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 chews la graisse with French housemeister NORMAN DORAY

GOSIA MRUGALA: Hey Norman! What have you been up to?

NORMAN DORAY: I’ve been touring quite a lot in the USA recently. I love being here, always a crazy atmosphere. I’m also a lot in the studio, to come back with some new music.

GM: Your track with Nervo, “Something To Believe In,” has gotten rave reviews — congratulations on that. How did the collaboration come together?

ND: The collaboration with the girls was so much fun! We loved what each other was doing, so we decided to get in the studio in London for two days. We worked hard and came up with “Something To Believe In.” It’s a good combination of classic house vocals with progressive sound and vibe.

GM: Tell me about “The Freshmakers.”

ND: My first project, I’ll never forget. I was 23 years old and decided to create this band with Pierre de la Touche and Arno Cost. We came up with [our brand of] French house music, which made us what we are today.

GM: What or who would you say has most inspired you and your music?

ND: I’m inspired by nearly everything in day-to-day life, to be honest! I’m inspired by the people I’m meeting, by the weather, by the places I’m going to. And for sure, listening to other music inspire me a lot too

GM: Your top three tracks at the moment?

ND: Porter Robinson & Mat Zo – Easy | Norman Doray & Nervo – Something To Believe In (Carl Louis & Martin Danielle Remix) | Swedish House Mafia feat. John Martin – Don’t You Worry Child

GM: When you’re not touring or producing, what do you do on your down time?

ND: I try to spend as much time as I can with my family and the people I love. It’s so hard to see them and share time with them. That’s my number one priority.

GM: What’s the biggest “Oh, shit” moment you’ve experienced during a set?

ND: When another DJ comes to the booth 45 minutes before his set and starts plugging in his computer, without saying “Hi,” in front of 10,000 people. At that time you have to be really strong, mentally, not to punch him!

GM: How do you feel social media outlets have influenced the EDM scene?

ND: A lot — in every aspect. Now, fans and artists are like a big family. Everyone knows what others are doing. I think it’s really good — but I still think an artist should have a bit of privacy on his own personal life

GM: Any upcoming projects or collaborations in the works?

ND: New singles: some solo, some in collaboration. More news soon!

GM: Where do you see yourself in five years?

ND: I hope I’ll be spending more time in the studio! I love touring, but it’s really exhausting!

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

A Tuesday to celebrate for fans of French house (and really, aren’t we all?). One of bpm:tv’s — and Canada’s — favourite European DJs, Martin Solveig has released the latest instalment in his “Smash” series of videos.

“Smash” has proven a massive success, and has really demonstrated what good music, clever filmmaking and savvy use of social media can accomplish for an artist. In addition to which, it has revealed a charmingly vulnerable and human side to one of EDM’s true superstar DJs — something refreshing for all of us “ordinary” people to see.

This new episode, “The Night Out,” features cameos from Sidney Samson, A-Trak, Porter Robinson, Dillon Francis, Laidback Luke, Zedd and many more. The offbeat humour of the story, the pause-worthy guest appearances, the stellar cinematography — there’s something in here for just about everybody. Enjoy the show!

Previously on “Smash” …

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