Earlier this week the NSW Government issued a press release which confirmed that the new anti-violence laws, which include 1:30am lockouts and 3am "last drinks" service at venues across Sydney, will be in fact coming into effect as soon as Monday February 24, as opposed to April which was previously announced. This means that one of Sydney's premier cultural events, the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade - which relies heavily on late night trading of pubs and clubs across Oxford St and Kings Cross - will not be escaping the new draconian laws when it takes place on Saturday March 1.

So how exactly will the world famous parade be affected? You can find out via the below interview with Independent MP Alex Greenwich, who is an opposer of the new laws. Thankfully, as is pointed out in the video, one important event that won't be affected is the the 2014 Mardi Gras Party at Sydney's Hordern Pavilion with Derrick Carter and Kim Ann Foxman, due to the Hordern being located outside the newly zoned 'CBD Entertainment Precinct'.

Tickets to the 2014 Mardi Gras Party are on sale now here. For more information about Mardi Gras’ jam-packed calendar of summer events, head to www.mardigras.org.au.

Listen to Derrick Carter on Pulse Radio

CassyBrittonis what you might call a restless soul. Over the last decade the Austrian and Caribbean descendant has spent time living in Berlin and Ibiza, and before that the cultural capitals of London and New York. Not only that - as child she grew up in Viennna.

As such, Cassy's tastes are an interesting melting pot of all those influences and cultures, which combined with her determined and passionate nature has landed her residencies at some of the best clubs and club nights in the world; Panorama Bar, Circoloco Ibiza and Cocoon Ibiza to name a few. Pulse took the chance to learn nine things about Cassy this week ahead of her debut Australian tour.

#1 Cassy has lived in both Berlin and Ibiza.

I was always attracted to Berlin as a child growing up in Austria. All my favourite television series were always set in Berlin. Berlin and Vienna in the German speaking world are quite similar. They both have a very interesting cultural past. They were metropolis for culture in their hey day. Anything that was really important culturally in the arts was often from Vienna, next to Paris. Especially in the 19th and 20th centuries. For that Berlin was something that was always familiar to me and on my mind for my interests. I was really interested in theatre and acting and Berlin has so many interesting theatres. My older cousin's studied in Berlin and I always wanted to go and live here and spend time there. Way before I'd ever discovered techno.

I left Berlin 3 years ago and moved to Ibiza for the start of the season. I'd lived in Berlin for almost 8 years. I'd broken up with my ex husband. I never really intended to live in Berlin forever. It was time to live somewhere else and experience something else for me. I basically haven't left Ibiza except when touring since, which is obviously leaving often but you know I have my apartment and base there now. It's great it's such a relief to be living there you don't have to stress so much going back and forth. It's an amazing lifestyle. The island is actually far more beautiful when you live there. Especially after the Summer is done. It's just peaceful, the weather is great it's just more like the island actually really is.

#2 As a resident of Panorama Bar/Berghain, she knows what sets the Berlin club apart from the rest.

The size and what it looks like and where it is mostly. Berlin is such a different city to all other cities in the world. Historically speaking and just in how much space there is. The different rules and possibilities compared to others. It is a very big place, it's rare to be in a city and have so much space. There's this big warehouse [Berghain] with all this space around if so that the club can exist like this with no neighbours complaining. It makes it possible to have created a venue like this. For me that's what makes it stand out, the historical, political situation of the city in a place that allows you so much freedom. I get to play there as part of my residency about four times a year still.

#3 She has a love of theatre and acting.

It's something I really love doing, seeing theatre shows. I went to see a play in NYC around Christmas and that was the first time I'd seen one in way too long. When I was living in Vienna, I had a lot of friends who were actors so I'd go and see their shows. Now I try to make sure I see a theatre show maybe three or four times a year. Sometimes get to the opera too. Not enough time to do as much as I'd like, but definitely still love it and make an effort.

In NYC, I saw 'The Life and Death of Marina Abramovic', It was a show that Robert Wilson put on and he's one of my favourite theatre directors. The last production I saw of his was the Threepenny Opera at a theatre in Berlin and it was amazing and I really loved it. So I felt I really had to see this new show, especially as Willem Dafoe was in it as I love him also. I think he as an actor is so interesting to watch on stage, far better than he is in film where he's quite cool. But on stage, that was amazing. Really, really, really amazing. You can't even compare it. On film he's cool and he has this cool, weird, character actor you just love and recognise. But on stage you get to see what he can really do, he's such an amazing performer, so intricate. My friend and I really loved it. This show really depended on him aswell as if it had been written for him. They must have developed the part for him or with him it was just really, really good. Amazing.

 #4 And an attraction to the "different" and "weird" in music.

I think the way I grew up and my heritage, or the way I see things are like that anyway. I grew up with a black dad and a white mother in Austria in the 70's and 80's. So being or feeling different, I guess you look out for the special things, the different from everything or everyone else. That whatever interests you will be something a bit more diverse or different, because you can see the World with different eyes. When people express themselves in s similar or different ways you can channel or understand it and are drawn to things like that. So I guess making music or watching a play that is very interesting or different, I like. In music though I do enjoy all different types of music too, I wouldn't say something has to be super freaky or weird for me to like it, on the contrary. With my own music as a musician when putting your voice or sound on paper, it's trying to put your own taste and style to it, rather than what you've heard before. I try to something specific to me and translate it in a general way that others will understand.

#5 A documentary about her career has been made.

'Meditations on the Dancefloor' was about exposing someone who has a different lifestyle. To say what you're thinking when you're exposed to certain things. Explore the travelling and nightlife and the people you meet and experience. Myself and Marietta [Kesting - the Director of the film] been friends for a long time. Marietta is a photographer as well, she's done my press pics ad we've known each other for a while. Many years. I need to find out the progress of the movie. I'm not sure when it will be released.

#6 She has a label called CASSY.

I still have it and not sure what's going to happen to it in the future. At the time of creating it, it made sense to release my own music that way and be handling the process myself. Though at the moment it makes more sense to release through established labels, now I'm a different person with more experience. I'm not sure if I will continue with 'CASSY' the way I did or if it will become something different in the future. We'll have to wait and see.

#7 Of her own tracks, 'Magnificent Cat Won't Do' is her favourite.

I think my favourite track that I've release or have done myself is a track I did for the Perlon compilation, I think that's my most favourite thing. It's a track called. 'Magnificent Cat Won't Do'.

#8 She's recently completed a remix for the 2020 Vision label.

The 2020 Vision label are doing a 20 year compilation. For that I did a remix of a David Duriez track. That will be released soon. Those invited got to choose and artist and a track from past 20 years of releases on 20/20 Vision to remix and add to the compilation. I'm not sure how big the compilation is or how many were invited to remix though. It's basically remixing one of the artists that have been on the label in the past.

#9 It's the first time she's visited Australia.

I can't wait to go the weather is going to be nice. I've been spoilt for warm weather though I spent two weeks in the Caribbean and had a holiday in Barbados, then before that was in Mexico for BPM so except for right now in Japan it's been mostly bikinis, singlets and warm weather. Looking forward to more in Australia. I actually still have a tan though I got to go surfing on holiday. I'm ready for Australia. [laughs]

When I was packing I knew I just needed to do one week in NYC and Japan in the cold and then the rest of this touring would be warm. So most of my suitcase is bikinis and bathing suits. Get me to the sun. I didn't even bring a real winter jacket, I'm getting through on a leather jacket and tiny sweater. Fully prepared for Australia. Also I have Bali before Australia. I'm ready for sunshine!

Cassy 2013 Australian tour dates
21.02.14 - The Factory, Perth
22.02.14 - Agwa Yacht Club 20, Sydney [BUY]
23.02.14 - Friends of Friends at The Park, Albert Park Lake, Melbourne

Listen to Cassy on Pulse Radio

Returning to Norfolk from August 29th-31st, the 2014 Sundown Festival will be featuring more dance acts than ever. Last year saw artists like MJ Cole, MistaJam and Chase & Status live draw over 35,000 attendees. And with acts like MK, Andy C and Breach headlining the dance stage, and the return of Chase and Status to the main stage, this year's festival is shaping up to be even bigger yet. 

Saturday night, Defected Records will be at the helm of the dance stage, bringing along two of the most in demand producers and DJs of the moment - America’s MK, and "Jack" king, Breach. On the Sunday, Andy C’s RAM Records will execute a drum and bass dance stage takeover, featuring Wilkinson, Calyx & Teebee, and the talented label boss himself. The main stage sees the return of crowd favourites Chase and Status for the third year running, along with Zane Lowe, Tinie Tempah and Clean Bandit. Check out the highlights from last year's festival with the official after movie below.

Tickets go on sale today, February 7th at 10 a.m. Visit www.sundownfestival.co.uk for more info. 

Listen to MK on Pulse Radio.

The BBC has reported that at least 60 concertgoers are being treated by emergency services after attending an EDM show in Belfast. Dutch DJ Hardwell was headlining the concert, which took place at the Odyssey Arena. Several have been taken to nearby hospitals, and both drugs and alcohol are thought to be the main cause of illness. The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service has declared a “major incident” there. 

"We believe the majority arrived suffering from too much alcohol," Northern Ireland Ambulance Service spokesman John McPoland said. "We declared a major incident because of the number of resources we had to deploy to the scene."

John McPoland said the more serious cases "presented themselves unconscious," and at least five people were taken to  Royal Victoria and Mater Hospitals, He also stated that many turned up to Odyssey Arena already under the effects of drugs and alcohol. 

Belfast Health Trust has set up an emergency telephone number for people concerned about friends or relatives: 028 9063 8131.

Listen to Pulse Radio.

Utopia Festival is back for its second year, taking place from Friday 11 April – Sunday 13 April 2014, and promises to once again put a twist on one of Cape Town’s favorite venues Nekkies - bringing you amazing stages, décor, design and only the country's top performers over three days.

After the success of 2013, the inaugural year for Utopia, the team is back and no longer content with being just another music festival! This year you can expect to see the festival grown into a one of a kind, full entertainment experience - combining the most renowned South African music talent with cutting edge production & design to create an unparalleled festival space that you will have to see to believe. 

Utopia is also forward thinking when it comes to sustainable human practice; the core focus of the festival is to bring people together not just through music but also through the ideals of a sustainable and eco-conscious lifestyle. Utopia has once again partner with GreenPop and promises a music festival that insights  “inspiration instead of gloom into the greening space  “ through innovative and creative sustainable solutions and activations. 

To start off their greening practice, Utopia has released a limited number of especially well-priced Green Tickets for purchase. A Green Ticket includes a Full Weekend Pass to the Festival plus a tree planted on your behalf by the GreenPop team. All partygoers will then also be able to “green” their tickets by adding on a GreenPop tree to any Utopia ticket purchased via the webtickets website.  

So what’s left to say? When combining great music, décor, design, and partying with a conscious it is really just safe to say that Utopia Festival looks set to be a sensory entertainment experience not to be missed!  

Event Details
Date: Friday 11 April – Sunday 13 April 2014
Venue: Nekkies, Rawsonville (Cape Town) 
Time: Doors open Friday 02pm and close Sunday 4 p.m.
Festival Partners: BL Productions, Hype Media, Bundi, GreenPop, The Project Room 

Ticket Prices at Webtickets: 
Green Ticket: R350 (full weekend pass which includes a Greenpop Tree)
Early Bird: R200 (full weekend)
Full Weekend: R380 
Saturday & Sunday: R320
Sunday: R100

Link: WEBTICKETS

Now check out the Festival Stages Utopia 2014 have prepped for revellers. This should be epic.  

The Phoenix Main Stage: A one of a kind astonishing stage structure situated at the heart of the festival grounds, which will feature SA’s top live performers and bands. This year festival goers can expect to see Goodluck, Boo!, Gangs of Ballet, Desmond & The Tutu’s, The Kiffness and many more top South African bands.  

The Oasis Electronic Stage: On a ground of soft sand just meters from the beautiful riverside this electronic stage brings only the best in house, tech-house, and techno beats. Friday and Saturday expect top draw acts such as Dean FUEL, Danalog, Chris Jack and more. Sunday keep a special eye open for the line up announcement; word from the Hype Media camp is things are being turned up for 2014!  

The Rustum August ‘Eat Life’ Comedy Stage: Once upon a time there was a cool guy with really short jokes and a great attitude. "Eat Life,” he said- and so we shall.  This stage will feature the cutting-edge comedians, the up and coming comics, the starving comics, and a large dose of Cape Town's 5-minute wonders. You lucky Fish you! 

Up & Comers: This stage will once again give festivalgoers the chance to show the crowds what they can do. Bring an instrument, your band, or even create a band there and then!! Your 15minutes of fame starts now! 

Social Media Links:
Facebook: /UtopiaFestSA
Twitter: @UtopiaFestSA
Web: http://www.utopiafest.co.za/ 

Enquiries: 
Press / Media: contact@hypemedia.co.za
Artist Submissions: submissions@utopiafestsa.com
Event: info@utopiafestsa.com 

Listen to Pulse Radio

Known for records like "Bax" and "Square One," Mosca has become a staple of the deep house and dub techno scene in the UK and beyond. He's a favourite of labels like Hypercolour and Matt Tolfrey's Leftroom, is being remixed regularly by the likes of Julio Bashmore, and his hip-hop inspired track "Tilt Shift" on Fat Series' Producer Series became somewhat of a cult YouTube phenomenon. And tonight, this deep house and dub techno extraordinaire will be playing an all night set at London's Dance Tunnel for Apricot Thing. So to get you warmed up, and provide a little bit of insight into the man, Pulse contributor Sophie James sat down for Ten Minutes With... Mosca. 

If you could go back to being any one age, which and why? To be honest I'm looking forward to this year, so 27-28. All that nostalgia stuff is nice, but if it was actually possible to go back I'd never do it. I like the present.

Favourite musical era or movement? Loads! The only one I kind of felt a part of was grime. You know, time and place and whatnot. I missed out on the birth of dub reggae and digital era, acid house, techno, deep house, jungle, hip hop, early electronics, hardcore – so much good stuff. But then again, the birth of a genre isn't always the best music I find. The whole roots and dub era was maybe my favourite if I had to pick. It just speaks to me; there's so much balance there as well.

Do you have a New Years resolution? Don't do them – just an excuse to put stuff off that you could be doing in November or December.

What’s the tune you’re secretly most proud of? In terms if where a tune has gone, maybe “Tilt Shift.” Not the sound of it (although I love the claps in it), but the fact there are so many videos on YouTube of people dancing to it. People like Les Twins and Mike Song have proper routines to it, and I love watching dance videos on YouTube, so that felt good. I've even seen it on TV.

Who is your idol in terms of contribution to music, culture or society? I take a DJ's approach to this - cherry picking, you know? I can't name a certain person who I love everything about, but I rate little achievements from a lot of people instead. And in terms of humanity as a whole, I'm always inspired by big buildings in new cities I go to. I don't believe in a god, but I see these bridåges and skyscrapers and just think humans are wicked for building them. If we can do that then maybe we're not so bad after all.

Do you suffer for your art? I spend a lot of time producing, digging for tunes, just thinking about music and the whole business of it, but no, that's not suffering. It's something I love, and I know I'm lucky to be able to do it for a living. I've lived on the other side, obviously, so I always think about that when things aren't going so smooth.

Do you have a stand out gig of 2013? Maybe New Years Day 2013. Me, Shed and Levon Vincent.

Describe your own style. I used to hate this question in interviews, and now I love it. It feels like I've woken up and everything's clear. Before was all muddled like a dream, elements of reality in there, but all twisted still. The thing I'm drawn to in tunes is a dark or moody or melancholy edge but balanced with a dose of sex, some classiness... I love slightly off or dissonant sounds and melodies, stuff that shouldn't work but does. I love groove. And that's what I try and coax out of my productions as well.

Guiltiest pleasure / favourite vice? Ethnic cleansing.

When are you most happy? I don't know, I think I'm a lot happier in my old age though. Got a family, friends, music, what more do u really need?

If you weren’t doing what you do now you’d be… A hack.

Catch Mosca for an Apricot Thing all night set tonight at Dance Tunnel The event is just about sold out, so head to the Facebook page for more info and tickets.  

Listen to Mosca on Pulse Radio

Grammy nominated DJ and producer Diplo will be playing at the official after party for Olmeca Tequila presents Mad Decent Block Party at Cape Town’s popular Fiction nightclub. 

This Sunday, entrance to the after party is available only to those wearing a wristband from the block party and is being offered free of charge. Diplo, aka Wesley Pentz, is the lead producer of futuristic dancehall project Major Lazer, set to headline the first official Mad Decent Block party outside of North America this weekend in Joburg and Cape Town. Pentz is also the founder of the Mad Decent record label that is globally acclaimed for showcasing a myriad of sounds and consistently bridging the gap between mainstream and underground music.

Last year Diplo took the lead on producing Snoop Dogg’s “Reincarnation” album and has also collaborated with other world-renowned artists including everyone from Beyonce, No Doubt and Radiohead to Lil Wayne, Shakira and Pharell. In 2012 Diplo headlined a mind-blowing show at The Assembly nightclub in Cape Town, alongside local acts Sibot, Das Kapital and White Nite who will also be playing at the block parties this weekend.

The block party in Cape Town ends at 11:30 p.m. this Sunday. Supporting artists for the Fiction after party include P.H. Fat, Leechi, RVWR and Blotchy. Tickets to both Olmeca Tequila presents Mad Decent Block Party shows are available at www.webtickets.co.za for only R275 each.

Tickets:
CT: http://bit.ly/1bRSsF4
JHB: http://bit.ly/19UpYYi 

Event Info:
Afterparty: http://on.fb.me/1ixYUDH
CT Info: http://bit.ly/1bRSsF4
JHB Info: http://bit.ly/19UpYYi

Twitter:
@OlmecaTequilaSA
@ FictionBar
@SeedExperiences
@Diplo

Listen to Pulse Radio 

Cera Alba & Jonny Cade are two of the UK's most promising house producers. 2013 proved to be a busy year with releases on 2020 Vision, Alive Recordings, Resonance Records and their joint EP on long standing imprint Lost My Dog Records. As a thank you for all the support in 2013, they are giving away an exclusive track with us here at Pulse. "With You" is a modern slice of '90s inspired house with tough swinging percussion, warm filtered chords and a catchy vocal. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for them in 2014.

Cera Alba Facebook

Cera Alba Soundcloud

Jonny Cade Facebook

Jonny Cade Soundcloud

CTEMF’s objectives are simple: annually presenting South Africa’s most interesting and innovative electronic artists to a local and international audience - thereby contributing to the growth of electronic music culture in an inclusive, positive and responsible way. The 2014 edition of CTEMF signals the festival’s evolution from Cape Town’s electronic music festival into an internationally relevant music festival anchored in Cape Town. With its fundamental principles still rooted in the unified growth of the South African scene, 2014 will see the line-up at CTEMF transform to reflect its global relevance. Pics below from setup of CTEMF 2014. 

YES! to the giant disco ball. 

Check out a guide/recap to CTEMF 2014 that the organisers have put out: 

Visit Webtickets - WEBTICKETS 
FULL WEEKEND PASS: R500
DAY PASS: R200

VENUE: Grand Parade, Darling Street, Cape Town CBD.

SOCIAL MEDIA:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CTEMF 
Twitter: @CTEMF
Instagram: @CTEMF
Website: www.ctemf.com
Festival hashtag: #CTEMF2014

WORKSHOP AND ARTIST INFO:
Workshop line up and times: http://www.ctemf.com/workshops/
Artist Line up times: http://www.ctemf.com/lineup-artists/
CTEMF City Guide: http://www.ctemf.com/city-guide/

Julz Sanchez at #CTEMF2014

Adding to that, a development-focused program that includes workshops, lectures, artist and label showcases in both main cities and townships - CTEMF aims to create opportunities for those willing to be a force for change regardless of their socio-economic standing. Now, in partnership with the City of Cape Town, the Cape Town Electronic Music Festival has transformed this iconic space into one of the foremost electronic music events in the world. So get down there now. It's happening. the floor below will soon be heaving. See you there!

Listen to Pulse Radio 

Tribal Sessions is known as one of Sankeys most legendary nights. Born in Manchester in 2000, its ‘Are You Tribal?’ catchphrase quickly caught on, and Tribal Sessions became England’s longest running Friday night party until 2008. Promoters roamed the club painting the faces of patrons until the glowing vibes in the club’s famous basement-like atmosphere united the entire party. It has housed artists like Danny Tenaglia, Jeff Mills, Sasha, Carl Cox, Richie Hawtin, Dan Ghenacia and Shonky. With the launch of Sankeys NYC and re-opening of Sankeys Manchester, Tribal Sessions has made quite the comeback with superstar artists like The Martinez Brothers, Joseph Capriati booked in the coming months, Danny Tenaglia for Sankeys IBIZA and Jeff Mills booked for the NYC show tonight ! We had a chance to catch up with David Vincent, founder and owner of the Sankeys brand, and chat about Tribal Sessions’ history, future and his favorite moments of all time.

How was the Tribal Sessions concept born in Manchester? It was born in 2000. It was born out of the legendary dance organisation "Tribal Gathering" who did the original multi-arena outdoor festival that everyone is mimicking around the world. When I took it over I started a weekly party, but Tribal Gathering was a one-off event. I wanted to do a weekly club party at Sankeys Soap and the word "Session" was more appropriate. Also the word "Tribal" was meant to signify that house music became scattered into the separate musical tribes and our goal was to bring it together under one unified beat where an artist could play whatever they wanted and together on the same line up whether it was house, techno, or progressive house, which at that time was very unique and we were the first people to do this globally.

The party launched in NYC last November and is launching in Ibiza this summer. Why the wait to bring it to the White Isle? Because the time was not right and we would only do a Tribal Sessions in a Sankeys-style club. We used to get many offers to do Ibiza over the years but it was never about the money and we did not feel we could do this in another venue. I stopped doing Tribal Sessions parties as Greg Vickers, the main resident and head of music, left the club, and I focused on setting up Ibiza in 2011. Now it feels right to do this as Sankeys Ibiza is settled and now I feel I can re-create the Tribal Sessions magic once again in the perfect environment I need to, and that is in a Sankeys.

Can we expect Tribal Sessions to be a weekly occurrence in the Big Apple? Yes, maybe in October after the Ibiza season as I need to be there to create the "magic" and facepaint everyone, but for now we will do a few one-offs. We are focusing on a monthly show in Manchester and our weekly residency in Ibiza.

Congratulations on the re-opening of Sankeys Manchester! What led to the decision to re-open the legendary UK branch?  I always wanted to re-open it, but we had various issues we had to overcome and I had to find a new person to lead the club forward. I found this person in Paul Fletcher and since the club re-opened, it has come back with a vengeance and I would say once again it is one of the best nightclubs in the world right now.

Will Tribal Sessions become a Friday night fixture in Manchester once again?  It is monthly at the moment. We have booked Joseph Capriati, The Martinez Brothers, Kink, Hector Couto as well as the prolific Darius Syrossian who is our exclusive monthly resident. From September, we are aiming to go weekly from September and again we have some killer line ups coming together.

What are some highlights in Tribal Sessions history? There's loads... but let's say me dressing up as Father Christmas and signing on stage while Carl Cox is playing "I'm Dreaming Of A White Christmas" and Danny Tenaglia is unleashing the most ridiculous 12 hour set, in the middle playing "Can You Feel It" by Michael Jackson whilst shining a torch on a Michael Jackson Glitter Glove.

Listen to Sankeys on Pulse Radio

Recently, Disclosure announced a new party series, Wild Life, featuring “friends, DJs, and artists that we admire most within music.” Now it looks like the brothers Lawrence will be bringing Wild Life to the Ibiza party that started it all for them there, We Love... Space, for four dates this summer. We Love... and Disclosure are already a match made in discoteca heaven (or the terrace, whichever you prefer), but with a lineup that includes acts like Ame, Bicep, Carl Craig, Skream, Henrik Schwarz and more, we're absolutely buzzing for this one. See you Sundays. 

For more info head to www.welove-music.com.

Listen to Disclosure on Pulse Radio.

Here at Pulse Radio, we like to stay active and up up-to-date on social media. As one would expect, we made the transition from channels like Instagram and Facebook to the more risqué Tinder seamlessly. On the browse, we came across a number of questionable (read: disgraceful) profiles shamelessly promoting the Soundclouds, Instagrams and overall “talents” of some fine young males who call themselves DJs. There are a few promoters and EDM enthusiasts thrown in here for your enjoyment as well. Please note: these results came from a 2-mile radius of our office in New York City. 2 MILES. We can’t even begin to imagine what else is out there, but we’d definitely like to find out. We are happily accepting hilarious submissions from EDM hotspots like Las Vegas and Miami.

We investigated - here's DJ Emre's Occupy the Dancefloor mix:

You know it's serious when trance and heavy lifting are involved:

Getting his degree in GTL:

We want no part of this dream:

"Life is a playground or nothing"

Droppin' mad beatz in Hoodhattan:

We all know someone like this:

Looking for his Tinderella:

Cries alone in his room after too much synth:

A man of the Lord:

A man who knows what he wants:

Living the fast life:

"Eat. Sleep. Rave. Code. Repeat."

This one's just sad:

Diplo is his homeboy:

So not an asshole:

Besties with Guetta:

Bro, please take us out with you:

Listen to David Guetta on Pulse Radio

Dance.Here.Now is back with German techno DJ/producer Chris Liebing, who will make his return to Output on Sunday, February 16th. The CLR label head will descend on New York this Presidents Day Weekend with a special open-to-close set at the legendary Brooklyn space. The last time Chris headlined at Output in December, his set lasted for over 11 hours. There’s no school or work the next day – don’t miss out on this special opportunity as a true techno pioneer plays in his favorite city, New York.

Pulse Radio is happy to be giving away a pair of tickets to the event. Enter below – the more options you choose, the better your chances are of winning. The contest will run until Friday, February 14th at 4pm and the winner will be notified via email shortly after.

Listen to Chris Liebing on Pulse Radio

Currently on tour for in Australia for a series of club shows, Mark 'MK' Kinchen took on the Essential Mix over the weekend with a 30-track, two-hour mix.

Kinchen is best known for his remix of Storm Queen's ubiquitous hit 'Look Right Through' which stormed the UK charts last year, making it all the way to #1 and proving that house music is once again back in the commercial spotlight.

As you'd expect, MK's Essential Mix is a colourful ride through house, full of cuts from the likes of Disclosure, London Grammar, HAIM and of course plenty of his own remixes. Listen below.

Tracklist:
01. Jane Child – All I Do (MK Dub)
02. Hannah Wants & Chris Lorenzo – Girls (Shadow Child Remix)
03. Angel Haze feat. Sia – Battle Cry (MK Remix)
04. Reese & Santonio – How To Play Our Music
05. Danny Tenaglia – Bottom Heavy (Danny’s Bottom Heavy Remix)
06. Tim Baresko & Tee Dunky – In The Morning
07. Florrie – Little White Lies (Shadow Child Remix)
08. HAIM – If I Could Change (MK Regrets Dub)
09. Shadow Child feat. Takura – Friday (MK Medicine Dub)
10. Jodeci – Freek ‘n You (MK Dub)
11. Storm Queen – Look Right Through (MK Dub III)
12. Disclosure feat. AlunaGeorge – White Noise (MK Remix)
13. Luxury – J.A.W.S
14. Honey Dijon feat. Dajae – Until The Day (Alex Kenji Remix)
15. K.E.L.S.E.Y. – This Way (MK Deep Dub)
16. The Nightcrawlers – Push The Feeling On (DJ S.K.T 2013 Remix)
17. Sam Smith – Money On My Mind (MK Remix)
18. Hot Natured feat. Anabel Englund – Reverse Skydiving (MK Remix)
19. Victor Ruiz & Dashdot – Obey
20. Thee Cool Cats – Hand On The Pump
21. Paloma Faith – Can’t Rely On You (MK Remix)
22. Lee Foss & MK feat. Anabel Englund – Ghost In The System
23. Unknown – What You To (white label)
24. Le Youth feat. Dominique Young Unique – Dance With Me (MK Remix)
25. Happyhead – Digital Love Thing
26. Reese & Santonio – Truth Of Self Evidence
27. Sub Focus feat. Kele – Turn It Around (MK Remix)
28. Wankelmut & Emma Louise – My Head Is A Jungle (MK Remix)
29. London Grammar – Hey Now (MK Remix)
30. Lancelot feat. Anthony & Cleopatra – Givin’ It Up (MK Remix)

MK Australian Tour Dates
07.02.14 - Geisha, Perth
08.02.14 - Trinity, Canberra
09.02.14 - Summer Series, Revolver, Melbourne
14.02.14 - The Met, Brisbane
15.02.14 - Defected in the House, ivy Pool Club, Sydney
16.02.14 - Parkside Events, Wollongong

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Just when you thought the 'Get Lucky' hype was about to die down, it's been given yet another rinsing...though not in a manner any of us saw coming.

During the Sochi Winter Olympics opening ceremony, Daft Punk's massive disco bomb was covered by the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs’ choir, managing to drop the jaws of millions of viewers across the globe. The choir of 40-plus officers are led by two main vocalists, who have probably been getting lucky ever since the television broadcast.

Check out the performance below. We at Pulse Radio are 100% behind the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs Choir's unexpectedly camp turn. More please.

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Fatboy Slimaka Norman Cook is up for playing almost anywhere. From major music festivals to funerals, a gig at the House of Commons for the Pollies to emerging from an gigantic inflatable octopus at the 2012 Olympic closing ceremony – you name it, Slim’s played it.

'Right Here Right Now', Fatboy Slim’s influence stretches to all corners of the globe. With his infectious beats, innovative music videos and crowd-pleasing DJ sets - even folks with zero interest in electronic music have danced to his instantly recognisable floor fillers. After 30+ years in the often-fickle music game, we sit down with the maestro to talk about his most recent success, 'Eat Sleep Rave Repeat’, and what makes this true pioneer of dance music tick.



What do you remember as your first interaction with performing? I always played in bands when I was at school, in punk bands. But the most eye-opening moment was the first time I DJ’ed. Over the years I’ve always played bass averagely and guitar OK. But the first time I DJ’d, there was some kind of magic there. It was just at a house party when I was about 15 or 16 years old, and something kind of gelled - which I should have realized in those days meant that I should probably abandon my guitar and bass playing.

What made you want to pursue a career in production and DJing post alternative punk band life? Dance music has always been my first love. However, back in the 70s when I was growing up it was called ‘black music’ and being a white suburban kid I didn’t really feel like it was my place to play that kind of music. I always listened to soul and funk music but felt as a white suburban kid I should play indie pop or rock. Then we had the drum machine and sampler and all of a sudden white kids could make this music and not have to pretend to be black.

What was the most epic or strangest party you’ve spun at – apart from your House of Commons gig? I once played a funeral. Which was, yeah...that was a strange one. It was actually quite a good gig in the end, once everyone got very, very drunk at the wake. It wasn’t somebody I knew. When they asked me, they said - I know this request is slightly awkward but we’re here to celebrate his life so just play like you would at a party. But obviously every record you play you go through the lyrics in your head and think umm...is there anything about death in this I shouldn't play?



Is that the most unusual crowd you’ve entertained? Or could we put politicians up there high on the list? [Laughs] Yeah, the funeral crowd was easier than the politicians. Obviously, the most epic gig I’ve ever done is the 2012 Olympic Closing Ceremony.

So we have the strangest being the funeral and the most epic being the Olympic Closing Ceremony. No, I think that goes in the strange box. It was epic in terms of scale. The surreal nature and setting of miming from the top of a bus emerging from a gigantic inflatable octopus.

Your music videos are iconic – such as “Weapon of Choice’ with classic dance-moves by Christopher Walken and 'Praise You,' both directed by Spike Jonze, which cost a mere $800 to produce. Do you tend to work closely with the director and have a particular vision that you want to achieve? I tend to work closely with the directors, but I don’t tend to have a huge creative input. I’ve been lucky enough to work with some of the best music video directors and invariably come up with the idea. What normally happens is that we get ten ideas and I just pick the one that’s stupidest. I don’t write them I just pick the one I think is going to work. But like you’ve said, I’ve been very luck to work with awesome people, especially Spike Jonze. Who is just a genius and also pulls it off because people will write lengthy treatments and he’ll just send a scrap of paper saying, “Christoper Walken tap dancing in a hotel lobby” and you just have to trust his vision that it’s going to work as a piece of pop culture.



Your videos are inventive and definitely seem to stand the test of time. I actually saw the 'Praise You' video accidentally the other day and I was thinking it really reminds me of what ‘virals’ are like now. As opposed to your kinda glitzy 80s or 90s pop videos where there are very high production values. The 'Praise You' video is a kinda flash mob and it has that anarchic feel that virals do nowadays with the same budget.


You used the words, “I take off my hat and trousers to everyone who competed. It was brutal, it was emotional and no-one died” to describe your most recent video. Could you tell us a bit about the concept behind your track 'Eat, Sleep, Rave, Repeat' with Riva Starr and beat boxer Beardyman? Going back to the viral thing – the idea of making the video about a marathon dance competition wouldn’t be that interesting unless we actually really put people through that pain. We could’ve just faked it, but we decided it would be even better if we just made them dance until they dropped. Which would probably be in my top ten weirdest DJing endeavors - that you’re trying to clear the dance floor and your trying to piss people off and hurt them. There wasn’t this collective euphoria – you actually really wanted to put people out of their misery.



How long was this marathon exactly? It lasted about nine hours. In the end there was three people who refused to drop. I was playing the most horrible records. We also drug tested everyone – no not really [laughs]. They had to properly dance, no mucking about. Every 15 minutes they had to drop and give us a series of press-ups, push-ups and headstands. We made them dance to “Cotton Eye Joe”. We were not there to entertain them and enjoy a dance-floor experience, we were there to wear them out.

In terms of a more relaxing pastime, Iʼm a yachting enthusiast – well I like the idea of it anyways! I believe you own a classic luxury wooden boat called the Barracuda – do you spend much time ʻyachting in heavenʼ and is it still available to hire? [Laughs] No and no. It was a friend of mine’s business venture, that I kinda got involved with and it didn’t quite work as a business venture and if anyone wants to buy a classic 1944 German built luxury wooden yacht, with soft furnishings and hand- picked retro trinkets, then you’re more than welcome to. [Laughs] I’m actually not the yachting type.

Hmm...sailing on boutique chic off the Emerald Coast on its sparkling waters, sounds tempting. Just need a dedicated sailor onboard. Norman, before I wrap up the questioning, I wanted to throw you a few curve balls. Letʼs call it a Freudian angled “first-thing-that-pops-into- your-head”, exercise.
Please, if you will, finish these sentences. Are these what psychologists use? Righty-o’, then shoot! I’ll try not to give too much away [laughs].



Every time before I go on stage I... Get slapped around the face by my tour manager.

Riva Starr, Beardyman and I... Made a very interesting record last year.

Right now, my favorite “guilty pleasure” song is...'Royals' by Lorde.

Dear my 16 year-old self... Boy, you’ve got an interesting, varied and exciting life ahead of you. Try not to drink so much, cause that way you’ll remember more of it.

The most surreal moment of my career so far is... Performing at the Olympic Closing Ceremony on top of a bus surrounded by an 80-foot inflatable luminescent octopus.

What's up your sleeve for this year? I’ve got very exciting plans but not telling anyone yet...ha! It’s something to do with the World Cup.

Norman, itʼs been great chatting with you. Maybe weʼll see each other in Brazil? You’ll definitely see me in Brazil. Football fever with the apex of Brazilians at their best! I love it there, it’s a fantastic country!

[Fatboy Slim will be back in Brazil at the end of February for the ʻA Caminho Da Copaʼ tour. You can tune in to his warm up mix at FatboySlim.net and be sure to watch him claim the decks at Coachella Festival 2014, from April 12 and 19.]

[Check out more work from Carine Bunsci at delinquentvalley.com]

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So far Four Tet's tour of Australia has proven a fruitful one for fans, not only because of the epic DJ sets, but for fresh new material as well.

Last week the British producer dropped a brand new track when he hopped onto the decks at Sydney station FBi Radio and went B2B with Jamie XX for an hour or so; a collaboration between the pair titled 'Seesaw'. And just today Four Tet has uploaded a remix of Ellie Goulding's 2013 hit 'Burn', which he has amusingly titled "I got this song Burn stuck in my head so I did a remix and Ellie DMed me and she's into it'. Listen below.

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Romanian duo and Diynamic label affiliates NTFO have mixed this week's podcast, Pulse.160.

Hailing from the small town town of Jimbolia, Robert Petraru and Danut Fechete burst onto the production scene in 2010 with the all-vinyl LP 'Allure' which caught the ears of a one Solomun, who immediately signed the pair to his DIY Agency. Since then the only way has been up for NTFO, who continue to represent Eastern Europe on the house music front.

[DOWNLOAD]

Pulse: Tell us a little bit about the mix. How did you decide to approach it? NTFO: The podcast contains tracks that we play right now in our DJ sets, some fresh tunes from us and our friends. We follow your podcast series, it's really cool!

What's been happening in the world of NTFO lately? We just finished in January a new EP for Diynamic Music alongside our bro Karmon, so keep a eye on this it's gonna be huge. Also we have an another EP ready but we are waiting for a final answer there. We are also preparing for touring over the coming months.

Tell us about your new EP on Kiara Records. We did this EP in September during our stay in Ibiza so we had the chance to test the tracks in Sankeys and they really worked. The EP contains three originals and two remixes from our buddies Rhadow and Mihai Popoviciu.The official date release for digital is Feb 10 and for vinyl Feb 20.

What's the scene like in Romania these days? In Romania, each weekend you can find a very good party with a nice headliner. Also we have a lot of new good talents and also so many events in cities like Bucharest, Timisoara, Cluj, Craiova and others.

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Having been quiet on his Soundcloud page since his remix of Tiga vs. Audion's "Let's Go Dancing," Solomun popped out this gem over the weekend. Listen here.

Claude VonStroke's summer hit, "The Clapping Track" had just about everyone clapping right along all summer last year. And with a New Year twist, Diynamic king Solomun turns the Dirtybird boss' pumping hit into a sultry groove that is more akin to a snake charmer's entrancing melodies than the bass heavy original - though it's sure to tear clubs asunder just the same all year long. Still no word yet on Solomun's summer Ibiza plans, but we'll keep you updated as they roll in.

Listen to Solomun on Pulse Radio.