Plett Rage 2014 is happening from the 28th November until the 7th December at VIP Superclub. Das Kapital will be performing on the 28th November, 30th November and the 2nd December. P.H.Fat will be performing on the 30th November and the 3rd of December. 

Das Kapital was recently named one of GQ Magazine South Africa's 35 Coolest People under 35 at the ripe old age of 23. Das Kapital is someone who is difficult to miss, having built his reputation on musical excellence and his immense skills as both a DJ and producer.

His energy is transmitted via his segment InDasWeTrust on the biggest national youth radio station 5FM in South Africa every Thursday evening from 8.30pm (as part of DJ Warras' show). InDasWeTrust sees Das Kapital break down barriers bringing the most upfront music to South Africa's listeners.

PHFat are Smooth Mike and Narch. 

Smooth Mike is a Rap Machine and a Production Machine:
Smooth Mike is the punk with an unquiet mind. When Mike isn't rapping he is skating down hills, surfing or digging through peoples garages looking for old synths and microphones. A sucker for education, he recently finished his psychology honours and keeps threatening to study further. His favourite website is Wikipedia and he also loves science.

Narch is the Beats and Production Machine:
Narch is an experimental Hip-Hop producer, producing with mostly vintage analogue synthesizers. His sound is a bridge between Hip Hop and Electronic music. A man of few words, they say.... Seen often in the ocean. His favourite colour is sticky aromatic green. 

Check this cool video, where they discuss each other's skills... 

Get excited for your end of year rage people of Plett, this one is going to destroy you, in the best possible way.

Listen to Pulse Radio

Police in Germany have uncovered a huge pressing plant. 

The plant, which authorities believe to be Europe's largest, pressed not only counterfeit vinyl, but CDs and DVDs as well. 

The raid came after a 2 year investigation, and at a time that Germans are buying CDs than other Europeans.

BVMI CEO Dr. Florian Drücke said: "With a market share of about 70 percent, there is still a high demand for CDs in Germany.”

“The equipment found here demonstrates once again that this is not the work of petty criminals, but of professional organizations whose criminal activities inflict massive damage on artists and the recording industry."

[Via Billboard]

Listen to Pulse Radio.

Many DJs grow up in Miami, but few blend the natural sounds of the city with house music as well as Jesse Perez.

Perez and his label Mr. Nice Guy Records keep the bass low and the beats ghetto, and make no apologies for it.

Just recently we caught wind of a remix of FCL’s ‘It’s You’ and after a listen, we managed to convince him to let us have it for free.

We also had a quick chat with Jesse and asked him to compile his top 5 most influential Miami tracks, Check it all out below.

You’ve been in Europe over the last few months. Can you fill us in on what you’ve been up to recently? Yeah, I’ve been based in Barcelona for the last couple months while I’m touring Europe and the UK. It’s been great, this is the first time I’ve come down for this long.

The gigs have been awesome and I’ve had some nice off days in the city of BCN hanging out with my family, meeting relatives I didn’t know prior to this trip and learning how to cook.

Tell us about the FCL remix you’ve done. Why did you decide to remix it and give it away for free? The first time I heard the FCL version of “It’s You”, I knew I wanted to remix it and give it my twist. It’s a great track.

I’m a big fan of the vocals. I found the a-ccapella on Traxsource and quickly jumped on the remix. I did try getting this released properly through the original label and also tried licensing it but my remix submission and licensing request were declined.

It’s not cheesy deep house so that’s probably why. I’ve been playing it out for over a year, and lots of people have been asking for it’s release date so I said fuck it, I’ll give it out for free. And just like this remix I have a few others that’ll I’ll give out for free as time goes by.

You’ve compiled a list of your top most influential Miami tracks. If you could add any of your own, which would you chose? Mine are nowhere near as influential as the five that I picked, but if I had to choose from my productions I’d add “Miami’s My Town” and “Live From Dade County”.

What’s next on the horizon for you? I’m doing a lot of touring in August and September in North and South America, and then in October and November I’m back in Europe to tour there again.

As for releases I’m working on a EP for BPitch Control. Also there will be a remix package to some tracks from my “Kama Sucia” album later in the year. And of course I have some free shit to giveaway.

Jesse Perez’ Miami Top 5
2 Live Crew – Throw That D
DJ Laz – Mami El Negro
Expose – Point Of No Return
Liberty City– Some Lovin’
The Beat Club – Security

"Bump N' Grind Jams Vol.2" is out on July 21st on Jesse Perez' Mr. Nice Guy Records. Listen here.

Listen to Pulse Radio.

Soulistic's Eshowe born Afro-House DJ Culoe De Song is playing at Watergate this evening in Berlin. He is being joined by none other than Stockholm's La Fleur.

Culoe De Song has been trailblaizing his unique blend of Afro-Tech House on the international stage for a while now. Berlin is in for an absolute treat.

Situated next to the river Spree, known for it's first-rate lineups of international talent and of course it's famous wall to wall LED dance floor installation, the Watergate Club in Berlin has quickly become one of the world's leading dance music clubs. 

Listen to Culoe De Song on Pulse Radio

Hodgson
Babylon System EP
Jeudi

7.5/10.0

Hamburg label Jeudi has long been a reputable source for clued-in house music, and while we haven’t heard so much from them in recent times, it’s clear they’ve lost none of their panache over the past few months.

Their latest signing is Hodgson, an emerging producer that comes at us straight from his native London, where his own diverse wares have already seen him championed by some of the scene’s leading lights.

Brought up on the sounds of the city from grime to dubstep to funky, his influences are diverse and this EP proves the fact in spaces.

The two tracks he serves up are similar in that they’re heady, atmospheric and glorious eclectic – so it’s no real surprise that we’re digging them ourselves.

‘’Babylon System’’ goes first - and it’s a crisp bit of sharp edged house with gangster leanings. The snares are clean and the beats are inviting. A filtered vocal muses about being born into a system, imbuing the groove with more of a conscious than most house bangers. And then comes the baseline, a round and rich one fingered thing that will make clubs bounce, no doubt. The vocal is engaging and endearing too – two such adjectives that pretty much define the EP as a whole.

On the flip, ‘’One Spliff’’ is a dirty, face-melting bit of house with reversed stabs garage style, raga inflected vocals and a serious THC quotient. Unusual but definitely quirky (reggae and house?), it pretty much picks off where the title tracks signed off. It’s fresh and refreshing, and as introductions go, the man Hodgson has laid down an impressive marker here.

How he backs it up is anyone’s guess, but on first impressions this is most definitely a job well done.

Tracklisting:
1. Babylon System
2. One Spliff

Listen to Pulse Radio.

Alex Seamens aka Cranks has been a busy man these past few months. The Brooklyn-based artist is finally back in town and has just released his debut EP on Curses’ Safer At Night imprint, where he has found a home. The Virginia native has been in the music business for a while, having his hand at events, bookings, DJing and of course, producing. One of the reasons we like the boys at SAN is because they are all so different but work really well together. Cranks’ versatility as an artist is exemplified in “Black Eye,” bringing his fondness of both slow hypnotic elements and thumping after-hours vibes together in perfect form.

His friends like to describe this Old Fashioned-loving ladies’ man as “Don Draper on vacation” – we see the resemblance. We had a chance to sit and chat with Cranks about his time back home, his EP, working with his homies, plans for the future and more. Give the mix he made for us a listen and check out “Black Eye” on Beatport.  

You’re from Virginia and you’re also a big hip hop fan. How did you get into electronic music? I listened to a lot of Bmore Club when I started DJing. I was also into Hollertronix mixtapes. The tempo and song structures got me into more club oriented music and inspired me to start making edits and exploring underground dance sounds. From there, I moved on to house and electro, and my sound eventually evolved into what it is now.

It’s interesting how you got started with Curses and SAN – you have known each other for a while and your friendship started as a working relationship, right? Tell us about how you guys first got acquainted. I threw big parties for a few years with a group of friends back in Virginia before I moved to New York. Luca (Curses) played two of our events so I initially met him that way. The first time he played with us was at this warehouse-style spot that was basically just a big, beat-up box. When we cruised up at 8:45pm there were already 200 people lined up around two blocks. The whole night was insane.

How did you start making music? Did you start out playing another instrument which eventually led to electronic music? I played guitar for several years but I don’t think it has had much of an impact on my current work, other than a general understanding of music. I bought an MPC and started to work with programming drums and sampling, which helped. Probably the most direct link to my current production was creating edits for songs, and then I moved on from there. In the last couple years I’ve started using a lot of analog gear to produce, which is still new and exciting for me. 

You produced for a long time and never released anything. Now that you have, do you feel like you’ve finally found your sound? Did it all boil down to that comfort level or are you still figuring it out? I’m still figuring it out but I’ve come a lot closer to where I want my sound to be. Some of my older productions are a bit more experimental and sound very different from one another whereas now I think I’ve honed in on a more unified style. I gravitate towards a darker, more technical sound. I like both slow and fast-paced productions, which there is a mix of on “Black Eye.” I think it’s really important to have your own style and sound, especially now since there are so many genres and sub-genres within electronic music and it’s easy to get lost in the crowd. I think Safer At Night has done a great job at formulating a unique style and identifying what the label is about (and we agree).

What is it like working with someone you’re so close with? Do you find it more challenging at times/when it comes to criticizing each other? I think it’s actually less challenging. I’m pretty laidback, so I don’t think people find it difficult talking about things with me or constructively criticizing or critiquing my work. Everyone at Safer At Night is open to new ideas and we never shut each other down. We’re all pretty considerate and take everything with a grain of salt.

How has the dynamic of your relationship changed since you all started working together on SAN? On a personal level, we’re all a lot closer now and I think we have helped each other grow professionally as well. Both my DJing and production skills have come a long way since I started working with the label and I think that being friends with someone you work with makes you respect and appreciate the work you do together a lot more.

Congrats on your first release ever! You’re pretty critical of yourself and your work, what was the most difficult part when it came to making the EP. Was it getting started, editing, finishing details, etc.? Finishing things is usually the most challenging part of the process for me, in general. I can bang out a rough draft of a track pretty quickly but it’s editing and adding the little details that takes me a while. I’m getting better at learning to just let things be finished and accepting whatever imperfections I may be hearing because if I don’t, a track will never be done and I’ll never release anything! I like deadlines and I think it’s important to have an end date for a project; otherwise it can go on forever. I have a lot of songs that I don’t think I will ever release because they all sound so different and far from where I am now.

Would you ever consider making them into remixes and releasing them or posting them online? Maybe, I don’t think so. I love looking back on old productions from artists I admire and seeing how much they have changed but I don’t think my old songs are relevant to what I’m doing now.

Tell us about “Black Eye” – what was your inspiration for this EP? The name "Black Eye" actually came from an allergic reaction I had. One day, I woke up and it looked like someone had punched me in the eye – it was all dark and swollen. I still don’t know what happened! I had to ice it and it finally went away after two days. I was supposed to help one of my friends move, but I couldn’t with my eye swollen shut. I started working on the track in between icing my eye, and when I needed to save the project I just saved it as “Black Eye.” My biggest inspiration, in regards to making music and listening to it in general, is playing something new and watching a crowd react to it.

You left New York for a while and moved back to D.C. – how did this affect your outlook, musically? It had a big impact on everything for me, musically. This was the first time in my life that I focused all my attention on making music. I quit my job, moved away and worked on music every day. I think the biggest thing I gained from it was figuring out my creative process and how I want to approach things, the best way to do things and not take two months to finish a song. I bought a lot of new analog gear and learned how to use it. I made a lot of new music when I was home but I made “Black Eye” the month I moved back to New York.

When you were back in Virginia, did you link up with your old friends or was it more of a solo trip? It was more of a solo trip. I went to school in Richmond but I’m from Arlington, which is closer to Washington D.C. I have some high school friends in D.C., but my main focus was on music. I felt a little overwhelmed and too distracted in New York. The city is such a sensory overload and I was having trouble focusing. There isn’t much to do in D.C., so it wasn’t too hard to lock myself away and work. It was very nice, though; it was a relaxing change of scenery. It was a great trip and I feel like my mindset changed for the first time in a long time. I love living in New York, but ideally, I’d love to leave for two or three months every year and live somewhere easy where I don’t really know anyone. The move affected my outlook in general in a very positive way.

When can we expect another release from you? Do you think it’ll be easier this time since you’ll already have a release out? Ideally, I want to put out two more releases this year. I’m working on a lot of tracks and remixes right now and would love to get another release out in the next few months. The process of it all is definitely much clearer for me now and I feel like I’ve figured out the most efficient way for me to work as well as when to let a track be finished and release it.

The SAN crew is very tight – what has it been like working with your friends? Does it get distracting sometimes? I don’t think it’s distracting. It’s actually better sometimes because we will all be hanging out and spontaneously decide to go to the studio and throw something together. We all work well off one another and push each other to get things done. It’s motivating to be around people who are constantly working and dedicated to putting out new music and getting things done.

What have you got going on this summer/plans for fall? My main focus is to finish and release some new music. Then I’d like to start touring by the spring.

Listen to Pulse Radio

Since first launching in Germany in 2012, the acclaimed Holi Festival of Colours has become synonymous with unity, celebration, and, of course, colour. This year, the festival returns to South Africa, with a much-anticipated event taking stage in the heart of Johannesburg. 

Taking place at Bidvest Wanderers Cricket Stadium on the 23rd of August 2014, the Holi Festival of Colours fuses top electronic dance acts with a positive message of hope and inspiration.

This years lineup includes DJ Fresh, Roger Goode, Mark Stent, Royal K, Lady Lea, Nick Essential, Vin Groovin, Houseshaker, Ozzy Funk and Wilson Fury. 

Holi takes place on the day of the full moon of the Phaluga month, Holi is one of India’s most famous festivals. This Hindu event celebrates the start of spring; the triumph of good over bad and the unifying of people across all races, genders and age groups. The western Holi Festival of Colours aims to bring the same message of hope, positivity and equality to millions of partygoers, with global events taking place across the world.

The South African event is expected to draw huge crowds, as revelers prepare to unite under a cloud of multi-coloured paint powder from noon until late. Local and international artists, a host of special features, top-of-the-line event planning, security, food and drink stalls and many other event highlights will also be par for the course over the duration of this exciting full-day event.
 
Tickets start at R255, with early bird tickets available at R205 for the first 1500 tickets sold. Packages and VIP tickets are also available, which include powder bags and other inclusive highlights. 

Listen to Pulse Radio 

We hit up Jamie Jones' A Tribe Called Paradise early as Patrick Topping held things down on the ones and twos at DC-10.

Obviously, as we’ve been hearing his tracks everywhere this summer, namely the infectious ‘Forget’, Topping has gained a considerable boost in popularity. However, the Newcastle native is revealing something of a strong personal following at the moment.

When I saw him playing VIVa Warriors Opening back at the start of the season, Topping had the place going off and people were genuinely there to see him play. It was no different here as he finally made his long awaited return to DC-10 and played to a very busy main room, despite the early 10pm start.

Bouncing and always looking like he’s having fun, Topping punched out his trademark sound with tracks such ‘Boxed Off’ and of course ‘Forget’, which sent the crowd into fits of ecstasy. One of the most striking things I noticed was when Patrick finished his set and stood in the crowd outside the booth – after taking just a few steps into the crowd Patrick was being mobbed by people from all angles, all keen to get a word and a photo with him. He’s no doubt a star on the rise.

Diminutive Italian maestro LEON took over after a dark and groovy live set from Kate Simko, and proceeded to pummel the crowd with his dubby, hard brand of tech house. The main room’s array of lasers cut across the room, as the atmosphere descended into truly DC-10 territory. With its heady, intense feeling rapidly spreading throughout the room, DC-10 really suits certain DJs – LEON’s dark and gritty groove was right at home in the dark main room.

As we quickly approached peak-time hours, revellers were flocking to the Terrace en masse, knowing that Maya Jane Coles was about to hit the decks. Maya’s name undeniably has huge pulling power and the bodies crammed between the Terrace walls were perfect evidence of the selector’s draw.

A lot of her success has come as a result of hugely successful productions that have captured the contemporary mood for house tracks with strong elements of melody, but her DJ sets are also full of her own character – a musical character which is typified by a shadowy powerful sound that jumps between tough tech-house and straight-up techno.

From driving tech tracks interjected with sultry vocals, which really warmed the crowd up, Maya built towards a peak of techno typified by the likes of Secluded’s track ‘Round 12’. It was daring to play straight techno, without any swing or a clap in sight – it was deep, powerful and it worked a treat. Knowing that it probably wasn’t the crowd to stray too far in that direction, she brought proceedings back and cut in some jacking rhythms, much to the joy of the crowd locked into Maya’s groove.

The track that really cut right through Maya’s murky sleaze was Hodgson’s ‘One Spliff’ (read our review here). Sampling Billy Boyo’s ‘One Spliff A Day’, the track combines old school jungle characteristics with percussion to sinister effect, allowing it to sit easily in a house set and stand out. It’s definitely one of those club weapons that swoop in and grab your attention with that element of surprise.

With the Terrace floor thoroughly energised, Jamie Jones burst onto the scene with some fast-paced bouncing house cuts. At this stage even more people had managed to pile into the Terrace, as you would imagine for a DJ as huge as Jamie. Soaking up the vibe that such a busy room brings, Jamie closed the party with his characteristic house bump.

Paradise definitely looks to be fully in its stride and ready to carry the momentum straight the imminent peak-season madness.

Legendary Johannesburg daytime dance-fest H2O is giving away a set of Lifetime H2O VVIP tickets! Yes, you read correctly. Your eyes are not deceiving you. You could be the lucky recipient to be allowed access with one guest and given the full VVIP treatment to every H2O party for the rest of your life. 

To enter this super competition and stand a chance to win this stellar prize follow the step by step instructions below. Best of luck! 

H2O COMPETITION INSTRUCTIONS: 

- Pre-register for your #H2OAfrica2014 ticket at www.h2oparty.com or via this direct link: http://h2o.nutickets.co.za/SPCA
- Purchase your #H2OAfrica2014 ticket when they go on sale on 30 July. 
- Take a photo of your #H2OAfrica2014 ticket or the related proof of purchase. 
- Post the photo of your ticket to the H2O page wall on Facebook and tag the person you intend to take with to #H2OAfrica2014 if you win. 
- Please note: Ticket holders of early bird tickets already purchased in April are permitted to enter the competition. 
- A winner will be chosen and announced via the H2O page. Tickets are not transferrable. 

For more info about #H2OAfrica2014 taking place on saturday 11 October at Wild Waters in Boksburg, visit: 

http://www.h2oparty.com
 

Listen to Pulse Radio

The last edition of Moogfest took place from April 23rd through April 27th in Asheville, North Carolina. We were there and we loved it! Organizers have just revealed that the next Moogfest is set for 2016, skipping a year because of financial concerns (the last iteration lost about $1.5 million), a desire to maintain the event’s high level of quality and authenticity, and so Moog Music can continue to focus on its primary role of designing and building synthesizers.

Mike Adams, Moog Music Inc. President and CEO, explained: “Moogfest 2014 was a proof of concept so we could experiment with a new business, a unique format, and a new creative direction. Producing Moogfest every other year allows us to retain the high level of innovative programming as well as the originality and independence we established in 2014.”

Moogfest 2014 drew thousands of musicians, innovators, artists, engineers, and their fans for five days of events focused on the future of technology and creativity. Performances this year included Kraftwerk, Nile Rodgers, Giorgio Moroder, Flying Lotus, Dan Deacon, Factory Floor, and many more.

“This future-forward version of Moogfest is in its infancy,” said Emmy Parker, Brand Director of Moogfest and Moog. “It will take some time for it to grow, but it’s clear that people want an unadulterated ideas-based festival that combines new art, music, and technology. Moogfest is a personification of the Moog ethos and we’re honored to dedicate a full two years for curating each festival, with a sustainable, long-term plan for maintaining a platform for all those who share our passion.”

Listen to Pulse Radio

Italian duo Paul C & Paolo Martini were an interesting choice for this week's Fresh Blood mix.

While most certainly they can be considered an emerging talent as a duo,  separately they have a combined 40 years in music. 

However, since coming together in 2009, they've seen steady success, with hit releases on labels like Area Remote, Gruuv, Terminal M, Hot Creations, Moon Harbour, Circus Recordings, and Paul’s Boutique, an imprint that Paolo co-owns. 

Now, they've graciously stepped up for a Fresh Blood mix, and we get a little bit more from the guys about how their prosperous partnership began. 

Hi guys. For anyone who is unfamiliar with how you both came together as a duo, can you tell us a bit more about this collaboration? We decided to join forces in 2009, and since then we have started to produce tracks together. We got the first results in 2010 with an EP on Ama Records called "Special One," and soon after with a track called “Amore” on Paul’s Boutique, which became in following very popular, so much so that reprinted the following year on Great Stuff.

After that things were growing more and more. We start to get a bigger visibility first with an EP on Area Remote and then with “Take some time” on Terminal M.

Between the pair of you, you have a combined career than spans 40 years in the business. How did you first get involved with DJing and why? We both dreamed about be a DJ as we were listening to music since we were children.

Being a DJ is something that we always wants to be. Consider that in the early ‘80s, it wasn’t even considered a job, it was all about passion for the music and that’s it. It was nothing to do with money, fame, celebrity, only a question of music as it should be!

Then the story is quite long, but let’s say we both became first DJ’s and then producers in the late ‘80s.

As a duo, where and when was your first gig and how did it go? It was in San Teodoro in Sardinia in a club called Ambranight on summer 2011…

The atmosphere was great and we made the people dance until 6 o’clock in the morning. We really enjoyed that night!

With regards to your production, how do you approach creating your music? What influences do you draw upon to help you? We are influenced by everything that we have heard in the last 30 years. We have a very wide range.

About the approach to the tracks, every now and then more techno, and other, more house, but we put all our taste and our experience both as producers and DJ's.

Clearly doing this job for many years, we know how to run a track, but want to do it while preserving our taste and giving it something of us every time, which isn’t always easy.

We also like to change and take a few risks every now and then, just not to be too 'standard.'

Usually duos tend to work well because each person brings something different to the table. Is that true of you, and if so, what does each person bring? Yes, definitely. As we said, we both try to transfer our vision of the music and how we would like to communicate together to the people.

Clearly each of us two has strengths greater than the other. After all these years we wanted to join forces and see if we were able to emerge with something of our own in the midst of the multitude of music and offers that offers the market today, and that was a big bet, however, is giving us some satisfaction!

How has your native Italy taken to your musical output and contributions? Italy, in conjunction with Ibiza and the UK in the late ‘80s, was one of the first countries to have been very receptive to musical change at that time that brings the explosion of house music all over europe.

We were clearly immediately absorbed by this new genre of music and since then we have always been supported and propagated that sound.

2013 was a very successful year for both of you following impact made by "Take Some Time" on Terminal M. Your track "Spunk" reached number two on the Beatport Tech House Chart. What were your original expectations for this track and how did it feel to reach chart success like that? No, for “Spunk” we didn’t have that big expectation, even if we liked the track a lot while we were working on. We tried to give it something a bit different with those spacey-voices effects with no regular metrics, all supported by a big bass line.

We think we have found a good balance on that one and that's why it was played by many DJs who on paper are very different to one another. Infact “Spunk" was played by Carl Cox and Jamie Jones as well (who gave a big contribution to the success of the track!)

"We Repeat" also become quite popular and was eventually chosen as the original soundtrack for the trailer of "Love Family Park 2013." Can you tell us a bit more about this? "We Repeat" was one of our big tracks of 2013. It was release on the excellent Cecille. The track had a great impact and helped us increase our fame even more. We are very proud of that EP.

Then when Nick Curly and Marc Scholl told us that it was chosen as the soundtrack for the LFP trailer, it was the cheery on the cake. Thanks to that spot we reached more and more people that didn’t know the track on the first time.

We also hear you have been working on a new release on Hot Creations. Can you tell us a bit more about this? And what your expectations are for the track? We are currently working on our new EP for Hot Creations from a while. It will be ready very soon and we are much excited about it – can’t wait for the release!

In the meantime around June, “Bermuda” EP it be release on 8bit, another great label. We did a bit deeper than usual on this one!

If you each had the chance to collaborate with someone other than yourselves, who would it be with and why? That’s a surprise that it will be revealed on the summer. We are working with a special person for us right now!

Finally, with summer just around the corner, what does the future hold for Paul C and Paolo Martini? Is there anything you can exclusively reveal to us?

We do have some interesting gigs all over for the summer includes our debut at Paradise at DC-10 in Ibiza with Jamie Jones on September 17! We are so happy and honoured to be part of it and we can’t wait to make it! Then all over the summer you can find us with some gigs in a lots of Country include Russia, Croatia, Germany, UK, Switzerland, and France.

Paul C & Paolo Martini play Jamie Jones presents Paradise at DC-10 on September 17th.

For details and updates on Paolo and Pau’s tour dates, head to www.facebook.com/PaulCPaoloMartini 

Listen to Pulse Radio.

How does Hodor throw down? Kristian Nairn, perhaps best known for playing Hodor on ‘Game Of Thrones’ originally shocked fans when he revealed that he was a DJ. More recently, he announced his upcoming ‘Rave of Thrones’ tour in Australia next month. But what does a Hodor DJ set actually sound like?

Luckily for us, Kristian has uploaded two Summer Night Mixes to his SoundCloud page. Ahead of the tour, he spoke to the Sydney Morning Herald about his sets. “It starts off with some nice vocal-based deep house and progresses up over the set. I’ll probably mix in some EDM for lack of a better term into some progressive house. I started DJing in the ‘90s so I’m very influenced by that – there’s a lot of piano stuff coming back around now which I really like.”

When asked if his TV role would carry over into his DJing, Kristian responded with, “I don’t feel comfortable crossing the two over. I think the theme is good – I don’t think I could improve it. But I’ve heard a dubstep version of it and it’s terrible.”

Get a preview of Hodor’s sets with his two Summer Night Mixes. The first is a “more uptempo mix of house music, and generally stuff I love.” Mix two is “EDM/electro focused” and “a little tougher” than the first.

Listen to Pulse Radio

Madonna and Diplo made headlines when photos of the two musicians collaborating in the studio hit Instagram. Now, a video has surfaced of Diplo playing a new track that the two are working on to BBC host Annie Mac. It’s a remake of the Material Girl’s 80s hit tune “La Isla Bonita.”

We only get a short preview of the song as Annie Mac quickly shoves Diplo and scratches the song into silence. Madge has apparently redone the vocals and can be heard singing, “Last night I dreamt of Major Lazer.”

Madonna hasn’t released a lot of information about her forthcoming album but we are expecting it to have an EDM sound as she has been working with the likes of Diplo and Avicii.

Listen to Diplo on Pulse Radio
 

Newcastle
Shinw34/027, Hoults Yard
Longstanding Newcastle underground club night Shindig deliver the ever-growing Italian duo Tale Of Us and minimal mainstay Magda. As the name suggests, this will be the 27th instalment of the series of warehouse parties Shindig have been hosting over the past few years. The party will be held in the warehouse surroundings of Hoults Yard – providing just the space we all really want for a rave.

Leeds
The Garden Party Pt. 3, The Faversham
Returning to the alternative venue, The Faversham, The Garden Party sees an eclectic line-up visiting Leeds over the bank holiday celebration. Huxley, Mano Le Tough, Richy Ahmed, Ryan Elliott and PBR Streetgang are all set to provide the soundtrack in the greenhouse-like space at The Faversham.

Liverpool
mUmU Sessions, Venue TBA
Liverpool’s premier techno night and certainly one of the strongest techno nights in the UK, mUmU sees its popular day and night session return, with residents Lee Rand and Ryan Elliott (straight from Leeds no doubt) on the decks. The big news is Pan-Pot playing a 5-hour set, however.

Manchester
Zutekh vs. Tpot Bank Holiday Special, South
This party got a notable mention in our 48 Hours In Manchester feature and on this particular weekend Midland will appear, as well as Ryan Elliott (seemingly touring the North West in a day). There is also word of a special guest who is yet to be announced.

Birmingham
Below Bank Holiday Special, The Rainbow
Birmingham’s famous underground haunt, Adam Shelton’s long-running party Below at The Rainbow will host Cassy, Laura Jones, Adam Shelton and Blackhall & Bookless.

London
The Hydra – Blueprint: M-Plant 20th Anniversary, Studio Spaces E1
The line-up reads like a who’s who of techno with Blawan, DVS1, Rodhad, Luke Slater and James Ruskin just to name a few of the high quality names set to play.

Sankeys present: Tribal Sessions
Here we have another example of Sankeys spreading their wings and returning to the capital, this time at Studio 338. The line-up will include Tribal Sessions regulars Darius Syrossian, Shlomi Aber, Greg Vickers, Jozef K and Dave Rosario alongside Italian Pirupa and Scot Harvey McKay.

Secretsundaze, Studio 338/Village Underground
DJ Koze, Anthony Shakir, Jeremy Underground Paris, Nick Hoppner and Youandewan are amongst the names drafted in for this party – another long-running fixture of the London underground scene. The party will be split across two venues, with the daytime being taken care of by Studio 338 and the night time session moving on to Village Underground.

Edinburgh
Voodoo Presents Desolat Fringe Showcase, The Liquid Room
As part of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Desolat will hold a showcase featuring co-boss Loco Dice, Frenchman Point G, Hector, Iggie and Yaya.

Need some new music to take you into the weekend? These three cuts should do the trick.

John Talabot's Hivern Discs is gearing up to release good pal Pional's 'It's All Over' on August 4th (the track orignally dropped uncredited on the label's Blanc series in May last year) complete with remixes from Locked Groove and Talabot himself, with the latter available as a free download.

On the streaming front, Midland has dropped the beautiful, string-laden 'Before We Leave' on London's Phonica Records, and in the lead up to Rustie's new LP 'Green Language' the Scottish producer has shared 'Attak' - with guest vocals from Detroit vocalist Danny Brown.

Listen to Pulse Radio

Pete Tong is the latest electronic artist to take part in Reddit's Ask Me Anything series (AMA), with the long standing UK jock and 20 year host of the infamous BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix fielding questions from inquistive fans last night.

Naturally the most popular topic was the Essential Mix, with one Redditor asking the question we've always wanted to know the answer to: What are some of Pete's personal favourites?

"Seeing as the essential mix is now over 20 years old its almost an impossible question," he answered, "but the mixes that always come to mind include, David Holmes, Paul Oakenfold, Eric Prydz, Sasha's Maida Vale mix, and i have to tell you that this weeks mix by Joy Orbison is a bit special. But the mix I’ve chosen had a profound effect on my DJing [Ame's 2006 Essential Mix]. I remember playing it constantly one summer driving around Ibiza in my car. And listening to it again today makes you realize how prophetic it was, and how much their sound influenced not only me but the likes of Richie Hawtin, Luciano and Marco Carola as well."

And what about DJs he's always wanted to have on the show but have not featured? According to Pete, Danny Tenaglia has "refused many times" and Villalobos is his white whale.

"Ricardo Villalobos has consistently eluded me. We have talked about it, he hasn't actually said no, but he can often be seen running out of the back door of restaurants in Ibiza when I enter."

Read the full AMA here.

Listen to Pulse Radio

Marcus Haney has attended some of the world's biggest and best music events like Coachella, Glastonbury, Bonnaroo and Miami's Ultra...but hasn't purchased a single ticket. In fact, over a period of five years the crafty American has managed to sneak into over 50 festivals in a many number of clever ways; via fake ticket-making, portaloos and truck entrances, posing as artists or media...or just through good old fashioned fence jumping.

And wouldn't you know, he's made a documentary about his exploits called 'No Cameras Allowed', which is set to be released sometime this year. Check out the trailer below.

Haney's reputation has led to him becoming a sought-after music photographer and even pals with Mumford & Sons, whom he toured with and even shot the cover image of their sophomore album, 'Babylon'.

“Marcus can break into anything,” says the band's bassist Ted Dwane. “We once removed his credentials from him and kicked him onto the street outside a Canadian arena. Within 20 minutes he had not only arrived back in our dressing room after re-entering through the venue’s front door, but had also casually climbed up on the stage before the first band started to raise his camera above his head and take a shot of the first few thousand excited gig goers waiting at the barrier!”

Cameron Crowe eat your heart out.

[Via Tone Deaf]

Listen to Pulse Radio

This weekend a special fundraising bash is being held to help Sydney DJ Andy Webb recover a bunch of stolen gear.

Head honcho at Death Strobe Records and man with the plan at Resident Advisor in Australia, Webb's prized vinyl collection and DJ gear was sadly stolen from his car a few weeks ago leaving him a broken man. Thankfully his Picnic partner-in-crime Kali has come to his rescue with a special party this Saturday night at Goodgod Small Club, with the $10 door entry and all donations going towards Webb recovering his stolen goods.

An all-local lineup of legends are to play the wheels of steel; Ben Fester, Zeus, Dreamcatcher, Kali, Adi Toohey and Andy Webb himself.

Listen to Pulse Radio

In what we wish was a joke, unlike our April Fools Amnesia residency, it seems Justin Bieber has gone deep house. 

Well, we use 'deep house' in the loosest sense of the term. More like commercial, department store deep house that's all the rage at the moment. The pop star has uploaded a sample of his new material to Instagram which the bravest of you can witness below. When the track eventually drops, we're predicting 'deep house' to become the hottest new twitter hashtag amongst tweens.

So, like, when Juzzy becomes a big superstar DJ, perhaps he can return the favour to Michael Woods and kick him out of his DJ booth?

[Via Fact Mag]

Listen to Pulse Radio.