Sony has announced that its last MiniDisc stereo system (pictured below) will be produced next month, with the discs themselves and support continuing for a few years. Other manufacturers will also lend support, including Onkyo. Smaller, portable players were quietly retired by Sony in 2011.

The MiniDisc was a big player In Japan and also popular in Australia, but never really fully embraced on the global stage. And ultimately, It was always overshadowed by cheaper CD-Rs, cheap walkmans, early MP3 players, and the final nail in it's coffin was of course the ipod.

Once the CD finally bows out (which shouldn't be too long now  - we give it five years at best), the vinyl record will ironically be the last format standing from the physical era.

via Digital Music News

Listen to Mp3 DJ mixes on Pulse Radio

4our Events are prepping for their first international guest for 2013 with Switzerland's own Eli Verveine. The Red Bull Music Academy graduate is to play GoodGod Small Club on Friday March 8th, supported by 4our residents Trinity and Magda Bytnerowicz.

2012 was a breakthrough year for Verveine, launching her record label Tardis with Oscar Schubaq (clearly Doctor Who fans), the first release of which featured exclusively collaborations between the two. She also made her Panoramabar debut in Berlin and was invited to contribute a podcast to Resident Advisor.

Tickets are on sale now - click below.

Listen to Eli Verveine on Pulse Radio
Listen to Trinity on Pulse Radio

DJ Koze is preparing to release his first album in eight years, with 'Amygdala' due out on March 25th. It's a star-studded affair which features vocals from Matthew Dear, Apparat, Dirk Von Lowtzow and Caribou's Dan Snaith, of which the latter collaboration has just been made available for stream.

Titled ‘Track ID Anyone?’ it sees Koze displaying that deep minimal house sound that has made him one of the most celebrated of contemporary electronic producers, which combined with Snaith's fragile vocals makes for a beautiful piece of work. Listen in full below.

Listen to DJ Koze on Pulse Radio

From his pioneering riffs, sultry melodies, and oh-so irresistible live sets, Marc Dosem (a.k.a. Dosem) has blessed his indelible Iberian beats on Europe’s grueling techno circuit. Once a favoured party promoter and Blau Club resident, a chance meeting with French techno veterans Technasia in 2008 saw the rookie Catalan producer catapulted to the heady lights of international stardom. As fast as his digits across a purring deck, Dosem was signed to the francophone’s home label, SINO, establishing his now four year reign as techno’s revolutionary prince.

Today a de rigueur billing for the globe’s major clubs and festivals, Dosem has entertained clubbers from Space Ibiza, Pacha, Ministry of Sound and Rex Club and wowed even the most discerning masses at the Monegros Desert Festival. When not on stage, Dosem can be found mastering his craft and perfecting tracks at his home studio in Girona. Pulse catches up with the gifted producer as we discuss his career heights, his secret second love (strictly electronic, of course), and the recent release of his newest album, ‘Origin’ on Tronic.



Pulse: Coming from a small town in the heart of Catalonia, Spain, you've swiftly paved your way as one of the hottest emerging EDM figures in Europe. Tell us, how did your career in dance music kick off? Dosem: I spent some time as a local party promoter at a well-known techno club in my hometown Girona. There I got a taste for DJing and was fortunate enough to start out as a resident DJ. I was often faced with a very demanding crowd as I would be the warm-up act for international artists. Eventually, one night I shared a line-up with Technasia. After listening to my live set, the rest was history. I was signed to Technasia’s label SINO, which catapulted me into the international techno scene.

Did you always know you wanted to produce and DJ? I've been involved with music and computers since childhood. Prior to production and DJing I worked as a graphic designer at a major advertising agency. As a regular clubgoer, electronic music created a huge impact on me, so I decided to start creating my own songs and playing them at my own parties as a fun challenge.

As a young artist you signed your first hits 'Silent Drop' with Hong Kong based label (SINO) and 'Beach Kisses' with (Neue Lärmklassiker 2008 and Green 2009). Looking back to when you started producing these two global hits until now, has your music making process changed at all? Not much, to be honest. I've always liked atmospheric techno: it has substance and a melodic intensity. Perhaps I have gone down in BPM, but I'm making the same music in the end.

In fact, if one day I change my style, my nickname should change because my project as "Dosem" has a very definite direction. Of course, I often hear new music styles and find myself experimenting to improve my sounds and try new things, but the basic concept is always similar.

[Photos courtesy of Brazo de Hierro]

You’ve released a trio of tracks over the European summer under the BNS label: 'Beyond Standards [title track],‘Invasion' and 'Everybody Knows'. Who or what were your musical influences behind the making of these tracks? I'm always trying to get back into classic rave music and 90s big beats, mixed with more updated beat sounds. The groove is very important as well. I've been very influenced by Orbital, Chemical Brothers, Alexander Kowalski and Luomo. A very broad musical spectrum.

At this stage in the game, which do you prefer: producing or live DJing? They’re so very different from one another. Probably producing music at home is more comfortable and artistically more authentic. When I perform live, the trip is often exhausting and the only time you really enjoy it is when you're in front of people performing. The public doesn’t always make it easy, so you need to give the best of yourself each night. It is equally rewarding to do a song in the studio when you see the audience singing and jumping with that track at a big festival. It's such an amazing feeling, impossible to describe with words.



Equipment-wise, what can’t you live without? Definitely my Access Virus Synth. It’s my second love.

You’ve no doubt become quite a fixture on the global club circuit. Given your jet-setting ways, which region do you believe has the best club scene? Hmm...it would have to be between Ibiza, Amsterdam, Berlin, London. I cannot decide.

Who is the most famous DJ or music personality you've partied with? Sasha at Ministry of Sound and Luciano at Pacha Ibiza last year.

Do you have any plans to tour 'Down Under'? I’ve been trying to come many times to play, but it's quite difficult to arrange such a big tour on the other side of the world. I'm sure it will happen sooner rather than later. Actually, it's one of my personal dreams to tour ‘down under’.

What's up your sleeve for the end of the year? Any exciting plans? My next album by the name of ‘Origin’ is finished and finally approved. It will be released on Tronic in February 2013 and I'm really excited about it.

[Check out more work from Carine Buncsi at Lucky Loop En Route]

Listen to Dosem on Pulse Radio

Future Music Festival has just announced a very special way for punters to experience the Sydney and Melbourne leg of the festival in 2013. If you've got some extra cash in your pocket, you might want to consider grabbing a pass to the FMF First Class Lounge, which will gain you access to a VIP area located between the two super-sized main stages accompanied with all the VIP trimmings. Not only that, but your host will be none than the party starter himself, Lil Jon. What?? Yeaaaahya!

So what exactly will you get if you fork out $292.50 for an exclusive ‘Day of the Dead’ themed First Class Lounge ticket?

- Ticket entry to the festival
- 360 degree views of the festival
- Viewing platforms overlooking the main stages
- Exclusive bar
- A pampering hair and makeup lounge for the senoritas
- The chance to rub shoulders with Australia’s top celebrities and musicians
- Lil John (Sydney only)

Sounds like a no brainer to us! First Class Lounge tickets are available at the FMF website.

Future Music Festival 2013 line-up:

The Prodigy
The Stone Roses
Special Guest PSY (Gangnam Style)
Dizzee Rascal
Bloc Party
Azealia Banks
Rita Ora
Boys Noize (Live debut)
Hardwell
The Temper Trap
FUN.
Madeon
Rudimental
Ellie Goulding
Steve Aoki
Alesso
Gypsy & The Cat
A-Trak (Live)
Feed Me (Live)
Zeds Dead
Kill The Noise
DJ Fresh (Live)
Nervo
Zane Lowe
Borgore
The Stafford Brothers & Timmy Trumpet
Tenzin
Bombs Away

COCOON HEROES featuring…
Sven Vath
Richie Hawtin
Ricardo Villalobos
Seth Troxler
Magda

WAKE YOUR MIND featuring…
Cosmic Gate feat Emma Hewitt
W&W
tydi
Andy Moor
Super8 & Tab
Ben Gold

Future Music Festival 2013 Dates:

02.03.13 - Brisbane, March Doomben Racecourse
03.03.13 - Perth, Arena Joondalup
09.03.13 - Sydney, Randwick Racecourse
10.03.13 - Melbourne, Flemington Racecourse
11.03.13 - Adelaide, Bonython Park (new venue)

Listen to Pulse Radio

Deadbeat and Nmbers announced that they'd be joining forces for their very on boutique festival this year, featuring a range of cutting edge artists and legends ranging from techno to bass, house to hip hop and beyond. They've recently announced another bout of names to join the ranks, featuring forward thinking selector Benji B and Scottish disco deviants Optimo besides another ten new names.

Pleasure Principle is set in the middle of the rolling Cornish countryside, just outside of Newquay, running from April 26th - 28th. It's a good job that they;ve choosen the location, considering the monstrous looking line-up already in place. Joining Benji and the Optimo boys are David Rodigan, East London grime collective Ruff Sqwad and a rare set from disco-boogie man Leroy Burgess. Further additions include Artwork, Krystal Klear, Mr Saturday Night, Kowton and Awesome Tapes From Africa. Steve Summers will accompany his L.I.E.S. cohort Ron Morelli for a showcase. They join previously confirmed acts including TNGHT (Hudson Mohawke & Lunice), Omar S, Rustie, Robert Hood, Legowelt, John Talabot, Just Blaze, Ben UFO and Numbers' own Jackmaster. Better bring some ear plugs along.

4 and 5 berth caravans are now sold out for the event, but 6 and 8 berth caravans, weekend tickets and camping tickets are still available from the official Pleasure Principle site. See underneath for links and further information. 

Pleasure Principle Festival 2013
April 26th - 28th
Trevelgue Holiday Park
Newquay
Cornwall

Tickets

Listen to Benji B& Optimo on Pulse Radio. 

In the first of a new series, Pulse seeks to uncover and champion the producers and DJs on a subterranean level. It's no surprise that electronic music - thanks to its DIY ethos and available production tools  - is being driven forward by the talent of tomorrow, the talented stars of tomorrow that're tipped for great things. First up is talented Brightonian Utrecht. He's had just 3 releases out to date, but the 21 year old philosophy student has made an impact through his fluid blend of slick melodic pop, deep house grooves and garage aesthetics. Aside from studying, producing and being hooked to accumulative betting, James Mcintosh hooked us up an excluisve mix and told us more about his sound, influences and ambitions....

How did you first catch the production bug? And how long was it before you made something you felt truly happy? I was producing in the classical sense since I was about 14 - my parents got me an 8-track recorder and I started making demos of my band at the time. It wasn't until I was about 16 that I started getting in to electronic music, and the production side of that. My friend and I formed a duo, making pretty awful electro house music - as wasen vogue at the time. But it was a good learning experience, and we got to DJ at some pretty great places like Fabric and Matter, so that was great. It was in 2012 that I started afresh under the name Utrecht, and only really then did I feel I was making music worth putting out there.

Your influences are quote broad... how do they correlate to the sound you make these days? I think nowadays you've got to listen and take on board almost all kinds of music. There's been a shift from having specific genres that were diametrically opposed in sound, to having certain bands of production styles that incorporate many different genres of music. In 2007, in the top 10 best selling singles, you had a real diversity of sound and genre - from Mika and Take That, to Kaiser Chiefs; Mark Ronson; Timbaland. Looking at the charts now, there is a homogenisation of sound across genres. Trance and house styles underpin most music now, which is not a bad thing at all. Perhaps there'll be something a bit different in the future. But I think that's why new artists have to have broad influences - to delve deeper into the musical canon - in order to stand out.

Have you come up against any challenges as yet? Has it been tough to be noticed? The real challenge for me so far has been juggling university commitments with music - there's a big responsibility to do well in both so it's tough finding the balance where both are productive. As for purely music, it's definitely been hard to get a foothold in the public's eye. There's an incredible amount of UK-based, bass-driven music at the moment, almost to the point of saturation. And when there's a lot of one sound, the really good stuff has to stand out. Disclosure have done a wonderful job in opening up the market for other producers, but they've set the bar super high, and it's going to be tough for acts that keep it firmly on the garage tip to push through. I think again that's why it's good to look at all types of music: other styles are simply more arrows in the quiver for producers.

How did you settle on the name Utrecht? Is there a story behind it? There was a period when I was just beginning with the Utrecht stuff, and the word "Utrecht" seemed to be everywhere for me. I heard a great song by EOD called "Utrecht"; I was watching Europa League football and Liverpool were playing Utrecht. In the end I settled on it because it seemed to me like the Dutch equivalent of a number of UK provincial towns - but for a Brit, there was an allure there in the fact that it was abroad. It was both exotic, but familiar, which maybe comes across in my music. That's the grandiose version, but I suppose in truth I went for the name Utrecht because it looked good in a clean, upper-case font!

What's coming up in terms of productions? And what sort of equipment do you use? Right now I'm working on more music - I've got a pretty extensive list of songs I made along with the first batch ("APC", "Like I Love You", etc), but it's just about constantly developing them and taking them to the next stage. I don't want to rush any release, so it's got to be as near to perfect as I can get before it goes out. Ideally though, it would be nice to see a release by late March/early April. In terms of equipment, I'm working with a combination of FL Studio and Logic - plus plugins like NI Massive and Albino 3. Then I've got a big library of drum samples with pretty much all major drum machines released.

Why did you chose to remix Justin Timberlake's 'Like I Love You'? I've always been a huge fan of Justin Timberlake, and I noticed that it was 10 years since Justified had been released, so it just made sense. That album sounds fantastic still, in part because of the crisp Neptunes productions, but mainly because Justin's got one of those timeless voices - there's so much soul in there. It's probably not my favourite from the album (that would have to go to "Cry Me A River" or "Oh No"), but the vocal is so easy to work with, like a lot of R&B from that era. I think that's why so many producers are applying those samples to garage/house tracks now.

Finally, what's the one thing you'd like to achieve in 2013, be it musically or personally? An album, hopefully! But that's a big ask. I'd be happy continuing to make music, get a few releases under my belt, and see where it takes me. I'd love to work wholly with other singers as well - song writing is probably my strongest point - so to do that, and produce a singer would be fantastic. Who knows, I'll just take each bit of new music I do as it comes.

Listen to Utrecht on Pulse Radio.

Today is a special day; it's the marked birthday of one of hip hop - or even contemporary music's - most treasured, loved and ultimately, missed talents. James Dewitt Yancey - AKA J Dilla - is the unidsputed definition of a prolific super producer, continuing to set a benchmark for producers from all genres and sounds. A vault of productions that could make Jimi Hendrix cry in overhelmed joy; a list of production credentials to make the Neptunes never feel that they made an impact; a loyal following that's still thankful for his musical output (lets ignore the plundering of his posthumous, private collection) - J Dilla is hailed as one of the greatest producers to ever lavish his techniqiues upon the world. From triumphant solo albums Ruff Draft, Welcome to Detroit and Donuts, to extensive production duties for Slum Village, The Pharcyde, Oh No, Madlib and more, Pulse asked a handful of DJs to pick their favourite Jay-Dee productions and tracks, in honour of the great man on his 39th birthday. Ma Dukes would certainly be proud.

SCRATCHA DVA

"Pharcyde - Runnin"- "Completely timeless. i can always go bk 2it if in need of inspiration or just to generally feel good about music".

DARK SKY

"What made Jay Dee's production so unique and incredible was his ability to flip samples like none other and his drum programming. Dilla's dedication to his craftsmanship, most notably on the Donuts LP and how he went that little bit further to discover a worthy sample has been a big inspiration for us."

RYAN CROSSON

"All of Welcome to Detroit or "Raise it Up" by Slum Village"

LEE BRIGHT (BBE Music)

"Think Twice" - "I remember clearly the day that Welcome to Detroit arrived at the tiny BBE office under Peter's stairs in Cricklewood, it was a dat and so couldn't listen to it right away as we weren't that advanced in our humble little office  a few days later i got to hear it and to this day it gives me goose bumps , such a beautiful laid back dream ... i had the pleasure of meeting Dilla and he has left a profound mark on my soul, understated, thoughful, words fail me to think we lost him so young."

MISTAJAM

"Pretty hard to narrow them down but at gunpoint I have to say either Lightworks from Donuts or Royce Da 5'9"s Let's Grow."

TILL VON SEIN

"The first time I heard his beats was in 1995 on the 2nd Pharcyde LP.  Runnin is a Meisterwerk for me,still an all time favourite.that sample ,that beat ...that vibe. Still, almost 20 years later, kids from my generation get tears in their eyes when they listen to it at the right moment, at the right party..."

NIKHIL SHAH (MIXCLOUD)

"For me, I reckon it's "Jaylib - The Red."

LEATHERETTE

"J Dilla - Don't Cry" - "This was really tough, we're still not sure if we've picked our absolute favourite, but this is the beat we both said first when asked, so i guess that counts for something. People often say to us, 'anyone can sample a record, blah, blah..' and they're right, anyone can, but this track shows that you can unlock something beautiful and original if you sample imaginatively. Anyone can sample, but not everyone can be J Dilla."

LAPALUX

"J Dilla - One Eleven". "I remember the first time i heard this track and every time i hear it i get the same feelings that i did back then. Its such a beautifully simple track and the use of that Smokey Robinson & The Miracles is pure genius. Seriously makes me well up sometimes listening to this one."

TOM TRAGO

"B.B.E. (Big Booty Express) - Jay Dee"

KING BRITT

"Crustation - Purple (Jay-Dee Remix)" - "I remember getting this about 12yrs ago and it has stayed with me ever since. The simple yet complex loop, that is synonimous to Dilla, the drums and of course the gorgeous vocal that is floating over the top ... pure bliss and always a good end of the night tune for lovers."

DJ TENNIS

"J Dilla - Won't Do (instrumental)"

CHAMBOCHE

 "For me it has to be 'workinonit' or 'ride with it' on the recent dillatroit release. Amazing!"

MORGAN ZARATE

'I remember the day my flatmate brought this to the house as one of the defining wtf am i gonna do with my life moments. It has all the elements- soul, rugged swing, beauty, aggression, bassline all in 1 mad simple beat and really i'd never heard anything like it, not put together in that way. This and the A side Player floored me. Still does. "Slum Village 2U4U - this version from the 12" that had players on the A side. '

WOLF+ LAMB (GADI)

"I just bought an mpc2000xl in honor of him, it's on its way! My fave tracks of his is "J Dilla - Make'em NV - Instrumental Mix" especially because the middle eastern sample he uses is the bomb!"

JAMES HUXLEY (PULSE RADIO)

"The Brand  Ne Heavies - Sometimes (J Dilla's Ummah Remix)"  - "This was the first time i heard J Dilla's productions, and years later I can still listen on repeat. This got played at a JD tribute night recently and it still sounding amazing."

JOE GAMP - (PULSE RADIO)

"Ruff Draft"  - Crackly, lo-fi and conceptual, this album for me still stands as a breath of fresh air, in a scene that's historically strived to create exciting and enevelope-pushing music. I'd have picked anything by Jay-Dee, but Ruff Draft, for me, is the blueprint in experimental, boundary pushing beats. And no one else has choosen it!"

Listen to Lapalux, DJ Tennis, Scratcha DVA, King Britt, Till Von Sein, Ryan Crosson& WOLF+ LAMB on Pulse Radio.

Techno pushers Pig & Dan may have celebrated a decade in the game through their triumphant album 'Decade' last year on Soma Records, but the enduring duo are also headlining Zombie Soundsystem's My Bloody Valentine Special at Fire in Vauxhall on Saturday night. To celebrate, the boys have given Pulse an exclusive mix to share, getting us all in the mood for some rather rigid, banging valentine's celebrations.

The duo have made a name for themselves through some of the biggest electronic labels on the planet: Cocoon, Bedrock and their on Elevate label, the duo love nothing more than to take the decks and offer an upfront, no holds barred selection of the finest. Joining them is Acid Pauli, German techno producer Einzelkind, Nekes and Chief Zombie himself, Shane Watcha. Full details for this anti-valentine celebration underneath. You'll be glad you chose raving over dating.

Zombie Soundsystem presents 'My Bloody Valentine'
Saturday, 9 February 2013
10pm - 7am
Fire, London

Line Up
ROOM 1:
Pig & Dan
Acid Pauli
Einzelkind
Nekes

ROOM 2:
Shane Watcha
Clint Lee
NOBODY
Tim Burnett

ROOM 3:
DeadEcho
Montana Cruz
E.M.M.E
RACHEL.
Wayne Calita

Tickets

Listen to Pig & Dan on Pulse Radio.

Late Night Alumni recently played at the Masonic Temple in Salt Lake City, after releasing their fourth studio album ‘The Beat Becomes A Sound,’ on January 29th. The group, composed of Ryan Raddon (Kaskade), Finn Bjarnson, John Hancock, and vocalist Becky Jean Williams, is known for blending house and dance music with strings and elements of rock. In this performance, they were backed by an orchestra with violinists and cellists.

In the video, you see Late Night Alumni’s first rehearsal with instruments, Becky Jean Williams talking about her inspiration to write ‘Moonwalking,’ and scenes of the venue setup and addition of Beethoven's ‘Moonlight Sonata.’

Listen to Kaskade on Pulse Radio

Imogen Heap is an artist known for an innovative approach to both recording and live performance. Her music is often made up of repeating vocal elements, effected and arranged using a dizzying array of synthesizers, sequencers, and effects boxes. Combining modern technology with a strong voice and catchy melodies has landed Heap multiple successful records and a Grammy award.

This video takes it all to another level.

In a talk for Wired magazine, she demonstrates the use of special motion-capture gloves to control her music. By simply waving, moving her hands left to right, or performing other motions, she is able to make minute and detailed changes to sound in real time. The gloves are connected through Ableton Live, the live performers software of choice today.  

 Listen to Pulse Radio

This Friday, DC's Stranger than Paradise and Omar Poppal bring two very special guests to the nation's capital. Anthony Collins, co-founder of the Scissor & Thread label, and Taimur Agha, founder of The BLK|MARKET membership (NYC), will both headline the event at new venue Malmaison. Supporting will be residents Navbox, and Jubilee. Tickets available here.

Following another fruitful summer at DC10 Ibiza, playing the Circoloco parties every other month, Anthony Collins has been focusing much of his time on his new label venture with Francis Harris, Scissor & Thread, which launched at the end of 2011. By no means your average dance imprint, Scissor & Thread is a platform for ambitious sounds, mixing up slow house with the indie world. With releases from newly discovered composers, producers, vocalists and instrumentalists on the horizon, 2012 is set to be an exciting year for the label. On top of managing S&T, Anthony still finds time for his own production, with an upcoming EP on Frank & Tony Records, a more dancefloor-orientated, sub-label of S&T, as well as developing another new project, Bacall & Friends, with releases planned for later this year.

As co-resident of the Blk|Market parties he launched in 2006 with partner Fahad Haider, Taimur Agha has programmed over 200 events at which he has played alongside a litany of the world's best DJs including Sven Vath, Laurent Garnier, Tyrant, DJ Koze, Scuba vs. Scb, Marco Carola and Ben Klock, to name merely a fraction; but more impressive still is the list of talent Blk|market has debuted in NYC. Those names include Cassy, Margaret Dygas, Art Department, Melon, Mountain People, Jamie Jones, Matt Tolfrey, MyMy, Reboot and Wighnomy Brothers, evidence that Taimur is more than another promoter who fancies himself a DJ - he is a guy with his ear to the ground who isn't afraid to push boundaries.

Boss man at Stranger Than Paradise, Navid aka Navbox has been DJing for 12 years alongside some of the world's best, including Till Von Sein, Onur Ozer, Chez Damier, Tini, and more. His breakout contribution to Soul Clap Records, "He Likes You Too," is a stunning and emotional rework of an American singer-songwriter. This tune was one of the most magical moments of Soul Clap’s 2010 Sunday School For Degenerates DJ set that had DJ T of Get Physical fames's jaw dropping and feet moving.

Though based in Washington D.C., Jubilee travels routinely between cities such as New York, San Francisco , and more. With pals Gabriel , Benoit , and Navid, Jubilee has put together successful events at established venues like D.C.’s WAREHOUSE/THE LOFT along with a regular residencies at NAPOLEON, and U ST MUSIC HALL . He has booked and played with global talents such as Stephan Bodzin, Marc Romboy , Deepak sharma , Seuil, Ryan Crosson, Shaun Reeves, Ewan Pearson, Pantha du Prince, and more. As a producer, he has released Hidden Recordings, and is Pill Collins project with mysterious partner Randall will be releasing vinyl-only releases in the coming months.

Listen to Taimur Agha on Pulse Radio

Electronic crooner James Blake has revealed that his second album 'Overgrown' is to be released on April 8th, with the first single 'Retrograde' aired last night on Zane Lowe's BBC Radio 1 show. As yet there are no details on which label is to release the album, but the press release states that is to include "reinterpretations of both hip-hop and house."

You can listen to the the new single 'Retrograde' in full below, which will be available to purchase on February 11th. 

Listen to James Blake on Pulse Radio

It looks as though the Aussie Queen of Pop Kylie Minogue is on a path to re-invent her career, signing to American hip-hop and r'n'b label Roc Nation, which is of course owned by none other than hip-hop mogul Jay Z.

Yesterday Roc Nation tweeted: "Welcome Kylie Minogue To The Roc Nation Family", whilst Minogue herself tweeting: "Kisses from my new home rocnation #KM2013ROC"

The move follows the news last month that Minogue had split with her manager of 25 years to apparently re-boot her acting career, which may or may not still be on the cards (a Neigbours reunion, perhaps?).

As first order of business at her new home, the singer will be performing at the Roc Nation-Three Six Zero Group Grammy Benefit for the Children’s Hospital of LA this Sunday, February 10th alongside dance music heavyweights Deadmau5, Nero, Crookers, and producer extraordinaire Timbaland.

Listen to Pulse Radio

The Friday night prior to her appearance alongside Damian Lazarus, Subb-an, Shaun Reeves and Brohn for the Crosstown Rebel's 10 Year RebelRave party in Sydney, Francesca Lombardo will play club One22 for the EK Collective night, with support set to come from four of EK crew's finest - Chux & Hentai, Cubs and Landmang.

Making a name for herself as a DJ in her hometown of London, Lombardo also began pricking ears with her own original productions on labels like Lokomotiv Recordings before starting her own imprint, Echolette Records, which gained support from tastemakers including Marco Carola, Radio Slave and Loco Dice. Since signing to Crosstown Rebels last year with the 'Changes EP', her profile has shot through the roof.

First release tickets to catch Lombardo at One22 are a wallet-friendly $15+BF. Buy below.

Listen to Francesca Lombardo on Pulse Radio

Events and touring agency Finely Tuned have released their video production of Agwa Yacht Club 015, which saw BBC Radio One's Heidi and Boston duo Soul Clap take over over The Starship Sydney on Australia Day, January 26th, for a truly memorable day and a fine way to kick off clubbing in Sydney for 2013.

The top deck was thumping all afternoon long to Soul Clap's extended set, with the party starters in fine form dropping classic after classic; their remix of Chris Isaak's 'Wicked Game', the Ewan Pearson remix of Seelunluft's 'Manila' and Steeler Wheels''Stuck In The Middle With You', to name but a few. While down on the main floor, Heidi proved why she is the Queen of The Jackathon, spinning two hours of jacking house and finishing her set in style with the Late Nite Tuff Guy edit of Prince's 'Controversy' to a pumping crowd.

Relive the music, smiles and good times.

Listen to Heidi on Pulse Radio
Listen to Soul Clap on Pulse Radio

Sneaky Sound System are bidding Hugo's Lounge in Sydney's Kings Cross adieu after 13-years of Sneaky Sundays - the longest-running DJ residency in Australian club history. A "clash of ideas" between the group and Hugo's' Dave Evans is believed to be behind the move to rival nightspot, Santa Barbara.

"The reality is the Cross is just a tough place for everyone and we found that we couldn't really come to an agreement with Dave about where things were headed," one half of the duo, Angus McDonald said yesterday.

"We have certain ideas about what we like and what works for us and unfortunately Dave had different ideas. But there's no bad blood there. We just decided to move elsewhere and it happened to work out that I have a good relationship with the guys at Santa Barbara so it's worked out really well, actually."

Santa Barbara is a new bar from Drink-N-Dine hospitality group, which made headlines recently after one of its co-owners James Miller died of an accidental drug overdose. Both McDonald and his girlfriend and band member Connie Mitchell attended the publican's funeral in Sydney last month.

"It was just such a tragic thing," said McDonald

Sneaky Sound System will launch their new Sunday residency at Santa Barbara on February 24th. The band are also scheduled to perform at today's one-day international at the SCG and tomorrow's match in Melbourne

Via The Daily Telegraph.

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At one point British songstress Jessie Ware almost gave away singing to become a sports reporter but an impromptu collaboration with SBTRKT set her on the right track. Since then she’s made it big with her soulful ballad Wildest Moments off the album Devotion. More recently she’s been wowing crowds with her diva vocals at Laneway Festivals across Australia and took time out to chat with Pulse Radio’s Emily Tullock about writer’s block, Kanye West and Summer Heights High’s Mr G.

Pulse: How did you get into singing? Jessie Ware: I was trained classically but I’ve never been a classical singer. By trained I mean I had a singing lesson every week but apart from that I was just listening to the kind of music that I liked: Billie Holiday, Destiny’s Child, Aaliyah, Whitney Houston, Lauryn Hill.

Was it a surprise for 'Wildest Moments' to make it so big – at the moment it’s got more than eight million hits on YouTube? Yeah definitely a surprise but it’s a song that I hoped would resonate with a broader audience than maybe some of my other stuff so I was hoping but you just never know do you.

How would you describe the sound on 'Devotion'? I guess I’d like to think it’s British and it’s electronic-soul. There’s various influences from hip hop to folk music and pop, soul, dance music. I just tried to combine as much as possible but still be tasteful.

Did you find the writing process quite natural? I definitely struggle with the writing; just a lack of confidence and thinking I had nothing very interesting to say but I think working with the right people helps it come out of you and you can make mistakes and it’s OK. But I definitely didn’t find it an easy thing. It’s just hoping that things come out when you’re in the studio that day. There’s no rhyme or reason. I don’t know what makes it work one day to the next. I know turning my phone off help.

How was it working with people like SBTRKT and Joker when you were starting out? It was a real help, I definitely learnt a lot from them and formed my voice and the artist I wanted to be perceived as with them. They really helped me really step up and grow. I really appreciate it.

You’re touring at the moment – what do you miss most about home when you are touring? I just miss my friends and my boyfriend and my mum.

What would you be doing if you weren’t making music? I’d probably be a family lawyer or a social worker. Or an English teacher but put musicals on as well in the schools. Basically I’d be Mr G from Summer Heights High. [At this point Jessie breaks into song] She’s a naughty girl with a bad habit, a bad habit for drugs. Ecstasy, ecstasy, E, E, E, E ecstasy [Ends singing]. That would be me.

Have you been to Australia before? No I haven’t. It’s just so nice with the sun and lovely flat whites everywhere and juices on every corner. And barbeques. My impression is definitely informed by Heartbreak High, Neighbours and Wolf Creek. [Laughs] I’m joking! Scrap the Wolf Creek.

Do you prefer touring or working on an album in the studio? I think you always think the grass is greener somewhere else but at the moment, I’m just loving touring, it’s really fun.

Do you think you’ll have another album this year? No I don’t think the album will come this year because I just don’t have the time to write it so I think probably next year.

If you could collaborate with any artist, who would you pick? I think probably Frank Ocean or Kanye West. I just think they’re both really exciting artists that are constantly doing new staff and I think Frank Ocean has a beautiful voice and beautiful songs and Kanye West just always seems to switch it up on every album so I’m excited by him.

If you were putting together your ultimate festival lineup who would you put on the bill if you could include artists both past and present? My ultimate festival lineup would be Sister Sledge, Destiny’s Child, D’Angelo, Chaka Khan, Van Morrison, Stevie Wonder, Bon Iver, Bjork, the Maccabees. It would be alright wouldn’t it!?

What are you listening to at the moment? I’m listening to Policia’s album a lot and ASAP Rocky and Kendrick Lamar and Miguel and a new singer called Rochelle Jordan.

What’s next for you this year? Just so much touring really, I’m going to the Brits which is going to be fun – it’s an award show in London. It’s just going to be lots of touring, louds of festivals, going and seeing new places.

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Happy Friday Pulse gang! More summery, Croatian festival goodness as Soundwave sannoucne the full line-up for their 2013 edition of the festival, featuring live bass music band The Submotion Orchestra, legendary rapper MF DOOM and Ninja Tune's experimental gentleman Bonobo besdies many more great acts, running between the 18th - 22nd July in Tisno, Croatia.

Set in a beautiful secret cove to the backdrop of an idyllic fishing village half-way between Zadar and Split, Soundwave Festival is the hidden, alternative jewel in the region's festival crown. Alternative, cutting edge and eclectic talent is combined ith the picturesque settings of the Dalmatian coastline. Further acts confirmed for this ideallic bash are Quantic, Ghostpoet, Channel One Sooundsystem, Riot Jazz and Com Truise. Have a look at this teaser video below for a taste of the sunshine.

Other artists performing at the reclusive festival include funkster Craig Charles,  Anchorsong, LA beat scene pioneer Kutmah, Om Unit, Kidkanevil, Eliphino and more. Even more tasty, the festival have promised many more names and headline stars to be announced in the forthcoming months. Full details and ticket information are under the flyer.

Soundwave Festival Croatia 2013
18th - 22nd July 2013
Tisno, Croatia

Tickets

Listen to DOOM and Com Truise on Pulse Radio.

Strip Sleaze are set to return to the capital with an event that features some talented young producers and DJs. Vital Music are bringing Krsytal Klear, Citizen and Medlar to Crucifx Lane, in conjunction ith MadTech, The House of Disco, Real Nice and Wall 2 Wall to showcase some top quality disco house sounds. And Pulse have a competition to bag yourself a stack of vinyl and tickets to the event.

Taking place this Saturday, 9th February, Dig Creative are also enlisted to transform Crucifix Lane's arches style space into a sleazy den of fragrant inequity. Monitor 66 (House of Disco), Magnier (House of Disco) also play, plus support from the Real Nice and Wall 2 Wall DJs. Sounds like a perfect excuse to banish those January blues.

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To bag yourself 1 x Krystal Klear 'More Attention' EP and a tshirt, 1 x Citizen 'Deep End' EP and a tshirt and a double guestlist pass for you and a friend to attend the event, simply email contact@pusleradio.net sporting the subject line Sleaze. A winner shall be picked out at random tomorrow lunchtime and emailed. Prizes to be picked up from the venue. Good luck to all readers - event details and tickets are underneath.

Strip Sleaze//Valentine's Special
7-9 Crucifix Lane, London
Saturday, 9 February 2013
10:00pm - 6:00am

Line Up
Krystal Klear (Eglo, Madtech)
Citizen (Madtech, LoveFever)
Medlar (Wolf Music)
Monitor 66 (House of Disco)
Magnier (House of Disco)
Wall 2 Wall
Real Nice

Tickets

Listen to Citizen& Krystal Klear on Pulse Radio.