Posted by Gosia Mrugala

When listening to and watching CYBERPUNKERS in action, it’s The Bloody Beetroots that come first to mind. Like the Beetroots, this Italian duo has an impressively vociferous production style. And, like the Beetroots, they wear masks — in their case, the kind you’d expect to find on the fields of a paintball battle. In the EDM scene, it seems, putting on a mask or a costume (or a giant cartoon mouse head) allows you to play a role that, in “reality,” you’re too scared to become: freed from all boundaries, openly rebellious against the music scene’s rules or judgement. I’d love to attend an EDM masquerade and see what might happen — that would make for one hell of a crazy musical wonderland.

The CYBERPUNKERS track that first caught my ear was “I Needed To Go.” I heard the first 10 seconds and was hooked. This crazed duo have a raw, sexual temerity, and the kind of good, grimy basslines that drive me absolutely crazy. I pressed replay a few times on this one, and fell into their musical grasp.

The beginning of their track “Epic” is a tease to the senses, but at the 1:07 mark the unsuspecting listener gets clobbered hard in the face with some heavy-duty bass and a unique, smashing rhythm. The music video is … interesting, to say the least. I recommend just pressing play, sitting back and opening your eyes and ears to a truly insane track.

I may be a melomaniac, but I don’t swoon like pre-teen Justin Bieber fan for every hot act that comes along. Where CYBERPUNKERS are concerned, however, I thrall myself willingly to their sound. They push the sonic boundaries and deliver truly mind-blowing tracks. I strongly recommend you check them out for yourself; follow them on Facebook HERE, and on SoundCloud HERE.

Gosia Mrugala is a Toronto-based blogger and reviewer. You can read her blog HERE, and follow her on Twitter HERE.

Posted by Christina Dun

The Toronto Argonauts Cheerleaders took a break from prepping for the upcoming season recently to pose for a calendar photo shoot. I joined the danceNEWS team to see what goes on behind-the-scenes. And after hearing about the 18 hours that the cheerleaders spent in the studio the day before, I’ve got to admit, it sounds pretty tiring. In all, there are 40 girls who will be part of the calendar: that’s a lot of energy, beauty and pep packed into 12 pages.

From the hair to the make-up, the girls were picture-perfect for their moments in front of the camera. Craig Boyko was the lucky photographer who got to shoot the girls lounging in a mini pool full of footballs (as one does). I’m sure many of the guys on our team here at bpm:tv would have gladly volunteered for the job.

Kalen caught up with the cheerleader squad’s head coach — and host of bpm:tv’s Back @ Ya! — Jorie Brown, who gave us a tour of the studio and showed us what goes into one of these photo shoots. She took us into the make-up area, where Wendy, from Inspire Cosmetics, chatted about the looks they were going for. Kalen even got a little touch-up before his turn in front of the camera.

The girls seemed to enjoy the experience, even practicing their routines while waiting for their set-ups. (Now, that’s dedication!) There’s a big season ahead, which will climax with the 100^th Annual CFL Grey Cup at the Rogers Centre in Toronto on November 25. Be sure to stay updated with the Argos cheer squad by following them on Twitter (@ArgosCheer), and keep an eye out for the 2012 calendar.

See the full photo gallery HERE. Follow Christina Dun’s blog HERE.

Posted by Gosia Mrugala

Toronto’s City Night Club hasn’t been a major force on the city’s EDM scene until now. Its wayback-playback, mainstream and top 40 sounds definitely have their appeal — but not so much with electronic dance music partisans. But there’s a hint of change in the air.

PLUR. It’s a word that’s been dancing from lip to lip and ear to ear throughout the EDM community: Peace Love Unity Respect. And now Toronto party production company Vivid Dream Productions is trying to create a little PLUR of its own by bringing EDM to the City dance floor. Vivid Dream’s PLUR event this Saturday May 26 will mark the grand opening of City’s new “half” club, Caramel Lounge.

It’s no small task to try to create a new home for EDM in Toronto . Let’s turn out on Saturday to see check out the fruit of Vivid Dream’s labours, and to see what we can bring to the dance floors of the Caramel Lounge. Dress in white — the colour of a fresh, new beginning. See you there!

For more info, CLICK HERE.

Gosia Mrugala is a Toronto-based blogger and reviewer. You can read her blog HERE, and follow her on Twitter HERE.

Review and Video Posted by Gosia Mrugala

Heartik @ TIME, Toronto – April 13, 2012

It’s about time Canadian audiences got a look at Heartik. The young Italian has been refining his production skills since 2008, and last Friday night he brought his impressive sound to the dancefloor of Toronto’s TIME nightclub.. This is a venue with a lot to offer, including a rock-solid sound setup for EDM performers, and though it’s a wee bit small it offers a pleasingly intimate atmosphere.

Can’t say I was impressed with the turnout for the event, but the shortage of warm bodies didn’t slow up the headline performer. He kicked off his set with a funky crowd-pleaser, before slipping into some comfortable tech-house. Heartik has mind-bogglingly brilliant taste when it comes to music selection – indicative, I’d say, of his potential to rock much larger crowds. Couple that with his powerfully appealing stage presence and positive energy, and you’ve got a DJ/producer worth watching — and listening — for.

Heartik has posted his full set from TIME Toronto on SoundCloud. LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD HERE

 Gosia Mrugala is a Toronto-based blogger and reviewer. You can read her blog HERE, and follow her on Twitter HERE.