News broke yesterday that American electronic music conglomerate SFX Entertainment has been using legal loopholes to try to invalidate Electric Forest’s contracts with its festival grounds. Last year, SFX unsuccessfully attempted to acquire Electric Forest organizer, Insomniac Events, later trying to buy the festival’s other promoter, Madison House Presents. Madison House refused and eventually was sold to SFX competitor AEG.

In a last ditch effort, SFX is seeking the purchase of the Double JJ Ranch, the site where the Rothbury, Michigan festival is held each year, in an attempt to invalidate the existing contracts festival organizers have with the owner of the property.

With over 21,000 tickets already sold for Electric Forest 2014, festival goers became concerned after hearing news of the litigation. Electric Forest is assuring guests that the festival will go on as planned and that they shouldn’t worry about the rumors.

Listen to Pulse Radio

After a mysterious website popped up hinting that a reunion was in store, legendary DJ/production duo Deep Dish, made up of Dubfire and Sharam, have finally officially announced that they will be playing a major headline show during WMC! They are set to take the decks at Miami’s Ice Palace on March 29th. Many details about the duo’s first reunion show are still under wraps but it is clear that Deep Dish is on a path to reclaim its status as one of the world’s most iconic dance music duos.

Deep Dish has recently signed to Virgin Records. Ahead of the Miami event, they are previewing their new track “Quincy.” Check it out below! The track will be premiered during Pete Tong’s BBC 1 Radio Show this Friday, February 14th, and is set for release on March 31st.

Purchase tickets for the Miami show here.

Listen to Dubfire on Pulse Radio

Sankeys Ibiza returns for 2014 with another double header fiesta. Held from May 21st-22nd, the opening parties will play host to several of the club's mainstays and residents, including Viva Warriors frontman Steve Lawler and Fuse boss Enzo Siragusa, the original Sankeys Soap Tribal Sessions resident Greg Vickers, as well as Sankeys favourite and former Viva Warriors resident Darius Syrossian, who will be heading the club's new Thursday night Tribal Sessions this year. Also returning to Sankeys for the first time since 2012's closing party will be Danny Tenaglia, who after a quiet 2011-12 in Ibiza, has been somewhat of an island regular once again, playing Amnesia closing in 2012, as well as several one offs in 2013. 

Night two sees 2013's Carnival Cities resident and crowd favourite Finnebassen return to the Playa d'en Bossa club, along with Hot Since 82, who had a huge 2013 as resident for ENTER. at Space, ANTS at Ushuaia, and Flying Circus at Sankeys. 

For information visit www.facebook.com/SankeysIbiza

Listen to Steve Lawler on Pulse Radio.

Electric Zoo is heading south of the border this May to Mexico City. The premier New York summer electronic music festival is set to run on May 3rd and May 4th just ahead of Cinco de Mayo. Organizers have released the first phase of the impressive lineup with a diverse group of artists set to perform on the festival’s four stages. Made Event’s legendary Sunday School, which will also make an appearance at Mysteryland in New York later that month, will host a stage both days.

Saturday kicks off with headliners Skrillex and Above & Beyond on Main Stage North, Alesso and Martin Solveig on Main Stage South, Sasha and Lee Foss at Sunday School, and Aly & Fila at the Mountainview Stage. On Sunday, Hardwell and Knife Party will play at Main Stage North, Dash Berlin and Martin Garrix at Main Stage South, Dubfire and Claude VonStroke at Sunday School, and Dillon Francis at OWSLA’s stage. This is only a fraction of the artists who will be part of the inaugural edition of the festival – many more names are yet to be announced.

Tickets for Electric Zoo Mexico officially go on sale next Tuesday, February 19th with GA passes starting at $89 and VIP at $169. Purchase tickets here.

Listen to Claude VonStroke on Pulse Radio

Its no big secret that I think Montreal is amazing. Even in the dead of winter this city just oozes with culture and charm. Coming fresh from the sweltering summer festival season in Australia and South America, it was time to swap the short shorts, band Tʼs and thongs (thatʼs flip flops for the UK/US audience) to wearing a Michelin man-inspired ski suit (minus the skis) and rave the night away in downtown Montreal amongst the glowing blue igloos and super-sized ice sculptures.

There was no time to hibernate before embracing the FREEZE at Igloofest – an urban winter party like no other, where itʼs all about the dancing (with as many layers as possible) while drinking and sharing the good times with the ski bunnies, Pickachuʼs and the Whoopee Cushion family.

From mid-January, on every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, till February 8th, 2014, Igloofest hosts an impressive lineup of DJs and producers from around the globe. This yearʼs roster has included Skream, Pete Tong, Hot Since 82, Sharam, Breach, RL Grime, Art Department, Scuba, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs and some memorable homegrown talent featuring Thomas Von Party, Misstress Barbara, Ryan Playground and the Booty Bakery with Compton Chic and Phil Sparkz.

To their respective DJs, visual artists such as Skunch, Chocobeets, and Brille Brille Collective, along with a plethora of VJ talent, created a dazzling and engaging visual experience for the masses with playful crazy eyes kitties on display, glitch screens and mesmerizing lights and lasers dancing off the falling snow.

Raving and star jumps are a definite must to keep warm at Montrealʼs icy, yet epic winter dance party, but when not dancing away any impending hypothermia, itʼs worth taking some time out to roam around the Igloo Village with a mulled wine in mitt, as thereʼs literally an activity around every corner. From a slide made of ice (for the child in all of us) to Sapporoʼs best one-piece photo contest and drum competition, to the open fires for roastinʼ marshmallows and warming your derriere. However, if youʼre really game you could run around half naked – like this guy, with promo girls in tow – soaked in Jäger and giggles...

One of my favorite festival things is to sample the glorious food on offer. The local calorie rich and oh-so-tasty Poutine is so damned good it should be illegal. Poutine is a French-Canadian concoction of French fries dripping with gravy and delectable cheese curds – and a definite must during the festivities and post-igloo madness when the dreaded hangrys start to creep in en route to the metro. When it comes to a grown-up winter wonderland, Igloofest is a truly memorable and unique festival experience, where the winter freeze definitely doesnʼt stop the fun or a chance to wear your mumʼs 80s neon puffy one piece. Thanks Mum!

Check out more work from Carine

Photography by Jordi Girones & Carine Buncsi [delinquentvalley.com]

With thanks to Delinquent Valley &K. McKee Creative

Listen to Skream on Pulse Radio

Since splitting up with Arjan, Bas is committed to bringing the Noisecontrollers sound forward with his forthcoming album, 'All Around,' set to be released on March 14th on Q-Dance, and a series of tour dates this month around North America hitting New York, Seattle, Montreal, Orlando, and more.  For over a decade, Noiscontrollers has establised itself as a key player in the hardstyle genre, often referred to as the "pioneer of hardstyle." We had a chance to catch up with Bas ahead of these exciting events to chat about his role in creating a new type of hardstyle, why he's looking forward to the tour, some of his lesser-known musical influences, and the future of Noisecontrollers as a solo act.

Noisecontrollers is often referred to as the "pioneer of hardstyle." How did this come about? What sparked hardstyle production for you? I think Noisecontrollers has a unique sound which has gained popularity since 2007. Since Noisecontrollers started in '07 along with the new wave of hardstyle which was more about melodies and straight basslines, there was a lot of space to improve. We helped create this new type of hardstyle, and I guess that’s what gives Noisecontrollers that title. It’s a huge compliment to have contributed to it.

Has your style evolved at all since you started making and playing music? What are some of your musical influences that your fans would be surprised to hear about? Of course the style has changed, but that also goes for hardstyle in general. Besides that the whole genre leveled up from a small underground sound to a mature sound. I have also developed as a producer over the years, which causes the music to change. As for the influences, I can be triggered by all kind of things - a good movie, different genres of music or a mood I’m in.

You are embarking on a US mini tour in February. How do you feel about touring alone? It will be the first tour I’ll do alone, which is a totally different experience. I’ll miss Arjan’s company, but am highly motivated to bring the Noisecontrollers fans new music with the Noisecontrollers sound. I’m really looking forward to it!

Which cities are you most looking forward to visiting on your tour? Over the years I’ve seen so many places, and they are all unique with many hardstyle fans. I truly look forward to all of them!

Noisecontrollers is coming out with a new album. Tell us a bit about the production process and what it was like producing an album as a solo artist. Production-wise there wasn’t a difference as I produced the previous album, E=NC2 , alone too besides the track "Knock Out”. I started the album in the beginning of 2013 without the goal of an album. When Arjan decided to leave around summer it was a logical thing to keep producing and release an album early 2014.

You aim to bring hardstyle "to the next level" on your North American tour - what is your vision for the genre in the future and how do you plan on contributing to that/making it happen? Right now I’m trying to level it up at the overall sound - for sure new influences will come into hardstyle. Maybe it will go less melodic or maybe more. I’ll keep doing whatever feels right to me and I enjoy at the moment.

Listen to Noisecontrollers on Pulse Radio 

Kings Cross identity John Ibrahim has spoken out about the new 1:30am lockout and anti-violence laws, telling the younger generation of Sydney to stop complaining and take positive action to create change if they're unhappy with the new laws.

"Enough whingeing. It is a shame that today's youth don't have the energy or the gumption to stand up for what they believe in," Ibrahim told The Wentworth Courier in a rare interview. "Instead they just share a link on facebook. The silence is deafening. They sit on the sidelines and expect to be taken seriously.

He said that a good start would be for younger people to "police themselves and call their mates out when they do something stupid."

"They need to find a way to police each other. The police can't be everywhere, but friends are always with each other and have a bigger influence."

Ibrahim also called out the NSW Government, labeling the new laws as "ineffective", "shortsighted" and that they punished the majority for the actions of a few. He said the government needs to act now to change the culture of drinking and violence.

"We are going to miss a great opportunity to change the youth drinking culture if we don't act now. You have to start from scratch and just educate today's youth that violence is not cool, in any form."

The new 1:30am lockout laws and 3am cessation of alcohol service begins on Monday February 24th.

Listen to Pulse Radio

Pangaea
FABRICLIVE 73
[Fabric]

One of the key figures at the forefront of the UK underground, Pangaea has carved himself a niche as one of the few artists who can successfully balance experimental, forward-thinking sound palettes with sub-heavy, feet- friendly dancefloor rhythms. A devout disciple of the hardcore continuum, Kevin McAuley has taken the sound to new and exciting places with his solo productions and via the critically acclaimed Hessle Audio imprint which he helms alongside Ben UFO and Pearson Sound. McAuley’s steadfast desire to marry the obscure with the accessible is at its strongest on his contribution to the FABRICLIVE series, which seamlessly blends the best elements of past, present and future.

The first third of the mix is uncompromisingly dark, hypnotic and crunchy. From the shuffly, pseudo-jungle of Hodge’s 'Resolve' to the straight-up strobe light fodder of 'Untitled #5' from Tripeo, it’s serious, head-down bass pressure for the first 20 odd minutes, and it’s a clear statement of intent: hardcore music is here to stay. Washes of spacious, melodic atmospherics characterise the next portion of the mix, providing a nice contrast to the grinding, distorted syncopated kicks and percussion that keep the vibes rolling. Techno legend Adam Jay delivers his quirkiest work to date with 'Refraction', while on 'End Point' Pev & Kowton get as close to linear, four-to-the-floor techno as their ever likely to, further highlighting the forward-thinking, never-complacent attitude of the kinds of artists that Pangaea aligns himself with.

From here on out it’s a straight-up techno rave, featuring all the driving percussive rhythms, grimy basslines and wacky, hypnotic synths you could possibly hope for. Marco Shuttle’s 'I Wanna Dance…In Outer Space' is reminiscent of early Jeff Mills works with its blippy sine wave lead, while Alex Falk and Oscar Mulero’s contributions are only a hair shy of being no-holds-barred 90’s hardcore rave. Also throw in tracks from Drumcell, Truncate and Speedy J and you’ve got yourself proper 4AM madness distilled onto a shiny compact disc.

FABRICLIVE 73 is genuinely as close a representation as you’ll get to what Pangaea sounds like live, and a perfect snapshot of where the ever-evolving sound that he pushes is at.

Listen to Pangaea on Pulse Radio
 

Following the success of last year's inaugural Spice Black pop-up event with Nina Kraviz, the team behind Sydney club The Spice Cellar are bringing the concept back once again, this time around featuring Peruvian artist NU at Icebergs Bar & Dining in Bondi.

Dubbed 'An Inca trail with Nu,' the party promises punters "a musical journey in an ancient Incan civilization, surrounded by the sea," which will be the perfect accompaniment to NU's exotic, ethereal and tribal grooves (if you haven't yet been graced with his magical sound, check the below mix).

Spice Black Inca is once again an exclusive VIP event for 150 Spice members, all of whom will receive an email invitation on Friday 14th February. Tickets are $200 which includes music, food and drinks "in a setting that captures your imagination and stays with you forever," along with free entry to the after party at the Spice Cellar.

The party kicks off at 4pm and wraps up at 10pm. For more info head here.

Listen to Pulse Radio

10 people have been charged over the 21 deaths which occured at Germany's Love Parade festival in 2010, reports BBC News.

More than 500 people were injured at the famous techno event in the city of Duisburg when a stampede occurred at an entrance tunnel connecting an old railway station to the parade ground, which resulted in 21 fatalities. The festival attracted about 1.4 million people in total.

Four people who worked for the event's organiser as well as six members of the Duisburg administration have been charged, accused of negligent manslaughter and causing bodily harm.

"An event where people wanted to party, dance and have fun, turned into a terrible tragedy," said chief prosecutor Horst Bien, speaking at a press conference. "21 people had to die, hundreds were injured... The victims, their relatives and the bereaved are still suffering today because of the traumatic events."

Police claimed organisers ignored their advice about moving the event. The festival, which had been running since 1989, was permanenlty cancelled after the 2010 tragedy.

Listen to Pulse Radio

 

Agwa Yacht Club, often referred to as the best boat party in Australia (or as Jo Mills once exclaimed, the best party she has ever played), is entering its seventh year and gearing up for its 20th party on Saturday February 22nd [TIX HERE] with a stellar double headliner in the form of disco and house connoisseur Mario Basanov and Panorama Bar resident Cassy, the latter of which is making her Australian debut.

In anticipation of this upcoming milestone, we decided to look back on the party's rich history by asking the DJs and people behind the scenes about some of their most memorable moments from Agwa Yacht Club. Enjoy.

1. Thomas Bullock dropping this track after a power failure and the sound system dropping out for five minutes was a great moment. Top deck went fooking nuts! [James Scott of CO-OP - Resident DJ]

2. Jamie Jones and Lee Foss dropping Tourist Trap 11:11 towards the end of, fittingly, Agwa Yacht Club 011! Got a ridiculous response. From memory it was the quickest boat to sell out in only a month from when tickets went onsale. Epic day. [Kristen Marconi - Pulse Radio writer/Agwa veteran]

3. DJ T. closing Agwa 18 with Blue Monday which saw the whole crowd do a "sit down." [Wade Cawood - Finely Tuned head honcho]

4. AGWA 16 aka AGWA vs The Cyclone! This is a memorable one for me because....

a) Despite the fact that a man-eating cyclone was heading to the Harbour we STILL went out!
b) The top deck had to be closed, but it meant all the headliners (Gerber, Dixon and Emerson Todd) and clubbers were in the main room from the start, so the atmosphere was awesome. [James 'T-Boy' Bates - Resident DJ]

5. A personal favourite top-deck moment was when Terrence Parker's 'Emancipation Of My Soul' was dropped (yeah, okay, it was me that played it). [Neil Terry of CO-OP - Resident DJ]

6. The moment when Subb-An played Basement Jaxx 'Fly Life', bringing it back to a warm house kick in the midst of a seriously epic, bass line-driven tech house set. After we docked, about 10 of us embarked on a monorail adventure, only after purchasing a thousand glow stick accessories from the Darling Harbour promenade. [GABBY - Resident DJ]

7. I was a late and hesitant entrant on the Steve Bug cruise back in '09 due to my final university exam ever being the following day. The Manly boys got wind of this and during the warm up pinned me down on the floor and...anyway next minute I'm kicking onto my exam, asking strangers for a pen. I ended up getting 52% and passing. Chew beauty! [Sam Roberts - Resident DJ]

8. I honestly can't go past the very first in one in 2008. Myself and ten of my close friends decided to hit up this boat party (thanks to Ben Mitchell), then called the Pulse Radio boat party with Luciano and Greg Wilson. Uncle Ru kicked things off on the top deck playing some of the filthiest disco I've ever heard, soon after Greg Wilson's 8 track melted along with my eye balls due to it been 40+ degrees. Then we slid downstairs to witness something very special. That was the first time I had seen Luciano play and the first time I had been involved in a sit down on the dance floor. That was the moment I wanted to play on the boat. I'll never forget when he dropped 'Good Life (Buena Vida)'...epic!. That whole experience changed everything for me and my whole crew. Thank you x (P.S. Tosh was NOT wearing high heels on the top deck!) [BROHN - Resident DJ]

9. Some of my best moments on a dancefloor have been when a DJ has blindsided me with an oddball track that comes out of nowhere. Thomas Bullock of Rub N Tug pulled this off (pardon the pun) when he dropped 'Orinoco Flow' by Enya on the top deck. I never ever thought I'd see a dancefloor go off to an Enya song, but that's Agwa for you. [Henry Johnstone - Pulse Radio Editor]

10. The last party I went on (Audiofly & Emerson downstairs) was a total downpour. Co-Op warmed up for Gadi. I've got very vivid memories of us all helping shield the headliners from the torrential rain and the few people brave enough dancing with massive grins, soaked to the skin. I also ended my set with this track as the sunshine was quickly kicked into touch by the thick grey skies. [James Huxley - Pulse Radio]

11. The first Agwa with Luciano when everyone got on the during one of the breakdowns in his set. He also played the remix of Inner City's 'Good Life'. Was amazing! [Mia Lucci - Resident DJ]

12. Dixon's set downstairs on Agwa 16 during the massive storm was amazing. [Simon Beckingham - Finely Tuned Head Honcho]

13. My first ever Agwa was a pretty special one - the night time party during the Fleet Review with Blondish and Hunter/Game. It went off like fireworks. [Sophie Ingleton - Finely Tuned]

14. The response to Art Department playing We Call Love on Agwa 009 was epic. [Kristen Marconi]

15. That one that left on time was awesome. [James 'T-Boy' Bates]

16. One that was memorable for the wrong reason was the Dixon & Ben Watt billed Agwa #6. During Dixon's set I left the dancefloor and went downstairs for a mere eight minutes (yes, exactly eight). As fate would have it, that proved too long. When I got back upstairs my brother looked at me with this weird expression on his face. "Dude, you just missed Unfinished Sympathy." My heart sank. My favourite DJ dropped my favourite tune and I missed it. The memory still haunts me. [Henry Johnstone - Pulse Radio]

17. That was some crazy ass shit dude! [Seth Troxler]

18. The Claude VonStroke boat changed my life. I remember the boat pulling back into the dock as he was playing Tim Green's remix of 'The Fly' by Steve Mac and Mark Brown. This truly amazing techno track stroked our ears while the sun shined through our perfect little glass island. Everything made sense. This was also the boat that I met my best friend Tim Jones on. We didn't speak, but kept looking at each other doing random hand gestures that made no sense across the dance floor the entire day. I then found him on the couch of my friend's place after the party. We have been inseparable ever since. [GABBY]

19. My favourites have always been the ones with the dogs. Oh, and the one where someone pissed over the side of the top deck but misjudged the wind and covered himself and about 20 others in it. [Neil Terry - CO-OP]

20. Wade tripping over the monitor stand on Agwa 19 and looking like he'd KO'ed. [Claire 'CB' Wainwright]

And just one last video of the top deck going off...

Tickets to Agwa Yacht Club 20 with Mario Basanov and Cassy are on sale HERE. Come and celebrate a slice of Sydney clubbing history.

Listen to Pulse Radio

Back in November of 2011, Maya Jane Coles was still a fresh face on the global house scene. She had only just released what became her breakout hit on Real Tone Records, "What They Say," about a year before. And although she was certainly on a collision course with fame even then, her name didn't evoke the automatic response from fellow DJs, producers and fans alike quite like it does today.

So it's of little surprise then that Hypercolour reached back 2-and-a-half odd years, pulling the four track "Don't Put Me In Your Box" EP out of retirement. For the 2014 remix package, Hypercolour have enlisted some serious help. The EP hasn't been previewed anywhere as of yet, but we do know that edit treatment comes from from Bonobo, whom Maya recently reworked "First Fires" Ft. Grey Reverend for, as well as London-based soulful garage trio, Dark Sky, and Bristolian UK bass and techno producer, Kowton. 

"Don't Put Me In Your Box" Remix EP will be see a February 24th vinyl release, and a March 15th digital release on Hypercolour.  

Listen to Maya Jane Coles on Pulse Radio.

After another successful South African tour for the German DJ, Trickski, Bassmint bosses Matt Blitz and Dan C are pulling-in the international talent to give Friday night at Jackal & Hide a Berlin flare if you like. This is to be Trickski’s last appearance behind the hardware before heading back to the dance music Mecca we know as Berlin, so get there if you’ve missed his previous gigs.  

Photo credit: Ian Skene Photography

A true DJ and House head, Trickski is known to keep dance floors pulsing well after the clubs closing time. With releases on labels like Suol, Members of the trick, Sonar Kollektiv, Compost Black Label, DIYnamic, Defected, Future Classic, Stilove4music, Delusions of Grandeur with partner Yannick Labbé, Trickski hails from a corner that demands respect, both on and off the floor.

Listen to Trickski's African influenced mix for the hot summer nights. "Thanks a lot SA for the inspiration" - Trickski

Joining Trickski will be one of South Africa’s finest, exceptional in both track selection and deliverance, dancefloor savvy DJ, Bruno Morphet will be playing alongside the international, of course, with local residents of the Bassmint night, Matt Blitz and Dan C.    

As usual, the drinks specials start at 16:00 so you can get your weekend started early, with the DJ’s kicking off at18:00. For table bookings call 021 424 1020 so not to be disappointed, because let it be known, Bassmint. Gets. Busy! 

Listen to Pulse Radio 

Since Ultra’s inception in 1999, it’s just being going from strength to strength finally arriving at the present, taking Ultra to new heights, and countries around the globe in 2014. Ultra continues to push the boundaries, bringing its unparalleled combination of cutting edge production and the world's best electronic acts back to its previous strongholds and to new frontiers, Ultra Cape Town 2014 and Ultra Johannesburg 2014 in that list. 

The Official Trailer to Ultra South Africa

Now with the inaugural Ultra South Africa just one day away, revellers are peaking to themselves over to both the Ostrich Farm in Ct and Nasrec in JHB to get things going. With an impressive 3 stages per city, fans attending the Premier Electronic event in Cape Town and Johannesburg can look forward to gargantuan main stage designs, each hosting eight of the world’s fiercely talented DJ’s. Welcoming the likes of Tiesto, Afrojack, Alesso, Nicky Romero, Krewella, W&W, Martin Garrix and Blasterjaxx, each city’s main stage will also come complete with the top level production and sound quality for which all of Ultra’s worldwide events have become so famed for. 

Watch: Go full-circle getting a glimpse at the layout and mammoth Main Stage setup – Ultra Cape Town 2014 

Scroll through and watch the development of the enormous setup in both CT and JHB that is set to blow minds, and possibly eyes right out of their sockets. The first stop for Ultra in South Africa is to be the Ostrich Farm in Cape Town before they move on to JHB. Check below: 

Cape Town - Laying down the foundation...

From the ground up...

Getting there...

Still getting there...

There it is...

Hello Main Stage...

Moving on to Johannesburg for the second leg of the Ultra South Africa 2014 tour, they take this amazing production to the Nasrec Stadium where they have erected that enormous 'U' on that mammoth Main Stage supported by the second and third stage in the surrounds. We're all in for a treat, the lighting is to be exceptional, the sound that will be thumping out of those bass-bins will no doubt, take no prisoners, the attention to detail has been ironed-over and everything is in place for this Valentines weekend here in South Africa. Check below for pics of Ultra in JHB: 

Ultra JHB - Nasrec Stadium 

JoBurg are you ready?

That beacon of light...

 Main Stage is ready...well, almost...

Testing, testing. Let there be light...

Listen to Pulse Radio 

DJ/producer hailing from the Jozi (Johannesburg) scene, Dino Francisco has been a part of bass progression from the very start. With a sense of humor to match his wicked beats, it’s boogie business as soon as he hits the decks. An absolute corker, when he’s on the decks, every single time. 

He’s digging Drum and Bass, the heavy variety, he is addicted to energy drinks, he plays too many video games and is very upset about the state of Manchester United at the moment. So check it out. Now we asked him to answer our questions and finish our sentences in no more, and no less, than four words. Read further:  

How did you get/choose the name Point 4? Point 4 chose me. 

Pulse: Traffic in Jozi...
Point 4: Hurts my clutch foot. 

Pulse: Fidget music...
Point 4: What is fidget music? 

Pulse: Music is my…
Point 4: Second favourite thing ever. 

Pulse: I am terrified of…
Point 4: People with big foreheads. 

Pulse: My hometown is…
Point 4: Where it’s at yo! 

Pulse: I always wear caps because…
Point 4: They are head moustaches. 

Pulse: People think I’m…
Point 4: Mexican, for some reason.  

Pulse: What are the four P’s of being a successful DJ? Punctuality, precision, persistence…pointing!? 

Pulse: Best thing to do in a zombie apocalypse?
Point 4: Throw records at them. 

Pulse: Mixers VS Macs? I’m easy either way. 
Pulse: Four local artists to watch in 2014? Pharadox, Natural Selekta, Feed the Animals, Mr Mon. 

Pulse: Homer Simpson VS Peter Griffin?
Point 4: Randy Marsh 

Best venue you’ve played at to date? Under a Jozi Highway 
Can you sing? (We assume he can’t because he didn’t answer us on this one) 

Pulse: 4 Useless things in the 21st century…
Point 4: #Fidget, #Vampires, #eTolls, #Hashtags  

There you have it. Point 4 in point form, loaded with an exclusive 3o-minute mix just for us and you, our readers. Click below to find Point 4 and his mix 'Point 4 and his Favorite Things' on our site and download. 

Listen to Point 4 on Pulse Radio 

Consider yourself warned. Anyone caught with ketamine this weekend, and every day hereafter, can get up to 5 years in prison, as the drug was recently reclassified from a class c to class b drug by the UK government. The move comes after reports that 18-year-old Ellie Rowe died as a result of combining ketamine and alcohol at Boomtown Fair festival last year, and follows an Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs recommendation from late last year, which has now been accepted by Home Secretary Theresa May.

A statement from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs said:

"Ketamine misuse can cause a range of physical and psychological harms. There has been an increase in acute ketamine toxicity presentations to hospitals in recent years. In addition, there is now good evidence that frequent and heavy ketamine misuse can cause significant toxicity to the bladder, urinary tract and kidneys. There are numerous reports of individuals having to have surgery to remove their bladders because of severe ketamine related bladder damage."

According to the 2013 Mixmag Global Drug Survey, "ketamine was the ninth most popular drug among UK respondents, with 50.6 per cent having tried it at least once and 31.5 per cent having taken it in the previous 12 months."

[Via Mixmag]

Listen to Pulse Radio.

The second Breathe Sunshine African Music Conference is just about under way. This Friday 14th and Saturday 15th of February at the Cape Town City Hall, Breath Sunshine Tour will provide a platform for a panel of electronic music industry heads to share their knowledge. The panel will include BPM Magazine’s Dave McKinley, Richard Marshall from Resident Advisor, Euphonik from 5FM, and our very own, Kavir Magan, of Pulse Radio SA. Ticketing details for the event to follow. 

Tickets are available through Computicket or on the door.

Then on the Sunday, it’s the Breathe Sunshine Unity Jam in Langa township (Maragana park next to Guga S'Thebe) featuring German Reggae / Pop superstar Gentleman, as well as a killer line-up of local artists that includes names like Jeremy Loops, Driemanskap, Ifani, Mighty, Youngsta, Diloxclusive feat Jimmy Dludlu, Trenton and Free Radical, Teba, Crosby, West Geez and Mawezza and DJ Realrozano. Secure parking will be availble.

The African music industry is one of the fastest growing music industries in the world but the continent still lacks the skills and network of our international counterparts. The conference aims to address these challenges and put Cape Town on the map as a global music hub for African music. Ultimately, their vision is to build a successful and reputable African music industry conference through facilitating knowledge sharing, and fostering a spirit of collaboration by empowering industry and artists across borders.

Listen to Pulse Radio 

After a hugely successful edition this year with names like Skrillex, Destructo, Tiesto, Boys Noize, Laidback Luke, and Disclosure taking the decks, Holy Ship! is returning in 2015 with two editions of the favorite dance music boat cruise!  Organizers have announced that the fourth year of Holy Ship! will be held over two weekends - the first from January 3rd to January 6th and the second from February 25th to February 28th.  Now more fans will be able to board the MSC Divina and experience all the fun that is Holy Ship!

For those who haven't been lucky enough to be guests on past editions of Holy Ship!, the boat leaves from Miami exploring the Bahamas and private islands.  Don't miss your chance to be part of the journey which also features a collection of electronic music artists who provide constant entertainment throughout the voyage.  This year alone, Holy Ship! featured several day and night parties including one hosted by Fool's Gold Records and Los Angeles-based labels Body High and WEDIDIT.

Listen to Skrillex on Pulse Radio

Set to Pachanga Boys' 2012 hypnotic hit "Time," this 11 minute highlight reel from Robot Heart at Burning Man captures some of the week's finest DJs in action. Shot by Karim Tabar, who says he "ventured into the Burning Man playa not really knowing what he was about to capture that night, morning or day," the reel seamlessly glides through footage of artists like Damian Lazarus, Julian Prince, Blond:ish, Jonny White from Art Department, and of course captures all the colour and mystery that is Burning Man. Whether you were there when it all went down, are gearing up for this year's festival, or just want to check out some great footage of one of the world's most unique events, the video is well worth a watch.

Listen to Damian Lazarus on Pulse Radio.