Posted by Scott Willats

It’s amazing. Fake Blood has one of the most distinctive sounds in all of music — yet he has managed to find a militia of devious DJs who share his refined ear. The only fault most electro heads have ever been found with Fake Blood is the fact that he doesn’t release as much content as we want to hear. No worries: his Blood Music label has become the perfect remedy for all those desperate fans — the Roc-A-Fella to his Jay-Z. Another Blood Music soldier is set to drop a release in the coming month; we got a sneak preview of some of the tracks yesterday, and they are big: the Big le-Bowski Big.

Bowski ‘s new EP, Poppies will be released on Decemeber 18, and these songs get your attention quickly. Due to a shortage of time, I can’t break them down — and to be honest, they are too fresh for me even to try. But as you would expect, Bowski delivers. All I can tell you is that the formula is pretty much the same for all of the artists in the Blood Music stable: dark-yet-pleasant-soulful-mindf*ck-sounds at their best. Menace, Ado, Clouds, Nick Cambell, LeBreton and Bowski: this is turning into the absolute dream team. Enjoy these artists and support the label, because the only thing better than more of these releases would be a Blood Music tour.

Special!

Bowski – Balloon Brain: LISTEN TO IT HERE

Very special!

Bowski – White Russian: LISTEN TO IT HERE

Okay, screw it — they’re all special!

Bowski – Poppies: LISTEN TO IT HERE

In case you missed them: some other stellar tracks from the Blood Music crew.

Still addicted to it …

Ado – Voids: LISTEN TO IT HERE

One of the best openers to a set you’ll ever hear.

Menace – Hz And Tones (Original Mix): LISTEN TO IT HERE

Up and down, around and around … from three minutes on, I’m drooling …

Clouds – Liquid (Original Mix): LISTEN TO IT HERE 

The Clouds remix is tight — but this is even tighter. Check ‘em both!

Nick Cambell – Brick Scrap (Original Mix): LISTEN TO IT HERE

Love this melody … dark and twisted blood music.

LeBreton – Ghoul: LISTEN TO IT HERE

The master. “Deep Red” and “Medieval” got more love, but this was a favourite the minute I heard it and still gets played every week. Can you blame me?

Fake Blood – Voices: LISTEN TO IT HERE

Thicker than Water……..xx

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Posted by Scott Willats

Tonight, The Mod Club in Toronto plays host to Hamburg hipsters Digitalism. For many, this is as big as a Justice or a Skream show. Digitalism have, after all, been consistently putting out some of the most copied sounds of the past five years. Copied as in: people tend to borrow their style but never quite get it right.

Isi and Jence are two seemingly down-to-earth artists with great chemistry. Because they don’t stick to a defined genre, you never quite know what you’re going to get with these guys. One minute you’re listening to what sounds like indie electronic alternative (“Circles”), the next you’re hearing classic electro (“Stratosphere”) — and both tracks are putting a smile on your face.

They’ve definitely made it. Notwithstanding a lack of North American radio play, they are pretty much a household name for anyone who knows EDM. Big festivals and sold-out arena shows are as familiar to them as tight sweat-pits and hole-in-the-wall bars. Wherever their shows may be, they are sure to be crammed.

Digitalism – Stratosphere: LISTEN TO IT HERE

I’m looking forward to sitting down with them today, because I don’t just like their music — I like their taste in music. Just a couple of weeks ago I saw them Tweet a track from a German artist known as Erobique. Those familiar with him will know what a treat it was for me to discover this artist — all thanks to the two guys from Digitalism and their impeccable ears.

Looking forward to sitting down with them, and to catching the show afterwards. Hope to see you at The Mod Club. Get your tix at Embrace Presents!

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Check out Caelin Meredith’s photo gallery from the Carl Cox “All Roads Lead to the Dance Floor” show in Toronto — HERE.

Read Caelin’s review — HERE.

Caelin Meredith reviews Carl Cox’s “All Roads Lead to the Dance Floor” show in Toronto HERE.

Check out Caelin’s photos from the show HERE.

Carl Cox @ Downsview Park Studio #3, Toronto – Nov. 11, 2011

Reviewed by Caelin Meredith. Check out Caelin’s photo gallery from the show HERE.

Currently Carl Cox is trekking the globe with his “All Roads Lead to the Dance Floor” tour. This is one DJ who can attest to the fact that life sometimes imitates art. He religiously tours 10 months of the year, taking on new cities as well as revisiting old haunts, with at least four months dedicated strictly to Ibiza. This show in Toronto was one small stop on his North American jaunt. (He cited El Paso as the “craziest crowd” on this particular road trip, describing the crowd as “mental for four hours straight.” Who knew a college town in Texas could outstrip international DJ culture cities like San Fran and NYC?)

He played at the Downsview Park, a newish venue in Toronto, with a distinct throwback feel recalling the old Cinepspace film studio. It was a great venue for Carl to play, and reminded me of an eight-plus-hour marathon set he played at the old Warehouse (now Kool Haus), where he outlasted most of the patrons. Two decades later, I found out he’s still clocking those epic hours behind the decks — dedicating 10 hours to the opening party at Space in Ibiza every May, where, with few if any breaks, he sips champagne and shames DJs a third his age with his stamina and enthusiasm.

The crowd on this night, I would say, was there because he’s a big name, not necessarily because they follow his music. There were some genuine fans in the house, but as a whole, I’m not quite sure the collective truly appreciated his talents. He’s the type of DJ who plays it old-school: taking you on a journey, escalating slowly, teasing and taunting before all the big drops. But the crowd seemed hungry for bangers from the opening minutes of the set. People need to come to terms with the fact that his technique and vibe is not the same as a Rusko or an Armin.

For 30 years, he has watched DJs, producers and styles come and go. He has also led the pack of elite DJs who are massive draws, playing and creating amazing music, and who stay relevant to multiple generations. When you watch Cox maneuver the equipment and bend sound, you aren’t simply watching a DJ spin records for you to dance. You are in the presence of a legend: a man who has committed his life to an art form and who is to be respected. And in return for that respect, he will offer up hours of hedonistic beats that make you feel possessed. Not bad for $25.

Maybe it was growing up in south London, maybe it was the fact that he used to sit on the stairs at night at his parent’s house parties and listen to the social below. When his dad caught him and he invited him to join (“If you’re gonna be up, you might as well come downstairs”), an eight-year-old Cox clearly must have been changed for life. Even though today he’s committed to the hard, banging beats that he brings to a party night, in his off hours he prefers his Dad’s old soul records or the genteel house music of the 80s and 90s. Just another side to his extraordinary, ongoing love affair with music.

I can only imagine what he needs to do in his two months off (January and February) to recuperate before he starts up the season again, kicking it off with the Miami Winter Music Conference. When you encounter someone like this who embodies continuity, happiness and diverse musicality, bringing  joy to the masses, I can’t help wonder, as the holiday season approaches: Is Carl Cox better than Christmas? Discuss.

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Posted by Scott Willats

Beautiful weekend in the city. Mild and dark, accompanied by some great sets — just the way I like my Novembers. Zedd and Boys Noize both blessing us with some stellar shows. I feel like the electro scene has never been bigger when you see the turnouts and anticipation for these shows. It’s a good time to be a fan, and it seems like it’s only getting better.

First, I’ve gotta talk about how incredible a Boys Noize set is. Very often during live sets I’ll find myself getting lost in the music; some DJs have a great stage presence, others not so much. Boys Noize’s presence is second to none — and I really think that counts these days. Look at Sebastian Ingrosso from Swedish House Mafia. Maybe not the absolute best producer (though still very good), but he brings it every time. By the end of the show it’s not the music that you came to hear — it’s him. Boys Noize is the exact same, with one little exception: his tunes are outta this f***ing world!

Boys Noize – Yeah: LISTEN TO IT HERE

I snapped a couple quick pics to help you get a feel of what the Boys Noize set was like. Check ‘em out HERE.

I wasn’t able to make it out to the Zedd concert, but a good friend and music snob told me it was also well done. Zedd has been getting a lot of exposure in the past three months and keeps delivering some very, very big tunes. I’m expecting him to be a household name soon.

Zedd – Autonomy (Original Mix): LISTEN TO IT HERE

Another big week ahead, as Canada welcomes Digitalism with open arms. I’m a huge fan of their style and sound, so it’s going to be exciting to sit down and chat with them on Tuesday. Any specific questions you’d like me to ask? Hit me up @Sawstruck.

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Posted by Scott Willats

Exhausted from the incredible Boys Noize show at The Hoxton last night, I’ve reached deep and wide to find some of the biggest tracks in z world for ya. Today’s post features a man who’s playing The Mod Club tonight, a moombahton king, and a track from the nicest dude in the biz. No point on dwelling on the obvious, let’s get to it.

SWEETS

At The Mod Club tonight: the musically gifted Zedd. The young German gave away a free dubstep track earlier this week and it has been ringing around the blog world ever since. However, it’s his feature single that I think will be the  track conquering dancefloors this winter. This track has all the essentials to be an anthem. I figure you’ll like it, so: double dose time!

Zedd — Stars Come Out feat. Heather Bright (Radio Rip Preview): LISTEN TO IT HERE

Zedd – Scorpion Move: LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD HERE

BONUS SWEET!

Here’s the young prodigy playing the piano at age nine …

Next up: an artist from Skrillex’s OWLSA label, Kill The Noise. If you’re used to the electro bangers that they put out then you are going to be overwhelmed by the production value of this EP. Every track has its own vibe and energy, and to be perfectly honest … this is heavy in every sense. I honestly found it just about impossible to choose between the tracks to post. These are just the first two. Kill The Noise!

Kill The Noise – Kill The Noise (Part One): LISTEN TO IT HERE

Kill The Noise – Deal With It: LISTEN TO IT HERE

Speaking of Kill the Noise, there’s an absolute killer remix produced by Dillon Francis on there. By now I’m sure you’re aware that I’m a big Dillon Francis fan. Lately, though, I’ve felt he’s been lacking that characteristic soul-shaking, swaggadelic vibe. But this remix of Death Cab for Cutie‘s “Under the Sycamore” joint comes on like a punch in the face. Enjizzoy!

Death Cab For Cutie – Underneath The Sycamore (Dillon Francis Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE

Here’s something a little outside of the norm. I don’t usually care for remixes of tracks that have been out for a couple of years, or are such huge hits that they’ve already been remixed a hundred times. But I like this one, for some reason. North Carolina’s Cry Wolf have taken Justin Timberlake‘s “SexyBack” and killed it. Some will love this, some will hate. Your choice.

Justin Timberlake – SexyBack (Cry Wolf Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE

Next: a double dose from one of Holland’s finest, Laidback Luke. Always a huge fan of Luke’s tracks, and this is no different. I find that he goes into modes where you don’t hear from him at all, and then he drops, like, three massive tracks in a matter of two weeks. The Eric Prydz gift/curse, I’d call it. The first one here with Sander van Doorn is huge.

Laidback Luke and Sander van Doorn – Who’s Wearing The Cap: LISTEN TO IT HERE

Chris Lake – Sundown (Laidback Luke Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE

Lastly: Hardwell. Haven’t always been the biggest fan, but consistency kills skepticsm. In this anthem — and all he seems to make is anthems — he teams up with Dutch producer JoeySuki. The result … well, you can see/hear for yourself. The video is a great teaser — check it out!

Here’s the BBC Rip. Support the industry and buy the track!

Hardwell & JoeySuki – Munster (BBC Radio Premiere): LISTEN TO IT HERE

That’s it for now. Pics of Boys Noize and a Kaskade review next week!

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Posted by Scott Willats

In any recent discussion of innovative and trend-setting DJs, the name Boys Noize has been at the top of most people’s lists. The 29-year-old prodigy turned professor has spent most of his 20’s inventing and establishing sounds that embody the music of tomorrow, today. With the upcoming release of The Remixes, today is a day to reflect on this skillful artist.

Alex Ridha, in my opinion, is one of the greatest remixers of the decade. Not to dismiss his originals or his live sets, but the track selection of his remixes, coupled with the production quality and style, put him in a class all by himself. And if you think I’m being a tad melodramatic, all I ask is that you press play on the track directly below and lose yourself in seven years of perfection.

Boys Noize – The Remixes (2004-2011) – Preview: LISTEN TO IT HERE

This little mix/preview gives you a sense of his incredible consistency. And chances are that track list features at least a couple of titles that will find themselves on your iPod real soon. The most amazing thing is that many impressive remixes didn’t even make the cut.

The album, which will be available December 5, is like a stroll down memory lane for electro enthusiasts. Some will say its release right around Christmas is purely for marketing and profit. Fair comment, but I personally like it when a DJ assembles a list like this to demonstrate his or her mastery. Not that Ridha has anything he needs to prove.

He has created so many tracks with such intimate sounds that you would figure them best played in the close quarters of a basement club. Right? Wrong. You’ll find them being used as festival shakers and stadium anthems. There is no rigid format, no step process — it’s just original quality: dense sound from every angle possible. The album ought to be worth the pick-up, if only for the tracks that you don’t already have. Some of the songs selected were big summer anthems, so even if you’re unfamiliar with the artists I’ll bet you’ve heard one or two of these before.

And when you’re talking about the man, you have to talk about the label:  the Young Money of electro. A collection of equally talented producers with long lists of credentials in the banger department. A personal favourite of mine being Jan Driver, who has the same heavily German electro sound that Boys Noize has polished. This track “Rattlesteak” is war music:

Jan Driver – Rattlesteak: LISTEN TO IT HERE

Rynecologist is another heavy hitter absolutely in need of checking out. This track, originally heavy, is turned into something equally gorgeous.

GUXXI VUMP – Shashtilism (Rynecologist shash-to-the-ill-ism RMX): LISTEN TO IT HERE

Tonight, Boys Noize will be live at The Hoxton in Toronto with Milano, Meech and Andy Ares. Pick up tix here.

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Posted by Scott Willats

“Back to work” seems to be the phrase of the day so far. Without sounding like an absolute loser, I have a serious case of the Munnnnndays. But what can you do? Press play on a couple of these tracks, and maybe that will get us over the hump. Here we go.

Since Boys Noize is heading Toronto’s way in the next couple days, lets play one of his hottest tracks — flipped upside down by our own John Roman.

Lemonade (John Roman Remix) – Erol Alkan, Boys Noize: LISTEN TO IT HERE

A new track from The 2 Bears. Not the biggest fan of it yet, but it’s been growing on me since Friday.

The 2 Bears – Work: LISTEN TO IT HERE

This is a pretty sick song, and made for the masses. Pick it up before the rest of the world does.

Swedish House Mafia ft Knife Party – Antidote (Vocal Edit): LISTEN TO IT HERE

This track is almost too good to be true. Be perfectly honest with yourself: listening to the original is a guilty pleasure for all of us. Add an EDM twist, and this is what you get. I’ll be playing this in my car — with the windows up, of course.

No Body – The Thong Song (2011 Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE

And, of course, something for the big room. Beautiful vocals have been added to this progressive monster. Sounds a little familiar, but Norman Doray’s combination of the vocals and instrumental seems effortless and natural.

Norman Doray, Tawiah – Breakaway (Original Mix): LISTEN TO IT HERE

Something brand new from the techno villain known as Gesaffelstein. Hands down the release of the week, it’s everything you’ve come to expect from this artist. All that’s missing: a club that looks like Joker’s hideout in the old Adam West version of Batman. Granted and slanted!

Gesaffelstein – Control Movement: LISTEN TO IT HERE

Finally, the first video from one of my favourite artists on my favourite label. Blood Music’s Ado has an absolutely eye-grabbing, bizzaro video for his feature tune “The Ultra.” Check it out:

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Check out Caelin Meredith’s PHOTO GALLERY from the Red Bull Thre3Style Canadian National Finals. Read her recap of the event HERE.