van Helden’s true passions.
Armand is also playing This Is Not London: Armand Van Helden at Matter on October 17th
What would you get if you took two of the biggest, most respected trance labels from not only the UK but from the whole scene, put them in a blender with their mighty fine track knowledge and know-how and perhaps bung in one big fat jug of Sangria for good measure? It would look like one big rank mess but sound like this double disc beauty of a release!
After the massive # 1 (UK & USA) iTunes success of last year’s Ibiza Trance Anthems 2007, the big bosses at Nukleuz and Maelstrom join forces once again to provide another collection of White Isle inspired beats.
Famed for being the biggest selling 12” label in the world for 3 years running to launching the careers of Fergie and BK to name a couple, Nukleuz are renowned for putting out meaty slabs of techno, trance, hard house and hardcore. Their mix includes tunes by king of hard beats Mauro Picotto (Ibiza Angel & all time classic Komodo), the Ferry Corsten championed ‘DJs Take Control’, the Paul Van Dyk & Carl Cox hammered Andy BopH ‘Rat Trap’, plus heavy hitters from Fonzerelli, DJ Choose, P.H.A.T.T, Pierre Pienaar and Judge Jules favourite Will Atkinson.
Set up at the beginning of 2001, Maelstrom focuses on artists and tracks from the techier end of trance and house, providing quality releases over the years from international talent such as Oakenfold, Chris Lake, Oliver Klein, Lange, Parker & Hanson and Tiësto. Starting their mix with this year’s massive summer collaboration from Blank & Jones ft. Bernard Sumner (Miracle Cure) other tracks come from the likes of trance legend’s Pulser (Sunseeker) and Lange (Out Of The Sky) also Russia’s no.1 dance music favourite Bobina (Invisible Touch).
www.maelstromrecords.com
www.nukleuz.com
itunes link
The Ting Tings’ Katie White has revealed that life on the road has left her feeling less lady-like.
The effects of living in close proximity with an all-male crew, including fellow Ting Jules De Martino, have clearly taken their toll.
She told The Mirror: “I swear a lot more. I don’t burp and fart in public, but it’s getting that way. You definitely lose a few airs and graces.
“I came home to see my mum a few months ago and I was walking round Sainsbury’s effing to her and she’s like, ‘My God, what’s happened to you?’ Katie also revealed the secret to The Ting Tings success: a sound that attracts fans of all ages.
She added: “We get 14-year-olds down the front dancing like crazy, then further back it’s the students half dancing and then at the back there’s discerning older gentlemen, nodding.”
50 Cent reckons he is the biggest touring rap act in the world.
New York rapper 50, real-name Curtis Jackson, said he has a bigger global reach than Eminem.
He told the BBC: “I’m the largest hip hop touring artist. Eminem is the biggest rap artist on the planet, [but] I’m the biggest touring artist because I travel places.” 50 added: “He [Eminem] won’t actually go to each of those territories to be in front of all his fans. Not that he doesn’t love them but he won’t make the sacrifice of traveling as hard as I do.”
The MC also acknowledged Jay-Z’s bill-topping appearance at Glastonbury.
He said: “Jay-Z didn’t have a lot of records to have a big international following, so for him to get out there and be a headliner, it was good positioning on his part.”
Amy Winehouse notched up another no-show at the weekend - but this time it was her own birthday party that she didn’t attend.
The singer’s friends and family gathered at the Jazz After Dark in Soho, London, on Saturday night to celebrate the troubled star making it to her 25th birthday.
Guests at the bash included singer-songwriter Adele, Mark Ronson, Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace from Big Brother 7 and Amy’s close friend Blake Wood.
Even her mum Janis - who suffers from multiple sclerosis - hobbled into the bar on crutches, while a guitar-shaped birthday cake with a picture of Amy’s face on it had been baked in her honour.
But the singer - not usually one to miss a party - stayed at home, refusing to leave her house in Camden because she thought she looked too ugly.
“Amy was standing in front of the mirror telling everyone how rough she looked,” a friend told The Sun. “Unfortunately her lifestyle has had a major affect on her appearance and it’s only just started to sink in. “She kept saying she was ugly and was in an awful state,” the pal added.
Amy’s best mate Remi Nicole, who had helped organise the party, spent three hours trying to persuade Amy to leave. The pair ended up having a huge row and eventually Remi gave up and went home.
Back at the Jazz After Dark, guests waited patiently until midnight before deciding to start the party without Amy - allowing the first band to take to the stage.
The bar’s landlord and resident artist Sam Shaker, who had been planning to present the singer with a portrait of her and Blake, told the Daily Mirror: “It was her mum Janis that I felt so sorry for. She was crying - she was so upset.”
Defected Records return to their bi-monthly residency at Ministry of Sound this Oct with their final party of 2008.
Headlining are the labels newest signing; the Shapeshifters. Fresh from promoting their most recent Ibizan monster tune – ‘Chime’ and their critically acclaimed ‘In the House’ mix, these are DJ’s that effortlessly straddle underground club culture with household name success. For those of you who haven’t checked them out lately, go to Defected.com and look them up. They are simply ace.
ATFC, a DJ that has been prolific since the early days of house music and unlike many others from that era, has consistently produced incredible dance records and has stayed firmly on top. From his early chart toppers ‘Bad Habit’, ‘Sleep talk’ and ‘In and out of my life’, he has experienced a renaissance with his main room sound. He has consistently produced innovative and outstanding tracks and remixes including ‘Praise to the JB’s, his latest single which has already been a Beatport No.1 success. This is a DJ that needs to be experienced.
You won’t have to go too far to hear Defected shouting loudly about the new rising stars on the international DJ scene: Sam Holt and Gavin Mills aka DJ duo Copyright. These guys are Defected’s premier world wide touring artists and are the producers behind a number of recent club hits including ‘Bulo’, ‘He Is’, ‘I Pray’ and the recent ‘Wizeman’. They are a rare breed, standing shoulder to shoulder with their American House contemporaries and remain firm ambassadors of the UK Dance scene.
DJ Yass, Defected’s new HOT! French signing also makes his second appearance at Ministry of Sound. Following in the footsteps of Sinclar, Solveig and Gregory, he represents the next generation of French house producers and is definitely one to watch. Already with two releases on the label under his belt, he will be setting the ton
Welcoming back to Ministry of Sound, Defected presents our newest DJ roster signing Miss Divine. Joined by the super London scenster James Jackson, and the south coasts’ premier talent Andy Daniell. Just don’t forget to check out Holic’s own superstar Tomoki Tamura in the lounge.
Continue reading ‘Defected In the House @ Ministry of Sound, London’
What was your overall approach to constructing the Album?
My overall approach was to deliver a project that gives the listener a clue about my sound and my thoughts and my point of view about music… the album says a lot about who I am and what my sound is… it’s meant to pleasure the ears J
Bedrock holds a legendary status in house music. How does it feel having your artistic debut released on such a Label?
It’s a huge honour since Bedrock has always been a massive inspiration for me as a producer and to actually be part of the huge list of artists that release their music on Bedrock – it’s a real big deal to me.
How would you describe the sound of the album?
The sound of my album “Esperanza” is very warm. There a lot of melodies and depth to the album, it’s not just a dance album – It also includes new versions for “Geko”, “Underpressure” and “Save me”.
Would you say your musical policies as a DJ are accurately reflected?
Yes, what you hear in the album is the vibe I’m trying to deliver in my sets. You can hear lots of different styles of house music in my sets but it’s all connected by the same sound and that is what happening in the album; each track is very different but they are all connected and it flows, it’s still consistent.
Was musical diversity an important concept to address for you while making the album?
It was - I tried to make each track very different in one way but also grab elements from each track to and incorporate them into other tracks to make them flow and also maximise listening pleasure.
Numerous DJs and Producers have emerged from Israel in recent years, such as Guy Gerber, Chaim and you. Would you say that there is a signature sound that can be associated with Israeli dance producers?
I don’t think our sounds are similar at all. There is lots of music coming out of Israel but sound wise we are quite different. It is just coincidence that we all started to get noticed around the same time… I don’t think our sounds are dictated by our postcodes. I really like Chaim & Guy Gerber and think they are great at what they do.
What do you feel about the house scene at the moment in terms of the quality of musical output?
I really hope that it makes a bit of a u-turn and goes back to some great house music. More melodic and more tracks that are memorable – I really feel the scene lost that ‘big’ track feel this year and people have missed that. I say bring the melody back!!
What styles of electronic music would you site as being the key influences to your productions?
I would say in my production you can find elements of house music,with Minimal, Progressive Deep and Techno… you can also hear snippets of ambient, dubstep, really leftfield stuff.
On the back of the Album release, how packed is your DJ schedule?
At the moment its getting more and more packed. My manager James is doing a great job on the album tour.
Are there any upcoming shows that you’re particularly looking forward to?
I have a gig at Ministry of sound in London on the 19th September which I’m really looking forward too as its my first club gig in the UK after Global Gathering which was my really first gig in the UK! I find each gig exciting as it’s going to new places and meeting new crowds and different people.
Preferred method of mixing: Vinyl or CDs?
I would love to use Vinyls but I am using Ableton at the moment so unfortunately no place for the vinyls.
All-time Favourite Club to perform in?
Ageha – Tokyo. It has the best vibe I’ve ever witnessed. Amazing people in an amazing club…
Favourite Producer of the moment?
Jimpster. He is very different from what I’m doing, but the sound and the groove of his tune is something you just want more and more.
Secret weapon in your record box?
My weapon is unreleased remixes I have made for few tunes… From time to time an old tune comes into my head so I go and try to remake it.
What’s your worst experience behind the decks?
My Mac crashed in middle of a gig. I can’t even talk about it.
There are just a few days of voting left in this year’s DJ Mag Top 100 DJs Poll and with the past month’s votes already cast, things are shaping up nicely but there’s still time to ensure that your favourite DJs get the props they deserve!
Will the Trance fraternity rule the roost again, can Tiësto topple Armin Van Buuren from the top of the tree? Will the Techno crew make an even bigger splash, will there be any Breaks DJs in this year’s list, can Terry Wogan beat Chris Moyles again? You can make a difference to all those questions by heading over to www.djmag.com and casting your votes for your favourite five DJs of the past year before voting closes at midnight on the 24th September.
Club-land is already ripe with anticipation to see who will be crowned the undisputed number 1 DJ in the world in the definitive countdown of top class spinners. What new talent will make their mark this year and which legends are still keeping the raves rocking, all will be unveiled in time but remember The Top 100 DJs Poll is a 100% public vote so make sure that you make your opinion count by getting on the site and voting.
www.djmag.com
Hed Kandi returns to its spiritual home of Pacha, London, this September to celebrate, in suitably decadent fashion, the launch of their debut fragrance Eivissa. So step in from the cold and shake your booty to some of the hottest music from dance music’s head honchos Hed Kandi.
On the 27th September expect Pacha, London to become the home of real glamour as Hed Kandi invites all to be enticed by Eivvissa’a exclusive launch party. The most stunning décor will adorn Pacha, whilst the best, cutting edge music from the Hed Kandi masters will make this a night to remember. Creating the backdrop for this evening of unprecedented glamour will be Andy Norman, David Dunne and Andy Warburton whilst Hed Kandi’s delectable superstar dancers will be whipping Hed Kandi revellers into a fever. Turning up the thermostat to HOT, Steve Norman will be dazzling all with his live sax performance and Assaf will be banging his bongos to this year’s top tunes. Taking over the VIP room will be the Hed Kandi House Party hosted by Dave Baxter and friends.
Be prepared to be seduced by the lavish new scent from Hed Kandi, as they create, for one night only, the ultimate experience in decadence and glamour to celebrate its launch.
For information on all events including ticketing and full line ups, visit the Hed Kandi website at www.hedkandi.com.
54 Music invites you to join them on their journey to becoming the most talked-about, innovative, boundary smashing label in the UK.
With a launch set for in March 2009, in time for the Miami Winter Music Conference (WMC), the label has one clear, objective - to search for the future stars of tomorrow.
With a diverse and dynamic way of thinking, 54 Music intends to house a variety of genres spread across two contrasting sides of the label: LIGHT and DARK.
LIGHT will host an assortment of more esoteric genres, including deep house, broken beats, nu-jazz and all things eclectic.
DARK meanwhile, will play host to techno, tech house and minimal, for discerning followers of the ‘intellectual techno movement’ (ITM.)
54 Music is set to take dancefloors by storm, launching a nationwide search for talented artists and producers, giving them the chance to make the trip Miami for the WMC with them, and releasing or remixing a track on either side of the label.
This new concept is being brought to you by the formidable 54 crew, who have been responsible for rocking London’s foundations for the last 4 years.
This is a call to artists, producers, engineers and music makers of any variety: get in touch and become apart of this musical revolution. Make it happen
Continue reading ‘54 Music London Launch Producers Competition’
What was your overall approach to constructing a Toolroom mix?
The tracks for this compilation were selected on the basis of tracks I was into and what I was playing at the time of selection. It also features some Toolroom releases and of course some of my productions. I keyed all the tracks and mixed both discs with Ableton Live.
Do you feel that you’ve achieved what you set out to with the mix?
I am really happy with this mix. I would say it is my favourite compilation to date. I think I achieved exactly what I intended with it.
How would you describe the sound of mix?
The sound of the mix varies throughout both discs. Disc 1 is little deeper, weirder and sexier, where the second disc is more big room sounding.
How did you go about selecting tracks for the mix?
It was a mixture of tracks that I have been playing out, tracks that I really liked, some Toolroom releases and my productions.
Would you say your musical policies as a DJ are accurately reflected?
Disc 1 sounds like something that I would play if I was to warm up for myself, and the second disc reflects more what I would actually play like in a dj set.
You’ve been commissioned remix work for some big names in recent years, had a dance music award nomination, and a heap of singles released. Has there been a definitive career highlight for you so far?
i think being nominated for a Grammy would be up there for me along with many other happy moments in my life.
Can we expect an artist album to be released in the coming years?
It is possible, but for now I will concentrate on singles and also starting my own label very soon.
What do you feel about the house scene at the moment in terms of the quality of musical output?
There is a lot of music out there and it can be hard to find the secret weapons and new/fresh tracks because everyone with a laptop can make beats and sometimes that’s not a good thing for the quality of music being released, but its every DJs job to be on the hunt and lookout for the best tracks they can find
On the back of the Album release, how packed is your DJ schedule looking?
The schedule is looking full on, with a European tour finally finishing end of September after being 4 months long. After that is the USA tour which will be followed by Australian tour. So its non –stop.
Are there any upcoming shows that you’re particularly looking forward to?
I’m really enjoying my residency at Pacha, Ibiza with Subliminal nights and I have two more so I cannot wait for that. Also doing one of my favourite clubs in September, Ministry of Sound London for Steve Angelo’s Size party.
Preferred method of mixing: Vinyl or CDs?
CD’s
All-time Favourite Club to perform in?
Ministry of Sound London and Pacha (New York and Ibiza)
Favorite Producer of the moment?
I like what the Swedish House Mafia are releasing, Tiger Stripes and Funkagenda at the moment.
Secret weapon in your record box?
I always make new edits and bootlegs, plus I just finished a new track with Axwell called ‘Open Your Heart’.
What’s your worst experience behind the decks?
I never have weird or uncomfortable moments behind decks, but the main thing that sucks for me when I’m playing is when the crowd is not there for the music.
Toolroom Knights mixed by Dirty South is released on 15th September 2008
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