Bud Light Presents SENSATION @ Rogers Centre, Toronto – June 1, 2013

Reviewed by Gosia Mrugala

Photos by Jason Kwan

sen•sa•tion [sen-SEY-shuh-n] noun

• the operation or function of the senses; perception or awareness of stimuli through the senses.

• a mental feeling, especially a state of excited feeling.

It was an invasion. Seriously, for a while you couldn’t walk or drive around Toronto, listen to the radio or even watch TV without seeing an ad for the Canadian inaugural of Sensation White.

Founded in the Netherlands and organized by promoter ID&T, Sensation is a massive indoor EDM event inspired by the P-Man and Dangerous Dave. When it originated, back in 2000-2001, there was just a single edition, but since then it has now been divided into two separate events: Sensation Black and Sensation White. The idea was to differentiate the shows musically: Sensation Black focuses on the darker sounds of hardstyle and hardcore, while Sensation White is a celebration of house music. (You can find plenty more information HERE.)

This past February, it was announced that Sensation would make its Canadian debut, presented by Bud Light Canada. The date: Saturday June 1. The place: Toronto’s Rogers Centre.

Come early Saturday evening, you could see excited-looking people dressed in white all over downtown Toronto, heading for the city’s famous domed stadium. The party, with its “ocean of white” theme, had been years in the making — and oh, what a night it was! Every element was exquisitely conceived: the waterworks and fireworks, the scantily-clad beauties on stage, and — of course — the lineup of amazing artists. From first to last, Sensation went beyond our wildest expectations, fantasies and dreams.

The night began with a set from the enigmatic Mr. White, who also serves as Sensation’s host. With his deep house grooves, he did a stupendous job of hyping up the crowd as it began to flood onto the dance floor. Mr. White was followed by Dutch DJ 2000 and One (aka Dylan Hermelijn), who further set the tone with his impressive electro dance tracks. 2000 and One’s set really typified the whole evening: an incredible connection between the artists and crowd. The DJs were the puppeteers; we were the puppets.

Next up: Dutch duo Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano brought their funky house and tribal sound to the stage. Swedish House Mafia’s Axwell was quoted last year as saying “If there were a Dutch version of Swedish House Mafia, it would be Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano.” And on the basis of this duo’s incredible sound and awe-inspiring performance, I’d have to agree. I haven’t experiencing anything like it since … well, since I saw Swedish House Mafia at the Rogers Centre earlier this year. CHECK OUT bpm:tv’s WEB EXCLUSIVE interview with Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano HERE.

The Dutch invasion continued with Fedde le Grand, whose mind-blowing performance drove the crowd absolutely wild. I’m ashamed to admit this was the first time I’d seen this bpm:tv Hot 20 mainstay live, and I’m kicking myself for that, because … well, WOW!

Then came one of the night’s most anticipated moments: a rare Canadian appearance by Swedish legend Eric Prydz (a.k.a.  Pryda, Cirez D, Sheridan, Moo, AxEr, A&P Project, Hardform, Dukes of Sluca, Groove System …) The vibe: licentious! Prydz played some new tracks, then stole my heart by dropping some classics! The set peaked with the kaleidoscopic “Lazer Beams” by Green Velvet & Harvard Bass: the lights synched up perfectly with the track’s dirty, underground-style rhythms, and my senses politely parted way with all conscious control. Or to put it another way: HOT DAMN DIGGIDY!

I couldn’t think of a better way to end the night than with a set by Sweden’s Otto Knows. This was a triumphant return to Toronto by the Scandinavian wunderkind, who was here in the winter as part of Swedish House Mafia’s sold-out farewell tour. Fittingly, he finished the night with SHM’s anthem “Don’t You Worry Child.”

And that was that, as they say. At the risk of indulging in hyperbole, Sensation White was the best event of its kind I have ever attended. The work that went into it warrants a standing ovation — and kudos, obviously, to the Bud Light team and Live Nation. Let’s hope that Sensation’s Canadian debut is the beginning of a long tradition.

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

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

Because there’s no such thing as too much bass: Electronic Nation today added Chicago-based trap duo Flosstradamus to the 2013 Digital Dreams Music Festival lineup. Check out the full artist roster HERE.

You know the drill: tix and whatnot HERE, Facebookishness 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

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.

Posted by Gosia Mrugala

Bring on the bass! Kelowna, B.C. dubstep demon DATSIK is the latest name to join the artist lineup for the DIGITAL DREAMS Music Festival. With UK dubstepper DOCTOR P also joining the roster, it’s safe to assume that DD will have its bass well covered come Canada Day.

Also revealed this past weekend: Spanish techno head PACO OSUNA will be playing the Echo Beach Stage. This lineup is insane!

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

bpm:tv blogger Gosia Mrugala gets two for the price of one when she connects with Matt and Chris Stafford, a.k.a. THE STAFFORD BROTHERS. Not only are the Staffords Australia’s number one DJ duo — they’re also the stars of their own hit reality series, The Stafford Brothers airing right here on bpm:tv. CLICK HERE for info and airtimes.

EDM fans in Toronto can catch Matt and Chris live at The Guvernment, along with headliners Eric Prydz and Sander van Doorn, on Sunday February 17. CLICK HERE for details!

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

STAFFORD BROTHERS: Touring Australia for the summer. We’ve done 40 shows in 60 days here in Australia, which has been crazy. Then we’re back in LA on Monday to film our new video clip with Lil Wayne and Christina Milian.

GOSIA: So what’s it like working as a sibling duo? What are the pros and cons?

CHRIS: Pros – I always find two is better than one. Traveling with someone makes it more fun and I think it would be quite lonely by yourself on the road. Cons – We have to split the money!

MATT: It’s great because you know you have each other’s back. The pros are we know when to step back and not annoy each other, as we’re both trying for the same goal.

GOSIA: What is the best advice you’ve ever received — and who did you get it from?

CHRIS: I think it would be that our parents instilled the thought when we were young that you should never give up and always have a go.

MATT: “Green light,” from our father. He basically means go for it, have a go. We’re always having a go! I guess it would also be “Believe in yourself.” Our family are extremely supportive of us, which is great.

GOSIA: You guys have really built a strong following on the EDM scene. How would you describe the journey you’ve taken to get to this point in your career?

STAFFORD BROTHERS: It’s definitely been a long journey. We started playing every gig we could, self-funding lots of tours and “having a go.” The journey has been really fun, though, and we wouldn’t change it! It’s definitely a crazy/fun lifestyle, and something we want to continue to do for years.

GOSIA: What’s the biggest kind of “Oh shit” moment you’ve experienced during a set?

STAFFORD BROTHERS: With the new Pioneer CD players, they can be linked by a cable. So if the cable is pulled out, the music that’s not on that CD player can cut out. You can expect people to starting booing — that’s a nice “Oh shit” moment.

GOSIA: Can you tell me how your  360 Agency got started? How it is trying to balance producing, DJing and running an artist management agency?

STAFFORD BROTHERS: We were managing our own careers and bookings, and then started to do it for some others. Slowly that began to need more staff, and then another agency wanted to join forces. That’s what made 360 happen. We have a great team there, and that makes it easier for us to focus on the DJing, touring and performing.

GOSIA: What are the pros and cons of having your own reality TV show?

STAFFORD BROTHERS: There are so many pros, but it’s mostly the awareness of the Stafford Brothers that TV makes happen. Of course, this could also be seen as a con! But we love having the show, and it’s definitely an amazing thing for us.

GOSIA: Your top 3 tracks at the moment?

STAFFORD BROTHERS: 1) Stafford Brothers feat. Lil Wayne & Christian Milian – Hello  |  2) Swedish House Mafia – Don’t You Worry Child vs EMP (Stafford Brothers Bootleg)  |  3) Stafford Brothers – Pressure

GOSIA: Back in December, 93 people were arrested during a drug sweep at the Stereosonic festival in Melbourne. What kind of impact do you think drugs have on the music scene and on you as an artist — and what kind of message would you send out to your fans about drugs?

STAFFORD BROTHERS: Drugs are in all parts of life — from the music world to elite athletes and all the way to the other end of the scale. Staying away from drugs is the smarter move if you want a long and healthy lifestyle — although Keith Richards might disagree.

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

STAFFORD BROTHERS: MASSIVELY! Social media is the way that music is being pushed and seen. It’s also a way for fans to get to know their favourite artists, and join the journey they are taking.

GOSIA: You employ multiple companies to work in separate areas of your business. Why do you guys choose to have different handlers for different aspects of your career instead of one head honcho to take care of everything?

STAFFORD BROTHERS: It’s about getting the best person for the job. At the end of the day we oversee what’s happening, but we have particular people who are specialists in their fields to fulfill those different roles. Good at artwork? You do art. Good at PR? You do PR. I would say we are the “head honcho” who takes care of the delegating, but one person alone couldn’t do everything that is required.

GOSIA: Where do you see yourself in five years?

STAFFORD BROTHERS: Hopefully at the top of the DJ/production world. We’re now living in L.A., which has been a big change for us — but one we are loving. We hope to be more successful, but definitely still working hard and enjoying ourselves in the industry. At the top.

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

King Britt – Now feat. Astrid Suryanto (Sharam’s Crazi Remix): BUY IT ON BEATPORT

OK, yeah. This track has a couple years on it. But I couldn’t help myself. It played on my iPod today and sent me into a trance right on the subway. And this remix by Sharam is as close to perfect as a remix can be. With Astrid Suryanto providing the entrancingly tranquil vocals, this track is, quite simply, a house masterpiece

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

Made plans yet for New Year’s? Why not spend it with bpm:tv?

To celebrate a watershed year for EDM in North America, we’ve lined up a series of specials showcasing the most exciting and important sounds of 2012. We’re gonna be the New Year’s destination for anyone who wants to hear the biggest hits and relive the most memorable moments of the year that was.

Here’s what’s in store:

>THE HOT 20 OF 2012
Airs: New Year’s Eve from 4 pm to 10 pm ET | New Year’s Day from 10 am to 4 pm, repeats starting 12 Midnight ET
bpm:tv’s Hot 20 Dance Chart is the definitive weekly guide to the dance tracks rocking clubs around the world. This two-part special recaps the best of the year’s best: the monster hits that scaled the upper reaches of the Hot 20 in 2012, from David Guetta’s anthemic “Titanium,” to PSY’s inescapable “Gangnam Style,” to Swedish House Mafia’s swan song “Don’t You Worry Child.”

>NEW YEAR’S DANCE PARTY 2012
Airs: New Year’s Eve from 10 pm to 1 am ET, repeats from 1 am to 4 am ET
bpm:tv bids farewell to 2012 with a three-hour commercial-free dance mix featuring the year’s biggest club hits, plus a sprinkling of last year’s smashes, and all-time classics from the likes of Daft Punk and Kool & The Gang.

>THE TOP 100 DJs of 2012
Airs: New Year’s Day from 4 pm to Midnight ET
This four-part special reviews the results of this year’s Top 100 DJs poll, the authoritative global ranking of electronic dance music’s most popular and successful artists, and highlights career-defining tracks by every major performer on the list, from Avicii to Zedd.

Don’t forget that bpm:tv is in free preview right now on Videotron and Eastlink, so if you’re a customer of either service, you can tune in to catch bpm:tv free of charge throughout the holidays. You’ll find us at channel 166 on Videotron, and channel 177 on Eastlink.

Happy holidays!