Posted by Gosia Mrugala

Today’s new additions to the 2013 Digital Dreams Music Festival artist lineup: San Diego’s TJR (above left), whose signature sound is a self-described “brand of quirky, bouncy house that blur[s] the lines between house, techno and electro,” and Hungarian trance duo Myon & Shane 54 (above right), currently ranked 80th on the DJ Mag top 100. Look for both acts on the Dreams Stage.

‘sall for now. HERE be the link for tickets and info. HERE be the Digital Dreams Facebook.

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

Posted by Gosia Mrugala

Bloody good show! The latest addition to the banging lineup for the 2013 DIGITAL DREAMS Music Festival is UK electro/house maestro FAKE BLOOD!

Go HERE for Digital Dreams tix. Check out DD on Facebook HERE.

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

Posted by Gosia Mrugala

Is it too soon to think about naming the album of the year? Because I think we already know one of the top contenders. Word is out that DAFT PUNK has a new record due in May — their first studio release in eight years — and the EDM community is already breathless with anticipation.

Since the limited release of their debut single “The New Wave” 17 years ago, this enigmatic French duo (Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo) have been massively influential players on the international EDM scene. Their commercial breakthrough was the 1995 banger “Da Funk,” and these days just about everybody from your baby brother to your grandma can hum their hits — especially the 1997 classic “Around The World.” Their most recent release: the 2010 soundtrack for Disney’s TRON: Legacy.

Word is that the new album has been in the works since 2010. While everything’s pretty hush-hush at this point, there are some prestigious names attached as contributors — among them Animal Collective’s Panda Bear, songwriter Paul Williams, Chilly Gonzales and Giorgio Moroder. The month of May can’t come soon enough!

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

Posted by Gosia Mrugala

bpm:tv blogger Gosia Mrugala has an enigmatic encounter with house music’s answer to the Blue Man Group: the mysterious masked Dutch DJ duo 2 Faced Funks.

Gosia Mrugala – Where did you two meet and how did you start working together?

2 Faced Funks – We met in a local club in Holland a couple of years ago. There was a DJ contest. From that moment on, we started to play together for fun. After a while we also started producing, and started the whole 2 Faced Funks concept.

GM – How is it working in a duo?

2FF – It’s great! You never have to travel alone, which is a big plus for us. It’s always big fun to be on the road together.

GM – So what’s the meaning behind your “2 Faced Funks” alias?

2FF – Well, with the two of us, we figured there has to be a “2″ in the name. We also have two faces, so that’s where the “faced” comes in. And the “funks” part just kicked in to finish the deal!

GM – How would you descibe your musical style?

2FF - Our style goes from progressive to electro house. We always love to build up our sets!

GM – Why do you hide your identities behind those impressive pink masks, and why did you guys choose to go with this look?

2FF – Well, that actually started as a joke. We wanted to do something different and thought: Let’s try to play with masks so nobody knows who we are! Then we figured that the colour had to be pink, as that really stands out in the clubs!

GM – Who are your biggest inspirations and what have you learned from them?

2FF – We got several. To start with, the Dutchies who are taking over the house industry nowadays. But also international stars like Axwell, Dirty South, Knife Party etc.

GM – Your top 3 tracks at the moment?

2FF – 2 Faced Funks – Arabia; Dirty South/Alesso – City of Dreams; Dannic/Jordy Dazz – Fuego

GM – What is one hobby your fans would be surprised to hear that you enjoy doing?

2FF – Snowboarding with our masks on. (We actually did that!)

GM – What can fans expect from your debut album? Is there a set release date?

2FF – Just like our sets, it will be an album ranging from progressive to electro house. The release is set for February 2013!

GM – Where do you see yourselves in the next five years?

2FF – Hopefully, playing at the biggest events around the globe. We love to travel and see the world. It is great to combine that with what we love to do the most: playing house music!

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

Digital Freq & Pyramyth – Space Craft: BUY IT ON BEATPORT

LISTEN TO IT HERE

My name is Gosia and I’m an addict. My addiction: ELECTRO! And this track by Digital Freq & Pyramyth fed my addiction so euphorically. From their new EP The Astronaut, released on BugEyed Records October 1, this funky electro house track kept me on the edge of my seat while listening, changing up and leaving me wanting more. The other three tracks from their The Astronaut are equally impressive — definitely go check them out!!

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

Posted by Gosia Mrugala

Los Angeles-based DJ/producer JOHNNY YONO is slowly but surely gaining a rep in the EDM community. His name is starting to be heard more, and his music is receiving serious support from some of the world’s top DJs (Armin van Buuren, Markus Schulz). His passion for music is evident in his productions, which showcase a unique electro trance style. “The Machine” opens intriguingly — and at the 2:59 mark it pulls me in completely: mind, heart and soul. His remix of Sunleed’s “Suspended Animation” is another impressive tune that shows off his ability to bring forth the most euphonious sounds. This is one artist I’m waiting anxiously to see live.

Check out the Q&A below.

GOSIA MRUGALA: How would you describe your musical style?

JOHNNY YONO: Well, it’s predominantly progressive trance but, I tend to use elements from electro, progressive house and techno, resulting in a big bundle of aggressive, clubby energy. I always write a track, whether it’s an original or remix, with the club in mind.

GM: Tell me a little bit about your White Light Sessions and how this has evolved since you started it.

JY: started White Light Sessions back in May of 2010, and over the course of those two years it’s captured a pretty wide audience across the globe. Some of my past guests have been Lange, Protoculture, Ferry Tayle and Juventa. You can catch the show on Pure.FM‘s Trance channel every fourth Friday of the month. Piecing together a radio show requires a lot more work than many people think, so when a particular episode is well received by your fans, it’s quite a rewarding feeling.

Johnny Yono: Fairfax (Original Edit): LISTEN TO IT HERE

GM: What influenced you to evolve from being in a rock band to becoming an EDM artist?

JY: I was a drummer for seven years and was heavily involved in rock music, but I ended up leaving my band to pursue an acting career, which later led me out here to Los Angeles. Breaking away from the band opened up a whole new chapter of my life, as I cleaned up the drug use and partied a lot less. EDM also grabbed hold of me at that time and spoke to me in a way that no other music had before. I’m deeply in touch with my emotions and this music is filled to the brim with emotion. I made a partial contribution to my rock band as a drummer, but with EDM I have an entire universe of sounds and instruments to manipulate, which allows me to create a real story from the heart and mind with no boundaries.

GM: Who are your biggest inspirations and what have you learned from them?

JY: As DJs we all have our own idols and inspirations. For me, Paul van Dyk was a major influence. I’ve watched his set from Dance Valley back in 2005 more times than I can count, and his music has always been so heartfelt to me. Tracks like “For An Angel” and “Time of our Lives” are musical pieces that will live on forever, and I’ve always wanted to write with the intent to impact people’s lives. Armin van Buuren has been another inspiration of mine for years now.

GM: Top 3 tracks at the moment?

JY: Wow, that’s a very good question. So many great tunes floating around nowadays. Off the top of my head:

• Corderoy – Mechanical Tears (Club Mix)

• Tom Fall – iROK

• Tritonal feat. Jenry R – Something New (Rafael Frost Remix)

GM: Which producing software do you prefer and why?

JY: I’ve been an avid FL Studio user since its primitive days of version 3 and couldn’t imagine using anything else. It allows me to manipulate anything and everything I want in any way possible, and the workflow is incredibly fast. It’s not about what you use, but how you use it. Many producers tend to think that the software defines the producer — but really, it’s the other way around. Whatever works best for that person — to each their own.

GM: Do you prefer DJing or producing?

JY: I could gab about this subject for days. DJing and producing go hand in hand now, and it’s one of the greatest feelings in the world to drop one of your own tracks during a live set — especially when they go absolutely insane for it. I never feel more alive than when I’m on stage behind the decks. DJing brings an overwhelming amount of joy in such a short amount of time, while the excitement of producing music stays with you for the long run, or until you finish a project. I’ll end this by saying that I love them both.

GM: Do you prefer playing at clubs or festivals?

JY: I’d have to say clubs. The intimate setting allows you to develop a deeper connection with the crowd, which is what I love most.

GM: What is one aspect about the music scene you wish could improve/change?

JY: One major problem is th0se promoters who would rather book a shit DJ who doesn’t produce music but brings a lot of people to the club, versus a talented DJ with tracks out on major EDM labels — one who might not bring in as many people but who has a real shot at making a career out of this. It’s a real shame. I do, on the other hand, understand that a nightclub needs to open its doors every Friday and Saturday night. It is a business.

GM: Where do you see yourself in five years?

JY: Traveling the world and playing at every major club/festival that has a demand for EDM. And hopefully still having time to teach music production and DJing.

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

Posted by Scott Willats

I know what you’re thinking: “Why do I want to read a review of Identity Festival in Toronto last weekend when I haven’t even seen the bpm Spotlight episodes on Digital Dreams or Full Flex Express yet?” I completely understand how you feel — but with so many amazing shows happening this summer I feel like I need to give you feedback on ‘em while the experience is still fresh.

And fresh it was. Identity had a lot to live up to. Between the monumental scale of Digital Dreams and the all-star lineup of Full Flex — and factoring in the absence of tour headliner Wolfgang Gartner from the Toronto bill — Identity came into the picture as something of an underdog.

Still, Identity did have one secret weapon up its sleeve: Eric Prydz, who hasn’t played in Canada for more than a decade, was slated to close out the night — and for many people, that was more than enough on its own.

Interviewing Eric Prydz at Identity proved to be one of the highlights of my young career, and to discover how humble and down-to-earth he seems was inspiring and encouraging. As for his performance on stage well, no surprise there: it was the best of the night.

Praise should also go to Le Castle Vania, who threw down a wicked set for a crowd that didn’t seem as familiar with him as one might have expected. This guy does not make bad songs. And while he sticks pretty close to the North American brand of electro house, the young man from Atlanta has mad skills when it comes to mixing and making music. His remix of Kaskade’s “Turn it Down” (a favourite among all the songs I’ve blogged) sent the place mental. Madeon‘s set was incredible as well. He was well and truly representing, and you could see why the young Frenchman’s star has shot so high so fast.

My personal favorite set: Showtek. These guys are crazy. I’m not really a hardstyle fan, but they converted me. They’re an awesome bunch, both as artists and as people — but when the mic is on and the tables are turning, they morph into animals. I know hardstyle has its loyal fans, and I’m sure the genre gained a lot of new ones besides myself on Saturday. Can’t wait for you to see the footage our cameraman Middy captured. Epic!

So that’s the summer’s tally so far: Digital Dreams, Full Flex, Identity – all successes. Next up is the Mad Decent Block Party, which should make it four for four. This one’s free so be sure to get your ass down to Toronto’s Yonge & Dundas Square on Saturday July 28. Headlining: hometown heroes Zeds Dead! See you there.

 Follow Scott Willats (SAWStruck) on Twitter

Interview by Gosia Mrugala

Neon Knights is the dynamic rock/electro duo of talented drummer Kane G and rocking guitarist Sean L – both noteworthy producers and DJs. Watching them live is wild beyond words. To call the pair unique performers would be an understatement: they mix DJing with live instruments in a rock-grimy style, creating a powerful vibe between themselves and the crowd that’s a rare pleasure to witness. They’re going to be rocking The Hoxton in Toronto this Friday June 29. I can’t think of a better venue for these guys, so consider the show STRONGLY recommended. Look forward to seeing you on the dancefloor!

IAMMUZYKA: What’s the story behind the alias “Neon Knights”?

SEAN: The name Neon Knights came from our background in rock music with the song “Neon Knights” by Black Sabbath. We thought this would be the perfect name for us, as we incorporate our rock influence with EDM and bring neon colours with our live instruments. Kane’s Glo kit is what really helped drive this name home for us. We hope to one day have futuristic knight suits that glow and tie into our neon theme.

IAMMUZYKA: Where did you meet and how did you guys start working together?

SEAN: We met in our first year at Ryerson in one of our business classes. We got along real well, had very similar musical interests and one day just decided to form Neon Knights. We haven’t looked back since!

IAMMUZYKA: Who are your biggest inspirations and what have you learned from them?

KANE: My biggest inspirations have to be drummers like Travis Barker, Neil Peart and Daniel Adair. These are the guys who inspired me to learn how to drum in the first place and I will always look up to them for the great musicians and role models they are. Through my high school days I would spend hours and hours improving my drum skills and it’s amazing to see where it has taken me today. Sean and I both look up to and respect Matt Jones and Pat Doody from the Sour DJs. They’ve helped us so much and we’re so happy they have taken us under their wing in the EDM scene.

SEAN: My biggest inspiration of all is Jimmy Page from Led Zeppelin. He’s the reason I learned to play the guitar. The list could go on and on, but here are some more of my inspirations just to name a few: Angus Young, Jack White, Aerosmith, Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and Metallica. Artists like these inspired me to want to learn guitar, which I would practice for hours and hours. I used to stay home Friday and Saturday nights in high school to study and master the craft of guitar. I wanted to learn everything from shredding, classical, riffs, etc. Music inspires and motivates us, and if it wasn’t for my inspirations I would not be where I am today.

IAMMUZYKA: How would you describe the sound of Neon Knights?

KANE: Neon Knights’ sound can be summed up in a few words: aggressive, heavy riffed, high-energy, in-your-face music. We thrive off the high energy at every show and transfer that into the music we make.

IAMMUZYKA: Which producing software do you prefer and why?

SEAN: We use Logic for producing as Kane has been using it in the past for rock music and drum cover. We’ve been learning it more and more as time went on and it is the main software we use. We hope to learn how to use Ableton as well so we have a few programs we can use when creating music.

IAMMUZYKA: DJing or producing?

SEAN: We feel there must be a solid balance of both DJing and producing. There is nothing like DJing to an insane crowd where you can feel crazy energy in the room. You also need that time in the studio grinding out hours on end finding that perfect sound and producing an awesome track.

IAMMUZYKA: Top three tracks at the moment?

KANE: 1.Hirshee – Bang This 2. Horny Sanchez – Caliburn (The Sour DJs Remix) 3. Nero – Must Be The Feeling (Delta Heavy Remix)

SEAN: 1. Topher Jones – Brohammer 2. Tiësto & Swanky Tunes – Make Some Noise 3. Laidback Luke – 1234 feat. Chuckie & Martin Solveig

IAMMUZYKA: In your own words, what does EDM represent?

KANE: To me, EDM represents a culture in which electronic music is what brings everyone together. It doesn’t matter the style of dance music you like, whether it be acid house or dubstep — the appreciation and love of dance music is what ties everyone together. The love I see when I walk out in front of an audience of 5,000 people or 50 people is always the same. People are there for the love of the music and that is why we do what we do.

SEAN: EDM is simply any dance music that is electronic. There are so many styles, which makes it difficult to simply define EDM. To me the EDM scene is like a family in which whenever I meet someone that is into the EDM scene there is an instant bond. EDM is my life.

IAMMUZYKA: What are some projects you guys are currently working on that we can look forward to?

SEAN: We are currently in the works of releasing the Limp Bizkit -Breakstuff bootleg that we are a part of with The Sour DJs. There will be a video made shortly for Sol Republic headphones that will feature this track. Also, our first release on Beatport is coming up. We are featured on The Sour DJs’ new single titled “Your Mum,” which has remixes done by Donald Glaude, FTampa, Andy’s iLL, Obsidian and Unit 42. We are very excited for these releases!!

IAMMUZYKA: Where do you see Neon Knights in the next five years?

KANE: We hope to see ourselves on bigger stages, bigger festivals, bigger events and all around hope to take our music to the next level. We would like to collaborate with various artist and continue creating progressive music. We will always keep our “Neon Knights” sound and look forward to whatever the future brings.

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

Posted by Scott Willats

So this week I focused on the UEFA EURO 2012, a tournament many say is harder to win than the World Cup. A good chance to take a look at some of the powerhouse nations in the EDM game and see just how many A-list artists they’ve got on the roster.

With all that said, though, it bears pointing out that North American is making a pretty convincing bid for EDM supremacy, too. This week, in fact, we have one of the year’s biggest fests taking place down in Vegas. Electric Daisy Carnival is finally here — and this year’s looks to be one for the ages. The set lists are incredible, and too numerous to list here, so I’ll just pass on the images I’ve been drooling over for the past two months. If can’t make it, don’t worry — I’ll have you covered next week with info all the best sets.

Until then, some sweets to turn your weekend into a Vegas vacation. Let’s get to it!

SWEETS

From one side of the country to the other: Felix Cartal lends his touch to Autoerotique‘s “Roll the Drums.” An absolute banger.

Autoerotique – Roll The Drums (Felix Cartal Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE

Disclosure‘s “Control” gets absolutely glorified in the hands of producer Joe Goddard. From the 2:50 mark onward this track gets out of haaaaaaaaaaaaaaand! My personal favourite of the week.

Disclosure – Control (Joe Goddard Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE

Brodinski teams up once again with Louisahhh! and the outcome is the same. Funky, creative and swagged out, this track begs the question: when do we get the Borsahhh! album?

Brodinski feat. Louisahhh! – Nobody Rules The Streets: LISTEN TO IT HERE

A little tardy with this one, but whenever you come across a new Pleasurekraft track you wait until the full version is released. We were teased with a preview a few weeks back, but it didn’t do the tune justice. It’s truly out of this world — particularly once it hits the four minute mark. (PS, Pleasurekraft are in Toronto tomorrrrrrrrrow night at SPACE IBIZA at Sound Academy. BE THERE!!!!!!!!!)

Pleasurekraft & Belocca – Murdered Out: LISTEN TO IT HERE

Speaking of previews, Tits & Clits have given us a glimpse of their latest track — and this one can’t wait. It’s a remix of Demon Superior‘s “Creepy Little Doll.” Something about T&C in the studio: they know how to pick just the right chord for every part of a remix. This will be a definite download when the full track becomes available; until then, this two-minute snippet should hold you.

Demon Superior – Creepy Little Doll (Tits & Clits Remix): LISTEN TO THE PREVIEW HERE

A double dose of T&C: pick  up this one while you’re at it.

Tits & Clits – Rendezvous: LISTEN TO IT HERE

If you like the idea of mixing swing music with electro, and if you like Parov Stellar, then you’re going to loooooooooooooove Sound Nomaden, who has taken over my iPod.

Sound Nomaden – You Gotta Hurry: LISTEN TO IT HERE

Mau5trap is well represented this week with the latest from Moguai: a remix of a track he released back in February. He must of heard something in the past four months that he wanted to incorporate, because this version is miles away from the original. Both are good — but this one’s better.

One of my favourite acts, T.E.E.D., remixed by none other than Miguel Campbell. Huge!

T.E.E.D. – Stronger (Miguel Campbell Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE

New music from the man who repped the Oranje in this weeks bpm:tv Euro Cup of EDM! Nicky Romero teams up with ZROQ to bring you a track that’s certain to be a festival anthem all summer long.

Nicky Romero & ZROQ – WTF: LISTEN TO IT HERE

And finally, before we get to the ZD visuals: a mix from Grimeskee, Bassmentality approved. WEMF is gonna be ill this year!

Bassmentality – In The Mix with Grimeskee: LISTEN TO IT HERE

… annnnnnd just in case you live under a rock: new visuals from the current Best Group In The World …

Follow Scott Willats (SAWStruck) on Twitter

Posted by Scott Willats

In the UEFA EURO 2012 tournament, the group that includes the reigning world champion and a four-time world champ is one to watch. Ditto for our EDM Euro cup. In dance music as in football, the Irish are the most fun to watch, with fans as crazy as they are dedicated. Spain has the EDM culture down to a T, as you’ll see when you check out the scenes in Madrid and Barcelona. Italy, of course, is home to some of the biggest names in house and the coolest kids in electro. And then there’s Croatia, known for crazy, and I mean absolutely off-the-hook, recover-for-a-month boat cruises and beach festivals. These teams may be relatively unknown, but they’re massively experienced — a group worth watching, indeed.

GROUP 3

Spain – Sak Noel

For so long the Spanish were perennial underachievers. They couldn’t win the tournament if the earth opened up and swallowed the other 15 teams. They always had a strong team, always looked to finish strong, and always choked. Or they did until 2008, when they finally wrapped it up with the help of a strong core of Barcelona players. Now they can’t lose, and are bidding to become the first country to win three major international tournaments in a row. EDM-wise, Espana has always been a hotbed for house music, and Ibiza is basically global ground zero for electronic music — EDM is practically woven into the very stones of the island. Ibiza is home to some of the best clubs in the world — and those clubs play host to every A-list DJ on the planet.

Yet for all that, Spain isn’t known for producing a spectacular bumper crop of homegrown DJs. So I made the sexy pick: Sak Noel. He may be the most inexperienced DJ in bpm:tv’s Euro 2012 tourney, but he also boasts the biggest song. This is what Ibiza feels like. WTF!?

A double dose!

Italy – Crookers

When it comes to soccer, few do it better than the Italians. When it comes to Italians DJs, few do it better than Crookers. It seems like only yesterday that this duo was breaking onto the scene with their smash hit remix of “Day ‘N’ Night.” This song was more than music — its effortless mix of rap and electro was something new and special. Electro had always been big in Europe, but this track made it big in North America. It was the snowball that started the avalanche we’re seeing today. Crookers faces some stiff competition from Benny Benassi and Bloody Beetroots, as well as from up-and-comers like The S and Stefano Noferini – but I think it’s Andrea “Bot” Fratangelo and Francesco “Phra” Barbaglia who best rep team Italia.

AC/DC  - Thunderstruck (Crookers Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE

Ireland – Annie Mac

Ireland may not have an oversupply of great producers, but there are definitely a few worth checking out: Johnny O’Callaghan and Timmy & Tommy stand out in my mind. But let’s be honest: when you think Irish DJs, you think Annie Mac. Miss Macca has been a pillar of the EDM community for close to a decade now. Loved by many for her easygoing, happy-go-lucky persona, this Dubliner knows her tunes. You want to hear something new and fresh, something you’ve never heard before? Two places to go: bpmtv.com or BBC Radio 1 on Fridays. True Say Annie Mac is Killing it!

Say no more …

Annie Mac Minimix: LISTEN TO IT HERE

Croatia – Miss Sunshine

One of the smaller countries in the tournament but by no means the weakest, Croatia is always well represented and well supported and well played. Behind the decks, their musical representative, Miss Sunshine, exhibits the same beauty the Croatian national squad displays on the pitch. Her live sets are meant to be seen and felt in a dark cave somewhere in Zagreb, where the mixture of liquor, sweat and drums put you in a trance. Her original tracks start slow and slowly began to grip at your soul, until you realize you’ve been dancing to the same beat for the past 15 minutes and don’t ever want to stop. She may not be as well known as the other artists in this group, but she can hold it down with the best of them.

Miss Sunshine – Revenge (Tic Tac Toe): LISTEN TO IT HERE

Miss Sunshine @ Dream Machine: LISTEN TO IT HERE

Next up: we finish our tournament with Group 4– in EDM terms, the Real Group of Death.

Follow Scott Willats (SAWStruck) on Twitter