Posted by Gosia Mrugala
A gloomy Thursday here in Toronto, but Electronic Nation brightened the day with the announcement that WOLFGANG GARTNER will be joining the 2013 Digital Dreams Music Festival lineup. Less than three months now to the Canada Day long weekend!
Tix ‘n’ info HERE. DD Facebook thingy HERE.
Check out Wolfgang Gartner on bpm Spotlight:
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 bloggeuse Gosia Mrugala walks you track-by-track through the much-touted new Deadmau5 release, Album Title Goes Here. Buckle up!
And we’re off …
(1) Superliminal – I don’t think an album could ask for a better opening track. I am absolutely addicted to this one, which pulled me in from the start to the last beat. One of the tracks I had on repeat while listening to the album.
(2) Channel 42 – On this one, Deadmau5 gets together with Grammy-nominated American house music wunderkind Wolfgang Gartner. It’s quite an intriguing track, but one I had to hear several times before it grew on me. It really didn’t catch my ear at first, but in time I was won over by this funky tune.
(3) The Veldt [8 minute edit] – Can’t say that I’m a big fan of this track, something I would blame on overexposure. It’s an impressive, very mellow piece, but runs on a bit longer than the style really warrants. Still, I’d say it offers plenty of remix potential: we’ve already seen what artists like Tommy Trash and Ezon have managed to come up with when they’ve jumped on this track and added their own kick.
(4) Fn Pig – A calm, mellow buildup until it hits the 2:52 mark — then it changes up. And at 3:41 it kicks in seriously. Makes me think of one of my all time Deadmau5 favourites: “Strobe.” The same kind of insouciant buildup, and a nice rhythm as you get deeper into the track.
(5) Professional Griefers – I can’t lie: I was excited to review the album knowing this track was awaiting my judgment. The verdict: A-plus-plus-plus-plus. Seriously, Deadmau5 has done a transcendent job on this one. And throwing the vocals over to Gerard Way? Perfection. The music video, by the way, is beyond-words entertaining. Check it out:
(6) Maths – Another track I was anxious to review. How else can I put it? I’m absolutely addicted to this dirty electro track! By the one-minute mark it had captured my heart and my grimy, grimy soul.
(7) There Might Be Coffee – Kinda makes me feel like I’m watching the credits of a Eighties film. Deadmau5 Presents … Flashdance! A funky beat that had me sorely tempted to grab my leg warmers, neon tights, Adidas shorts and a cut-up top. And after the workout? There might be coffee!
(8) Take Care of the Proper Paperwork – This one dragged on a bit, and kept me waiting for a drop that never quite materialized. Still, I can’t lie: I did replay it a few times. A tad repetitive maybe, but it assuaged my musical sensibilities.
(9) Closer – An intriguing opening, enough to really tweak my curiosity — and then it kicks in really nicely at the 2:18 mark. Relaxing, yet upbeat enough to keep the listener from dozing off. Consider me a fan of this one.
(10) October – With its ever-changing cadence, this is one that will satisfy just about any listener’s unique musical taste. I can see it rocking a festival crowd or being enjoyed on headphones in a more serene setting.
(11) Sleepless – Gotta say: not a big fan of the computerized vocals slapped on this track. For the first 25 seconds or so, it was all I could do not to press skip. Minus the vocals, it’s not a bad tune, and maybe a good one for chilling out at home. Can’t really imagine it being dropped at a club or a festival, though.
(12) Failbait – Um, WTF? This one caught me off-guard a little bit. We’ve got a decent EDM album here, and then suddenly: rapping. All “f*ck this” and “b*tch that.” Sorry, won’t lie to you: I didn’t even get past the one-minute mark.
(13) Telemiscommunications – Meh. For an album that starts with a boom and definitely pulls the listener in, it disappoints on the last few tracks. This one, like “Failbait,” just doesn’t feel like it belongs on the album. Instead of arriving at the end of the album wanting more, I was left feeling confused and a little ambivalent. Maybe this track will please some EDM listeners, but it was too mellow for my own tastes.
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
Listen to a snippet of WOLFGANG GARTNER’S new track “LOVE & WAR”
Love love love this track! WOLFGANG GARTNER never ceases to amaze me.
“All’s fair in love and war” – a cliché, perhaps, but one with a deep, underlying meaning, and an interesting choice for the title of this great track. “All’s fair in love and war” — meaning that love, like war, brings out both the best and the worst in people; it’s a battle of the heart and soul – a battle that cannot be controlled or contained.
“Love & War” was released yesterday on on Ultra Music. (CLICK HERE to buy it on Beatport.) I’m not sure what battles of the heart Gartner went through to bestow this panacea upon the EDM community, but I would say he won his war.
Gosia Mrugala is a Toronto-based blogger and reviewer. You can read her blog HERE, and follow her on Twitter HERE.
Posted by Caelin Meredith
And so the last day of the RBC Royal Bank Bluesfest in Ottawa arrived. And after Saturday’s epic blowout, Sunday felt like it might be a slower day. But what should have been a bittersweet coda turned into quite the party. After these two weekends of EDM, and almost two full weeks of rock, pop, hip hop, blues and dubstep, the fest went out with a bang.
Ottawa’s BKRK (a.k.a. Paul Burke) got the late-afternoon crowd warmed up with punchy beats. Seemed as though a lot of people were still riding the high from the previous night’s Skrillex show.
Next up: Vancouver’s Felix Cartal. Did I mention what an amazing job DNA did programming the Electro Stage with a great mix of local, Canadian and international artists?
Cartal got the crowd jumping with remixes of Fedde Le Grand, Autoerotique and Laidback Luke.
Over on the Claridge Stage (the second main stage), Toronto’s The Weeknd performed. You couldn’t fail to be impressed by the number of fans who turned out, and who clearly knew the music by heart.
Considering rarely he performs, and his widely-reported reluctance to sign with a major label, it was interesting to observe his fan base: teenage girls, with a load of twentysomething guys. Curious, but it all worked.
Back to the Electro Stage for the final night — and it ended with Ultra Records star Wolfgang Gartner (a.k.a. Joey Youngman) delivering a crazy electro house set. Massive bangers and hit after hot hit. Here’s our boy Felix Cartal taking in the mayhem.
So the two Sunday nights at Bluesfest ended up being among the craziest and busiest of the festival. The tunes were the largest on these two nights: first with Chromeo on the opening weekend, and then Gartner wrapping it up on the final night. Kids losing their shit until the bitter end, until the last song was played out,
So long, Ottawa. I’ll miss the way you guys gave it your all for every act !
Posted by Scott Willats
Middle of July, festival season in flight, hotter than a muthafucka ….
Wait a sec: remember all those long, cold winter nights when we bundled ourselves in parkas, scarves and long johns, enduring the bitter chill so we could get to the club to see our favorite DJ rage? I certainly remember, and I’m sure you do too. So I find it hard to complain about this stifling heat we’re all suffering through. As we all know, it could. Be. Much. Much. Worse.
But yeah, it is hotter than a muthafucka.
One other thing about summer that kinda sorta blows: since most major artists are busy touring so much, new material can be lacking. Now, sometimes that’s a good thing, giving you the chance to get reacquainted with old favorites. But for a new music junkie like me, it feels like drought season. But that just means I’ve gotta search harder and longer to find something fresh for you. Plus the Calgary Stampede starts today, and I can’t leave my cowboys hanging without some new electro. Lez get it!
Oh, and did I mention it’s hotter than a muthafucka?
THE SWEETS
We start with two vastly different but equally awesome remixes of Dada Life‘s “Kick Out The Epic Motherfucker.” Which one do youuuuu like?
Dada Life – Kick Out The Epic Motherfucker (Otto Knows Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE
Dada Life – Kick Out The Epic Motherfucker (Datsik Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE
Wolfgang Gartner is bizzack — this time with a preview of his new EP. People have been saying that Gartner’s work lately has been lacking. I think that’s a testament to high how he has set the bar. While I wouldn’t put it quite so harshly, I’ll concede that I haven’t heard the old Gartner for awhile. That ended today.
Wolfgang Gartner – Casual Encounters Of The 3rd Kind EP: LISTEN TO THE PREVIEW
One-half of The Krays, Yuksek, is back with a new EP and it’s packed with killer remixes. Anything new from Aeroplane will always get my attention
Yuksek – The Edge EP: LISTEN TO THE PREVIEW
Here’s something a little different: Skrillex versus drum-and-bass. Some will love, some will hate. Either way,, this will evoke some kind of emotion from you.
Skrillex – DnB Ting: LISTEN TO IT HERE
This one, on the other hand, I know you’ll love. Whether you’ll admit it to anyone is another question.
Far East Movement – Dirty Bass (Jump Smokers Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE
Le Youth is on fire. The way he uses his samples, you can tell he knows his way around a DAW. Keep him on your radar
Le Youth – Memories: LISTEN TO IT HERE
Waka Flocka? Rooster in my Rari? What the hell am I talking about? Fans will know. People who don’t: trust me, you’re not missing much. But Clinton Sparks does make this pump. Worth a try.
The Cataracs feat. Waka Flocka – All You (Clinton Sparks Awesome Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE
Viceroy is an acquired taste. At first: not so much. Now: addicted.
Viceroy – Chase Us Around feat. Madi Diaz: LISTEN TO IT HERE
BANGER!!!! Basically five minutes of pure bass. I’ll take it.
Bart B More & Harvard Bass – Listen To This (D.I.M.’s Unreleased Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE
Hmmm. I’ve liked every Sound Remedy track I’ve ever heard. Ever. But this one lacks … something. Still, he’s earned his stripes, so I’ll let it slide. Consider it recommended on the strength of his past work.
Imogen Heap – Hide And Seek (Sound Remedy Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE
You know I love me some swing. Here’s a track that will spice up your party asap.
Minimatic- Practise Your Swing EP: LISTEN TO THE PREVIEW
Riva Starr, where have you been all my life? The elegant return of a true master. Look out for Canadian tour dates soon!
Riva Starr & Ramon Tapia – Freedom (Original Mix): LISTEN TO IT HERE
VISUAL SWEET
Excited about the upcoming IDENTITY Festival? This video should get you properly amped. If not, two words: Eric. Prydz. (Btw, if you want to win tickets to IDENTITY, mosey on over to our FB page, as in now-ish,)
Enjoy le weekend, knuckleheadz!
Posted by Scott Willats
Sorry if posting has been light this week. Sometimes life happens — but not to worry, we’ll be back to our regularly scheduled programming soon enough. Until then, I figured you’d want to check out the newly unveiled visuals from Tiësto and Wolfgang Gartner. This has bpm:tv Viewer Top 10 written all over it, no?
Be good to each other; I’ll be back soon enough bringing you all the freshest new soundz.
Posted by Scott Willats
It’s Friiiiiiiday — and not just any Friday. The bpm:tv Nation will be venturing into Knights territory to celebrate the premiere of Grand Benders at Cobra London.
The only downside is that I can’t be in two places at once, which means I’m going to have to miss Goldroom tonight at the Gladstone. This is a Pop Kult! event presented by Mansion, so you know the crowd will be knowledgeable, the drinks will be flowing and the music will be top-notch. If you find yourself in the dot this evening, head for Queen and Gladstone, homie.
I’m stoked for the trek to London. An hour’s drive means I need to get on my A-game and prep a road trip playlist with the freshest/flyest new beatz. And so, without further ado, your Sweets of the Week …
Start off with a brand new banger from the beatdown king. Aoki and Dimas go apeshit on this one.
Steve Aoki & Angger Dimas feat. Iggy Azalea – Beat Down: LISTEN TO IT HERE
I feel like I should be on the Blood Music payroll. I mean, any time I hear anything brand new from these guys, I’m all over it. Then again, I feel like I should be paying them for delivering such a steady supply of the baddest beats. So let’s maybe just call it even. Anyway, here’s a double dose: first with Ado, then LeBreton … ‘aaaaave it!
Jagerverb – Vega (Lebreton Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE
If you can’t make the Pup Kult! event tonight, then download this asap: it’s the closest you can get to actually being there. Josh Legg is in the creative zone right now, so look out for a Goldroom feature on the blog next week.
Goldroom – Aviva Mix 2012: LISTEN TO IT HERE
Also very much hoping this track gets bumped at the Gladstone tonight. L.A. native Le Youth has a banger on his hands here. Oh, and it’s free. Copped!
Le Youth – Dance With Me: LISTEN TO IT HERE
Track has barely been released and already the remixes are pouring in. This one employs my favourite recipe: one cup Wolf plus two scoops Disco. Go in boyz.
Wolfgang Gartner- Redline (Disco Pharaoh Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE
My progressive peeps: you know I always got you covered, right? Dyro & Rene Kuppens tackle you in full stride with this orgy of synth and bass sounds. Has the smell of summer all over it.
Dyro & Rene Kuppens – Raid: LISTEN TO IT HERE
For many of us, May will be known as “Pryda Month.” The Swedish God of House Music is set to unleash his three-CD compilation Eric Prydz Presents Pryda on May 21. 3 CD’s of Eric is about enough to fill your sets for the next year. Doubtless this mammoth album will get leaked soon enough. In the meantime, we’ll just have to settle for this anthem.
Finally, this. Far from new, I realize, but sometimes you gotta bring a track back — backtrack, you dig? Jacques Lu Cont has been quietly making a return to glory of late. But it’s his take on a house classic that remains top of my iPod playlist. Hope this brings you back. U know i love you better …
Juliet – Avalon (Jacques Lu Cont Versus Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE
VISUAL SWEETS
Dada Life take the typical house video and put a spin on it. Careful, fellas — watch the whole thing before you comment.
It’s no secret that I have a serious Kris Menace obsession. This track is made for clubs, movie soundtracks and bus rides alike. Only Menace can pull that off.
Can’t just play one Menace. I mean, are you kidding me?
Metronomy – Heartbreaker (Kris Menace Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE
And that’s it for the week. Just a reminder, bpm:tv Nation is gonna be in London tonight — and trust me when I say “It’s going down.” We’ll be celebrating the launch of bpm:tv’s newest series, so come on out and meet the stars of Grand Benders. Lehhh go!
Posted by Scott Willats
Can’t believe it’s taken me so long to post this track! Released towards the end of WMC, it’s a massive banger from a legend and a soon-to-be-legend. I’m talking, of course, about Tiësto and Wolfgang Gartner, whom followers of this blog will recall shared a stage last year at Toronto’s Ricoh Coliseum. (Check out the review HERE.) Together, they’ve dropped “We Own The Night,” featuring vocals by Luciana. Tracks like this aren’t meant to be described — they’re meant to be shared. So allow me to share with you an instant classic courtesy of three artists the whole bpm Nation knows and loves.
Tiesto & Wolfgang Gartner feat. Luciana – We Own The Night (Original Mix): LISTEN TO IT HERE
Posted by Scott Willats
Today we got a fresh new mix from yours truly, featuring the latest from Wolfgang Gartner, Hypercrush, Kill the Noise and Datsik, Lucky Date, Helicopter Showdown and Flosstradamus. Whether you’re jogging, working out at the gym or just looking for some hype background music at your spot, “Scott’s Selections” gotz u covered like a bad rash on Poison Ivy Island, ya dig?
Feel free to download and stock this bad boy in your library for the hot nights that await us. And remember: if you want to get your own mini-mix featured on bpmtv.com, hit me up at scottw@bpmtv.com and we’ll check out your skillz and song selection.
Enjoy, amigos!
Scott’s Selections – Leap Year Edition: LISTEN TO IT HERE
TRACKLIST
* Hyper Crush – Maniac
* LMFAO – Sorry for Party Rocking (Wolfgang Gartner Remix)
* Kill The Noise & Datsik – Lightspeed
* Lucky Date – I Want You
* Helicopter Showdown – Get Tuff
* Flosstradamus – Total Recall
Posted by Scott Willats
The end of what can only be considered a slow week in terms of new releases. Hey, they can’t all be winners, right? Sometimes you have to wait a week or two — and in the end, that new track you uncover is all the more Sweet.
I am, however, running into Dennis Ferrer tonight, which I am super stoked about. So I figured this would be the perfect time to reminisce on some of the goodies he’s delivered over the span of his career. This is the man who became the face of EDM in 2009. While the mass audience was going crazy for David Guetta‘s “Sexy Bitch,” Dennis Ferrer had the night owls on the floor till the sun came up in the red room baby! He created a cult following, and that cult is still alive and kicking. We’ve been aching … no, dying for some brand new DF. Tonight, with luck, we’ll hear some new joints.
So let’s take a look at the man of the moment, and then enjoy the sweets.
We’re going to get to the anthems eventually, but it’s these first two tracks that really define Dennis. He’ll take a simple looped melody and make it darker, balanced against other elements that brighten it up. The best part is that he keeps the rhythm at such a level of anticipation that you don’t even know it’s happening.
Dennis Ferrer – Sinfonia Della Notte (Original Mix): LISTEN TO IT HERE
If you liked that, you’re going to love this one. It can either sound to you like a huge clash of percussion, or the perfect underground symphony. Obviously, I choose the latter. Released in 2007, “Destination” is one of those tracks that the Ferrer cult adores, but that wins over non-believers as well. It’s like Tango on E
Dennis Ferrer – Destination: LISTEN TO IT HERE
My two favourite Dennis Ferrer songs are up next. Nothing else need be said — if you don’t have them, get them!
Touched the Sky – Dennis Ferrer: LISTEN TO IT HERE
Dennis Ferrer- The Red Room: LISTEN TO IT HERE
Just an ordinary day…
If you’re in Toronto tonight, be sure to check Dennis Ferrer out at Maison! CLICK HERE FOR INFO & TICKETS
SWEETS
Speaking of kings of underground house, Nic Fanculli is worthy bearer of the title. A track that Dennis Ferrer has been bumping for a minute now has surfaced for me and you online. Enjoy this one!
Subb-an – This Place (Nic Fanciulli Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE
Yeah, I already dropped a post about Feed Me earlier in the week. But this, my friend, is a chuuuune!
Feed Me – Relocation: LISTEN TO IT HERE
Otto Knows this and Otto Knows that….Otto Knows what the masses want
Otto Knows – Million Voices: LISTEN TO IT HERE
Sound Remedy don’t seem capable of making bad songs. Took a dubstep track I didn’t care for (hold the spit and vinegar, please) and turned it into an electro banger.
Crush On You (Sound Remedy Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE
Can’t have a week without grime, right? Right? Right Right!
Imogen Heap – Headlock (JCRNDA Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE
My boy ZHU is on a rampage right now. There’s a quick teaser out for his documentary, and if the minute-long trailer is any indication of what to expect, it will be a treat. On the production side, he’s still plugging away at the 52 to ZHU project, and he’s not slowing down.
I can’t speak for ZHU, but I have a feeling the two of us share the same respect for Wolfgang Gartner‘s music. As I have posted earlier, I’m in love with Gartner’s newest, “There and Back” — and guess who decided to put his own spin on it? Playing off the right elements and adding his own special Mace Windu-style Jedi touch (much as he did on “Spacejunk”) ZHU takes us There and Back and There again with his remix. Cop it!!!!!
Wolfgang Gartner – There and Back (ZHU Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE
VISUAL SWEET
What’s hotter than Dubstep in a 40-degree-plus club? Dubstep girls in a 40-degree-plus club. Name: Scott W. Sex: Yes please…. had to bring it out.
That’s it. Dillon Francis EP dropping next week. You know I got that covered!
