Posted by Scott Willats

A haunted weekend has passed, full of horror films starring B-list actors and lots and lots of fake blood. Just as many Halloween parties featuring club smoke, gummy worms and a battle for the best costumes. A lot of good concerts as well, especially in the Toronto area, as both Annie Mac and Madeon entertained crowds thanks to Embrace Presents.

Halloween is always a weekend crowded with events. Sometimes you just don’t have enough time and you’re forced to miss an event you were dying to see. Every time Annie Mac in town, you can pretty much guarantee that I’m there. It was not to be this year, and I’m still upset about that. All the same, I got to attend a lot of events and heard an awesome selection of new songs. Here are some of the bigger ones I came across.

The first is a nice little remix of Tiësto’s “Maximal Crazy” by Bassjackers. They’ve been absolutely killing it of late, and this is no different.

Tiësto – Maximal Crazy (Bassjackers Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE

Kylee Swenson’s vocals are heaven-sent in this track remixed by Kids at the Bar. Enjoy!

Dan Sena – Song Of Siren Ft. Del The Funky Homosapien & Kylee Swenson (Kids At The Bar Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE

A new one just in time for Call of Duty: MW3. Put on your gas masks and play this at 1 a.m. when you go online to snipe the Spetsnaz.

F.O.O.L – The Beginning (Original Mix): LISTEN TO IT HERE

And a little mainstream feel for you right now. I’m a huge fan of DJ Kue’s remixes (Lady Gaga‘s “Monster” and B.O.B.’s “Beast Mode” being among those that stand out). Now the four-eyed spinner is back with another batch — again taking on popular songs. Have a listen if you like — if not, no harm no foul. Very urban influenced here.

Nicki Minaj ft. Rihanna and Metafisix- Fly (It’s The DJ Kue Remix!): LISTEN TO IT HERE

Nicki Minaj feat. Drake – Moment 4 Life (DJ Kue Remix) – Dirty: LISTEN TO IT HERE 

Brooklyn is my new favourite borough in New York and Savoy reps the BK just right.

Savoy – California Dreamin: LISTEN TO IT HERE

Deadmau5 this week……………..xx

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Posted by Scott Willats

It’s the week when guys dress in the most hideous or hilarious outfits they can find, while every woman resembles a porn star — and I couldn’t be happier. Halloween is a weekend that many of us cherish. Whether you’re the little kid who gets a night of candy and excitement, the high school and college kids making blurry mistakes at a Halloween kegger or the adult who appreciates the fun of a good night with friends, Halloween is always a joy. So let’s make it a little more fun!

I’ve compiled a playlist of some of the best electro-house tracks to play this weekend. Whether you’re playing at a party, hosting one or just messing with the kids that walk to your door, I’m sure this will fit in nice and perfect. So strap up and keep your children close because … alll work and no play make Johnny a dulllllll boy! REDRUM!

Felix Cartal does a great job of making an eerie melody, Clockwork picks it up and adds the zombies!

Felix Cartal – Skeleton (Clockwork Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE

Creepy and vicious … Ado gives you a taste of Blood Music with Voids

Ado – Voids: LISTEN TO IT HERE

Not the scariest melody, but dark and deranged!

Gesaffelstein – Glass: LISTEN TO IT HERE

Like I wasn’t gonna get him up here. The master of the dark melody: even for Fake Blood, this one is a little murderous. Makes you feel like the prey being hunted.

Fake Blood – Voices: LISTEN TO IT HERE

Michael Myers on dubstep? Get me out of here! From the king of horrocore, Figure!

Figure – Michael Myers is Dead (Original Mix): LISTEN TO IT HERE

Having gone to school in Ottawa, I know how they get on Devil’s Night out there. Ottawa’s finest lend a vintage sound to the evening.

Boy 8-Bit – Wolfen (Jokers Of The Scene Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE

And a couple videos to top it all off. First up, from the French Jack Ripper, Gesaffelstein, who shows you what Tour de France you do not want to be a part of (or maybe you do).

Gesaffelstein — Viol: WATCH IT HERE

Meanwhile, Designer Drugs practically party in a graveyard. From 1:55 on I feel like I’m watching a Kubrick flick. Love it!

Designer Drugs – Drop Down: WATCH IT HERE

 Have a Happy Halloween…………xx

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Posted by Scott Willats

Yes, it’s only Thursday. But I have a special post for you tomorrow, so I thought I’d share what I’m feeling this week a day earlier rather than not at all.

First of all, this was a huge week for new releases. First comes from a duo out of France, who released the album people have been waiting some little while for. Audio, Video, Disco finally dropped on Tuesday– and unfortunately for our friends Justice, many people in Internetland had already gotten their paws on it weeks earlier. Without dissecting it at length (because there are plenty, and I mean plenty of “critics” doing that), I’ll just say: I think it’s a good album. Different, just like Cross was four years ago.

The other huge release comes from a bpm:tv staple and a personal favourite interview of mine: Kaskade dropped a double album, Fire & Ice — and if you know anything  at all about Kas, you know it’s heavy and well thought-out.

The first disc is called Fire and features collaborations on every track. A lot of good vocals and catchy strings: everything that makes up today’s poppy sound — and that’s with nothing to be ashamed of. The second disc, Ice, is all songs remixed by Kaskade. Admittedly, two discs’ worth is a lot of Kaskade — but he’s earned it, and I can recommend picking it up. “Turn it Down (Fire Version)” is my fav track, but all of them have a big room sound. For the parties where there are more “top 40″ girls than you know what to do with, this is the album to play.

So without further delay, let’s get into the tracks I’ve been feeling this the week.

Kaskade’s remix of Kaskade’s track “Ice (Ice Version)”. Simple enough to understand, right?

Ice (Kaskade’s ICE Mix) [with Dan Black]: LISTEN TO IT HERE

Look, it was always going to be so easy to dislike the Justice album. Though the entirety isn’t my cup of tea, there are very special gems in there. This is more than a track to me. It’s elegance and sophistication that I would loooooooove to see live at a festival (which is what I think this whole album is meant for).

Justice – Ohio: LISTEN TO IT HERE

Sprinkle a little Brazil on a lot of Canada, and this is what you get. Alex Mind makes a good track great.

Deadmau5 – Not Exactly (Alex Mind Re-fix): LISTEN TO IT HERE

Someone call for some dub?

The M Machine – Promise Me A Rose Garden (K Theory Bootleg): LISTEN TO IT HERE

The Boomzers are back! And they have a heavy, loud and uptempo in-your-face track to prove it. If your not familiar with The Boomzers: they’re an Italian electro duo. Fans of Bloody Beetroots, Crookers, The “S” or Fare Soldi? You should pick this up, then.

The Boomzers – We Are Back EP (Teaser): LISTEN TO IT HERE

There’s something about this track, just like there’s something about Nico Jaar. Late night music …

Sneaky Sound System – Big (Nicolas Jaar’s Always By Your Side Version): LISTEN TO IT HERE

Lastly, a brand spanking new track remixed by Cosmic Kids. And check out Holy Ghost! when they play The Hoxton in Toronto early in Novemeber.

Holy Ghost! – Hold My Breath (Cosmic Kids Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE 

Don’t forget to check in tomorrow for a special post …

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Posted by Scott Willats

Happy Hump Day to all you electroites out there. Hope the week is treating you well. The weather today (here in Toronto) is a scene straight out Se7en: dark, wet, and grimy. On a day like this, I try to find the type of track or artist that fits the mood. Sometimes I’ll strike out and fail miserably — but the times I do hit it on the nose are the ones when the day feels perfect.

Enter Julio Bashmore. The Bristol native has had a remarkable year, really making his mark in the world of house. In my Designer Drugs live review a while back, I mentioned that he was playing the same night at another venue down the street, and that the consensus seemed to be that his was the show worth seeing. I chose DD — but the larger crowd chose Bashmore. It became crystal clear right then that he was on to something special, and that if the momentum continued 2011 would be Bashmore’s Year.

I won’t waste my time trying to describe his style, because it’s so distinctive and so spacey that each listener really needs to come up with his or her own interpretation. What I will say, to all the DJs out there unfamiliar with him, is this: if you find yourself playing a later set, his is the perfect 4am to 5 am sound. You can really put everyone in a very specific zone with his tunes. And for those of you who aren’t DJs … well, on a dark and grungy day like today, his tunes are perfect. Try him out.

Start with a classic …

Julio Bashmore – Jack Got Macked: LISTEN TO IT HERE

How about this essential mix? Played for BBC Radio 1 about a month ago, just an absolutely perfect two hours. Like I’ve said before, I truly believe mixes were made for Wednesday. It’s all yours. (You’ll find the full playlist HERE.)

Julio Bashmore Essential Mix 24-9-2011: LISTEN TO IT HERE

And then there’s this remix. I heard this track about three years ago and it’s been a personal favourite of mine ever since. Not many people seem to have the tune in their catalogue, so be sure to pick it up. I love this track!

Delphic – Halcyon (Julio Bashmore Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE

Mix and match to get the better of the weather…………….xx

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Incidentally, here’s the complete DJ Mag Top 100 for 2011. Debate and discuss amongst yourselves. See y’all next week.

Posted by Popo

The DJ Mag Top 100 DJs poll results have been released along with the predictable controversies. This year the first grumblings heard on social networks were all about the now pop-friendly David Guetta took the coveted supreme spot away from Armin Van Buuren.

Here’s how the 10 vote-getters themselves responded on Facebook and Twitter.

1 – David Guetta – Thank you so much for making me number one at the top 100. I have the best fans in the world! -

2 – Armin Van Buuren – Thanks to everybody for the massive support this year no.2 @djmag & best trance! Congrats to @davidguetta for winning this year. -

3 – Tiësto – Thanks for being #1 in your heart, that’s the only thing that matters to me! -

4 – Deadmau5 – #4 again on the top100 DJ polls… hey, not bad for someone who isnt a DJ. Anythings possible folks!  -

5 – Above & Beyond – Congratulations to David Guetta for topping the DJMag poll. And big thanks to everyone who voted for us, well chuffed with 5! Tx

6 – Avicii – HALF A MILLION LIKES … AND … NUMBER 6 in the WORLD!!! I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE MY FANS!!!!!!!!! ♥ ♥ ♥ x infinity

7 – Afrojack – Yeesssss #7!!!!! Thanks everyone for voting!!!!!! I fking love u guys!!! Wooot! And great celebrating JACKED last night! 2012 baby les gooo!

8 – Dash Berlin – THANK YOU ALL!

9 – Markus Schulz – Amazing to be in the top 10 again. Thanks to everyone for the support. -

10 – Swedish House Mafia – Big respect to all the Dj’s and the fans that have been supporting this scene and made it so big and it can only get bigger and better. Keep it up. Proud of you guys – Sebastian Ingrosso

REPUBLIC OF DANCE is a bangin’ new compilation from Sony Music and Ultra Records, featuring killer club tracks from deadmau5, Wolfgang Gartner, Bingo Players, Mia Martina, Swedish House Mafia, Calvin Harris and many more.

To find out how you can enter to win your copy, visit the bpm:tv contest page on Facebook. Good luck!

Here’s the full track listing:

SHAKIRA feat. PITBULL * Rabiosa (7th Heaven Remix)

SAK NOEL * Loca People (What The Ffff!)

ALEXANDRA STAN * Mr. Saxobeat

CHRIS BROWN feat. BENNY BENASSI * Beautiful People (Felix Cartal Club Remix)

ALEX GAUDINO feat. KELLY ROWLAND * What A Feeling

MIA MARTINA * Latin Moon (Jump Smokers Remix)

SWEDISH HOUSE MAFIA * Save The World (Alesso Remix)

QWOTE feat. PITBULL & LUCENZO * Throw Your Hands Up (Dancar Kuduro)

CALVIN HARRIS feat. KELIS * Bounce

MICHAEL MIND PROJECT feat. SEAN KINGSTON * Ready Or Not

PITBULL feat. T-PAIN * Hey Baby (Drop It To The Floor)

DJ ANTOINE vs TIMATI feat. KALENNA * Welcome To St. Tropez (DJ Antoine vs Mad Mark Remix)

deadmau5 * Raise Your Weapon

WOLFGANG GARTNER feat will.i.am * Forever

BINGO PLAYERS * Cry (Just A Little) (Olav Basoski Remix)

Click Here To Purchase REPUBLIC OF DANCE

Posted by Scott Willats

Broooooooooooooklyn!!!! A special edition of Sweets of the Week brought to you from Williamsburg, Brooklyn New York City. As you can imagine, I’m running around to every record store I can find to hear tracks I’ve never heard before to lay on a silver platter for you. So I won’t have a long post today, but with the treats I’m leaving you I doubt you’ll mind. Let’s do it.

New artist, and this track is sooooooooo incredibly amazing — bump at full blast and listen to the whole track, ’cause it keeps getting better all the way to the end. Griz baby!

GRiZ – Rock N Roll: LISTEN TO IT HERE

Next up is an Australian duo who keep impressing me with their style. Here’s the new one.

Gym Class Heroes - Stereo Hearts (Bombs Away & KOMES Bootleg Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE

And I still can’t get enough of this banger. So big …

Gotye – Somebody That I Used To Know (Bombs Away Dubstep Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE

And the rest: sweets that caught my taste buds …

A nice preview from the Swedish legend. At the 2:30 mark it gets gooooooing …

Digitalism – Circles (Eric Prydz Remix) [Official Preview]: LISTEN TO IT HERE

Justice remixed by a dude who sounds like … Justice. What? Nice!

Justice – Horsepower (Soul Machine Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE

And lastly a sick video from Adam Tensta. Monkey see, monkey do …

Adam Tensta – The Monkey (w. Spoek Mathambo): LISTEN TO IT HERE

I’m off to check The Knife Party, Japanese Popstars, AC Slater and Kill the Noise!

Keeping you up-to-date faster than a New York Minute……………xx

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Posted by Scott Willats

Let’s talk about Moombahton. Whenever a new genre pops its head into our iPods, there will always be skeptics, haters and posers. I’m not here to examine what types of people make up those three unique categories — that’s not my job. Truthfully, I don’t believe it’s any person’s job. What is my job is to present to you the various characters who have become influential in this genre, lay it on a plate for you, let you savour and digest it, and come to your own opinion about the outcome.

I’m not going to date myself and say I remember when dubstep started. I’m really not that old, and I don’t want to be. But I do remember when it first started to get big here in North America. It was 2007-2008 when the people who had their ears glued to London’s underground began picking up on this grungy, drum-influenced, bass-inspired music. What it had in common with moombahton was: it was very specific, and people either loved it or hated it.

Well, the tables have turned. This time around, it’s North Americans who are the creators of a new genre, and it’s everybody else who needs to decide whether they “feel it or not.” Now, I’m not expert on the subject of who invented the genre or how, but from what I understand, it all basically started with Dave Nada slowing down an Afrojack beat. The track was Moombah, and when he slowed it to 108 (107-111 is the bpm that all moombahton follows) he thought it sounded like reggaeton — so he named it Moombahton.

Whatever the story, this is definitely made for dancing. Sometimes electro just goes faster than you can manage on the dance floor. I mean, you’ve had a couple of brews and you’re a little bloated, right? Lol, no problem: we just slow that tempo down to 108 and it’s easy skankin’, ya dig me?

The one criticism that can be laid on Moombahton — and it’s the same one I’ve heard about dubstep — is that it’s too much like reggae. I’m a huge a dancehall fan, huuuuuge, and I respect what the likes of Vybz, Movado, Busy and Jahvinci are all doing right now. I do believe the genres sound similar (I mean, Major Lazer‘s Pon de Floor could as easily be placed in either category). But Moombahton has way more of a EDM feel, while reggae always seems closer to soul.

But enough of the dry stuff; let’s get into the tunes — starting with the track where it all began.

Dave Nada – Moombahton: LISTEN TO IT HERE

Mad Decent seem to be the nation of Moombahton, and Diplo is their Prime Minister …

Diplo & Skrillex- Amplifire (Kristiän Edit): LISTEN TO IT HERE

A totally crossed out video that will leave you yelling ‘Que!’

Dillon Francis & Diplo feat. Maluca “Que Que”: LISTEN TO IT HERE

Which leads us to the beast known as Dillon Francis. You’ve heard me sing his praises thousands of times — quite simply, this man is Moombahton.  Enjoy this selection of hits from young Dillon…

Huge!!!!

Dillon Francis – I.D.G.A.F.O.S.: LISTEN TO IT HERE

A teaser of epic proportions …

Digitalism – Circles (Dillon Francis Remix) **TEASER**: LISTEN TO IT HERE

And a mix to put in your playlist for the right time … enjizzzoy.

Dillon Francis 25 Minimix On Flux Pavilion Takeover BBC Radio 1: LISTEN TO IT HERE

If you’re looking for other Moombahton artists, try Port Alberni, BC native Paul Devro, Munchi, Nadastrom, Sabo, and basically anything Mad Decent!

Class is now dismissed……………xx

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Posted by Scott Willats

Dunno about you, but to me some Wednesdays feel about 48 hours long. While Wednesdays has been known as a good day to party, it still feels miles away from the weekend. Days like these are in dire need of good music. The type of music you can zone into. The type of music you don’t need to look down at your iPod every five minutes for a new track. These are the days for mixtapes, and we have been blessed with a good one today.

A week ago, three friends gave us an early Halloween gift. The Glitch Mob released the More Voltage mixtape, which delivers megawatts of strength unmatched in the glitch/fidget world. Boreta, Ooah, and Ed are HUGE right now. Now, we can all sit here and say that their recent success is all about the LA scene LA that they come from or their tireless tour schedule — fair enough. But let’s be honest: their name rocketed up in popularity after their Spotlight on bpm:tv. ‘Cos that’s just what we do here — we’re in the artist promotion business. We can make you a star! Just give us more cowbell!

So yeah, I’m being sarcastic. But it’s been majorly to see these guys blow up in such a short time. The best thing about the three is the way they always seem to challenge each other. Whether in the studio or on stage, there’s an absence of complacency that I really wish more artists would emulate.

Anyways, without further ado, here you go:

THE GLITCH MOB – More Voltage: LISTEN TO IT HERE

I also have a little bonus. There is history with The Glitch Mob. It wasn’t always just three of them. There used to be more. Matthew Kratz was one of them — and he was a major contributor. He’s just released his new album, Anthems Of The Hero, under the name Kraddy, and it deserves some recognition too. To be honest, it’s pretty sick. Enjoy:

KRADDY – Forbidden feat. Erica Dee: LISTEN TO IT HERE

Check out the entire album HERE.

Guess what? I got a fever and the only prescription is More Voltage………………..xx

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