Posted by Gosia Mrugala

Alvaro!

It is a scientific fact: every single Dutch person is a DJ. It is required by law and tradition. If you cannot DJ, you must leave the country.

Alvaro!

Who is Alvaro? Alvaro is a Dutch person, who is a DJ, who makes house music, who will be at the Digital Dreams Music Festival this Canada Day weekend.

Alvaro!

For DD tickets and info, click on the clicky thing HERE. For the DD Facebook page, click on THIS HERE clicky thing.

Alvaro!

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

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

Most intriguing new addition to the artist lineup for this year’s Digital Dreams Music Festival: Toronto house duo Art Department, a collaboration between legendary local DJ Kenny Glasgow and Jonny White, the mastermind behind the No. 19 label. This spring finds them wrapping up the tour for their newest album, the mix compilation Social Experiment 003. Can’t wait to see them bring it to the Echo Beach Stage on June 29!

DD tix and info: HERE. DD Facebook: HERE

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

Maya Jane Coles @ The Hoxton, Toronto – April 12, 2013. Presented by Embrace & Platform

Reviewed by Gosia Mrugala

ALL PHOTOS: James Drobik

I’ve been in love with the deep house sound of UK producer/DJ Maya Jane Coles ever since I heard her Low Key EP. The title track alone was “Low Key” is all it took to get me hooked.

This is one talented and prolific young artist. In addition to the house tracks she puts out under her own name, Coles records dubstep under the alias Nocturnal Sunshine, and has teamed up with vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Lena Cullen to form the electronic dub duo She Is Danger. Little wonder Rolling Stone ranked MJC number 14 last fall on its list of the world’s 25 most influential DJs.

Coles brought her distinctive sound to The Hoxton in Toronto last Friday — and what a night it was! The lineup outside wrapped right around the building, tickets at the door sold out in a heartbeat, and the joint was quickly filled wall-to-wall. The vibe was raw and had a delicious, underground feel. Coles’ artful production and unerring musical selection had the whole crowd swaying oceanically to those sweet, deep rhythms.

Keep an eye on MJC’s touring schedule HERE, and be ready to snap up tix quick if she’s gonna be in your neighbourhood.

More photos:

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

Indefatigable bpm:tv blogger gets to know Greek-born house DJ/producer Orelse (a.k.a. Orestis Papavasiliou) — part of a new generation of rising European EDM talents.

GOSIA MRUGALA: Hey, Orelse! What have you been up to lately?

ORELSE: Hello everybody! Past two months I am always on the road, spreading my “Deep Is Love” parties along Greece. I’ve been to many places, had some great parties, met wonderful people who truly love music. Other than that, when I have time I am in my studio. Just finished a new track of mine and a remix that I am really happy about.

GOSIA: How would you describe your musical style?

ORELSE: My style is always balanced between deep, sexy sounds and groovy ones. I play everything from deep house to classic house, and sometimes a little bit of tech house with tribal elements included. I want every set I make to be like a journey. You start from somewhere and there is always a destination to reach.

GOSIA: So tell me more about “Deep Is Love.”

ORELSE: “Deep Is Love” is a track of mine that was released in 2012. It’s a deep house track that got great worldwide support, so I named my parties after it. Either way, this is the music I play and I found the title more than suitable. The “Deep Is Love” parties will soon be celebrating their one-year anniversary. We’ve been to so many places that I feel blessed. We are also starting to expand them outside Greece soon, with gigs in Europe, the USA and probably Africa as well.

GOSIA: Which producing software do you prefer?

ORELSE: I am a bit of a vintage guy to be honest. I use the old Kinetic, along with Project 6, Virsyn Tera, Darbuka and sometimes Reason. Although I always try new software, these ones just feel like home.

GOSIA: Your top 3 tracks at the moment?

ORELSE: (1) Orelse – Eye Sea You (Original Mix): This one is coming soon on Underground City Music!  |  (2) Stefano Amalfi – Tonk (Original Mix): An all-time favourite!  |  Tim Deluxe – Transformation (Original Mix): A favourite also.

GOSIA: What influences the musical selection for your live sets?

ORELSE: I don’t think there’s something standard about it. I never have a particular pattern that I should follow. I just want to have fun when I play and I am always pushing to that direction. If you have fun, then people will have a good time also, because they get your vibration and positive vibes. It’s a chemical thing like love. You give and you take back and we all get lifted along the process.

GOSIA: How do you find a balance between music and your personal life?

ORELSE: (Laughs) There is no balance, to be honest. Music is life, my mind and heart — wherever I am or whatever I’m doing are combined with it. My friends and family are good with it ! Music is personal, you know…

GOSIA: What is one hobby that your fans would be surprised to learn you enjoy?

ORELSE: I really do enjoy fishing. It feels so calm — the sea, sunset, waves are a combination that makes my mind relax. I don’t really care if I catch any fish — it’s an excuse just to be there !

GOSIA: The summer of 2012 was mind-blowing. Any predictions about summer 2013?

ORELSE: I think this summer will be even better than the previous one. New music, good people. And the Greek islands are a must destination to have a good time and expand your mind.

GOSIA:  Can you tell me about any upcoming projects or collaborations?

ORELSE: I have some new releases that will come out on Wet Recordings, Underground City, Clubshine, Avatone and other labels. Did a remix for Mikael Delta that I am really proud of and honored — it will be released probably in June. Other than that, we have a lot of parties planned in Greece, plus some surprises that will be announced soon!

GOSIA: Where do you see yourself in five years?

ORELSE: Probably in Berlin, still expanding my music and getting the Deep Is Love name out there!

KEEP TABS ON ORELSE:

Facebook  |  Twitter  |  YouTube  |  SoundCloud  |  Mixcloud  |  MySpace  |  Resident Advisor  |  Beatport  |  The DJ List  |  Top Deejays  |  Deep Is Love Events  |

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

DECADENCE 2013 @ THE GUVERNMENT ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX, TORONTO – MARCH 28, 2013

Reviewed by Gosia Mrugala

March may have gone out like a lion this year, but the arrival of spring is still an event worth celebrating. Toronto’s The Guvernment-Kool Haus complex certainly did its bit to help promote spring fever, hosting a massive all-access event on the eve of the Easter long weekend, headlined by some of the biggest names on the EDM scene. At Kool Haus: Calvin Harris, Nicky Romero, R3hab and Manzone & Strong. At The Guvernment: Cosmic Gate, W&W and Mark Oliver. At Chroma: Flipside, Joee Cons and Greg Gow. And at Acid Lounge: Ovi M.

Running back and forth between the rooms was quite the adventure — each time trying to push my way through a wall of bodies entranced by the relentless pulse of the music. You really do see and feel the love — or “PLUR” — that animates the EDM community at an event like this. I just wish I had a cloning machine so I could be in three places at once, catching the full sets from all of these amazing artists, instead of running around like a chicken without its head.

IMPRESSIONS:

>> The musical remedies of R3hab were a balm for the soul. I first saw him last summer at Digital Dreams and was impressed by his set there — but at Decadence I was utterly blown away by his performance, his flawless musical selection and, above all, his connection with the audience.

>> Manzone & Strong and Mark Oliver are residents at the Guvernment, and with good reason: they never disappoint, bringing their A game every single time they work the decks.

>> At one point was near the entrance to Chroma, when a mass of bodies suddenly surged toward the Kool Haus, and I found myself swept along with the herd to witness Nicky Romero taking the stage. It was pure pleasure to witness the mastery with which he took control of the dance floor, his energy electrifying the entire complex. Romero’s name is one that gets my pulse pounding any time I see him on an artist lineups.

>> Calvin Harris is an artist I first saw live at WEMF two years ago and was absolutely blown away! So my expectations for his performance at Decadence were high — and baby, did he deliver! His musical selection was golden, and his connection with the crowd awe-inspiring to experience.

>> Cosmic Gate certainly had a pleasing musical selection, but there seemed to be a lack of energy. Somehow they never clicked with the crowd, and I found myself drifting back toward back to Kool Haus during their set.

>> W&W created an animalistic frenzy on the Guvernment’s dance floor. My body escaped conscious control and fell under the spell for the duration. These boys work so well together, and communicate musically with the crowd so perfectly.

>> Chroma wasn’t as packed as the two main rooms, but those who made the effort to check it out were amply rewarded by Toronto’s Flipside. His musical selection set the floor spinning; I couldn’t tear myself away while he controlled the decks. Definitely one of the evening’s unsung heroes.

>> I do have to send out some love to Toronto Rave Community (TRC), which made its presence felt and contributed to the overall positive vibe. I can now proudly say that I received my first piece of kandi at Decadence, courtesy of a nice TRC gent.

All in all, Decadence 2013 was an rousing success. The crowd was crazy, and the energy was palpable in every corner of the complex. Every year, Decadence seems to improve. If you haven’t yet made it to one of these annual gatherings, then be assured: you are missing out. Personally, I’m already looking forward to Decadence 2014!

SOME MORE PICS FROM DECADENCE 2013:

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

Tom Swoon & Amba Shepherd – Not Too Late: BUY IT ON BEATPORT

Polish DJ/producer Tom Swoon teams up with vocalist Amba Shepherd to deliver this thrilling slice of progressive house goodness. Shepherd’s alluring, trance-like vocals mesh exquisitely with the rhythm on a track that’s custom-designed to drive the crowds absolutely wild at outdoor festivals. Which, by the way, is it summer yet? This one put me in an ecstatic daze, and I’m willing to bet it does the same for you.

Incidentally, you’ll want to check out the Bassnectar & PatrickReza dubstep remix as well as Maor Levi’s electro house version — both highly successful remixes!

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

Mark Mendes – Prog8: BUY IT ON BEATPORT

A much anticipated new release from Toronto-based house artist Mark Mendes, “Prog8″ is well worth the wait. Already finding its way into sets by the likes of Steve Angello and Tiësto, this is a tracks with “anthem for 2013″ written all over it in big block letters. With its heart-thumping bassline and thrilling synths, “Prog8″ is custom-built to rock crowds on main dance floors. If you want to hear a producer at the top of his melodic game, you couldn’t do any better than this. Download it forthwith!

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

Zut alors! The DIGITAL DREAMS Music Festival has added French house music maestro and all-around Gallic sex god BOB SINCLAR to its 2013 artist lineup. Magnifique!

For tix and info, CLIQUEZ ICI. For le Facebook, CLIQUEZ ICI.

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

Announced today: UK house music power player MARK KNIGHT will join the lineup for the upcoming DIGITAL DREAMS Music Festival, playing the Echo Beach stage on Sunday June 30.

So what are you waiting for? Get tix and info HERE. Follow 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.