Album Review: Daft Punk – Random Access Memories

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Over 16 years ago Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo had released their first album, ‘Homework’ and were suddenly along their way on what would end up being a journey to iconic heights and a cult-like following. Following their third album, ‘Human After All’ and their Alive 2007 tour, the duo stepped away from the spotlight. For years, rumors of the return of Daft Punk surfaced with no avail. Finally, after years of waiting and anticipation the fourth Daft Punk album has been released.

‘Random Access Memories’ is possibly one of the most highly anticipated albums of our time. In the months leading up to the release the hype continued to grow as more details about the album began to surface, detailing the collaborators on the album and the hinting at the direction that the Parisian duo had decided to take. This album is very different from any of their previous albums, however each of their previous albums are very unique. For ‘Random Access Memories’, they left behind the classic, Daft Punk electronic sound that has been so influential in shaping electronic music as we know it today to create an album that blends genres, styles and decades.

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Review: Dirtybird Players at The Mezzanine 5/17/13

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Dirtybird has become one of the most globally renowned labels and legendary party throwers to date. In the past couple of years, the comeuppance of their events has been shockingly cosmic. Their most recent show at the Mezzanine brought a diverse crowd of eager party-goers and music aficionados, as the line from the doors stretched to the end of the block. With the price of entry fixed at only $5 before 11 pm, Dirtybird is spearheading the game in bringing affordable and entertaining nights out to us all. [Read more...]

Event Review: Hard Rock Music Lounge Coachella 2013

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We had the pleasure to attend one of the exclusive Coachella festivities that took place during the first weekend in Palm Springs.  Hard Rock Music Lounge was among the weekend’s top contenders rolling out the red carpet for their VIP guests who were catered to plenty of pool side entertainment provided by artists such as Kelly Rowland, Tamara Sky and a DJ set by members of The Strokes.  To top off the weekend, Fool’s Gold came out in full force on Sunday with its’ Sunset Pool Party with A-trak on the decks alongside Nick Catchdubs, Thee Mike B, and Martin Vidal. The event was held at Hotel Zoso which is the future home to Hard Rock Palm Springs. The energy was high and the music was booming from noon to sunset. [Read more...]

Review – STS9 performs at The Filmore in Detroit

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Last Saturday Jam band and EDM enthusiasts came together for a unique display of lights and music. For those who don’t know Sound Tribe Sector 9 (STS9) is “jamtronica” group that combines live instruments and elements of all different genres of music such as rock, jazz, and funk all with a twist of electronic music. As the third stop on their Spring Tour, STS9 grooved with a packed house at The Filmore in Detroit, MI. Walking into the Filmore, I didn’t really know what to expect from STS9 but needless to say I was completely blown away. The chill ambient music that STS9 played timed perfectly with one of the most beautiful light displays I’ve ever witnessed, this show was an experience to say the least. With 18 more stops left on their tour there is plenty of time to snag a ticket and get to a show! Trust us you do not want to miss these guys! Continue on for more pictures of the show.. [Read more...]

Review of Dillon Francis in San Francisco, Ca

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Dillon Francis is never one to disappoint. His musical talent exceeds far higher than most DJs in the industry. The fact that he can produce and perform a set that not only dances between genres, but also groves better then your mom did in the 70’s , says a lot. When Mezzanine announced Dillon Francis to perform on April 11th in San Francisco, there were no doubts that this show was not one to miss. Since last seeing Dillon Francis at HARD’s Day of the Dead festival in LA back in Novemeber of 2012, I was looking forward to seeing him get intimate with a smaller crowd. And weirdly intimate did we get….

Dillon Francis is definitely a moombahton master. Opening up with Alphaville’s Forever Young, Dillon Francis eased into his set singing along with all his fans.  However, it wasn’t long before things escalated into mad chaos. With girls twerking from the second floor balcony to kids climbing up the club’s pillars, Dillon Francis and his fans don’t mess around. With IDGAFOS lit up behind him and two blown up maneki-neko on either side of his tables, everyone danced as Dillon Francis threw down his songs like his remix of Justin Timberlake’s Suit and Tie, Masta Blasta, Music is Dead, and his very catchy hit Bootleg Fireworks.

There was not a dull moment through out his entire set. Each new song woke you up with a refreshing new sound that had everyone moving every part of their body. Even more fun was his MC who filled the quieter moments with remarks such as “YOU CAN’T GET A STD IF YOU NEVER GET TESTED!”

Dillon Francis, who is booked at the Coachella Valley Music Festival this year, is sure to put on an even crazier performance this next weekend so we hope to see you all there!

Review: Lucky 2013

lucky line upSeattle, Washington felt the luck of the Irish as they raged at Lucky 2013, an early St. Patrick’s Day celebration courtesy of USC Events. With stages such as End of the Rainbow and Leprechaun’s Lair, WaMu Theatre was transformed into a green and gold wonderland of The Emerald Isle, lights, and great music. USC even rolled in a field of real grass to create the Clover Field; a realm of relaxation complete with see-saws and park benches. This year, trance and progressive fans were rewarded with a stage dedicated to the genres. The End of the Rainbow stage featured artists such as Seven Lions, Nadia Ali, and BT, who captivated the audience with beautiful melodies and pulsing synths late into the night. USC hosted the stage with the goal of connecting the trance and progressive communities to create a unique and unforgettable experience, which they certainly accomplished. [Read more...]

Show Review: MAKJ at Avalon Hollywood

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As my friends and I arrived to the Avalon in Hollywood, the time was 10:30 p.m. and the line was already down the block. The energy was high with the usual eccentric personalities strolling down Hollywood Blvd, and the glow in people’s faces screamed, “we’re here and ready to dance.” While most club goers thought they were going to be dancing the night away to world sensation Italian duo, Nari and Milani, it was DJ MAKJ who stole the show. [Read more...]

Event Review: Ultra Music Festival Weekend Two

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Celebrating it’s 15th year anniversary, Ultra Music Festival has grown over the years into one of the world’s most prestigious EDM events. Boasting an impressive 7 stages in the heart of downtown Miami and an eclectic lineup featuring everyone from the superstars like Tiesto to the underground kings like Richie Hawtin and Seth Troxler. With any event of this scale, there are bound to be some problems, but for the most part Ultra did a really good job providing festival goers with the best possible experience. Lines weren’t unbearable, traffic was manageable, water was free, there were plenty of bathrooms, and getting from stage to stage was relatively easy and quick. For the most part, crossover noise between stages was minimized despite a couple unavoidable exceptions. Overall it seemed that Ultra had listened to their fans and did everything they could to make this an incredible experience for all and I think they did an excellent job. Our team went to the second and final weekend. Check out what I had to say about the festival below.

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Review: Swedish House Mafia’s Masquerade Motel

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Every now and then an artist comes around that captivates you with every sound he releases and every audience he touches and even more rarely do they come in packs of three. Since 2008, the trio reigning from Stockholm, Sweden has captured our hearts with every pounding anthem, allowing us to turn off our minds and turn on our hearts to a new movement of electronic music that brings people together. Through their continuous success of chart topping progressive house releases to record breaking sold out shows from Madison Square Garden to the Los Angeles Historic Park, the Swedish House Mafia have announced their split but have managed to leave us with one more unforgettable experience to say goodbye to their loyal fans. [Read more...]

Review: Eric Prydz in San Francisco

Eric Prydz @ The Warfield, San Francisco, Ca, 3.9.13

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On Saturday night the Pryda family opened up its arms to the crowd at thehistoric San Francisco Warfield theatre with melodic tones and beats that broughtthose attending together in an epic fashion. Opening up the night and setting thestage for the legend Eric Prydz was none other than Norwegian Producer Fehrplay,a member of Pryda Friends and most notable for his massive track I Cant Stop itthat transitioned the end of his set into Mr. Prydz flawlessly. [Read more...]