How about this for a healthy dose of Monday morning pessimism?

Paris Hilton just kicked off a 13-date tour which will see her ‘DJ’ across the globe – everywhere from South Korea to Barcelona. She’s also just made the first of several appearances as part of her residency at Ibiza’s famous Amnesia club – and yes, the big bucks are following the heiress. Hilton is apparently being paid $347,000 per hour for her appearances at the club.

According to a source who spoke to The Sun, “She’s making £1.6 million from the four nights – £207,000 an hour. The crowds do seem to enjoy it but most are too off their faces to care that she’s simply pressed play on a Beyonce megamix.”

That roughly equates to $347,000 Australian/US dollars. Per. Fucking. Hour. Here comes the hate.

By the way, this video is still amazing:

[In partnership with Pages Digital]

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Maceo Plex has released an explicit video for his latest single 'Conjure Superstar'.

The theme behind the track - which was released on Kompakt in June (read our review here) - is to question the hype of superstar DJ culture. The video clip, on the other hand, goes on a different and shockingly graphic tangent, following the exploits of several characters during a night out via video footage captured on a stolen phone.

There's plenty of drug use, sex in club toilets and even a fatal stabbing with scissors. It's a little bit like a video nasty version of The Prodigy's infamous 'Smack My Bitch Up' clip from 1997.

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Last week BBC Radio 1's Essential Mix headed to Ibiza to broadcast sets from Annie Mac, Steve Angelo, Above & Beyond, Sasha and Pete Tong, andRichie Hawtin. However Pete Tong also had another "secret" set recorded from the show's weekend on the White Isle up his sleeve, from dubstep originator Skream.

It's this set that features as this week's Essential Mix; Skream live in the Discoteca arena at Sunday's infamous party We Love Space. Those who have been following Skream's recent metamorphosis will be well aware of the UK DJ's switch from dubstep and UK bass to house, and that's exactly what he gave punters at Space.

You can listen to the set in full below.

Skream at We Love Space Ibiza – BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix 2014-08-09 by Core News Uploads on Mixcloud

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Last month Sydney clubbing institution S.A.S.H announced the international lineup for its 3-day event taking place in NSW's Hunter Valley this September, S.A.S.H Sleepout. Among the solid roster of house and techno names announced including Nick Curly, Nico Stojan, Rodriguez Jr(live), Sammy Dee, AdultnapperandMarc Poppcke, was a peppering of Aussie DJs in support. Now the full local roster has been revealed which includes over 50 DJs, live and acoustic acts (see below).

There's still more info set to drop regarding further acoustic acts, set times and what punters should bring to the weekend getaway, which will be revealed in the coming weeks. But for now there's just two really important things you need to know; S.A.S.H Sleepout is the only NSW show for all the international headliners and first release has already sold out (buy tix here). 

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Sydney DJ posse Mantra Collective are gearing up for a second warehouse bash in the industrial heart of the city this weekend. In anticipation of the musical mayhem ahead, the fellas have each shared two warehouse weapons that will be sure fire dancefloor bombs. Enjoy.

Whitecat:

Dorisburg - 'Devotion'

Dorisburg, 1/2 of Genius of Time has been absolutely slaying it in the last year with the B1 of a killer 3 track record on Aniara Recordings. Devotion is no exception, a proper tech house tool and a perfect peak track for a warehouse!

Unknown Artist - 'Crazy Diamonds'

Epicness doesn't get much more serious than this. Unknown artist off the record label Le Borgne, this is the 7th release off this label. A1, aptly titled Crazy Diamonds, is the pick of the 2 with the Pink Floyd guitar line from 'Shine on You Crazy Diamond' being placed over the top of a groovy and driving house beat. Absolute heaven... best enjoyed late, when the party really gets weird.

Space Junk:



Sidney Charles - 'Going Down'

Berlin’s Sydney Charles is one of those producers who releases a steady stream of awesome tracks that blows my mind every time. Being a veteran of warehouse gigs over in Europe and around the world, his twist on house music suits perfectly for those underground vibes. This particular track 'Going Down' is super groovy with a sick breakdown that just builds and builds, sending everyone into a frenzy.

&ME - 'After Dark'

Another ripper from Berlin, this track from &ME is a real treat. The appropriately titled After Dark sounds great on a massive sound system in dark and gritty spaces such as a warehouse with it’s rolling bass lines and haunting vocals. Easily one of my choice tracks to play out from my favourite label Keinemusik. Vibe central and a half right here.

Aboutjack:



Vinyl Speed Adjust - 'Beatrok'

Vinyl Speed Adjust delivering the goods on Pressure Traxx! Appropriately titled 'Groovin N Moovin', this three track monster is perfect the warehouse. 'Beatrok' is my pick.



Unkown Artist - 'ff0099 B'

Twelve minutes of absolute beauty. ODE, the mysterious sub label from Switzerland's 'Roraprod' with their second release on the series, Unkown Artist - ff0099 B. A complete reconstruction of Laurie Anderson's 'O Superman' from 1981, then a minimilistic experimental track, now over thirty years later with the help from our favourite 'Unknown' it sits nicely in my record bag with the only intention to lift ceilings & minds in one. Very special.



Antoine Vice:

Wax - 'No. 30003 (B)'

Yo, I can’t even explain what the B side of this Wax record does to me. When fed through a Funktion1 sound system, that monster of a bassline will change you. No, seriously. I mean it will rattle your body so hard, your organs will have moved around inside, beyond repair. Oh yeh, don’t even bother looking at yourself in the mirror either…you’ll have "bass face" forever. Come to think of it, this track should come with a health warning, like: “Caution: will actually obliterate minds.” Always a go-to track, perfect for peak hour warehouse sessions.

Henrik Schwarz / Âme / Dixon - 'D.P.O.M.B. (Version 2)'

This one is on a whole other level, probably best played early morning. Ok so about 2 years ago, I found myself browsing through second hand records at the Record Store… as you do… when I stumbled on this Ame / Dixon / Henrik Shwarz jam. Whaaaaaat! Very early Innervisions release from 2008? Score! The A-side didn’t really do much for me… I flip over to Side-B only to find Version 2, (I don’t use this next word lightly, trust me) an EPIC 10 minute journey filled with oriental percussions and hypnotic flutes nicely hugged by a drugy bassline. TAKE MY MONEY M8!! I’ve not had a chance to play it out yet, but I have a feeling people will be licking walls when it hits the turntable.

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After a lengthy hiatus following Tamara Dey’s vocal surgery and time taken to work on other projects, Flash Republic return to the spotlight with a brand new single titled “Big Eyes” released on Just Music. They have returned to the original 3 piece featuring Tamara Dey alongside DJ/Producers Ryan Dent and Craig Massiv. 

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The third annual Mint Festival will be heading to a bigger and better location. 

Recently announced, the Leeds born festival is heading to Lincolnshire Showground, which promises to have better arrival and departure procedures, improved shuttle services, along with more chill out areas, local food stalls, vendors, bars and toilet facilities.

The festival, which we picked as one of our must-do parties for this summer, has also introduced new camping facilities, allowing patrons to either pitch their own tent, or buy a pre-pitched tent.

Acts for the 2014 Mint Festival include Maceo Plex, Visionquest, Jamie Jones, Sander Van Doorn, Paul Van Dyk and Hot Since 82.

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The first wave of Outbreak Festival have been announced. 

Held over Halloween weekend this year, the Leicester based Outbreak Festival returns to Ricoh Arena in Coventry, where Outbreak Spring Festival was held.

Acts announced so far include chart topping duo Gorgon City, Hannah Wants, Tough Love, Kidnap Kid and reggae artist David 'Ram Jam' Rodigan, all playing on Friday night.

Saturday night sees acts like Nina Kraviz and Moon Harbour founder Matthias Tanzmann, who are headlining the Techno Arena, along with Paul Woolford, Hot Creations star Patrick topping, One Records boss Adam Shelton, and more.

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Today sees the release of the Boyznbucks rappers's debut solo EP on Viennese label Affine Records. Featuring all the trademark Okmalumkoolkat cheeky lyrics, this track looks set to light up dance floors everywhere. Sitting at around 140 bpm it was produced by Cid Rim and Red Bull Music Academy graduate The Clonius during their recent South African tour. 

This second release off the EP follows on from title single 'Holy Oxygen' and is set to be just as large. From production style to dance floor friendly bass and anthemic chorus, he literally swaggers through the entire track. 'Fancy Footwork', without question, has hit plastered all over it. 

Fresh from his appearance on Spoek Mathambo's 'Future Sounds of Mzansi', Okmalumkoolkat has been hard at work blending his mixture of grime, kwaito and experimental hip hop. The high octane track feels fun, has energy to spare and will win him a whole new legion of fans. Fat booming bass lines and the man himself calling you to the dance floor for you to get down and dirty. "You can trust me, I'll be gentle…" 

You can order the Holy Oxygen EP here

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Local drum ’n’ bass enthusiasts were disappointed by the absence of DJ Marky from scheduled performances at The Assembly in Cape Town and the Red Bull Stage at Oppikoppi Odyssey this past weekend. 

"To all my fans and colleagues in South Africa, Due to unexpected Vaccination Requirement issues, I was denied boarding my flight to South Africa last night. I tried everything, but the requirements mean I cannot get the situation resolved in time to make my gigs in South Africa this weekend. I am so very disappointed that I could not make this special trip to perform for you all in South Africa. Me and my whole team are working closely with the promoters and partners in South Africa to make as swift a return as possible. Please accept my deepest and sincerest apologies; I hope to see you all very soon.
-DJ Marky"

 Keep your eyes on Pulse Radio to see when he returns. 

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This week in FRESH, where we showcase new up and coming DJ/Producer talent, Pretoria based DJ Vaughn Bezuidenhoudt, aka Fultronbass has sent us a cool Drum 'n' Bass mix to ease you into the week.

Fultronbass has been lighting up dance floors all over the country, playing at such venues and festivals as Arcade Empire, Alex Theatre, Smoking Dragon Festival, Rhino Fest, Mystic Boer Potch. He is a versatile electro/techno/­­minimal/electro house /dubstep/dnb/ psytrance Dj and is serious about taking over the world.  

He did an exclusive mix for us: 

Follow Fultronbass on Twitter and onInstagram

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We joined Solomun,H.O.S.H., David August and Adriatique at Diynamic Outdoor for the first instalment in the beautiful surroundings of Cova Santa.

I was particularly looking forward to a first trip to Cova Santa. After hearing a lot about the setting and its unique feel, the thought of the venue felt refreshing even before I had arrived.

Approaching the venue along the long straight road towards San Jose in the South of the island, I spotted the Cova Santa sign nestled into the green hillside and again I felt the excitement of discovering something new and intriguing.

Whilst we all love the likes of Space and Amnesia, they don’t hold that mysterious, spiritual and natural underground feel like some places do – Cova Santa has that air about it and with location always being a huge factor in a party, my first time at Cova Santa was already making a good impression.

Walking up the steps, past the quirky statues and through to the outdoor dance floor area a special atmosphere is immediately pervasive.

In our recent interview with Adriatique they spoke of how the venue would bring back a little bit of that underground spirit and I’m inclined to agree.

The sun was setting on my arrival, giving the sky that orange-pink tint, as people danced to David August characteristically melodic live set. Revellers were scattered across the open dance floor area and on the higher ground above, swaying to August’s sounds.

August’s edit of ‘Come Together’ by The Beatles filled the airwaves before the German continued to serve up some down-tempo melody driven cuts, full of epic organ flourishes and sun-flecked synth lines.

As the sun went down, as always is the case, the tempo picked up. Diynamic main man Solomun stepped up, back-to-back with H.O.S.H., to deliver the kind of chunky dance floor fare that is so synonymous with the label.

The carefree, relaxed spirit stepped up in intensity as more and more people gravitated towards the dance floor. The darkness always seems to have that certain effect on people as the animation levels rose and the number of arms-aloft moments increased with each bumping track selection. The outdoor air continuing to feed that festival feel, the Diynamic pair continued to drive the crowd with a series of big and bold track selections.

Stand-out tracks included Argy’s 2005 hit ‘Love Dose’, which Apollonia returned to our attention at the Amnesia Opening Party. Its simple groove is injected with wild bubbling bursts of acid to create a mind-bending dance floor cut – the first time hearing this on a sound system is a big moment.

Similarly huge tunes included Atelier Franceso’s remix of ‘Halftone’ by Tim Green, which chugs along before bursting into life with an arena-sized synth hook. Similarly effective was Paride Saraceni’s ‘Dissolute’, which combines euphoric rising pads with an infectious vocal loop to ideal effect.

Outdoor day parties are often the most refreshing in the Ibiza clubbing landscape and Diynamic Outdoor is no different. With two beautiful settings, Destino and Cova Santa, to call home, Diynamic has found the ideal setting for its melody rich music. In terms of providing the spiritual underground feel that we often crave on the White Isle, Cova Santa is perfect.

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In a recently published open letter, Steve Aoki opened up about all the criticism surrounding his performances.

In the letter, he addresses everything from Wunderground,the WMC parody video with Laidback Luke and Sander Van Doorn, his DJ skills, and of course, why he uses so many props for his shows. 

He claims vehemently that he's never played a pre-recorded set, saying "For the record, I’ve never played a mix CD or faked DJing. In fact I started out on turntables and records, then learned Serato, CDJs, Serato video for my visual show and now often will use memory cards plugged into CDJs when I’m playing back to back with friends."

He also defends his wild, on stage antics, which include caking fans and riding a rubber raft, saying, "These tools of expression are meant to create and amplify energy."

He goes on to say, "Everyone has their own style and some DJs have mastered the art of using filters and EQs to help connect the audience with a song or a mood. That is their tool. This is mine."

As for the haters and trolls, he says he'll keep doing what he does.

"When I perform, I don’t think about the haters, the trolls on the Internet or anyone anywhere else in the world. All I care about is the person in front of me, and I want to make that moment important…something special."

Read the entire letter here.

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Subb-an is kicking off his mini tour across the US and Canada this Friday, August 15th.

Fresh from playing some of Europe’s leading festivals such as Glastonbury and Parklife, Subb-an is hitting some of America’s most essential stops.

The tour begins at Chicago’s famous Spybar on Friday, followed by Velvet in Montreal the following evening. Other venues include Brooklyn’s Verboten, Trade in Miami, and Crosstown Rebels’ famed Get Lost event in LA.

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Four Tet fans, brace yourselves. The man known to his Mum as Kieran Hebden uploaded a bunch of treats to his Soundcloud over the weekend.

Among the treats are a Dublab session from 2001, a WFMU set with Steve Reid from 2006, and something very special - a 17-minute recording of Hebden performing at school in 1995 when he was just 17 years old. Now that's bound to impress even the most hardcore Four Tet fan.

Behold the goodness below.

[Via FACT]

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'It's The Ship' is Asia's newest and biggest festival at sea. Launching in November, this five day, four night floating festival is raising the bar in boat parties. A creation of The Livescape Group, this epic water-borne extravaganza is unlike anything you've ever seen before. 

The ship itself is a site to behold. 'The Voyager of the Seas' is a luxury, Royal Carribbean cruise-liner with some down-right ridiculous features. Highlights include a 200-foot rock climbing wall, 10 swimming pools and (supposedly) the world's first ever ice-rink at sea. 

This high seas shindig will host a range of artists, bands and DJs. International and regional headliners will play side-by side. The Livescape group have told punters to expect everything from EDM, to hip-hop and rock aboard 'The Voyager'.

Group CEO of The Livescape Group Muhammad Iqbal claims "It's The Ship provides music fans in the region with a unique, one of a kind festival experience, never before seen in this part of the world. (The festival) merges the relaxed atmosphere of a vacation and the fun experience of a world-class music festival into one".

The ship departs on the 21st of November, returning to dock on the 25th. The cruise-liner will travel across the majestic Malacca Straight from Singapore to Langkawi in Malaysia. The highly anticipated lineup drops this Friday, with tickets onsale from 20th August.

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Iconic Ibiza nightclub 'Space' will be opening in New York City.

Space New York will open in Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan. The mid-town location will serve as the perfect spot to bring the sounds of the Balearic to the big smoke.

Winner of Best Global Club at this year's IDMA's, Space Ibiza is a true icon of nightclubbing. Opening in 1989, Space has become an absolute must for any dance music fanatic. As the club celebrates its 25th year, new developments have seen the club broaden its broaden its horizons beyond Ibiza. The opening of Space New York follows from previous expansion efforts, including the opening of both Space Menorca and Space Moscow.

Space brings their all-star team to run the New York venue. Nightlife legends Antonio Piacquadio and Carlos Seneca will run operations, with Michael Geniton and Rob Toma overseeing bookings. The team at Space have been active on social media, regularly updating Facebook with sneak peeks of their new space (check out a photo below).



Space New York will open September 12th. The lineup for the opening party still to be announced.

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Victoria is being treated to a brand new festival Beyond The Valley this NYE on the beautiful Philip Island, of which the full lineup has just been announced.

Taking place across two days on December 30th & 31st, Beyond The Valley has stayed true to its promise of "a carefully curated line-up of artists" of various styles and genres spread across two stages, with AlunaGeorge, Dillon Francis, HWLS (aka Ta-ku& Kit Pop), Kaytranada and Action Bronson just a few of the names on the impressive lineup.

With a crowd capacity of 10,000, Beyond The Valley will also boast a diverse range of gourmet food options, boutique beer and drinks, and a camp site "in the lushest of green fields, with views of rolling hills and the ocean beyond."

General public tickets go on sale for $299+BF at 9am on Friday August 15 here. Camping packages will go on sale in the coming weeks.

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Pioneer will release an updated version of the DDJ-SX DJ controller later this year. The DDJ-SX DJ2 will boast several new functions, and is expected to have a significant impact on the development of electronic music.

The DDJ-SX2 DJ controller has a number of new features to enhance play. Specially designed operation control buttons have been added for one-touch recording, as well as new multi-coloured pads to brighten up display. Other features include 'Fader Start' function, 'Needle Search Pad' and 'Slip Mode' to improve functionality, making the controller easier to use. Check out a demo of the system in action below:

The controller is the first to support the new Serato Flip function "giving Serato users expanded control of their hot cues and loops". The updated controller also has velocity controlled performance pads, plus 4 external inputs with computer-less playback capabilities. David Arevalo, director of marketing at Pioneer Electronics said "the release of our first generation DDJ-SX made a huge impact in the DJ community and we expect nothing less with this next version".

The system's design emulates that of the latest professional DJ equipment, making the DDJ-SX2 a state of the art performance DJ controller. The system will be available in October, and is expected to retail at $1200 (US).

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